BTTR Roundup #59: Like it or not, Meta has laid the groundwork for the future of how we use tech

It's hard to believe that 20 years ago, scrolling wasn't a "thing". Touchscreen phones in 2005 used a resistive panel, that meant you had to push it firmly in exactly the right spot to get it to do what you wanted.

But the iPhone came along, and everything changed.

This week, despite the disasters of the live demos (more on that for paid subs below!), Meta launched what I think is going to be the "next iPhone": the Meta Ray Ban Display. These US$799 glasses feature an integrated screen in the glass, which can show key information, like messages or directions, or your photos taken with the glasses.

But to control this display, Meta also launched the Meta Neural Band, an electromyography (or EMG) band that lets you control your device using subtle gestures.

It's this combination that I think is going to change how we all interact with tech. By giving our brains hands-free visual stimulus, with control that doesn't require us to hold anything, I expect we're witnessing the next big tech hardware development.

But as I lamented earlier, I just wish it wasn't Meta leading the way here. Fortunately, we know that tech companies all like to "borrow" ideas from each other, so it's only a matter of time before we get a better alternative.

Also this week, Apple's 2025 phone lineup and software products launched. This led one of my TikTok videos to cross over 250,000 views, which is just mind-blowing for me. My phone's haptics engine got quite the workout.

Until next week

–Nick

This week's new tech news

• Zuckerberg took to the stage at Meta's Connect event this week to show off its latest smart glass toys. And while the launch was a litany of live demo disasters, the actual products promise a reasonable step forward towards normalising smart glasses.
  • The flagship is the Meta Ray-Ban Display, a $US799 pair of AI glasses that includes a small display in the lens so you can get discreet visual feedback. It also comes with a wristband that you can use for discreetly controlling the UI. If it was from any other company (even Google, if I'm honest), I'd be chomping at the bit to try them, but Meta's ongoing, repeated history of privacy disasters and unethical business decisions that purposefully puts kids at risk of harm means I'll be passing on these. [I wrote more about this, if you're interested]
  • Meta also partnered with Oakley for the Oakley Meta Vanguard, which is designed specifically for athletes. It will work with certain Garmin devices and the Strava app to deliver info from your workout to the built-in speakers, and is set to launch 21 October for $789. [Meta]
  • The original, display-less Ray Ban Meta also received a Gen 2 update, which doubles the battery life and offers better video capture up to 3K, with new styles available. Looks like Gen 2 pricing starts at $599. [Meta]
• You may have noticed your home NBN speeds got a boost this week. I went from a 100Mbps plan to 500Mbps, which was pretty handy for updating my Mac's OS. If you didn't get the upgrade (because you are on a 50 Mbps plan or less), you should definitely consider changing plans – the price difference is minor (and may be cheaper in some cases), but the benefits are huge. [Read more about my speed upgrade]
• Spotify updated its free plan to let you select your first song – no longer do you need to search or browse and then wait for the Shuffle feature to get to the song you want to hear. I don't think the ads are worth it, but that's just me. [Read more about Spotify's update]
• Apple delivered on last week's big announcements this week.
  • New iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods Pro 3 are available now. I'm still waiting for review units, but the overarching feedback from those who have reviewed early is that the iPhone 17 is the model to get this year. I felt the same with the iPhone 16 last year.
  • All the Apple device operating systems got updated this week. It's like owning a whole new device!
  • Sneaking through the big announcements was the launch of satellite-powered roadside assistance in Australia. Now if you get stranded with a busted car and have no Wi-Fi or mobile coverage and you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can call for help using satellites. Cool feature. [Here's how to use it]
• DJI launched its latest mini drone this week, the Mini 5 Pro, which is a huge step up from the last couple of entry-level drones I've tested in the DJI Neo and DJI Flip. This one has a 1-inch CMOS sensor for better image quality, LIDAR sensors for collision avoidance and 36 minutes of flight time. I've got one to review - you can see the unboxing below! [See the announcement post]
• Logitech's Gaming division dropped a whole new range of gaming devices at its G Play 2025 event. [Here's the full announcement]
  • Most interesting (for those who enjoy racing games at least) is the G RS50 system, a $1,199.95 racing system with a wheel and pedals offering 8 Nm of peak torque, and TRUEFORCE tech that will turn the game's physics into what you feel while driving.
  • For those who are passionate McLaren F1 fans, there's a whole collection worth exploring, which includes a pro-grade A50 X headset, an RS Formula Wheel and a Formula Instinct racing seat all in McLaren colours.
  • Away from racing, there's a new Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike mouse, which has a new haptic trigger system that replaces traditional switches for faster clicking (price TBC).
  • A new Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2c compact gaming mouse offers redesigned thumb buttons and a lighter build, RRP $299.95.
  • And for audio, the Logitech G321 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming headset promises low latency and all day comfort, $129.95 RRP.
  • For console gamers, the G Astro A20 X Wireless gaming headset allows multi-platform gaming, so you can switch between two consoles and mobile devices with a button press, while weighing under 300 grams. $349.95.
  • Finally the G515 TKL gaming keyboard is ultra slim, using low-profile analogue switches, a stainless steel build and the ability to map two moves to a single key, it promises to be a powerful ally to PC gamers. $329.95.
• I'm a pretty lazy person, but Zwift's new set of products seem like it could be a fun way to commit to exercise. The new Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE 2 bike lets you enjoy indoor riding in a gamified platform, with AI offering detailed analysis of performance, plus support when needed, so you can get the most from the $2,299 setup. [Find out more about Zwift's announcements]
• Samsung stirred up quite the controversy this week by pushing ads onto certain FamilyHub fridges in the US. I've confirmed with Samsung Australia that it's not coming to Australia (for now, at least). [Here's the full story]
• Amazon's next big sale event is Prime Big Deal Days, and it's going to be huge. Seven days of deals, kicking off from 12:01am on 7 October and running until 11:59 on 13 October. Amazon is expecting it to be huge, with plans to onboard 1,800 new workers. [Amazon]
• LG's magnificently impressive transparent OLED T model TV, which is frankly a ridiculously cool piece of technology is now available for Australians. Not just any Australians though – with an RRP of $74,999 for 77 inches, it's only really an option for the richest among us. (If you are part of this audience, consider kicking a few bucks in to the BTTR beer fund, would you?)
• Also on LG, the company unveiled its epic WashTower range, with a huge 19kg washer and 10kg dryer combo. 19kg is an absolutely huge capacity for a washing machine, and should let you wash all your sheets or towels in a single go. Maybe even your doonas! RRP is $4,999 for the combo.
• If you thought Foxtel's Presto service was shortlived, you haven't met Hubbl. This week Foxtel boss Patrick Delaney confirmed that the Hubbl puck and TV products are in "maintenance mode". That means they get technical assistance, but marketing support is done. You can technically still buy one, but for the love of God, don't! [via TV BlackBox]
• Tesla has rolled out its Full Self Driving (FSD) update to Tesla owners who opted for the tech when they bought their EV. Australia is the first right-hand drive country in the world to get the tech, and early impressions seem mostly positive. I'm certain this will be the future of driving, but I'm also not in a hurry to get behind the wheel of a car running FSD... I'll wait a few generations to make sure it's safe. [via Man of Many]

This week's reviews

Electrolux UltimateHome 800 stick vacuum review: A comprehensive clean

Electrolux’s UltimateHome 800 stick vacuum cleaner offers the complete package, with an auto-empty dock, plenty of battery life and lots of attachments. If you can grab it at a discount, it’s great value.

BTTR ReviewsNick Broughall

New products at BTTR HQ this week

DJI Mini 5 Pro

This thing is super cool. It weighs just 254 grams, and is tiny, but has a 1-inch CMOS sensor, and forward-facing LIDAR for obstacle avoidance. I haven't taken it out for a proper fly just yet – just a quick zoom around the back yard – but it was pretty nice! Full review to come in a couple of weeks.