Consumer News: Exercise may be a key factor in preventing dementia

From smart speakers to laptops, Alexa+ is stepping out of the living room and into your browser

• Alexa.com brings Amazons AI assistant to your browser.

• New Alexa+ features let you type or chat instead of just talking.

• Its part of Amazons push to make Alexa a full-fledged AI helper across devices

Amazon just took a bold step in the evolution of its digital assistant Alexa.

The company unveiled Alexa.com, a web-based portal that lets people interact with Alexa+ right from a browser no Echo device required.

This new experience, currently rolling out to Early Access customers, brings the smarter, generative-AI powered version of Alexa to desktops and laptops alongside the voice and mobile interfaces many of us are already used to.

Alexa+ is the next generation of Amazons digital assistant, powered by advanced artificial intelligence and designed to do more than just answer questions it can assist with tasks, plan outings, manage your home, and more.

The launch of Alexa.com marks the first time Amazon is positioning Alexa more like a traditional chatbot experience you might see with competitors like ChatGPT or Googles Gemini.

Whats new with Alexa.com and Alexa+

The core idea behind Alexa.com is simple: make Alexa available wherever you are.

Instead of being tied to a smart speaker or your phone, Alexa+ can now be accessed through a browser window. Once logged in with your Amazon account, you can type or speak to Alexa, ask it in-depth questions, get help with planning, or have it do things for you like updating calendars, creating shopping lists, or controlling compatible smart-home gadgets.

Alexa.com keeps all your chats, preferences, and tasks in context across devices. So if you start planning a trip on your computer, you can pick up the conversation on your phone or Echo later. The AI isnt just reactive; its designed to help with real tasks from organizing documents you upload to suggesting menus and adding groceries to your list all with seamless cross-device continuity.

Amazon has also expanded Alexa+ to work deeply with countless third-party services, letting you book reservations or even coordinate travel. The web launch ties into a broader redesign of the Alexa mobile app, making the assistant feel more like a helper you can talk with naturally and less like a simple voice command tool.

What this means for consumers

For everyday users, the launch of Alexa.com could change how you interact with Amazons AI. Instead of being confined to asking for the weather from a speaker across the room, you can now engage in richer, typed conversations on any device with a browser. That opens up new ways to use Alexa for productivity like drafting emails, planning events, researching topics, or managing life admin without switching between apps.

This also signals Amazons move to position Alexa not just as a voice helper, but as a full-blown AI assistant that can compete with other text-based AI tools. For Prime members, Alexa+ is included without extra cost, while non-Prime users may have to pay a subscription once Early Access ends.

New research shows a clear link between struggling to afford energy and higher rates of anxiety and depression

• Nearly half of U.S. adults report some form of energy insecurity, like trouble paying bills or unsafe home temperatures.

• Adults facing energy insecurity have more than double the odds of experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms.

• The findings come from nationally representative survey data collected between 2022 and 2024.

Imagine having to choose between heating your home and buying food or medicine. For many Americans, thats not a hypothetical dilemmaits reality.

That struggle is part of what researchers define as energy insecurity, or the difficulty households face in meeting basic energy needs such as paying utility bills, maintaining safe indoor temperatures, and keeping appliances running.

In a recent study conducted by researchers from Georgia Tech, researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey, which asks adults about economic and social conditions across the country. The goal was straightforward: to see if people struggling with energy costs also reported signs of anxiety and depression.

The study

Rather than relying on regional or small-scale data, this study analyzed responses from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults collected between late 2022 and fall 2024. Researchers measured energy insecurity in three ways:

1. Inability to pay full or partial energy bills

2. Keeping the home at unsafe or unhealthy temperatures to save money, and

3. Forgoing essential expenses (like food or medicine) to pay for energy costs.

People who reported any of these experiences were categorized as energy insecure.

To assess mental health, shortened versions of standard screening tools for depression and anxiety were used. The team then adjusted their analysis to account for other factors that can influence mental health (like income, employment, food insecurity, and housing conditions) so they could isolate the specific connections with energy hardship.

The results

Out of a weighted sample representing roughly 187 million U.S. adults, about 43% reported experiencing at least one form of energy insecurity in the past year.

After accounting for other social and economic conditions:

• Individuals facing energy insecurity had more than twice the odds of reporting anxiety symptoms compared with energy-secure adults.

• They also had more than twice the odds of reporting symptoms of depression.

These associations held even after adjusting for other stressors like food insecurity or housing instabilitythe results suggest that energy insecurity on its own is strongly linked to mental health challenges among U.S. adults.

Taken together, this research adds to growing evidence that struggling to afford basic utilities isnt just a financial hardshipits a public health concern that may influence emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

While we often talk about food and housing insecurity, fewer people recognize energy as a basic necessity that shapes not only comfort, but also safety and stress, researcher Michelle Graff said in a news release.

Being able to afford your home does not guarantee you can afford to safely heat, cool, or power it.

What this means for consumers

For everyday people, these findings underscore that utility bills arent just another household expense theyre tied to overall well-being. When energy costs take up a large part of a budget, households may face tough trade-offs: choosing between heat or groceries, medication or electricity. These choices add persistent stress that can wear on mental health over time.

Knowing that many others are facing similar challenges may help destigmatize the issue and encourage people to seek support. Programs like utility bill assistance, weatherization services (which improve home energy efficiency), and community mental health resources may help lighten both the financial and emotional load.

DROP eliminates a lengthy process consumers still face elsewhere

• A new California lawlets residents demand deletion of their personal data from hundreds of data brokers with a single request

• The system replaces a cumbersome process that required consumers to contact each broker individually

• Privacy advocates say the change could significantly reduce the mass collection and resale of personal information

Californians have gained a powerful new tool to curb the collection and sale of their personal information, as one of the nations toughest data privacy laws took effect at the start of the year.

The law targets data brokers companies that collect information from a wide range of sources, assemble detailed profiles on individuals, and sell that data to marketers, investigators, and other buyers. According to the California Privacy Protection Agency, more than 500 such companies are currently operating.

A 2024 report from nonprofit Consumer Watchdog found brokers routinely pull data from automakers, tech platforms, restaurants, device manufacturers, and other businesses. The information can include financial details, purchases, family circumstances, travel patterns, eating and exercise habits, entertainment preferences, and more, often affecting millions of people.

Why earlier protections fell short

Californias original Delete Act took effect two years ago, granting residents the right to see what data brokers held about them and to request its deletion.

But the process proved ineffective. Consumer Watchdog found that only about 1% of Californians used those rights in the laws first year. The main reason was the burden placed on consumers: Each deletion request had to be filed separately with every data broker holding their information.

With hundreds of companies involved, the system was too time-consuming and complex for most people to use.

How the new DROP system works

That barrier is now gone. A new law known as DROP short for Delete Request and Opt-out Platform took effect January 1.

DROP allows California residents to submit a single request to delete their personal data and to opt out of future collection. The California Privacy Protection Agency then forwards that request to all registered data brokers on the individuals behalf.

Beginning in August, brokers will have 45 days to report back on the status of each deletion request. If a brokers records match the information provided, all associated data including inferred information must be deleted, unless a narrow legal exemption applies, such as information from direct one-to-one interactions.

To use the system, individuals must first verify that they are California residents.

What consumers can expect

The DROP platform asks users to enter identifying details such as names, email addresses, and device-related information, including vehicle identification numbers and advertising IDs from phones, televisions, and other devices.

Completing the form takes about 15 minutes, much of it spent locating information buried in device settings and online accounts.

While providing more personal information to stop data tracking may seem counterintuitive, privacy officials say the data is used solely to identify and delete records already held by brokers. Advocates argue that the information is already widely circulated in commercial databases, many of which are vulnerable to hacking and resale.

A model for other states?

The new system applies only in California, but privacy experts say it could become a template for broader reforms.

As concerns continue to mount over data hoarding, surveillance marketing, and security breaches involving broker databases, other states may look to Californias approach as a model for giving consumers meaningful control over their personal information.

The viral flavors quietly taking over their winter menu

• Whats new: Starbucks 2026 winter menu adds Caramel Protein drinks, Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Mocha, expanded pistachio options, and new food like Truffle, Mushroom & Brie Egg Bites

• Why it costs more: The drinks bundle premium add-ons like protein milk, pistachio sauce, and chocolate cold foam

• How to save: Ordering custom dupes instead of the named drinks can save $0.75$1.50 per order by starting with a basic latte or matcha and adding flavors individually

The Starbucks winter menu officially hit stores nationwide on January 6, 2026. This year theyre blending some viral trends with a few seasonal favorites. From protein-boosted lattes to dessert-inspired cold brews, heres whats new this season along with some clever tips on how to get these drinks for less.

First, the new winter menu drinks

Protein-Forward Beverages

• Caramel Protein Matcha Unsweetened matcha + protein-boosted milk + caramel syrup (hot or iced).
• Caramel Protein Latte Espresso + protein-boosted milk + caramel syrup.

Both can be ordered with the new sugar-free caramel syrup added to the permanent syrup lineup.

Dubai Chocolate Drinks (Limited Time)

Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate dessert trend, Starbucks added official versions of fan-crafted drinks:

• Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha Matcha, pistachio sauce, milk + chocolate cream cold foam & salted brown-butter topping.
• Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha Espresso + mocha sauce + pistachio cream cold foam & salted brown-butter topping.

Expanded Pistachio Line

Pistachio is sticking around longer as a flavor category this year:

• Pistachio Latte
• Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
• Pistachio Cortado (new espresso-intense version)
• Pistachio Frappuccino
• Pistachio Crme Frappuccino (the no coffee version)

New food items

Starbucks also refreshed its food lineup for winter to pair with drinks:

• Truffle, Mushroom & Brie Egg Bites A richer twist on the classic egg bite line.
• Upgraded Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich Now with Cherrywood-smoked turkey bacon and sharper white cheddar.
• Valentine Cake Pop A seasonal sweet treat returning ahead of February.

4 clever ways to save on these Starbucks drinks

Seasonal menus are fun to try but they can also hit your wallet fast. Here are smart ways consumers can save without missing out:

1. Swap the milk, not the drink

Several of the new drinks (especially the protein and Dubai chocolate ones) get pricey because of premium milk + foam combos.

Instead, try ordering the same drink, but with standard 2% milk and adding one flavor like pistachio or caramel. Itll costs less than the fully built version and youll end up with nearly the same taste.

2. Use Starbucks Rewards to stack freebies

Always pay through the Starbucks app to earn Stars on every purchase.

Stars can be redeemed for free drinks, free food, or even syrup and topping add-ons. This means you can try a Dubai Chocolate drink or Pistachio Cortado for free eventually.

3. DIY Dupes with custom orders

Many of the new drinks added to the Starbucks menu started as secret menu customizations. The popular Dubai Chocolate and protein drinks are perfect examples.

Heres how to order them and save $0.75 to $1.50 per drink:

• Dubai Chocolate: Depending on what drink you want, start with a matcha or latte base, then add some pistachio syrup, then top it with some chocolate cold foam.
• Protein Drinks: Start with a protein boost add-in (if available) then ask for the standard drink instead of the official protein latte. This is key, especially if your store charges less for the add-in than the official drink on the menu.

Always remember that Starbucks baristas can easily create these custom combos for you and in the end, youll pay less than the more expensive named drink.

4. Skip or reduce the extras

That salted brown-butter topping, extra syrups or specialty cold foam look Instagram-worthy, but they add cost.

Instead, ask for half the pumps or no topping and get most of the flavor for a cheaper price.

But unless affordability improves, sales may not rise that much

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• There were an estimated 37.2% more home sellers than buyers in the U.S. housing market in November a gap of about 529,770 people according to a new report from Redfin, the real estate brokerage powered by Rocket.

• The imbalance was the largest on record dating back to 2013, aside from this past summer, and widened from 35.6% in October and 17% a year earlier.

• By Redfins definition, the market has been a buyers market since May 2024, as sellers have consistently outnumbered buyers by more than 10%.

At the start of 2026, the U.S. housing market remained firmly tilted toward buyers, if November housing numbers are any indication. A report by real estate broker Redfin shows sellers outnumbered buyers by 37% during that month and theres been no new data to show thats changed very much.

The report defines a buyers market as one where there are at least 10% more sellers than buyers a threshold the market has surpassed for seven consecutive months. While that dynamic generally gives buyers greater negotiating leverage, Redfin cautions that the advantage applies mainly to those who can afford to purchase a home at todays elevated prices and mortgage rates.

When sellers outnumber buyers, buyers typically hold the negotiating power because they have a lot of options to choose from, the report noted. Of course, its only a buyers market for those who can afford to buy.

And therein lies the conflict. Homes in many markets remain over-priced after significant housing inflation in 2021 and 2022. Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan said affordability remains the key factor keeping many potential buyers on the sidelines.

A modest improvement in housing affordability could bring some homebuyers off the sidelines in 2026, which could narrow the gap between homebuyers and sellers, Khan said. But the housing market is likely to remain in buyers market territory for the foreseeable future, with sellers cutting prices or offering concessions to lure buyers.

Buyers retreat faster than sellers

The number of homebuyers fell sharply in November, dropping 2.5% from October to an estimated 1.43 million. That marked the biggest monthly decline since April 2025 and represented the second-lowest level on record, surpassed only by April 2020, when the pandemic froze much of the housing market. Compared with a year earlier, buyer numbers were down 9.4%.

Sellers also pulled back, but at a slower pace. The number of homesellers declined 1.4% month over month to an estimated 1.95 million, the largest monthly drop since June 2023 and the lowest level since February. Even so, the number of sellers was 6.2% higher than a year earlier.

According to Redfin, buyers are retreating largely due to high housing costs and broader economic uncertainty. Sellers, many of whom also plan to become buyers, are responding to weak demand by delaying listings or pulling homes off the market altogether after months without offers.

Sun Belt dominates buyers markets

Among the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas, 36 were buyers markets in November, with the strongest concentration in the Sun Belt and parts of the West Coast.

Austin, Texas, topped the list, with an estimated 114% more sellers than buyers the widest gap of any major metro. It was followed by San Antonio (106%), Nashville (104%), Fort Lauderdale, Florida (102%), and West Palm Beach, Florida (93.6%).

Redfin attributed much of the imbalance to pandemic-era migration patterns. As buyers flooded into Sun Belt metros from more expensive regions, builders ramped up construction to meet demand. Now, with affordability strained and demand cooling, those areas are left with a surplus of homes.

Northeast and Midwest still favor sellers

At the other end of the spectrum, seven metros qualified as sellers markets, largely in the Northeast and Midwest, where new construction is more limited.

Nassau County, New York, was the strongest sellers market, with 39.1% fewer sellers than buyers. Other sellers markets included Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; Newark and New Brunswick, New Jersey; Milwaukee; San Francisco; and Cleveland.

Home price growth reflected those supply-demand differences. Prices rose an average of 4.8% year over year in sellers markets, compared with 3.2% in balanced markets and just 1.1% in buyers markets a sign that buyers have more leverage where listings are plentiful.