WHAT’S INSIDE:

• Google I/O, Android XR, MateBook Fold, iPhone 17 Air, Apple Watch 11, Wiim

• Feature: Four Seasons Launches Curated Wellbeing Escapes

• Latest food and dining and food technology news

• Arts and culture news, intersection of tech and entertainment

• The latest sports news and sports tech

• Futurism, the latest in future concepts and cutting edge deep tech

• Latest news in wellness and wellbeing tech, biotech, medtech and more

TOP CONSUMER TECH NEWS

Google I/O — Reveals a standalone NotebookLM app, Android XR Glasses & Xreal’s Android XR Glasses + Google Beam 3D Video Calling.

Huawei MateBook Fold — The Fold impresses with its sleek design and foldable display, offering a compelling alternative to the awaited iPad Fold.

iPhone 17 Air — Rumored to weigh ~145g with a 6.6-in, 5.5mm-thin frame, featuring a 2,800mAh battery and power-efficient C1 modem, amounting to a full day’s use for most users, with an optional battery case rumored.

Apple Watch Series 11 — The upcoming watch may introduce improved health sensors and longer battery life, continuing a focus on fitness and wellness tracking.

Wiim Smart Speakers — Wiim Sound enters the smart speaker market challenging Apple and Sonos with competitive audio quality and smart features tailored for seamless home integration.

FEATURE ARTICLE

Four Seasons Launches Curated Wellbeing Escapes

The always on trend Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts chain has just unveiled a global collection of thoughtfully curated wellness experiences emphasizing holistic health, relaxation, and authentic local traditions. These programs support physical and emotional well-being as well as deeply immersing guests in the distinct cultural and natural environments of each destination. Let’s explore some options:

United States Personalized Retreats 

Stateside, wellness seekers can discover a transformative retreat at Sensei Lāna‘i Resort in Hawaii in partnership with the innovative Sensei brand. This secluded resort places a premium on longevity and comprehensive well-being. Guests are invited to explore personalized wellness journeys that integrate state-of-the-art health technology, guided meditation, and tailored spa treatments in private spa hales. With a commitment to sustainability woven into its design, the resort utilizes electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and organically grown produce, ensuring guests can rejuvenate in harmony with nature.

At Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, wellness extends beyond typical spa treatments. The hotel dedicates an entire floor to holistic well-being, featuring wellness-oriented accommodations, advanced fitness facilities, and signature spa services designed specifically for stress relief and rejuvenation. The serene environment encourages restful sleep and renewal, making it a sanctuary amid the bustling LA scene.

Nearby, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village also elevates wellness with immersive retreats combining cutting-edge diagnostics and evidence-based therapies with deeply restorative practices. These bespoke, multi-day wellness journeys are carefully curated to address individual health goals, ranging from stress reduction to improved physical fitness and better nutrition.

Caribbean Curations

In the Caribbean, the Four Seasons Resort Nevis is a picturesque destination offering bespoke fitness activities and spa treatments infused with local ingredients and traditions. Wellness enthusiasts can partake in private yoga sessions overlooking lush landscapes or enjoy menus thoughtfully crafted with nutrient-rich, locally sourced produce, creating a balanced experience of culinary delight and physical rejuvenation.

Nearby at Four Seasons Anguilla, guests experience wellness through the lens of innovation and technology. The standout feature here is the Sensei wellness program, highlighted by the unique Thermal Body Mapping Massage. Using advanced thermographic imaging, this treatment precisely identifies and targets areas of muscle tension and inflammation, allowing therapists to provide personalized massage therapies that significantly enhance relaxation and recovery. This fusion of technology and traditional spa therapy exemplifies Four Seasons' wellness innovation.

Central America: Ancient Rituals and Natural Wonders

Further south in Central America, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica offers wellness deeply intertwined with local cultural traditions and natural wonders. Guests are invited to experience the transformative Cacao Tsuru Ritual, a unique treatment beginning with a cacao-infused exfoliation, followed by a nourishing wrap of cocoa and banana leaves, concluding with a tasting of pure, ceremonial-grade cacao. This ritual not only rejuvenates the body but also connects guests with ancient Costa Rican traditions.

The resort further enriches the wellness journey with the Volcanic Ritual, utilizing the region's volcanic ash and mud to detoxify and revitalize the body, and the enchanting Bioluminescent Ocean Ritual, which includes a salt scrub, nourishing seaweed wrap, and seashell massage inspired by the mesmerizing natural phenomenon found in the region's waters.

The resort also offers deeply meditative experiences such as personalized astrological readings, Tibetan singing bowl therapy, and gemstone or reiki energy balancing sessions. Each element of these programs is thoughtfully designed to nourish the spirit and deeply ground guests in the unique culture and beauty of Costa Rica.

A Luxury Wellness Leader

With these diverse new wellness offerings, Four Seasons has positioned itself as a leader in luxury wellness travel, creating carefully tailored experiences that resonate deeply with guests seeking both relaxation and transformative well-being. Each program is thoughtfully embedded within the local culture, landscapes, and traditions, providing travelers with authentic, meaningful connections and lasting memories.

Explore These and More

FOOD + DRINK

MAHA Nutrition Program — The FDA and NIH launch a joint program to enhance nutrition regulations, aiming to improve public health through better dietary guidelines and labeling.

GLP-1s and Nutrient Density — GLP-1 drugs are shifting focus back to nutrient-dense foods as demand for healthier diets rises alongside weight-loss treatments.

Tequila’s Sales Slump — After unprecedented growth, tequila sales decline due to market saturation, changing consumer trends, prompting industry adaptation.

Sustainable Packaging Gaps — Despite advances, challenges persist in sustainable packaging adoption, including cost, infrastructure, and consumer education barriers.

Shelf-Stable Protein Shake — Oikos launches a shelf-stable protein shake targeting convenience and clean-label trends to expand its market reach.

Owner.com — The San Fran startup which helps small restaurants enhance their online visibility, raised a $120M Series C at $1B co-led by Meritech and Headline.

ARTS + CULTURE

McMahon vs Trump— CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon quits as potential Trump lawsuit settlement looms

Elton John vs AI — The legendary entertainer criticized the UK government for exempting AI firms from copyright laws, claiming it amounts to theft and threatens young artists' livelihoods.

Russian Ballet Maestro — Renowned ballet choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, a pivotal figure in Russian ballet, dies at 98. A reflection on his legacy.

Murderbot Review — NPR praises Apple TV’s sci-fi series Murderbot for its sharp storytelling and fresh take on AI and identity themes.

Sesame Street on Netflix — Sesame Street’s new episodes will stream exclusively on Netflix, expanding its reach with fresh content for young audiences worldwide.

SPORTS DESK

Bluesky’s NBA Feature — Bluesky launched a new NBA Playoff feature to compete with Sports Twitter, enhancing fan engagement with real-time updates and interactive content.

NFL Goes Global — The NFL announces a worldwide schedule featuring 7 international games across 5 countries in 2025, boosting its global footprint.

49ers Record Stake Sale — The San Francisco 49ers will sell a 6% ownership stake in a record-breaking deal valued over $8.5B, involving the Khosla, Griffith, and Deeter families.

NBCUniversal & Amazon Upfronts — Both events unveiled 2025 media plans focusing on expanded sports content, streaming innovations, and cross-platform audience growth.

AWS Powers Global Sports — Amazon AWS reveals new tech solutions designed to accelerate the global expansion and digital transformation of the sports industry.

FUTURISM

Ray’s Robots — Futurist Ray Kurzweil’s startup is negotiating a $100M investment to develop advanced humanoid robots blending AI and robotics.

3D Printing Healthcare — 3D printing is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling custom implants, prosthetics, and personalized treatments.

Connected Bodies — The futurism community discusses the idea of connecting body cells to digital networks, envisioning enhanced health monitoring and real-time bio-feedback.

Simulating Molecules — Researchers used a one-atom quantum computer to simulate real molecules’ behavior over time, marking a milestone in quantum chemistry.

Net-negative CO2 Batteries — A breakthrough brings Lithium-CO2 'breathing' batteries that release power while capturing CO2, closer to reality.

WELLBEING TECH

CRISPR Gene Editing Therapy — An infant in Philadelphia receives pioneering CRISPR gene-editing therapy, highlighting advances in treating genetic disorders.

AI Doctor Clinic— A Chinese startup launched the first AI-powered doctor clinic in Saudi Arabia, pioneering AI-driven medical diagnostics and care.

Sprinter Health — Sprinter Health secured $55 million to scale its at-home healthcare services, including preventative care like blood draws and screenings.

Multi-Dose Vaccine — Researchers developed particles that deliver multiple vaccine doses in one shot, potentially reducing the need for follow-up jabs.

Battling Blindness — In an industry-first, FutureHouse science agents discovered “a promising new treatment for dry AMD, a major cause of blindness.”