Both sizes of Apple’s smart speaker got an update to HomePod Software Version 14.2.1 on Monday. The new system software promises just general improvements. It’s not yet known if that includes squashing a reported bug in Wi-Fi connectivity for the HomePod mini.

California will launch a COVID-19 exposure-notification system Thursday that uses smartphones to track interactions with infected people.

The state “has partnered with Google and Apple to launch a #COVID19 exposure notification app, CA Notify,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday on Twitter. “Starting Thursday, you can opt in to get push notifications on your phone if you have been exposed to COVID-19.”

Traveling can be stressful enough as it is — and the last thing you want is your luggage to be the factor that makes your plans go awry. While this Genius Pack Supercharged Carry On won’t necessarily prevent missed flights or long layovers, it can certainly help you get smoothly from point A to point B. Plus, it includes two external USB ports so you can keep your iPhone or iPad charged on the go.

You can make like an intergalactic outlaw or keep in touch like a pro with two of the new apps and updates featured in the week’s roundup. And the other two featured apps show off the growing versatility of macOS Big Sur and CarPlay, two Apple platforms that deserve a little extra love.

Get the scoop in this week’s edition of Awesome Apps of the Week.

When we published a Setups post with the headline “This desk has a minimalism level of over 9,000,” consultant Mike Leardo felt compelled to send in his own rig to show what peak minimalism really looks like.

You can’t get more minimalist than this — mouse, keyboard and screen.

It’s going to be a long winter. If you’re planning to spend some time outside of your house, for essential errands or to get some fresh air, it’s important that you do everything you can to protect yourself and those in your household and community. Not only will these on-sale products keep you safe, but they’ll also give you peace of mind this holiday season and beyond.

Amazon is now offering the biggest discount we’ve seen so far on Powerbeats Pro. Pick up brand-new units for as little as $149.95 — a full $100 off the normal selling price — for a limited time only.

Anthony Ivanovsky is a Toronto-based marketing expert and IT manager who has a knack for gadgets, both big and small. In his setup, an MSI Optix MAG341CQ 34-inch UltraWide Curved Gaming Monitor immediately draws the eye. And at $500, it costs considerably less than other ultrawides on the market.

On the left-hand side of his desk, standing like a monument, is the commanding Mac Pro. He uses this beast of a machine for video editing, photo editing and for his day job working for a tech startup. Aside from the base Radeon 580X, he also has two additional Radeon VII graphic cards, which may seem like overkill until you learn that he also runs three different YouTube channels.

There are no two things more chaotic in life than 1) a desk full of tangled wires and 2) a low iPhone battery. In fact, in a time-management study, 91% of people said they would be more efficient if their workspace was better organized.

Thankfully, you can organize your space and boost your productivity with this sleek Magnetic Power Tiles 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, on sale now for $39.99.

Pick up a brand-new sixth-generation iPod touch at its lowest price yet, thanks to big discounts from Woot. You can pick up a 32GB model for just $139.99 — its lowest price yet — for a limited time.

Bag yours before they’re all gone!