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Logitech released its newest mouse less than a week ago but you can already grab it for a discounted price. Right now, the Logitech MX Master 4 is available at Best Buy for $90, down from $120. The 25 percent markdown is the first deal we've seen on the device. The MX Master 4 comes three years after its predecessor (and our pick for best wireless mouse of 2025), the MX Master 3S. We tested the latest iteration for a few weeks and it still has all the comfort of the 3S, despite being slightly heftier. Plus, it has a lightly textured plastic on top, rather than the rubber on the 3S. The main difference between the two is the MX Master 4's haptic feedback. It's built into the thumb rest panel and you can change the intensity or turn it off through Logitech's Options+ software. You'll feel it at times such as when pairing the mouse, the battery is low or you've perfectly lined up a graphic in Photoshop. However, on that note, right now haptics only work with apps like Photoshop, Lightroom and Zoom, with Adobe Premiere Pro coming soon. If you plan to use Photoshop, Lightroom and the like, then buying the mouse from Best Buy is a good choice. The store is exclusively offering customers two complimentary months of an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription when you buy the MX Master 4. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/logitechs-brand-new-mx-master-4-is-already-25-percent-off-130030050.html?src=rss

The story of the Rabbit R1 is a cautionary tale. The AI gadget stole CES 2024, thanks in large part to its cutesy design and Rabbit's promise that it could do nearly everything a smartphone could without being a distraction. At least that was the pitch.When it finally arrived a few months later, with buggy software and a laundry list of features that simply didn't work, the backlash was swift. Engadget's Devindra Hardawar called the R1 "a $199 AI toy that fails at almost everything." In a video with nearly 9 million views, YouTuber Marques Brownlee said the R1 was barely reviewable. That same backlash extended to Humane, Rabbit's one-time rival, which this past February effectively went out of business after selling its intellectual property to HP for $116 million and discontinuing support for the much-maligned AI Pin.Nearly two years later, Rabbit is still here, having recently released its most significant software update yet with RabbitOS 2. "We want to take this opportunity to ask people for a second chance," Jesse Lyu, the CEO of Rabbit.Having used the R1 in its original state, RabbitOS 2 is a significant improvement. At launch, the touchscreen didn't work like it does on a smartphone. This made doing something simple like accessing the settings menu an absolute chore.With OS 2, Rabbit has redesigned the device's interface around colorful cards, making it much easier to see what it can actually do. The display now finally functions like a regular touchscreen, allowing you to navigate the interface with taps and swipes, instead of a complicated series of presses involving the side button. Other quality of life tweaks also make the device feel more useful. For example, the R1 can now transcribe voice memos without an internet connection.Then there's the update's marquee feature: Creations.Creations are an evolution of Teach mode, a tool Rabbit introduced toward the end of last year. They allow you to vibe code your own apps to use with the R1. The process of making Creations feels a lot less clunky than it did with Teach mode. To start, you describe the app you want R1 to create, then your device will ask a series of clarifying questions to get a better idea of what you want.Intern, the AI agent that handles coding the apps, has a comprehensive knowledge of R1's hardware, so there's no need to get bogged down in technical details. With Lyu's help, I made a tuning app for my guitar. The entire process took about five minutes, and the result, I'll admit, felt novel in a way I hadn't experienced in a while. The tuner not only worked, but I was able to tell the coding agent exactly how I wanted it to look and function, with the AI offering helpful suggestions to guide the process.Did I want the app to use a needle interface? Yes, I said. What color should the interface be? The R1's signature orange, I told it. Granted, there are countless tuning apps out there, but it felt cool that I had some hand in deciding how this one should look and work. I also appreciate some of the Creations others have made. There's one that offers an interactive map of Hollow Knight: Silksong's Pharloom that has been my companion through the latter parts of the game.As far as Lyu is concerned, Creations are the killer feature the R1 has been missing since launch, offering something no smartphone on the market can quite yet match. He's particularly excited about the system Rabbit has devised for distributing them. There's no traditional app store like you might find on an Android or iOS device; instead, users can share their apps through Rabbithole (Rabbit's online R1 hub) or using a QR code.Still, Lyu admits there are things Rabbit needs to figure out before it can convince people to throw out their phones. "The biggest barrier [to R1 adoption] is no one wants to carry around two devices. We know that, and there are a lot of things on the phone, whether you're using an iPhone or Android, that users don't trust an AI to handle," he said. Here, Lyu is primarily thinking of banking apps. Banking regulation being what it is, there's probably no future where you'll be able to vibe code an app to access your Chase account, but Lyu is hopeful consumer demand will eventually lead to financial institutions embracing Rabbit and the R1.Either way, he's adamant that Creations are the way forward for the company. "This is still the right thing for us to do," he tells me. "If you look at how you built your tuner app versus how somebody would build and sell their tuner app on the App Store, that's a completely different generational experience. You did zero coding. You just talk to your R1 and distribute."I wonder if that's enough. The ability to create your own apps will be compelling to some people, but I imagine most just want software that works without the hassle of making it themselves. Besides, there's more to software development than just putting an app out into the world. Arguably the more difficult (and important) part of the job is maintaining an app, ensuring it works for you and other people. AI systems are getting better at coding every day, but they still make mistakes, and having some coding knowledge makes it a lot easier to fix those errors.Some smartphone experiences will also be harder to replicate than others. One Creation allows you to stream music to the R1 from YouTube Music, but the software is so basic compared to the official app on Android and iOS. Rabbit has shared documentation on GitHub to help program Creations that can access other third-party services, but I wonder how quickly people will lose interest in vibe coding all but the most basic apps.And for all its faults, the app store model offers a way for developers to earn a living off their work. People can upload their Creations to Rabbit's website, but the only party making money on the concept is Rabbit - at the moment there's no infrastructure in place to charge money for Creations, assuming anyone would want to. Creations also consume Intern tasks, and those aren't exactly cheap. You can buy three for $30 or pay $70 per month for a monthly allowance of 30.Of course, the question most people have is the same one that has dogged Rabbit and the R1 from the start: "Why can't this just be an app?" Lyu contends Creations are one part of the answer."I don't think we're going to see an iPhone-like moment this year or next year. Starting in 2027, that's when the generational shift will happen. In that sense, we're not in a rush to do something major." When I asked why 2027, Rabbit declined to share more, but something Lyu said about the prospect of competing against OpenAI gave me a hint of the company's plans.If you need a refresher, OpenAI announced in May it was buying former Apple design chief Jony Ive's hardware startup for $6.5 billion, with the ambition of releasing its own AI device. "From what I know about Jony and OpenAI, I don't think they're going to be interested in a second gadget like R1," Lyu said (he knows Sam Altman personally, having gone through Y-Combination when Altman was president of the startup accelerator from 2014 to 2019). "I think they're going to focus on a phone-like factor. That's a much bigger audience. But by 2027, everyone is going to be making phones."When I later asked if a phone was in Rabbit's future, a company spokesperson declined to elaborate on Lyu's comments. "We've been working on many different prototypes and form factors, but don't have any specific details to share." For now, the company appears to be squarely focused on improving its software. "The focus this year is on rebirth," Lyu told me. "And to keep pioneering things no else is doing in the industry."The challenge for Rabbit will not only be staying ahead of OpenAI, but all the existing phone manufacturers adding AI features to their devices. Just earlier this week, Nothing, a smaller player in the space, announced Essential Apps, a tool people can use to vibe code apps for the company's phones. If Nothing is successful, how long will it be before Samsung and Google do the same?This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/rabbit-plots-its-redemption-arc-120000271.html?src=rss

A good webcam makes a big difference whether you're jumping on work calls, streaming gameplay or catching up with friends across the country. Built-in laptop cameras often fall short, so investing in one of the best webcams gives you sharper video, better colors and features like background control or low-light correction.

Vlogging used to be a niche camera category, but it's now at least equal to (if not dominating) the photo scene. All the major camera companies now have multiple creator models with new ones arriving nearly every month, including Nikon's awesome new ZR hybrid creator camera built in collaboration with cinema company RED.

OpenAI and Jony Ive could still have some serious loose ends to tie up before releasing their highly anticipated AI device. According to a Financial Times report, the partnership is still struggling with some "technical issues" that could ultimately end up pushing back the device's release date, which is expected to be sometime in 2026.One of those lingering dilemmas involves figuring out the AI assistant's voice and mannerisms, according to FT's sources. The AI device is meant to be "a friend who's a computer who isn't your weird AI girlfriend," according to a FT source who was briefed on the plans. Beyond landing on a personality, OpenAI and Ive are still figuring out potential privacy concerns stemming from a device that's always listening. On top of that, the budget could reportedly be a challenge due to the increased computing power necessary to run these mass-produced AI devices.Outside these latest struggles, we still know very little about the upcoming product. Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, reportedly offered some clues to employees that it could be pocket-sized, aware of its environment and sans display. There are still plenty of questions about what OpenAI's first hardware project will amount to, but the company could be exercising more caution since similar devices, like the Humane AI Pin, were discontinued after failing to deliver on sales.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-first-device-with-jony-ive-could-be-delayed-due-to-technical-issues-182226416.html?src=rss

Anker's latest Prime charging devices are already on sale thanks to some handy coupons. The best deals include the laptop-compatible Prime Power Bank (26,250mAh, 300W), which is 20 percent off and down to $184 when you clip the on-page coupon on its Amazon page. This portable charger delivers a whopping 300W of total output between its two USB-C ports and single USB-A port. Anker says that, thanks to its 140W output (and if you're using a 5A cable), you can top up the battery of an M4 Pro MacBook Pro to 50 percent in 27 minutes and an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 50 percent in 22 minutes. You can keep tabs on what's happening on each port using the display. This is also the first Anker power bank that supports up to 250W of input recharging by using both USB-C ports simultaneously. This faster charging can top up the powerbank's own battery to 50 percent in just 13 minutes, according to Anker. This model has a capacity of 26,250mAh (99.75Wh), which is very close to the FAA's limit of 100W. It's TSA-approved, so you'll be able to take it on flights. It's capable of taking an M4 MacBook Pro from fully dead to an 80 percent charge. The power bank weighs 1.3 lbs - the same as about three iPhones, Anker says. Other Anker Prime devices are on sale too. A new 3-in-1 MagSafe charger - which can top up the batteries of your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods with wireless charging case simultaneously - also gets a 20 percent discount to $184 when you use a clippable coupon. While there are certainly less expensive 3-in-1 MagSafe options out there, this one includes Qi2 25W support for faster charging, as well as TEC active cooling. Anker suggests this can help speed up charging times and help guard against iPhone battery degradation over time. A three-port GaN Prime Charger that plugs into an outlet is 20 percent off too, at $120 with a clippable coupon. Anker says it's as compact as an AirPods Pro 3 case and can provide a total output of 160W, with up to 140W via a single USB-C cable. The charger is said to offer smart power distribution, and you can monitor what's happening and adjust modes via an onboard display and controls. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ankers-latest-prime-charging-devices-are-already-20-percent-off-152040336.html?src=rss

California governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Friday that grants rideshare drivers in the state the right to unionize. It's the second state to grant organizing rights to rideshare drivers, who are independent contractors, following the passage of a similar law in Massachusetts in 2024. There are over 800,000 rideshare drivers in California, and the bill that was just signed into law "establishes a clear legal framework for union certification, bargaining processes and enforcement," according to a press release from the office of Assemblymember Buffy Wicks.This means drivers working for companies like Uber and Lyft will be able to collectively bargain for better pay, benefits and working conditions. Under the terms of the law, driver organizations will be able to apply for union recognition starting in May 2026 as long as they have support from at least 10 percent of active rideshare drivers in the state. The organization would then need support from at least 30 percent of active drivers to begin bargaining on their behalf.As part of a deal made in September, Newsom also signed a measure that reduces the insurance coverage requirements for Uber and Lyft in the case of accidents caused by uninsured drivers, Associated Press reports.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/uber-and-lyft-drivers-in-california-are-able-to-unionize-under-new-law-171309594.html?src=rss

Robot vacuums are great items to look for during events like October Prime Day. They're usually hundreds of dollars off, so you can save a ton if you're buying one as a gift or you want to upgrade an aging robovac you have at home already. One of the best deals this time around is on the iRobot Roomba 104, which is 40 percent off and on sale for only $150. This is a newer version of the unit that topped our list of the best budget robot vacuums. It's an entry-level robovac that gets the job done. The cleaning motor is fairly powerful and it ships with a multi-surface brush and an edge-sweeping brush. The vacuum uses LiDAR to map a home and to help it avoid obstacles when cleaning. It's also been equipped with specialized sensors to prevent falling down stairs. Steps are the natural enemy of all robot vacuums, except maybe this one. The Roomba 104 integrates with the company's proprietary app, which allows for custom cleaning schedules and the like. The robot can also be controlled via voice assistant and boasts compatibility with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant. The vacuum will automatically head to the charger for some juice when running low, which is nice. The battery lasts around 200 minutes per charge, which is a decent enough metric for a budget-friendly robovac. The only downside here? This is just a vacuum. It doesn't mop and it doesn't come with a dedicated debris canister.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-roomba-robot-vacuum-is-on-sale-for-150-for-prime-day-164953753.html?src=rss

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has plans to build out a 24/7/365 surveillance team that focuses on scouring social media for case leads, as revealed in documents first discovered by Wired. According to public records, ICE has put out a request for information - which allows the agency to detail its preliminary scope of work to gauge any interest from contractors - that details using social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and YouTube to develop leads on wanted individuals.For "urgent cases," the team is expected to work on leads with ICE's Top 10 Most Wanted within a 30-minute timeframe. However, the breadth of work ranges all the way to low-priority cases, like those involving someone convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor or "has no convictions but has a significant arrest history," with a more generous eight-hour window to generate leads.According to the documents, ICE wants at least 12 full-time staff to work at its National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center in Williston, Vermont, which will require three staffers on duty at all times. On the other side of the country, ICE is looking for a minimum staff of 16 full-time contractors for its Pacific Enforcement Response Center in Santa Ana, California, that will also have a duty rotation of at least two staffers on for "after-hour requirements and emergency situations."While the plans are in the very early stages, ICE's plans are aggressive and even ask how prospective contractors would use artificial intelligence to achieve its goals. The federal agency is no stranger to controversial tech though, as it has previously been accused of using facial recognition.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/ice-is-planning-to-create-a-surveillance-team-that-hunts-for-leads-on-social-media-163743143.html?src=rss

Your Apple Account is the key to everything you do on your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro. It keeps your purchases, subscriptions and personal data secure. If you think your account has been hacked, if you've logged in on a shared device or if you haven't updated your password in a while, it's a good idea to update it. Apple officially rebranded Apple ID as Apple Account in 2024, but your login details work the same way. We'll walk you through how to reset or change your Apple Account password on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or the web.How to change your Apple Account password on your iPhone or iPadThe fastest way to update your password is through your device's settings. This method works for iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro devices, and can also be started on Apple Watches if you have Stolen Device Protection enabled.

Redemption Road's absolutely bonkers-looking medieval shooter, Kingmakers, was slated to launch in Early Access on October 8, but now its release has been pushed back with no new date in sight. The developers posted an update on Steam to say that the scheduled launch, just days away, "will no longer be possible," going on to explain that they need "a bit more time on content polish before we feel good about charging money for it."A statement posted by the developers of Kingmakers announcing that the game is delayedRedemption Road GamesKingmakers has generated a fair amount of hype since it was announced last year, and it sits among the top wishlisted titles on Steam. The game sends players "back in time to a war-torn medieval era with a vast arsenal of modern weapons," from guns to tanks. And if you've seen the trailers, you know it's not just the concept that's bananas - the gameplay we've been shown so far is completely over the top. In its statement about the delay, the team said that Kingmakers is "an incredibly ambitious, uncompromising game, and we don't want to cut any planned features, for the sake of getting it out the door earlier.""With Kingmakers, we set out to push the Unreal Engine 4 codebase to its absolute limits, while still providing true 60fps to midrange PCs, without the need for fake frames," the team wrote. "We are an 80% engineering team, who got into this business to push technological barriers. We currently have tens of thousands of soldiers, each with AI and pathfinding that rivals what you'd expect from a AAA third person shooter. When you walk away from a battle, it continues to play out. Nothing is faked."The developers haven't provided any update on what the timeline looks like now beyond the fact that the game won't be ready for October 8. But, they added, "We will be presenting a half hour long deepdive on Kingmakers gameplay very soon, with a comprehensive overview of everything we've been working on."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/kingmakers-the-medieval-battle-game-with-modern-weapons-has-been-delayed-211935670.html?src=rss

Just a day after dethroning SpaceX as the most valuable private company in the world, OpenAI has acquired another startup. This time, the AI giant acquired Roi, an app that offers a one-stop shop for all your financial portfolios and an AI chatbot that provides personalized investing advice. Details of the acquisition weren't made public, but TechCrunch reported that Sujith Vishwajith, the startup's CEO and co-founder, will be the only one joining OpenAI's team.It might come as a surprise for OpenAI to venture into the personal finance space, but this latest acquisition offers some hints at what the company could have in store for the future. OpenAI could be leaning into an AI chatbot that provides more than just responses to general queries and offers more personalization as a "proactive assistant," as detailed in its blog post introducing Pulse.OpenAI is also no stranger to acquiring smaller companies that offer something that could advance ChatGPT. In May, the company acquired io, an AI hardware startup cofounded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion. OpenAI followed up that major purchase by spending another $1.1 billion to acquire Statsig, a startup that focused on product testing, in September.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-acquires-an-ai-powered-personal-investing-app-192339271.html?src=rss

Here are some recently released titles to add to your reading list. This week, we read Bora Chung's Midnight Timetable: A Novel in Ghost Stories, and started a new series from Mad Cave Studios, It Killed Everyone But Me. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/what-to-read-this-weekend-ghost-stories-to-kick-off-october-182937425.html?src=rss

Tesla launched its own auto insurance options for California customers back in 2019, but it may soon lose its authorization to do just that. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) issued enforcement actions against Tesla Insurance, which acts as an agent for State National Insurance Company and is also named in the legal notice. The issued warning claims that Tesla Insurance and State National saw "repeated failures to comply with long-standing claims handling laws." The agency also accused Tesla Insurance of "egregious delays" when responding to its customers' claims and not conducting "thorough, fair and objective investigations of claims."According to the filing, the CDI received 97 complaints about State National in 2022 and determined that 21 were justified, while also noting that the insurance provider committed 40 violations of the state's insurance regulations. The numbers skyrocketed over the years, eventually hitting 1,095 received complaints about State National, which were boiled down to 415 justified complaints between January 1, 2025 and September 22, 2025. Within this year's complaints so far, the CDI said that State National committed 1,498 violations of the state's insurance code.As for Tesla Insurance, the CDI received 842 complaints and said that 166 of which were justified in the same time period. The agency also accused Tesla of committing 532 violations. On top of the violations, the state agency claimed that Tesla Insurance's Head of Claims position was left vacant for several months, and when eventually filled, saw frequent turnover between April 2023 and May 2025.After the filing on Friday, Tesla Insurance and State National have 15 days to respond to the CDI. If the two insurance providers don't resolve the issues laid out in the complaint, they will be put in front of a judge who will determine if they can continue offering insurance in the state. Along with the potential regulatory consequences, Tesla Insurance and State National will face "monetary penalties up to $5,000 for each unlawful, unfair, or deceptive act, or up to $10,000 for each such act determined to be willful."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/california-regulators-threaten-to-revoke-teslas-insurance-license-for-mishandling-claims-180942929.html?src=rss

After Microsoft decided to jack up the price of its Xbox Game Pass subscriptions to up to $30 a month, it has another unwelcome surprise for members. In a statement provided to multiple outlets like Insider Gaming, a spokesperson for Microsoft confirmed it has removed the discounts for DLC that come with a Game Pass subscription, replacing them by offering points for its Rewards program.While initial reports discovered the change with the Call of Duty franchise, the Microsoft statement later clarified that this major shift isn't "specific to any one game and reflects all games and DLC purchases." To replace the discount, Ultimate subscribers will get 10 percent of their purchase back in Rewards points, while Premium members get five percent, when buying qualifying games from the Game Pass library.Earlier this month, Microsoft detailed in a post that its goal with Game Pass was to "deliver unmatched value" along with an expansive offering of included games. In the same post, Microsoft announced that it would add 45 more games, along with introducing the $10 price hike. With this latest move, Game Pass subscribers even lose out on the immediate 10 percent discount from their purchases and are forced to accept Game Pass store credit instead. This barrage of news has some members questioning their Xbox Game Pass subscription, but there are still ways to secure the previous rate with pre-paid codes.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-sneakily-drops-dlc-discounts-that-come-with-xbox-game-pass-160512977.html?src=rss

On the heels of the iPhone 17 lineup being released a few weeks ago, you can pick up Apple's 25W MagSafe charger for a song. The two-meter version of the more powerful charging cable has dropped by 29 percent from $49 to $35. That's a record-low price. As it happens, that actually makes the two-meter version of the cable less expensive than the one-meter variant. The shorter cable will run you $39 as things stand. If you have an iPhone 16, iPhone 17 or iPhone Air, this cable can charge your device at 25W as long as it's connected to a 30W power adapter on the other end. While you'll need a more recent iPhone to get the fastest MagSafe charging speeds, the charger can wirelessly top up the battery of any iPhone from the last eight years (iPhone 8 and later). With older iPhones, the charging speed tops out at 15W. The cable works with AirPods wireless charging cases too - it's certified for Qi2.2 and Qi charging. The MagSafe charger is one of our favorite iPhone accessories, and would pair quite nicely with your new iPhone if you're picking up one of the latest models. If you're on the fence about that, be sure to check out our reviews of the iPhone 17, iPhone Pro/Pro Max and iPhone Air.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-25w-magsafe-charger-is-only-35-with-this-prime-day-deal-143415981.html?src=rss

One of Discord's third-party customer service providers has been infiltrated by an unauthorized party who was able to gain access to users' information. Discord said it recently discovered the incident, which took place on September 20. The compromised data includes a "small number" of government IDs like driver's licenses and passports, which some users may have submitted to verify their ages. To be clear, Discord itself wasn't hacked, and you would only be affected by the data breach if you've ever communicated with the messaging service's Customer Support or Trust & Safety teams. That also means the bad actors didn't get access to your messages within the service, just whatever you may have communicated with customer support.Discord has been sending out emails to people affected by the breach, even those who have no accounts but have contacted their support teams for any reason. In the email, the service said that the compromised information may include your real name, your username if you have one, your email and other contact details, the last four digits of any credit card associated with your account and your IP addresses. The service will also specify in the email it sends you if any ID you'd submitted has been compromised, which puts you at higher risk of identity theft than other users. Discord clarified that the breach would not have compromised your full credit card number, your physical address and your password.The service said it quickly revoked the provider's access to its system after learning about the breach and notified law enforcement of the incident. It also said that it will "frequently audit [its] third-party systems" to ensure they meet Discord's standards.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/discord-users-ids-and-data-compromised-in-customer-service-provider-hack-140053655.html?src=rss

Microsoft recently jacked up the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $30 a month, but you may not have to pay that increased rate just yet. Online retailers are still selling codes for prepaid Game Pass subscriptions at the previous $20-per-month rate. Case in point: you can pay just $60 for three-month code from Amazon, stack your codes and keep your subscription without having to downgrade or cancel. As the highest tier in Game Pass, an Ultimate subscription gives you the ability to download and play a library of over 200 games on your PC or Xbox. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can also stream the majority of those games to other devices, too, whether it's a smartphone, LG TV or in-car display. It's worth noting, though, the benefits of Ultimate did change with the introduction of the higher price. Microsoft shared that Ultimate subscribers will now also receive the benefits of an Ubisoft+ subscription at no additional cost, a $16 a month value that unlocks access to a back catalog of Ubisoft games from franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry. Starting in November, the new Ultimate subscription also includes access to Fortnite Crew, Epic's $12 a month plan that gives you V-Bucks, battle passes and more in Fortnite. While those new benefits might justify a higher price monetarily, whether that's a convincing reason to stay subscribed is a separate question. This likely won't be the last time Microsoft will raise the price of its subscription service. Avoiding those fees by buying pre-paid Game Pass codes seems like an excellent way to try out the new Ultimate before committing to cancelling your subscription, downgrading your plan or sticking with Microsoft's new price. You can purchase three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $60 a month. Stacking four three-month codes should come out to around $240.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/you-can-still-get-xbox-game-pass-ultimate-for-20-a-month-by-buying-pre-paid-codes-222333599.html?src=rss

If you prefer some variety in your review roundups, we cover quite the gamut this time. The headliner is the new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, but we've recently tested a powerful gaming laptop, two action cameras and a wireless mouse (yep, still need those). Catch up on all the reviews we've published over the last two weeks by scrolling down below. Ray-Ban Meta While the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses may look similar to the original model, a lot has changed in terms of features. There are also two big upgrades over the last version: battery life and video quality. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses have a lot of features that didn't exist when I first reviewed them two years ago, largely thanks to AI," senior editor Karissa Bell said. And with the release of its second-generation frames, there's still a lot to look forward to, like new camera features and AI-powered audio." Alienware 16 Area-51 If you're in the market for a powerful gaming laptop with a unique design, the Alienware 16 Area-51 might be for you. Of course, you'll have to live with a machine that s big and heavy - and also expensive. Even though the Alienware 16 Area-51 might not be as portable as some of its rivals, it's got a lot to offer," senior reviews writer Sam Rutherford wrote. There's a striking design, a nice screen (though more options would be nice), tons of ports and class-leading performance with plenty of configurability so you can dial in its specs exactly how you like." GoPro Max 2 GoPro's new product this fall wasn't another Hero action camera. Instead, the company opted to take the 360 route, debuting the Max 2 for spherical videos. With a mix of pro features like Timecode, GP-Log (with LUTs) alongside mobile-focused editing, GoPro clearly hopes the Max 2 will appeal to demanding and casual users alike," contributor James Trew observed. The company has also focused heavily on improving the user experience rather than going for pure technological advances and after a week or so of testing, that feels like a sensible move." DJI Osmo Nano In case you missed it, tiny action cameras with detachable displays are a thing now. DJI's first attempt at one of these products takes direct aim at Insta360's duo of Go models. And despite better video quality than the competition, there's still work to be done for the Osmo Nano. With the Nano, DJI leaned on its camera experience and mostly matches or beats its main rival in terms of video quality," reporter Steve Dent said. However, the company is still lagging behind in a few areas, particularly its editing app - something that's important for many creators." Logitech MX Master 4 Three years after releasing the MX Master 3S, Logitech is back with another update to its productivity mouse. Shopping for the new version isn't exactly a straightforward endeavor though. The MX Master 4 may not be a essential upgrade if you're happy with an older MX Master mouse, and if those didn't work for you before, this one probably won't work for you now," senior buying advice reporter Jeff Dunn wrote. But if you're a power user in the market for a new productivity mouse, we'd expect this newest iteration to be as popular as its predecessors."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-ray-ban-meta-gopro-max-2-and-more-130000492.html?src=rss

If your PlayStation 5 has started feeling sluggish, freezes mid-game or acts a little weird, clearing the cache might be the quick fix you need. The cache is where your console stores temporary files to keep things running smoothly, but sometimes those files pile up and cause more problems than they solve.Clearing your PS5 cache won't delete your games, saves or settings, but it can clear out the junk data that's slowing things down. Whether you're troubleshooting crashes or just want to keep your console running at its best, wiping the cache is one of the simplest steps you can take.How to start your PS5 in Safe ModeIn order to clear your PS5 cache, you'll need to start your console in Safe Mode. Similar to a PC, entering Safe Mode on a PS5 gives you access to basic functions on your console, including restarting your PS5, changing video output, repairing console storage, updating system software, restoring default settings, clearing the cache and rebuilding the database, resetting the PS5 and resetting the PS5 by reinstalling System Software.Unfortunately, there isn't an option on your PS5 to enter Safe Mode via the Settings, but you can (safely) enter this mode by following these steps:

Welcome to our latest roundup of what's going on in the indie game space. A bunch of new games arrived this week, alongside demo drops, reveals and details about upcoming titles. But if there are some you've had on your wishlist for a while and have been waiting for a solid discount, now might be the time to take the plunge.That's because Steam's autumn sale is underway. It's arguably not as massive as the summer or winter editions, but there are still lots of bargains on the storefront. During the platform's big sales, I think it's always worth taking a look at the list of deep discounts for some particularly good deals. I've been meaning to check out Haven from Cairn developer The Game Bakers for quite a while now, and at 90 percent off, that's an easy pickup for me.There are lots of solid offers elsewhere in the sale, including half off Tunic, Cult of the Lamb and Nine Sols; 35 percent off Turbo Kid; 40 percent off Another Crab's Treasure; and 25 percent off Animal Well and Blue Prince. Lots of blockbuster games are on sale too, of course, including the likes of Red Dead Redemption 2 (75 percent off), Returnal (50 percent off), Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered (50 percent off) and Assassin's Creed Shadows (40 percent off).Elsewhere, I thought this news nugget was pretty interesting. Evil Empire, the studio behind The Rogue Prince of Persia, has taken over development of Brotato. Original developer Blobfish Games is moving onto other projects.Brotato never hooked me as much as the similar Vampire Survivors did, but the game has more than 10 million players. Evil Empire is releasing an update for Brotato this month that brings a new mob to the game, but the studio's track record is what makes this change most intriguing. It handled several updates and expansions for Dead Cells, including the Return to Castlevania DLC. So, there could be some pretty neat stuff on the way to Brotato in the coming months and years, especially with Evil Empire teasing DLC.New releasesTwo Lego games arriving in the space of a couple of weeks might seem like a lot, but the latest one is a world away from Lego Voyagers. Lego Party - from SMG Studio and publisher Fictions - is a party game for up to four players and it has dozens of minigames. Think Mario Party, but blockier and with the smooth trademark humor of Lego games.It supports local and online cross-platform multiplayer and there are tons of different ways to customize your minifigure. Let's just hope no one gets too mad if you mess up their turn. Lego Party is out now on Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.Alien: Rogue Incursion - Part One is now available for the first time outside of virtual reality platforms thanks to the new Evolved Edition. It hit PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam and Epic Games Store this week.This is a first-person shooter from Survios that's set between Alien and Aliens. The game pits a marine colonel against hundreds of Xenomorphs and other nasty things. I can't imagine I would have kept my cool if I were playing this in VR and a Facehugger jumped onto my head, but the flatscreen version might not be so scary. Maybe.Puzzle adventure game Ealu sees you taking control of a wooden, clockwork mouse that's attempting to escape from a labyrinth. Designer Ivan Owen of Beyond the Bark created all of the stop-motion animations by hand, including all possible outcomes for each scenario, and did so mostly in a garden shed.It looks charming, though the mouse faces some rather grisly-sounding fates if you're not careful. Ealu is out now on Steam.UpcomingAn edition of the PC Gaming Show took place during Tokyo Game Show last weekend, and it featured more than 30 games. One of them was Kaiju Cleanup. This is a cleaning sim in which you'll clean up kaiju carcasses by slicing up the monsters into smaller pieces, disposing of "various jellies" and powerwashing the last little bits away.If your character dies due to acidic fluids or explosive organs, just send in a clone and clean up that mess too. It's dangerous work, but someone's gotta do it.This is a fun idea. There's no release window for Kaiju Cleanup as yet, but Brightrock Games and publisher Mythwright say you can expect it to hit Steam at some point in the next 15 years.I kind of love the ethos of Wolf Haus Games. "We make the games we wanted to play when we were 13, because now we're grown ups and nobody can tell us what to do," the studio says on its website. After collectively accruing decades of experience in AAA games and movies, the team is working on its first game, Join Us.In this co-op survival RPG, you'll set up a chapter of a doomsday cult. You can choose the belief system and recruit members for your cause while amassing a stockpile of weapons. Naturally, you'll need to build a compound for your collective and manage your resources. You can put your followers to work by assigning them roles like farmer, doctor and mission support, which will hopefully help you avoid permadeath.Join Us is coming to Steam in 2026. I already feel like I might stick with this one for longer than I did Valheim, one of the more prominent co-op survival games of the last few years. That's largely because this one has buses with machine gun turrets, along with pigs and bears you can ride into battle.Earth Must Die is another game that was unveiled at the latest PC Gaming Show. This is a point-and-click adventure from Size Five Games and publisher No More Robots that has an appealing, cartoon-y art style, but it's the cast that really catches the eye here.It features performances from the likes of Joel Fry (Game of Thrones, Our Flag Means Death), Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hades 2) and a host of people who have appeared on the brilliant comedy panel show Taskmaster, including series creator Alex Horne. Earth Must Die is slated to hit Steam later this year.Speaking of Taskmaster, a game called Task Time seems like it was inspired by the show. This is a competitive party title from ReadGraves and publisher Wired Productions in which you'll compete with up to seven other players to complete random tasks. There are more than 500,000 variants of tasks that you might be asked to take on.It looks chaotic in a good way, and appear to tap into the DNA of the likes of Fall Guys (which shouldn't be surprising given that some of the dev team has experience of working on that game). There's local and online multiplayer support for this one. Task Time is coming to Steam and Epic Games Store "soon." If you're quick, you can join the Steam playtest, which ends on Sunday.Rising Heat reminds me a little of Minishoot Adventures, a lovely Zelda-esque RPG from last year (40 percent off in the Steam sale, by the way). The only things they actually seem to have in common, though, is that you play as a little ship and they each have a top-down perspective.That's because Rising Heat is a twin-stick, bullet-hell survival roguelike. I dig the explosive, colorful visual effects (is that a black hole I see?) and the co-op mode sounds compelling. You can play with a friend locally or online, and your ships are tethered by a beam that can damage enemies and possibly pull your partner into danger if you're not careful.Rising Heat was supposed to arrive on October 14, but Fuzzy Sock Studios and publisher Apogee Entertainment have delayed it until December 2. However, you can try out a demo on Steam now.Here's another demo, and I'm very excited about this one. Marvel Cosmic Invasion is the latest side-scrolling beat-'em-up from Tribute Games and publisher Dotemu, the teams behind the terrific Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge.Although this game is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S as well later this year, the demo is currently only available on Steam. It features nine of the game's 15 playable heroes: Spider-Man, Wolverine, She-Hulk, Storm, Venom, Nova, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon and Captain America. You can pick two and switch between them any time to deliver powerful team-up attacks.There's couch and online co-op available, and the demo is fully playable on Steam Deck. I definitely need to carve out some time for this over the weekend. Ghost of Ytei can wait a bit longer.Dogpile is another in a long line of Suika Game clones (where you combine two objects to make a larger one without spilling over the top of a container). This is all about smushing together very good dogs, so it's automatically one of the best ones. It has an utterly perfect title too.Dogpile switches up the format a bit since it's a deckbuilder and you can customize the puppers with their own traits. Dog tags alter how the pooches and their traits work, and using them smartly can help you discover synergies.Studio Folly and Toot Games are the developers behind Dogpile, and they have audio design assistance from A Shell in the Pit and help from the co-publishing team at Wings. There's no release window as yet. But there's a demo out on Steam right now and I don't know why you're still reading this instead of rushing off to play it immediately.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lego-parties-hundreds-of-xenomorphs-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110000144.html?src=rss

Following Apple's removal of ICEBlock from the App Store, an app used to report on the activity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, 404 Media reports that Google is also removing similar apps from the Play Store. In a statement to Engadget, Google said "ICEBlock was never available on Google Play, but we removed similar apps for violations of our policies."Google says that it decided to remove apps that shared the location of a vulnerable group following a violent act that involved the group and a similar collection of apps. It suggests the apps were also removed because they didn't appropriately moderate user-generated content. To be offered in the Play Store, apps with user-generated content have to clearly define what is or isn't objectionable content in their terms of service, and make sure those terms line up with Google's definitions of inappropriate content for Google Play.404 Media report specifically focuses on Red Dot, an app that both Google and Apple removed. Like ICEBlock, Red Dot designed to let users report on ICE activity in their neighborhood. Rather than just rely on user submissions, the app's website says that it "aggregates verified reports from multiple trusted sources" and then combines those sources to determine where to mark activity on a map of your area. "Red Dot never tracks ICE agents, law enforcement, or any person's movements" and the app's developers "categorically reject harassment, interference, or harm toward ICE agents or anyone else." Despite those claims, the app is not currently available to download from the Play Store or the App Store.The pushback against ICE tracking apps seemed to begin in earnest following a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility that injured two detainees and killed another on September 24. According to an FBI agent that spoke to The New York Times, the shooter "had been following apps that track the location of ICE agents" in the days leading up to the event.Apple pulled the ICEBlock app from the App Store yesterday following a request from US Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a statement shared with Fox Business, Bondi said that "ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs, and violence against law enforcement is an intolerable red line that cannot be crossed." Apple's response was to remove the app. "Based on information we've received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store," Apple told the publication.Google says it didn't receive a similar request to remove apps from the Play Store. Instead, the company appears to be acting proactively. The test for either platform going forward, though, is if there's a way that developers can offer these apps without them being removed again.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-is-also-removing-apps-used-to-report-sightings-of-ice-agents-192940612.html?src=rss

There's a long list of reasons US stability is now teetering between "Fyre Festival" and "Charlie Sheen's 'Tiger Blood' era." Now you can add cybersecurity to the tally. A crucial cyber defense law, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015), has lapsed. With the government out of commission, the nation's computer networks are more exposed for... who knows how long. Welcome to 2025, baby.CISA 2015 promotes the sharing of cyber threat information between the private and public sectors. It includes legal protections for companies that might otherwise hesitate to share that data. The law promotes "cyber threat information sharing with industry and government partners within a secure policy and legal framework," a coalition of industry groups wrote in a letter to Congress last week.As Cybersecurity Dive explains, CISA 2015 shields companies from antitrust liability, regulatory enforcement, private lawsuits and FOIA disclosures. Without it, sharing gets more complicated. "There will just be many more lawyers involved, and it will all go slower, particularly new sharing agreements," Ari Schwartz, cybersecurity director at the law firm Venable, told the publication. That could make it easier for adversaries like Russia and China to conduct cyberattacks.Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)Kevin Dietsch via Getty ImagesBefore the shutdown, there was support for renewal from the private sector, the Trump administration and bipartisan members of Congress. One of the biggest roadblocks was Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. He objected to reauthorizing the law without changes to some of his pet issues. Notably, he wanted to add language that would neuter the ability to combat misinformation and disinformation. He canceled his planned revision of the bill after a backlash from his peers. The committee then failed to approve any version before the expiration date.Meanwhile, House Republicans included a short-term CISA 2015 renewal in its government funding bill. But Democrats, whose support the GOP needs, wouldn't support the Continuing Resolution for other reasons. They want Affordable Care Act premium tax credits extended beyond their scheduled expiration at the end of the year. Without an extension, Americans' already spiking health insurance premiums will continue to skyrocket.In its letter to Congress last week, the industry coalition warned that the expiration of CISA 2015 would lead to "a more complex and dangerous" security landscape. "Sharing information about cyber threats and incidents makes it harder for attackers because defenders learn what to watch for and prioritize," the group wrote. "As a result, attackers must invest more in new tools or target different victims."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/congress-let-a-key-cybersecurity-law-expire-this-week-leaving-us-networks-more-vulnerable-174529522.html?src=rss

"Ohhh, this is niiice."I kept repeating that to myself when I first saw the 2026 Nissan Leaf in person, like the oft-memed Tiffany Haddish clip. I quickly learned it's hard not to love this third iteration of the Leaf. Its seats feel wonderfully comfortable, its infotainment screens are wide and immersive and its electromagnetic sunroof seemed like something meant for a far more premium car. I tested the highest-end Leaf, which retails for $38,990, but it still offers plenty of value at that price. And it makes me think the entry-level $30,000 model - which has smaller screens, cheaper seats and no sunroof - would be similarly great. Once again, the Nissan Leaf holds the crown as the ideal cheap EV.It's easy to forget what a revolutionary vehicle Nissan's original Leaf was. Released in 2010 for under $33,000, it was the first truly affordable EV on the market. Sure it was small and didn't go very far, but Nissan eventually fixed those issues with the second-gen model (which I ended up buying earlier this year). But that came at a time when the world was more hyped to see Tesla enter the fray with cheaper cars like the Model 3 and Model Y, and the Leaf was once again overshadowed when other automakers joined the EV arena.Now the Leaf is back and better than ever. Its compact SUV styling makes it look more futuristic than the basic hatchback design of the previous model, it can get up to 300 miles of range (up from a maximum of 212 miles with the earlier Leaf SV Plus) and it offers more cargo space with the rear seats down (55.5 cubic feet compared to 30 cubic feet). And with the Leaf's new turquoise color option, it truly stands out on the road. While it didn't turn as many heads during my testing as the VW id.Buzz, several neighbors commented that it simply looks cool.On a fundamental level, the 2026 Nissan Leaf shouts "hot new EV" in ways the old one simply didn't. Its sloped roofline and unique side profile makes it simultaneously seem like a sporty coupe and a tiny SUV. Its front and rear LED lights give off sci-fi vibes. Those same neighbors who were intrigued by this Leaf didn't even realize I had a 2018 model parked right beside it. They just thought that was a boring old hatchback. Since its inception, the Nissan Leaf's design has gone from a quirky curiosity to a car that was desperately aiming for the mainstream. This time around, Nissan's design choices feel supremely confident.Stepping into the Leaf makes that all the more clear: I loved its soft synthetic leather seats, which perfectly supported my aching back once I tweaked the lumbar support settings. Its enormous dual 14.3-inch infotainment screens also make a striking impression. The first screen, situated behind the steering wheel, makes it easy to see your current speed, charge level and additional driving information. But it's the center screen that takes the cake - it's gloriously colorful and bright enough to be visible in harsh sunlight. It's perfect for the Leaf's built-in Google Maps navigation, but it's even better when using wireless CarPlay, since every app fills the entire screen. (And thankfully, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support are available on every Leaf trim.)The base 2026 Leaf has cloth seats and two 12.3-inch screens, but from photos I've seen they still look like a step up from most infotainment setups. My review model also had a 10-speaker "Bose Personal Plus" audio system, which includes small speakers inside the headrests of the driver and passenger seats. That makes music sound a bit more immersive, but more importantly, it also serves as a covert way to deliver navigation instructions to the driver without distracting everyone else in the car. During my testing, I found that the Bose system felt rich and detailed for most music (it has a small subwoofer, so anything bass-heavy sounded muddled), and I genuinely appreciated having directions whispered into my ears. Here the sunroof is partially shaded. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget The Leaf's panoramic sunroof, which is only available on the high-end Platinum+ FWD trim, also makes a striking impression. It lets in tons of light while blocking the heat of the sun, and it can also become opaque at the touch of a button with so-called Polymer Dispersed Crystal Display technology. You can also have it shade only part of the car, which is helpful when I'd like some light, but my kids in the back seat don't. The shaded mode still lets in diffuse light, but it's not powerful enough to cast shadows (it acts almost like a total solar filter, allowing you to see the sun safely). It doesn't darken the Leaf much, though, so you might need an additional shade for napping babies.According to Christian Spencer, a Nissan senior manager and engineer, the company found that the sunroof's shading technology also allowed for more headroom. Adding a traditional retracting shade would have shaved off a few much-needed inches. As it stands, the Leaf's wide and round roof should easily fit very tall drivers and passengers. In a conversation with Engadget, Spencer noted that Nissan also brought over some design elements from existing vehicles, like the Z sports car, Rogue SUV and Ariya EV. In particular, the new Leaf's sturdy 4-link suspension comes directly from the Ariya, and it helps to make the car feel much more stable over bumps and at high speeds. This is one of two charging ports on the 2026 Leaf. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget That's something I definitely noticed during a recent 100-mile round trip. The Leaf is zippy to get to highway speed thanks to its 214-horsepower electric motor (up from 147hp on the previous gen, but matching the same performance of the previous higher-end SV Plus models). The revamped Leaf also feels very solid while cruising alongside much larger cars and in chaotic winds, whereas the previous model always felt a bit unstable at high speeds. The overall rigidity leads to slightly mushy steering on the 2026 Leaf, but I still found it more comfortable to drive than Kia's similarly-sized EV6. My wife and kids, who care less about driving dynamics, noted that it just felt very smooth to ride in.My 100-mile trip brought the leaf down to 60 percent from a full charge, which is in line with the 259 miles of range available on my Platinum+ review model. (Curiously, you lose range as you step up the Leaf's specs. I'm sure the large 19-inch tires didn't help with efficiency - the cheaper models have 18-inch tires.) I was able to charge the Leaf from 65 percent to 100 percent overnight with a standard Level 1 charger. In addition to the standard J1772 port for Level 1 and 2 charging at home, the Leaf also includes a Tesla-style (NACS, above) port for high-speed refills at Tesla Superchargers. That makes the 2026 Leaf far more suitable for road trips than the older model, which was stuck with an archaic CHAdeMO port for fast charging. The nissan Leaf 2018 (left) next to the 2026 model (right). Devindra Hardawar for Engadget A major difference I noticed from my 2018 Leaf is that the new model actually feels like a true electric car internally, rather than being built out of a frame that was originally designed for a gas-powered vehicle. The annoying center console from the second-gen Leaf - which was made out of cheap plastic, and led to so much knee banging I had to install a cushion - is completely gone, replaced with room for a small backpack or purse by your right foot. The new Leaf's floor also sits very low, which gives second-row passengers a ton of leg room.Not every change is a true step forward, though. While the 2026 Leaf offers more overall cargo space than the previous version, it loses 3.6 cubic feet of storage when the rear seats are up. And if you've got kids in car seats, those rear chairs will always be up. I was able to fit in a small tricycle, two scooters, protective gear and a small cooler during a recent trip, but it was definitely a tight squeeze. On a brighter note, I was at least able to fit in a large combination car seat and smaller booster chair without issue. I also really appreciated Nissan's easily accessible LATCH connections, which are brightly colored and easily visible. You don't have to go fishing around for them under cushions like on other cars. Here you can see a Doona tricycle, two scooters and a cooler. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget There's also bad news for fans of one pedal driving: Nissan has dumped its original "E-pedal" feature for "E-step," which can dramatically slow the Leaf with regenerative braking, but won't fully stop the car. According to Spencer, that's partially due to Japanese regulators, who prefer having the brake be the only way to fully stop a car. But it's a bummer if you've gotten used to the convenience of one-pedal driving and never touching the brakes, a feature that Nissan helped to pioneer with the second-gen Leaf. Spencer says the company has heard plenty of feedback about the loss of true one pedal driving though, so it could be a feature Nissan implements again down the line.I'd consider those complaints minor quibbles, though. The 2026 Leaf is more attractive and feature-rich than the $34,000 Hyundai Kona EV or Chevy Equinox, and it also has the backing of a company with far more experience in the EV arena. While I'd still recommend looking at used EV options - I've seen great cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 dip to $25,000 or less - the 2026 Leaf is simply hard to beat.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/nissan-leaf-2026-review-still-the-budget-ev-to-beat-173000858.html?src=rss

With the AI boom, construction of new data centers has skyrocketed, and not without consequence - some communities that count these facilities as neighbors are now facing water shortages and strained power supplies. While tech's data center footprint has been growing for decades, generative AI has seemingly shifted the impacts of these operations toward the catastrophic. What exactly makes these new data centers such a burden on the environment and existing infrastructure, and is there anything we can do to fix it?ChipsThe industry believes AI will work its way into every corner of our lives, and so needs to build sufficient capacity to address that anticipated demand. But the hardware used to make AI work is so much more resource-intensive than standard cloud computing facilities that it requires a dramatic shift in how data centers are engineered.Typically the most important part of a computer is its brain," the Central Processing Unit (CPU). It's designed to compute a wide variety of tasks, tackling them one at a time. Imagine a CPU as a one-lane motorway in which every vehicle, no matter the size, can get from A to B at extraordinary speed. What AI relies on instead are Graphics Processing Units (GPU), which are clusters of smaller, more specialized processors all running in parallel. In the example, a GPU is a thousand-lane motorway with a speed limit of just 30 mph. Both try to get a huge number of figurative vehicles to their destination in a short amount of time, but they take diametrically opposite approaches to solving that problem.Phil Burr is Head of Product at Lumai, a British company looking to replace traditional GPUs with optical processors. In AI, you repeatedly perform similar operations," he explained, and you can do that in parallel across the data set." This gives GPUs an advantage over CPUs in large but fundamentally repetitive tasks, like graphics, executing AI models and crypto mining. You can process a large amount of data very quickly, but it's doing the same amount of processing each time," he said.In the same way that thousand-lane highway would be pretty wasteful, the more powerful GPUs get, the more energy hungry they become. In the past, as [CPUs evolved] you could get a lot more transistors on a device, but the overall power [consumption] remained about the same," Burr said. They're also equipped with specialized units that do [specific] work faster so the chip can return to idle sooner." By comparison, every iteration of a GPU has more and more transistors, but the power jumps up every time because getting gains from those processes is hard." Not only are they physically larger - which results in higher power demands - but theygenerally activate all of the processing units at once," Burr said.In 2024, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory published a congressionally mandated report into the energy consumption of data centers. The report identified a sharp increase in the amount of electricity data centers consumed as GPUs became more prevalent. Power use from 2014 to 2016 was stable at around 60 TWh, but started climbing in 2018, to 76 TWh, and leaping to 176 TWh by 2023. In just five years, data center energy use more than doubled from 1.9 percent of the US' total, to nearly 4.4 percent - with that figure projected to reach up to 12 percent by the start of the 2030s.HeatLike a lightbulb filament, as electricity moves through the silicon of computer chips, it encounters resistance, generating heat. Extending that power efficiency metaphor from earlier, CPUs are closer to modern LEDs here, while GPUs, like old incandescent bulbs, lose a huge amount of their power to resistance. The newest generation of AI data centers are filled with rack after rack of them, depending on the owner's needs and budget, each one kicking out what Burr described as a massive amount of heat."Heat isn't just an unwelcome byproduct: if chips aren't kept cool, they'll experience performance and longevity issues. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) publishes guidelines for data center operators. It advocates server rooms should be kept between 18 to 27 degrees celsius (64.4 to 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Given the sheer volume of heat GPUs kick out, maintaining that temperature requires some intensive engineering, and a lot of energy.The majority of data centers use a handful of methods to keep their hardware within the optimal temperature. One of the oldest ways to maximize the efficiency of air conditioning is a technique of hot and cold aisle containment. Essentially, cold air is pushed through the server racks to keep them cool, while the hot air those servers expel is drawn out to be cooled and recirculated.Many data centers, especially in the US, rely on the cooling effect that occurs as water changes from a liquid to a gas. This is done by drawing hot air through a wet medium to facilitate evaporation and blowing the resulting cooled air into the server room, in a method known as direct evaporative cooling. There's also indirect evaporative cooling, which works similarly but adds a heat exchanger - a device that's used to transfer heat between different mediums. In this type of setup, the heat from the warm air is transferred and cooled separately from the server room to avoid raising the humidity levels indoors.Due in part to their cooling needs, data centers have a tremendous water footprint. The Lawrence Berkeley report found that, in 2014, US-based data centers consumed 21.2 billion liters of water. By 2018, however, that figure had leapt to 66 billion liters, much of which was attributed to what it collectively terms hyperscale" facilities, which include AI-focused operations. In 2023, traditional US data centers reportedly consumed 10.56 billion liters of water while AI facilities used around 55.4 billion liters. The report's projections believe that by 2028, AI data centers will likely consume as much as 124 billion liters of water."Collectively, data centers are among the top-ten water consuming industrial or commercial industries in the US," according to a 2021 study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters. About one-fifth of these data centers use water from stressed watersheds, i.e. areas where the demand for water may be greater than the natural supply.Most of the water consumed by data centers evaporates and won't be immediately replenished, while the rest goes to wastewater treatment plants. As a trio of academics explained in an op-ed for The Dallas Morning News, data centers are "effectively removing [drinking water] from the local water cycle." Water used in the cooling process is typically treated with chemicals such as corrosion inhibitors and biocides, which prevent bacterial growth. The resulting wastewater often contains pollutants, so it can't be recycled for human consumption or agriculture.And data centers' water use goes well beyond cooling. A much bigger portion of their water footprint can be attributed to indirect uses, mainly through electricity generated by power plants but also through wastewater utilities. These account for about three-fourths of a data center's water footprint, the study notes. Power plants use water in a number of ways, primarily for cooling and to produce the steam needed to spin their electricity-generating turbines. According to the authors, 1 megawatt-hour of energy consumed by data centers in the US on average requires 7.1 cubic meters of water."Data centers are indirectly dependent on water from every state in the contiguous US, much of which is sourced from power plants drawing water from subbasins in the eastern and western coastal states," the authors explain. To adequately address the water issue, energy consumption must be reigned in too.Exploring the alternativesOne major approach to reduce the massive water footprint of these systems is to use closed-loop liquid cooling. This is already ubiquitous on a smaller scale in high-end PCs, where heat-generating components, such as the CPU and GPU, have large heat exchangers that a liquid is pumped through. The liquid draws away the heat, and then has to be cooled down via another heat exchanger, or a refrigeration unit, before being recirculated.Liquid cooling is becoming more and more common, especially in AI data centers, given the heat that GPUs generate. With the exception of mechanical issues, like leaking, and the water needed to operate the facility more generally, closed-loop systems do not experience water loss and so make more reasonable demands on local water resources. Direct-to-chip liquid cooling drastically cuts a data center's potential water use, and more efficiently removes heat than traditional air-cooling systems. In recent years, companies including Google, NVIDIA and Microsoft have been championing liquid cooling systems as a more sustainable way forward. And researchers are looking into ways to employ this approach on an even more granular level to tackle the heat right at the source.Whereas cold plates (metal slabs with tubing or internal channels for coolant to flow through) are commonly used in liquid cooling systems to transfer heat away from the electronics, Microsoft has been testing a microfluidics-based cooling system in which liquid coolant travels through tiny channels on the back of the chip itself. In the lab, this system performed "up to three times better than cold plates at removing heat," and the company said it "can effectively cool a server running core services for a simulated Teams meeting." A blog post about the findings noted, "microfluidics also reduced the maximum temperature rise of the silicon inside a GPU by 65 percent, though this will vary by the type of chip."Another option is "free" cooling, or making use of the natural environmental conditions at the data center site to cool the operation. Air-based free cooling utilizes the outdoor air in cold locales, while water-based free cooling relies on cold water sources such as seawater. Some facilities couple this with rainwater harvesting for their other water needs, like humidification.A map of Start CampusStart CampusStart Campus, a data center project in Portugal, is located on the site of an old coal-fired power station and will use much of its old infrastructure. Rather than simply employ a closed-loop, the high temperatures will require the closed-loop system to interact with an open loop. When the campus is fully operational, its heat will be passed onto around 1.4 million cubic tons of seawater per day. Omer Wilson, CMO at Start Campus, said that by the time the water has returned to its source, its temperature will be the same as the surrounding sea. Start Campus has also pledged that there will be no meaningful water loss from this process.There is another novel cooling method, immersion, in which computing equipment is - you guessed it - immersed in a non-conductive liquid suitable to draw heat. Wilson described it as a relatively niche approach, used in some crypto mining applications, but not used by industrial-scale facilities.To keep with both energy and cooling needs, some researchers say the industry must look to renewable resources. "Directly connecting data center facilities to wind and solar energy sources ensures that water and carbon footprints are minimized," wrote the authors of the aforementioned Environmental Research study. Even purchasing renewable energy certificates - which each represent one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from a renewable source and delivered to the grid - could help shift the grid toward these sources over time, they added. "Data center workloads can be migrated between data centers to align with the portion of the grid where renewable electricity supplies exceed instantaneous demand."Geothermal resources have begun to look especially promising. According to a recent report by the Rhodium Group, geothermal energy could meet up to 64 percent of data center's projected power demand growth in the US "by the early 2030s." In the Western US, geothermal could meet 100 percent of demand growth in areas such as Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth and Las Vegas.For cooling, geothermal heat pumps can be used to "leverage the consistently cool temperatures" found hundreds of feet beneath the surface. Or, in locations where there are shallow aquifers present, data centers can make use of geothermal absorption chillers. These rely on the low-grade heat at shallower depths "to drive a chemical reaction that produces water vapor," the report explains. "This water vapor cools as it is run through a condenser and cools the IT components of a data center using evaporation."Iron Mountain Data Centers operates a geothermally cooled data center in Boyers, Pennsylvania at the site of an old limestone mine. A 35-acre underground reservoir provides a year-round supply of cool water. Geothermal may not be a widespread solution just yet, but it's catching on. In 2024, Meta announced a partnership with Sage Geosystems to supply its data centers with up to 150 megawatts (MW) of geothermal power starting in 2027.Beyond the hardwareWhile novel cooling methods will undoubtedly help curb some of the AI data centers' excessive resource demands, the first step to meaningful change is transparency, according to Vijay Gadepally, a senior scientist at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory Supercomputing Center. AI companies need to be upfront about the emissions and resource use associated with their operations to give people a clear view of their footprints.Then there is the hardware to consider. Incorporating more intelligent chip design - i.e. processors with better performance characteristics - could go a long way toward making data centers more sustainable. "That's a huge area of innovation right now," Gadepally said. And large data centers are often "running underutilized," with a lot of power that isn't being allocated efficiently. Rather than leaning into the push to build more such facilities, the industry should first make better use of existing data centers' capacities.Similarly, many of today's AI models are vastly overpowered for the tasks they're being given. The current approach is "like cutting a hamburger with a chainsaw," Gadepally said. "Does it work? Sure... but it definitely is overkill." This doesn't need to be the case. "We have found in many instances that you can use a smaller but tuned model, to achieve similar performance to a much larger model," Gadepally said, noting that this is especially true for new "agentic" systems. "You're often trying thousands of different parameters, or different combinations of things to discover which is the best one, and by being a little bit more intelligent, we could dismiss or essentially terminate a lot of the workloads or a lot of those combinations that weren't getting you towards the right answer."Each of those unnecessary parameters isn't just a computational dead end, it's another nudge towards rolling blackouts, less potable water and rising utility costs to surrounding communities. As Gadepally said, "We're just building bigger and bigger without thinking about, 'Do we actually need it?'"This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/why-do-ai-data-centers-use-so-many-resources-171500010.html?src=rss

It's been quite the week for Xbox news. A lot of people are still coming to terms with Microsoft's veritable gut-punch of an announcement that the price of a Game Pass Ultimate subscription is about to soar by 50 percent. And if that has already pushed you into washing your hands with Xbox altogether, it looks like Microsoft may soon attempt to tempt you back by giving away its cloud gaming service for free. That is, an extremely limited version of it, with ads.According to The Verge, Microsoft is preparing to announce an ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, which finally exited beta this week. Sources said to be familiar with Microsoft's strategy told The Verge that game streaming with ads is already being tested internally with employees. You'll reportedly be able to play select games that you own as well as a selection of Xbox Retro Classics titles. Microsoft will also offer Free Play Days games, an initiative that already lets Xbox users try games over a weekend. All of this will be possible without a paid Game Pass subscription.But the inevitable catch, beyond the restricted catalogue of available games, is that you could have to watch up to several minutes of ad content before getting into a game, and it sounds like there are a number of time-based restrictions as well. It's currently being tested with a one-hour time limit, up to five times per month, though that could change come launch.Microsoft could launch its ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier in beta soon, and it will reportedly be available on PC, Xbox, handheld devices and on browsers. What isn't clear is what streaming quality will be offered on the free version. Xbox Cloud Gaming's recently-unlocked 1440p option is going to be exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate, with Microsoft saving the "best quality" streaming for its most expensive plan. You'll be capped at 1080p on the Premium and Essential tiers.All three paid Game Pass tiers include unlimited cloud gaming, but wait times get longer the further down you go. It's fair to assume that any free cloud service not tied to Game Pass will be hit with longer wait times, though perhaps the enforced ads would hide those pretty well anyway.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/a-free-ad-supported-xbox-cloud-gaming-option-might-be-on-the-way-165739468.html?src=rss

Indonesia has suspended TikTok's operational registration status in the country, alleging that the social media platform did not fully co-operate with a request to share its data during nationwide protests in August. In a statement, Alexander Sabar, an official from Indonesia's digital and communications ministry, said TikTok had violated national laws by only providing partial data while the protests were ongoing between August 23 and 30.Sabar said TikTok was given until September 23 to hand over its data related to traffic, streaming and monetization, after it emerged that some accounts with links to online gambling may have profited from TikTok livestreams during the protests. All forms of gambling are illegal under Indonesian law. TikTok reportedly said that it couldn't provide all of the requested data due to internal policy. The app has now been temporarily suspended, although Bloomberg claims that TikTok remains accessible in the country for now.Anger about the state of Indonesia's economy, widespread police brutality and a number of government policies sparked August's violent protests. TikTok voluntarily suspended its live feature for a number of days during the unrest in an attempt to keep the platform a "safe and civil space." The app has over 100 million users in the country.Sabar gave no indication as to how long the ban will last. As reported by Reuters, a spokesperson for TikTok said the company respects the laws of the countries it operates in, and added that it's working with the digital ministry to find a resolution.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/indonesia-suspends-tiktoks-operating-licence-for-allegedly-withholding-data-145134189.html?src=rss

It's getting increasingly difficult to say smart rings are just a niche inside the broader world of wearable technology. The raft of celebrities who are seen wearing them, the NBA's use ofOura rings as an early warning system against COVID-19 and, last year, Samsung's entry into the market has made them far more prominent in the minds of mainstream consumers. We've tested plenty of smart rings, and are likely to test plenty more as the years roll on. To help you better understand the category, we've built this guide that explains what they do, what they're for and which ones are worth your time and money right now. Best smart rings for 2025 What is a smart ring? Smart rings offer an alternative to smartwatches and fitness trackers to keep an eye on your health and daily activity. They can track your movements, heart rate, temperature and monitor how well you've been sleeping. Essentially, they take much of the same hardware you'd find in a smartwatch or tracker and shrink it down into a much smaller package. The trade-offs are, as such, obvious: Rings are smaller and can't track anywhere near as many things as a wrist-worn device can. You'll also miss out on any of the added features that are found on those bigger pieces of gear, like a screen on which to see your notifications or real-time readings of your steps count. But they may be more accurate for your heart rate and temperature, and are significantly more discreet. That discretion is important if you want to keep an eye on your health without looking like you care. Sure, they're still gadgets, so they're still noticeably bigger than traditional pieces of jewelry - but not by much. Plus, it's an alternative for people who don't like watches, with one statistic saying 68 percent of Americans don't wear them. What can smart rings track? Much like smartwatches and fitness trackers, smart rings are equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes that can track your movement. That lets them interpret how much you're moving and, based on whether you toss and turn in the night, how well you're sleeping. Many rings have PPG (photoplethysmography) sensors to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygenation, either continuously or at intervals. Plus, they often come with temperature sensors that can be used to track signs of infection, and the data they gather on body heat can be used to predict the wearer's menstrual cycle. It's possible to use this information to draw broader conclusions about how you're doing more generally. You can get metrics for your stress, resilience and recovery rates, and you'll even get data on how calm you are during meditation sessions. I've personally been able to look back at stressful days and then compare my vital signs to the baseline. This can be useful to monitor how well, or badly, you're dealing with stress at any given time and chart progress made. But not all smart rings are alike. Circular's Ring 2 is one of a handful to offer its own one-line ECG (electrocardiogram). This, like many fitness watches that now offer the same, will look at your heart's electrical activity to look for irregularities, such as atrial fibrillation. Evie, meanwhile, markets itself as a smart ring designed for women" with a focus on reproductive cycle tracking. Smart rings vs. smartwatches At the risk of winning this year's Yeah, obviously" award, smart rings are not a replacement for smartwatches. Rings do not have built-in displays or vibration motors, so the only way to interact with them is via their companion apps on your phone. There's no way for you to get any idea of how you're doing at any given time unless you're able to look at your primary device. Even activity alerts - pop-ups telling you to move if you've been still for too long - can only be pushed to your phone. You won't get any of the added-value stuff you get with most wrist-worn devices either, and not just the ability to tell the time. That means no calls, apps, message responses, GPS, fall detection or mobile payments via NFC. There are a few exceptions: Samsung's Galaxy Ring can detect pinch gestures to activate the camera trigger or turn off alarms with a compatible phone. It's probably worth noting that while no consumer wearable will be as accurate or reliable as a clinical diagnostic tool, the smaller hardware may mean a compromise in accuracy. Rings might also get in the way of certain types of activity, like pull-ups, barbell deadlifts or any other movement that involves gripping onto a handle that might push the accessory into your finger and cause discomfort. Who should use a smart ring? Given the broader features available in even the most basic fitness tracker, it's hard to say smart rings are a better" choice. A $300 ring will do a lot less than a $50 tracker, and if you're led by your wallet, a ring will always work out to be the luxury option. What they offer, however, is a far more elegant aesthetic, especially if you're not likely to wear a tracker, smartwatch or fitness watch. And that's before we get to people with skin sensitivities or other reasons for preferring a smaller, more unobtrusive tracker. What to consider before buying a smart ring What do you want to get out of it? Are you hoping a smart ring will encourage you to get out and exercise more? Help you keep an eye on your physical health? Manage your mental health? It's good to go in with a clear picture of what you want because you may find the limited applications frustrating. Will it fit your finger? Most reputable smart rings will, during the ordering process, send you a sizing kit so you can find the most comfortable model. You're asked to find a size that sits snugly on your index finger ensuring the sensors make good contact with your skin. The companies often suggest you wear this plastic dummy on your hand for a few days before placing your order. After all, our hands can swell and shrink during the day and depending on the ambient temperature. Normal rings can be sized up or down a bit (by a competent jeweler) if your body shape shifts over time. You can't do that with most smart rings, so if you do change sizes drastically, you'll have to go through the process from the start and pay full price again. There are exceptions to this: If you pay for a coverage plan with Ultrahuman, for example, you'll get one free ring replacement if you lose weight. Anecdotally, some makers will offer ad-hoc discounts if you speak to them but that's obviously at the discretion of the name in question. One thing to bear in mind is wearing your ring while working out, which might be an issue as pointed out earlier. Depending on your activity, you might find a ring uncomfortable compared to a watch. If gripping onto a dumbbell or handlebars is something you do frequently, it might be better to use a smartwatch or wristworn device. But for runners, swimmers or other folks who don't need to grab onto much while they work out, a ring should be just fine. What's the battery life like? Bigger rings will have bigger batteries, so it's a lot harder to give a clean figure as to how long each ring will last on a charge. Thankfully most rings sip, rather than slurp, at their batteries and so most of them last at least five days or so on a charge. That's one big plus over some smartwatches given they often will only last a day or so before needing more power. What can you do if you lose your smart ring? Several companies include Find My Ring features in their apps to identify the last location that your ring was connected to your phone. However, if you're not a fan of minimalism and your home is full, it might be harder to find them. After all, the rings don't have vibration motors or speakers to offer an audible chirp as and when you're looking for them. I once lost an Oura Ring 3 for two days before downloading a third-party app that could locate it within a few feet. Turns out, when I'd made my kids' bed, the ring had fallen into my daughter's duvet cover, which I found only once I'd turned the room upside down twice. Samsung, meanwhile, offers location-tracking in its app and can give you a rough idea of your ring's last location. You can also, if you're hunting for it in dark environments, set its lights to blink, which is something its rivals do not offer. Are there long-term costs? The nature of the technology world, especially in 2025, is that a lot of hardware companies can't survive selling users one device every three or four years. So, to supplement that income and to offer users a better value proposition, companies offer additional features at an extra cost. That can come in the form of a premium subscription to unlock additional features and insights about your body. There are also one-off purchases to unlock specific features that you may want to focus on, as well as extended warranties or insurances. I'd wager most people plan on wearing a smart ring for several years before opting to upgrade, and so it's important to keep an eye on the total cost of ownership. If your budget will only stretch to the initial payment and no further, keep in mind what features you'll be missing out on. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-smart-ring-140000425.html?src=rss

The Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker is on sale right now via Wellbots for $110, which is a discount of $50. Just enter the code ENGFIT50 at checkout, as this is an exclusive deal. The Charge 6 topped our list of the best fitness trackers, and for very good reason. It's a solid device that gets the job done. It features built-in GPS, which is always handy for navigating around trails, and the battery lasts an impressive seven days per charge. The heart rate monitor is accurate and the AMOLED display is eye-catching. It also tracks steps, oxygen saturation, sleep and a whole lot more, with more than 40 dedicated exercise modes. It's a relatively thin device that we said feels "premium when compared to other fitness trackers." The unit integrates with Google Maps and Google Wallet. Some of the more advanced features are locked behind a paywall, which is unfortunate, and there's no integration with Apple Health. Otherwise, this is a near-perfect fitness tracker. Wellbots is also selling the Fitbit Inspire 3 at a deep discount. It's available for just $75 with the coupon code ENGFIT25. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/fitbits-charge-6-fitness-tracker-is-50-off-right-now-130019229.html?src=rss

The latest Apple Watches came out a few weeks ago, but you can snag some good deals on previous models for October Prime Day. One of the best discounts at the moment is on the Apple Watch SE 2, which has dropped to $189. That's 37 percent off, or the equivalent of a $110 discount. That's a new record low price for this 40mm variant with a small/medium band. The discount applies to versions with an ink sport loop and denim sport band. It's worth bearing in mind that this deal is for the previous-gen model, which Apple released in 2022. The company started shipping the latest Apple Watch SE in September. That starts at $240 for a GPS and Wi-Fi model without LTE connectivity. The third-gen SE 3 is now our pick for the best budget Apple Watch. However, if you're looking for a cheaper option for fitness tracking, at-a-glance notifications and, perhaps, quick access to a calendar, the second-gen SE is worth considering. Several variants of the Apple Watch Series 10 are on sale on Amazon as well. This is last year's version of the smartwatch, but it's still plenty capable and it supports some of the same new features as the Series 11, such as sleep apnea detection and sleep scoring. You can pick one up for as little as $329. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-apple-deals-include-the-apple-watch-se-2-for-a-record-low-price-162845841.html?src=rss

You don't have to worry about losing access to Sunday Night Football and NBCUniversal's other sports offerings and shows on YouTube TV over the next few years. The broadcaster has reached a multi-year agreement with Google to keep its programs on the streaming service after they were almost pulled by the end of the companies' original deal. YouTube TV said at the time that NBC was asking it "to pay more than what they charge consumers for the same content on Peacock, which would mean less flexibility and higher prices for [its own] subscribers." They were able to agree on a last-minute "short-term extension" while working on a more permanent deal to prevent the removal of NBCUniversal's offerings.The multi-year commitment will give you access to NBCUniversal's portfolio, including NBC, Telemundo, Bravo, CNBC, Golf Channel, E!, Oxygen True Crime, MSNBC, USA, Syfy and Universo. You'll also get access to the relaunched NBC Sports Network, the cable channel the broadcaster shut down in 2021, later this fall. "NBCSN will complement the prominent sports properties presented year-round on the NBC broadcast network," the broadcaster announced. In addition, you will be able to get Peacock in the coming months as an add-on subscription through YouTube Primetime Channels.Movies and shows from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will continue to be available to buy or rent from Google TV and YouTube TV, as well. And Peacock app will continue to be available via Google Play. "This deal builds on our long-standing partnership with NBCU while addressing the evolving media landscape and recognizing the importance of making content available where and how viewers want to watch it," said Justin Connolly, Youtube's Global Head of Media & Sports.While Google and YouTube TV were able to reach an agreement with NBCUniversal, they failed to reach a similar deal with Univision, the largest Spanish-language broadcaster in the US. Google said that Univision's "current demands aren't supported by [its] performance on YouTube TV over the last four years." TelevisaUnivision, its parent company, warned customers in early September that YouTube TV wanted to remove its programs from its standard package and to charge viewers an extra $15 to be able to access its network.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/google-and-nbcuniversal-reach-multi-year-agreement-for-youtube-tv-120051505.html?src=rss

Whether you were won over by the cameras on the new iPhone 17 or you're sticking it out with your iPhone 12, having a little extra power around is never a bad thing. The best MagSafe power bank is one that attaches firmly, charges quickly and blends in with your handset - or better yet, adds a handy stand to the mix. Right now, the fastest wireless portable chargers are Qi2-certified, meaning they can charge at speeds of up to 15 watts. (A new standard, Qi2 25W is now on the market, but has only made its way into a few power banks.) We've tested more than a dozen portable chargers to come up with our recommendations for the best MagSafe battery you can buy. The best MagSafe power banks for 2025 What to consider before buying a MagSafe power bank Choose the right capacity. Most portable MagSafe chargers have either a 5,000 milliamp hour (mAh) or 10,000mAh capacity. Obviously, the larger capacity batteries are physically bigger, but thanks to an iPhone's magnetic attachment points, you can still use the phone comfortably as it charges. If you're worried about overall bulk, you may prefer the slimness of a 5,000mAh battery. Just note that a 5K battery pack won't deliver its entire capacity to your phone due to energy loss from voltage conversion and heat dissipation. Over the years, I've measured around a 60-percent delivery rate for wireless banks. For example, that means an iPhone 16 with its 3,561mAh battery will get about 85 to 90 percentage points from a 5K battery. A 10K bank will charge that same phone fully once, with enough for a 50- to 60-percent boost next time. Understand MagSafe versus Qi2. All iPhones model 12 and later have MagSafe technology, which rely on embedded magnets to align the phone with a wireless charger and can support charging speeds of up to 15 watts. The MagSafe name is owned by Apple - third-party chargers can't freely use the term and instead call their accessories magnetic," or apply a branded name like Anker's MagGo or UGreen's MagFlow. Be sure to check the product details before buying: anything that works with Apple's technology will be listed as MagSafe-compatible. Qi2 is a standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (of which Apple is a member) and has the same stipulations as MagSafe (15W charging and magnetic alignment). Any company can submit their tech for this certification. iPhones 13 and later are Qi2 compatible. The newest standard is Qi2 25W and bumps wireless charging speeds up to 25W. The WPC says a certified smartphone using a certified charger can wirelessly go from dead to half full in about 30 minutes (keep in mind that both the charger and phone need to be certified to get those speeds). Accessories, like power banks that support the new standard are starting to hit shelves now. As for phones, Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL, Apple's iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max all support the standard as well. iPhone 16 models (except the 16e) will likely support the standard after an update to iOS 26. Remember travel restrictions. You may have seen news reports of flights being grounded because a power bank caught fire in the cabin. Currently, the TSA allows them in your carry-on luggage as long as they're rated at 100 watt-hours or lower (about 27,000mAh for lithium ion batteries). But some airlines have enacted further restrictions. Southwest, for example, requires you to keep power banks out of the bag and visible while charging. Even if your airline doesn't make such demands, keeping a power brick out in the open while it's in use is a good idea - it'll keep it cooler and you'll be more likely to notice if it starts to overheat. Most, if not all, MagSafe battery packs come in at under the 100-watt-hour limit, so traveling should be easy with one. Consider the extra features. You may not need them, but the little extra perks of a MagSafe power bank can come in handy. Some have stands so you can watch your phone while it refills. Some have LED displays that tell you how much charge is left, which can be a little more precise than the lighted pips other banks use. Some also have straps to make the bank easier to carry around or fish out of your bag. What about the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery? When Apple introduced the iPhone Air, it announced the new $99 iPhone Air MagSafe Battery in the same breath. It's now the sole Apple-branded MagSafe power bank - but it only works with the iPhone Air. It's a pretty divisive battery. In his review of the new phone, Engadget's Sam Rutherford appreciated that the accessory keeps with the sleekness of the iPhone Air design and liked that it can also charge the new AirPods 3 wirelessly. But Valentina Palladino called out its dismal price-to-capacity ratio. Anker's Nano MagGo Slim is probably a better bet for all but the most devoted iPhone user. It has the same minimalist look and pocketable thinness as Apple's proprietary battery, but it'll attach to other phones in addition to the Air. Plus it's $35 cheaper. Other MagSafe batteries we tested Mophie Powerstation Slim 5K The Mophie Powerstation Slim 5K, too, has a super slim design that nearly disappears into the back of the phone as it charges. It makes excellent use of its 5K capacity, delivering a 90 percent refill to an iPhone 15. But it's a little more expensive than the our top slim pick, Anker's Nano MagGo Slim, and the squared off design makes it feel bulkier than it actually is. Neither of those make it a bad choice; the MagSafe battery playing field is just terribly competitive right now. Belkin BoostCharge Pro 10K Belkin's BoostCharge Pro is Qi2-certified and was only a touch slower than other models in terms of charging speeds, boosting an iPhone 15 from 5 percent to full in about two and a half hours. The feel is premium and the stand is sturdy, but it got quite hot during charging, took overly long to refill itself and is pricer and a bit bulkier than similar models. Baseus Picogo 5K The Picogo 5K from Baseus is teensy but still packs a stand and a 5,000mAh capacity. It's Qi2-certified and delivered a 43 percent bump to our tester iPhone 15 in 42 minutes, ultimately charging it to 91 percent. The slim slab of the Anker Nano battery is sleeker. But that one doesn't have a stand - so if you want to prop up your phone while it charges, go for this one. MagSafe power banks FAQs What does MagSafe do? MagSafe is Apple's own technology that supports up to 25W wireless charging speeds and incorporates embedded magnets to align the phone with chargers and other accessories. Which iPhones support MagSafe? iPhones 12 and later support 15W MagSafe technology, though only iPhones 13 and later can reach the 15W charging speed with third-party Qi2 accessories. The iPhone 12 maxes out at 7.5W with non-Apple accessories. The new iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max support up to 25W charging speeds with Qi2 25W-certified chargers. iPhone 16, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max should also support those speeds after an update to iOS 26. The iPhone Air supports MagSafe charging at a max speed of 20W. Can you use MagSafe batteries with a case? In most cases (heh), yes. The wireless charge can travel across a distance of a few millimeters. If the case is more than 5mm thick or contains metal components, the wireless charge can be blocked. Many iPhone cases are marketed as MagSafe-compatible, which means the case itself has complimentary magnets inside and should not interfere with charging accessories. We tested a MagSafe power bank on an iPhone 15 with and without a MagSafe case and got the same charging speeds and amounts in both tests. How much power do MagSafe batteries provide? That depends on the power bank. If it is Qi2-certified, it can provide up to 15 watts of wireless power. Qi2 25W-enabled chargers can deliver up to 25 watts to a compatible handset. Non-Qi2 batteries typically deliver around 7.5 watts. The amount of charge delivered depends on the capacity. Most MagSafe portable chargers are rated at 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh. The former can get a standard iPhone 15 from five percent to around 90 percent. The latter can fill the phone completely with enough left over for another half charge.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-magsafe-power-banks-120015338.html?src=rss

If I covered everything announced at Amazon's fall hardware event, it would take a while, and I would be repeating the hard work of my colleague Kris Holt. Check out his report for all the new Echo speakers, new Alexa tricks, more Nest Cameras and, yes, more Kindles - AKA the only Amazon hardware I'm usually interested in.When it comes to Amazon's ereader series, the standout new addition is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, combining its stylus-toting note-taking hardware with its latest color e-ink screen. It has a new rendering engine, too, which is meant to make writing faster, more fluid and more natural. Check out our first impressions of the device, and if you're intrigued, you can order one later this year for $630.If you think color is overrated, there's a new regular Kindle Scribe, with a bigger screen that matches typical paper sizes. The refreshed Kindle Scribe will go on sale in the US by the end of the year, priced at $500. A version without a front light will be available for $430.Amazon- Mat SmithGet Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The news you might have missed

This week, EA announced that it plans to go private as part of a massive $55 billion sale, a move that will likely have huge implications for the gaming landscape. In this episode, Devindra and Engadget's Sam Rutherford chat about what this deal really means (and why it includes a Saudi Arabian investment fund), and also dive into the messy state of Xbox. Is the ROG Ally Xbox X already a failure at $1,000?Subscribe!

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and that means millions of people will eventually have to buy a new microSD card. While the console comes with 256GB of storage on its own, its improved performance means that some games will chew up a ton of space. Cyberpunk 2077is a 60GB download, for example, while Split Fictionchecks in at 69GB. Other titles aren't nearly as big (particularly those made by Nintendo itself), but it's not hard to see how you could end up deleting and redownloading games within a couple months.

Portable Bluetooth speakers have become a must-have for music, podcasts and even calls when you're on the move. Whether you're heading to the beach, planning a camping trip or just want something more flexible to use around the house, the best portable speakers give you big sound in a compact design. They connect quickly to your phone, work indoors and outdoors, and many models are built to handle splashes or drops without cutting the music short.

Apple has removed ICEBlock, the app which allowed users to put a pin on a map to show where ICE agents have recently been spotted, from the App Store. It has also pulled other apps that served a similar purpose. According to Fox Business, Attorney General Pam Bondi demanded their takedown, telling Apple that the apps were "designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs." Bondi added that "violence against law enforcement is an intolerable red line that cannot be crossed." She also said that the "Department of Justice will continue making every effort to protect [its] brave federal law enforcement officers, who risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe.""We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted place to discover apps," Apple told the publication in a statement. "Based on information we've received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store."Bondi demanded the apps' removal after the FBI and the administration reported that the gunman who attacked an ICE facility in Dallas used tracking apps, including ICEBlock, to open fire from a rooftop. The gunman killed two immigrants and injured a third, but he was allegedly targeting ICE agents. Joshua Aaron, the app's developer, told Fox Business that he was "incredibly disappointed" by Apple's actions. "Capitulating to an authoritarian regime is never the right move," he said. "Apple has claimed they received information from law enforcement that ICEBlock served to harm law enforcement officers. This is patently false." Aaron added: "We are determined to fight this with everything we have. Our mission has always been to protect our neighbors from the terror this administration continues to reign down on the people of this nation."ICEBlock climbed to the top of the App Store charts in July after administration officials slammed it, making more people aware of its existence. At the time, officials warned Aaron that they were "looking at him, and he better watch out" because the app threatens the lives of law enforcement agents. NBC News reports that it was downloaded more than 1 million times since it was introduced. Tom Homan, the administration's "border czar," recently told Fox News that the government will investigate the "people who put these apps up" because they put "law enforcement at great risk."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-removes-iceblock-from-the-app-store-after-trump-administrations-demand-031659651.html?src=rss

Fitness tech appears to be having a strange spat. Earlier this week, Strava filed a lawsuit alleging that Garmin infringed on its patents for two features related to tracking exercise routes: segments and heatmaps. It's also claiming that Garmin violated a Master Cooperation Agreement by developing its own heat map feature. The complaint (via The Verge) is seeking a permanent injunction to stop Garmin from selling any items with segments or a heat map features, which would amount to a majority of Garmin's hardware products as well as its Connect tracking program.The lawsuit on its own is a surprise. Strava and Garmin are two major players in fitness tech that have worked together for about a decade, the pair have a number of integrations between their platforms. It also seems unlikely that Strava will make much headway with the case. DC Rainmaker, which first picked up on the lawsuit, has a thorough timeline of the companies' patent filings that strongly suggests the arguments won't hold water in court. It's also strange that these alleged infringements, by Strava's own assertions, began a long time ago and yet the company is only taking issue with them now.But the situation got even stranger when Strava Chief Product Officer Matt Salazar took to Reddit today to give some insight into why the company is taking such aggressive action against a frequent partner. According to Salazar's post, Strava is invoking the lawyers because Garmin is adopting new developer guidelines for API partners "that required the Garmin logo to be present on every single activity post, screen, graph, image, sharing card etc." Although he frames it as a move to protect users' data, the argument sounds more like a petty complaint that Garmin is putting its brand on the data its products are used to collect.It's a weird lawsuit, and hopefully one that won't cause any disruptions for either company's customers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/strava-sues-garmin-in-bizarre-patent-infringement-lawsuit-213300227.html?src=rss

It's been quite the year for Aggro Crab. After stopping production on a sequel to Going Under (with funding issues and burnout both factoring into that decision), the studio decided to focus on self-funded game jam projects before moving onto another big game. Some of the team collaborated with Content Warning developer Landfall to create Peak. With the help of clever marketing, that co-op climbing game turned out to be a huge hit, selling 10 million copies in just two months.The rest of the Aggro Crab squad focused on a different multiplayer game, which is called Crashout Crew. This is a party game for up to four players (there's a single-player option too) in which you'll try to complete orders in hazard-filled warehouses using cute, color-coded forklifts. Time is of the essence as you race to meet quotas by loading boxes into trucks, so it's just as well that you can drift around corners. Just be careful not to drop any explosives.You'll be skidding around icy environments and spinning out if you run over a broken egg. Falling rocks, bees and blackouts all add to the chaos. You can upgrade your forklift and warehouse, though they'll reset after the level ends.The reveal trailer reminds me quite a bit of Overcooked. I wonder if this could turn out to be just as effective as a litmus test for how well you communicate with family and friends.I adore Another Crab's Treasure, Aggro Crab's last large-scale game, so I'll always be interested in whatever the studio is cooking up. I'm looking forward to trying out Crashout Crew when the demo goes live on October 13 as part of Steam Next Fest. The game is scheduled to hit Steam next year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/crashout-crew-looks-like-overcooked-style-mayhem-from-one-of-the-studios-behind-peak-193854718.html?src=rss

A court in the Netherlands has ordered Meta to change Facebook and Instagram's timelines, after finding that the element ran afoul of the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA). As reported by Reuters, the Dutch court said that the company needs to provide users with simpler options - namely ones that don't rely on an algorithm."People in the Netherlands are not sufficiently able to make free and autonomous choices about the use of profiled recommendation systems," the court said in its decision. It ruled that the timeline must honor a user's choice of chronological order or other non-profiled options, instead of reverting to the algorithm-driven version whenever a user closes and reopens either app.The case was brought by Bits of Freedom, a Dutch digital rights group. "It is unacceptable that a few American tech billionaires can determine how we view the world," said the group's spokesperson, Maartje Knaap.Meta said it will appeal the decision, and that these DSA issues should be handled by the European Commission and other EU regulators, not by the courts of individual nations. "Proceedings like this threaten the digital single market and the harmonized regulatory regime that should underpin it," a Meta spokesperson said. Meta faces a potential fine of $117,450 for every day it fails to comply with the court's order, up to a maximum of $5.8 million.The DSA has been a common thorn in the side of big tech companies since its approval in 2022. The European Commission has levied hundreds of millions of dollars in fines against the likes of Apple, Meta and Alphabet for violations of the DSA. The regulations have also been used to effect certain changes on these platforms in the name of privacy, data security and the protection of minors.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/dutch-court-orders-meta-to-change-its-facebook-and-instagram-timelines-185106583.html?src=rss

Amazon has announced its Prime Gaming October update, which sees it add a fresh batch of games that users can add to their libraries for free. The most noteworthy additions are probably Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition and Fallout: New Vegas. With the second season of Prime Video's surprisingly excellent Fallout TV show arriving in December, it's an ideal time to acquaint yourself with the games it's based on. New Vegas is particularly relevant, as season two looks like it'll primarily be set in that game's world and will presumably be heavily influenced by Obsidian's beloved 2010 RPG.Beyond that, XCOM 2 is probably worth a look, and there's a handful of games that are giving Halloween vibes -how can you go wrong with Tormented Souls or Hellslave as we approach spooky season?Here's the full list of October games that you can claim for free. Most come in the form of codes you can redeem on GOG, though some others are available on the Epic Games Store or Legacy Gaming.

Perplexity's Comet AI browser is now free for everyone worldwide. The browser had previously only been available to Perplexity Max users at a cost of $200 per month.The company says that it has "become the most sought-after browser on the internet with millions signed up to the waitlist." Now that waitlist is gone and everyone can get to downloading. Perplexity went on to note that this isn't a limited-time promotion as Comet "will always be free."

Now that Threads has grown to more than 400 million users, Meta is adding more features that could help the platform establish an identity. The company is testing a new "communities" feature that creates dedicated spaces for people to chat about specific topics and interests.Meta describes the feature as an evolution of its custom feeds and topic tags, with the goal of creating "casual spaces for you to share unique takes on topics like basketball or TV with other people who love them too." The company has already created more than 100 communities around topics that already have large followings on the platform, like "NBA Threads," "Book Threads" and "Tech Threads."Several users have already reported seeing the feature and joining these spaces over the last few days. (Meta says that "leading voices" in these communities will get to add blue badges to their profiles to showcase their involvement in the groups.)MetaFor now, community feeds don't look all that different from Threads' topics feeds, but there are subtle differences. According to Meta, posts in communities will be ranked to surface more relevant posts higher up in the feed (the app's current topic-based feeds tend to be more of a random jumble of posts from anyone who has tagged the topic). And, when you're browsing a community's feed, liking posts will trigger a custom emoji, like a basketball for the "NBA Threads" community.Meta isn't the first to try out the idea. Twitter created a communities feature back in 2021, and X said last year that the feature had seen a "495% jump" in "user active minutes."Communities could also make Threads feel more cohesive. Since Threads' algorithm so heavily emphasizes recommended posts from random, unconnected accounts, users have regularly complained about the app's feed. Now, Meta says that the communities people join will also influence the content they see in their main feed, so joining more communities could also help tune its recommendations overall.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/threads-is-getting-a-communities-feature-for-better-conversations-170006903.html?src=rss

Fresh off its Jimmy Kimmel suspension saga, Disney is giving its app a makeover. The Disney+ app will soon add a navigation bar and UX overhaul. The update also brings Hulu into the fold outside the US. After reportedly bleeding subscribers during the Kimmel saga, the company would surely welcome a renewed focus on its fictional epics.The Disney+ homepage now has a new navigation bar at the top. "For You" is now the default landing tab. That's where you'll find personalized recommendations based on your viewing history. (Disney also updated its algorithm in hopes of serving up better suggestions.) The new nav bar also has dedicated tabs for Disney+, Hulu and ESPN content.The vertical navigation bar (the existing one on the left side of the screen) now includes a live hub. Here, you'll find live news, sports, events, and 24/7 streams.Disney+As it prepares to fully integrate Hulu into Disney+, the company is making big changes for non-US users. On October 8, Hulu will replace Star as the app's global entertainment brand. That's where you find shows from ABC, FX and more. It also includes more mature content than its typical fare. American users won't see any changes there. However, for everyone else, Star becomes Hulu next Wednesday.The Disney+ app is also getting some love. iOS widgets are launching, providing a one-click entry point into the app's content. The company says its mobile app will eventually host "mobile-first and mobile-exclusive experiences" to expand its reach. However, those are coming "in the year ahead."Jimmy Kimmel Live / YouTubeAll of this follows the Jimmy Kimmel suspension that dominated headlines in late September. Disney-owned ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely on September 17, following pressure from officials in the Trump administration. That included FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who told the company, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way." Disney, which recently wrapped up the anti-fascist epic Andor, chose the easy way.The company changed its tune and reinstated Kimmel on September 22. Its official line was that it was the result of "thoughtful conversations with Jimmy." However, the company reportedly lost 1.7 million Disney+ subscribers during that period, following widespread calls for a boycott.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/disney-design-and-navigation-changes-are-on-the-way-165513106.html?src=rss

Neon, a service that pays you for recordings of your phone calls and then sells those to AI companies for training data, seems set to return in the wake of a privacy breach. The app swiftly went viral after its debut, but it has been on ice since last week after a security flaw emerged.According to CNET, Neon founder Alex Kiam apologized for the incident in an email to users and said the app would return soon." It went offline after TechCrunch found users were able to access other people's call recordings, along with transcripts and metadata. Neon pledged to add extra layers of security during the outage before making a comeback.While the app has been offline, users have been unable to cash out their payments. Neon pays them up to $30 per day for call recordings - 30 cents per minute for chats with other Neon users, and 15 cents per minute for calls with anyone else. It offers $30 for referring a newcomer to the app as well.In the email to users on Tuesday, Liam wrote that, "Your earnings have not disappeared -- when we're back online, we'll pay you everything you've earned, plus a little bonus to thank you for your patience!"Neon says it only records the user's side of the conversation when they place a call through the app. If the person on the other end is a Neon user as well, it records both sides of the chat. The company claims its tech automatically filters out personal information like names and phone numbers. Some privacy experts have warned people not to use Neon, in part because of potential pitfalls related to two-party consent laws for recording conversations in various jurisdictions.

For the third generation of its Kindle Scribe line of reading-and-writing tablets, Amazon is giving the device a makeover and two new configurations. Since its introduction in 2022, the Scribe hasn't changed much physically, with the sophomore model mostly getting a new color. This year, Amazon is launching three flavors of the Scribe. At the entry level is a model with a monochrome screen and no front light. Next is the Kindle Scribe 3, a version that has LED front lights but with a black-and-white display. Finally, at the top of the line is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft - Amazon's first writing tablet with a color display. I was able to briefly check out the three new tablets ahead of the company's launch event, and was quite impressed at the responsiveness and color saturation on the demo units I saw. Also, Amazon hasn't given these devices a name that indicates what generation they are, simply calling them the all-new Kindle Scribe lineup" and adding the Colorsoft label to the color model. To make things easier for this article, I'll be occasionally referring to these as the Kindle Scribe 3. The first thing I noticed was the Scribe 3's shape. I'm used to the slightly thicker bezel along one long side of the display that, on the older Scribes, has been a handy place to grip the device without touching the screen. But it wasn't just there for my thumb to hold onto. That area was also where Amazon placed many of the Kindle's components like the processor and memory. To reduce the size of the bezel, Amazon's Kindle vice president Kevin Keith said we had to engineer basically the electronics to fold behind the display." The result is a symmetrical-looking device with a barely-there bezel that's the same size along all sides of the 11-inch display (slightly bigger than its predecessor's). It weighs 400 grams (or 0.88 pounds), which should make it easier to hold with one hand while taking notes. Keith also said that, at 5.4mm, the new Kindle Scribe is thinner than the iPhone Air." I should point out that a lot of tablets are similarly sleek. The 13-inch iPad Pro and Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra both have barely-there profiles of 5.1mm, while the 11-inch iPad Pro measures 5.3mm. Cherlynn Low for Engadget Another way Amazon was able to make the latest Scribe so thin and light was by reducing the number of layers in the display. It removed the anti-glare film on the device, using a glare-free display instead, as well as a textured glass that mimics the friction you'd get when putting pen to paper. The company also got rid of a touch layer that was on top of the display before, since it was able to use a screen with integrated touch input support. Keith said that Amazon also considered the size of the casing around the USB port to aid in shrinking the device further. On models with front lights (all but the entry-level configuration), Amazon had to use miniaturized LED front lights since there was no longer a chunky bezel to contain them. In addition to making them smaller, the company also doubled the number of bulbs to ensure consistency of lighting across the page. I couldn't help reaching for the new Kindle Scribe when I saw it, mostly because it looks a lot different than its predecessor. I already found the original Scribe satisfyingly svelte and this latest model is similarly attractive. I do wonder if I might miss having something to grip onto that isn't the screen, but that might not be a problem if Amazon's palm rejection technology is effective. I did notice a slight dullness in the model without the LED front lights, but it remained as easy to read as an older Kindle. The other two certainly looked a lot brighter, with the higher contrast making onscreen text and drawings look fresher and more vibrant. I'll get to the Colorsoft model in a bit, but I appreciated how clear and saturated colors appeared on its screen. One of my favorite updates this year is magnets. Specifically, the magnets holding Amazon's stylus to the Scribe itself have gotten stronger. Keith said we added more magnetic force so that it's harder to fall off," and when I tried pulling the pen off the tablet it required noticeably more effort than with previous models. It also snapped back on more easily. Considering this was one of my complaints about the older Scribes, I'm very encouraged to see this improvement. At Amazon's event, I got to spend a bit more time with the new Scribes and, at the suggestion of a rep at the demo area, picked up the Scribe Colorsoft just by holding onto the pen attached magnetically to it. The fact that I was able to do so without the tablet falling off seems like a testament not just to the strength of the magnets on this model but also to the light weight of the device. Cherlynn Low for Engadget The stylus itself has also been refined, with a slightly thicker, rounded silhouette that Keith said is a little bit more ergonomic." It still has a rubberized top that works as a digital eraser and when I used it on the new Scribe I felt the urge to brush off eraser dust, just like I did with the predecessors. The programmable action button remains present as well. Inside the new Kindle Scribes sit a new custom chip and more memory. Amazon also added the oxide display from its Paperwhite reader, and together with the new processor, that brings a 40 percent faster overall experience with page turning," according to Keith. The response rate also makes a significant difference in writing, which on the new Kindle Scribe is now down to under 12 milliseconds. That enables a much smoother writing experience with barely noticeable delay between putting the nib on the screen and the digital ink appearing, and because of the changes to the display, any parallax effect is virtually gone." During the few moments I had to scribble on the new Kindle Scribe, I found it hard to tell if there was a big improvement in fluidity or parallax effects compared to the previous models. It's about as responsive as before, perhaps just a touch faster at showing what I've written. Without a side-by-side comparison, it's not something I can evaluate right now. I will say that I found the latest Scribe a lot easier to hold with one hand, even in spite of the thinner bezels. That is with the caveat, of course, that I have yet to spend more than a minute writing on it. I usually have a hard time writing on the Scribe without a surface on which to prop it up, so I'm curious to see if it'll be easier to do so with the newest model. The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is surprisingly vivid I was able to get a good idea of how the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft's color rendering compares to some of its competition, though. Every morning, I write three pages of free-flowing thoughts by hand, and I currently do so on the reMarkable Paper Pro. All my entries include highlighting of the date and time, and my experience with the color rendering on that device has been underwhelming. Technically, I can choose from yellow, green, blue, pink, orange and gray, but honestly I can barely tell the difference between yellow and orange, while blue and gray are also very close. So instead of five usable highlighter shades, I really only have three (gray is barely a hint of a tint). The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft not only renders colors more vividly, but hues are more distinct from each other. I'd say the reMarkable Paper Pro is like reading a faded newspaper's comic strip while the Colorsoft looks more like a glossy graphic novel. It's still a bit muted, but you can at least see variations in shades. Part of what makes the Colorsoft look nice is the fact that the device itself comes in a nice purplish hue that Amazon calls fig." With the selection of colors on its screen, I got a very autumnal vibe and was reminded of berries, for some reason. (It's also possible I was hungry.) Like the Kindle Colorsoft that Amazon announced in 2023, the Scribe Colorsoft uses a color filter and LEDs. What's slightly different is a new rendering engine that Amazon said enhances the color and ensures writing is fast, fluid and totally natural." While the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft has the same dimensions and weight as its monochrome counterpart, it has a slightly slower response rate of 14ms. I have only written on the Colorsoft so far, and will wait till I can spend more time with both tablets to see if this different latency makes a big difference. Cherlynn Low for Engadget In addition to the new hardware, Amazon also updated the Scribe's software. All Kindles will be getting a redesigned home page that better surfaces your recently added and edited content. Based on what I saw, instead of having rows of covers on the main screen, there is now a Search bar at the very top, followed by an area on the left half below that for quick notes." This is basically a notepad for you to continuously update whenever you need it, so you won't need to create a new notebook every time you want to jot down a thought. To the right of this top half is the Jump back into" section, which will show things you were recently working on. Below those two portions is a row of titles called Recently added," where things you just downloaded into your library will appear. So if you have been reading, say, The Body Keeps the Score and just bought Katabasis, you'll find the first one at the top right and the latter in the Recently added" section. The search bar at the top is now powered by AI, because there is no escaping that. Thankfully, Amazon has been fairly cautious about its approach, which is particularly important for a product like the Kindle Scribe where people go to read and produce original content. The new AI feature here is a smarter search that not only indexes all your handwritten notes, but understands and groups common topics so you can search for something like What have I told Panos Panay before?" The Scribe will scan your notebooks, find all your relevant scribblings and present everything you've written down across all your files and summarize its findings for you. I didn't have time to try this out but I am intrigued at the potential here. I make so many different to-do lists for Engadget's events coverage that it would be nice to be able to ask What are the tasks I need to do by the end of October" and possibly get a neatly organized list. The usefulness of this feature depends almost entirely on how intelligent the AI is, so I'll have to wait till I can review it more thoroughly to say anything more evaluative. Amazon is also bringing support for Google Drive and OneDrive, so you can create a folder in either service, add documents to them and the system will download them onto your Kindle Scribe. This is just an easier way to get files onto your Kindle, in addition to sending an email to the associated address or finding a way to add them to your Amazon account. OneNote support is coming as well, and it'll allow you to export your notes as an embedded image or as a converted text document. A Send to Alexa+" feature is coming early next year, so you can share your notes or documents from the Kindle Scribe to the assistant. It will be able to pull information from your pages and remember or refer to them in your conversations, so you can ask it about what's next on your to-do list or what items are already on your shopping note. One more update on the redesigned home page: Instead of the existing Notebooks" tab, Amazon is rolling out the Workspace" section. Keith described this as essentially like a new folder system." Functionally, it didn't appear too different from the Notebooks setup, other than making it easier to group your related documents so you can access, say, all the lists you've written up for your wedding planning or writing projects. The redesigned home page will be launching later this year, and older Kindle devices will be able to update to the new software. The latest generation of Kindle Scribe will be available later this year, with the entry-level model going for $429, the version with the front light costing $499 and the Scribe Colorsoft starting at $629. Update, October 2 2025, 10:30AM ET: This story has been updated to include more impressions of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft's increased magnetic force as well as pictures from Amazon's event this week.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/kindle-scribe-colorsoft-hands-on-vivid-and-responsive-145147981.html?src=rss

Despite coming out just a couple of weeks ago, the Apple Watch Series 11 is already discounted at Amazon. You can pick up one of the smartwatches for $10 off, starting at $389 right now. Apple revealed the latest generation of its wearable at its iPhone 17 event in Cupertino. The Series 11 packs some new features like 5G connectivity on cellular models, a more scratch-resistant screen, new sleep features, improved battery life and a hypertension alert system that just received FDA clearance. The GPS-only version is our top pick for Best Apple Watch in 2025. In our hands-on review, we gave the Apple Watch Series 11 a score of 90 out of 100, noting its thin and light design, the excellent battery life, a nifty new wrist-flick gesture and its comprehensive approach to health and fitness monitoring. It is relatively pricey however, and the Watch SE 3 is probably enough for most users, but the Series 11 has a brighter and larger display, a thinner design, longer battery life and more advanced health features. For anyone who hasn't bought a new Apple Watch in a few years, the Series 11 is a worthy upgrade. If you're in the market for your first Apple Watch, then this model would be a great one to start with. If you're rocking a Series 10, then you probably don't need to upgrade now unless the improved battery life will mean that much to you. If your budget is tighter and you don't mind getting a slightly older model, you can save on the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE 2. The former is on sale for $329, while the latter is down to only $189. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/you-can-already-get-a-discount-on-the-apple-watch-series-11-at-amazon-135020356.html?src=rss

OpenAI has overtaken SpaceX as the largest startup and most valuable private company in the world. Bloomberg has reported that the company has authorized a secondary share sale, which allowed its former and current employees to sell their stocks. OpenAI had authorized the sale of $10.3 billion in shares, but they ultimately sold $6.6 billion to investors that include Softbank, Abu Dhabi government's MGX fund, American investment firm Thrive Capital and global investment management firm T. Rowe Price. As Bloomberg explains, that has boosted the company's valuation to $500 billion from $300 billion, overtaking SpaceX with a $400 billion valuation and TikTok developer ByteDance at $220 billion.In early September, OpenAI said it was getting closer to transitioning to a new structure that will turn it into a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) controlled by its nonprofit arm. The company's nonprofit division received an equity stake of more than $100 billion, making it a major shareholder of the PBC. SpaceX's CEO Elon Musk is one of the biggest critics of OpenAI's decision and has been trying to block the company's for-profit transition in court. Musk was one of OpenAI's founders and funded its initial operations. He claimed in court that OpenAI and Altman are breaking their contract with him and violating the company's founding mission of building AI "for the benefit of humanity" by changing its structure.OpenAI is hoping that being a PBC would make it more appealing to investors, as it would remove the cap on the financial returns they can get. It needs a lot more money than what it has raised so far, after all: OpenAI chief Sam Altman previously said he intends to spend trillions of dollars on building out data centers to run artificial intelligence services.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-now-the-worlds-most-valuable-private-company-at-500-billion-133028221.html?src=rss

About two years ago, I tried a facial treatment in Singapore that had left me feeling refreshed and my skin smooth and taut. I found out it was called an aqua peel" and started investigating how I could replicate the experience at home in the United States. Back then, the available options were either too costly or looked dubious. At the time, devices like the BeautyBio GloFacial weren't showing up in my searches, and the Dermaflash Dermapore+ Pore Extractor and Serum Infuser just didn't seem like what I was looking for.When I first read the description for Shark's FacialPro Glow, I felt a spark of hope ignite. It sounded like the aqua peel I had experienced, and it wasn't until I actually was able to try it out recently that I was convinced. The company says its latest gadget is a hydro-fueled, skincare-enhanced facial device that delivers spa-level results." Basically, imagine a nozzle being dragged around your face as it sucks gunk out of your pores while also flushing them clean. That's the refreshing sensation I experienced and was, to use a Singaporean term, damn shiok."There are two parts to the FacialPro Glow system: the cleanse" or exfoliating attachment and the Shark Depuffi, which will be sold separately starting October 17. Both of these components can snap onto a handle that houses the power unit. The cleanse" portion is made up of a dual-pump system that applies suction and also sprays water or a hydrator into your pores so it infuses as it cleans. From all the descriptions I've read of aqua peels" or hydra facials" the FacialPro Glow seems to do pretty much the same thing.I've only had the chance to try it out once so far but I'm already pretty impressed. But before I get into that, a word on the setup. You can choose to use the Depuffi to warm up your skin before moving on to the exfoliating attachment, but I didn't do so. The Depuffi is basically like a bigger, rounder gua sha (Asian smooth-edged tool for scraping your face to sculpt it) with a much larger surface area. It can either heat up or be cold, and uses similar technology as the undereye plates in Shark's LED mask that launched earlier this year.I missed that suggestion as I didn't see it in the manual and was eager to begin with the suction, but I did use it after I was done with the exfoliation session to relax and cool my face.The very first step in the process is to apply a thin layer of the included Derm Detox" exfoliating gel on your face and leave it there for three minutes. It's a combination of glycolic and salicylic acids that Shark says gently dissolves impurities." So far, I haven't found anything noteworthy about the formulation. It didn't have any smell or fragrance, didn't leave my skin feeling tingly and despite being called a gel it had a mostly watery consistency that was reminiscent of facial treatment essences.There are two tanks on the FacialPro Glow - a smaller one near the nozzle for clean water (or the BHA hydrator that Shark includes) and a larger one behind it labeled gunk tank." For your first pass, which is mostly about suction and cleaning, you'll need to fill the front section with clean, cool water. A close-up look at the Shark FacialPro Glow after one round on my face. Cherlynn Low for Engadget Shark includes five tips for the device: gentle wide, gentle T-zone, normal wide, normal T-zone and self-cleaning. Once you've attached your preferred head and filled up water to the max" line, you can turn on the FacialPro Glow and adjust the intensity using the plus" button above the power button.Then, as you would with a microdermabrasion device like the PMD or even a makeup brush, glide the nozzle over your skin. Shark also includes a guide on how to do so, going over the types of motion you should use and the general direction (outwards and upwards) to sweep in. As I dragged the machine around my face, I felt a tug on my skin and suction that felt similar to the pore vacuum devices used in salons, and whenever I caught sight of the gunk tank I noticed it slowly filling up with cloudy water. This wasn't as murky as I was anticipating, and frankly whatever mild coloration I did notice in the gunk tank seemed more like the removal of the Derm Detox essence than any actual build-up from my pores. (I did just have a facial a week prior, so there likely wasn't a lot to extract.)The instruction manual suggests using the wide head for about two minutes and the T-zone option for the remaining minute of the three-minute sessions. The device will keep track of the time and simply pause after your three minutes is up, so all you have to do is switch out the attachments when you're ready. I found this part slightly confusing as I wasn't sure if I could just hit the power button to pause the machine while I switched out the tips or if there was a time it would stop on its own. Eventually I just went with the former method and pressed the power button again to resume the suction and it did end on its own afterwards.The next step in the process was to fill the clean tank with the BHA hydrator essence that Shark included, called Hydro infuse," and launch another three-minute session with it flushing your face. This was the part I really enjoyed. The gentle stream of liquid swooshing against my skin felt very refreshing and relaxing. I never felt like there was too much moisture - nothing dripped and I performed the whole session standing up without any of my clothes or surroundings getting wet.It's worth pointing out that Shark says its two formulas were dermatologist-tested and developed in a Korean lab specifically for the Shark FacialPro Glow routine." According to the company's vice president of design and engineering Chris Hedges, you'll have to use these products instead of third-party options because the exfoliating AHA/BHA percentages were carefully managed to balance well with the device flow rate, amount of suction provided and the amount of time the tip is covering your face."Hedges added that this mix of chemical and mechanical exfoliation is the key to the efficacy and safety of the process" and that use of other formulations with the device is not advised as it could unbalance the system, leading to over or under exfoliation." The Shark FacialPro Glow with its exfoliating attachment and with its Depuffi head. Shark I'm not a fan of being limited to a company's products, especially as someone who has already found a skincare system that I'm committed to (shoutout to the Jan Marini range of products). Hopefully, Shark might be able to develop a range of offerings or work with third parties in a way that would make it easier to use the FacialPro Glow without needing to consistently repurchase exfoliating gels from the one company. Plus, Shark is selling $50 replenishment bundles that come with one bottle of each, which is quite pricey. Depending on how frequently you perform the treatment, you might find yourself shelling out an additional $100 a year.Once you've finished your three-minute pass with the Hydro Infuse, you're technically done with your treatment. If you like, you can detach the cleanse module (the one that contains the two tanks and the nozzle) and swap in the Depuffi attachment. After you do so, slap on some moisturizer and turn on the device, you can run the cool plate all over your face for a calming effect. I have sensitive skin that turns red at almost any touch, so having the Depuffi cool my face down was nice. It's also just very comforting and enjoyable, like running a cold, dry bottle on your skin on a hot day.Like I mentioned earlier, you can also turn the Depuffi into heating mode, in which case you'd be running a warm plate all over your face. This should help open up pores ahead of your cleansing treatment and might make impurities easier to suck out. Shark offers six temperature levels for the Depuffi, though I should note that when I accidentally left the Depuffi in its warmer state, it took awhile for it to feel cool again after I toggled back to the chill mode.If you're only interested in the Depuffi, it will be available separately for $200. The whole FacialPro Glow system, which includes the cleansing attachment, the Depuffi and the exfoliating gel and hydrating essence, will be available from October 6 for $400.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/sharks-latest-skincare-gadget-will-suck-gunk-from-your-pores-and-rinse-them-133000385.html?src=rss

Apple had big plans for the the future of the Vision Pro, but it has reportedly put them on the back burner and has prioritized the development of smart glasses that can compete directly against the Meta Ray-Bans. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company told staff last week that it's moving team members working on a cheaper and lighter version of the Vision Pro to accelerate the development of its smart glasses. Apple is apparently developing two models, one of which, called the "N50," has no display of its own and will pair with iPhones. The company reportedly intends to launch it sometime next year and will it release in 2027.Bloomberg says Apple is also working on smart glasses with an augmented reality display that can rival the Meta Ray-Ban Display. It was going to release the model in 2028, but now Apple is looking to expedite its development, presumably so it could be available at an earlier date. Like Meta's smart glasses, Apple's devices will rely heavily on voice interaction and AI commands. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple is releasing an updated Siri next year that's powered by large language models, meant for use on displays, speakers and, yes, glasses.Apple's smart glasses will reportedly come in a variety of styles, will be powered by a new chip and will have speakers for playback, as well as cameras to capture images and videos. The company is looking to equip it with health-tracking capabilities, as well.It has long been reported that Apple's ultimate goal was to release augmented reality glasses of its own, since they could rival phones in the future. If this report is true, Apple is merely adjusting its timeline, especially since it's now fairly behind Meta in the space. While Apple's priorities have shifted, it hasn't abandoned the Vision Pro altogether. The FCC recently uploaded documents referencing an updated "Head Mounted Device" by Apple, though it's unclear if it's the upcoming lighter version that's supposed to be cheaper than the $3,499 original model.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-is-reportedly-pulling-staff-from-the-vision-pro-to-work-on-its-smart-glasses-130050475.html?src=rss