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Top 5 AI Note-taking Tools of 2026: Evaluated and Assessed

Top 5 AI Note-taking Tools of 2026: Evaluated and Assessed

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Additional AI Notetakers We’ve Evaluated

The AI notetaker market is growing rapidly. We’ve assessed multiple devices and will stay updated on new offerings from brands such as Omi, Boya, Mobvoi, and SwitchBot.

Plaud NotePin S priced at $179: Weighing in at 18 grams, this device is portable and adaptable, suitable for wearing as a lanyard. It is restricted to 300 minutes of transcription unless a paid subscription is acquired. While real-time transcription is not an option, post-recording analysis is effective. It boasts a battery life of 20 hours, 64 GB storage, and supports multiple languages. Subscription fees are $100 per year for 1,200 minutes monthly or $240 for unlimited transcription.

HiDock P1 available for $169: This 91-gram gadget resembles a conventional tape recorder and features numerous controls. It is more complex than newer devices, but its microphone is robust and analysis is fast when connected to a PC. Best suited for fixed use. Free AI transcription is available, but extra features need a subscription.

SpeakON at $129: Weighing 27 grams, this device improves your smartphone’s speech-to-text options. Recording can only occur while its single button is pressed, making it unsuitable for lengthy recordings. It includes translation support for 12 languages without needing a subscription.

Looki L1 for $249: This neck-worn device records audio and video, facilitating vlogs and digital storytelling. It can summarize meetings but not transcribe, providing short digests instead. It’s not suited for extensive audio projects. A subscription is not necessary.

Flowtica Scribe at $159: A 33-gram pen designed for note-taking and recording. It offers quick summaries but has difficulty producing clear transcripts. Supports 39 languages. Provides 300 free minutes monthly, with a premium plan for $15 per month or $120 annually for 1,500 minutes, and unlimited for $30 monthly or $240 annually.

Vocci Ring priced at $299: This 3.5-gram smart ring delivers efficient transcription and summaries. It requires careful setup for the best performance. Available is 300 free minutes each month, with options for up to 1,200 minutes for $16 monthly or unlimited for $30 monthly.

iFLYTEK AI Recorder P1 for $119: A 23-gram clip-on gadget facing usability challenges. Recordings frequently fail to save, with unreliable summaries. The pro subscription offers 1,800 minutes monthly for $13 or $86 yearly, though it’s currently not recommended.

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BenQ GV50 Evaluation: Highly Portable, with Certain Quality Trade-offs

BenQ GV50 Evaluation: Highly Portable, with Certain Quality Trade-offs

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The projector can be vertically adjusted on its base to display images upward or downward on a wall or ceiling. For horizontal adjustments, the base’s two feet can be extended to slightly tilt the projector toward the ceiling. It is easily movable yet remains stable in any direction.

The projector features a single HDMI port for ARC 5.1 audio passthrough or for connecting devices like gaming consoles. Additionally, there are USB-A and USB-C ports available for drives or charging devices, along with a 3.5-mm port. It does not include an Ethernet port and operates on Wi-Fi 5, which isn’t as fast or compatible as newer versions such as Wi-Fi 6E or 7. I faced connection issues with my Google Nest mesh network where it was unable to connect.

The setup process was straightforward apart from a 45-minute system update, primarily involving the Google Home app to scan a QR code and install applications. The GV50’s auto-keystoning functioned effectively on my screen, wall, and ceiling, requiring minimal manual adjustments. The GV50 remote features a user-friendly layout from BenQ with a central Home button, a setup button, and shortcuts for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime.

The GV50 can operate on battery power and includes energy-saving settings, such as an automatic power-down after a specified time. While I primarily used it plugged into a wall outlet at home, the battery option adds portability for use in areas with limited outlets. It can run on battery power alone for several hours, although the brightness dims to conserve energy.

**Picture Quality and More**

The GV50 is not intended to be a cinematic powerhouse and did not excel in my standard Spears & Muncil benchmark tests. The skin tone evaluations were average for this midrange device, offering limited tonal variety. During demo reel evaluations, the 1080p resolution and lack of contrast and brightness became apparent; colors such as a red cactus and yellow flower appeared muted, and trees blended into the dark background. Butterflies looked dull and lifeless.

Streaming from my iPhone 17 Pro and iPad 12.9-inch revealed the GV50’s sluggish processing speeds. While Google Cast and Apple AirPlay worked, the playback was inconsistent. Trying to fast-forward often led to pauses or failures due to the limited 2 GB RAM and 1.5-GHz processor.

Did an AI Music Application Just Uncover the Anthem of the Summer?

Did an AI Music Application Just Uncover the Anthem of the Summer?

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There is no longer a universal “song of the summer,” but for rap enthusiasts, Fenix Flexin’s “Rubberz” is quite a significant option.

Officially out in June, it’s presently ranked at No. 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 and boasts a music video that has 7 million views. Lyrically, it has all the elements you’d expect: bragging about wealth and jewels, with lines that serve as a double meaning for both boasting and sadness.

However, there are two intriguing aspects to “Rubberz.” First, it isn’t a rap track; it’s a synth-pop song that fits perfectly in an atmospheric ’80s playlist. Moreover, after its release, it has been under scrutiny with claims that it was fully or partially AI-generated.

The debate reached a peak this past weekend when an independent music producer asserted he had discovered not only how Fenix created “Rubberz” but that his labelmate, Tyga, also appears to have utilized a lesser-known generative AI music app to generate some of his own ’80s-inspired tracks.

Now, the creators of that same AI music application have essentially revealed information about both: The platform’s newly added detector is flagging songs from both Fenix and Tyga as likely AI-produced.

This might finally resolve the discussion fans have been engaging in all summer. However, it won’t end the one they are about to initiate.

Turn It Up

People harbored doubts about Fenix from the start; “Rubberz” not only represents a strange genre change for him, but it also doesn’t seem to showcase his actual voice.

Fenix Flexin was raised in East Hollywood, and you can hear it in his music. When he emerged as a member of Shoreline Mafia in the late 2010s, his distinctive bars were easily identifiable due to his somewhat nasal and congested tone. The voice heard on his June 5 release of “Rubberz,” however, is entirely different. It’s much brighter and clearer, and the accent resembles a very upbeat Morrissey.

Both he and the credited producer, Purps on the Beat, have refuted the use of AI at every opportunity. Fenix informed Channel 5 that he “freestyled” the lyrics, and in the comments of an On the Radar performance, he <a data-offer-url="https://x.com/XXL/status/2064722852213829915" class="external-link text link"

Best Organic Mattresses (2026): Certified Chemical-Free for Healthy Sleep

Best Organic Mattresses (2026): Certified Chemical-Free for Healthy Sleep

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The layers of cotton and wool are certified organic under GOTS, whereas the Dunlop latex is accredited by GOLS. The finished product only possesses the Greenguard Gold certification and remains undyed, making it perfect for individuals sensitive to synthetic dyes. Similar to many organic options, the Coyuchi is devoid of chemicals, foams, or adhesives and provides a 100-night trial for full reimbursement if not satisfied. The Natural REM organic mattress by Coyuchi is tailored in the U.S. The company offers a 100-night trial, a 180-day return policy with a $150 restocking fee after 100 nights, and a 25-year warranty. The Coyuchi Natural REM ranges in price from $1,400 for a twin size to $2,400 for a California king.

The Optimal Organic Mattress for Kids

Searching for beds for my children led me to explore organic mattresses. I place greater importance on what they sleep on than my own sleeping situation. Although I love the Avocado Green mattress, it comes at a high price. For my kids, I opted for the more affordable Kiwi Mattress by My Green Mattress. The Kiwi is similar to our top choice, the Avocado. It features a hybrid design with pocketed coils and natural materials: certified organic cotton, wool, and latex. Its uniqueness lies in the rarity of organic twin mattresses.

A noteworthy aspect of the Kiwi for children is its dual-sided feature. Though it has a higher initial cost, flipping it prolongs its lifespan, beneficial if your kids bounce on the beds like trampolines. The Kiwi provides firmness along with comfort, and my kids enjoyed it when they were younger. Like our preferred Avocado, the Kiwi from My Green Mattress utilizes GOTS Certified cotton, GOLS Certified latex, and holds both GreenGuard Gold and MadeSafe certifications.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is on a collision course with the Moon—and it may be spotted from Earth.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is on a collision course with the Moon—and it may be spotted from Earth.

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If you possess a robust telescope, you might experience a momentous occasion on Wednesday: An inactive rocket is poised to strike the Moon.

On August 5, at approximately 6:34 am UTC, a used SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage is anticipated to collide with the Moon’s illuminated western limb close to the Einstein crater at speeds surpassing 5,400 mph. Should the event transpire as expected, the impact could create a debris plume observable from Earth with the appropriate tools.

This would be a first, as no collision flash has been documented on the Moon’s sunlit face. The Falcon 9 crash is estimated to create dust plumes that may stand out against the vastness of space. These forecasts are partially based on two recent studies.

One research paper, released on arXiv on July 27, led by doctoral candidate William Jo from the University of Texas at Austin, forecasts the magnitude of the impact. Jo employed a high-definition physics simulation to depict the consequences of 3,900 kilograms of hollow metal hitting the lunar terrain, differing from solid meteorite impacts.

Describing the Falcon 9, David Goldstein, an aerospace engineering professor at UT Austin and Jo’s advisor, remarks, “It’s akin to an empty eggshell,” alluding to the hollow framework that previously held fuel, featuring a denser rocket engine at one end.

Rather than embedding like a cannonball, the shell will crumple inward from its perimeter, producing a broad, low curtain of soil extending up to 183 kilometers and a narrower, swifter spike shooting nearly vertically. The collision is expected to displace around 12,700 kilograms of debris.

Jo describes the simulation as a “best-case” outcome. The software is two-dimensional and axisymmetric, modeling the stage dropping directly down, engine-first. In actuality, the spent Falcon 9 stage, which transported two landers to the Moon in January 2025, is likely to strike at an angle. A grazing impact would yield a smaller and dimmer plume.

Goldstein referred to their study as the most hopeful regarding the visibility of sprays. Whether the plume will be seen from Earth remains unclear.

Lawrence Trafton, a UT Austin astronomer, indicated that visibility is feasible, though uncertain until the moment of impact. The plume, if reaching 50 kilometers beyond the lunar limb, would span approximately 28 arcseconds—an angle around one-sixtieth the apparent width of the Moon—a size that can be resolved by a small telescope.

The recent research provides a precise target location for telescope observation. Nevertheless, the contrast with the night sky could create obstacles. The plume will appear faint compared to the bright Moon, complicating observation due to scattered lunar light. A very stable mount will be essential, according to Trafton.

The observer’s timing will be favorable, as the plume should reach its peak around 90 seconds after impact, allowing for sufficient viewing opportunity. However, geographical factors may affect visibility, depending on the observer’s position.

The flash needs to be seen at night. For individuals situated north of a line from Massachusetts to Texas, the low-hanging Moon implies observers will be looking through considerably more atmospheric layers, resulting in a turbulent, unclear view that could obscure the plume from the crash.

Best Dyson Vacuum Models (2026): V15 Detect, Gen5Detect, PencilVac

Best Dyson Vacuum Models (2026): V15 Detect, Gen5Detect, PencilVac

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Evaluating Popular Dyson Vacuums

Other Dyson Vacuums to Think About

We have looked into various Dyson vacuums, including both corded and cordless models. The options listed below are worth considering, especially if you can avoid paying the full price.

Dyson Ball Animal 3 for $420: For those preferring an upright model over a Dyson cordless stick vacuum, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is an excellent selection. We reviewed the Ball Animal 3 Extra, which comes with additional accessories, yet the base version is just as powerful. Previous WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey highlighted its efficiency in tackling rabbit fur in her residence. It is, however, somewhat loud and heavy.

Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene Wet and Dry Floor Cleaner for $500: This cleaning device features a filter-free design that’s said to be “unhygienic,” and WIRED reviewer Kat Merck reported no bad odors after using it for three months. It is similar to the earlier Wash G1 with a self-propelling structure that is easy to control. It showcases a battery life indicator and mode display, along with a dock for self-cleaning. Dyson’s latest probiotic floor cleaner ($24) works efficiently on Merck’s Coretec LVP flooring, ensuring they remain pristine.

Methods to Simplify Reading on Your Phone

Methods to Simplify Reading on Your Phone

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Phone displays have notably advanced—growing larger, clearer, and brighter—but they might not always be the best choice for prolonged reading sessions. For longer texts, you could opt for a Kindle or a conventional physical book.

Nonetheless, you can modify your screen settings on your iPhone or Android device to boost readability. These adjustments can assist in reducing eye strain and cutting down on screen clutter, making reading more pleasurable. Although it won’t convert your phone into a full-fledged e-reader, it can bring you closer to that experience.

**Adjust the Display Settings**

You wield more influence over your phone’s font sizes, styles, and colors than you might realize, enabling you to enhance text readability with just a few taps in the main Settings menu.

For Android devices, the menu labels may differ, but on Pixel phones, navigate to **Display size and text**. You can modify text size, boldness, and the dimensions of on-screen elements, plus there’s a **Dark theme** option to help ease eye strain.

On iOS, head to **Display & Brightness** in the Settings. Here, you can adjust the **Text Size** slider and enable **Bold Text**. Additionally, a dark mode option is available via the theme selector at the top of the screen—select **Dark** to dim the iOS interface colors.

Both Android and iOS come equipped with a night reading mode that diminishes blue light and warms the display, improving the reading experience. On Android Pixel phones, select **Display and touch > Night Light** from Settings, and on iOS, go to **Display & Brightness > Night Shift**. You can activate these features manually or on a schedule.

**Utilize Your Browser’s Reading Mode**

A large portion of reading on your phone occurs via web browsers, and most contemporary browsers provide a distinct reading mode. These modes declutter the screen, simplify colors, and highlight article text.

If Google Chrome is your default browser on Android, tap the three dots (top right) and select **Show Reading mode** for the current article. Swipe up on the panel at the bottom to change font and color options. To return to the standard view, tap the reading mode icon (next to the address bar).

Premier Backpacking Sleeping Pads, Trail-Tested (2026)

Premier Backpacking Sleeping Pads, Trail-Tested (2026)

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I’ve seldom faced issues with inflatable sleeping pads. Some have lost air, but none have fully deflated (knock on wood). Here are a few suggestions for a restful night’s sleep and an enjoyable journey.

**Avoid using your mouth to inflate your pad**: Some pads are large, and inflating them by mouth can be cumbersome. Your breath adds warm, moist air, potentially leading to mildew and mold, although this concern might be exaggerated. Many have opened pads and discovered no mold. Most brands now come with a pump sack for quick inflation. There are also lightweight motorized pumps, like the Flextail pump.

**Be cautious with inflation**: Insulated pads form a barrier between you and the chilly ground. Inflate until firm, then let out some air while lying down until you feel comfortable. A pad that isn’t fully inflated isn’t as thick, so you might hit the ground. This is less problematic for back or stomach sleepers but might require some adjustment for side sleepers.

**Bring a patch kit**: Most pads include patch kits, but I prefer carrying a small roll of Tenacious Tape, which can repair tears in various camping gear. Test the tape on your pad in advance and pack an alcohol wipe to clean the area to be repaired.

**Women require higher R-value pads**: Women typically have lower body mass, necessitating about 1 extra R-value for comparable insulation. This is also recommended if you tend to be a cold sleeper.

**Sleeping bag ratings are based on R5 pads**: Temperature ratings on sleeping bags assume the use of a pad with an R-value of 5 or greater along with a base layer. If your pad’s R-value is lower, you’ll need to adjust your sleeping bag’s temperature rating. For example, a 30-degree quilt paired with an R4 pad won’t be adequate in freezing conditions; either upgrade the pad’s R-value or opt for a warmer sleeping bag.

Cricut Explore 5 vs. Siser Romeo: Choosing the Perfect Smart Cutting Machine (2026)

Cricut Explore 5 vs. Siser Romeo: Choosing the Perfect Smart Cutting Machine (2026)

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Leonardo frequently showed a nonspecific error pop-up without any instructions for resolution. You need to dismiss the alert prior to proceeding, creating an experience akin to hitting a wall before trying to troubleshoot or look up the error code in Leonardo. Thankfully, connectivity is straightforward and hassle-free. The Romeo links to your computer through Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth, which appears to be a minor detail until you encounter the hiccups that Bluetooth can sometimes present (I’m looking at you, Design Space). While evaluating the Explore 5, I sporadically lost my Bluetooth connection, requiring me to disconnect and reconnect the device to my computer and attempt again. I’m uncertain if this stems from Design Space or my laptop juggling too many Bluetooth devices, but it can be quite annoying. Throughout my testing, the Romeo machine never unexpectedly lost connection.

Creating Space

There’s no getting around it: The Romeo is sizable—it offers double the cutting width of the Explore 5. It’s not the type of machine that can easily fit on a closet shelf when not in operation. Most users will likely want to allocate a table for it. This isn’t inherently a drawback, but it’s meant to be a constant presence in your workspace. (And do remember to account for the space behind the machine, as materials exit from the rear!). It is robust and well-constructed; it remained stable on the table during cutting, with minimal vibrations, the carriage navigated smoothly without any rattling, and nothing bent or creaked.

Its exposed design is another compromise. Unlike the Explore 5, which can be folded, everything is visible on the Romeo. I haven’t observed any accumulation thus far, but I am cautious about pet hair and dust infiltrating the internals, and I will keep an eye on it as time passes.

While cutting, the Romeo produces beeping and chirping reminiscent of dial-up internet, whereas the Cricut hums and whirs more like an older inkjet printer. Neither is particularly loud, but it’s something to consider if you share a working environment.

Ready to Move Up?

After utilizing both machines, my primary takeaway is that the Cricut is crafted to minimize as many decisions and friction points as possible. The Romeo provides you with the controls and anticipates that you will learn how to operate them.

Kagi Brings Back Traditional Search Featuring Human-Curated Sites

Kagi Brings Back Traditional Search Featuring Human-Curated Sites

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If you belong to a certain generation, you’ll remember what the web used to be like: sites created and developed by individuals.

You could explore directories such as AltaVista or Yahoo and browse categories like Home & Family, Science, and Computers. Within these directories, you would discover pages made by hobbyists, academics, and technology aficionados.

Individuals gathered around forums and bulletin boards, and web developers typically shunned images on websites to ensure quicker loading times. The idea of streaming a video online appeared almost unimaginable.

In the time since, the web has transformed significantly. Nearly everything, from search results and forums to social media and news sources, is monetized heavily. Powerful applications and tools now function within browsers, while AI is gradually working to eliminate the need for the open web entirely.

Many companies now seek to restore the essence of the early web, including Kagi. For several years, Kagi has operated a search engine focused on privacy and security. Now, Kagi expands its mission beyond its Google-alternative search tool to curate a “small web” powered by human-created sites.

### The Kagi Search Engine

Kagi’s main offering is its search engine, so let’s start there. Utilizing Kagi for searches requires a nominal fee (starting at $5 a month, plus tax) for 300 searches. This fee includes a standard-level AI assistant to help analyze your results. Unlimited searches and additional AI assistant tokens can be obtained for $10 a month. A free trial that provides 100 searches is available for those wanting to experience Kagi prior to subscribing.

Kagi presents a strong case for paid searching. As they point out, web searching involves costs, whether paying money directly, compromising data privacy, or dealing with an ever-increasing number of ads and sponsored links.

In addition to enhancing privacy in searches, Kagi strives to boost quality by delivering results free from the influence of paid promotions or Google’s changing business priorities. Kagi maintains its own web and news indexes, designed to yield “relevant, high-quality results” and non-commercial sites.

To get started with Kagi, you only need an email address and password to manage your account. You can commence with your 100 complementary searches, refining options to narrow results to images, videos, podcasts, maps, or news, or filter by time or language.

For me, utilizing Kagi feels like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Searching for a band reveals its official site, Wikipedia page, social media profiles, and YouTube channel—all absent of promoted results, related searches, or sponsored content.

### Kagi’s Small Web Project

Kagi now provides more than just search functionality. The company offers access to various AI models and is actively advancing its Small Web project to highlight the finest of the human-curated and created internet. Kagi has recently unveiled apps for Android and iOS as part of this initiative.

The objective is to avoid a web “controlled by algorithms, ads, and AI-generated clutter,” according to Kagi. It closely resembles the former StumbleUpon, if you remember it. A **Next Post** button enables you to randomly explore something different, with options to favorite or search for specific content. Naturally, there’s a **Share** button as well.