Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Plus: Allbirds pivots to AI, plans to rebrand as NewBird AI
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April 16, 2026
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
News covering the consumer technology industrySIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
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Today's Digital Pulse
 
Data shows high earners will spend more on gadgets
 
CHONGQING, CHINA - JUNE 23: A woman wearing a face mask checks her smartphone while walking past a Prada store, holding a paper shopping bag, on June 23, 2025 in Chongqing, China. (Photo by Cheng Xin/Getty Images)
(Cheng Xin/Getty Images)
Mass affluent consumers — those earning between $200,000 and $2 million annually — are expected to keep spending steadily on consumer electronics in 2026, prioritizing practical benefits over status, with many planning to maintain or increase purchases. These consumers are particularly interested in wearables for health and wellness, with 66% already using devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (4/15)
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Smart Home
 
Traeger fires up backyard cooking with Westwood smart grills
Traeger’s budget Westwood smart grills offer basic functionality, a simplified controller, Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with Traeger’s rail-based accessories, with two models differing primarily in cooking space. Both models include an 18-pound pellet hopper and side and lower shelves for added convenience, while supporting a variety of cooking methods from smoking to grilling within a temperature range of 180-450°F.
Full Story: Engadget (4/15)
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Roku's global reach surpasses 100M streaming homes
The Hollywood Reporter (4/16)
 
 
Govee Lightwall LED the way to smart home ambiance
The Verge (4/16)
 
 
Music to your ears! Denon receiver simplifies home theater setup
Forbes (tiered subscription model) (4/16)
 
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From Blue Chips to Startups
 
GameStop plays its cards right with digital collectibles push
GameStop is set to launch Power Packs, a digital trading card platform that lets users buy digital packs containing PSA-graded physical cards. The platform will feature categories such as Pokémon, basketball, football and baseball.
Full Story: Chain Store Age (4/14)
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Say the word! Canva AI turns convos into design
Engadget (4/16)
 
 
Spotify, indie venues turn up the volume for local bands
Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (4/15)
 
 
Shorts get cut from the feed with new YouTube feature
The Verge (4/15)
 
 
 
 
 
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Tech News
 
Tesla app update gamifies Full Self-Driving usage
 
The Tesla, Inc. logo appears on a smartphone screen in this illustration photo in Reno, United States, on December 20, 2024. (Photo by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(NurPhoto/Getty Images)
Tesla has introduced a self-driving app that simplifies subscription to the Full Self-Driving software and provides detailed usage statistics, including multiday streaks. The app aims to boost FSD adoption and is available only for vehicles with the A14 chip.
Full Story: TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (4/14)
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Padel app rallies strangers into on-court connections
Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (4/14)
 
 
Roadmap to used EVs before shifting gears
Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (4/10)
 
 
Mac users get Gemini shortcut for quick AI access
PC Magazine (4/16)