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What’s up, Tech Squad? Apple just killed the budget iPhone, Amazon wants you to pay for Alexa’s new AI features, and Instagram might spin Reels into its own app. Let’s get into the biggest tech stories of the week.

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Apple Just Killed the Budget iPhone

The iPhone 16e: A Budget Phone in Name Only

The days of a truly affordable iPhone are over. Enter the iPhone 16e, Apple's new entry-level model—but at a higher price than the outgoing iPhone SE. So, is it worth it? Let's dive in (and don’t miss my full video review above!)

Apple’s C1 Modem – A Game-Changer? 🏆

The biggest shift here is Apple’s first in-house C1 modem, replacing Qualcomm. Apple claims better power efficiencyand strong 5G performance, though mmWave 5G is missing (sorry, Verizon Ultra Wideband users). In speed tests, it holds up surprisingly well, even beating the iPhone 16 Pro Max in some cases. No complaints there.

Display: How Bright Is It? 💡

The 6.1-inch OLED display is solid but lacks the brightness boost of the standard iPhone 16. If you spend a lot of time outside, you will notice the difference.

Camera: Functional, But Not Groundbreaking 📸

The 16e features a 48MP Fusion camera (not the same as the iPhone 16’s) with 2x telephoto zoom via sensor cropping. The front-facing 12MP camera is fine but lacks advanced stabilization, making low-light shots a little noisier.

Performance: A18 Chip and Battery Life ⚡

Powered by the A18 chip, the 16e is fast and efficient. Battery life is one of its strongest points, beating the iPhone 16 in longevity. However, charging speeds remain the same (20W wired, no MagSafe wireless charging).

How Does It Stack Up? 🔄

• Vs. iPhone SE 3 – Huge upgrade in design, battery life, and display.

• Vs. iPhone 11 – Faster, better screen, better battery, but no ultra-wide camera.

• Vs. iPhone 16 – Brighter display, better cameras, mmWave support make the iPhone 16 a stronger option for just a bit more money.

The Verdict: The iPhone 16e is… Fine 💬

For $599, the iPhone 16e is a decent phone, but not the best value. If you must have a brand-new iPhone, it’s an option. But for the same price, you can get a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, which offers:

• 120Hz ProMotion display (way smoother than 60Hz on the 16e)

• Triple-camera system (real telephoto + ultra-wide lenses)

• Titanium frame, Dynamic Island, faster USB-C

• A17 Pro chip (more future-proof)

Bottom line? If you're open to a refurbished model, the iPhone 15 Pro is a MUCH better deal. Otherwise, the iPhone 16e is… just okay.

VIDEO: Apple C1 Modem Speed Test

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Amazon’s Alexa+ Wants to Be Your Go-To Assistant

After a long wait, Amazon finally unveiled Alexa+, its next-gen digital assistant, at an event led by Panos Panay. The company hopes this revamped AI will become your first choice over Google Assistant and Siri.

What’s New? 🤖

Alexa+ still does the basics—controlling smart devices, playing music, and setting routines—but now, it’s much more conversational. Think of it like chatting with a friend:

• Ask about the weather, then segue into plans for the day.

• Have it check your Ring cameras for nighttime activity.

• Ask for show tickets and local business ratings.

• Scan and understand handwritten grocery lists and instruction manuals.

Amazon wants Alexa+ to be the first thing you turn to instead of Google Search or Apple Intelligence.

Competing with Google and Apple 📱

Amazon has been playing catch-up while Google launched its Gemini AI and Apple turbocharged Siri with its Apple Intelligence initiative. But Alexa+ is aiming to carve out a niche by focusing on seamless shopping, smart home integration, and proactive assistance.

The Catch? It’s Not Free 💰

Alexa+ works with most Echo devices, including the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and the massive 21-inch Echo Show 21. But here’s the kicker:

• Alexa+ costs $20/month for non-Prime members.

• Prime members get it for free.

Amazon is betting that if you already live in its ecosystem, you’ll find Alexa+ worth the price—or at least be too deep into Prime perks to leave.

Instagram’s Reels May Become a Standalone App

Instagram is reportedly considering spinning off Reels into its own standalone app, a move that could help it capitalize on TikTok’s potential ban in the U.S. According to The Information, Instagram head Adam Mosseri discussed the plans with staff this week.

Why Now? 🤔

TikTok, with 170 million U.S. users, is still in limbo after receiving a 75-day extension before a potential ban. Meta is looking to fill that void with Project Ray, an initiative focused on:

• A dedicated Reels app to improve discovery and engagement.

• More three-minute-long videos to rival TikTok’s content strategy.

• Enhanced recommendation algorithms to boost creator visibility.

A Second Shot at a TikTok Rival 🔄

If Reels does get its own app, it would be Meta’s second attempt at a standalone short-video platform. The company previously launched Lasso in 2018, only to shut it down in 2020 to focus on integrating Reels into Instagram.

The Big Question ❓

Would a standalone Reels app work better than its Instagram integration? If TikTok faces further legal troubles, Meta could be well-positioned to swoop in with a ready-made alternative. Stay tuned.