The European Space Agency is trying to understand why astronauts lose their eyesight in space, in the hope they can figure out how to treat—or even prevent—the condition as looming longer spaceflights heighten the risk of permanent vision damage.

The agency has commissioned British eye-scanning startup Siloton to develop a solution ahead of the international Artemis flights to the moon and other deep space missions. The health tech uses quantum technology to shrink core components used in eye-testing equipment found at optometrists to fit on a photonic chip smaller than a coin.

Founded by physicists in 2020, Siloton is currently working with the UK’s National Health Service to enable patients with retinal conditions to self-scan at home. “The ESA pretty much has the same requirements,” says cofounder and chief technology officer Euan Allen. “It’s just in a totally different environment.”

Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is a collection of eye and brain changes caused by spending prolonged periods in a low-gravity environment, and it impacts around 70 percent of astronauts on the International Space Station, according to NASA. One of the starkest cases is that of NASA astronaut John Phillips, who launched to the ISS in 2005 with 20/20 vision, and splashed down six months later with his vision at 20/100—what’s considered a moderate visual impairment. While he was in space, bodily fluid, uninhibited by gravity, built up in his head, squashing his eyeballs, swelling his optic nerve, and pushing his retina forward.

Courtesy of Siloton

While returning to Earth can reverse some of the damage, space agencies are concerned by both the operational risk of astronauts losing their vision mid-mission, as well as the longer-term health impacts. “The eye condition SANS is a serious health risk facing astronauts on long missions,” says Rebecca Evernden, director of the UK Space Agency. Medical engineers want to develop their understanding of the condition and the factors causing it so that they can manage any ocular damage, and eventually treat it or even stop it from becoming a problem.

Scientists are already monitoring how spaceflight impacts the human eye on the ISS using a modified version of the device found in optometry offices that measures the thickness of layers at the back of the eye. However, the device is bulky and requires real-time remote guidance from experts on the ground. As astronauts journey further into deep space, lengthening communication delays with Earth will mean this is no longer feasible.

Siloton’s device would allow astronauts to scan their retinas more frequently by automating some of the process so that examinations do not need ground support. The ESA hopes that will generate more data on any ocular degeneration, and possibly provide early warning signs that changes in the eye may be occurring—even before they result in vision change.

You can tap the hamburger menu in the upper-right corner for a quick menu that includes books and pictures like you’d find in the All menu. There’s also Cloud Sync, which lets you see what’s being uploaded or was uploaded over Wi-Fi from the app; USB Drive, which turns on USB Drive mode to upload files instead of Wi-Fi; and Settings. The app is very straightforward, but you’ll need to create an account and pair your device by scanning the QR code displayed on the Xteink.

The X4 Pro still tells me I need to pair it to an app (there’s a floating box whenever I’m in the Settings menu, even though I’ve already paired it), but the app remembered which devices I had, and has no issues sending material to the device.

Because most ebooks from major stores are Digital Rights Management (DRM)-protected and can’t simply be copied over, you’ll need DRM-free EPUB files if you want to upload books to an Xteink device. These are versions of books you can legally upload, whether it’s through Cloud Sync or USB upload. You’ll also likely want software designed for e-book management, like Calibre, to organize these files on your computer.

The Xteink devices are unlocked, so you can also upload your own software or even games to use on them. Popular options are CrossPoint and Crossink, open-source reading software you can install on the Xteink for a different experience. However, regardless of what software you’re using, there’s still a roadblock you’re going to hit: where the books come from.

Content Gap

Photograph: Nena Farrell

There’s no built-in bookstore for the Xteink as you’d find on a Kindle or Kobo. Xteink devices also aren’t directly compatible with the Libby app, a popular way to get e-books from your local library. You need to obtain those DRM-free e-books and prepare them for uploading yourself. There are a few popular sites for this: Standard Ebooks offers entirely free, public-domain books, while eBooks.com has a DRM-free section you can shop from.

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your hub for the future of transportation and now, more than ever, the role AI is playing in it. To get this in your inbox, sign up here for free — just click TechCrunch Mobility!

In just a few days, Amazon-owned Zoox will start charging for robotaxi rides. This might not seem like a big deal; the company’s custom-built robotaxis are already giving rides to passengers in Las Vegas and San Francisco, after all. And it’s opening up an early rider program in Miami and Austin too. 

None of this matters — in a business sense — until the company can operate commercially. 

And now it can, starting August 10, thanks to an exemption issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Because Zoox vehicles lack many of the traditional controls required under federal law, such as a steering wheel and pedals, it needed an exemption from federal motor vehicle standards in order to operate. It had an exemption that allowed it to demonstrate the technology; this one allows Zoox to operate a fleet of up to 2,500 vehicles commercially for two years. 

The exemption is a win for Zoox, but it also paves the way for any other autonomous vehicle developer that wants to launch a robotaxi that lacks a steering wheel, pedals, or other requirements that might not be needed in a vehicle with no human driver. For instance, a robotaxi really doesn’t need a rearview mirror; it already achieves that kind of visibility with sensors on the exterior of the vehicle. 

Tesla is the obvious beneficiary here since it is developing its two-seater Cybercab. But there will be others as well.

In other news, you might have missed my comprehensive assessment of Uber’s autonomous vehicle empire. Check it out; it offers a complete rundown of every company that Uber has partnered with (and in some cases invested in). And I hear more are coming. 

You might recall that the Financial Times did its own calculus of how much Uber was investing in AVs. The outlet determined it was about $10 billion. And what do you know? That is exactly the number Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shared during the company’s earnings call. He said the company would commit $10 billion “over the coming years” to deploy 120,000 driverless vehicles.

Deals!

Moove started out as an African fintech company that provided vehicle financing for app drivers. While Moove remains in the mobility sector, it has evolved into a mega ride-hail fleet owner (42,000 vehicles and growing) across 13 countries. 

It has also added a new business division focused on autonomous vehicles. Moove got an early win and is now the fleet operator for Waymo in Phoenix, Miami, and Las Vegas, and in the future, London. But co-CEO Ladi Delano clearly has grander ambitions for Moove — and now he has the fresh capital to try. 

The startup, now based in Dubai, raised $250 million in a Series C round led by Mubadala Investment Company with Woven Capital and Ion Pacific as co-leads. Moove, which is now valued at $2.1 billion, plans to use the funds to scale its autonomous vehicle fleet management business, including hiring about 350 people. 

One interesting item of note: Moove plans to buy Waymo robotaxis and already owns the robotaxi assets of another unnamed company.

Other deals that got my attention this week …

Accell Group Holding, the Dutch bike maker behind brands like Lapierre, Raleigh, and Sparta, was granted a suspension of payments, kicking off an insolvency process. In 2022, a consortium led by KKR bought the firm for 1.56 billion euros ($1.77 billion at the time).

Advanced Electric Machines Group, a U.K.-based manufacturer of rare earth and magnet-free electric motors, raised £16 million ($21.5 million) in a round led by Barclays Climate Ventures, PXN Ventures, Northstar Ventures, and the Low Carbon Innovation Fund. The funding round was complemented by loan support from Innovate UK.

Chargepoly, a French company specializing in the electrification of heavy-duty and commercial vehicle fleets, raised €23 million ($26 million) in a round led by Meridiam.

Hadrian, a defense tech company building automated manufacturing facilities, raised a $1.37 billion round at a valuation of $7.87 billion. The lead investors in the round include WCM Investment Management, Washington Harbour Partners, Valor Equity Partners, 137 Ventures, and Baillie Gifford.

Matel Motion & Energy Solutions, an India-based company developing energy-efficient motors, motor controllers, and integrated powertrains, raised INR 130 crore ($13.6 million) in a Series B funding round led by UC Impower. 

River, the Indian electric vehicle startup, raised $120 million in a Series C funding round led by Elev8 Venture Partners and Claypond Capital. Other investors included Singularity AMC, Anicut Capital, 360 ONE Asset, JIF Capital, HDFC AMC, along with existing backers Yamaha Motors, Al-Futtaim Group, and Mitsui.

Notable reads and other tidbits

Ford has a name and a number for its new midsize EV. It will be called Fathom and will start at $28,350 when it goes on sale in 2027. TechCrunch climate tech reporter and long-time EV owner Tim De Chant argues that Ford needs another Taurus, and the Fathom isn’t it. What do you think? 

Joby Aviation, the electric vertical takeoff and landing company, reported earnings this week. Revenue is up compared with the same quarter last year, thanks to its acquisition of Blade Air Mobility. Net losses shrank a bit to $245 million. One of the more interesting announcements this week, though, was Joby’s partnership with Atoms, Travis Kalanick’s AI and industrial automation startup. The partnership will develop and finance a network of transportation hubs serving air taxis and autonomous ground vehicles with an initial focus on Florida, New York, and Texas, as well as California, according to Joby.

Lucid Motors’ second-quarter earnings struck a somber it’s-time-to-get-down-to-business tone. And that comes with a cost. New CEO Silvio Napoli outlined four must-win priorities that include a $1.4 billion cost savings plan. It’s also banking on a successful robotaxi program with Uber and Nuro and launching its midsize Cosmos EV, which has now been delayed until the second half of 2027. 

Nvidia has released its Alpamayo 2 Super for commercial use — an AI model designed for autonomous driving. The model is available on Hugging Face, and the open license covers commercial redistribution and derivative models that allow AV developers, automakers, and others to adapt Alpamayo to their own data, driving policies, and deployment strategies, the company said.

Teamsters California sued the California Department of Motor Vehicles, alleging that the agency did not properly study and disclose the economic impacts of allowing self-driving heavy-duty trucks on the state’s roads. I reached out to a few AV developers and all declined to comment. However, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association did issue a statement: “This lawsuit from the Teamsters sets a new standard in abusive and frivolous litigation and cannot be taken seriously.”

TechCrunch teamed up with New York-based financial research firm Hudson Labs again. This time to map what Elon Musk and Tesla’s other executives have spent the last seven years talking about on the company’s quarterly earnings calls. Check out the full story for graphs and complete findings. Here is a taste: Musk now speaks about artificial intelligence, along with robotaxis and Full Self-Driving software, nearly 50% of the time.

Speaking of Elon Musk, his companies had a newsy week. SpaceX reported its first earnings report as a publicly traded company. The TL;DR: The company doubled its revenue compared to last year, in large part thanks to the growth of its Starlink satellite internet service and deals it struck to rent out computing power to Anthropic and Google. And during the earnings call, Musk made some out-of-this-world claims about the company’s business and future prospects, while his fellow executives tried to bring his ideas closer to Earth.

Meanwhile, Tesla and SpaceX said that “Terafab,” the advanced chip factory they are jointly developing, will be built in Grimes County, Texas, outside Houston, and that they will make an initial investment of $16.8 billion in the project.

The New York Times published an investigation on Uber’s defense strategy against more than 4,000 lawsuits filed by passengers who allege the company failed to protect them from sexual violence. 

Waymo dropped the waitlist for its robotaxi service in Dallas, opening it up to all residents and visitors.

One more thing …

Travis Kalanick, and his AI and industrial automation startup Atoms, is popping up everywhere these days (see that Joby partnership above). Kalanick isn’t just making deals — although remember he did just raise $1.7 billion. The former Uber CEO also appears to be getting the band back together and bringing on former engineers and executives he once worked with. 

For instance, Gautam Gupta, the former finance chief under Kalanick, has joined Atoms as chief financial officer. Gupta spent more than four years at Uber until he left in July 2017, just a few weeks after Kalanick resigned as CEO. 

Spectre has been haunting CPU security since 2018, and MIT researchers have now found another way to make it misbehave. The new TONTOU attack can bypass some of the defenses Intel and AMD have added over the years by exploiting a tiny gap in how those protections work. The research comes from Daniël Trujillo and Mengjia Yan at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). Their findings show that even after a processor wipes or isolates information used by its branch predictor, there can be a brief window before that information is actually used. TONTOU, short for Time-of-Neutralization to Time-of-Use, attacks precisely that gap.

The tiny gap that TONTOU exploits

To understand TONTOU, it helps to understand what makes Spectre attacks possible in the first place. Modern CPUs use speculative execution to predict what software will do next and start working ahead of time. When that prediction turns out to be wrong, the processor discards the result, but traces of that activity can remain inside the CPU and potentially leak information through side channels.

After Spectre emerged, chipmakers introduced defenses designed to clean or isolate the processor’s branch predictor, which helps the CPU guess where code will execute next. The idea is straightforward: remove anything an attacker may have planted before sensitive code runs. The problem, according to MIT’s researchers, is that the cleanup and the moment the prediction machinery is actually used cannot happen at exactly the same time, leaving a tiny “post-neutralization window.” TONTOU targets that gap by injecting a carefully timed interrupt and poisoning the predictor again.

The researchers tested TONTOU on Intel Cascade Lake Refresh and Arrow Lake, as well as AMD Zen 2 and Zen 4 processors, and were able to trigger the necessary branch mispredictions on both platforms. AMD’s Safe RET defense leaves a particularly tiny window, just two instructions wide and typically lasting tens of nanoseconds, but the researchers were still able to hit it by manipulating processor timing. Their technique, called interrupt injection, essentially schedules high-frequency timer interrupts and attempts to land one inside that window, allowing the attacker to poison structures such as the return stack buffer (RSB) or branch history buffer (BHB).

And yes, it can leak protected data

This isn’t purely theoretical. On an AMD Zen 2 system running a stock Linux kernel, the researchers built a complete end-to-end exploit that broke Linux’s kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) in all 10 attempts. They were also able to locate and leak /etc/shadow, which contains root password hashes, in five of those runs. However, the attack isn’t exactly a speed demon: MIT measured the protected-memory read rate at roughly five bytes per second, while The Register reports that each complete exploit attempt took around 18 minutes and required specific software conditions on Intel.

In other words, TONTOU is a sophisticated attack that demonstrates a real weakness, but it isn’t something ordinary malware can casually throw at a random PC.

The good news is that this isn’t an unpatched zero-day waiting to eat your PC. Trujillo and Yan notified AMD and Intel in February, and Linux kernel maintainers in March. AMD subsequently released a kernel patch that mitigates the attack, so keeping Linux updated is particularly important. Intel, meanwhile, told the researchers it doesn’t plan additional mitigations, arguing that real-world exploitation depends on too many factors, including the availability of suitable disclosure gadgets. Intel did, however, award the researchers a bug-bounty payment.

The bigger takeaway is less “your Intel or AMD PC is about to be hacked” and more that Spectre-style attacks remain a stubborn problem at the hardware level. TONTOU shows that even carefully designed defenses can leave tiny windows that researchers may eventually find a way to exploit. For most desktop users, this is not an immediate reason to panic. But for shared systems, cloud infrastructure, and multi-tenant environments where untrusted code runs alongside other workloads, the research is a useful reminder that the Spectre saga is far from over.

Researchers at the University of Tokyo’s Rekimoto Lab built a backpack that turns ordinary jumps into something closer to a slow-motion bounce across the lunar surface. Called Lunavity, or Augmented Jump in the formal paper, the system straps a multi-rotor aircraft to your back and uses constant upward thrust to lighten your body so you can jump higher, stay airborne longer, and come down more gently.

A small, circular frame about a meter and a half in diameter stands above the wearer’s head, housing a cluster of rotors neatly arranged in the same manner as an octocopter. This monstrosity stands just shy of 1.3 meters tall and weighs a whopping 60 kilograms. That is almost entirely down to the batteries, which weigh around 24kg on their own. In its proof-of-concept form the machine can support up to 50 kilograms of a person’s weight with steady upward force, and the effective gravity is decreased to approximately 25% of its normal value. The user must still move to reach the ground running, but once airborne, the rotors activate to decelerate the descent, significantly increasing both the height and airtime of the leap.

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No sophisticated controls are required because sensors simply detect the wearer’s natural movements and modify the push to make it feel fluid and natural rather than forced or mechanical. Once in the air, these same sensors may detect the user’s stance or hand movements, allowing them to choose which direction to face or explore before returning to earth. The whole aim was to make the user feel in charge. It does not take control; rather, it amplifies the wearer’s natural movements.

So far, early tests and a small group of users have shown that wearing the prototype allows people to jump higher and stay aloft for longer periods of time than they could on their own. In 2018, a few tech demos circulated that demonstrated the possibilities, such as a man clearing a zebra crossing in one bound, dunking a basketball, or reaching up to gather fruit from a tree. The term Lunagravity makes more sense now, given the team’s goal of providing a low gravity experience on Earth.

First look: Dopamine 3.0 has brought jailbreak support to iOS 26.0 and iOS 26.0.1 on devices powered by A12 and A13 chips, marking the first jailbreak release for Apple’s newest mobile operating system. Released by Lars Fröder, known online as opa334, the update arrives 326 days after iOS 26 debuted. The rootless, open-source tool also supports older Apple hardware and a broader range of iOS versions. Its release shows that jailbreak development continues even as Apple maintains tight control over its mobile software.

The release also adds compatibility with devices running iOS 16.5.1 through iOS 17.3.1. That widens the range of iPhones, iPads, and Apple silicon devices that can run Dopamine, particularly older firmware versions that were not previously covered.

Dopamine works on both arm64 and arm64e hardware. Its arm64 version covers devices with A8 through A11 chips, while the arm64e version supports A12 through A17 chips, along with Apple’s M1 and M2 processors.

Compatibility varies by device generation and software version. On A14 through A17 hardware and M1- and M2-based devices, Dopamine works with iOS 15.0 through iOS 17.3.1. Devices with A8 through A13 chips are supported on iOS 15.0 through iOS 18.7.1, as well as iOS 26.0 and 26.0.1.

The iOS 26 addition is limited to A12 and A13 devices. However, the broader update is notable for filling in compatibility gaps across the iOS 16.5.1-to-17.3.1 range, giving users more options if they have held onto an older iOS build.

Dopamine is a rootless jailbreak, meaning it does not alter the operating system’s root file system. Instead, jailbreak files and tweaks are kept in a separate location. This approach affects how packages are installed and how developers build compatible modifications.

The jailbreak works with the Sileo and Zebra package managers, which users can use to install and manage tweaks. Dopamine is also open source, allowing developers to review its code and track changes through opa334’s GitHub repository.

With version 3.0, Dopamine covers a wide range of Apple hardware, from A8-based devices to A17 models, although the supported iOS versions vary across those chip families. A full list of compatible devices and firmware versions is available through AppleDB.

Hwatsing Technology, China’s leading producer of chemical mechanical polishing equipment, announced a metrology system for six-inch wafers on Thursday that can be built directly into the polishing workflow. The company describes it as China’s first six-inch metrology system paired with CMP equipment.

The integration is the substantive part. Rather than measuring wafers separately after processing, the system takes readings before and after polishing and feeds live data back to the control system, according to the South China Morning Post.

Why polishing matters more than it sounds

Chemical mechanical polishing flattens and smooths the silicon disc between processing layers. Modern chips stack dozens of layers, and each one has to be planar to within nanometres or the next layer prints badly.

It is unglamorous work that determines yield. Closing the measurement loop should improve wafer uniformity and cut waste, which matters more in a country whose fabs run older lithography and need every point of yield they can find.

The number in the announcement

Six inches is 150mm. Leading-edge logic runs on 300mm wafers, and the sub-10nm nodes that export controls exist to restrict are made nowhere else.

The 150mm format belongs to mature nodes and compound semiconductors, and even there it is being left behind. Silicon carbide power devices are already migrating from 150mm to 200mm in volume manufacturing, while gallium nitride is moving from 200mm towards 300mm.

None of that makes the tool unimportant. It does mean this is a step on a ladder rather than a jump to the top of it.

What Hwatsing has actually achieved

The company’s track record is the stronger signal. China’s share of the global CMP equipment market rose from roughly 1.5% in 2022 to almost 11% in 2023, with Hwatsing responsible for most of the gain, according to Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology.

Volume backs that up. Hwatsing shipped its 1,000th CMP system in April and has said it is targeting advanced chip manufacturing next.

It is spending accordingly, seeking up to 4 billion yuan, around $552 million, through a private placement to expand capacity, build out wafer reclamation services, and fund high-end tool development. A separate $237 million plant investment is also underway.

Applied Materials still leads the CMP market decisively, with Ebara holding roughly 27% globally. Eleven percent is a real position, not a dominant one.

The lithography problem it does not solve

Polishing tools are not the binding constraint. ASML remains the only company making EUV lithography machines, and China cannot buy them at any price under US-led export controls.

That is where the more consequential work is happening. China’s homegrown immersion DUV tool now has a name, Shanghai Aishengna, and a domestic DUV machine would matter considerably more than a metrology upgrade, though independent analysts have attached heavy caveats to reported progress there.

The strategy underneath

Beijing’s approach is to close every gap it can while the hardest one stays shut. Chinese semiconductor equipment self-sufficiency has reportedly reached around 35%, up from roughly 25% two years earlier.

Washington is weighing further restrictions on chip equipment sales, with Beijing arguing that cutting the supply chain damages everyone in it. Each round of controls has accelerated the localisation it was meant to prevent.

What success looks like when it arrives

China has already proved it can build a world-scale chip company in a segment where the tools are obtainable. Memory maker CXMT jumped 466% on its Shanghai debut to become the most valuable listed DRAM company in the country.

Demand is following. Apple has begun testing CXMT memory chips, which is roughly the highest-profile validation a Chinese chipmaker can receive.

CXMT still depends on foreign equipment it cannot always get. That is precisely the dependency tools like Hwatsing’s are meant to unwind, one process step at a time, which is slower than a breakthrough but harder to sanction.

• The system connects directly to a standard alternating-current power outlet
• Sulfur co-implantation gave engineers precise control over individual diamond qubits
• Single-qubit fidelity reportedly reached 99.98%

German startup Saxon Q has launched the world’s first portable diamond-powered quantum computer operating at room temperature without requiring complex cryogenic cooling equipment.

The system fits inside a standard server rack, connects directly to a conventional alternating-current power outlet, and supports configurations reaching 128 qubits.

I’ve never particularly enjoyed running, especially when training solo, but it takes the least effort for me to prepare for in the morning compared to my preferred activities — cycling or badminton — and it’s also a nice cross-training option.

After reading about my colleagues using AI to build training plans, I thought it could be an opportunity for me to change how I feel about running, so I turned to Google Gemini and asked it to build a training plan to prepare for a major running event here in Australia, the Sydney City2Surf.

Using the right fitness and wellness tech can help you to achieve your goals and also help with recovery. As CNET’s resident fitness expert, I’ve tested everything from the best treadmills to smart rings and smart home gyms. As great as some of these products are, there are a few I keep coming back to — and recommending to friends and family. If it’s in your budget and you’re looking to upgrade or improve your workout routine, there are some gadgets I recommend investing in. These are the pieces of tech that you may want to consider to step up your workout and recovery game.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome.

1. Hyperice Normatec Go Boots

The Hyperice Normatec Go compression boots are ideal if you want to recover on the go after a tough workout. These are TSA-friendly so you can travel with them in a carry-on bag or in your gym bag. As a petite woman, the standard Normatec legs tend to be too big on me, so I like that these compression boots are short enough to target the calves. I’ve found it helpful to use them after a run and tough leg day. These are also easily rechargeable and have a 3-hour battery life. 

2. Apple Watch Series 11

Although I haven’t had a chance to test the Apple Watch Series 11, I am familiar with the brand and am a loyal Apple Watch owner. The latest version of the Apple Watch has upgraded features like FDA-cleared hypertension alerts, a longer battery life, sleep score and a more scratch-resistant screen. CNET Lead Writer Vanessa Hand Orellana reviewed the smartwatch and said the Series 11 felt like picking up where she left off from the last Apple Watch iteration. Although the Apple Watch already tracked sleep, this is the first time you’ll get quantifiable data that follows clinical guidance to grade your quality of sleep based on sleep duration, bedtime and interruptions. 

The stand-out health feature on the Series 11 is the new FDA-cleared hypertension notifications. It tracks your blood pressure and alerts you to potential irregularities. You should double-check this data with a proper blood pressure monitor and your doctor, because the Apple Watch reading isn’t meant to be used as a diagnostic tool. 

Another important aspect to highlight is the longer battery life, which helps you enjoy your phone’s features for multiple days before needing to recharge it. This is a great option if you’re looking to upgrade an older Apple Watch model or are new to smartwatches. 

3. Theragun Mini 3

The Theragun Mini 3 is tiny yet powerful, and it is a favorite of mine if you want a compact massage gun that packs a mighty punch. Massage guns are helpful to have on hand when you have sore muscles. However, most are on the larger side, so a smaller option is always a good idea. 

The Theragun Mini 3 is quieter and lighter than its previous versions and comes with three massage heads (standard ball, dampener and thumb attachments) and a soft carrying case. It’s TSA-friendly and small enough to fit in your purse or backpack. Other factors that make it appealing are that it has three settings and even at its lowest setting, it’s still a powerful device. You can even pair it with the Therabody app to give you recovery plans to follow. You can’t go wrong with a Theragun Mini, whether you’re looking for one for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member.

4. Theragun PRO Plus

On the other hand, if you’re an athlete putting yourself through tough workouts, the Theragun PRO Plus will quickly become your favorite recovery tool. The Theragun PRO Plus is designed with serious athletes in mind, with various customizable and preset programs, including near-infrared LED light, hot and cold therapy to soothe sore muscles. This heavy-duty massage gun is quieter than the previous model (Theragun PRO-5th Generation) and comes with six attachments, so you’ll get the right angle each time. Additionally, if you want to use the cold therapy function, you’ll need to purchase the PRO Plus cold attachment separately.

If you love to work out hard and take recovery seriously, this massage gun is the best gift you can buy yourself.

5. Oura Ring 5

If you ask me, the Oura Ring is still the best smart ring on the market. It’s most recent version, the Oura Ring 5 quickly won me over because it’s 40% smaller and lighter than the Oura Ring 4. The smart ring tracks your overall health in a holistic manner by gathering your stress levels, heart rate, cycle insights if you menstruate and your sleep. This ring is best known for its ability to track your sleep habits and provide insight to help you improve them based on that data.

The design itself is scratch-resistant, which is a step up from previous models because they would easily get scuffed up. Oura’s original symptom radar, which could detect if you were getting sick, has been updated to be called Health Radar and can detect blood pressure trends. Additionally, if you like to work out, the ring has an automatic workout detection function and can record your workouts. It takes about a month to get the most accurate results, and from there, Oura gives you a readiness score, which tells you how recovered you are, based on sleep and stress levels, to take on the day.

Although it isn’t necessary to own a smart wearable, it’s sometimes helpful to know details about your day-to-day habits that you may be unaware of or how they may be affecting you. For example, as a mom to a toddler, I don’t always get restful sleep, and the Oura Ring was able to detect that and support me as I adjusted my sleep schedule based on its recommendations.

6. Tonal 2

If you’re serious about strength training and have the budget and space in your home, you’ll love owning the Tonal 2. The Tonal 2 is a smart home gym that uses up to 250 pounds of resistance and is designed to replace dumbbells, barbells and other strength-training equipment. It resembles a cable machine with a screen in the middle and adjustable arms on each side. 

Tonal 2 uses AI through 13 sensors to track your form and technique, which helps you correct it. Accessories like the smart handles and bar accessories (an optional, additional $495) have a gyroscope motion sensor that also keeps track of your reps. I’ve tested both the Tonal 2 and its predecessor, The Tonal, and was impressed by the thought process that went into designing this machine. It offers strength training as well as some cardio with its new Aero feature, keeps track of your workouts, functions like a personal trainer because it can determine if you need to scale it back or challenge yourself, and also offers thousands of on-demand and live workouts for all fitness levels. The price tag is hefty at $4,295, but if you’re dedicated to strength training and want everything you need at your fingertips, this is the machine for you.

7. Peloton Cross Training Bike Plus

The smart bike that took the fitness world by storm during the COVID-19 pandemic is popular for good reason. I’ve tested many exercise bikes — including Peloton alternatives — and the Peloton is still the best option. In 2025, Peloton overhauled its equipment and introduced its Cross Training Plus line. This included the new Peloton Cross Training Bike Plus, which replaced the Peloton Bike Plus. The latest version of the bike comes with a movement-tracking camera and Peloton IQ — Peloton’s AI coach — which can count reps, correct your form and identify when to increase weights during a strength-training class. Other cosmetic updates include a new seat, a three-speed fan and a phone holder.

Peloton delivers and assembles the bike in your home and sets up your account, so you don’t have to do much but hop on the bike and ride. You can connect with other Peloton members and have friendly competition on the leaderboard. The instructors are high-energy, and each offers something different and motivational to their classes. I’m personally partial to Alex Toussaint and Robin Arzon because every time I take their classes, I’m always inspired to push myself more. Not to mention, Peloton is always revitalizing its workout program offerings (like with kettlebell classes) and challenges, so you won’t ever get bored.

Peloton Cross Training Bike Plus

8. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

I take listening to my music seriously during my workouts. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are by far some of my favorite earbuds to wear when breaking a sweat. The battery life is impressive and, in my experience, can last for weeks at a time before needing to be recharged. This can vary as it also depends on how often you use them. 

The noise-canceling aspect of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is impressive, so your music will always feel immersive whether you’re at the beginning, middle or end of your workout. I’ve also been able to receive phone calls while wearing them, and never had connection issues. I’ve used these earbuds during strength training sessions, outdoor and indoor runs and my daily walks. If you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that stay put (thanks to the ear hook design), have crisp audio and are stylish, these are my top pick.

Best new wireless sports earbuds with ear hooks

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

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9. Future Pro app

As a fitness writer, I’ve reviewed a bunch of fitness apps, but one that I particularly enjoyed is the Future Pro app. It’s the ideal app if you’re looking for a virtual personal trainer who can create a workout program for you based on your fitness level and whether you work out at home or the gym. 

The app costs $50 a month to start and $199 thereafter. When you sign up, you fill out an assessment intake form, which basically asks you about your goals, workout history, how often you’d like to work out, and what motivates you. Based on your responses, the form offers a selection of trainers to choose from. 

I used the Future Pro app for more than a year and loved how well-thought-out and seamless it is. I was paired with a trainer whom I enjoyed checking in with daily through the app chat portal. This app got me through my pregnancy and postpartum period, so I could resume exercising safely. The workouts for the week are shared at the top of the week, and if you need any modifications or if you plan on taking a vacation, the trainer can modify your schedule as needed. The workouts are easy to follow, and the exercises are accompanied by video demonstrations in case you need them for reference. If you want a personal trainer at your fingertips, this is the app to download on your phone. 

Giselle Castro-Sloboda

Fitness and Nutrition Writer

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I’m a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness/fitness myths. In my free time I enjoy cooking, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or watching a documentary. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I’ve had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women’s Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.

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