Optoma has announced the Photon Go, a tiny ultra short-throw laser projector that throws a 100-inch image from a distance of just 9.8 inches. Releasing in April, the portable device is “designed to bring big-screen entertainment just about anywhere,” the company says, emphasizing the device’s 10 x 6 x 2.5-inch size and 3.8-pound weight — notable because UST projects are not typically very portable. Featuring RGB triple laser technology for vibrant colors and nuanced contrast, the Photon Go “can transform any wall into a screen,” according to the Taiwanese manufacturer. Read more

Over a year after teasing a next-gen Alexa virtual assistant, Amazon is releasing an AI-powered version called Alexa+. The new personal assistant can do things like order groceries for the household, facilitate event planning, manage smart home utilities and security, and, of course, shop online. “She’s smarter, more conversational, more capable,” according to Amazon SVP of Devices & Services Panos Panay. Strategically priced to entice the AI-curious into Amazon membership, Alexa+ costs $20 per month as a standalone service or comes free with Amazon Prime ($15 per month or $139 per year). Read more

Adobe has released a Photoshop mobile app that includes several design, editing and generative AI tools found useful in the desktop version of the popular graphics software. Initially being released globally to iOS users, Adobe says an Android version will be available later this year and that a revamped web app is also in the works. The mobile app includes features like layering, masking and Firefly’s AI-powered generative fill, which has proven popular with users. The iPhone app also ties into the full-featured, Adobe Cloud-based Photoshop so creators can access projects across multiple devices. Read more

LG Electronics is expanding distribution of the Gaming Portal unveiled at CES 2025 for LG Smart TVs. LG says that since that curtain-raiser, the platform has become available in 19 global markets for LG Smart TVs running webOS 23 and above. Starting in Q2, it will become available in additional markets on devices including LG Smart Monitors and StanbyME lifestyle screens. The LG Gaming Portal has partnerships with cloud game services including Xbox, Nvidia GeForce NOW and Amazon Luna, as well as the lesser-known Boosteroid, Blacknut and some native webOS app games. Read more

Apple unveiled a big “made in the USA” initiative, with plans to spend more than $500 billion on U.S. factories over the next four years. The company will upgrade operations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina and Texas, adding a new server facility in Houston. The move comes as U.S. international relations enter a period of flux. Apple’s plans include opening “a manufacturing academy” and accelerated investments in educating stateside workers in AI and silicon engineering. “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. Read more