Fairphone, known for its ethical and repairable smartphones, is finally entering the US market—but it’s starting with something other than phones: over-ear headphones called Fairbuds XL. Launching on Amazon later this month, these are a natural extension of Fairphone’s mission to build durable products that prioritize sustainability and fair labor practices.
While the company boasts impressive 61% revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025 compared to 2024—likely driven by its latest phone release, The Fairphone (Gen 6)—Fairbuds XL represent a calculated move into US consumer consciousness. Bringing smartphones stateside is more complex due to carrier certifications and other regulations, but Fairphone assures WIRED that “advanced discussions” are underway with retailers and carriers.
Meanwhile, across the tech landscape, Meta continues its quest to bring all its apps under one virtual roof. Following Instagram’s debut on iPad earlier this year, WhatsApp is now available for Apple Watch. This isn’t just a notification hub, though; users can read full messages, send voice recordings, and even react with emojis—a feature previously missing from the smartwatch platform.
The WhatsApp watch app syncs seamlessly with your iPhone, relying on it for calls (you can see who’s calling but not answer or make calls directly on the watch). And while you can’t add a WhatsApp complication to your Apple Watch face yet, the addition represents another step towards consolidating messaging across all our devices.
Budget 5G Gets Cheaper and More Powerful
Motorola is jumping into the increasingly crowded budget smartphone market with two new contenders: the Moto G 2026 and Moto G Play 2026. The duo share a familiar design language, reminiscent of their 2025 counterparts, but they pack some noteworthy upgrades.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Moto G Play 2026’s 5G connectivity at just $170. This makes it one of the most affordable 5G-enabled phones on the market. Both models boast large 6.7-inch, 120Hz LCD screens, sizable 5,200mAh batteries for extended use, and IP52 water resistance—a welcome feature at this price point.
Underneath the hood lies MediaTek’s Dimensity 6300 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. The Moto G offers a generous 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card, while the Moto G Play settles for 64GB (also expandable). The camera setup is where the phones diverge: the Moto G features a 50MP main sensor, while the Moto G Play employs a 32MP sensor. Both retain the increasingly rare headphone jack—a definite win for audiophiles on a budget.
Motorola will release the Moto G Play on November 13th through Motorola, Best Buy, and Amazon. The $200 Moto G follows later on December 11th (exclusively via Motorola), followed by wider availability at Best Buy and Amazon on January 15th.
Canon’s R6 III Aims for the Pros
Canon has officially unveiled the much-anticipated EOS R6 Mark III full-frame mirrorless camera, aiming squarely at the professional photography market. This powerful device boasts a newly developed 32.5-megapixel sensor (shared with the EOS C50 cinema camera) and Canon’s latest Digic X processor, elevating its performance to rival more expensive models like the R5 and R1.
While retaining the same 3.69-million-dot EVF and articulating 3-inch touchscreen as its predecessor, the R6 III introduces several key upgrades. A new, larger battery powers its demanding features, and a CFexpress Type B card slot joins the mix for high-speed data handling—a boon for photographers capturing images at blistering speeds.
The autofocus system, lifted directly from the flagship R5, is a major advancement, offering unparalleled precision and speed. This translates to shooting full-resolution RAW images with continuous autofocus at up to an astonishing 40 frames per second (12 fps using a mechanical shutter).
Video capabilities are equally impressive. The R6 III captures oversampled 4Kp60 video, along with higher resolutions like 7K RAW and 7K Open Gate. Professional features like waveform monitoring, focus acceleration and deceleration round out its cinema-quality credentials.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark III arrives later this month for $2,799 (body only). Various kit options are available, including one with the RF 24-105mm f/4L lens priced at $4,049, making it a tempting proposition for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Preorders are open now through retailers like B&H Photo.
Teenage Engineering Invites You to Jam Reggae with Their New Kit
Teenage Engineering, renowned for its impeccably designed and sonically delightful musical instruments, has unveiled a new tool aimed squarely at fans of Caribbean rhythms: the Caribbean Recording Kit.
This intriguing kit combines a unique sample-loaded microphone and a dedicated sampler—both carefully crafted by Teenage Engineering’s design team—to capture the essence of dancehall, reggae, and Jamaican beats. With its distinct aesthetic appeal and reputation for producing high-quality musical tools, this kit promises to become a favorite among producers, musicians, and anyone looking to add some island flavor to their soundtracks.
