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A virtual private network (VPN) is useful in several ways - a good one can stream foreign TV shows and events, protect your information from cybercrime and thwart those online trackers that show you creepily invasive ads. Although we strongly recommend using a VPN, a bit of comparison shopping goes a long way in this market. The pricing you see on VPN websites is often not an accurate portrayal of what you'll actually pay.Even so, there are some great bargains on the table. VPN providers want to boost their subscriber numbers, so they give out steep discounts to customers who sign up for a year or more at once. This is a win for you as well - while you pay out more upfront, if you divide the cost by the months of service, it's significantly cheaper over time.Most of the deals we highlight below follow that pattern, so make sure you're comfortable with a longer commitment before you take the plunge. If you've been thinking about subscribing to a VPN service, read on for the best VPN deals we could find right now.Best VPN dealsExpressVPN Basic - $97.72 for a two-year subscription with four months free (73 percent off): This is one of the best VPNs, especially for new users, who will find its apps and website headache-free on all platforms. In tests for my ExpressVPN review, it dropped my download speeds by less than 7 percent and successfully changed my virtual location 14 out of 15 times. In short, it's an all-around excellent service that only suffers from being a little overpriced - which is why I'm so excited whenever I find it offering a decent deal. This deal, which gets you 28 months of ExpressVPN service, represents a 73 percent savings.ExpressVPN Advanced - $125.72 for a two-year subscription with four months free (67 percent off): ExpressVPN recently split its pricing into multiple tiers, but they all still come with similar discounts for going long. In addition to top-tier VPN service, advanced users get two additional simultaneous connections (for a total of 12), the ExpressVPN Keys password manager, advanced ad and tracker blocking, ID protection features and a 50 percent discount on an AirCove router.NordVPN Basic - $80.73 for a two-year subscription with three months free (74 percent off): NordVPN gets the most important parts of a VPN right. It's fast, it doesn't leak any of your data and it's great at changing your virtual location. I noted in my NordVPN review that it always connects quickly and includes a support page that makes it easy to get live help. Although I'm sad to see it shutting down Meshnet, NordVPN still includes a lot of cool features, like servers that instantly connect you to Tor. This early Black Friday deal gives you 74 percent off the two-year plan, which also comes with three extra months.NordVPN Plus - $105.03 for a two-year subscription with three months free (74 percent off): In another early Black Friday discount, NordVPN has also taken 74 percent off its Plus subscription. For only a little more, you get a powerful ad and tracker blocker that can also catch malware downloads, plus access to the NordPass password manager. A Plus plan also adds a data breach scanner that checks the dark web for your sensitive information.Surfshark Starter - $53.73 for a two-year subscription with three months free (87 percent off): This is the "basic" level of Surfshark, but it includes the entire VPN; everything on Surfshark One is an extra perk. With this subscription, you'll get some of the most envelope-pushing features in the VPN world right now. Surfshark can rotate your IP constantly to help you evade detection - it even lets you choose your own entry and exit nodes for a double-hop connection. That all comes with a near-invisible impact on download speeds. With this year-round deal, you can save 87 percent on 27 months of Surfshark.Surfshark One - $59.13 for a two-year subscription with three months free (88 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware) and Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach), plus Surfshark Search and Alternative ID from the tier below. This extra-low deal gives you 88 percent off all those features. If you bump up to Surfshark One+, you'll also get data removal through Incogni, but the price jumps enough that it's not quite worthwhile in my eyes.CyberGhost - $56.94 for a two-year subscription with two months free (83 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers - I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Currently, you can get 26 months of CyberGhost for 83 percent off the usual price.hide.me - $59.95 for a two-year subscription with five months free (79 percent off): Hide.me is an excellent free VPN - in fact, it's my favorite on the market, even with EventVPN and the free version of Proton VPN as competition. If you do want to upgrade to its paid plan, though, the two-year subscription offers great savings. Hide.me works well as a no-frills beginner VPN, with apps and a server network it should frankly be charging more for.Private Internet Access - $79.20 for a three-year subscription with four months free (83 percent off): It's a bit hard to find (the link at the start of this paragraph includes the coupon), but Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 39 months of PIA for a little bit over $2 per month - an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA has plenty of features, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected.What makes a good VPN dealPractically every VPN heavily discounts its long-term subscriptions year-round, with even sharper discounts around occasions like Black Friday/Cyber Monday. The only noteworthy exception is Mullvad, the Costco hot dog of VPNs (that's a compliment, to be clear). When there's constantly a huge discount going on, it can be hard to tell when you're actually getting a good deal. The best way to squeeze out more savings is to look for seasonal deals, student discounts or exclusive sales like Proton VPN's coupon for Engadget readers.One trick VPNs often use is to add extra months onto an introductory deal, pushing the average monthly price even lower. When it comes time to renew, you usually can't get these extra months again. You often can't even renew for the same basic period of time - for example, you may only be able to renew a two-year subscription for one year. If you're planning to hold onto a VPN indefinitely, check the fine print to see how much it will cost per month after the first renewal, and ensure that fits into your budget.Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-vpn-deals-88-percent-discounts-on-protonvpn-surfshark-expressvpn-nordvpn-and-more-120056913.html?src=rss

Apple is rolling out a new feature that lets users store US passports in the official Wallet app. This will allow travelers to present this digital ID as a valid form of identification at TSA checkout lines at airports.In other words, folks with a passport who have yet to upgrade a driver's license to a Real ID will be able to board a plane without bringing a physical copy of that passport to the airport. This whole Real ID thing has been a source of frustration to many, so I appreciate any effort to make traveling a bit easier.This ID will be visible on both iPhones and the Apple Watch and Apple says the service is being implemented at TSA checkpoints across more than 250 US-based airports. It's only used for ID on domestic flights; if you're planning to travel internationally you'll still need a physical passport.Also, not all TSA readers have been implemented with the technology to scan these digital IDs just yet, according to TechCrunch. You might want to bring along a paper passport for the time being to let the TSA and Apple get their ducks in a row.Apple The company has plans to expand this feature beyond air travel. Apple says businesses will eventually be able to accept these IDs for the purposes of age verification. This Digital ID feature was first announced as part of iOS 26 and also adds passports to the list of existing government IDs supported in Apple Wallet.Adding a passport seems simple enough. Just head to the Wallet app and follow the prompts. Users will have to pose for a selfie and complete a series of facial and head movements for security.The wallet platform also accepts driver's licences and state IDs, but only in 12 states and Puerto Rico. These won't be valid for flying, however, as neither is a Real ID or passport.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-introduces-a-new-digital-id-feature-to-make-boarding-flights-easier-175130213.html?src=rss

It's been four years since the wonderful Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and, especially given the rate at which developer Insomniac churns out great games, I had hoped we wouldn't have to wait too much longer for another installment of the long-running action platformer series. As it turns out, there is a new Ratchet & Clank game coming soon, just not on PS5.Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is a fast-paced" multiplayer arena shooter that's coming to iOS and Android soon. In fact, according to the game's website, it's already available in select countries. Folks in other locales who are interested can pre-register.Mobile developer Oh BiBi took the reins from Insomniac for this one. There are still platforming elements in Ranger Rumble. It looks quite colorful and you'll have a variety of weapons, abilities and characters at your disposal. There are several game modes, including a soccer-style one. Ranger Rumble is free-to-play, though it will likely have microtransactions. For what it's worth, you'll be able to customize your characters.This isn't the first time that the Ratchet & Clank series has made its way to mobile. Ratchet & Clank: Going Mobile debuted in 2005, before the arrival of iPhone and Android devices. Endless runner Before the Nexus arrived eight years later.A sequel to Going Mobile called Ratchet & Clank: Clone Home was originally slated to hit Java phones in 2006 before it was canceled. However, dedicated fans found a phone that had a copy of the game on it, then cracked the device's encryption and last month made Clone Home available for anyone to download.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/a-ratchet-and-clank-multiplayer-game-is-coming-to-ios-and-android-soon-172634125.html?src=rss

Waymo is bringing its driverless cars to freeways in three major US cities and the surrounding environs. These areas include San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles.The platform didn't say how many of these vehicles have been greenlit to take to the freeway, other than noting that "a growing number of public riders" will be given access. At the very least, families will be able to play a new road trip game in which they point out cars with weird spinning LiDAR units on the roof.The Google-owned ridesharing company says that these freeway rides can be used for daily commutes, traveling to various airports or just joyriding from, say, downtown LA to Culver City. The San Francisco service area is particularly large, stretching across the entire peninsula. The newly-expanded service goes all the way down to San Jose, including the San Jose Mineta International Airport.WaymoThis is just the beginning of this freeway expansion, assuming everything goes well in these early phases. To that end, the platform says its vehicles have already logged "millions of miles" on freeways and that they are adept at "skillfully handling highway dynamics."Waymo notes that it's planning something similar for Austin, Atlanta and other unannounced regions. It's also bringing its driverless cars to San Diego, Detroit and Las Vegas next year, but those won't be going on freeways just yet.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymos-driverless-cars-will-start-driving-on-freeways-in-three-us-cities-171654775.html?src=rss

It's not always easy to find gifts for dads, especially for those who are often quick to snap up whatever they need on their own. But even the geekiest and most well-informed dads have blind spots - the trick is to find something they've never heard of, but could actually make their lives useful. We've collected some of our favorite dadcore gift ideas, which would suit everyone from a complete gadgetphobe to a total techie. Best gifts for dads Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-11-best-gifts-for-dads-for-2025-170014823.html?src=rss

Backbone just released a new Pro version of its Xbox controller. The Backbone Pro Xbox Edition looks like an improvement over the pre-existing One controller in nearly every way.It's still a USB-C shell that wraps around a phone or related device, but the actual controller is now more in league with an actual Xbox gamepad. It features full-size control sticks, hall effect triggers and two customizable back buttons. Most of the inputs can be remapped. This should make plowing through that Game Pass library an absolute breeze.To that end, this controller has Bluetooth. This means you won't have to rely on a smartphone or whatever device can physically attach to the gamepad. Game Pass has become available on all kinds of platforms in recent years, from PCs and smart TVs to Meta Quest VR headsets. This opens up all of that. The company promises a simplified "tap and play" experience.BackboneThis Bluetooth mode does offer 40 hours of battery life per charge. The smartphone powers it when using it in a wired configuration, so it'll last as long as the phone does. The controllers pair with a proprietary app that allows for the aforementioned remapping and other customization options.The controller is available right now at brick and mortar locations like Best Buy and digital storefronts such as Amazon. It costs $180 and ships with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. The only potential downside here is Game Pass itself. The price keeps going up.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/backbone-launches-pro-xbox-edition-controller-with-bluetooth-and-an-updated-design-170018809.html?src=rss

The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) has issued formal legal claims against Rockstar Games, which it has accused of union busting. The Grand Theft Auto VI developer last month fired dozens of employees who were organizing.The IWGB said in a statement it made several attempts to meet with Rockstar with the aim of resolving the situation through negotiations, but claimed the studio rebuffed the union. It's now looking to take the matter before a court. We have now issued formal legal claims against Rockstar on behalf of the claimants," the IWGB said. It added that it believed the firings amount to victimization and collective dismissal linked to trade union activity." The union previously said that all of those who Rockstar fired were members of the members of an IWGB Game Workers Union Discord server.Alex Marshall, the president of IWGB pledged that the union will mount a full legal defense with our expert group of caseworkers, legal officers and barristers. Employers like Rockstar would do well to understand that private spaces such as trade union Discord servers have protections, and that their company's contractual clauses do not supersede UK law." Marshall added that the union will not be intimidated."Rockstar claimed that it fired the more than 30 workers in question for gross misconduct, and for no other reason" and it accused them of distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum." Engadget has asked the company, which last week delayed GTA VI by a further six months, to comment on IWGB issuing legal claims against it.People Make Games reported this week that a collective of workers called the Rockstar Games Workers' Union had recruited just over 10 percent of the company's UK workforce to join. That's one of the benchmarks needed to apply for statutory recognition in the country. If that were granted, the government would be able to force Rockstar to recognize the union. The Rockstar Games Workers' Union was said to be just weeks away from formally announcing its existence before Rockstar allegedly fired a majority of the organizing committee.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/union-files-legal-claims-against-rockstar-games-following-alleged-union-busting-165033747.html?src=rss

Airbnb is testing a service in which guests can order groceries through Instacart, as reported by Bloomberg. This may not sound like a big deal at first, because guests can already use any grocery app during their stay to stock the house up with snacks. However, this service can be accessed by customers before their stay.This means that folks can prepare for, say, a barbecue or similar event ahead of time. I can see this being pretty dang useful around certain holidays. This duty falls to the hosts, who will have to actually put the groceries away.Airbnb will give hosts $25 for every completed order, so long as they tuck the food away before the guests arrive. Guests can, of course, order groceries through Instacart during their stay, though they'll have to put them away on their own. Customers will be allowed to place an Instacart order up to three weeks before their stay.This pilot program begins on January 5 and Airbnb will be testing it for three months to see how guests and hosts react. It'll be open to "select hosts" throughout the US in areas like Phoenix, Orlando and Los Angeles.This is just the latest unique integration for Airbnb. The platform teamed up with ChargePoint last year to offer hosts discounts on EV chargers. This is an effort to entice hosts to install chargers on the premises.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/airbnb-tests-letting-users-order-groceries-through-instacart-161340408.html?src=rss

Plenty of companies have promised to produce a gaming laptop that could be upgraded over time. If we're honest, nobody has managed to properly deliver on that pledge until now, as Framework launches a meaningful CPU and GPU upgrade for the Laptop 16. Almost two years after the machine first went on sale, you can now swap out its discrete Radeon RX 7700S for NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5070. If the company deserves a standing ovation for that feat, then it gets an extra prize for bringing an NVIDIA GPU to AMD's hinterland.HardwareFramework's late-2025 upgrade for the laptop is arguably more important than every product it's released since its very first. It's the first chance for users (of any laptop, really) to swap out or add a discrete GPU to an existing machine. If you bought the first-generation model, you could have relied on the integrated graphics, or equipped it with a discrete Radeon RX 7700S. Now, you get the option to buy NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5070 with 8GB DDR7 RAM which you can add to the chassis yourself. The company has also repackaged the existing Radeon RX 7700S with the promise of less fan noise and better thermal performance than the previous model.The new GPU pulls some of the focus away from the new mainboards, which are equipped with a choice of AMD's Ryzen AI 7 350 or Ryzen AI 9 HZ 370, both of which promise to deliver 45W TDP. As before, you can equip the board with up to 86GB RAM, one or two SSDs, and your pick of ports via the six expansion card slots housed in the chassis.If you're buying the laptop new, you'll get a raft of smaller upgrades, starting with a new 165Hz, 2,560 x 1,600 panel which supports NVIDIA G-Sync. Plus, a new top cover, improved keyboard, number pad, webcam, Wi-Fi 7 support and an upgraded 240W power adapter. Sadly, I can't talk about these as I was testing the upgrade from the 2024 model which just included the new mainboard and GPU module.Framework did listen to gripes about that rear-slung USB-C port which previously didn't support charging. It was an omission that severely vexed my colleague Devindra Hardawar in his review of the original machine. But now, if you splurge for the RTX 5070, you can now use the rear port in the way that most people would intend. (If you're unfamiliar, the Laptop 16's discrete GPUs are packaged in self-contained Expansion Modules" that go into the back of the chassis. The Radeon version could only be used for accessories and/or connecting additional displays.)Rounding out the changes is Framework's continual promise that it's improved the cooling situation. The thermal paste has been switched out for Honeywell PTM, there's a new, redesigned fan geometry and tweaked pipes for better airflow. And, look, I don't want to ding Framework for failing to deliver on one promise when it's kept so many others. But if you've followed the company for any length of time, you already know what I'm gonna say in the In-use section.The obligatory AMD port compromise Graphic showing which ports work with which cards with an AMD mainboard. Framework As is custom whenever discussing an AMD-toting Framework machine, you'll need to memorize the diagram of which expansion card slots will work with which devices. We're not going to ding Framework for an issue present in all AMD hardware, and the only reason it's noticeable here is that you have the choice of which ports to use for what. You don't have the sort of universal port flexibility that you might otherwise be expecting.InstallationLaptop 16 is bigger and more complex than its smaller siblings, but that doesn't mean it's any harder to maintain. The company's iFixit-style guides hold your hand so well that popping the mid plate off should feel as natural as breathing. And you get a real sense of how well the components are laid out when you're asked to take them all apart and put them back together. The company says replacing the mainboard and graphics module should take you an hour, which is far too generous. It took me about 22 minutes to get everything swapped in and set up, to the point where I think installing the new drivers was more laborious than this.I can't stress enough how much of a feat it is to have a modular, upgradeable gaming laptop that offers you the chance to leap a generation. Being able to pull out a two-year-old Radeon to swap in a fresh RTX is the stuff of dreams (for some people, at least). Imagine how long it'll be possible to keep this machine going if this type of bi-annual upgrade cycle continues. This isn't a particularly difficult process, making it easy enough for those folks who would otherwise blanch at the idea.In-use Image of the 2025 mainboard and expansion modules for the Framework Laptop 16. Daniel Cooper for Engadget Of course, strapping such a powerful chip and graphics [INAUDIBLE DUE TO FAN NOISE] lead to issues. As discrete components, both the mainboard and expansion module need their own self-contained cooling. That's never going to be as efficient as a holistically designed laptop. When you're not taxing the machine, it's not an issue at all, it's only when you use it for its intended purpose that it becomes a serious problem. If you want to play games with this thing, get headphones or put the subtitles on, and don't even think about using this in public. Did... did you hear that? CAN YOU HEAR ME? I SAID... AS DISCRETE COMPONENTS...And that's before we get to the heat that this thing kicks out. I've got my unit on a stand with about four inches of clearance from the desk. I put my hand underneath the chassis to feel how warm it was getting and it was enough to make me never want to put this on my lap, ever.It's a shame the noise and heat is such a bear as it's a machine with sufficient grunt to impress many a jaded enthusiast. I set Cyberpunk 2077 to the highest settings I could (Ray Tracing: Overdrive) on 1080p, and it was able to comfortably produce 140 fps. Setting it to the defaults (Ray Tracing: Low, but the resolution set to the display's maximum) it was able to crank out 182 fps.You'll find similarly-impressive performance if you use the Laptop 16 more for productivity than gaming. It compressed a 38GB 4K video file down to an 8GB HD mp4 in 28 minutes and 29 seconds. Using LM Studio, I was able to run Google's Gemma 3 27B model with what I'd call fairly decent performance. Certainly, the chatbot wasn't responding as quickly as Gemini would online, but it was hardly stuttering. I'd say that the performance here is more or less what you'd expect from the specs, with the one downside being that godawful fan noise.PricingIf you buy a new Laptop 16 pre-built from Framework, the Ryzen AI 7 configuration starts at $1,500, the AI 9 at $1,800. Add in the RTX 5070 and you can add another $699 to that price, which is the same cost as if you buy the GPU standalone as an upgrade. Or, if money's tight, you could buy the new machine now and then add in the 5070 whenever you'd like - that's the benefit of modularity.It should be obvious you can get laptops with these sorts of components for less if you look elsewhere. In the run-up to the holiday season, I've seen machines - such as HP's Omen Max - offer a Ryzen AI 7 and an RTX 5070 Ti for under $2,000. But here you're not just buying a laptop, you're buying into Framework's broader ethos. You'll get the fastest machine it can sell you right now, plus the ability to cheaply swap out to the next big thing in a couple years' time without the cost of buying a new machine.As I said back when reviewing the Ryzen AI 300 upgrades for the Laptop 13 earlier this year, Framework is well placed to take advantage of the world's political situation. If the price of a whole new laptop skyrockets, then you can at least make a saving by just replacing what you need.Wrap-upI wonder if Should you get one?" is the best question to ask and answer given the singular furrow Framework is ploughing. If you want a powerful laptop where every part can be replaced or upgraded, you don't really have a serious alternative. Laptop 16's natural target market is professionals and enthusiasts who value modularity and longevity over everything else. These new components give you enough power to play games, run AI models locally and whatever other demanding tasks you'll throw at it.As for everyone else, it's a question of how willing you are to accept the heat, the noise and the slightly agricultural aesthetics. After all, this machine isn't the sort of gadget you'll be looking to move on in a few years' time, it'll be one you're committing to for a long while.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/framework-laptop-16-2025-upgrade-review-the-rtx-5070-is-the-star-160000464.html?src=rss

The Analogue 3D is finally set to ship to buyers. After several delays, Analogue is set to start sending out its 4K remake of the Nintendo 64 on November 18, as spotted by - appropriately enough - Wario64. If you haven't already locked in a pre-order, however, you face a longer wait, as both the black and white variants of the $250 system are out of stock.Unless there's a last-minute hitch, the company behind the Analogue Pocket will stick to the promise it made in August to ship the 3D in the last quarter of 2025. Analogue previously delayed the 3D in March and then again in July.As with other Analogue systems, the console uses an FPGA (field programmable gate array) chip to emulate Nintendo's original hardware. FPGA-based systems are more accurate than software emulation options and tend to have lower input lag.Analogue claims the 3D will support every N64 cartridge - both PAL and NTSC variants - without any inaccuracies or slowdowns. I'm interested to see how well that promise will hold up in a four-player round of Perfect Dark.The 3D delivers 4K output and supports variable refresh rate. You'll be able to use "original display mode" filters to replicate the look of playing on a CRT or PVM. There's still always the option of picking up an N64, but Analogue's approach to scaling might make the 3D the best way to play N64 games (using original cartridges) on modern TVs.The 3D has four ports into which you can plug original N64 controllers. It also has a USB-C power port, two USB ports for accessories (such as third-party controllers) and an HDMI port. In addition, the console has a Wi-Fi chip that can be used for operating system updates. The Analogue 3D only officially runs games from N64 cartridges. I'm 100 percent sure that no one will jailbreak the system to boot ROMs from the SD card slot. Nope, no way.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/analogues-4k-remake-of-the-n64-will-at-long-last-ship-on-november-18-151854397.html?src=rss

A lot of people think the original Google Glass failed because of subpar tech. But the larger issue was that they were so ugly that people simply didn't want to wear them. And when it's a device that sits on your face, that's kind of important. Thankfully, that's a lesson Even Realities seemingly took to heart when it made the G1, which combined the stylishness of proper eyewear with built-in waveguide displays. Now the company is back with its second-gen smart glasses - the G2 - which offer even better optics, an updated UI and a companion ring (the R1) to their expanded list of features.While the design of the Even G2 hasn't changed a ton from its predecessor, that's not a bad thing as there wasn't much to fix. Compared to every other pair of smart glasses on sale today, these look the most like normal eyewear. Meanwhile, thanks to a titanium and magnesium alloy design and the company's very intentional decision not to include onboard cameras or speakers, the new model only weighs 36 grams, so they're also super comfortable. You even get two styles to choose from (panto or rectangular) along with a few different finishes (gray, brown and green), so chances are there's a combination that will work with your wardrobe. The Even G2 also features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, so you don't need to worry about wearing them in adverse conditions.The G2's battery life can last up to two days, while its case has juice for up to seven additional charges. Sam Rutherford for EngadgetThe G2's optics are based on the company's new Even HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics) that use custom-designed dual waveguides to produce a green heads-up display. It's not only brighter and sharper than before but also features a wider field of view. Now admittedly, that's not quite as impressive as the single RGB display in something like the Ray-Ban Meta Display. But considering that the Even G2 is way less chunky and sports significantly longer battery life (up to two days plus seven full recharges from its included case), that feels like a worthy trade-off to deliver increased usability.However, the biggest upgrade for the G2 is an expanded roster of smart features. In addition to showing notifications, turn-by-turn directions and the teleprompter functionality available on the previous model, Even has developed a much more robust UI that lets you read the news, track stock prices and create lists using your voice. There is now an onboard AI assistant and LLM that can translate speech on the fly or pick out key words during a conversation to give more background and context about unfamiliar terms. This means the glasses can handle a lot of tasks you'd normally need your phone for, which is great if you're walking around, or similarly indisposed, and would rather keep your hands free.In addition to basic health and fitness tracking, the R1 ring also has a tiny built-in touchpad (denoted by the four dots) to make it easier to navigate the G2's new UI and menus. Sam Rutherford for EngadgetWhile you can access most of these features using voice controls, the icing on the cake is the R1 companion ring that makes better use of the new UI. Not only does it track some basic health and fitness data (steps, heart rate, sleep, SpO2 and more), it also serves as a tiny touchpad so you can check notifications, revisit your notes and more without anyone nearby knowing what you're up to. All told, the G2 glasses and the R1 ring create a very stylish and discreet package that allows you to stay connected and keep your phone in your pocket.That said, you might want to wait before throwing money down on these. I've been testing the G2 and R1 over the past few days, and even though I really like the hardware, the company's software just isn't ready yet. It's important to note that I've been using a beta version of the Even Realties app, so encountering some bugs was not entirely unexpected. But even so, the touch controls on the ring feel imprecise and occasionally erratic. Many of the fitness metrics aren't being properly recorded and both devices have had a difficult time staying paired to the app. Even little things, like the auto brightness settings (which don't work at the moment) or ability to add more sources to the glasses' news feed, feel janky. The only outlet I've been able to successfully use is ABC.While the tech and features of the G2 are very interesting, I've run into a number of software issues while using a beta version of the app. Sam Rutherford for EngadgetGranted, some of the G2 and R1's issues that I've run into, like wonky touch input and the unfinished health tracking, are known problems that are currently being worked on by Even Realities. Still, this feels like a situation where the launch of these devices should have been delayed until the company could smooth out these hiccups.But if you are undeterred, the Even G2 Display Smart Glasses and Even R1 Smart Ring go on sale today for $599 and $249, respectively. For everyone else, I'm hoping to check back in on these devices after the company pushes out some software updates. I'm eager to see if they can eventually live up to their potential as an interesting alternative to bigger, chunkier and more intrusive smartglass alternatives like the Ray-Ban Meta Displays.

Even Realities is releasing the next version of its lightweight smart glasses, and this time it's pairing them with an entirely new device that will act as both a controller and health tracker. The Even G2 Display Smart Glasses are a more refined version of the G1 smart glasses, and you'll be able to interact with them without having to touch the frames or uses voice commands thanks to the new Even R1 Smart Ring.The G2 features an updated version of the Even Realities' HAO optical engine (a combination of micro-LED projectors, waveguides and digitally surfaced lenses), that still displays text in bright green, but now with added depth and sharpness. For example, Even Realities says the new glasses can display pop-ups like AI prompts and notifications at a different depth from the glasses' normal interface, so you don't lose the context of whatever you're reading. The G2 also supports a wider range of prescription lenses (from -12 to +12 diopters), making them more accessible to people who already wear glasses.In comparison to the G1, Even Realities says the G2 has 54 percent slimmer temples and, in a first for the company, is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance. The G2 also gets two days of battery life in comparison to the G1's one and a half days, and its charging case can provide up to seven full charges.A ceramic and titanium R1 smart ring with a flat side.Even RealitiesWhile the G2 glasses can still be controlled by tapping a built-in touchpad or using voice commands, the R1 Smart Ring will let you interact with the smart glasses without moving your arm. The R1 is made from ceramic and medical-grade stainless steel, and features a flat touchpad surface for activating the G2's interface. Besides a touch sensor for navigation, the R1 also includes an optical heart rate sensor and accelerometer for tracking your heart rate and steps, which can be viewed on the G2. While less technically advanced than the Neural Band Meta included with the Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses, Even Realities ring seems like it can make controlling its glasses similarly discrete, while being useful in its own right as a health tracker.Even Realities is also adding a new AI skill alongside its glasses and ring. The G2 supports the same translation, notifications and teleprompter features as the company's last model, but this time includes a feature called "Conversate" that attempts to offer AI-generated information during conversations. Even Realities says Conversate can provide explanations, context and follow-up questions during a conversation, and then generate a summary and key points once you're finished talking. The whole thing sounds a bit distracting, but might be something you have to demo to understand.A pair of Even G2 Display Smart Glasses in a charging case.Even RealitiesThat extra layer of complication seems inherent to the pitch for both the G2 glasses and the R1 ring. While Even Realities has made its smart glasses more convenient, and they're definitely not trying to be a phone replacement in the same way Meta's glasses are, they do seem like they'll have more of a learning curve than the last generation.The Even G2 Display Smart Glasses and Even R1 Smart Ring are available to order today, November 12, for $599 and $249, respectively. Even Realities says that anyone who purchases the G2 will be able to receive the R1 and other accessories for 50 percent off for a limited time.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/even-realities-g2-smart-glasses-can-be-controlled-with-a-smart-ring-151500125.html?src=rss

The Alien franchise has been decidedly hit and miss since the near-universally beloved first two movies, but it's in a very good place at the moment. 2024's Alien: Romulus was a magnificent return to form, and this year that good run of form continued in the series' first TV show, Alien: Earth, which has been renewed for a second season.The first season wrapped up in September and ended on a pretty dramatic cliffhanger, so while it seemed pretty obvious that more episodes would be coming, it's good to have it confirmed. Noah Hawley is once again heading up the project, and according to The Hollywood Reporterthe Fargo creator has signed a multi-year deal with Disney that will see him work on the ever-expanding entertainment empire's other channels and services, including ABC and Hulu Originals, as well as continuing to produce shows for FX.Variety reports that season two of Alien: Earth will start production in London in 2026, a pretty significant change from the debut season, which was shot in Thailand. Presumably that means we'll be heading to some new locations in the show too, but we'll have to wait for a trailer to find that out.Set two years before the original Alien, Alien: Earth sees a retro-futuristic shipping vessel carrying some ominously familiar-looking extra-terrestrial cargo crash-land on Earth, where we meet a terminally ill girl who becomes the first human-synthetic hybrid. The season one cast includes Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Timothy Olyphant, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, David Rysdahl, Adrian Edmondson, Adarsh Gourav, Jonathan Ajayi, Erana James, Lily Newmark, Diem Camille, and Moe Bar-El.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/alien-earth-has-been-renewed-for-a-second-season-144124743.html?src=rss

Following a teaser in September that confirmed the movie's title, Nintendo and animation studio Illumination unleashed the first proper trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in a dedicated Nintendo Direct. The sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the highest-grossing movie based on video games, will hit theaters in the US on April 3.The trailer opens with Bowser engaging in a little art therapy, which, honestly, could be really great for him. Mario can't help put put down Bowser's artwork, though. What a jerk. From there, the action riffs on Super Mario Galaxy as Peach and Toad use launch stars to travel to a different planet. I don't want to give away everything that happens, so just watch the trailer. The visuals, as you'd expect from Illumination, look terrific.The trailer also confirms the addition of two fan-favorite characters this time around: Rosalina (who takes out a giant robot with her abilities) and Bowser Jr, who is taking his father's place as the sequel's villain. Rosalina is played by Brie Larson, while Benny Safdie voice Bowser Jr.An extra clip after the trailer shows Rosalina reading a story about Princess Peach to a group of Lumas. Another features Bowser Jr. promising that the Bowser name shall be feared once more." Ominous!However, the Direct didn't include any indication of Yoshi appearing in the film. An Easter egg at the end of the first movie showed Yoshi's egg cracking. Plus, a Pillsbury cookie box - of all things - all but confirmed Yoshi would be in the movie, while hinting at the inclusion of Princess Rosalina and Bowser Jr. We'll perhaps have to wait until the next trailer to get a glimpse of Mario's dino pal, who'll probably be green even though everyone knows in their heart blue Yoshi is the best Yoshi.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-super-mario-galaxy-movie-trailer-confirms-rosalina-and-bowser-jr-are-in-the-sequel-142815627.html?src=rss

At this point, the streaming music landscape feels pretty well settled. Giants like Spotify, Amazon, Apple and YouTube duke it out at the top, while plenty of other players like Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer try their best to stand out from the pack. Somewhat surprisingly, though, a new player emerged in September. Coda Music used the recent backlash around Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek as a way to differentiate itself from the number one streamer, calling out Ek's controversial funding of defense technology firm Helsing earlier in the year. (Spotify's refusal to stop airing ICE recruitment ads certainly hasn't helped the platform, either.)Today, the fledgling service is announcing a new feature that feels designed to answer another of the recent Spotify controversies: AI slop music flooding the platform. In response, Coda Music is launching AI identification tools with the purpose of finding and labeling songs that weren't composed by actual humans.There are a few prongs to Coda's approach. For starters, any artist added to Coda will be reviewed for AI origins, and their profile will be labeled AI Artist" so that listeners know what they're getting into. Coda is also letting users flag profiles of artists if they suspect the music is AI-generated; the company will then review them and label them if necessary.Finally, there's a toggle in settings that just lets you turn off AI artists entirely. Obviously, how useful this setting is will depend on how good Coda gets at labeling AI-created music as such, but I can definitely see the appeal in just flipping that to off" and avoiding as much slop as possible.Besides its stance on AI and the assurance that the company does not invest in war," there are a few other differentiators about Coda Music. The company says that it currently paying the highest per-stream rate" in the industry -while at the same time, it acknowledges that no one is paying enough to artists. The real problem isn't how much is paid per stream, it's that streaming alone doesn't pay enough," the company's website says. And minor improvements to a fundamentally flawed per stream model will not help."To that end, the company also lets users pick an independent or qualifying artist" who gets $1 of their monthly subscription fee. Sure, it's only a dollar, but it's the kind of thing that sweetens the pot at least a little bit for musicians.And Coda has good reason to want to make itself visible to users and artists alike. The last major differentiator for Coda is the company's ambitions to turn its app into a social, music-sharing feed where you get recommendations from humans rather than algorithms. To that end, users can share anything from the app in their feed, and it also allows you to share external links and photos as well (go ahead and post your blurry images from that NIN concert!).The app's home page prominently features fan-made playlists and recommended users to follow in addition to the usual suggestions based on what you're listening to already. And there's a social tab where you can see posts from people you follow; share songs, artists or albums; and see posts from artists you follow. That last part is key, as Coda wants artists interacting and sharing as well as just end users.It reminds me a little bit of the Fan Groups feature that Amazon Music just announced - and as with that feature, the problem facing Coda is getting people to start contributing to a new network rather than just posting things on whatever app they're already using. Fortunately, music nerds love a community, so it'll be interesting to see if this takes off at all.As for the new features for reporting and filtering out AI music, Coda says they're available as of today in its iOS and Android apps. The company doesn't have a web interface yet, but says it is coming soon. If ducking AI-generated tunes is something that catches your attention, Coda currently costs $11 a month, or $17 per month for a family plan with up to four listeners.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/new-streaming-app-coda-music-is-rolling-out-tools-for-labeling-and-blocking-ai-generated-tunes-140000530.html?src=rss

Google has filed a lawsuit against a group of Chinese hackers running a platform called Lighthouse" that sells phishing services for a monthly fee. The group offers clients its services to launch massive phishing and smishing (SMS phishing) campaigns. Google says the bad actors typically send out emails or text messages that link to fake websites pretending to be legitimate pages of established brands like USPS and E-Z Pass, in order to trick people into keying in their log-ins and other sensitive details. The company found at least 107 sign-in screen templates with Google branding, designed to steal people's log-in information.In its announcement, Google said that one million people from 121 countries have fallen victim to the online scams that used Lighthouse and that the bad actors have already stolen $1 billion. In the US alone, they've gotten their hands on between 12.7 million and 115 million credit card numbers. The most popular scheme involves pretending to be the USPS and telling victims that they'd have to pay for the redelivery of a package stuck at the post office.As The Financial Times reports, Google cited data from cybersecurity company Silent Push in its lawsuit as an example, stating that Chinese criminal group Smishing Triad" used Lighthouse earlier this year to create 200,000 fake websites. Those websites apparently received 50,000 visits a day and compromised millions of US credit cards within a 20-day period. The company is bringing claims under the US Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, the Lanham Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. If the company wins, it would allow Google to work with carriers and website hosts to take down the operation's domain and servers.In addition to filing the lawsuit, Google is also backing bipartisan bills in Congress that take aim at foreign cybercriminals. One bill would enable state and local law enforcement to use federal grant funding to investigate financial fraud targeting retirees. Another aims to establish a task force to block foreign robocalls in the US. The last one targets scam compounds, or centers that serve as bases for scam operations, and intends to provide support to the survivors who were trafficked and forced to work for those centers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-sues-group-running-massive-sms-scam-operation-133000168.html?src=rss

Some moms really do mean it when they say they don't need any gifts. But those same moms will probably appreciate getting something thoughtful and personal - a gift that shows you put in a bit of consideration. It's tough to pin-point what that ideal gift is for any given mom, but we've got ideas to get you started. Since we spend our days testing and otherwise thinking about tech, most of the presents here have a gadget spin, but all of them are a heck of a lot more unique than a candle and a bath bomb. Check out the best tech gifts for moms, as chosen by Engadget staffers. Best gifts for moms Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-gifts-for-moms-for-2025-130044423.html?src=rss

In a new teaser trailer for Toy Story 5, Buzz, Woody and the rest of the gang face what may be their ultimate enemy in the war for a child's play time: electronics.With INXS's Never Tear Us Apart playing in the background, we see the delivery of a parcel to Bonnie Anderson, Andy's younger sister, who inherited his toys back in Toy Story 3. Our heroes including Rex, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, Woody, Buzz and Jessie, look on in horror as she opens the package to reveal a frog-themed tablet named Lilypad. "Let's Play!" it proposes. Bonnie seems ready to do so, and possibly forget about her other pals in short order. "Is the age of toys over?" the tagline asks.Tablets have long succeeded classic toys, of course, but it's still a fun plot idea and likely very relatable to parents who've grown up with these films. The sequel brings back the franchise's regular cast including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack, while welcoming newcomers Conan O'Brien, Ernie Hudson and Greta Lee as Lilypad's voice. It's set to hit theaters in June 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/watch-pixars-new-teaser-for-toy-story-5-130011156.html?src=rss

If you'd rather not spend the money on a brand new TV this year, you can make an old set feel new again with a streaming device. Our favorite streaming device is on sale right now ahead of Black Friday: you can grab the Google TV Streamer 4K for only $75, which is the lowest price we've seen so far. The Google TV Streamer is our top pick for an all-in-one streaming device. It has a faster processor than Google's previous streaming devices (22 percent faster, according to the company), so you can switch between apps and different media without lagging. It also has more storage and memory, at 32GB and 4GB, respectively. Google TV streamer has an intuitive interface and keeps all of your favorite content from different streaming apps organized in one menu. It also seamlessly integrates Google Home, allowing you to control your smart home devices from a slideout panel on the TV. The 4K streamer comes in a set-top wedge design, rather than the dongle of Chromecasts past, but you'll have to pick up an HDMI cable separately if you don't already have one you can use. It comes with a small remote that you can ping by pressing a button on the streamer for when you inevitably misplace it. In her review of the device, Engadget's Amy Skorheim called the Google TV streamer "a full-featured, competent device with an interface that's better than most at pulling together all the disparate threads of a streaming experience." One of its only downsides is the relatively high cost at $100, so don't let this deal go to waste. In addition to the streaming device, Google has a bunch of other tech on sale for Black Friday. The entry-level Nest thermostat is on sale for $90 right now, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E router has dropped to $120 for a single-pack; that's 40 percent off. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-streaming-device-drops-to-a-record-low-ahead-of-black-friday-173858910.html?src=rss

Sony and Polyphony Digital are rolling out a huge update for Gran Turismo 7 on December 4 in the form of a paid add-on. The Power Pack DLC for the PlayStation 5 will unlock 50 new races across 20 theme categories, including 24-hour endurance events that Le Mans fans could sink their teeth into. In previous games, the endurance events really took 24 hours to finish, though you could pause and, eventually, save mid-race, allowing you to pick up where you left off. You can also experience full-race seasons, from practicing for them to qualifying for the main events.The DLC includes access to Gran Turismo Sophy 3.0, as well, which Sony says will provide realistic AI behavior" and enable intense, tail-to-nose battles that push your limits." Sophy 2.0 was launched as an update back in 2023, offering you a stimulating opponent that can accelerate and elevate [your] techniques and creativity to the next level." Finally, the DLC will give you 5 million in in-game Credits. The companies have yet to reveal how much the Power Pack DLC will cost, but it will be available for download from the PlayStation Store.

PokePark Kanto, the first permanent Pokemon theme park, will open its doors on February 5, 2026. Previous Pokemon parks and attractions existed in the past, but they were only open for a limited time. PokePark Kanto will be located inside the Yomiuriland amusement park in Tokyo, Japan and will require an add-on pass to enter. Visitors will have to go through a Pokemon Research Lab" building, which serves as the gateway to the park's two sections: Pokemon Forest and Sedge TownThe Pokemon Forest is exactly what it sounds like. It's a stretch of land with hills, paths with tall grass, rocky trails and tunnels where visitors will see Pokemon in their natural habitats. The Pokemon statues are posed to show that they're engaging in various activities, such as battling or playing with friends.Meanwhile, Sedge Town is the town center where visitors will find the Pokemon Center and Poke Mart, which sounds like a place where they can buy some refreshments. In addition to the main attractions, PokePark Kanto will feature Pika Pika Paradise, a ride featuring over 30 electric-type Pokemon. There's also Vee Vee Voyage, a carousel featuring carriages pulled by Ponyta and Rapidash, as well as balloons where visitors can ride with Eevee.We've yet to see actual photos of the park, but the trailer below will give you a glimpse of what you can expect.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-first-permanent-pokemon-theme-park-opens-in-february-2026-012228856.html?src=rss

Elden Ring Nightreign, the co-op survival take on FromSoftware's massively successful open-world single-player game, is getting a DLC at the end of this year. The Forsaken Hollows launches on December 4, 2025. This DLC is the first big content update for the spinoff, although Nightreign did receive previous updates to add improved tuning for the two-player and solo-player experiences, as well introducing an even-more-punishing Deep of Night mode.The trailer shows exactly the grim, macabre setting and inventive-looking boss designs that we've come to expect from FromSoft. The Forsaken Hollows will add two more character classes for players to choose from. The book-wielding Scholar is an arcane magic user who "gains incredible advantages through battlefield observation." This seems like a good choice for the tactically-minded players, while the new Undertaker class favors faith and strength builds.There will also be a new region to explore and two new bosses.We learned yesterday that DLC was in the works for Nightreign thanks to a mention during the earnings report from parent company Kadokawa, but it seemed the new content might not be ready until early 2026. Hopefully today's announcement will calm the players who have been review-bombing the game on Steam due to the lack of information about updates.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/elden-ring-nightreigns-dlc-is-the-forsaken-hollows-out-december-3-233113937.html?src=rss

Sony had some new hardware to reveal during its State of Play Japan showcase on Tuesday. Along with a refreshed Japanese-only PS5 Digital Edition, the company unveiled an official PlayStation monitor that you can also hook your PC up to. It's a 27-inch QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate and support for HDR and variable refresh rate. However, the refresh rate is limited to 120Hz when you're playing PS5 games.What's more, the monitor has a charging hook. It folds down from the rear of the display and you can place your DualSense controller on it, so you're ready to play whenever the mood strikes. The monitor will be available in the US and Japan sometime next year. Sony hasn't revealed how much it will cost.The monitor follows the Pulse Elevate portable desktop speakers that Sony announced back in September. These will work with PC, Mac, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation Portal and are set to arrive in 2026 as well.The new hardware seems to be part of the company's push to become more of a player in PC gaming. For instance, the company recently made it possible to pair a DualSense controller with more than one device at a time, making it easier to switch the connection from a PS5 to a PC and vice-versa.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-made-an-official-240hz-playstation-monitor-with-a-built-in-dualsense-charging-hook-230659339.html?src=rss

Threads is working on new features that could make the text-based social network a bit more audio-friendly. Starting today, Threads is rolling out some new features for sharing podcasts and podcast episodes. Creators have the option to add the link to their show to their bio page; after that, their posts with show and episode links will appear with an audio preview. Non-hosts will also start to see the new previews when they post links to their favorite shows.For starters, the rollout is only supporting Spotify shows. Connor Hayes, who heads up Threads and also posted about the new feature, said in a reply to another user that Apple Podcasts will also eventually receive support. The previews are going live today and will become available to all users over the coming weeks.In theory, this feature could help attract new listeners. However, Threads doesn't have a strong success rate when it comes to its users clicking on links. It should be interesting to see if the audiovisual addition makes it any more appealing for people to visit podcast pages.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/threads-is-adding-features-for-creators-to-promote-their-podcasts-215711793.html?src=rss

Lego has a long history of geek and gaming crossovers. We've seen recent sets for Star Wars and Star Trek, while past collaborations include everything from Super Mario Bros. to Minecraft. The latest blocky tie-in is a classic: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, as teased on social network X by Nintendo of America with the caption Do you realize who you're dealing with?"

Once upon a time, a "board game" meant Monopoly or Risk. Then several brave souls dared to ask the question: "What if this was fun?" Thirty years later, we're blessed with tabletop games that challenge our minds, immerse us in other worlds and conjure good times with those we love - sometimes all three at once. For your gift-buying needs, we've put together a list of new favorites and returning classics that run the gamuts of genre and weight. If you're ready to push beyond Pictionary, read on. The best board games to gift (and play) Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-board-games-to-gift-for-the-2025-holiday-season-125529024.html?src=rss

Sony is not happy with the performance of Destiny 2, the company confirmed in its latest Q2 earnings announcement. "Regarding Destiny 2, partially due to changes in the competitive environment, the level of sales and user engagement have not reached the expectations we had at the time of the acquisition of Bungie, Inc." Sony Chief Financial Officer Tao Lin said. In response, the company is recording around a $204 million impairment on the developer's intangible assets.The impairment isn't equivalent to money lost, but rather a representation of Destiny 2 not meeting the sales and engagement models Sony made when it acquired Bungie. The "intangible assets" Bungie brought to the deal, like the Destiny IP and the developer's existing customer relationships, are worth less right now than expected. However, that doesn't extend to the "goodwill" created when both companies agreed to the acquisition, Sonys says, because it's "supported by the whole game segment."When it completed its acquisition of Bungie for $3.6 billion in 2022, Sony believed the developer could use its expertise in running online games to help expand PlayStation's live service offerings. While the strategy has led to successes, like Helldivers 2, which has proven to be a popular multiplayer game on PC, PlayStation and Xbox, it's also created catastrophic failures like Concord, which was pulled from digital stores less than two weeks after it launched.Sony's announcement doesn't suggest the company believes it was wrong to purchase Bungie, but it does put even more pressure on the developer to perform, and justifies Sony taking firmer control of what happens at the studio. Renegades, a planned Star Wars-themed expansion, could bring the mass appeal Bungie is hoping for, but the developer has a whole other game to contend with, too.Bungie delayed its take on an extraction shooter, Marathon, in June, after it was revealed that a significant portion of the game used stolen assets. The developer hasn't announced a new release date since then, but assuming interest in Destiny 2 never fully returns, a lot could ride on Bungie's next game.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-says-destiny-2-has-not-met-expectations-200000610.html?src=rss

It can be tough to know when a phone is on its deathbed or when an app is just being an overt battery hog. Google is going to help users get to the bottom of things, according to a recent Android Developers Blog.The company just announced the launch of a new metric for app developers that keeps an eye on battery usage. If a developer consistently runs afoul of Google's battery usage guidelines, a warning will pop up in the Play Store to alert end users.Google This metric will keep a particular eye on so-called wake locks, which is when smartphones are prevented from entering sleep mode by battery-hungry apps that want to run background processes when the screen is off. Google says wake locks are a "heavy contributor to battery drain" and has developed a threshold for what is deemed acceptable for apps running in the background.This threshold "considers a user session excessive if it holds more than two cumulative hours of non-exempt wake locks in a 24 hour period." There are exemptions if the background process offers "clear user benefits" with examples given of audio playback and user-initiated data transfers.If a developer doesn't fix the underlying wake lock issue, they get slapped with a visible warning. The Play Store label says that "this app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity." That will likely turn off potential downloaders. I certainly wouldn't pop one of those apps on my phone.Google will go a step further in some cases, making the offending apps ineligible for certain discovery sections within the Play Store. These rules go into effect on March 1, so we only have a few more months to experience just how quickly an Android phone can go from a full battery to completely dead.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-is-clamping-down-on-android-apps-that-cause-excessive-battery-drain-194008031.html?src=rss

Lumines Arise, the latest chapter in the popular puzzle game franchise, is out today. It's available for PlayStation 5, including on PlayStation VR2, and on Steam, with support for both VR and Steam Deck.I'm a bit of a Tetris fiend. If there's any game with falling and spinning geometric pieces, be they tetrominoes or pills or puyos, I am here for it. My personal favorite iteration of the formula is Tetris Effect, because good golly is that ever a beautiful game. Normally if I saw reviews bestowing adjectives like "ecstatic," euphoric" and "breath-taking" on a video game, I'd roll my eyes and snark, but Tetris Effect merits all the grandiloquent accolades. So when I saw during Sony's summer State of Play that the same studio was back to give its mesmerizing treatment to yet another puzzle game in Lumines Arise, my hype level was pretty dang high.Since the reveal, we had some time with the Lumines Arise demo and the main takeaway was "if you loved Tetris Effect, you'll adore Lumines Arise." I'm delighted, but unsurprised, by that reaction. Because I watched that trailer and the tunes, the visuals, the vibes, all of it is exactly what I want to see in another Enhance project. So I am now eagerly counting down the hours until I can settle into a dark room, crank the speakers to max and get lost in yet another gorgeous puzzle flow state.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/lumines-arise-is-out-today-and-i-cant-wait-to-play-it-190936581.html?src=rss

Google's November 2025 Pixel Drop is available today, and it includes some new features that should benefit more than just the Pixel phones and tablets Google typically targets. A new messaging feature called Remix in Google Messages expands access to Gemini-powered photo editing, and Google's improving its Scam Detection and Pixel VIP features, too.Remix in Google Messages is essentially Google's Nano Banana photo editing tool, but available directly in Google Messages. The feature uses the same image model as Gemini and Google Photos, and lets Messages users tweak photos directly in a chat. Importantly, the edited photos are viewable by anyone in the chat, even if they're not on Android. The feature is available in English in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland and New Zealand with RCS enabled. Google says remixed images can also be sent over MMS.In the Google Photos app, those photo editing skills will now also be even more personalized. Google says eligible Android users with Ask Photos and Face Groups enabled, can refer to people in their photos by name while they edit. The Photos app can use past photos of your labelled friends to make tweaks like adding a smile or opening someone's eyes without having to be provided a previous reference.Power Saving Mode in action.GoogleFor anyone who owns one of the latest Pixel 10 phones, the Pixel Drop includes a new Power Saving Mode in Google Maps that blacks out the screen and only shows essential information and directions. Google claims the feature and extend battery life for up to four hours. The company hasn't announced any plans, but the feature seems like it could be an equally good fit on Android Auto.Scam Detection is Android's built-in feature for identifying scam calls and warning you with a notification. As part of the Pixel Drop, Scam Detection will now also work with messages, warning you in your notifications on Pixel 6 devices and up if you could be dealing with fraud. As part of the update, Scam Detection is also now available in the UK, Ireland, India, Australia and Canada. The update also includes support for Notification Summaries on the Pixel 9 and up, which summarize frequent group chat notifications as a recap in your notification shade. If you've marked anyone as a Pixel VIP (a feature added back in June), Android will now also prioritize their messages so you don't miss them.Alongside those more practical features, Google is also introducing a new seasonal Wicked: For Good theme pack on Pixel 6 and newer devices. The theme pack is accessible via a new Theme Packs app that was released earlier in November. While it uses existing options like your wallpaper and icon settings to set "Glinda" and "Elphaba" themes, the convenience of Theme Packs is the ability to change all those settings at once. It's unfortunate Google's introducing the tool with an ad, but it could prove useful down the line.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/remix-in-google-messages-brings-ai-photo-editing-to-even-more-phones-190000445.html?src=rss

Google Photos introduced a fresh batch of a half-dozen AI-powered features today. First is personalized photo editing. Using "Help me edit," you can now make adjustments to portraits and group shots, such as removing sunglasses or fixing closed eyes. Google says that the AI uses other images stored in a user's face groups to make accurate changes to the people in your photo library. The "Help me edit" voice- or text-controlled photo editing tool is also starting to roll out to iOS users in the US.Next, the company is integrating its Nano Banana image editor into Google Photos. Users can make open-ended restyling requests in the "Help me edit" tool, such as making a picture look like a Renaissance painting or a mosaic. Nano Banana will also power a new Create with AI section, which will provide templates based on popular requests to jumpstart the AI editing process. This feature will roll out to the Create tab for Android users in the US and India beginning next week. Later on, Google will begin personalizing these templates to the particular hobbies and experiences captured in a person's photo library.Following a "pause" and restart in June, the Ask Photos tool is also expanding. The feature for AI-powered searches of the Google photo library will be available in more than 100 new markets and will support 17 new languages starting this week.Finally, Google Photos is getting a new Ask button aimed at delivering more details about a specific image. After tapping the button, a user can type questions about the content of the photo, find similar pictures in their library or begin describing desired edits. This feature is rolling out just in the US for now, but on both Android and iOS platforms.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-photos-now-has-six-more-ai-powered-features-170000125.html?src=rss

Nintendo and The Pokemon Company are trying something a little different with Pokemon Pokopia. It's a life sim game in the vein of Animal Crossing. Nintendo unveiled the game during a Direct in September, saying that it would arrive in spring 2026. Now, the company has revealed that Pokemon Pokopia will hit Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5.There's no new trailer for the game just yet - you'll have to wait until Thursday, November 13 for that. Nor did Nintendo discuss more details about Pokemon Pokopia, other than to indicate the cartridge will be a Game Key Card (no game files are stored on such a cart, which is effectively a physical key that allows you to download a game). The company announced the release date with the most bare bones of tweets:

WhatsApp is following in the footsteps of fellow Meta-owned companies, Instagram and Facebook. The European Commission will give WhatsApp's open channels the designation of Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), Bloomberg reports. The Commission has yet to make a public announcement on the matter, but has reportedly told Meta.This label gives the EU greater regulatory power over WhatsApp in areas such as content moderation and data sharing. WhatsApp will also need to conduct an annual independent audit and have transparent advertising practices, among other mandates.The new label isn't exactly a surprise. In February, WhatsApp announced that it had averaged about 46.8 million EU users in the second half of 2024. The DSA states that the VLOP designation should be given when a platform exceeds 45 million monthly EU users.This designation will strictly be for WhatsApp's open channels feature. Individual messaging should not be impacted in any way and should remain private between the parties involved. Alongside Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp joins companies such as Amazon, Google and ByteDance in the VLOP designation.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/whatsapp-will-reportedly-face-further-eu-regulation-150037042.html?src=rss

The stream of new video games never ends, but for some of us, nothing beats the classics. If you don't feel like hunting through eBay and local game shops for old cartridges to add to your loved one's collection, we've picked out a few other gift ideas for the nostalgic gamer in your life - from video upscalers for old consoles to retro-themed books and artwork. Best retro gaming gifts FAQs Why do people buy retro games? Because they're fun! Or because video game companies have generally had a spotty record of preserving their own history - and (legally) saving art, even in a minuscule way, is important. Or because, deep down, collectors just want to stave off the ceaseless march of time and hang onto any way to relive their youth before it dissipates for good. Or because they're jaded with modern game design and crave shorter, more distinct or altogether different experiences that aren't being served by today's market. Or because they want to flip the games they collect for a quick buck on eBay. Or because... well, you get the idea. - J.D. Why is retro gaming so expensive? To put it simply: supply and demand. Companies aren't making old games and consoles any more, yet a growing number of gaming enthusiasts want them. And as retro game collecting has grown more popular, sellers have become more acutely aware of how high they can price their goods. Not every retro game costs an arm and a leg, however: Popular games from relatively recent consoles are usually more affordable than lesser-selling titles for older hardware, and you can still find a good bargain every now and then by digging through local yard sales, individual eBay sellers and the like. - J.D. Are retro games a good investment? It depends on how you define good." Is it a good idea to buy a bunch of old games in the hopes that their value will skyrocket and make you a tidy profit? No, there's little rhyme or reason to determining exactly which games will shoot up in value and by how much. There are much safer ways to invest if all you care about are financial returns. Is it a good idea to drop a bunch of cash on 40-year-old video games if you have pressing financial responsibilities? Probably not! But hey, it's your life. If collecting retro games makes you happy, and you can budget for them within reason, that's a good thing. Have fun. - J.D. What qualifies as a retro game? There's no set definition for when a video game becomes retro." Personally, I think of it as any game that's at least 10 years old and was originally released on a console that's two or more generations old (or, for PC games, during that generation). But many others would stretch the timeline back farther, and the growing advent of live service" games has complicated things. For instance, Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013, while World of Warcraft arrived in 2004 - are those retro games" when millions of people still play them today? Maybe not. With games from the 90s or earlier, though, the distinction is clearer. - J.D. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-12-best-retro-gaming-gifts-for-the-2025-holidays-140016618.html?src=rss

Samsung has rolled out an update for its SmartThings app on the iPhone, and it will give you the ability to activate routines with Siri voice commands. Specifically, the update adds compatibility between SmartThings and Siri Shortcuts, which is an iOS feature you can use to automate multi-step tasks. You can simply drag and drop multiple actions from the apps that support the feature within the Shortcuts app to create an automation. But this update means you'll be able to access even routines created in the SmartThings application.As 9to5Mac reports, Samsung described the update as something that could bridge the gap between Galaxy and Apple devices to make it easier for everyone in the home to stay connected." With the update, you can, for instance, have a shared Good Morning" automation between SmartThings and Shortcuts. On iOS, just activate Siri and say the routine name to switch on the lights and the coffee maker, as well as to raise the blinds at the same time. A Good night" automation could dim the lights and switch off everything at once.In addition, the update will give you the ability to see your SmartThings devices and device groups on your Apple Watch. You'll be able to control them and run automations from the wearable. Samsung will now show your five most recently used devices on iOS Live Activities, as well, so you can quickly check your ACs, air purifiers, washing machines and other Samsung products.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/samsung-makes-smartthings-routines-compatible-with-siri-voice-commands-130000236.html?src=rss

It's been just over a year since Sony launched the updated PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro consoles, so how's that going given Sony's pessimistic outlook in May? Pretty well, judging by the company's latest earnings report. Sony sold more PlayStation 5s last quarter than it did a year ago (3.9 million compared to 3.8 million), boosting total PS5 sales to 84.2 million since launch. Sony also expects more revenue from its gaming (G&NS) division than it previously forecast.Back in May, Sony predicted a 100 billion ($700 million) hit to revenue in fiscal year 2025 due to tariffs, given that most of its sales occur in the US. Another key blow was the delay of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto VI launch that was first pushed back to May 2026 and was recently delayed again until November 19, 2026.However, Sony now expects to sell more hardware than it thought and make 4.47 trillion in gaming revenue ($29 billion) for its full year ending March 31, 2026 - up 150 billion ($973 million) from its last forecast. That figure, would be slightly below its full year 2024 sales of 4.670 trillion ($30.3 billion), but it's still impressive for a nearly five year old console that has seen multiple price hikes. .In terms of game sales, the main highlight was Ghost of Yotei, which sold 3.3 million units as of November 2, 2025, just a month after it launched. The company sold 6.3 million first-party games across PS5 and PS4 (up one million compared to last year) and 80.3 million games total.As for PlayStation Network, monthly active users hit 119 million, up 3 million from last year at this time. Sony doesn't break out PS Plus Premium subscribers, but that service just launched a new feature that lets you stream games you own over the cloud on the PlayStation Portal.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-has-sold-842-million-playstation-5s-since-launch-123004469.html?src=rss

Apple's entry-level smartwatch has improved so much it delivers an experience comparable to pricier Apple Watches. The most important upgrades in the SE 3 are the always-on display, faster charging speeds and on-device Siri. This brings a lot of parity to other Apple Watch devices in the most crucial areas.It doesn't have everything: The SE 3's optical sensor is older and lacks the capabilities of Series 10 and 11 smartwatches, which feature electrical heart rate sensors. You'll still get notifications for irregular rhythms and low cardio fitness as well as high and low heart rate notifications. All of this for $259? (Or $200 if you're quick.) It's the most tempting first step into Apple's wearable yet. It might be time for me to upgrade from my Series 8.- Mat SmithGet Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The news you might have missed

Apple has announced a new accessory that feels a bit out of left field, to say the least. Say hello to the limited edition iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted "ribbed open structure" designed in collaboration with Issey Miyake. Available with a short or long strap design, it can be worn on your arm, attached to a bag or across your body."The design of iPhone Pocket speaks to the bond between iPhone and its user, while keeping in mind that an Apple product is designed to be universal in aesthetic and versatile in use," Miyake Design Studio design director, Yoshiyuki Miyamae, said in a statement. "iPhone Pocket explores the concept of the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way.'"Yes, this "additional pocket" is a real item that you can purchase and decide for yourself if it's bizarre or - dare we say - kind of chic? The iPhone Pocket's short strap model is available in lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon and black. The long strap design comes in sapphire, cinnamon and black. Apple's vice president of industrial design, Molly Anderson, added that the different options were "intentionally designed to mix and match with all our iPhone models and colors."AppleThe iPhone Pocket is available this Friday, November 14, on Apple's website. However, the release is not only limited in quantity, but in location. You can pick one up online from the US, France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or the UK. With phone theft so high in the latter, it isn't the worst option we've seen to keep your phone secure while out and about.If you live in very specific cities then you might also be able to see one in person. In the US, it will only be available at New York City's SoHo Apple Store. Whether you buy it in person or online, the iPhone Pocket will put you back a pretty penny. The short strap is going for $150, while the long strap retails for $230.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-and-issey-miyakes-iphone-pocket-is-a-knitted-sleeve-to-hold-your-phone-103504776.html?src=rss

Broadcom and a company called CAMB.AI are teaming up to bring on-device audio translation to a chipset. This would allow devices that use the SoC to complete translation, dubbing and audio description tasks without having to dip into the cloud. In other words, it could massively improve accessibility for consumers.The companies promise ultra-low latency and enhanced privacy, being that all processing is kept local to the user's device. The wireless bandwidth should also be drastically reduced.As for the audio description piece, there's a demo video of the tool being used on a clip from the film Ratatouille. The AI can be heard describing the scene in various languages, in addition to a written translation appearing on-screen. This looks incredibly useful, particularly for those with vision issues.There is a major caveat. This is a tightly controlled clip with plenty of edits. We have no idea how this tech will work in a real world scenario. Also, we don't know how accurate the information will be. It does feature a voice model that's already being used by organizations like NASCAR, Comcast and Eurovision.The companies boast that this will enable "on-device translation in over 150 languages." We don't know when these chips will begin showing up in TVs and other gadgets. The tech is in the testing phase for now, so it's gonna be a while. Broadcom also recently teamed up with OpenAI to help the latter company to manufacture its own chips.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/broadcom-just-announced-an-ai-chipset-that-translates-audio-in-real-time-directly-on-the-device-050036717.html?src=rss

The Rodecaster series of podcast mixers have become a mainstay among audio creatives. Last year, the company expanded the line with its first multimedia model - the Rodecaster Video. It was a more niche proposition, aimed at streamers, video podcasters and live producers, and, at $1,200, people with deeper pockets. Today, Rode returns with the Rodecaster Video S (RCV-S), a streamlined version that offers much of the same functionality for less than half the cost of the original ($499).If you currently use Ecamm Live, OBS, a Stream Deck, a Rodecaster Pro/Duo, a video capture card or Blackmagic Atem type switcher, then there's a good chance the RCV-S does something, or many things, useful to you. Maybe it can replace all those products, some of them or enhance your workflow. It's a little complicated, but within that complication is a lot of versatility.With three HDMI inputs, one USB webcam/mic input and up to four NDI/wireless camera inputs, video is clearly the focus here. But there are also two XLR/Combo ports for studio microphones and instruments and the option to connect up to two of Rode's wireless lav mics (such as the Wireless Go) directly without the need for a receiver. The RCV-S, like Blackmagic's popular Atem Mini, outputs over HDMI at 1080p/60 (no 4K) or can be used over USB as a virtual camera just like you'd find in Zoom or Teams.Unlike the Rodecaster Pro or Duo, there are no faders; instead, there are two rows of pads for switching between video sources and scenes. There's 20GB of onboard storage for media - such as overlays, graphics and audio/video clips - and you can record shows directly onto USB hard-drives or stream natively to Twitch, YouTube and other platforms via RTMP/S. There's a lot going on, and how you want to use it all is largely up to you. While the RCV-S leans more toward live" productions such as streaming or podcasts, you can use it for conventional YouTube-style video production, depending on your workflow or video preferences.Rodecaster Video versus Rodecaster Video SThe huge price difference between the original Rodecaster Video and the new S model might lead you to expect some serious feature trimming this time around, but Rode's garden shears have been fairly kind. Most notably, the number of sources you can connect has been reduced from six to four. Meanwhile, the number of scenes" you can create is now five, down from seven. As mentioned above, there are three HDMI inputs, not four, and only one USB webcam/mic input, down from two on the original. There are still nine channels of audio with two headphone outputs, but the line outputs on the original are no longer here. The SD card slot for media has also been removed in favor of internal storage. In short, there's a little bit less connectivity, but not enough for it to feel hobbled, especially for the more casual users this is clearly aimed at.In-use At its most basic, the RCV-S is an all-in-one video switcher. You don't need to connect it to a PC, just plug in your video and audio sources and you can jump between them in real time with a choice of transitions. For a more polished production you can create scenes" via the menu with a selection of layouts for multiple cameras, picture-in-picture and so on. That could be two talking heads for a podcast, overlaying your web camera on top of your gameplay or a top-down camera mixed with a different perspective for cooking tutorials or presentations.You can create scenes directly on the device in advance or live via templates, but things get a lot easier and more creative when you use Rode's companion Rodecaster app. Here, you'll find a scene creator" tool that's both visual and intuitive, plus it has the option to make custom layouts where you can freely resize and place all your different media wherever you want, add borders or rounded corners and so on.While the main pads are primarily for switching between sources and scenes, they can also trigger media - pre-made video clips, overlays and graphics, for example. You can assign media to them without reducing the number of sources/scenes that are available to switch between, just tap the Media/Overlay button to temporarily change the functionality of the pads. You can also set up chromakey/green screening directly on the device or via the Rodecaster App, too.Once you have everything set up, you can directly record output onto a USB SSD, again, without the need for a PC. There's even the option to record only the main output (program") or a multi-track version which will export a recording of every input as a separate file that you can edit as you see fit. This is helpful if you're using apps like Adobe Premier or Davinci Resolve. If you shoot multi-camera dance tutorials, for example, you can jump between your main and wide camera and then to a close up without having to hunt-down the right part from each file you recorded on different memory cards.Rode recently updated the Rodecaster Video firmware to add support for up to four NDI" wireless cameras as additional sources. Typically these are remote or security-style cameras, but Rode's Capture mobile app also supports NDI streaming, meaning you can use your phone wirelessly as another camera that you can switch to, which is particularly useful. Though do note, the Rodecaster Video will need to be hard-wired to your router on the same network as your phone for this to work.Audio The Rodecaster Video S handles audio and video with ease. James Trew for Engadget While the RCV-S offers nine audio tracks, it's fair to say it isn't really designed for live audio mixing in the pure sense since there are no faders. Instead, you have to access different channels via the menu on a small display and a dial - It's a lot of hunting and pecking. If you're connected to a PC, the Rodecaster app does offer a software mixer with faders though, which makes adjusting levels on the fly much easier.The good news is that some voice enhancement tools, such as Depth, Sparkle and Punch have been carried over from the Rodecaster Pro/Duo, giving you a little more fine-grained control over how you or your guests sound.There's a slight drawback when using the RCV-S as a standalone unit, in that you need to physically push the buttons to change the scene, which might not be ideal if you're trying to make a polished recording or can't always be near the console. Thankfully, Rode has a solution in auto switching." I'm mentioning it here, in the audio section, as the RCV-S can switch cameras based on which one has the strongest audio or based on user-defined priority. Typically, that would be whoever is talking in a podcast, but it could also be in-game sound or when you switch to playing a musical instrument.Auto switching works well, but it's not quite dependable enough to rely on for full autonomy in a professional environment - say while recording a panel at a conference - but it solves a problem if you're on your own, and it could at least save some time in a casual podcast situation.Things to consider The Rodecaster Video S (top) vs. The Rodecaster Video (bottom) James Trew for Engadget It's clear that the RCV-S, despite having fewer inputs than the original Rodecaster Video, is still quite a complex, open-ended tool. If you already have a streaming setup you like and the software and interfaces you need, then the appeal of the RCV-S will be down to whether it can do what you need more efficiently. For live video production, it's an easier sell, as there aren't many all-in-one devices to compete with it that can be used standalone.For example, Blackmagic's Atem series is incredibly popular, and until now, had the advantage on price with the Mini Pro costing just $330. Even the Mini Pro ISO ($550) that exports multi-track video was half the price of the original Rodecaster Video. The RCV-S now offers comparable connectivity, onboard recording, more expansive audio features and multi-track export for $50 less.For general content creators it's a little trickier. As someone that makes YouTube videos, the appeal to me is the chance to consolidate a few devices into one and remove some friction in my recordings. Right now, I have a Rodecaster Duo handling my audio, a capture card for my main camera and I swap out that camera for a smaller one if I am shooting top-down footage or need a second angle. That means I have several different devices on my desk, and I'm constantly doing a dance of unplugging things and juggling media or different recordings before I get everything ready to edit. The Rodecaster Video S has a tiny display for menus and settings. James Trew for Engadget With the RCV-S I can ditch my standalone capture card and permanently leave multiple cameras connected to the Rodecaster so that they are ready to go at any time. I can even remove the Rodecaster Duo and bring it back out again on the occasions I need more immediate control over multiple sources of audio (which is sometimes, but not often). The appeal in my case is fewer devices on my desk, and the ability to record multi-camera video without having to set up every shot, every single time, which saves significant time that I can then use to actually get more work done.There are, of course, some limitations. Not least of all is the lack of 4K. I'm still inclined to record on camera for my primary shot to ensure I still have a 4K copy for YouTube and then use the Rodecaster Video S for everything else, but as a small creator, convenience and flexibility is very appealing. For streamers and live video production, the Rodecaster Video S is a very capable tool that offers a wide range of functionality for an accessible price that will no doubt become the central hub for many creators.The real kicker here is the price. Let's be clear, $500 is still significant money. But at less than half the price of the original Rodecaster with decent connectivity and basically the same functionality, it's an easy recommendation to those who were holding off based on price alone. Likewise, if you're just starting out with content creation and need something with solid video credentials and audio chops, Rode makes a good case for itself with the Rodecaster Video S.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/rodecaster-video-s-review-compact-and-comprehensive-video-production-230000221.html?src=rss

Paramount+ is making some changes that will make its streaming service get more to watch. During Paramount's earnings report today, the company announced that it will increase the subscription prices for Paramount+ in the US during the first quarter of 2026. Price hikes were also announced today for viewers in Canada and Australia. The new pricing was not shared, but a dollar or two more per month has become the standard change. Considering most streaming services jack their prices every year or two, the news was probably inevitable; the last increase for Paramount+ was back in June 2024. But today's announcement also revealed that Paramount+ will no longer offer free trials, which is a common practice for most digital entertainment subscriptions.The changes appear to be part of a reassessment of the Paramount+ finances. The company's approach to increase long-term profitability "includes shifting away from certain hard bundles and low-margin subscriptions, reducing investment in select international markets without a clear path to sufficient scale, retiring free trials, and reviewing discount practices."These new moves follow Skydance's acquisition of Paramount over the summer, an $8 billion purchase which received regulatory approval after some pretty scuzzy interactions with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/paramount-is-getting-a-price-hike-and-ending-free-trials-231146302.html?src=rss

Rode is today launching the Rodecaster Video S, a smaller and cheaper version of its existing all-in-one production console. The Rodecaster Video is targeted at professionals and environments regularly producing multi-camera content. The S, meanwhile, is aimed at bedroom streamers, video podcasters and other indie creators with more modest production needs. Consequently, the focus here is on trimming down unnecessary features to get the price to a more reasonable $500. Rode It's easy to spot the differences by sight alone, since the hardware is smaller than its bigger sibling. It's got fewer input and scene buttons, and is clad in plastic, rater than metal, since it probably won't need to be moved around a lot. The number of HDMI inputs/outputs drops from 4/2 on the original to 3/1 here, and there's only one multi-function USB-C port. Similarly, there's only two headphone outputs here, and you'll only get 24GB internal storage rather than the microSD-card slot found on the original. The Rodecaster Video S is available to pre-order today, with units expected to ship across December, depending on your territory. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/rodes-rodecaster-video-s-is-a-smaller-cheaper-production-console-for-creators-230052793.html?src=rss

Google is continuing to push its Gemini AI assistant into as many of its products as possible. The latest to get the treatment is Google TV Streamer, where Gemini for TV will begin rolling out today and over the coming weeks. The Google TV Streamer had a few minor AI features when we reviewed the hardware, but this new voice-controlled application of Google's Gemini is more robust. It can offer suggestions for viewing based on the preferences of whoever is watching or provide additional context for the content playing.We knew from The Android Show this spring that Google was planning to bring Gemini to additional platforms, including televisions. A lot of those plans have been coming to fruition in the final quarter of 2025; for instance, last month Google opened early access to Gemini for Home, which brings a specially-designed AI assistant to its Google Home smart speaker hardware.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/gemini-for-tv-is-rolling-out-to-the-google-tv-streamer-220448361.html?src=rss

Next year will see the end arrive for two of Facebook's external social plugins. The platform's Like button and Share button for third-party websites will be discontinued on February 10, 2026. The blog post from Meta explains that site admins shouldn't have to take any additional steps as a result of the change, although they can choose to remove the plugins before the discontinue date. Any remaining plugins will "gracefully degrade," which sounds much more dramatic than what will actually happen, which is that they'll render as a 0x0 invisible element.Ending support for these features marks the end of an era for Meta and Facebook. External Like and Share buttons were introduced in 2010. The tools were promoted as ways for sites to generate more traffic through the social network, which was a major way that people shared and saw articles at that time. The company's official line is that the plugins "reflect an earlier era of web development, and their usage has naturally declined as the digital landscape has evolved." But Facebook also plays a much smaller role in the broader Meta business operation than it once did, and anecdotally, it's less common to see sites running only integrations with a single social network.Update, November 10, 2025, 4:45PM ET: Corrected the original release date for the plugins.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-is-killing-off-the-external-facebook-like-button-205207354.html?src=rss

Snap is offering Snapchat+ subscribers the chance to have 2D Bitmoji avatars once again. In the coming days, they'll be able to activate a setting called Comic Bitmoji. Snap said this will revive the charm of classic avatars, while keeping all the benefits of today's 3D infrastructure." If you turn on Comic Bitmoji, all Bitmoji avatars that you see in Snapchat will be rendered in 2D. You'll also be able to send stickers to your friends in that style.Snap switched from 2D to 3D avatars back in 2023. The company said the move allowed it to offer a larger array of customizations, including more body types, hairstyles and makeup looks.However, many users yearned for a return to a 2D look. Nearly 100,000 of them signed a Change.org petition demanding the return of 2D Bitmoji, and Snap said it listened. CEO Evan Spiegel signed the petition too.Snap says Comic Bitmoji effectively applies a filter to the 3D avatars. To make the animations and expressions work properly in the 2D format, the team had to make adjustments to proportions, shading and outlines, according to Fast Company. Snap said that more than 320 million people use Bitmoji every day, so getting the 2D renders right was important.It's a little disappointing that Snap is locking the the Comic Bitmoji setting behind a paywall. However, it seems like just the kind of feature that might prompt more users to sign up for a Snapchat+ subscription.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/snap-is-bringing-back-2d-bitmoji-for-snapchat-subscribers-202257144.html?src=rss

It looks like Samsung is sticking with its Plus line of Galaxy phones, according to a report by Android Headlines. This comes after rumors swirled that the company would be dropping the Plus line in favor of the slim Edge handset. This report indicates that not only is Samsung keeping the Plus, but it's ditching the well-reviewed Edge entirely.A leaker has given us a peek at the forthcoming S26+ and it looks similar to the company's other modern smartphones. The camera island has been tweaked a bit. The leak shows a small, raised camera island, which is different from the design of the S25+.

US residents across 15 states could be in for a show tonight and throughout the week. Incoming coronal mass ejections may spark geomagnetic storms that blaze up the northern lights for all to see, according to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Forecasters anticipate geomagnetic activity and aurora displays from November 10 until November 12 in states such as New York, Minnesota, Iowa and Alaska, among others. This is due to a trio of coronal mass ejections that began on November 7.NOAAAs previously stated, the latest NOAA aurora forecast map notes that 15 US states are fully or partially above the view line. This isn't an exact science, as it's entirely possible that those living below the view line could get a glimpse of something in the night sky. Auroras are fickle, so it's also possible that the lightshow will be understated. A number of conditions have to align for the perfect display.If you're planning on heading out tonight for a look, here are some tips. Make sure to find a north-facing vantage point with a clear view of the horizon. You want to be as far from light pollution as possible, so head away from large cities. Use a mobile phone to scan the skies as the camera is actually better at picking up faint lights before being visible to the naked eye. This can help pinpoint where to focus attention.The last truly powerful and widespread aurora event in the US took place last year. That geomagnetic storm was one of the strongest in the past two decades. It's unlikely this week's activity will be quite as striking.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/northern-lights-could-be-visible-in-15-states-this-week-180056871.html?src=rss

Patreon has spent the last few years pitching itself as a healthier alternative to algorithmic social platforms for creators. Now, the membership service is adding a bunch of new social features for its creators in an attempt to make its platform more of a viable alternative to mainstream social media.The updates include a new post format, called Quips, that allows creators to share non-paywalled updates that can include text, photos or video. Patreon users can browse quips from creators via the app's redesigned "home" feed, which now includes recommended posts. (Patreon says users can opt to only see posts from creators they're already following if they wish.) The company is also working on a saved posts feature and a tagging feature so creators can @-mention each other in their posts.All that may sound a lot like social media, but Patreon CEO Jack Conte says the updates are meant to give creators a way to grow their audience without relying on platforms that aren't as invested in their success. "I don't think of it as competing with Instagram ... I feel like we're competing with what Instagram should have and could have become, but did not," he said in an update shared on his Patreon.Patreon's "Quips" will make the service feel more like social media.PatreonWith the updates, the company is also walking a fine line between offering creators an alternative to social media and becoming the type of algorithmic platform it has railed against. Conte seems aware of this tension, noting that the membership-only tab will still deliver updates only from creators people are already following. "If we pivot too much to discovery and you don't see the creators that you're subscribed to and love, then we're not doing our job of helping you cultivate long-term relationships, and we have to fix that," he said.At the same time, he says there are early signs that the changes will be positive for creators. According to Conte, creators who have tried a beta version of Quips have already seen a significant rise in new free memberships from the feature. So far, there's been a much smaller rise in paid subscribers, with "somewhere in the 5 to 10 percent" range of new paid memberships coming from Quips, though Conte says he's "optimistic" about its potential to drive paid growth,Patreon plans to roll out these updates slowly, with full availability coming sometime next year. In the meantime, creators who want access to Quips sooner can join a waitlist to be added to the beta.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/patreon-is-adding-a-discovery-feed-to-help-creators-avoid-social-media-platforms-173000049.html?src=rss

PayPal has introduced a Venmo cash back rewards program that the company is calling Venmo Stash. The program is designed to scale rewards with user engagement, offering more cash back to those who use more of the platform's suite of products.The rewards are earned when users spend on their Venmo Debit Mastercard, but only at curated bundles" of certain brands. Unless users are judicious about only using their Venmo debit cards at these brands, this could mean a net monthly cash back far below what is advertised.In the company's announcement, Paypal depicts brands like McDonald's, TikTok Shop, Uber and Uber Eats bundled together, while another bundle shows Amazon, DoorDash, Domino's and Walgreens. Users can change their bundle of brands every 30 days.Cash back tiers start at 1 percent when users spend at their chosen brands, scaling to 2 percent when auto reloads are turned on to keep a balance in Venmo. The highest tier is 5 percent cash back, which requires customers to receive monthly Direct Deposits on Venmo of at least $500. PayPal says it will be introducing more ways to earn rewards next year.The fine print for Venmo Stash mentions a monthly reward cap, the amount of which is only visible during the enrollment process. Once this cap is reached, no more rewards can be earned until the next calendar month.PayPal has been making moves lately in hopes of enticing new customers. Earlier this year it offered a free year of Perplexity Pro to its users, along with early access to the AI powered Comet browser.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/venmo-introduces-a-rewards-program-for-its-debit-card-users-170807513.html?src=rss