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Black Friday deals have come for VR headsets, and you can pick up our favorite budget set for less than usual. Meta's entry-level Quest 3S is 17 percent off and down to $250 for the 128GB version right now. Its normal price is $300, and with this version you get the game Gorilla Tag for free. The Meta Quest 3S is an impressive VR headset for the price, and scored a 90 in Engadget's review, landing it among our picks for the best VR headsets around right now. It's comfortable to wear, gets over two hours of battery life before needing to be recharged and offers a 96-degree field of view. While its 1,830 by 1,920 pixel per eye screen doesn't quite achieve the sharpness of the Quest 3, it does have the same chip - the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 - as the pricier model, making for fast performance. It also comes with 8GB of RAM. The Quest 3S also comes with the Touch Plus controllers, which have button and joystick controls as well as motion controls. It can also connect to gaming PCs and stream gameplay to Chromecast and AirPlay devices. Despite being relatively inexpensive, the 3S offers a great experience. In his review, Engadget's Devindra Hardawar said the 3S is "the best $300 standalone VR headset we've ever seen."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-meta-quest-3s-vr-headset-drops-to-a-record-low-this-black-friday-180911450.html?src=rss

If you've been waiting to try Apple TV+, now's the time to jump in. You can get six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday, giving you a chance to stream award-winning originals like Severance, Ted Lasso and The Morning Show. The offer is live for a limited time through December 1, so if you haven't signed up before, it's a great time to see what the service has to offer. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service. Apple TV+ continues to build one of the strongest lineups in streaming. Its library includes standout originals like Ted Lasso, Severance, Slow Horses, For All Mankind, Foundation and Silo, along with newer releases such as The Studio and Dope Thief. On the film side, you'll find the 2022 Best Picture winner CODA, plus Killers of the Flower Moon, Blitz and Tetris. Apple's streaming service has earned plenty of recognition since launch. Apple TV+ shows picked up 10 Emmy Awards in 2024, including a win for Slow Horses for outstanding writing in a drama series. Apple TV+ also offers a polished streaming experience. All content is ad-free and available in up to 4K HDR, with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support where available. The app works on nearly every device, from iPhone and iPad to smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox and Roku. You can also download episodes and movies to watch offline, which is handy for travel or long commutes. If you're already invested in Apple's ecosystem, the integration is seamless. You can share your subscription with up to five other people through Family Sharing, and playback syncs across devices so you can start a show on your iPhone and finish it on your TV. Apple TV+ is also part of the Apple One bundle if you prefer to manage multiple Apple services under a single plan. This deal is available to new and qualified returning subscribers, meaning those who haven't had an active subscription in the past 30 days. You'll need to sign up directly through Apple rather than a third-party service or carrier. Once the three-month period ends, the plan renews at the standard $13 per month, so be sure to cancel before the renewal date if you don't want to continue. With a growing slate of original series, award-winning films and a slick interface, Apple TV+ has turned into one of the best streaming services for premium content. And with this limited-time deal, you can catch up on its biggest hits without paying full price. There are plenty of other Black Friday streaming deals to consider as well. Here are some of the best ones:

Good deals on Apple products are generally harder to come by throughout the year than with other brands, but sale events are usually the best time to look around. And sure enough, for Black Friday, Apple's AirTags are cheaper than ever. You can pick up a four-pack of these handy Bluetooth trackers for $63, a record low price, at Amazon and Walmart. Bear in mind that this deal brings the price per AirTag down to about $16 if you were to buy them individually, and when not on sale they usually cost $29. If you use Apple devices and are prone to losing stuff, AirTags are the obvious choice of Bluetooth tracker to buy. Adding one to your account requires little more than a single tap, and with Apple's Find My network offering such extensive coverage these days, it's never been easier to find missing belongings. Tracking down a still nearby misplaced item is as easy as using your iPhone to trigger a sound from the AirTag's built-in speaker, or alternatively you can use Precision Finding to pinpoint its location through Find My. You just follow the instructions on your iPhone's screen, paying attention to its vibrations as you get closer. If you only need a single AirTag, they're also on sale right now for $18, another record low. It works out a bit better as a deal if you purchase the four-pack, but if you just want to attach one to your keys or backpack, $65 might seem like a stretch. Just remember that AirTags can't be attached to items right out of the box. You'll need to add an accessory in order to turn one into a keyring, or even attach it to your pet's collar. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-black-friday-deals-get-a-four-pack-of-airtags-for-a-record-low-price-161756513.html?src=rss

One of the best Black Friday deals under $50 is on the Amazon Smart Plug this year. You can pick up the IoT device for only $12 right now, which is nearly 50 percent off its normal price. If you've been interested in making your house smart, or adding to your existing smart home ecosystem, now is the time to stock up. To that end, this product made our list of the best smart plugs. It's the perfect accessory for those who rely on Alexa to control aspects of the smart home. These plugs are really easy to set up via the Alexa app. You don't have to pop in a Wi-Fi password or anything. It's basically plug-and-play. Once connected, you'll be able to use any device with Alexa to control whatever it's plugged into. For instance, you can group multiple plugs together as lights and then just say "Alexa, turn all the lights off" and it'll do just that. They are compatible with just about any household device with a physical on/off switch, including lamps and coffee makers. While these are the perfect smart plugs for Alexa households, they are only for Alexa households. The plugs don't integrate with any other digital assistant. They are still the best choice for those tied into the ecosystem. Other smart plugs on sale for Black Friday include the Kasa Mini smart plugs; you can get a four-pack for $24. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-amazon-smart-plug-is-48-percent-off-for-black-friday-093033189.html?src=rss

If you, like me a few months ago, didn't know fabric shavers existed, I'm willing to bet you're not alone. Not too long ago, I went looking for something, anything, that could help get rid of the pilling on some of my most loved pieces of clothing. I stumbled upon the Philips Fabric Shaver in my search and was pleasantly surprised to learn such a device existed - and in such a cute, compact form. I decided to give it a shot and now it's an essential piece of tech in my house. Thanks to Black Friday deals, you don't have to pay as much as I did for it now that it's on sale for only $13. Sure, it may not seem revolutionary - especially if you already knew of the wonders of such devices - but it was for me. I have a lot of T-shirts, joggers, sweaters and more that I've had for at least three years and wear regularly. We also have a bunch of throw blankets around the house, partially because I love a good throw, and partially because my cat demands soft spots on which to sleep. All of those well-worn, well-loved fabrics have pilled over time, and I was tired of picking at the pills myself. This Philips Fabric Shaver makes it so I never have to do that anymore. It runs on two AA batteries, has a simple on-off switch and a shaving head with three sized holes that, as you glide it over your sweater or blanket, catches the pills and shaves them right off. It's literally as simple as that; after I tried it the first time on a pair of joggers, I spent far too much time running around my house and through my closet de-pilling as many things as I could. All the little fabric bits collect in a removable chamber that you simply empty as often as you need into the trash. If you're like me and try to make the most of the wardrobe you have and not buy new clothing all the time, this little gadget will keep the pieces in your closet looking fresh.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/you-need-a-fabric-shaver--this-one-i-use-is-down-to-13-for-black-friday-163402337.html?src=rss

Figuring out the best iPad for you can be a little tricky. Apple now sells three different 11-inch tablets and two 13-inch models, each with key differences in pricing, specs and accessory support. The iPad mini is still doing its thing as well. To help you out, we've tested every iPad in Apple's current lineup and broken down which ones best fit certain needs, whether you want a laptop replacement or just a big screen for streaming TV. Table of contents

With the launch of the new AirPods Pro 3, Apple made the biggest update to its flagship earbuds in years. But before then, the AirPods Pro 2 were our top picks for the best wireless earbuds for Apple users. They remain a great option today (particularly thanks to software updates), but they can be a bit hard to find. This is where Walmart Black Friday deals come into play right now. Walmart has the AirPods Pro 2 for $139, which is the lowest we've ever seen them and more than $100 off their standard $249 price tag. During Black Friday last year, they dropped to around $155. At this price, the AirPods Pro 2 are a good option for anyone who wants most of the conveniences and features of the Pro 3s without spending nearly $100 more. They have excellent active noise cancellation and great sound quality, and thanks to a firmware update, they do support Apple's new Live Translation feature. Using the buds in tandem with the Translate app on iPhones running iOS 26 or later, you can translate foreign languages in conversation in real time, hearing other languages being spoken to you in your preferred language. Sound quality remains great on the Pro 2 and battery life hits at around six hours of use on a single charge with ANC enabled. The wireless charging case that comes with the Pro 2 actually offers more total hours of listening time than the Pro 3 - 30 hours in total, in comparison to the Pro 3's 24 hours. You also get most of Apple's health tracking capabilities along with all the conveniences of the H2 chipset, which includes quick pairing and switching, plus hands-free Siri. What you won't get here is built-in heart rate tracking and improved sound quality and ANC, all of which are stand-out features of the new Pro 3. In addition to the AirPods Pro 2, other AirPods are on sale for Black Friday. AirPods 4, both with and without ANC, are down to record-low or near-record low prices. Plus, the new AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for their best price since their launch in September. We'll update this post as more Walmart Black Friday tech deals come in. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/walmart-black-friday-deals-the-airpods-pro-2-are-down-to-their-lowest-price-yet-170032199.html?src=rss

We put together this this collection of iPad deals every week. And we always mention that you can't find deals directly through Apple's website - but this week is different, sort of. From November 28 through December 1, Apple.com is offering up to $250 in gift cards with your purchase. But if you're looking for straightforward discounts on iPads, the best of what we found is spelled out below. Thanks to Black Friday sales, the standard iPad is cheaper than ever. And many other Apple devices are on sale, too (like the new AirPods Pro 3 for a new low). Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy are hosting these deals, but there's a chance the deals will end after Cyber Monday. For now, these are the best iPad deals we could find. Best iPad deals Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, 8-inch) for $399 ($100 off): The iPad mini is exactly what it sounds like: the smaller iPad. This latest iteration has an improved A17 Pro chip - which is enough to support Apple Intelligence - along with 128GB of storage in the base model and Apple Pencil Pro support. As before, you'd buy it if you value the smaller 8.3-inch display and want a tablet you can more easily hold with one hand. This deal is within $20 of the lowest price we've tracked. Also at Best Buy. Apple iPad Air (M3, 13-inch) for $649 ($150 off): We loved the previous generation iPad Air. The latest edition has a faster M3 chip, which excelled in our benchmark tests. Overall, we awarded it an 89 in our review and it's currently our top pick for among the iPad family. This is the model with the larger 13-inch screen, which is a little harder to carry and hold, but will give you more real estate for watching shows and playing games. This $649 price tag matches the lowest price we've seen this year. Apple iPad Pro (M5, 11-inch) for $899 ($100 off): Apple's newest iPad only came out less than a month ago, but it's now $100 off at various retailers. At Amazon, the base model with an M5 chip and 256GB of storage in the black colorway is down to $899. We gave this iPad Pro a score of 85 in our review. It has a class-leading OLED display and an impressively thin design, while the new M5 chip is more than powerful enough to do just about anything you'd want to do with an iPad. It's the only Apple tablet to support fast charging, too. That said, it's still far more iPad than casual buyers ever need, so it's best suited for hardcore iPad users and those with cash to burn. Also at Best Buy and Walmart, and at B&H for $949. Apple iPad Pro (M5, 13-inch) for $1,199 ($100 off): The 13-inch iPad Pro is virtually the same as the 11-inch version, only it's bigger. It's also more expensive, but the extra screen space might be worth it if you're committed to using the Pro as your main computer. Also at Best Buy for $1,199 and B&H for $1,249. Best Apple deals AirPods 4 without ANC for $69 ($60 off): If you don't need active noise cancellation, you can grab Apple's most affordable earbuds, the AirPods 4 without ANC. These came out last September at the same time as the iPhone 16. Engadget's Billy Steele reviewed them and appreciated their comfort, improved sound quality and advanced features like voice isolation for calls and Personalized Spatial Audio. This is the lowest price we've seen yet. AirPods 4 with ANC for $169 ($10 off): These buds have ANC, but they don't have the interchangeable ear tips you'll find on the AirPods Pro 3. Even so, they have an improved fit over the last version, plus good sound quality and a heap of advanced features. Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $749 ($250 off): Apple's latest MacBook Air is the top pick in our guide to the best laptops, and it earned a score of 92 in our review. It's not a major overhaul, but the design is still exceptionally thin, light and well-built, with long battery life and a top-notch keyboard and trackpad. Now it's a bit faster. (Though we'd still love more ports and a refresh rate higher than 60Hz.) This is a new all-time low for the base model with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, but higher-end configurations are also $250 off. Also at Best Buy and it's $100 off at B&H. Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M4) for $950 ($250 off): The 15-inch MacBook Air is nearly identical to the smaller version; apart from its roomier display, it adds better speakers and a more spacious trackpad. This deal marks another all-time low, and other configs are similarly discounted. Apple MacBook Pro (M5, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,399 ($200 off): Apple's most recent M-series chip is the M5, and only comes equipped on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro. When the M5 MacBook Pro M5 came out last month, we promptly reviewed it and awarded it a 92. That new chip gives the laptop an impressive graphics upgrade that helps make it more suited to gaming - an area where Apple still lags behind PCs. Other than the chip upgrade, it's mostly the same, which is a good thing. It's sturdy, powerful and has an impressively long battery life - we clocked 34 hours in a video run-down test. Also on sale for nearly the same price at Amazon, Best Buy and B&H. Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4 Max, 36GB memory, 1TB storage) for $3,064 ($435 off): If you're looking for a near-top-of-the-line MacBook, here's a configuration to consider. This has the fastest currently available M-series chip (though with the release of the M5 chip, the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are no doubt on their way). For now, this is a beast that only professional users are likely to appreciate. And the price tag matches that power. The MacBook Pro is our recommended MacBook for creatives and we gave the 16-inch, M4-series models a 92 in our review. This is is the lowest price we've seen for this configuration. Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) for $340 ($60 off): There wasn't a huge change from the Series 10 to this latest model; hardware updates included a tougher screen and a longer-lasting battery. But if you're upgrading from anything prior to the Series 10, you'll likely enjoy the thinner, more comfortable fit. In our opinion, this is the best smartwatch money can buy. It's a great companion for an iPhone and also offers comprehensive health monitoring and fitness tracking. Also at Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS) for $200 ($49 off): This matches the biggest discount we've seen for the third-gen version of Apple's entry-level smartwatch, which was released in September. We gave it a 90 in our review. The big upgrade here is the always-on display, which means you no longer have to wake the watch to check the time or your notifications. (This tech was previously limited to the more expensive Apple Watch models.) The watch now runs on the same S10 chip as its higher-end siblings as well, plus it still covers the essential health and fitness features. If you're in the market for your first smartwatch, or if you only want a watch for step counting, sleep tracking and notifications, it's a strong value. Also at Walmart and Target. Apple Mac mini (M4) for $479 ($100 off): The newest version of Apple's tiny desktop PC has a smaller overall footprint, a faster M4 chip, 16GB of RAM as standard (finally), two front-facing USB-C ports, an extra Thunderbolt 4 port and the ability to drive three external displays. It doesn't have any USB-A ports, however. We gave the M4 Pro model a review score of 90. This deal is for the entry-level version with a base M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD - we've seen it fall as low as $469 before, but this is still a decent savings. Also at Best Buy and it's $499 at B&H. Apple Pencil Pro for $95 ($35 off): The top-end option in Apple's confusing stylus lineup, the Pencil Pro supports pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, tilt detection, haptic feedback and Apple's double tap and squeeze gestures, among other perks. It's a lovely tool for more intricate sketching and note-taking, but the catch is that it's only compatible with the M4 iPad Pro, M2 and M3 iPad Air and most recent iPad mini. We've seen this deal fairly often over the course of the year, but it's a fine discount compared to buying from Apple directly. Also at Best Buy and Walmart. Apple AirTag (4-pack) for $65 ($34 off): We may see an updated model soon, but the current AirTags are the best Bluetooth trackers for iPhone owners right now thanks to their vast finding network and accurate ultra-wideband tech that makes it easy to locate nearby items. Just note that you'll need a separate AirTag holder to attach them to your keys, wallet or bag. The discount linked here is within a dollar of the best deal we've tracked outside of an apparent pricing error on Apple's site. Also at Best Buy and Walmart. If you just need a single tracker, you can grab one for $18 at Amazon. Read more Apple coverage:

Meditation app Headspace is bringing back one of its biggest annual deals this Black Friday. Through December 4, you'll be able to get 50 percent off the regular annual subscription price, bringing a full year of guided meditations, sleep sounds and mindfulness tools down to $35 per year. If you've been looking to build a better daily routine, this discount makes it easier to start. Headspace has become one of the most recognizable names in digital mindfulness. The app blends practical meditation guidance with structured courses and calming soundscapes designed to make everyday stress easier to manage. Its programs cover everything from beginner-friendly introductions to mindfulness to focused content on topics like anxiety, productivity and sleep. Subscribers get access to hundreds of guided sessions led by the Headspace team, including short daily practices that can be completed in a few spare minutes, plus longer courses that help build consistency. The app's Sleepcasts and soundscapes are unique, designed to create a steady nighttime routine that promotes better rest. For mornings, there are breathing exercises and motivational mini-sessions that can help set focus for the day ahead. Headspace also includes personalized progress tracking, mood check-ins and optional reminders that make it easier to stay consistent with your new mindfulness habits. For anyone new to meditation, the app's clear structure is a major strength. You don't have to know where to start, since it suggests sessions based on your goals or current mood. This annual deal is ideal for users who want to stick with mindfulness practice over time, or anyone interested in incorporating a new habit into their lives. Paying for the year upfront typically saves money compared with the monthly plan, and the discount brings that cost down even further. Whether you're learning the basics of meditation or refining an existing routine, the full library provides enough variety to keep things engaging throughout the year. If you're still comparing wellness apps, check out our guide to the best meditation apps to see how Headspace stacks up against other options. But for those ready to commit to a calmer routine, this annual offer is one of the simplest ways to start the habit at a lower cost.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-headspace-black-friday-deal-gives-you-one-year-of-access-for-35-163051909.html?src=rss

The food coma may be strong right now, but it's wise to check out the internet for the best Thanksgiving Black Friday deals you can get this year. With Black Friday no longer being a one-day affair, that means you can find excellent discounts online even on Thanksgiving when all brick-and-mortar locations are closed. It's also wise to shop early for anything you think might sell out - that category typically includes a lot of tech, like AirPods, game consoles, new video games and more. Check out our curated list of the best Thanksgiving deals you can get right now below. Best Thanksgiving Black Friday deals Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $220 ($29 off): Apple's latest flagship wireless earbuds are the ones to get if you have an iPhone and any other Apple gear. They have improved sound quality, impressive ANC improvements, extra features like Live Translation and even better battery life. Most other AirPods are also on sale, including the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max. Read more: The best Apple Black Friday deals on iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches and more iPad A16 for $274 (21 percent off): The entry level iPad doesn't support Apple Intelligence, but that didn't bother us when we reviewed the new slate. We found the speed to be plenty for what most people need an iPad for: casual gaming, streaming, browsing, answering some emails. We wish the display was laminated and had some anti-glare coating. But this is the lowest-priced way to get your hands on a current-model iPad. Also at Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Disney+ Hulu bundle - $60 for one year: The Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) bundle is on sale for $5 per month for one year (for a total of $60) through December 1. New and eligible returning subscribers can take advantage of this deal, and considering the bundle typically costs $13 per month, this deal represents more than a 50 percent discount on the standard monthly price. Read more: The best Black Friday streaming deals: Save on Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max and more Apple TV+ - 6 months for $36: Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday, which comes out to a discounted price of $6 per month for the six-month period. The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo, The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service. PlayStation 5 Digital Edition for $399 ($100 off): The PlayStation 5 is getting a major Black Friday discount, with $100 off consoles. That brings the PS5 Digital Edition down to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the new PS5 Pro to $649. If you've been holding out for the right time to upgrade or buy your first console, these are the deals to beat. You'll find them direct at Sony and from other retailers including Amazon and Walmart. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for $499: Black Friday Nintendo sales were announced and, unsurprisingly, there aren't many true deals out there this year. There are no straight discounts on the Switch 2 console, so your best bet is to pick up a bundle that saves you some cash on a Switch 2 game. One of the best is the Mario Kart Wold bundle, but Pokemon fans should consider the Pokemon Legends: Z-A bundle, too. Also available at Walmart. Amazon Smart Plug for $13 (48 percent off): Those who use Alexa often will get the most out of this smart plug. We like that it's super simple to set up and can turn almost anything with an on-off switch "smart," allowing you to control it via your phone or with Alexa voice commands. Read more: The best Black Friday deals for $50 or less Philips fabric shaver for $13 (32 percent off): Consider this the Black Friday tech deal you didn't know you needed. If you have shirts, sweaters, pants, even blankets that have pilled over time, this handy little fabric shaver can get them looking more like new again. I bought this on a whim after wishing I could refresh some of my most-loved wardrobe staples without spending hours pulling pills off myself. Philips' fabric shaver has delivered and then some, and my clothes look much fresher than before. Meta Quest 3S VR headset for $250 ($50 off): We consider this to be the best VR headset for newbies or those on a budget. It's comfortable to wear for long sessions, has solid performance, comes with excellent controllers and you'll have access to a large app library with it. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $248 ($158 off): While the new XM6 headphones have replaced these as Sony's flagship cans, that doesn't mean the XM5 aren't worth buying. They were our top pick for the best wireless headphones for years before the XM6 came around, and they still have excellent ANC, great sound quality, long battery life, a comfortable fit and handy extra features like multipoint connectivity. LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon A New Hope 25th Anniversary Collectable 75375 for $68 (20 percent off): This is a set that any Star Wars fan will love to build and then love to display once it's complete. The 921-piece set features a fully-detailed Millennium Falcone, buildable stand and nameplate. Read more: The best Lego Black Friday deals for 2025 Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 100W) for $88 (35 percent off): A top pick in our guide to the best power banks, this Anker brick is kind of a one-and-done device. It has enough capacity to charge all sorts of devices from smartphones to laptops to handheld gaming consoles, and it has two built-in USB-C cables so you don't even have to remember to bring your own to use it. Also available at Anker. Read more: The best Anker Black Friday deals on power banks and other charging gearThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-thanksgiving-black-friday-deals-for-2025-save-on-airpods-ps5-consoles-disney-and-more-090905438.html?src=rss

If you were hoping to create some silly images this long holiday weekend with Google's new Nano Banana Pro model, I have some bad news: the company is restricting free usage of the AI system. In a support document spotted by 9to5Google, Google notes free users can currently generate two images daily, down from three per day previously. "Image generation and editing is in high demand," the company writes. "Limits may change frequently and will reset daily."It would appear Google is also limiting free Gemini 3 Pro usage, with the document stating non-paying users will get basic access - daily limits may change frequently" as well. When the company first began rolling out Gemini 3 Pro on November 18, it guaranteed five free prompts per day. That was in line with Gemini 2.5 Pro. If you pay for either Google AI Pro or AI Ultra plan, your usage limits have not changed. They remain at 100 and 500 prompts per day, respectively.Google isn't the first company to enforce stricter usage following a popular release. You may recall OpenAI delayed rolling out ChatGPT's built-in image generator to free users after the feature turned out to be more popular than anticipated. However, OpenAI eventually brought image generation to free users.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-limits-free-nano-banana-pro-image-generation-usage-due-to-high-demand-223442929.html?src=rss

This Black Friday will feature an NFC showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are 8-3 this season, but the odds for the Black Friday NFL game favor the Eagles to win. The Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles game will stream live nationally on Amazon Prime Video on Friday at 3 p.m. ET. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Friday's game and the rest of the Week 13 schedule. How to watch the Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles game: Date: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 Kickoff time: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT Game: Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Streaming: Prime Video Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles game channel: The Bears visit the Eagles on Friday afternoon for a post-Thanksgiving game, streaming on Amazon's Prime Video. How to watch the Bears vs. Eagles NFL Week 13 schedule: All times Eastern. Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

If you have a Pixel 10 phone that you use for turn-by-turn directions in lieu of a dedicated GPS device, Google has an update that might be right up your alley. A Google Maps power-saving mode is now available for Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The company announced this feature earlier this month as part of its November 2025 Pixel Drop.Power-saving mode is only available in portrait orientation and it works on your lock screen. If you tap the power button while using the driving navigation tool, the app will switch to a simpler monochrome look that retains the map layer, as 9to5Google notes. It looks a bit like the dark mode map in the Uber app.You'll see only see key details your journey, such as your next turn and expected travel time. Other elements, such as your current speed, are stripped out. You can still swipe down to see your notifications.If you press the power button or tap the screen, Google Maps will revert to the standard view. The app also turns off power-saving mode when you get to your destination.Google says that the power-saving mode can extend your Pixel 10's battery life by up to four hours, so this could come in handy for long drives when you don't have an easy way to charge your phone while you have it mounted on your dashboard. The more streamlined look could perhaps help to mitigate distracted driving too.Google will probably bring the feature to other devices down the line, but it's disappointing that the company is limiting it to the Pixel 10 lineup for now. Perhaps it will end up offering this stripped-down UI on the Android Auto version of Google Maps someday. tooIt seems that Google is enabling power-saving mode by default via an update on its end. If you'd rather not be able to use the feature, you can switch it off by going to the settings in the app, then Navigation > Driving options and tapping the toggle for power-saving mode.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/a-google-maps-power-saving-mode-lands-on-pixel-10-devices-180000601.html?src=rss

Here's some bad news for folks who've been using Plex to stream stuff from a buddy's personal media server to their TV for free for years. As it pledged to do earlier this year when it bumped up the price of the Plex Pass, the service is starting to enforce a paywall for remote streaming from a personal server to TV apps. Plex is rolling out the change on its Roku app this week, followed by its other TV apps (on the likes of Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV) and third-party clients that use its remote streaming API in 2026. Plex also recently started deploying a redesigned version of its app on Roku-powered TVs.Under the new way of things, the owner of a media server needs a Plex Pass subscription to grant other people remote access to it through the service. A Plex Pass now costs $7 per month, $70 per year or $250 for a lifetime membership. Those with such a subscription (or the Remote Watch Pass for $2 per month or $20 per year) can remotely access someone else's media server, even if the server owner doesn't have Plex Pass. Plex started enforcing the change on mobile devices before doing so elsewhere.It always stinks when a company puts up a paywall around a feature that was previously free. Plex needs to make money to keep things running, which is fair enough. But turning free features into paid ones is hardly a consumer-friendly approach, especially when there are open-source alternatives like Jellyfin around.

Amazon is selling the Echo Spot smart speaker for just $50 as part of a Black Friday promotion. The sale applies to multiple colorways and represents a discount of $30. This isn't a record low price, but it's extremely close. For the uninitiated, the Echo Spot is a diminutive little speaker/alarm clock hybrid unit. It's a cute little doodad and looks great on a nightstand. The screen is customizable, so it doesn't have to display a clock. It can show song titles, smart home control dashboards, the weather and a lot more. Of course, there are numerous clock faces to choose from. The Spot not only integrates with Amazon's smart assistant Alexa, but it provides access to the newfangled Alexa+. This is a smarter and more conversational version of the iconic smart assistant. Like most modern AI products, it's still working out some bugs. The underlying tech, however, is promising. The speaker is decent enough for the size, though you won't be using it to fuel any house parties. It's a great tool for bedroom-based listening. This version doesn't have a camera, which is actually great news for the privacy conscious. In addition to the Echo Spot, you'll even find Black Friday deals on some of the latest Echo devices that just came out last month. The Echo Dot Max is on sale for $90, the new Echo Studio has dropped to $190 and the latest Echo Show 8 has been discounted to $160. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-black-friday-deals-pick-up-the-echo-spot-smart-alarm-clock-for-only-50-130550824.html?src=rss

Whether you need a new pair of headphones for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, Black Friday deals should save you some cash. Cans from a bunch of brands are on sale now, including Beats. One of the best deals from that brand is on the Beats Studio Pro, which is available for a whopping 51 percent off. Grab a pair while they're down to $170; this matches the cost we've seen for the Studio Pro headphones during other peak shopping times earlier this year. The Beats brand last updated this wireless over-ear headset in 2023, but it's still a solid choice for a workhorse pair of headphones. The current model improved audio quality and added a useful Transparency mode, so that you can listen to your tunes and still be aware of the world around you, which is great for settings such as public transit and the gym. The other option is a more immersive active noise-canceling mode. Beats Studio Pro also support lossless audio when wired on a USB-C cable. The official specs say the battery life for the headphones lasts up to 40 hours, or 24 hours when the active noise canceling mode is engaged. If you need to eke more life out of these Beats, they do offer a fast-charging mode that promises four hours of activity from just ten minutes of recharge. There are several color options for the Beats Studio Pro, so if there's a particular hue you want to be sporting, this might be a deal to hop on quickly before the supplies run out or the deal expires. Also on sale in the Beats realm for Black Friday is the Beats Solo 4, which is 35 percent off and down to $130. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/the-beats-studio-pro-headphones-are-more-than-half-off-for-black-friday-140335170.html?src=rss

The holiday season is just about here and it's officially the time of year to ask: What presents am I going to get everyone? Thankfully, there are a ton of early Black Friday deals for the tech lover in your life. Take the 43 percent discount currently available on the 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and Charging Dock. It's a great option for the gamer in your life, and a steal down from $70 to $40 - a new all-time low price. The controller comes with perks such as the charging dock, 22 hours of battery per charge and compatibility with everything from Steam Deck to Switch. The deal is only for the white model. Earlier this year, 8Bitdo released a new version of this $70 controller, aptly called the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. We rated it as one of the best controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2. While the upgraded model brings you features like more precise and sensitive joysticks, this sale brings the original Ultimate Controller back into view - and our shopping carts. Plus, it also works well with the Nintendo Switch 2.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-8bitdo-ultimate-controller-drops-to-40-for-black-friday-133023380.html?src=rss

Robot vacuums can be a huge help, keeping your floors clean regularly without much extra work on your part. Black Friday deals often include some of our favorite robovacs, and this year is shaping up to be no different. iRobot's entry-level Roomba 104 Vac robot vacuum is available for 48 percent off right now, bringing it down to a record low of $130. A number of other Roombas are on sale for Black Friday, too. In iRobot's lineup of robot vacuums, the Roomba 104 sits on the low end, adept at vacuuming up dust and hair, but without the mopping ability of its more expensive Max, Plus or Combo counterparts. The Roomba 104 Vac makes for a great first robot vacuum all the same, though, because of its four levels of powerful suction, and easy-to-use app. Like iRobot's other vacuums, the Roomba 104 maps and navigates your home with LiDAR, which helps it avoid obstacles. And using the Roomba Home app, you can schedule it to clean specific rooms, and even spot-clean particularly dirty spots. An earlier version of the Roomba Vac is Engadget's favorite budget robot vacuum, and you'll get the same great performance out of the newer Roomba 104 Vac. That includes a specialized brush for cleaning the hard-to-reach corners of your home, and also a charging dock that the vacuum can automatically return to once it's down charging. This sale on Roomba vacuums comes at an admittedly difficult time for iRobot at large, with the company dealing with a serious financial shortfall as of its last earning statement. Regardless of what happens to iRobot, though, the Roomba 104 Vac's offline mode should mean that it can clean your home and charge itself without the need of an app or an internet connection.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/black-friday-deals-include-this-roomba-robot-vacuum-for-only-130-191506142.html?src=rss

EcoFlow is hosting a Black Friday sale on portable power stations. This drops prices by up to 42 percent on many of its well-regarded products. For instance, the Delta Pro 3 is on sale for $2,099. This is a discount of 43 percent, as the typical cost is $3,699. That's a significant drop in price. Amazon's matching the sale price as well. The Delta Pro 3 topped Yahoo's list of the best portable power stations, and for very good reason. This thing is a beast. It boasts a 4,096Wh capacity, so it can power an average 500-watt refrigerator for over 24 hours. That's with continuous use. It can be stretched out to two or three days by only running the appliance during daylight hours. There's even a discounted bundle that includes an extra battery for $3,279. It includes four standard 120V AC outlets and a single 240V outlet. It could potentially be a temporary hub of a whole-home battery backup. There are numerous charging options here, including a standard AC outlet, solar panels and, interestingly, a cigarette lighter. The only potential downside here is the Delta Pro 3 really pushes the boundaries of what can be considered portable. It weighs 113 pounds, though it does have wheels and a telescoping handle. The Delta Pro 3 is just one of the products on sale right now. Another Yahoo top pick, the Delta 2 Max, is $1,000 off and down to $899. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ecoflow-black-friday-deals-include-up-to-52-percent-off-portable-power-stations-130041488.html?src=rss

If you're looking to grab a new SSD for a PC, PS5, gaming handheld or any other gadget, Black Friday is typically a good time to take the plunge. To help you separate the fake discounts from the stuff worth your time, we've picked through the many sales going on now and rounded up the best Black Friday SSD deals and other storage discounts we could find below. So far we're seeing a handful of discounts on well-reviewed internal drives, portable SSDs and microSD cards, but we'll update this post as we find more offers that are worth calling out. Best Black Friday microSD card deals Samsung Pro Plus (1TB, 2-pack) for $136 at Best Buy ($104 off MSRP): The Pro Plus is the runner-up pick in our guide to the best microSD cards. On its own, it's not worth buying over the faster Lexar Professional Silver Plus when both are available for the same price - which is the case right now - but this bundle deal that packages two 1TB cards together for $68 apiece is much more appealing if you need space for multiple devices. Just add two to your cart or click the special offers" link on Best Buy's product page to see the discount at checkout. If you need another card, you can also grab a three-pack for $204. For reference, the previous low for an individual 1TB Pro Plus card is $70. Lexar Play Pro (256GB) microSD Express card for $49 at Amazon ($11 off): The only reason to buy a super-fast (but pricey) microSD Express card is to expand the storage of a Nintendo Switch 2, which requires the newer format. In our guide to the best Switch 2 microSD cards, we found each model we tested to perform similarly in actual games, so your best bet is to buy whichever one you can find in stock at the lowest price. Nintendo has already announced that Samsung's 256GB Express card will be available for $20 off MSRP" on November 30, which should bring it down to $40. If you can wait to pounce on that offer, you should. But if you can't for some reason, or if that discount quickly sells out, this is only $2 more than the best price we've seen for Lexar's equivalent model. Samsung P9 Express (512GB) microSD Express Card for $75 at Amazon ($25 off): If you want more space for a Switch 2, the 512GB version of Samsung's P9 Express card is also on sale for a new low of $75. Full disclosure: Samsung launched this card a couple of weeks ago, and we only just got it in for testing. But given the trend of similar Switch 2 performance we've seen with other Express cards thus far, and the fact that this is easily the cheapest 512GB model we can find in stock as of this writing, we figure it's worth noting. Also at Samsung and B&H. SanDisk microSD Express Card (256GB) for $60 at Amazon ($8 off): Like the offers above, this discount matches the best price we've seen for SanDisk's 256GB microSD Express card. Again, there isn't much point in grabbing it as long as cheaper options are in stock, though this is technically the fastest all-around model we've tested when it comes to transferring games to and from the Switch 2's built-in storage. (Within games, however, the difference is still minimal.) We'll note it here just in case the other Express models completely sell out. Best Black Friday internal SSD deals SK Hynix Platinum P51 (1TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD for $110 at Newegg ($60 off): Most people don't have to pay extra for the top-tier performance of a PCIe 5.0 SSD like the Platinum P51, but if you need something for more intense workloads or just want the comfort of owning a more futureproof SSD, reviews around the web suggest this is one of the better options available. Just make sure you have a compatible motherboard and CPU first. This offer ties the lowest price yet for the 1TB model. Use the code BFEFE96 to get the full discount at checkout. Crucial T710 (2TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD with heatsink for $190 at Best Buy ($130 off): The T710 is Crucial's successor to the T705. Most reviews suggest it isn't a massive leap over the older version in real-world performance, but it's generally quicker, and it's a more noticeable improvement in terms of power efficiency. If you're willing to spend a little bit extra, this is the best price we've tracked for the 2TB model with a heatsink, which isn't 100 percent essential for everyone but helps minimize thermal throttling all the same. It's usually retailed for $250 in recent months. Also at B&H. If you don't want the heatsink, the drive alone is on sale for $10 less. Samsung SSD 9100 Pro (8TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD for $750 at Amazon ($250 off): Yes, we realize this is a ton to spend on a new SSD, but if you're in the niche that wants a PCIe 5.0 drive with as much capacity as possible, it ties the lowest price we've tracked for the 8TB variant of Samsung's top-end model. Most reviews say that the 9100 Pro is outpaced by the WD Black SN8100 at the enthusiast end of the market, but it's still competitive, and the 8TB version of that WD drive is priced $250 higher as of this writing. Most other direct rivals, meanwhile, aren't yet available with this much space. Also at Best Buy. Crucial P310 (2TB) M.2 2230 SSD for $130 at Amazon ($110 off): The P310 is a small-size SSD you can slot in certain thin and light notebooks or gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck. It uses cheaper QLC memory, not the faster and more durable TLC, but most reviews say it performs well for what it is. This discount is a few bucks above the largest drop to date for the 2TB model, but it's still about $20 off the drive's usual street price. Also at B&H. Best Black Friday portable SSD deals Crucial X10 (1TB) portable SSD for $85 at Amazon ($13 off): The X10 is a newer iteration of the Crucial X10 Pro, which itself is a variant of the Crucial X9 Pro, the top pick in our guide to the best portable SSDs. It uses the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, which few PCs and no Macs support, so most people won't see a difference between it and more traditional USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives like the X9 Pro. (Pricier USB4 and Thunderbolt models, meanwhile, are much faster and generally easier to utilize.) If the X10 is on sale for much less than the X9 Pro, however, there's little reason to not buy it instead. That's the case as of this writing. Plus, like our top pick, the X10 is rugged, impressively compact and fast enough for most people's needs, though it doesn't support hardware-based encryption. This deal is $3 more than the 1TB model's all-time low but still $15 off its typical going rate. Other capacities are on sale as well, including the extra spacious 8TB model for a new low of $385. Also at Best Buy and B&H. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox (2TB) for $200 at Amazon ($30 off): Annoying as it is, the only way to fully add storage to an Xbox Series X or Series S is to use a proprietary expansion card. Only two of those exist, and they're both expensive compared to traditional SSDs. Still, they're dead simple to set up, and this Seagate model holds up well compared to the consoles' internal storage. While this deal for the 2TB version isn't an all-time low, it's about $20 off the card's usual going rate over the last few months. The 4TB variant is also discounted at $380 - that's a ton to spend on one of these things, but it does match the lowest price we've tracked for that particular model. Also at Best Buy and Walmart.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-ssd-deals-take-up-to-250-off-recommended-internal-and-portable-ssds-microsd-cards-and-more-175429501.html?src=rss

Ooni Black Friday deals are here, and they'll be tempting for anyone who loves homemade pizza. The company has discounted most of its pizza ovens including the Karu 2 pizza oven, which is on sale for $359. That's 20 percent off the regular $449 price tag. The Karu 2 didn't make our list of the best pizza ovens, but most of the list is populated by Ooni products. The company makes good stuff. The Ooni Karu 16 topped our list and the Karu 2 is basically a smaller version of that one. This is a 12-inch multi-fuel model that can cook with wood or gas. It's intended for outdoor use and it's on the lighter side, at 33 pounds. This should make it easy when moving it around the backyard or when taking it to a friend's house for an impromptu pizza party. To that end, the company sells a luggage-like cover for the oven. The interior reaches temperatures up to 950F. This can cook a pizza in around a minute. The only downside here? This is an oven that's only for outdoor use and, well, winter is coming. Ooni has discounted plenty of its other models for Black Friday, but not the indoor Volt 2 pizza oven. These deals last until December 2.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ooni-black-friday-deals-get-20-percent-off-pizza-ovens-this-holiday-season-130544525.html?src=rss

Generally speaking, there are two ideal periods to buy a TV: the late spring stretch when new models are announced and last year's sets are heavily discounted to clear out inventory, and the holiday shopping season, right around Black Friday. We're firmly in the latter now, so if you've been thinking about making that big living room upgrade, it's OK to take the plunge. To help you out, we've sorted through the many sales already floating around the web and picked out the best Black Friday TV deals we could find below. If you're already happy with your TV, we've also included a few deals on streaming services and media streamers we like. The current selection includes several well-reviewed sets from Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL and Hisense, but we'll update this post through Black Friday itself as more deals pop up. Best Black Friday TV deals: Under $500 Hisense U65QF (55-inch) for $398 at Amazon ($402 off MSRP): The U65QF is another entry-level LED TV with generally positive reviews. Most feedback around the web suggests that it can't match the QM6K in terms of contrast, gaming features and overall accuracy, so TCL's model should be a better buy for most. This iteration also uses Amazon's Fire TV platform instead of the cleaner Google TV. It can achieve a higher peak brightness, however, so it's worth considering if you get particularly bad glare in your living room. This is the lowest price we've seen for the 55-inch model, but the 65-inch ($548), 75-inch ($748) and 85-inch ($900) models are also at all-time lows. Also at Best Buy. Best Black Friday TV deals: Between $500 and $1,000 TCL QM7K (65-inch) for $798 at Amazon ($202 off): The TCL QM7K is a fairly sizable step up over the QM6K, with noticeably improved contrast, brightness and color volume. It has a 144Hz refresh rate with 288Hz@1080p support as well, though like the budget model it's limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports. And like most LED TVs, it can't compete with a good OLED set when it comes to colors and viewing angles. This deal matches the all-time low for the 65-inch model. The 55-inch version is $30 above its previous best at $598. Also at Best Buy and Walmart. LG B5 (48-inch) for $550 at Best Buy ($750 off): The B5 is LG's entry-level OLED TV for 2025. It gets you the core benefits of any OLED TV - excellent contrast, wide viewing angles, smooth motion and so on - but it can't get as bright as the higher-end LG C5, so it doesn't look as colorful. (The C5 isn't significantly discounted as of this writing.) It's technically limited to a 120Hz refresh rate instead of 144Hz, too, though that isn't a big deal unless you plan to play PC games on your TV. This deal comes within $20 of the best price we've seen for the 48-inch version. The 55-inch model is on sale for a low of $897 as well. Also at LG. Hisense U75QG (55-inch) for $498 at Amazon ($416 off): The Hisense U75QG is a close competitor to the QM7K. Its main advantage is that it can get much brighter than TCL's model, which can make HDR content look more dynamic. This set also comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports instead of two, which is nice for those with multiple game consoles and a soundbar. That said, some reviews say its contrast falls short of the QM7K and that it can make HDR content too bright to be fully accurate. It also suffers from more noticeable motion blur, which means it's not the best choice for fast-paced games. So you may only want to grab it if you're determined to stay in this price range and have your TV in an especially bright room. Nevertheless, this is a new low for the 55-inch set. The same goes for the 65-inch ($748) and 75-inch ($998) models. Also at Best Buy. Best Black Friday TV deals: $1,000 and up Samsung S95F (65-inch) for $2,298 at Amazon ($700 off): The S95F is a premium model that's received almost universally stellar reviews for being especially bright among OLED TVs while keeping the bold colors and contrast expected from a QD-OLED panel. That brightness, combined with the display's matte finish, means it's uniquely adept at fending off glare. It also has four HDMI 2.1 ports and a native 165Hz refresh rate for gaming. That said, there's still no Dolby Vision HDR, and the matte coating means that black tones won't look as deep in a bright room. It's not cheap, but this is the lowest price we've seen for the 65-inch model. Also at Samsung and Best Buy. LG G5 (65-inch) for $1,997 at Amazon ($400 off): The LG G5 is the S95F's chief rival at the top of the OLED TV market. Most reviews say it can get even brighter, it does support Dolby Vision and its glossy finish means it won't lose those inky blacks under ambient light. It's more susceptible to glare, however, and while its picture is a level above most WOLED TVs, it's still a step behind QD-OLED sets like the S95F when it comes to color volume. But if you're mostly going to watch things away from direct light, this might be the better buy. This deal has technically been live for a few weeks, but it matches the lowest price we've seen for the 65-inch model. Also at Best Buy and LG. Sony Bravia A95L (55-inch) for $1,600 at Best Buy ($1,200 off): The A95L is an older QD-OLED TV from Sony released in 2023, but many reviews conclude that it isn't far off its 2025 successor, the Bravia 8 II, which currently costs $400 extra. Like many premium Sony TVs, it's earned praise for its excellent image processing, upscaling of lower-quality video and overall accuracy, so it should appeal to those who want movies and shows to look closer to their creators' original intent. As a QD-OLED TV, it can display more vivid colors than lower-priced WOLED panels, plus it supports Dolby Vision HDR. Still-great competitors like the Samsung S90F and LG C5 cost hundreds less, however, while top-end models like the Samsung S95F and LG G5 can get noticeably brighter. The A95L also isn't the best for gamers at this price, as it's limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports - one of which is an eARC port for soundbars - and its input lag is slightly higher than those rivals. But if you're fine with all of that, this deal ties the all-time low for the 55-inch model. Also at Sony. Best Black Friday streaming device deals Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $25 at Amazon ($25 off): The Streaming Stick 4K is worth considering if you want a cheaper stick-style streamer that plugs directly into your TV, or if you just prefer Roku's app-based UI, which many find simpler to navigate than the alternatives from Google and Amazon. Performance is fine, if not super-fast, and the device supports Apple AirPlay as well. Just expect to see some ads and know there's no Twitch app. This deal matches the stick's all-time low. Also at Best Buy and B&H. Roku Streaming Stick Plus for $19 at Amazon ($21 off): The Streaming Stick Plus is a cheaper version of the Streaming Stick 4K with no Dolby Vision support and no long-range Wi-Fi extender included. It may be less reliable with choppier internet connections as a result, but it can typically be powered straight from a TV's USB port, it can still stream up to 4K, and the software experience is identical. Most people should probably just spend the extra $5 for the Streaming Stick 4K, but if you're really looking to save, the Plus is a decent value. This deal is a new all-time low. Also at Best Buy and Walmart. Roku Ultra for $69 at Amazon ($31 off): The Ultra might be worth it if you want the Roku experience in a set-top box design with built-in Ethernet and USB ports. Unlike the streaming sticks, it comes bundled with a rechargeable remote that supports voice controls, a lost remote finding tool and backlit buttons. (Though you can buy that separately.) This latest model also has a faster processor and Wi-Fi 6 support, though it's not as snappy as other boxes like the Google TV Streamer 4K or Apple TV 4K. This deal ties the best price we've tracked. Also at Best Buy and Walmart. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for $25 at Amazon ($25 off): If you'd prefer one of Amazon's media streamers, the newly rebranded Fire TV Stick 4K Plus offers the same core experience as the pricier Fire TV Stick 4K Max, only it has a slightly slower processor, half the storage space (8GB) and Wi-Fi 6 support instead of Wi-Fi 6E. For most people who just want to stream casually, those shouldn't be huge losses. Just keep in mind that its Fire OS interface is still fairly ad-heavy and prioritizes Amazon's own apps over everything else. This deal is $3 more than the device's all-time low but ties the best price we've seen in the past year. Also at Best Buy. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 at Amazon ($25 off): If you want the best Amazon streaming stick possible, the 4K Max gets you faster hardware than the Plus model and may be worthwhile if you have a Wi-Fi 6E router at home. This deal isn't an all-time low, but it matches the best price we've seen over the past year. Also at Best Buy and Target. Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for $18 at Amazon ($17 off): The Fire TV Stick HD is the budget pick in our guide to the best streaming devices. It only streams up to 1080p and runs a bit choppier than Amazon's 4K models since it has a slower chip and a meager 1GB of RAM. The usual complaints with Fire OS still apply, too. But if you want to stick with Amazon and just need to add streaming apps to an old TV for as little as possible, it'll work well enough. This discount matches the best price we've tracked. Also at Best Buy and Target. Best Black Friday streaming service deals Apple TV 6-month subscription for $36 at Apple ($42 off): Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for $36, which comes out to $6 per month for the discounted period. The deal is live for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Slow Horses, The Morning Show or Pluribus for less. The big caveat here is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not a third-party service. HBO Max 1-year subscription for $36 at HBO ($96 off): HBO Max's Black Friday deal gives subscribers one year of its ad-supported tier for $3 per month, or $36 total, through December 1. Normally, this would cost $11 per month. You can sign up via HBO Max's website or, if you're already a Prime Video subscriber, via that service as an add-on. Paramount+ 2-month Premium subscription for $6 at Paramount ($20 off): If you're looking to stream CBS shows or Champions League soccer, this Black Friday deal brings the monthly price of either Paramount+ tier down to $6 total for two months. The obvious better deal is for the ad-free Premium plan, which typically costs $13 per month, but be warned your subscription will be set to auto-renew by default. Sling TV Orange Day Pass for $1 at Sling ($4 off): Sling TV launched Day Passes earlier this year, giving users one-day access to a variety of its packages. This deal cuts $4 off the normal price of a pass for Sling Orange. With that, you get unlimited access for 24 hours to Orange's 30-plus channels, including ESPN, CNN, TBS and others.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-black-friday-tv-deals-for-2025-save-hundreds-on-sets-from-samsung-lg-sony-and-more-during-the-biggest-sales-event-of-the-year-181143212.html?src=rss

A VPN subscription can make for a good holiday gift. Everyone could do with having a VPN to help protect their online activity from prying eyes (and, perhaps, access more things to watch from their favorite streaming services). It's something useful that a gift recipient may have never realized they needed. Of course, you may be looking for a great deal on a VPN yourself, and the Black Friday discount for Proton VPN is nothing to sniff at. You can get two years of access to the VPN Plus tier of the service for $59.76, which works out to $2.49 per month.That's a discount of 75 percent compared with the regular price of $10 per month. Overall, you'd save $180.Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN overall because it checks all of the boxes it needs to. There is a free plan with unlimited data, but with that you can only connect to servers in a few countries and the connection might not be fast enough for you to watch anything from your preferred streaming service's library in that locale. The VPN Plus tier unlocks a lot more options, such as the ability to connect to 15,000 servers across more than 120 countries and simultaneous protection for up to 15 devices.The apps are well-designed - Proton has clients for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android - and it's easy to find a feature or setting you're looking for. In our testing, Proton VPN Plus had a relatively small impact on browsing speeds. Our download speeds dropped by 12 percent and uploads by 4 percent, while the global average ping remained below 300 ms (which is especially impressive if you're connecting to a server on the other side of the planet).Perhaps, most importantly, though, it's Proton's commitment to privacy that helps make its VPN an easy recommendation. There's a no-logs policy, meaning it does not log user activity or any identifiable characteristics of devices that connect to the VPN. Proton's servers use full-disk encryption to bolster privacy as well.Proton VPN is not the only service to offer a Black Friday VPN deal this year, of course. There are plenty of others available on services we like. Here are the best of the bunch if you're looking for an alternative to Proton VPN.

Netflix has crashed for what seemed to be thousands of viewers after the first four episodes of Stranger Things season 5 went live for streaming. Downdetector started getting an unusual number of outage reports at around 10 minutes before 8PM Eastern time, when the episodes were scheduled to hit the service. The numbers climbed up to almost 14,000 before they went down over the next few minutes.According to Entertainment Weekly, affected viewers were getting an NSEZ-403 error, which means their accounts couldn't connect to Netflix. They were seeing Something went wrong" and Sorry, we're having trouble with your request" messages on their screens. For the NSEZ-403 error, in particular, Netflix advises switching to a different device. It's worth nothing that the show's creator previously said that Netflix increased its bandwidth by 30 percent to avoid a crash for the season premier. The company has told Engadget that some members briefly experienced an issue streaming on TVs, but that service has been restored for all accounts within 5 minutes.In season 5 of Stranger Things, the Hawkins gang is set to face Vecna one last time. After these first four episodes, Netflix is dropping three more on December 25 and then the finale itself on December 31.Update, Nov. 26, 2025, 10:56PM ET: This story and its headline have been updated to include the information Netflix shared with Engadget.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-went-down-for-some-viewers-after-stranger-things-premiered-025540635.html?src=rss

Sony appears to be ready to announce another addition to its Alpha camera lineup. The company shared an image on the Sony Alpha Instagram account with the text "Chase your dream" and the date December 2 at 9AM EST, which could be a teaser for its next mirrorless camera.It's possible the company has something else in mind, but the giant "V" or Roman numeral five in the background of the image seems like a clear reference to an unannounced Sony A7 V, a follow-up to the Sony Alpha 7 IV. Considering there was around a four year gap between the release of the A7 III and A7 IV, releasing the new camera in 2026 would make the timing lineup, too.

Indie studio Santa Ragione said it is at risk of shutting down as its latest project won't be available on Steam, which is by far the biggest storefront for PC games and a key point of sale for many developers.Horses, a first-person horror game that blends gameplay and live-action sequences, is about a college student who spends a summer working on a farm. However, the farm's horses" are actually naked human adults who are wearing horse masks. It's clear from the trailer that this is a game for grownups.The studio plans to release Horses on the Epic Games Store, GOG, Itch and the Humble Store on December 2. However, Valve's content review team blocked Horses from Steam."We reviewed the game back in 2023. At that time, the developer indicated with their release date in Steamworks that they planned to release a few months later. Based on content in the store page, we told the developer we would need to review the build itself. This happens sometimes if content on the store page causes concern that the game itself might not fall within our guidelines," Valve told PC Gamer. After our team played through the build and reviewed the content, we gave the developer feedback about why we couldn't ship the game on Steam, consistent with our onboarding rules and guidelines. A short while later the developer asked us to reconsider the review, and our internal content review team discussed that extensively and communicated to the developer our final decision that we were not going to ship the game on Steam."Santa Ragione wrote in an FAQ that it's "committed to producing challenging, adult storytelling. Horses uses grotesque, subversive imagery to confront power, faith, and violence. We reject subjective obscenity standards and believe this kind of moralizing censorship evokes a darker past in which vague notions of 'decency' were used to silence artists. Games are an artistic medium and lawful works for adults should remain accessible. We respect players enough to present the game as intended and to let adults choose what to play; lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront's opaque decisions."This particular ban precedes the recent censorship of adult-oriented games at the behest of payment processors. Santa Ragione wanted to create a Steam store page for Horses back in 2023 to help build interest. The studio says Valve wanted to see a playable build of the game before it would approve a Coming Soon page. The game was nowhere close to being finished, so Santa Ragione scrambled to put together a playable version of the game with tons of placeholders."According to an email from Valve that the developer shared, it banned Horses from the storefront over "content that appears, in our judgment, to depict sexual conduct involving a minor." Santa Ragione said Valve didn't provide more detailed reasons for rejecting the game. Valve noted that it wouldn't accept further submissions of Horses, "even with modifications."The developer claimed that it spent the next two years trying to change Valve's mind, but the company repeatedly pointed it to Steam's general guidelines and rejected its requests for review and appeal." Santa Ragione does have a plausible theory as to why Valve blocked the game from Steam, however.The studio wrote in the FAQ that:

For many folks, working from home is simply the new normal. If you're looking to treat someone who spends most of their time in the home office, this holiday season is as good a time as any to make their daily routine a little more convenient. As a collection of remote workers ourselves, we at Engadget have rounded up a few gift ideas that should add a bit more delight to the WFH life. Best gifts for remote workers Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-22-best-gift-ideas-for-the-remote-worker-in-your-life-140037336.html?src=rss

This Thursday is serving up heaps of turkey, potatoes, and professional football. The NFL has three games on the schedule, all conveniently timed so you'll be able to have football on pretty much from midday until bedtime. For the first game of the day, you can catch the AFC North battle between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 p.m. ET. For the evening game, the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Baltimore Ravens, kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. ET. (And don't forget about the Black Friday game between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles, too). Each of these games will be broadcast by different providers, so take note of where you can watch below, and prepare to commandeer the remote control for the day. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch this week's Thanksgiving Day games on every channel and platform. How to watch 2025 Thanksgiving football: Date: Thursday, Nov. 27 Time: 1 p.m., 4 p.m, 8:20 p.m. ET TV channels: NBC, CBS, FOX Streaming: DirecTV, Peacock, Paramount+ Premium, ESPN+ and more Which teams are playing football this Thanksgiving? The NFL Thanksgiving slate will feature three games on Thursday (and a Black Friday game this Friday). First, the Green Bay Packers play the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. Later, the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS, and streaming live on Paramount+. Finally, the Cincinnati Bengals will face the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming live on Peacock. On Black Friday, the Chicago Bears play the Philadelphia Eagles at 3 p.m. ET, streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Here's the full Week 13 NFL schedule, plus how to watch every game: NFL Week 13 TV/streaming schedule: All times Eastern. Thursday, November 27, 2025

Have you ever been roaming around collecting bananas in Donkey Kong Country on the SNES and thought to yourself, "gee, I wish I could play this game on my shoe." Well designer Gustavo Bonzanini set out to make this dream a reality. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Super Nintendo's launch in Japan, Bonzanini has created the AIR SNES, a throwback custom pair of Nike Air Max 90 sneakers that doubles as a completely functional SNES console."The idea came after looking at collaborations between sneaker brands and video games. I always asked myself: wouldn't it be cool if these shoes that look like a video game actually double as a console?" Bonzanini said in a press release shared with Engadget.The shoe was created using a Raspberry Pi Zero W running the RetroPie emulator, which Bonzanini customized to fit inside the sneaker's tongue. The shoe has battery capacity for up to 30 minutes of gameplay and sports an integrated HDMI port.For those with nostalgia for old-school display connectors, the shoe also has a small analog converter for RCA connectors. As for controllers, the shoe is compatible with an original SNES gamepad, but you can also use an 8BitDo Mod Kit that connects to the Raspberry Pi wirelessly over Bluetooth.This art project was my way of celebrating both and pushing the idea of what sneaker culture and tech can become when they merge," said Bonzanini. Unfortunately for all of us that would pick up a pair of these in a heartbeat, the AIR SNES is just a one-time creation to celebrate 35 years of one of the greatest consoles ever made.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/a-designer-in-singapore-created-a-functional-snes-inside-a-wearable-nike-sneaker-192907456.html?src=rss

With the gaming industry's recent rash of layoffs, closures and cancellations, it would be easy to assume Beyond Good and Evil 2 is toast. After all, the game looked like vaporware even before the extreme cost-cutting trend started. But here we are in late 2025, and - lo and behold - Ubisoft is hiring for the prequel.The job listing (via Eurogamer) is for a technical sound engineer. But aside from revealing that the game is apparently still in the works, the description doesn't tell us anything new. "Beyond Good & Evil 2 is an action-adventure open world game set in a captivating space opera universe and the direct prequel to the 2003 cult classic," the posting reads. "Based on a breakthrough technology driven by the proprietary Voyager engine, Beyond Good & Evil 2 aims to offer a seamless experience of exploration and space piracy across a solar system full of exotic locations, colorful characters and mysteries to uncover, solo or with friends."Ubisoft first teased the prequel in 2008, then officially announced it in 2017. Engadget even watched a closed-door gameplay presentation the following year. We described what we saw as "wildly ambitious," perhaps to a concerning degree, given the technical challenges tied to that scope. Those worries appear to have been warranted, as we still hang onto tiny nuggets of hope (look, a job posting!!) over seven years later.In 2022, Bloomberg poured more cold water on its timeline, reporting that the game was still in pre-production. Engadget contacted Ubisoft for comment on its current status, and we'll update this story if we hear back. In the meantime, you can revisit the surge of hope that was the game's 2018 cinematic trailer.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/beyond-good--evil-2-is-somehow-still-under-development-185230052.html?src=rss

Sony has revealed the final batch of PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for 2025. This time around, you'll be able to add five games to your library instead of the usual three. As ever, you'll retain access to claimed games as long as your subscription remains active.The headliner this time around is Lego Horizon Adventures (PS5), which is a more family-friendly take on the Horizon series. Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo gave the events of Horizon Zero Dawn a Lego flavor in this spinoff, which is the first co-op game in the series (an MMO is in the pipeline too). I've been meaning to check this out, so it'll be an easy addition to my library.The same goes for Neon White (PS4 and PS5), a fast-paced precision platformer and first-person shooter that's also part-dating sim. Each level is a race to the exit but you'll need to defeat every demon in the stage first.There are a couple of first-person co-op horror games in the December lineup. Those are the action-focused title Killing Floor 3 (PS5) and the psychological survival horror The Outlast Trials (PS4 and PS5). The final entry in the Monthly Games lineup this time around is extraction shooter Synduality Echo of Ada (PS5). That could help you scratch an Arc Raiders-shaped itch if you don't fancy shelling out for that particular game right now.All five games will be available for PS Plus Essential, Extra and Premium members to snag on December 2 and they'll remain up for grabs until January 5. You still have until December 1 to scoop up November's PS Plus Monthly Games, which are EA Sports WRC 24, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator and the wonderful Stray.At the beginning of this year, Sony said it planned to stop offering PS4 games as a key benefit" on the PS Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog lineups as of January 2026. While it might add PS4 games from time to time, the onus for PS Plus going forward will be on PS5 (and perhaps some PS VR2) games. Of course, any PS4 Monthly Games that you've claimed will still remain available for download as long as your PS Plus subscription remains active.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/decembers-ps-plus-monthly-games-include-lego-horizon-adventures-and-neon-white-174500131.html?src=rss

EU member states have agreed on a position regarding online child protection legislation that doesn't force global tech companies to identify and remove child sexual abuse materials (CSAM.) This is being seen as a major victory for US tech companies like Google and Meta, according to reporting by Reuters.This new European Council language contradicts a 2023 position in which the European Parliament would have required messaging services, app stores and ISPs to report and remove CSAM materials and instances of grooming. The proposed legislation doesn't have any of that.Instead, it tasks major tech companies with assessing the risk of their services, taking preventative measures as deemed necessary. It leaves enforcement up to individual national governments and not the EU governing body."Member states will designate national authorities ... responsible for assessing these risk assessments and mitigating measures, with the possibility of obliging providers to carry out mitigating measures," the European Council wrote in a statement. "In the event of non-compliance, providers could be subject to penalty payments."There's no language here regarding the enforced scanning of encrypted materials for CSAM, which was an idea being discussed as recently as last year. However, there is some language that suggests encryption services must be safeguarded. Some detractors, like the Czech Republic, suggest that the Council's idea to allow tech entities to essentially self-police content could actually hurt encryption platforms.This is "a great disappointment for everyone who cares about privacy," Czech politician Marketa Gregorova wrote in a statement. "The Danish presidency has pushed through a compromise version of the proposal after long negotiations, which, while appearing to be less invasive, actually paves the way for what we have long warned against: the blanket scanning of our private conversations."The proposed law does, however, establish something called the EU Center on Child Sexual Abuse. This organization would have a mandate to help countries comply and provide assistance for victims. The European Parliament also recently called on the EU to set minimum ages for kids to access social media, but there's no current law in the works.All of this isn't a done deal just yet. The Council now must enter into negotiations with the Parliament.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/eu-backs-away-from-requiring-tech-companies-to-scan-and-remove-csam-173133351.html?src=rss

The GoPro Hero 13 Black action camera is down to $310 as part of an early Black Friday sale, which is a record low price. That's a discount of 23 percent or $90. This model topped our list of the best action cameras, and for good reason. It's a fantastic device with all kinds of bells and whistles. It's the most versatile Hero camera that GoPro has ever made. There's a new family of modular lenses and it can shoot up to 5.3K and handle 2X optical zoom. The battery is bigger than ever before and offers around 90 minutes of continuous shooting in 4K/30FPS. The camera is waterproof up to 10 millimeters, so don't worry about puddles. The full-color front screen is vivid and makes it easy to review footage without getting a computer involved. There's no internal storage here, but it accepts microSD cards. There's a camera bundle on sale right now that includes a 64GB microSD, three batteries, a dual charger and a case. That pack costs $349, which is a discount of 30 percent. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-our-favorite-action-camera-for-an-all-time-low-price-for-black-friday-160154667.html?src=rss

If you've been thinking about jumping on the smart glasses bandwagon, Black Friday deals could help you do so for less. Xreal has discounted its One Pro smart glasses by $50 for Black Friday, bringing them down to $599. The sale applies to both sizes. These glasses are the real deal. We praised them in our official review, saying they offer similar functionality to the Apple Vision Pro, but at a much friendlier price point. Wearing these glasses allows access to a massive 222-inch virtual display that can be used for just about anything. The glasses connect to laptops, gaming consoles and smartphones, among other gadgets. The 1080p Micro-OLED screens are surprisingly bright and sharp, which makes this device great for both work and consuming content. The frames even darken to give the illusion of wearing sunglasses. The glasses are light and comfortable, especially when compared to the Vision Pro. However, the comfort does come at a price. These oversized glasses are not as immersive as Apple's product, because they don't completely block out light and cover the entire face. They offer a 57-degree field of view. This is squarely an augmented reality product and not a virtual reality product. The company has also discounted its Xreal One AR glasses to $399, which is a discount of around $100. These offer smaller virtual screens than the Pro, with a 50-degree field of view. Elsewhere in the smart glasses space, the Meta Ray Ban Gen 1 glasses are 20 percent off for Black Friday as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-deals-include-the-xreal-one-pro-smart-glasses-for-a-record-low-price-113032857.html?src=rss

It's a good time to pick up a robot vacuum on sale for Black Friday. Shark machines are some of our favorites, and we're seeing a number of models discounted for Black Friday. But this one, the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum, is probably the best deal for most people this year. It's 58 percent off and down to an all-time low of $250. One of this model's standout features is its bagless design. Like many robovacs, it has an auto-empty station. But here, you can remove part of the base, dump its contents in the garbage, and lock it back in place. The base holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris, and you'll never need to order bag refills. The Shark AI Ultra has strong suction and decent obstacle avoidance (via LiDAR). The robovac cleans in a matrix grid. It auto-maps your home and supports Google Assistant and Alexa for voice control. The vacuum has a runtime of about 120 minutes. (If it needs to stop and charge, it will auto-resume afterward.) Also note that this is a vacuum-only model: no mopping here. But Shark has other Black Friday deals if you're interested in a robovac that also mops, or even a cordless stick vacuum instead. The Shark Stratos 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is 55 percent off and down to $450 right now, while the Power Detect Pet Plus cordless vacuum with self-emptying base is down to $400. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-58-percent-off-one-of-our-favorite-shark-robot-vacuums-this-black-friday-100013956.html?src=rss

One of the best streaming devices you can get today is deeply discounted on Amazon ahead of Black Friday. The Google TV Streamer is going for just $75 right now - the lowest price we've seen it hit yet. The device normally costs $100. 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 $85 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/black-friday-deals-include-the-google-tv-streamer-4k-for-75-173858263.html?src=rss

Back in 2018, Xiami launched Poco as a sub-brand that specializes in mid-range smartphones. Now, Poco has launched its first premium flagship phone series, the F8 Ultra and the F8 Pro, at an event in Bali. Both devices will use Sound by Bose technology, thanks to a partnership with the brand, and runs Xiaomi HyperOS 3. Kang Lou, Poco Global's Senior Product Marketing Manager and Spokesperson, said the F8 Ultra sets a new benchmark for true flagships." Meanwhile, the F8 Pro will make all-round flagship experiences accessible to more users."The 6.9-inch Poco F8 Ultra has a dual-chipset architecture, consisting of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm's latest flagship mobile platform, and the VisionBoost D8 chipset that enables AI Super Resolution for crisper, more detailed images." It uses Poco's new HyperRGB display, which the company says uses a full RGB subpixel structure wherein red, green and blue subpixels are fully used. Another notable feature is its 6500mAh battery, which is the largest yet on a Poco F series phone. The Ultra version comes in a Denim" variant, though it doesn't actually use denim: Its back was merely designed to look like it's covered in the fabric, but it actually uses a special Xiaomi nanotech material.Meanwhile, the 6.59-inch Poco F8 Pro has a subtle micro-curved design, wherein its edges transition into its back panel. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform and comes with a 6210mAh battery that can last for 16 hours of continued use. Both models are now out in the UK. The Poco F8 Ultra will set you back at least 749, while the F8 Pro will cost you at least 549. In the US, the F8 Ultra with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage will cost you $729, while the one with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage will cost you $799. It will be $579 for the F8 Pro with the lower specs and $629 for the one with the higher specs. Poco is giving discounts that shave at least $50 off their price for early buyers, but it has yet to announce a release date for the US.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/pocos-new-flagship-phone-has-a-bose-subwoofer-and-a-denim-option-130811181.html?src=rss

Subscription boxes are the rare gift that keeps its charm long after the wrapping paper is gone. You make the choice once, but the surprises keep landing on their doorstep for months after that. For anyone who loves the buzz of a delivery, these are gifts that extend the season well past December. Each box on this list combines a bit of discovery with something tangible, such as gadgets, books, collectibles, snacks or clever projects. Some appeal to hardcore hobbyists, others to the curious or the comfort seekers, but all offer that same spark of delight that comes from unboxing something unexpected. If you want a present that's part experience, part surprise and fully enjoyable, this is a solid place to start. Best subscription box gifts Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-subscription-box-gifts-for-2025-130037236.html?src=rss

The Radio City Rockettes will be among the performers at this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Here's how to watch. (Peter Kramer/NBC via Getty Images) NBC via Getty Images Every holiday has corresponding must-watch TV associated with it, from It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown at Halloween, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer at Christmas, and the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airing on the last Thursday in November. This year marks the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. ET this Thursday, Nov. 27. The parade will be broadcast on NBC and streams live - with a three-angle multi-view option - on Peacock. Performers will include Wicked's Cynthia Erivo, Lainey Wilson, Ciara, and more. Oh, and if you've got KPop Demon Hunters fans in your life, not only will there be balloons featuring Derpy and Sussie, the parade will feature a performance by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade live this week, and how to catch the encore if you miss it. When is the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is held this year - and every year - on Thanksgiving Day. This year, the parade is on Thursday, November 27, starting at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT. There will be an encore broadcast at 2 p.m. ET/PT. How long is the Macy's Parade? The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will last roughly 3.5 hours, ending at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. An encore broadcast will air on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT. What channel is the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on? The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade will air on NBC and stream on Peacock on Thanksgiving Day from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones. An encore airing of the parade will also begin at 2 p.m. on NBC. If you have access to live TV, you may be able to watch NBC for free over the air. If not, here's what we recommend for how to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade. How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade without cable: Who is performing at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will open the parade, which will also feature performances from Country artist Lainey Wilson, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI (the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters), Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, the Radio City Rockettes, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luisa Sonza and Teyana Taylor. There will also be performances from the Broadway casts of Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time and Ragtime. What floats are in the Macy's parade this Thanksgiving? There will be 32 balloons, three "balloonicles," 27 floats, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands and plenty of performances at the 2025 Macy's parade. 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade new floats Six new floats are debuting at this year's parade:

Amazon has Black Friday savings on its most potent streaming stick. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is 41 percent off, bringing it close to its record low. You can get it now for $35. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of Engadget's favorite streaming devices. The stick supports a solid mix of advanced technologies for its price: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K and HDR10+. As long as the rest of your entertainment setup can handle it, you'll get a high-quality picture and sound. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling better, faster connectivity with compatible routers. The 4K Max has the fastest processor of any Amazon Fire TV Stick, so expect zippy navigation. It also supports Amazon's Ambient Experience. This mode displays art (like on Samsung's The Frame) while the device is in standby. It's also a solid choice for gaming: It supports Xbox cloud streaming and works well as a retro game emulator, too. The UI is where Amazon appears to be subsidizing the device's low cost. Expect to see loads of Prime Video content promos, along with other ads. But for $35 (compared to its MSRP of $60), you may find it easier to justify that tradeoff. Also on sale is Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD, our pick for the best budget streaming stick. This model doesn't support 4K; instead, it limits you to 1080p at 60 fps. At $18 for Black Friday, it's certainly cheap. But if you have a 4K TV (or plan to soon), you may want to consider the slightly more expensive model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-is-on-sale-for-35-in-amazons-black-friday-deals-132100693.html?src=rss

I've dealt with neck pain since my early 20s. Becoming a full-time writer in my late 30s did not help matters. I discovered the concept of a split ergonomic keyboard and wondered whether one could stop my shoulders from bunching up around my ears. It did.

Wireless earbuds have become the go-to choice for listening on the move. Whether you're at the gym, commuting or relaxing at home, the best wireless earbuds give you comfort, freedom and solid sound quality without tangled cables. They're lightweight, slip easily into your pocket and connect quickly to your phone, tablet or laptop.

Black Friday is as good a time as any to upgrade your home audio setup. You can get the Sonos Era 300, the company's only standalone speaker with spatial audio, for $379. That's $100 off what Engadget's Nathan Ingraham called "a great speaker, whether or not it is playing songs in Dolby Atmos." That Dolby reference points to the Era 300's core novelty. It produces spatial audio without requiring additional speakers. (You can use Apple Music or Amazon Music to stream compatible tracks.) Expect those Dolby Atmos tracks to sound better with newer music than older songs remixed for Dolby's tech. Even if you don't bother with its spatial tricks, the Era 300 is a terrific-sounding speaker. It delivers rich, detailed and balanced audio that can hang with just about anything else Sonos offers. The speaker supports voice control via Alexa or Sonos Voice Control. It also offers Trueplay tuning, which listens to how your room shapes the sound and adjusts accordingly. In this model, you don't need to use your phone: Its built-in mics scan your room for you. That's especially handy for Android users, since phone-based Trueplay (from other models) is iOS-only. If the Era 300 is a bit out of your budget, Sonos has loads of other products on sale for Black Friday. You can get the smaller - but still mighty - Era 100 for $169 (23 percent off). The portable Move 2 is down to $399 (20 percent off). Even the company's headphones, Sonos Ace, are on sale for $279 (30 percent off). Sonos home theater products are discounted, too. You can get the Arc Ultra soundbar for $879 (20 percent off), or the Sub 4 subwoofer for $719 (also 20 percent off). Or, if you're in the market for both and have the budget, save even more on a bundle: Get the Arc Ultra and Sub 4 for $1,499 (25 percent off). This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonos-black-friday-deals-the-era-300-speaker-is-on-sale-for-100-off-plus-more-discounts-120048014.html?src=rss

Qualcomm just revealed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, the appropriately-named second member of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 line. This follows the Gen 5 Elite, which was first revealed back in September.The standard Gen 5 is still a powerful mobile system-on-a-chip (SoC) with a top clock speed of 3.8GHz. That's slightly lower than the Elite's top speed of 4.6GHz, but still nothing to sneeze at. It includes a custom-built Oryon CPU and boasts speed-enhancing features like matrix acceleration. The company says the platform offers a 36 percent performance improvement when compared to Snapdragon 7, along with a 76 percent increase in web browsing responsiveness.QualcommThe SoC also features the Qualcomm Adreno GPU, just like the Elite, which "unlocks higher clock speeds and boosts gaming and graphics performance by 11 percent." This is a chip intended for modern smartphones, so it also has been designed for AI. It boasts the company's proprietary Sensing Hub technology that combines microphone and sensor inputs to detect a user's intent to speak.It's capable of on-device AI processing due to the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU. The company says this will enable "agentic AI assistants to deliver context-aware interactions and personalized suggestions." That's corporate speak for "it does stuff and says stuff."QualcommQualcomm says these chips will begin showing up in mobile devices in "the coming weeks." The company named OnePlus as a partner and that organization did just announce a brand-new smartphone that was suspiciously devoid of any real specs.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-snapdragon-8-gen-5-is-a-cut-down-version-of-qualcomms-flagship-elite-chipset-063050786.html?src=rss

Following its licensing deal with Udio, Warner Music Group (WMG) has also reached an agreement with Suno that will let the platform license its artists' music and likenesses, and end the music company's ongoing litigation. WMG was previously one of several record labels suing Udio and Suno for allegedly infringing on copyrighted works at a "massive scale."As part of the agreement, "artists and songwriters will have full control over whether and how their names, images, likenesses, voices, and compositions are used in new AI-generated music," WMG explains in its press release for the announcement. WMG doesn't spell out how that will work for musicians impacted by the deal, but it does appear that participation will be opt-in, rather than anything being shared by default. This mirrors the opt-in structure of the company's Udio deal."AI becomes pro-artist when it adheres to our principles: committing to licensed models, reflecting the value of music on and off platform, and providing artists and songwriters with an opt-in for the use of their name, image, likeness, voice and compositions in new AI songs," WMG CEO Robert Kyncl says.Suno will also make adjustments to its AI music platform, possibly as a condition of the new partnership. WMG says Suno is launching "new, more advanced and licensed models" in 2026, after which its current models will be deprecated. The company will also limit music downloads to paid accounts. "In the future, songs made on the free tier will not be downloadable and will instead be playable and shareable. Paid tier users will have limited monthly download caps with the ability to pay for more downloads," WMG says.In an odd wrinkle to the partnership, Suno is also acquiring WMG's Songkick concert discovery platform. The company plans to continue running it, and WMG claims that "the combination of Suno and Songkick will create new potential to deepen the artist-fan connection." An app for finding nearby concerts doesn't totally square with Suno's existing music creation tools, but maybe it suggests the company is interested in offering more social features down the road.Prior to this agreement, Suno openly admitted to using "essentially all music files of reasonable quality that are accessible on the open internet" to train its AI model, under the auspices of fair use. That seems like a pretty blatant admission of copyright infringement, but apparently Warner Music Group is happier with the deals it struck than what it could have won through its lawsuit. The company is reportedly one of several music groups looking to strike a similar deal with YouTube.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/warner-music-drops-lawsuit-against-ai-music-platform-suno-in-exchange-for-licensing-agreement-224619025.html?src=rss

A brand spanking-new FoloToy teddy bear can be yours once again. However, he may now be less knowledgeable about spanking. The infamous "Kumma" children's AI teddy bear, once an expert in BDSM and knife-fetching, is back on sale. The company claims the toy now has stronger child safety protections in place.The Singapore-based FoloToy suspended sales of Kumma last week after a research group published an eyebrow-raising report. The PIRG Education Fund found that the fuzzy little teddy had a few spicy secrets.The review discovered that the AI toy had a thing for blades and kinky bedroom play. The bear had no problem suggesting where to find knives in the home. And it not only replied to sexual prompts but also expanded on them. Researchers say it ran with their explicit cues, escalating them in graphic detail and "introducing new sexual concepts of its own." It explained sex positions, gave step-by-step instructions for sexual bondage and detailed various role-playing scenarios. Who knew Kumma had it in him?Marketing photo of a child grinning, looking at a teddy bear on a counch.FoloToyAlthough it's hard not to laugh at the absurdity of it all, this stuff is no joke for parents. With the tech industry pushing AI everything on us for the last three years, it's easy for a casual observer to conclude that it's all very safe, regulated and ready for vulnerable eyes and ears. PIRG did acknowledge that young children were unlikely to have prompted the bear with a term like "kink." (Older siblings may have been another story.) Still, the group's tests highlighted a shockingly lax approach to content moderation on a child's toy.In its statement announcing Kumma's return, FoloToy boasted that it was the only company of the three targeted in the review to suspend sales. (Could it be that it's less about principles and more about it being the only one that got media coverage?) The company described the bear's short hiatus as "a full week of rigorous review, testing and reinforcement of our safety modules." Wait, a whole week? Whoa there, partner!!Before his trip to AI rehab, Kumma was advertised as being powered by GPT-4o. Following PIRG's review, OpenAI told the organization that it had suspended FoloToy for violating its policies. The bear's new listing makes no mention of GPT-4o or any specific AI models.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/folotoys-ai-teddy-bear-is-back-on-sale-following-its-brief-foray-into-bdsm-213138383.html?src=rss

Oura is hosting a Black Friday sale on many of its more popular smart rings. Perhaps the most notable deal is for the Oura Ring 4, which is down to $249. This is a discount of 29 percent, as it typically costs $349. The sale applies to the black colorway. The Ring 4 actually topped our list of the best smart rings, and with good reason. It's comfortable to wear for long periods of time, which is always nice. It's a visually striking ring. We also appreciated the size options, as it fits fingers from size 4 to 15. As for functionality, this smart ring tracks a number of health and fitness metrics. The affiliated app will send out notifications when it thinks you need a rest or to remind you to exercise. It keeps an eye on sleep, heart rate, stress, body temperature, menstrual cycle and a whole lot more. The battery lasts around a week, which is always nice when taking a quick vacation. The only downside here, and this applies to all Oura rings, is that many features are locked behind a subscription paywall. This costs $6 a month or $70 per year. The company is also selling the gold version of the Ring 4 for $349, which is a discount of $50. The water-resistant Stealth Oura Ring 4 is down to $299, which is a discount of $100.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/oura-smart-rings-are-on-sale-for-up-to-30-percent-off-this-black-friday-123010141.html?src=rss