Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Plus: AI complicates customer service as expectations rise
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May 21, 2026
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
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Today's Digital Pulse
 
Ex-Calm CEO champions a more mindful approach to AI
 
Ex-Calm CEO champions a more mindful approach to AI
Ko (LinkedIn)
David Ko, former CEO of wellness app Calm, shares advice on preserving humanity amid the rise of artificial intelligence. Ko, who left Calm to focus on AI safety for children, emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, intentional use of time saved by AI and frequent, low-stakes conversations with children about AI.
Full Story: Axios (5/20)
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Smart Home
 
Maka Kids streaming app aims for smarter screen time
Maka Kids is launching a streaming app specifically designed for children ages 6 and younger, focusing on healthy development rather than maximizing screen time or engagement. The platform avoids recommendation algorithms, ads and autoplay, instead offering a predictable and calm viewing experience. Parents can curate content for their children based on developmentally relevant themes such as kindness, STEM and emotional regulation.
Full Story: TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (5/21)
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Dreame keeps it cool with a quiet, dehumidifying smart AC
T3 (5/17)
 
 
Sugoi! Bang & Olufsen, Hiroshi Fujiwara collab on audio lineup
Wallpaper (5/19)
 
 
Lepro Smart TV Backlight makes setup simple and fast
T3 (5/19)
 
More than just flexible, online courses.
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From Blue Chips to Startups
 
Ford envisions spare wheel wireless charging
 
A Ford emblem on a 2026 Ford F-150 pickup truck during the 2026 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in New York, US, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The event, which first opened in November 1900, is North America's oldest and largest attended auto show. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Ford Motor has filed a patent application for a wireless charging system that uses the spare wheel. The system, which would lower the spare wheel to reduce the distance to the charging pad, aims to improve reliability and efficiency without requiring extra space.
Full Story: Ford Authority (5/18)
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Google draws up AI blueprint with search, agents, models
Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (5/19)
 
 
Streaming giants strengthen leagues’ leverage in sports rights
NewscastStudio (5/21)
 
 
Need car rentals, food, airport pickups? Airbnb has you covered
Engadget (5/20)
 
B2B Success in the Age of AEO
Discover how answer engine optimization (AEO) is transforming B2B marketing by aligning content strategies with AI-driven search engines. Learn essential techniques to excel in this evolving landscape. Explore best practices in this comprehensive guide.
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Free eBooks and Resources
 
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Nonverbal Communications Skills -- The 10 Skills You Need to Learn
 
 
70+ Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows (Free Cheat Sheet)
 
 
Best Practices for Email Etiquette
 
 
11 Habits That Will Give You A Complete And Successful Life
 
 
Creating Positive Habits - The Ultimate Guide