Major tech companies have faced significant losses and challenges with their voice-based computing platforms.

• Microsoft's Cortana was shut down completely after failing in the market.
• Amazon's Alexa business lost $1 billion per year, despite Jeff Bezos's ambition to dominate the voice computing segment.
• Google's voice assistant lost momentum, with no new dedicated devices released in almost three years.

The average consumer uses voice assistants for simple tasks, and companies have struggled to make them do complex tasks or generate profit.

• Consumers primarily use voice assistants for setting timers and controlling smart home devices.
• Apple's Siri has seen few meaningful updates, with even minor improvements making headlines.
• Despite improvements over time, voice-based computing has generally been a disappointment for tech giants.

New companies claim that upcoming voice-based computing technologies will finally meet the high expectations set by science fiction.

• Companies like Humane and Meta are working on new voice-based computing devices that they claim will be transformative.
• These devices are expected to use generative AI, advanced computer vision, and are designed to be wearable and always on.

The Humane AI pin and Meta's Rayband glasses feature voice AI, but their practicality as the future of personal computing is questionable.

• Humane's AI pin is marketed as a smartphone replacement, a claim considered out of touch with reality.
• The AI pin's setup requires a computer, highlighting the impracticality of voice-only devices.
• Meta's approach with Rayband glasses as an accessory to smartphones seems more sensible.

iFixit offers repair kits and encourages repairing devices over buying new ones, providing a sustainable alternative for the holidays.

• iFixit has Black Friday and holiday deals for repair kits.
• The kits help fix existing devices, reducing E-waste and granting control over gadgets.
• iFixit provides high-quality repair tools and comprehensive repair guides.