ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Spotify's suspected AI band to Nothing's first over-ear headphones

The Xbox Series X Digital next to the new Dyson Airwrap and Nothing Headphone (1)
(Image credit: Future / Dyson)

It's been another busy week in the tech world – although next week, with Amazon Prime Day and Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, promises to be even bigger.

But that's all still a few days away, so what's been happening this week? Well, we investigated a band which could be entirely AI-generated, tested two new Nothing devices, and checked our Anker power banks to see if they needed to be recalled.

To catch up on all this and more, scroll down for our round-up of the seven biggest tech stories of the past seven days.

And once you're up to speed be sure to read our guide to the 7 new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend (July 4).

7. We investigated The Velvet Sundown mystery

The Velvet Sundown playing 'live'

(Image credit: The Velvet Sundown)

It was always only a matter of time before AI-generated music had its first big breakthrough, so we weren't at all surprised when The Velvet Sundown crashed the Spotify and Apple Music party this week.

This 'band' have amassed a staggering 860,000+ monthly Spotify listeners, despite (allegedly) not even existing – or do they?

The Velvet Sundown’s profile picture certainly appears to be an AI-generated image and the band’s music, which is a blend of wistful lyrics and mellow psychedelic rock, definitely sounds as if it could have been created by AI.

Deezer even went as far as to flag it as AI-generated, but Spotify and Apply hadn't followed suit at the time of writing – leaving many to wonder why the bigger streaming services weren't doing the same thing.

To add a twist to the story, there appear to be rival spokespersons for the band, each claiming to represent them and each giving quotes to the media. Maybe one day we’ll know the true story behind The Velvet Sundown, but until then, they’ll remain Dust on the wind.

6. Anker recalled several power banks

The Anker MagGo power bank on a grey background

(Image credit: Anker)

If you own an Anker power bank, it might be wise to check its model number – this week, the Chinese tech giant recalled no less than five models due to a potential fire risk with their lithium-ion batteries. This followed the recall of another model, the PowerCore 1000 (A1263), in early June, with the new warning including models from its MagGo and Zolo ranges.

Some of the recalls only affect units manufactured between certain dates and Anker has only issued a ‘voluntary recall’ notice. But it’s still well worth checking, as you could be due a free replacement or a gift card.

To find out, check out our guide below, which includes links to all of the recall forms and information you need.

5. Xbox hardware was declared ‘dead’

Xbox Series X

(Image credit: Future)

Former Microsoft Game Studios executive producer Laura Fryer blasted Xbox in a video posted to her YouTube channel, arguing that the brand’s hardware is effectively “dead”. This comes off the back of the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X last month, which she suggests is indicative of Microsoft’s reluctance to create its own new hardware going forward.

It's "much easier to slap an Xbox sticker on an existing piece of hardware and call it a day," she said. "From my perspective, it looks like Xbox has no desire or literally can't ship hardware anymore."

Fryer also drew attention to some of the wider issues plaguing the brand, such as a lack of compelling exclusive experiences. The protracted development cycles of upcoming titles such as State of Decay 3 (which was originally announced more than five years ago), Fable, and the since-canceled Perfect Dark remake, she warned, risk leaving consumers without a compelling reason to consider any future Xbox systems.

4. Dyson launched an all-powerful new Airwrap

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x multi-styler

(Image credit: Dyson)

The Dyson Airwrap is already considered the best multi-styler you can buy, and the next-gen version looks even better.

The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x is smaller and lighter yet more powerful than its predecessor, so you can style for long periods without needing guns like Arnie. Dyson has also added attachment memory – so the dryer will recognize which attachment is clipped on, then automatically switch to your last-used settings.

Perhaps most intriguing is a new AirSmooth2x tool, designed for creating straight styles. The styler clamps your hair between two plates and blasts it with directed air to smooth it out, like a mini Dyson Airstrait.

3. This prompt transformed ChatGPT for us

ChatGPT on a mobile phone.

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Alex Photo Stock)

The way you prompt ChatGPT can completely change the way the AI chatbot responds to you, and there’s no better example than this excellent learning tool we found on Reddit.

Reddit user u/AzAI-W has engineered an incredibly in-depth learning prompt that can help you get info on everything and anything. Think of it as an AI encyclopaedia, filled with an endless amount of knowledge and the ability to ask the right questions to teach you about any topic.

2. We tried Nothing's first ever headphones

The Nothing Headphone (1) worn by a man

(Image credit: Future)

Nothing launched its first over-ear headphones – the Headphone (1) – and we had some pretty mixed feelings about them. And I’m not even talking about the design, which has proven divisive within the TechRadar office and online.

They’re crammed with features that all work excellently, from strong customizable noise cancellation, to head-tracking for spatial audio, to a really cool Bass Enhancer feature and a great EQ. The app is also really easy to use, and the build quality and physical controls – which include a great rolling button that we absolutely love – are excellent. Battery life is above average too.

However, we stumbled on the sound. They don’t sound bad at all – they’re very well-balanced – but they had some hard limits compared to the competition at the same price, and for $299 / £299, we expected more.

1. We held Nothing’s 'first true flagship'

The Nothing Phone 3 in a plastic bag

(Image credit: Nothing)

Nothing’s “first true flagship”, the Nothing Phone 3, was finally unveiled to the world this week, and our initial reaction to the totally bonkers-looking device was one of both surprise and respect.

“It’s an outlandish creation with specs to rival some of the best phones – and I think it could be the most interesting flagship launch of the year,” wrote Phones Editor Axel Metz in his hands-on preview of the Nothing Phone 3.

The headline new feature is Glyph Matrix: a small dot-matrix display that sits in the top-right corner of the Phone 3’s rear panel. A reimagining of the Glyph Interface from previous Nothing phones, it’s capable of displaying person-specific notifications, monochromatic ‘Glyph Toys’ (read: party games), and other helpful functions.

Then there’s the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, the triple-lens 50MP camera setup, and the 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery, all of which should help the Phone 3 compete against the best Android phones on the market.

It’s available to pre-order now from Nothing directly for $799 / £799 / AU$1,509, with open sales set to begin globally on July 15. We’re currently putting the new device through its paces, so stay tuned for our full review in the coming weeks.

Hamish Hector
Senior Staff Writer, News

Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar and you’ll see his name appearing on articles across nearly every topic on the site from smart home deals to speaker reviews to graphics card news and everything in between. He uses his broad range of knowledge to help explain the latest gadgets and if they’re a must-buy or a fad fueled by hype. Though his specialty is writing about everything going on in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality.

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