Under the influence of psychedelics, the usual organization of the human brain loosens. That’s what scientists have generally thought, with several studies showing that when we take these substances, the signals pinging between our neurons become more diverse and unpredictable. This increased entropy in our gray matter may underlie the strange, random, and often memorable experiences of psychedelic trips.

But in one of the largest neuroimaging studies on the effects of psilocybin to date, researchers uncovered a hidden order in the apparent chaos. The study, published in Nature, indicates that while psilocybin blurs some of the boundaries within the brain, our neurological reactions to what we’re experiencing in that moment become even more distinct.

The researchers tracked moment-by-moment changes across 332 regions of the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography, two methods of measuring brain activity. The 62 participants, who had no prior experience with psychedelics, took 19 milligrams of psilocybin in an oral capsule and then meditated, listened to music, or watched a movie.

With the help of artificial intelligence, the researchers identified patterns in the brain for each kind of activity the participants were engaged in. But surprisingly, the more intense the psilocybin experience, the clearer those neural signals were. Rather than becoming lost in the midst of an increasingly unpredictable trip, reality seemed to be leaving a more distinct imprint.

These findings weren’t just apparent in the biological measurements but also in participants’ personal experiences. Those who exhibited the most defined patterns of brain activity also tended to describe more intense experiences of immersion and unity with the world around them, the boundaries between themselves and the environment sometimes feeling blurred.

“Under psilocybin, brain networks that help us process our inner world and the world around us became less distinct, but reorganized into patterns that reflected what people were experiencing,” explained Devon Stoliker, the study’s lead author and a researcher at Monash University’s School of Psychological Sciences in Melbourne, Australia.

In addition to providing a biological explanation for the sense of oneness that many people describe during a psychedelic trip, the findings also provide nuance to the idea that psilocybin simply makes the brain “chaotic.” This understanding is especially important in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy.

“This shows that context is not just background to the psychedelic experience,” Adeel Razi, a professor at Monash and the senior author of the study, emphasized in a press release. “For treatment, that reinforces why the environment and what a person does and experiences during the psychedelic session matter.”

This story originally appeared on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.

Lower cost doesn’t always mean lower quality.

Understanding MVNOs

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Exploring MVNO options

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The MVNO experience

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The iPhone 17 closed the gap between Apple’s entry-level phone and the pricier Pro models last year with long-overdue display upgrades, alongside nifty camera and durability improvements. Apple also made new features like Center Stage (its new selfie camera) and Dual Capture available across the entire lineup, making the iPhone 17 an even better value.

A year later, it has become the most affordable entry-level flagship across brands, thanks to Samsung and Google raising the prices of their entry-level models due to a surge in RAM prices driven by AI and data centers.

August is usually when we suggest to avoid buying a new iPhone and to wait for the next one. But things are looking different in 2026.

As we inch closer to the next-generation iPhone announcement on Sept. 9, the iPhone 17 is holding strong against its Android rivals. And it will have to compete with newer models till March 2027, since the iPhone 18 won’t launch until then alongside the iPhone 18E, according to the rumors.

So what if you need a new iPhone before March or don’t want to pay $1,100 or more for an iPhone 18 Pro? I charged up my iPhone 17 and revisited Apple’s standard model this week to find out if it’s still worth buying.

Display, durability and camera upgrades keep it strong

The iPhone 17 arrived last year with multiple major upgrades, many of which you’ll appreciate daily. 

The screen is finally on par with Apple’s Pro models and every other Android counterpart. It runs at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which also adapts to the on-screen content to save battery. I compared it to the iPhone 15 and the smoother visuals were immediately noticeable when scrolling through the home screen. It makes the phone feel faster and more responsive.

 The display is also brighter and less reflective than its predecessor. It is immediately noticeable when you’re navigating outdoors or need to do anything on your phone under bright lights. I put it against the new Pixel 11, which is equally bright, but iPhone 17’s smaller bezels make its screen more pleasing to look at.

Apple said its 2025 iPhones were more durable than ever. While I haven’t used the iPhone 17 for a year straight, I have daily driven the iPhone 17 Pro Max without a case for 10 months. (Yes, I’m that guy.) Compared to my 2024 iPhone 16 Pro, the 17 Pro has fared better against scratches and drops thanks to its Ceramic Shield 2 glass, the same found on the iPhone 17.

Some might dismiss it as a minor feature, but the 17’s selfie camera is the best upgrade, in my opinion. The new 18-megapixel square sensor is more of a quality-of-life upgrade than just a mere number bump because it lets you shoot landscape selfies without needing to rotate your phone. The viewfinder automatically repositions its framing based on the number of people in the photo.

I love the camera for two reasons. First, it enables Center Stage, which tracks you (even if you’re moving) on video calls (both on FaceTime and third-party apps like WhatsApp). It’s a handy feature for when I need to move around doing chores, but the camera keeps me in the frame and helps me be less annoying for my girlfriend.

Second, the square sensor improves stability in selfie video recording. I live with a condition that causes constant hand tremors, which makes it difficult to record myself on phones. The iPhone 17 has been helpful as I’m less self-conscious and more confident that I’ll get stable footage instead of a blurry video.

As for the two cameras on the back, they are far more capable than its predecessor. The iPhone 17 has two rear cameras: a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide, which is an upgrade over the 12-megapixel ultrawide camera on the iPhone 16. You’ll get sharp photos, better indoor shots and a smooth video experience. It misses out on a telephoto camera that the 17 Pro has, so there’s no optical zoom, but these are all the cameras most people would ever need.

iOS 26 has its flaws — I can’t wait for iOS 27

The iPhone 17 runs iOS 26, which offers more translucent controls, customization options and Apple Intelligence features. However, my experience has been buggy since the beginning. On multiple occasions, I’ve missed calls and alarms because my iPhone automatically lowered its system volume to a minimum. I didn’t put it in Do Not Disturb or Focus modes. Other times, the keyboard starts lagging out of nowhere, and whenever I need to access the Control Center while watching a video in landscape mode, my controls are all over the place.

Some of these issues have already been fixed on the iOS 27 Public Beta, which I’ve been running on my iPhone 17 Pro Max.

For starters, I can set different volume levels for the call ringer, alarms and media. The Control Center is now better optimized for horizontal orientation, keeping my customizations right where I want them. Then there are smart features, like spatial reframing in Photos for using generative AI to “change” the camera’s position when an image was taken. There’s also an all-new Siri mode in the Camera app.

In CNET’s 45-minute endurance test, which includes streaming, scrolling through social media, joining a video call and playing games, Apple’s entry-level iPhone went from full to 98%, which matches the results of the iPhone 17 Pro. It has the second-longest battery life of any phone CNET has tested in the past 12 months, tied with the OnePlus 15 and Motorola Razr (2026); behind the first-place phone is the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

However, subsequent iOS 26 updates along with continued use have had an impact on the battery life of my personal iPhone 17, causing more overnight idle drain. That’s why I’m looking forward to the upcoming iOS 27 update. If the beta is any indication, it should only improve the iPhone 17 experience with smarter features and better stability.

It has fared well, but what about six months from now?

The baseline model stacks well against the competition. The iPhone 17 was launched at $799, which is $100 less than the $899 Samsung Galaxy S26 and the new Google Pixel 11. But with phone prices increasing across the board and new rumors pointing to higher iPhone prices, the iPhone 17’s current price is good if you are looking for a phone upgrade.

Those notable upgrades make it worth the $799 price, which might not remain the same in a few days from now, when Apple announces the iPhone 18 Pro and its first-ever foldable iPhone Ultra.

While the iPhone 18 is tipped to be announced next year, the Pro series could get a price hike, resulting in a wider price gap between the entry-level and top-of-the-line models.

To compensate, Apple could push the ceiling of its base iPhone and make it more expensive, even before the iPhone 18 launches. This is just speculation right now, based on Apple’s recent price hikes. But the base iPhone has remained at $799 ($829 without a carrier discount) since 2020, and after the new pricing on Macs, iPads and several other products, it makes much more sense to raise the barrier to a new entry-level model than ever.

As for those willing to wait for the iPhone 18, it is unlikely to be a major upgrade. Apple is expected to reserve the most prominent changes like a reduced Dynamic Island and newer cameras for its Pro models. Moreover, a recent rumor on Weibo suggests that the iPhone 18 could align more closely with a lower-cost iPhone 18E model. It might not receive a similarly powerful chip as its Pro siblings, for instance. It’s a similar move Google has made with its base Pixel 11 and budget Pixel 10A.

Given the lukewarm rumors regarding the upcoming model and iPhone 17’s current price tag (and the looming price hike), I think last year’s model is still an excellent deal. And for the first time in my career, I’d say if you want a new iPhone before Sept. 9, it is totally fine to get the iPhone 17 now rather than wait and see what the 18 Pro may bring.

Prakhar Khanna is a Writer at CNET with bylines in ZDNET, Forbes, and other major outlets. A digital nomad at heart, he thrives in chaos–mixing deadlines with travel, often writing stories on planes, trains, and cafe tables while hunting down the best pizza spots wherever he lands. His backpack usually carries one phone too many, and his playlists are stacked with 2000s Bollywood. Find him across social media @ParkyPrakhar.
Contact: parkydoesstuff(at)gmail(dot)com

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It’s no exaggeration to say the large language models that power AI bots like ChatGPT and Gemini are changing the world. Many of us are now relying on them for coding, writing, summarizing, and searching the web. Whatever directions AI goes in over the next few years, LLMs will be part of that future.

If you use ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, or any of the other AI platforms, then you’re using an LLM. What’s less commonly known is that these LLMs can be run locally, on your own computer. The key benefits are offline access and greater privacy, because you’re not sending anything to the cloud for anyone else to analyze or review.

You’re also not paying any AI companies a monthly subscription or hitting any usage rates. Numerous LLMs are available to download for free, including from big names like Meta and Google. Though they tend not to be as advanced or as speedy as the LLMs inside the apps you have to pay for, they’re capable enough for everyday use, and you can pick and choose between them as needed.

There is more maintenance involved here, and you lose some of the convenience that comes with just loading up the ChatGPT app. (You’ll need to handle updates yourself, for example.) However, you get a more personalized and private AI system all to yourself, and it’s not difficult to get started.

What You Need to Get Started

You can run local LLMs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, though macOS tends to be the preferred platform for most AI enthusiasts. Everything is more unified and consistent on Macs—unlike Windows PCs, only one company makes them—and Apple Silicon chips combine the CPU, GPU, and RAM together, which AI models like.

Whichever platform you go for, having plenty of RAM helps. The bare minimum is 8 GB, though if that’s all you’ve got, you’ll be somewhat limited in terms of the size of the LLMs you can run and how fast they’ll go. Sixteen gigs is better, and 32 or more is required if you want to use the biggest and fastest models. For the best results, you need plenty of VRAM on a dedicated GPU (anything above 8 GB will make a difference), as this type of memory is optimized for the kind of tasks AI models do.

An AI chatbot like ChatGPT relies on the cloud.Photograph: David Nield

If you own a Cambridge Audio YOYO (M) portable Bluetooth speaker system, stop using it.

Cambridge Audio has issued a voluntary product safety recall covering every YOYO (M) because its rechargeable lithium-ion battery can overheat and enter thermal runaway. According to Cambridge, affected products can catch fire, emit smoke and eject hot battery material, including while being charged.

The recall is unusually broad. It does not apply to one production batch or a specific serial-number range. Every YOYO (M) sold between 2016 and 2023 is included, regardless of purchase date.

Cambridge says it has received a small number of reports involving batteries overheating during charging and resulting in fire and/or smoke. The company says no injuries have been reported.

Which Cambridge Audio YOYO Speakers Are Recalled?

The recall applies specifically to the Cambridge Audio YOYO (M) in all three color versions:

Cambridge also identifies the corresponding serial-number prefixes as FD C10930, FD C10931 and FD C10965. The model information can be found on the bottom of the speaker.

The recall does not currently include the YOYO (S) or YOYO (L).

What Is Wrong With the Battery?

The YOYO (M) contains an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery that Cambridge says can overheat and enter thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway occurs when rising battery temperature triggers reactions that generate still more heat. In severe cases, a lithium-ion battery can produce smoke, flames and extremely hot material.

Cambridge says the reported incidents occurred during charging. France’s official RappelConso product recall database also states that examples of the product have caught fire while being charged.

Cambridge says the YOYO (M) met applicable safety standards when it was designed and manufactured. After receiving reports years later, the company decided it could not identify a reliably safe subset of products and recalled the entire model line.

What Should YOYO (M) Owners Do?

Cambridge’s instructions are straightforward:

• Stop using the YOYO (M) immediately
• Switch it off and disconnect it from power
• Do not recharge it
• Store it away from combustible materials
• Do not open the speaker or attempt to remove the battery
• Do not attempt a repair
• Do not put it in household trash or ordinary recycling
• Do not ship it back using regular mail or an ordinary courier

Lithium-ion batteries require specific transportation and disposal procedures, so owners should wait for instructions applicable to their country.

This is not a DIY battery-replacement project. Leave the screwdriver in the drawer.

What Should U.S. Owners Do?

As of August 25, 2026, Cambridge Audio has announced the safety recall but has not yet finalized the remedy for customers in the United States.

That means Cambridge has not confirmed whether U.S. owners will receive a refund, replacement or another form of compensation.

U.S. customers should register through Cambridge Audio’s recall support system so the company can contact them when the process is finalized. Owners should not independently mail the speaker back or dispose of it while waiting for those instructions.

Cambridge Audio YOYO (M) Recall Information

What About Owners Outside the United States?

The remedy varies by market.

In the United Kingdom, Cambridge has notified Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards and is asking owners to complete its YOYO (M) Assessment Form.

In the European Union, Cambridge has notified the relevant safety authorities, including the EU Safety Gate system and France’s RappelConso service.

France’s government recall database currently lists a refund as the compensation method and specifies that returns must use transportation suitable for lithium-ion batteries.

Cambridge says procedures are still being finalized in a number of other markets, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Israel and New Zealand.

Why This Recall Matters

The YOYO (M) was sold for roughly seven years, from 2016 through 2023.

That matters because many of these speakers may no longer be in the hands of their original buyers. Portable audio products get moved between rooms, handed down to family members and forgotten in closets until someone decides to charge them again. Owners therefore shouldn’t assume an older YOYO (M) has escaped the recall simply because it has worked without problems for years.

The model designation is what matters.

The Bottom Line

Cambridge Audio’s YOYO (M) recall requires immediate attention because the potential failure involves an internal lithium-ion battery and the risk of fire.

If you own one, switch it off, disconnect it and follow Cambridge Audio’s recall instructions for your country. Do not charge, open, ship or dispose of the speaker until Cambridge provides the appropriate procedure.

For U.S. customers, the remaining unanswered question is compensation. Cambridge has not yet announced whether owners will receive a refund, replacement or another remedy.

We will update this story when that information becomes available.

Related Reading:

For more than a decade, Apple has, for the most part, released all the phones in its latest iPhone lineup at the same time. For the iPhone 18, though, it’s rumored to be different. 

Apple may split the launch of the latest iPhones, staggering a handful of devices for release in spring next year, while the more premium iPhone Pro and the much-anticipated rumored foldable iPhone Ultra will debut in September, according to Bloomberg. 

The new iPhones will reportedly ship with smaller dynamic islands, and the cameras may feature a variable aperture — a total geek win for photography enthusiasts. But trying to peg down the actual release dates for the new iPhone 18 family is harder than usual this year. 

Below, we’ll go over what the rumors say, historical iPhone release dates and more to get a better idea of when the next iPhone family will be released.

Read More: Win an Apple Watch — Round 3 of CNET’s Guessing Game Is Live Now

iPhone 18 event: When will it be?

Apple will unveil the latest iPhone lineup on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET during a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. The CNET team will be on the ground to bring you all the details on Apple’s latest and greatest devices. 

Preorders typically go live the Friday following the event (likely Sept. 11), with units available in stores the Friday after that (likely Sept. 18). 

You’ll be able to watch Apple take the wraps off the next iPhone on the company’s website, YouTube, Apple TV and the Apple developer app.

iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable

It’s likely that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will ship in September, which is the typical release timeframe for iPhones since the 5th generation. Apple releasing its “best of the best” gadgets before the holiday season is a formula that we don’t imagine the tech juggernaut straying from. 

Apple’s first foldable phone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, may go up for preorder alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, but it could ship at a later date. This could be due to supply chain issues regarding the hinge and displays. But historically, aside from the iPhone Air, when Apple adds a new model to the iPhone line, it releases a month later than other models, like the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 14 Plus.

iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2

As for the likes of the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2, rumors point to a significantly delayed release. The shift may be a strategic one to a biannual cadence for Apple, with fall and spring launch dates. This isn’t unlike how Samsung launches its flagship Galaxy lineup at the beginning of the year, with its foldable lineup debuting in the middle of the year. 

“Apple will likely reveal its first foldable iPhone on September 9 along with the iPhone 18 Pro series,” said David Naranjo, associate director of Counterpoint Research. “The base iPhone 18 model announcements are expected to be pushed into spring 2027. This staggered launch marks a notable change in Apple’s release cadence, with a strong emphasis on premiumization.”

Whether this potential delayed release is related to manufacturing restrictions, RAM shortages or just prioritizing its best hardware first remains to be seen, but if the rumors are true, those looking for an entry-level iPhone may need to wait until next year. 

This is also a smart move on Apple’s part, as those who might have been looking for a Pro-less iPhone may just end up pulling the trigger on the higher-end models instead of waiting. The timing would all coincide with Apple’s E series launch.

iPhone 18E

The iPhone E series has typically been released the following spring after the more powerful models, so there don’t seem to be any surprises here (as did the SE line before it). The budget-focused (for Apple) device will likely be a pared-down version of the regular iPhone called the iPhone 18E, providing essential features from the current generation without many of the bells and whistles. 

The iPhone 17E, which launched at a $599 price, hits a sweet spot for functionality and affordability. However, it remains to be seen whether it, too, will see the price jump that we expect with this current generation of iPhones. 

The handset was announced in March and was available in stores the following week. If history repeats itself, we may see the iPhone 18E land in early to mid-March of 2027, but it might not be alone — this also might be where we see the debut of the standard iPhone 18.

Blake has over a decade of experience writing for the web, with a focus on mobile phones, where he covered the smartphone boom of the 2010s and the broader tech scene. When he’s not in front of a keyboard, you’ll most likely find him playing video games or watching horror movies.

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Bandai spent two years chopping down a Tamagotchi so that it could survive on one hand. The Tamagotchi Ring is the end result: a 28-millimeter egg with a color screen, two functional side buttons, and 30 characters taken from three decades of the same hungry little creatures that were formerly fastened to backpacks. Official pre-orders began in Japan on August 27, 2026, with boxes shipping in February 2027.

The original Tamagotchi from 1996 was roughly 50 millimeters tall, but the new Tamagotchi Ring is only 28 millimeters tall and 23 millimeters wide, which Bandai says is 56% of the original body size. The ring fastening on the back of the Tamagotchi Ring increases the overall thickness, which now measures 35 millimeters. Screenwise, you’re getting a tiny 0.56-inch color LCD, the smallest Bandai has ever used in one of these things. Three little dots printed under the glass are designed to seem like the iconic buttons we all know and love, but they don’t actually do anything. The switches, on the other hand, are a different story, the left and right edges have been painted to match the rear half of the shell.

Tamagotchi Paradise – Orange Tropics

• ZOOM. Nurture with a spin! Zoom into Paradise! Turn the dial to take care of your Tama. Zoom from cell to space for traditional nurturing play – clean…
• CHARACTERS. Raise more than 50,000 Tamas. Depending on the environment and the way you take care of your Tama, you can grow over 50 different…
• CONNECT. Connect with friend’s device directly to see how your Tamas interact – is it a good match or a bad match? And, now, when you connect, you can…

The Tamagotchi Ring has a total of 64 components, 52 of which are electronic and the remaining 12 are plastic. That is less than the 116 components used in the most recent full-size Tamagotchi model, Tamagotchi Paradise. So, how did Bandai get there? They simply removed the USB port from the toy and created a completely new charging case. The old protection circuitry that used to protect the connector has been removed, freeing up some room within a body that was simply too small to accommodate a coin cell, thus the rechargeable battery has been transferred to the ring. To power it back up, use the specific dock, which is color-matched to the rear of the Tamagotchi Ring for an authentic look. Simply flip the transparent cover over the toy as it sits proudly on your desk.

When it comes time to buy, you can choose from three distinct finishes. You can choose from Pink & Pearl White, which has a pearl-colored frame, or Light Blue & Metallic Gold or Black & Metallic Silver for a more metallic style. Each box includes a matching dock and a little spacer to make the band suit lower Japanese ring sizes, allowing you to wear it even if your ring size is 10 or 14. Size 14 is rather large, with an inner diameter of around 17.3 millimeters, which is roughly equivalent to a US 7, although size 10 is closer to a US 5.5. Anyone outside of that range may need some custom modifications.

Wear one of these Tamagotchi Rings and you’ll be shocked how much it feels like the classic Tamagotchi we all know and adore. You can feed it, clean it, play minigames, and design its room. The level of care you provide also decides which adult character you will receive from a roster of 30. Bandai has organized the characters by era, so you have a number of classic faces like Mametchi and Kuchipatchi from 1996, newer ones from the 2004 Plus line such as Memetchi and Flowertchi, and of course stars from 2008 onward like Lovelitchi and Melodytchi. If you take good care of the Tamagotchi, or if you don’t, you might be able to unlock a secret character, but there’s no phone app, Bluetooth, or cloud save, because the Tamagotchi’s life is confined to that small piece of glass.

In Japan, you can get one for 7,700 yen, which is about $52. To prove how popular they are, Bandai took orders in August and they sold out so quickly that they had to close the original pre-order window early and even open a second reservation period the very next morning. Unfortunately, anyone looking to buy one outside of Japan must rely on proxy shopping sites. The few resellers who did list them early on were charging a premium, roughly $80, and they quickly sold out. No international release date has been announced, however they were on display at this year’s Tokyo Toy Show in August.