Amazon sends legal threats to Perplexity over agentic browsing

Amazon won't allow agents on its site that don't identify themselves as such. Perplexity is not pleased.

Steam Deck adds a standby mode for screen-off downloads

Valve is bringing a helpful update to the Steam Deck, adding an option for downloading content while the screen is off. The company is calling it a display-off low-power mode. It will be enabled by default when the Steam Deck is plugged in. The handheld's power settings can also allow it to be active while on battery power, although it will automatically revert to full sleep mode if the battery drops below 20 percent. If a user hits the power button while the Steam Deck is downloading content, a dialogue prompt will appear asking if the download should continue with the display off. A Steam Deck that reaches an idle timeout will also automatically go into the display-off low-power mode. In practice, this is similar to the rest mode modern consoles have that allows for downloads while the machine isn't being actively used. This feature can be really useful if you're playing an online competitive game and don't want a big download infringing on your bandwidth. (I speak from experience here.) Nice for the Steam Deck to offer a similar convenience to its players. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/steam-deck-adds-a-standby-mode-for-screen-off-downloads-230334579.html?src=rss

People Inc forges AI licensing deal with Microsoft as Google traffic drops

People Inc. signs an AI licensing deal with Microsoft, which will use its media content in Copilot.

Beta Technologies ends first day on NYSE in the green and $1B raised

The electric aviation company Beta Technologies made an impressive showing in its debut on the New York Stock Exchange.

HDR10+ Advanced joins Dolby Vision 2 in trying to make you like motion smoothing

Can more creator control fix the soap opera effect?

Amazon and Perplexity are fighting over the future of AI shopping

Amazon has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Perplexity that demands that the AI startup prevents its Comet browser from making purchases on Amazon, Bloomberg reports . In a blog post responding to Amazon's letter, Perplexity claims Amazon is bullying the company and that its demands pose a threat to all internet users. In Amazon's eyes, Comet's agent violates its terms of service, degrades the Amazon shopping experience and introduces privacy vulnerabilities, Bloomberg writes. Amazon's Conditions of Use for Amazon.com specifically prohibit any downloading, copying, or other use of account information for the benefit of any third party and any use of data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and extraction tools. Depending on your definition, the agentic capabilities Perplexity offers through Comet could violate both clauses. The browser securely stores log-in credentials for websites locally, and uses them to make purchases for customers on Amazon with a simple command. Perplexity and Amazon agreed to pause agentic shopping on Amazon in November 2024, according to the report, but when Comet was released, Perplexity allowed it again. By representing the Comet agent as a Chrome browser user rather than a bot, the company allegedly tried to get around the agreement, until Amazon found out and sent its cease-and-desist letter. Amazon posted the statement below on its blog, openly acknowledging the issues it has with Perplexity: We think its fairly straightforward that third-party applications that offer to make purchases on behalf of customers from other businesses should operate openly and respect service provider decisions whether or not to participate. This helps ensure a positive customer experience and it is how others operate, including food delivery apps and the restaurants they take orders for, delivery service apps and the stores they shop from, and online travel agencies and the airlines they book tickets with for customers. Agentic third-party applications such as Perplexitys Comet have the same obligations, and weve repeatedly requested that Perplexity remove Amazon from the Comet experience, particularly in light of the significantly degraded shopping and customer service experience it provides. Complicating Amazons claims, Perplexity might be a future shopping rival. Amazon demoed its own AI shopping agent called Buy for Me in April 2025. But Perplexity also disagrees with the fundamentals of Amazon's argument. User agents are exactly that: agents of the user, Perplexity says. They're distinct from crawlers, scrapers, or bots. Perplexity believes the Comet agent shouldn't run afoul of Amazon's terms and conditions then because it acts on the users' behalf, with the users' permission. This isn't the first time Perplexity has been accused of misrepresenting its AI tools to access content. In August, Cloudflare claimed that the company's bots were accessing blocked websites by pretending to be a normal Chrome browser user on macOS. Reddit also sued Perplexity and three other companies earlier this month for accessing Reddit posts without paying for a license. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-and-perplexity-are-fighting-over-the-future-of-ai-shopping-215445479.html?src=rss

Reddit will be included in Australia's looming under-16 social media ban

Reddit won't escape Australia's child social media ban. The Guardian reports that Communications Minister Anika Wells announced Reddit's addition on Wednesday. The nation's law, which blocks children under 16 from major social media sites , is scheduled to go into effect on December 10. Alongside Reddit, Wells said Australian streaming site Kick would also be included. They join the previously announced Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Australia considers the list to be a starting point for the ban and won't rule out adding more. Other companies under consideration are Discord, Twitch, GitHub and Roblox. YouTube was initially excluded because it was considered an educational tool. But after protests from other companies on the list, Australia ultimately added it . The ban passed in late 2024. The legislation puts the onus on the platforms, rather than parents, to police underage use. Companies that don't take reasonable steps to prevent under-16 users from accessing their platforms can face penalties of up to AU$49.5 million (around $32 million). There's a time and place for social media in Australia, but there's not a place for predatory algorithms, harmful content and toxic popularity [meters] manipulating Australian children, Wells said. Online platforms can target children with chilling control. We are mandating they use that sophisticated technology to protect them. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/reddit-will-be-included-in-australias-looming-under-16-social-media-ban-213052856.html?src=rss

Rivian creates another spinoff company called Mind Robotics

It's the second time this year Rivian has spun out a new company, after it created micromobility startup Also in March.

Googles AI Mode gets new agentic capabilities to help book event tickets and beauty appointments

For example, you can ask find me 2 cheap tickets for the Shaboozey concert coming up. prefer standing floor tickets. AI Mode will then search across multiple websites to find real-time ticket options that meet your specific requests.

Sequoia names Alfred Lin and Pat Grady as new Co-Stewards as Roelof Botha steps down

Just over three years after taking the reins as the steward of the storied firm, Botha passed the leadership baton to Lin and Grady.

This Balatro charity wall calendar is exactly the energy I need going into 2026

Every year for as long as I can remember, my mother has gifted me a wall calendar featuring photos of my hometown. Its a lovely thing, and I use it often to keep a note of all the concerts I have coming up. For 2026, though, Im going to need something different: a Balatro wall calendar that features actor Ben Starr as the games mascot, Jimbo, in a variety of scenarios . Youll see Jimbo as Santa Claus and a vampire. Theres a photo of him in baseball garb and another of him eating ice cream. Theres even a shot of Jimbo with carefully placed bananas (a nod to the games handy banana cards) akin to that one shot of Mena Suvari in American Beauty . Starr is a logical pick for this as he previously dressed up as Jimbo to promote the game and accept a BAFTA on behalf of developer LocalThunk. A new year is coming... time to shuffle off and try again! The Balatro 2026 Wall Calendar is available now: https://t.co/EHlzJDOIIm pic.twitter.com/ugnooDdLoW Fangamer (@Fangamer) November 4, 2025 Its silly, ever-so-slightly disturbing and most importantly all for a great cause, as Nintendo Life noted. LocalThunk and Balatro publisher PlayStack are donating all profits from sales of the calendar to Extra Life and SpecialEffect. Extra Life is a program that benefits local childrens hospitals with the help of people who play games on charity livestreams. As for SpecialEffect , that charity helps physically disabled folks play games to the best of their abilities. You can buy the calendar now on FanGamer for $19 or 20 . Ill get over my hatred of clowns this one time. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/this-balatro-charity-wall-calendar-is-exactly-the-energy-i-need-going-into-2026-203235127.html?src=rss

Samsung is working on HDR10+ Advanced to take on Dolby Vision 2

Dolby unveiled Dolby Vision 2 in September, and Samsung has already fired back with its own upgrades to its image quality format. The company is a key player in the consortium behind the HDR10 and HDR10+ standards, and this week it announced that the group is developing a version called HDR10+ Advanced. Amazon Prime Video has already signed on to support this format when it becomes available. Forbes reported on the six upgrades that are in the works with HDR10+ Advanced. The revised standard is expected to have an increased brightness range, genre-based options for tone mapping and picture processing, intelligent motion-smoothing options, a mode for cloud gaming, more zones for local tone mapping, and more advanced and accurate color performance. According to the publication, HDR10+ Advanced will likely debut on Samsung's 2026 TV lineup. If that is the case, we can expect to hear more about HDR10+ Advanced in January at CES 2026 when the company usually unveils the years TV models. Samsung is also collaborating with Google on an audio project that would be a counterpart to Dolby Atmos called Eclipsa Audio, but the details on that have been a little sparse since a brief announcement at CES 2025. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-is-working-on-hdr10-advanced-to-take-on-dolby-vision-2-202410665.html?src=rss

Apple's Live Translation feature is finally coming to AirPods in the EU

After a delay, Apple has announced that it's bringing its AI-powered Live Translation feature to the European Union in December. The expansion is notable, not only because Live Translation was a key selling point of the recently released AirPods Pro 3, but also because the company warned in September that complying with the EU's Digital Markets Act could delay the feature. When Live Translation becomes available in the EU on AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC next month, the feature will automatically translate a speaker's voice between English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional Mandarin), Japanese and Korean. Live Translation can also seamlessly translate between pairs of AirPods, intelligently lowering a speaker's voice so the translation is easier to hear. In September, Apple blamed a potential delay on additional engineering that was required to make sure translated conversations stay private, with the company specifically trying to make sure [conversations] wont be exposed to other companies or developers. The wait for the feature should be worth it, though. In Engadget's review of the AirPods Pro 3 , we found Live Translation to be a handy addition to what was already a solid pair of wireless earbuds. If you're looking to try the feature before its official release, Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones running the iOS 26.2 developer beta can already use Live Translation on supported AirPods in the EU. A public beta of the software update will also be available soon. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apples-live-translation-feature-is-finally-coming-to-airpods-in-the-eu-201352038.html?src=rss

The 55 Best Shows on Disney+ Right Now (November 2025)

Fire And Water: Making The Avatar Films, Marvel Zombies, and Doctor Who are just a few of the shows you should be watching on Disney+ this month.

Teachers Get Death Threats After MAGA Claims Their Halloween Costumes Mocked Charlie Kirk

A Turning Point USA official inaccurately claimed a high school's math department wore Halloween costumes that mocked Charlie Kirk. Those teachers are now facing a flood of online attacks and death threats.

Xbox Game Pass is adding COD: Black Ops 7 and ten other titles in November

Microsoft has announced its latest batch of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in November. Monthly subscribers have a lot to look forward to, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on day one of its release. Kicking off the release slate is Dead Static Drive on November 5. This indie survival-horror game takes players on a 1980s-style road trip across the country. Dead Static Drive will share its date with Sniper Elite: Resistance , a tactical third-person combat game with rich sniper mechanics that sports a co-op campaign for playing with friends. The very next day will feature the real star of this month's Game Pass releases, and no, I don't mean COD. I'm talking about Egging On , the platformer where you play as a literal egg trying to escape your hen house. You'll have to traverse harrowing obstacles and terrifying heights armed with little more than your fragile shell. Whiskerwood , a strategy and worldbuilding game where mice must build and manage colonies at the behest of a feline overlord, will be available on the same day. The games keep coming over the following days with Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris and Pigeon Simulator available on November 11. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 drops on November 14 and will feature 16 6v6 maps and two 20v20 maps at launch. Microsoft recently raised the price on the highest tier of the Xbox Game Pass subscription to $30 per month from $20 per month. That made Game Pass Ultimate 50 percent more expensive than previously. The tiers also underwent some rebranding as well, but the big thing to note is that youll need that $30/month Ultimate tier to play games on release day. This came after price increases in 2024 as well. See the full list of Xbox Game Pass additions below, as well as a list of games leaving on November 15. The list also specifies which tier of Game Pass you'll need for each title. November 5 Dead Static Drive Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass Sniper Elite: Resistance Game Pass Premium November 6 Egging On Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass Whiskerwood Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass November 7 Voidtrain Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Premium November 11 Great God Grove Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Premium Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Premium Pigeon Simulator Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass November 12 Relic Hunters Legend Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Premium Winter Burrow Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass November 14 Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass Leaving on November 15 Blacksmith Master (Game Preview) Football Manager 2024 Football Manager 2024 Console Edition Frostpunk Spirittea S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chernobyl This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-game-pass-is-adding-cod-black-ops-7-and-ten-other-titles-in-november-193151259.html?src=rss

FBI Warns of Criminals Posing as ICE, Urges Agents to ID Themselves

In a bulletin to law enforcement agencies, the FBI said criminal impersonators are exploiting ICEs image and urged nationwide coordination to distinguish real operations from fakes.

Google Maps is adding live lane guidance for the Polestar 4

Google is bringing live lane guidance to Google Maps in cars with the companys built-in infotainment system, starting with the Polestar 4 . Using the vehicle's front-facing camera, Google Maps will be able to see the road just as the driver does. It will then create more detailed depictions of which lane a driver should be in and guide them using visual and audio cues. Google says the new feature uses AI to analyze lane markings and road signs, which it then integrates in real time with Google Maps' navigation system. Google paints a picture of fewer missed exits, as its navigation system reminds drivers in the left lane that their exit is coming up on the right side of the highway. Details are scarce on where exactly this will function. In Google's blog post announcing the feature, the company says it will expand live lane guidance to more road types in the future. We've reached out for clarification. Live lane guidance with Google Maps will be rolling out on the Polestar 4 in the US and Sweden over the coming months. Google says it will expand to include more cars in partnership with other automakers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/google-maps-is-adding-live-lane-guidance-for-the-polestar-4-192705050.html?src=rss

OpenAI's Sora app is now available on Android

Sora is now available to Android users on the Google Play Store. The iOS version of OpenAI's text-to-video generative AI app is still only available in select markets and requires an invitation, but people are still extremely excited about making slop of their own; the app reportedly reached more than 1 million downloads in less than five days. And it didn't take long for the company to land in hot water over users creating disrespectful clips of Martin Luther King Jr. and drawing censure from the Japanese government over copycats of famous manga and anime. Those aren't the only legal issues Sora has been skirting. OpenAI was sued by Cameo on claims of copyright infringement, and the very next day, the company released a feature called cameo for putting existing entities into Sora's gen-AI videos. Whatever it winds up being named, some form of licensing personas looks like it will be part of OpenAI's eventual monetization plans for Sora. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-sora-app-is-now-available-on-android-191722821.html?src=rss

Pillars of Eternity to receive surprise turn-based mode in new update

Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas and the recently released The Outer Worlds 2 , has announced that it's revisiting an RPG it released over a decade ago for a new update. Pillars of Eternity , a throwback isometric RPG, is receiving a turn-based mode as part of a new public beta on PC. The new mode slows the game's real-time with pause combat down, building on the optional turn-based mode the developer included with Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire , a sequel from 2018. The game's director Josh Sawyer digs into the thinking behind the update in a trailer Obsidian released alongside the update announcement, but in brief, the mode attempts to faithfully adapt characters' stats for turn-based combat, while making it easy to switch from real-time to turn-based modes on the fly. Obsidian last returned to Eora, the setting of Pillars of Eternity , in the excellent Avowed from earlier this year. That game translated the series' world and combat systems into a first-person RPG in the style of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim . Besides releasing The Outer Worlds 2 , Obsidian is also actively developing Grounded 2 in early access. Pillars of Eternity 's turn-based mode will be available in a public beta for PC starting on November 5. Obsidian is looking for feedback on the new mode ahead of a planned update to the game at some point in the future. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pillars-of-eternity-to-receive-surprise-turn-based-mode-in-new-update-191221448.html?src=rss

Samsung has a new line of microSD Express cards for the Switch 2

Samsung just announced the P9 Express series of microSD Express cards , which are primarily intended for use with the Switch 2 console. This is a good thing, as Nintendo's latest console only works with microSD Express cards and, to be honest, there aren't that many options out there for consumers . The company boasts that these new cards feature maximum sequential read speeds up to 800MB/s, which is a mighty fine metric and in league with some of our other favorite cards for the Switch 2 . The cards also include the company's Dynamic Thermal Guard (DTG) technology, which was originally developed for SSDs. This should help things stay cool while you're out there catching Pokmon or rampaging around as a cartoon gorilla . Samsung Of course, these cards aren't tied to the Switch 2. That's just the most common use case scenario. They'll work with just about anything, like tablets, drones, cameras and rival portable gaming consoles. Samsung's P9 Express microSD cards are available now, and the price is in line with similar offerings. The 256GB model costs $55 and the 512GB version costs $100. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/samsung-has-a-new-line-of-microsd-express-cards-for-the-switch-2-190933303.html?src=rss

Amazon Echo Dot Max review: Disappointing sound, but Alexa+ is a star

Theres a lot more riding on Amazons latest batch of Echo hardware than usual. After all, these are the first devices arriving alongside Alexa+, the AI-powered revamp of the companys signature voice assistant. And unlike the $220 Echo Studio, the new Echo Dot Max is a more affordable ($100) and compact entry point into using Alexa+. Its also another example of how confusing Amazons hardware lineup can get : the older Echo Pop ($40) and Echo Dot ($50) are also getting Alexa+. The Echo Dot Max isnt the cheapest Echo, nor is it the best-sounding speaker Amazon sells . So, where does it fit? The best way to think about this new speaker is that it occupies the same spot in Amazons lineup as the venerable and discontinued device simply named Echo. For years, the Amazon Echo was the companys main speaker, but it no longer sells one with that pleasantly concise name. The Echo Dot Max steps in at the same price point, though. And while my testing has shown that Alexa+ is a solid step forward, the Dot Max hardware itself isnt as good as what it replaces. Design The Echo Dot Max feels immediately familiar if youve seen any of Amazons spherical smart speakers from the last five years or so, but there are numerous design changes here. The 2020 Echo and current Echo Dot have buttons on top for adjusting volume and muting the speakers microphone. Those buttons are now on a front-facing panel that is surrounded by the Echos signature light ring. While I liked how the light ring encircled the bottom of the Echo, its definitely easier to see in this new front-facing position and its particularly better at displaying the volume now. Overall, its a fairly refined and subtle device, which is exactly what you want from a smart speaker. I tested the graphite model, but you can also get it in white or a much bolder purple. I prefer the fully spherical, globe-like appearance of the Echo Dot, but theres little to complain about here visually. Amazon's Echo Dot Max speaker. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget I do have some quibbles about the front-facing volume and mute buttons, though. The Echo Dot Max is simply so light that if I press the controls Ill push the speaker around the shelf its on. This is easily solved by putting your hand around it and pressing the buttons with your thumb, but if you reach out to it with your index finger it probably wont stay in place. I guess youre supposed to primarily interact with the Echo Dot Max with your voice, but top-mounted buttons wouldve avoided this problem. I imagine this isnt as much of a problem with the similarly-designed Echo Studio, simply because its much larger and three times heavier. Audio quality Im a pretty big music nerd and Ive listened to many smart speakers over the years. Ive come away impressed with the Echo devices I tested in 2018 as well as the 2020 Echo I spoke about earlier. At $100, that Echo punched well above its weight and sounded notably better than the identically-priced HomePod Mini and Nest Audio. Unfortunately, the Echo Dot Max does not match that older speakers bonafides. Dont get me wrong, it sounds just fine better than a standard Echo Dot and in line with what Id expect from a $100 speaker. Its a good bit louder than my HomePod Mini, with plenty of volume to fill a medium-sized room on its own. If youre looking to really pump music through a bigger room, though, youre better off looking at the Echo Studio or something like the Sonos Era 100. You can also pair two Echo Dot Max speakers together for stereo playback and increased volume, but I didnt get to test this so cant say how itll perform in a larger space. Side view of Amazon's Echo Dot Max speaker Nathan Ingraham for Engadget My biggest complaint with the Echo Dot Max is that frequencies often felt a bit smushed together, without a solid bass thump separating itself from the clarity in the mid- and high-range frequencies. It doesnt provide the most dynamic listening experience. When you look at the difference in the Echo Dot Maxs speaker components compared to the fourth-generation Echo, thats not a surprise. That older speaker paired a 3-inch woofer with dual 0.8-inch tweeters, while the Dot Max makes do with just one tweeter and a smaller 2.5-inch woofer. I want to reiterate that the Echo Dot Max still sounds good! The various beats, electronic glitches and vocals of Lordes What Was That came through clearly for the most part, and the modern disco vibes of Jealous by The Aces had a nice thump and the instruments were plenty punchy. The heavier, guitar-driven fury of albums like the new Deftones release Private Music and the 33-year-old Dirt by Alice In Chains came through loud and clear, while turning up the volume on the rave-esque vibes of As Alive As You Need Me To Be by Nine Inch Nails had plenty of life. But while the overall sound was pleasant enough, further listening made me realize that details like a good snap of a snare could get lost amidst a storm of guitars. Its a disappointment that Amazon took an undeniable step backwards here. Much like the Echo Studio that we just reviewed, the Echo Dot Max isnt bad its just underwhelming. Its a little easier to forgive here, since the Dot Max is more of an all-purpose speaker rather than something designed to provide an exceptional listening experience. Again, it sounds totally fine for a $100 smart speaker, but given Amazons past success in providing surprisingly excellent audio, I was hoping for a lot more here. Amazon's Echo Dot Max smart speaker. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget Alexa+ The other piece of the puzzle is, of course, Alexa+, Amazons long-awaited update to its digital assistant . Somehow, its already been two years since Amazon first showed off the improvements it was working on delivering with Alexa+. But with these new devices, early access to the service is pretty easy to come by now. Ill admit that Im not much of a voice assistant guy. I think a lot of that comes from not having a very smart home. Ive been renting for the last eight months after owning a home for almost a decade, and there just hasnt been much to do with Alexa (or any voice assistant) at the moment. But even without home-based routines to run, lights to control or a smart thermostat to adjust, it was evident how much more conversational and context-aware Alexa+ is now. I did a lot of testing during the World Series and I made it a habit to ask Alexa what was going on in the series. We had several conversations about what happened in the previous nights game, when the next game was happening, who the starting pitchers were and so forth. It was probably the most natural experience Ive ever had using a voice assistant, even though using my natural language with a speaker still feels awkward. (I definitely said please to Alexa more than once.) Once youre set up with Alexa+ Early Access, you can use the same updated assistant in the Alexa app on your smartphone, either with your voice or in a chat interface. The chatbot-style Alexa experience is fine, but I actually prefer using my voice, because I felt like it was easier to have a conversation with it and just ask things as they popped into my head. Another good thing about Alexa+ is that it felt fast and responsive. There are short pauses while it thinks about a response, but it usually got back to me quickly enough that continuing that natural language conversation didnt feel stilted or awkward. Speed is a crucial factor towards making a voice assistant feel responsive, and Alexa+ on the Echo Dot Max hits on that point. Some combo of Amazons AZ3 chip and whatever is happening up in its cloud is getting the job done here. As with any voice assistant, Alexa+ is, of course, not perfect. Most basic tasks like setting reminders, checking the weather and playing music all work reliably. But asking for specific songs or albums can sometimes go badly. Occasionally, Alexa wouldnt be able to find a specific album I was looking for but it would play other songs by the artist; other times it would come up with completely unrelated music. This is an issue Ive had with all assistants, but I was hoping Alexa+ might be smart enough to avoid getting too far off base. I asked it to play the latest release by the band Now, Now. Its an EP entitled 01 so I had a feeling Alexa might struggle with that. Sure enough, it said sure, heres new music from Now, Now and played one of the songs from that release. Not bad, but not quite right. I then followed up and said can you play this entire album? That did not work. Instead, I ended up with the song Aint it Funky Now performed by legendary jazz guitarist and composer Grant Green. An outstanding recording, sure, but not remotely close to what I was looking for. Even asking play the album 01 EP by the band Now, Now got me Drakes Laugh Now Cry Later. Sigh. Worse than that were the times when Alexa+ just made things up. The Alexa app provides you with little suggestions for things to ask about, like iconic music duets. I tapped it, curious to see what it provided, and it pulled up a list of iconic music duets that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Among those was Smells Like Teen Spirit performed by the late Kurt Cobain and his wife Courtney Love. This happened? News to me! I followed up and asked for more details and got a response noting that there isnt a formal duet of Smells Like Teen Spirit. Best I can tell, it popped up because Love sang some unused lyrics from the legendary song on an episode of the 60 Songs That Explain the 90s podcast, back in 2023. This is a perfect example of the random inferences AI often draws, and its a good reminder that Alexa+, like all AI assistants, can make things up sometimes. This didnt happen often, but its still something youll need to look out for. Amazon's Echo Dot Max smart speaker. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget Wrap-up The Echo Dot Max more or less delivers on Amazons promises. It sounds better than smaller speakers like the Echo Dot or Pop, and its significantly cheaper than the Echo Studio. If youre at all interested in music, its worth stepping up to the Dot Max over the standard Dot. Beyond just better audio, its also significantly newer (the Dot was last updated in 2022). Its more modern processor means it should have a longer lifespan than the standard Dot, making it a better option for people who are eager to try out Alexa+. That freshly updated hardware is a reason to consider the Echo Dot Max over similarly priced speakers like the Nest Audio and HomePod Mini, both of which are five years old. And despite Alexa+ dealing with some growing pains, its a better option at this moment than the unproven Gemini for Home Google that is rolling out or the old, limited Siri that the HomePod Mini is still stuck with. But the Echo Dot Max still feels like a bit of a missed opportunity to me. The old Echo sounded so good, and this speaker is just not as exciting in comparison. Its a fine way to interact with Alexa+ and enjoy some tunes, I just wish it sounded a little bit better. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/amazon-echo-dot-max-review-disappointing-sound-but-alexa-is-a-star-190000721.html?src=rss

Norways wealth fund vote is latest blow to Musks $1 trillion pay package

Elon Musk is pushing for a $1 trillion performance pay package. Another major shareholder has said no.

Shopify says AI traffic is up 7x since January, AI-driven orders are up 11x

Shopify says AI-driven traffic to its online stores is up 7x since January, and orders from AI search are up 11x.

Nintendo's patent on summoning fighting NPCs is being reexamined

Nintendo's lawsuit against Palworld just hit a snag. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has ordered a reexamination of a key Nintendo patent expected to be wielded in the case. Games Fray reports that the office is reviewing the Switch maker's patent regarding summon subcharacter and let it fight in 1 of 2 modes. If we view Nintendo's Palworld lawsuit as a test bed for monopolizing game mechanics, the development can only be seen as a good thing. Several factors make the reexamination unusual. First, Nintendo's patent in question (No. 12,403,397) was just granted in September. The review was personally ordered by newly sworn-in USPTO Director John A. Squires. The Trump appointee has historically sided with patent holders, making it harder to contest them. Stranger still, Games Fray says this may be the USPTO's first patent reexamination in over a decade. Palworld Pocketpair Those ingredients suggest widespread blowback may be the driving force. Although Palworld developer Pocketpair is Nintendo's immediate target , it's easy to see the case opening a Pandora's box where developers fear using well-established game mechanics. Indie developers would be particularly vulnerable. The slippery slope commentary practically writes itself. If Nintendo's patent is ultimately invalidated, we may be able to thank Konami. A 2002 patent application from the maker of Metal Gear and Castlevania was cited as prior art, casting doubt on Nintendo's claim. A separate Nintendo patent, published in 2020, was also listed as possible prior art. Games Fray 's report dives much deeper into the legal weeds. Nintendo now has two months to respond. During that period, third parties can come forward with additional prior art references. As a nervous industry eyes Nintendo's case as a potential test bed for monopolizing game mechanics, don't be shocked if gaming lawyers search far and wide for more examples. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendos-patent-on-summoning-fighting-npcs-is-being-reexamined-180949135.html?src=rss

Netflix in talks to license video podcasts from iHeartMedia, report says

Netflix is looking for exclusivity, which means that video podcasts that it licenses could no longer be uploaded to YouTube.

UK High Court sides with Stability AI over Getty in copyright case

Stability AI has partially succeeded in defending itself against accusations of copyright infringement. As reported by The Guardian , Stability AI prevailed in a high-profile UK High Court case, following Getty first suing the company in 2023 for allegedly using its copyright images to train its Stable Diffusion AI art tool without permission. Gettys original claim was that Stability AI had unlawfully copied and processed millions of protected images for training purposes, therefore abusing the rights of the original creators. However, the Seattle-based company eventually withdrew its claims of primary copyright infringement as it reportedly could offer no evidence that unauthorized copying for the training of Stable Diffusion had taken place in the UK. Todays ruling concerns claims of secondary infringement, to which the High Court judge, Justice Joanna Smith, ruled that an AI model such as Stable Diffusion which does not store or reproduce any copyright works (and has never done so) is not an 'infringing copy' under UK law. This was despite the ruling finding some evidence of Gettys images being used by Stability, as evidenced by the presence of the formers watermark. While the judge sided with Getty on some of its claims, she said that the evidence was both historic and extremely limited in scope. The High Court ruling likely wont fill companies and creators concerned about AI-related copyright infringement with a huge amount of optimism, but unsurprisingly, both Getty and Stability AI have been quick to celebrate their respective victories. Getty's statement reads, in part: Todays ruling confirms that Stable Diffusions inclusion of Getty Images trademarks in AIgenerated outputs infringed those trademarks. Crucially, the Court rejected Stability AIs attempt to hold the user responsible for that infringement, confirming that responsibility for the presence of such trademarks lies with the model provider, who has control over the images used to train the model. This is a significant win for intellectual property owners. The ruling delivered another key finding; that, wherever the training and development did take place, Getty Images' copyrightprotected works were used to train Stable Diffusion. The ruling also established a powerful precedent that intangible articles, such as AI models, are subject to copyright infringement claims in the same way as tangible articles. We will be taking forward findings of fact from the UK ruling in our US case. The company added that it was deeply concerned that even well-resourced companies remain at risk of infringement due to a lack of transparent requirements. It also urged the UK government to build on the current laws around this issue. Christian Dowell, general counsel to Stability AI, said the final ruling from the court ultimately resolves the copyright concerns that were the core issue. The ruling comes just days after Getty announced a new agreement with Perplexity AI that permits the latter to access Gettys huge media library as part of its search and discovery tools. In a press release , Getty said a condition of the licensing deal was Perplexity committing to making improvements on how it displays imagery, including image credit with link to source, to better educate users on how to use licensed imagery legally. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/uk-high-court-sides-with-stability-ai-over-getty-in-copyright-case-180029461.html?src=rss

Some stinkbugs legs carry a mobile fungal garden

A dedicated organ grows the fungus, which deters parasitic wasps.

Apple may release its first 'low-cost' Mac laptop in early 2026

It seems Apple is preparing to debut a low-cost Mac laptop in the first half of 2026. According to Bloomberg , such a system is in early production at the companys overseas suppliers and Apple is testing the devices internally. Apples aim with this laptop, per the report, is to draw people away from the likes of Chromebooks and cheap Windows PCs and into its own ecosystem. The company is said to be making the system with casual users, students and businesses in mind the kinds of folks who use laptops for tasks like web browsing, light media editing and working on documents. Apple is also reportedly planning to aim the system at potential iPad buyers whod still rather have a traditional laptop. The laptop is said to have a new design with a lower-end LCD display and its expected to run on an A-series iPhone processor thats said to deliver better performance than the M1. Its also likely to have a smaller display than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air. Performance is important, but the price point will be crucial if Apple wants to really compete with the proliferation of Chromebooks and entry-level Windows devices. The company is said to be ready to sell this Mac for well under $1,000. Chromebooks and Windows laptops often sell for just a few hundred bucks. Higher-end Chromebooks cost around $600, so Apple would likely have to sell this laptop for $700 or less for it to make a real splash. Apple has traditionally focused on making premium devices, but would be a smart time for the company to enter the lower end of the market. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 , including on devices that dont support Windows 11 and owners of such systems (including businesses) may need to buy new laptops in the near future to have the latest security updates. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/apple-may-release-its-first-low-cost-mac-laptop-in-early-2026-174143869.html?src=rss

Phone location data of top EU officials for sale, report finds

Journalists in Europe found it was easy to spy on top European Union officials using commercially obtained location data sold by data brokers, despite the continent having some of the strongest data protection laws in the world.

Get the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $100 off

Black Friday will be here before you know it, but you can already save on some pretty expensive tech. Case in point: the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 . The premium smartwatch is on sale for $100 off right now, bringing it down to $700. The sale model comes with 64GB of storage, a 49mm screen and GPS and cellular service. Notably, it's also only available with the one size, adjustable band and in two colors: a Black titanium case with Black Ocean band and a natural titanium Case with Anchor Blue Ocean band. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 came out in early September and is one of the first smartwatches to support satellite communications . This feature means you can call, send messages or share your location with emergency services through the watch even if you don't have a connection. The new Ultra 3 also has a larger screen thanks to thinner bezels and a battery that can last for up to 42 hours. If you don't have as much cash to spend on a new wearable, or don't need something as comprehensive as the Ultra, the latest Apple Watch SE is also on sale for $199. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-the-new-apple-watch-ultra-3-for-100-off-133057973.html?src=rss

The best VR headsets for 2025

Choosing the best VR headset for you is the first step into some of the most immersive gaming, entertainment and virtual work experiences available today. Whether youre exploring new worlds, working out in virtual gyms or collaborating in 3D environments, a great headset can make all the difference. The latest models offer high-resolution displays, improved FOV (field of view) and ergonomic head strap designs that keep things comfortable during extended sessions. Many also support Bluetooth for connecting external accessories like controllers or earbuds. As the tech has matured, youll now find headsets that balance performance with portability, and some even offer a wider field of view to enhance your sense of presence in virtual spaces. From beginner-friendly options to high-end devices built for enthusiasts, there's a VR headset out there for every type of user and this guide will help you find the one that fits your needs best. Table of contents Best VR headsets for 2025 How we test VR headsets Other VR headsets we've tested VR headset FAQs Recent updates Best VR headsets for 2025 How we test VR headsets I tend to judge candidates for the best VR headset on a few basic criteria: Ergonomics, immersion and controls. It's not that hard to shove a mobile display into a plastic headset and strap some cheap elastic headbands onto it. But it takes real design skill to craft something that's well balanced, includes a supportive headstrap, and doesn't feel uncomfortable after 30 minutes. My test for ergonomics is fairly simple: How long can I wear a headset until I start to feel discomfort? For the most ergonomic devices, like the Quest 3, that could easily be an hour or two. But heavier PC hardware often feels cumbersome after just 15 minutes you wont find those kinds of devices in our list of the best VR headsets. Immersion, meanwhile, comes from having high resolution screens with fast refresh rates, like a 120Hz refresh rate, so everything looks sharp and smooth. Field of view is also a major element, as it describes how well VR screens can cover what you see. A narrow FOV makes it feel like you're peering through a pair of binoculars, which limits your sense of presence. The best VR headsets aim for a wider field of view, helping virtual environments feel more natural and fully surround you. A wide field of view, on the other hand, can make it seem like youre actually flying over the globe in Google Earth. We look at a few popular video games, like Superhot , Beat Saber and Pistol Whip , on every headset to judge how immersed we feel and how enjoyable the gaming experience is overall. The best controllers fit naturally in your hands and offer accurate tracking. The industry has basically adopted the design of Metas excellent touch controllers, but we're also seeing intriguing leaps forward like Valve's finger tracking gamepads. We judge controllers based on how easy they are to hold, how they hold up to sweaty gameplay sessions and how easily headsets can track their position in space. However, its important to look at a virtual reality headsets specs as a whole. Depending on what youre looking for in yourVR headset, youll want to consider factors like your PCs CPU and graphics card if you plan to use the headset to play the best VR games. You might not need a super powerful PC, but you should check the minimum requirements for the headset youre looking to purchase. If youre not looking to invest in a VR headset solely for gaming, features like head tracking allow you to explore your environment just by simply moving your head in the simulator. This often results in a more immersive and realistic experience. Other VR headsets weve tested HTC Vive Focus Vision The Vive Focus Vision is a sleek premium standalone VR headset that can also deliver solid PC VR. But its also running aging hardware, its riddled with software issues and its expensive compared to the Meta Quest 3. Meta Quest Pro As great as the Meta Quest 3 is, the Quest 2 is still a very good entry-level VR headset, and its worth considering if its on sale below its current $250 list price. The Meta Quest Pro , on the the hand, is an expensive boondoggle best ignored. HTC Vive Pro 2 Outside of Metas hardware, the HTC Vive Pro 2 remains a fantastic PC headset, but its far more expensive than the Valve Index, which is more comfortable and offers better audio. VR headset FAQs How do VR headsets work? At the most basic level, a VR headset is simply a high quality screen that youre holding up to your face. For a wired headset, the actual work of rendering a game is done on either a PC or game console. For completely wireless devices, like the Meta Quest 3, that work is handled right on the headset. They rely on either external sensors, or sensors built into the headsets, to map your physical space. While you can use a traditional gamepad or keyboard and mouse in VR, they typically use motion tracking controllers to immerse you in their 3D environments. What VR headset is best for full body tracking? While were still waiting for a truly great haptic VR bodysuit to arrive, you can still achieve accurate body tracking with most Steam VR-compatible PC headsets. The Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 both rely on room-tracking sensors that can map your body more effectively than the built-in sensors on competitors. You can also add HTC Vive Trackers to wrist and leg straps, as well as belts, for even better coverage. The Meta Quest 3 doesnt have any easy body tracking solutions, but you can add Vive trackers when its plugged into your PC to mimic a Steam VR headset. Only a few experiences, like VRChat, take advantage of full body tracking at the moment. Currently there arent any body tracking solutions for the PlayStation VR and VR2, but were intrigued by the companys Mocopi body trackers , which were really announced in Japan. What VR headsets are better than Oculus? Oculus is the previous name for Metas VR hardware. Currently, Meta only supports the Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Pro, all of which are wireless headsets. As we explain above, PC VR headsets can generally achieve better quality virtual reality, since they rely on more powerful graphics hardware. What VR headsets work with Xbox? Currently, Microsofts Xbox consoles dont support any VR headsets. Recent updates November 2025: Updated to include the Apple Vision Pro M5. April 2025: Updated to include review scores for our top picks, where applicable. November 2024: Added the HTC Vive Focus Vision to the others we tested section. October 2024: Updated our best cheap VR headset top pick to be the Meta Quest 3S. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/best-vr-headsets-140012529.html?src=rss

Why DJI drones might be banned in the US

Since being placed on a Department of Commerce entity list in 2020 over national security fears, Chinas DJI has faced the threat of a US ban on its hyper-popular drones. After exhausting its appeals and losing a lawsuit last month, DJI products like the Mini 4 Pro, Avata 2 and Neo may disappear from US shelves starting December 23. The situation could be even worse than initially expected. The FCC just gave itself the power to retroactively cut off products from companies on its covered list, including DJI. That gives the government the right to not just halt sales of future products, but enact rules preventing people from using drones theyve already purchased. DJI dominates the consumer US drone market, so a ban would be terrible news for hobbyists and creators, along with industrial and public safety operators. However, the governments concerns about the companys drones as potential spying tools are very real. A brief history of DJI DJI, or Da-Jiang Innovations, is based in Shenzhen, China and introduced its ready-to-fly, now-iconic Phantom drone in 2013 . It was $629 and offered a more user-friendly experience than other drones at the time, opening up aerial photography to creators and cinematographers. DJI Mavic 4 Pro Steve Dent for Engadget The company followed with increasingly sophisticated products like the Mavic Pro , Mini 3 Pro and Avata , along with larger commercial drones . It continued to expand its range with the small but powerful Air 3, Neo and Flip. As of 2020, DJI had an estimated 77 percent of the US drone market (which accounts for 40 percent of its sales), leaving rivals to fight for scraps. Most observers attribute DJIs dominance to its engineering-first culture. To give an idea of its technical progress, the latest 2025 Mavic 4 Pro can be flown from 25 miles away, compared to just 0.62 miles for the 2015 Phantom 3. Nearly every DJI drone feature, including video quality, battery life, range, tracking and obstacle detection, is superior to rivals. Catching the eye of the US government By 2016, the company had caught the attention of US regulators concerned about Chinese camera-equipped drones flying over sensitive facilities. While no one has uncovered a smoking gun proving that DJI drones spy for China, they undoubtedly pose a potential national security risk. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) laid out the dangers last year in a guidance sheet : DJI is subject to Chinas 2017 National Intelligence Law, which compels companies to cooperate with state intelligence services. The 2021 Cyber Vulnerability Reporting Law requires Chinese-based companies to disclose cyber vulnerabilities to PRC authorities prior to any public disclosure, which could allow them to exploit such flaws before theyre publicly known. UAS (unmanned aircraft system) devices controlled by smartphones provide a path for UAS data egress and storage, which could enable intelligence gathering on US critical infrastructure. Updates controlled by Chinese entities could introduce unknown data collection and transmission capabilities without the users awareness. When a UAS is incorporated into a network, the potential for data collection and transmission of sensitive imagery, surveying data and facility layouts increases. Photo taken by a $200 DJI Neo drone Steve Dent for Engadget In 2017, DJIs drones were banned from use by the US Army. Later that year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memo stating with moderate confidence that DJIs drones were providing US critical infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government. The agency never provided any direct proof, however, and DJI denied it. Then in 2020, DJI was added to the US Department of Commerces entity list over claims it enabled wide-scale human rights abuses within China. That meant the company could no longer buy parts or services from US manufacturers, like Amazon Web Services, Texas Instruments and Intel. In response, DJI said it was disappointed with the decision but customers could continue to buy and use DJI products normally. A year later, however, it was placed on the Treasury department's Chinese military-industrial complex companies list for its alleged involvement in the surveillance of Uyghur Muslim people in China. That banned US citizens from investing in the company. The US Department of Defense (DoD) piled on in October 2022, putting DJI on a list of Chinese military companies operating in the US. After the DoD refused DJIs delisting petition in 2023, the company filed a lawsuit , arguing that it was neither owned nor controlled by the Chinese military. Nearly three years later, a court ruled against it , saying the DoD had substantial evidence that DJI contributed to the Chinese defense industry. DJI has since appealed that decision . In September 2024, the US House of Representatives passed the Countering CCP Drones Act . Though still pending approval in the US Senate, the law would allow the FCC to block DJIs drones from accessing US radio waves, effectively making them unusable here. DJI denounced the action as inaccurate and unsubstantiated. Later that month, US Customs and Border Protection was reportedly blocking some DJI drone imports under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Moving closer to a ban Operating DJI's Avata 2 Steve Dent for Engadget Near the end of last year, the US militarys annual defense spending bill (called the National Defense Authorization Act or NDAA) further boosted the possibility of a DJI ban. It required an appropriate national security agency to rule that a companys products didnt pose an unacceptable risk to US national security, lest it be placed on a covered list. The DoD offered DJI and other companies a year to obtain such a ruling. Because of the DoDs requirements, DJI paused US sales and distribution in retail channels, citing regulatory uncertainty. However, some drones that originally couldnt be purchased in the US, like the Mavic 4 Pro, can now be found on retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo Video albeit at inflated prices compared to other regions. In March, DJI sent a formal letter to five national security agencies (DHS, DoD, FBI, NSA, and ODNI) requesting that any or all of them begin evaluating its products. In a June blog post , however, DJI stated that none of them had offered to perform such checks. If no agency steps forward and completes the review by the December 2025 deadline, the NDAA provision could trigger an automatic ban on DJI simply because no agency chose to take on the work of reviewing our products, the company said. DJI further explained that it was ready for such an audit. Last week, the situation became potentially more dire for DJI. The FCC voted 3-0 to give itself the authority to ban devices and radio components previously approved for operation in the US. On top of the NDAA ban, the FCC would theoretically have the right to prevent DJIs drones and other products from using US radio frequencies, effectively making them inoperable. The new regulations would also empower the FCC to bar any clones of products like the Mavic Air 3 created by alleged DJI shell companies like Anzu and Skyhigh Tech, as The Verge reported. The DJI Flip lightweight drone Steve Dent for Engadget The FCC did underline that it wasnt planning to take away drones people have already purchased. We emphasize that we are currently not requiring manufacturers to replace equipment in the hands of consumers, it said in a fact sheet. The continued use of such equipment would remain authorized. The FCC would be required to undertake a public interest analysis for each product to be banned while giving particular weight to national security concerns. It would also be required to allow the public to comment during a minimum 30 day period, according to a fact sheet . The possible outcomes Here are scenarios that could arise before the December 23 deadline: DJI passes its audit . In the best case scenario, which looks unlikely at this point, DJI would pass its audit and not be added to the FCCs covered list. The company could fully resume sales of new products, rather than being stuck in limbo as it is now, and existing drones would remain legal with full support. DJI receives another extension . If this happens, the status quo would remain. New drones like the Mavic 4 Pro may still be hard to purchase, but you would likely be able to buy previously approved products like the Mavic 3 Pro. Existing drones would remain legal with full support. The FCC blocks new DJI certifications . New drone sales would not be approved in the US. Existing drones would remain legal but possibly lose long-term support. DJI drones are placed on the covered list. All drone sales for both new and previous models would cease. Current drones would be allowed to operate but may lose updates and future support. DJI drones are banned retroactively . All DJI drone sales are banned and existing drones grounded or severely restricted. The FCC has said this wont happen. DJI Agras 50 agricultural drone picture alliance via Getty Images DJI has reportedly spent over $17 million since 2016 on lobbying and launched the Drone Advocacy Alliance last year to enlist support from customers. It has some allies as well, like agricultural drone operators that formed a lobby last year. Law enforcement, search and rescue and other agencies have also expressed concerns about the higher costs, lower reliability and reduced performance of non-DJI drones. However, US politicians are largely unsympathetic . Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) refused to even take meetings with DJIs lobbyists, calling the company part of a despicable government that wants to spy on us. The same sentiment appears on the other side of the aisle. I simply wont stand by and accept that risk, which is why Ill continue to support DJI being added to the list of banned telecom technology, said Representative Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ). So whats liable to happen? Given the limited time left before the December 23 deadline, I believe the number three or four scenarios above are most likely: The FCC blocks new certifications and DJI drones are put on the covered list. DJI would then be forced to cease sales of new drones and possibly stop selling current models. Customers in the US would still be able to use their existing products, but may have trouble obtaining repairs and updates. If youre a DJI drone owner in the states, you might want to formulate a contingency plan. DJI may be resigned to that scenario as well, hoping that a ban will create enough customer outcry to stimulate political action in its favor. The companys only other hope is that the US and China miraculously strike a trade deal that includes DJI. Given the anti-China sentiment in Washington, that looks unlikely but then again, with Trump as president, anything is possible . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/why-dji-drones-might-be-banned-in-the-us-170030273.html?src=rss

Anthropic projects $70B in revenue by 2028: Report

The Information reports that Anthropic expects to generate as much as $70 billion in revenue and $17 billion in cash flow in 2028. The growth projections are fueled by rapid adoption of Anthropics business products, a person with knowledge of the companys financials said.

Teslas Master Plan4 still lacks specifics ahead of $1T Musk pay vote

Despite its imprecision, the fourth Master Plan is a centerpiece of Tesla's case for giving CEO Elon Musk $1 trillion in company shares.

Paytms profit slumps on gaming-unit hit despite revenue gain

Paytm's bottom line was hit by a Rs 190-crore impairment against a loan to First Games Technology after the government prohibited online money-gaming.

Spotify now has half a million video podcasts, which nearly 400M users have watched

Spotify says that users' time spent with video content on Spotify has also more than doubled year-over-year, largely driven by video podcasts.

BlueStone Q2 revenue rises 37% on festive demand, tops Rs 500 Cr

BlueStone reported strong growth in the September quarter as festive demand and wider distribution helped lift revenue and narrow losses despite volatility in gold prices and continued store expansion.

Black Friday 2025: The best early tech deals on Apple, Shark, Lego and other gear, plus what to expect during the sale

November has turned into Black Friday and vice versa. What was once a one-day shopping sprint has turned into a month-long marathon, with retailers rolling out discounts week after week. Thanks to this, it can be easy to get deal fatigue after a while but no one wants to miss out on a good discount, regardless of if youre buying for yourself or someone else. Were tracking all of the best Black Friday deals you can get right now so you dont have to go searching for them. Engadget can help if you have tech on your shopping list this year. Here, weve curated the best Black Friday tech deals you can get right now, and we'll continue to update this post as we get closer to the big day at the end of November. Note that you probably have the best chance of snagging record-low prices when we get to about one week before Thanksgiving, but these deals available now are worth considering. Black Friday deals to shop now Apple iPad mini for $399 ($100 off): Apple's smallest tablet, the iPad mini is the best option for those who prefer their tablet be roughly the size of a paperback book. The latest model runs on the A17 Pro chipset and has an upgraded 128GB of storage in the base configuration. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro. Apple Mac Mini M4 for $499 ($100 off): Desktop users looking for an upgrade should consider the latest Mac Mini, which runs on the M4 chip and 16GB of RAM as standard in the base configuration. This version has a smaller design that takes up less space, front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack, plus Thunderbolt 5 support. Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199 (43 percent off): These noise-cancelling headphones have a comfortable (albeit a bit boring) design, an Aware mode that lets you hear more of your surroundings when you need to and up to 24 hours of battery life. Also available at Best Buy . Apple Watch SE 3 for $200 ($50 off): The SE has been our top pick for the best Apple Watch for those on a budget, and the latest model only solidifies that further. It has the same chipset found in the latest flagship Apple Watches, fast-charging capabilities, an always-on display and most of the same activity-tracking features you'll find in more expensive model. Jisulife Life 7 handheld fan for $25 (14 percent off): This handy little fan is a must-have if you life in a warm climate or have a tropical vacation planned anytime soon. It can be used as a table or handheld fan and even be worn around the neck so you don't have to hold it at all. Its 5,000 mAh battery allows it to last hours on a single charge, and the small display in the middle of the fan's blades show its remaining battery level. Lego Disney advent calendar 2025 43253 for $39 (14 percent off): I probably don't need to tell you 'tis the season for advent calendars . Lego has a bunch , and this one in particular is on a good deal right now. Like most Lego advent calendars, this one includes a number of bricks and minifigs that, when put together, make a coherent, themed scene. Leebin 2025 electric spin scrubber for $40 (43 percent off, Prime exclusive): This weird little scrubber makes cleaning my bathroom and shower much less of a pain. Just choose the brush head you need for your job and the rotating head takes care of most of the hard work. I love the adjustable handle, which extends from 12 to 50 inches so you can get into hard-to-reach places without breaking a sweat. SanDisk microSD Express card (256GB) for $60 (12 percent off): If you have a Switch 2, no regular microSD card will do if you want to expand the console's storage. You need a newer microSD Express card, and currently there are only a handful on the market. We did some testing to find the best microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and found that performance was, in general, very similar amongst all the readily available cards. We recommend getting whichever fits within your budget at the capacity you want. Google TV Streamer 4K for $75 ($25 off): Our top pick for the best streaming device right now, the latest version of Google's streamer supports 4K video and an excellent, easy-to-use interface that will feel familiar to anyone who's seen a set with the Google TV technology built in. It provides access to all of the major streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube and more, plus it has a handy on-screen pop up that lets you control all compatible smart home devices right from your TV. Also available at Walmart . Cosori 9-in-1 air fryer for $90 (25 percent off): I personally have this air fryer, one of our top picks , in my house and I've used it for over a year with no issues. I love that it makes good use of vertical space so it doesn't take up too much space on my counter, and its rounded-square shape allows me to cook more food than you'd think in one go in the basket. It crisps all kinds of foods up well and generally takes a lot of the guess work (and time) out of making a good meal. Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum with 60-day self-emptying base for $300 (50 percent off): This is a version of one of our top picks for the best robot vacuums . We generally like Shark machines because they do a good job cleaning all types of flooring, produce accurate home maps and the companion app is pretty easy to use. This one in particularly comes with a self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. Black Friday FAQs When is Black Friday 2025? Black Friday 2025 lands on November 28. Which stores have Black Friday deals? Many physical retail stores have Black Friday deals including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and others. Even more retailers have online Black Friday deals, including Amazon, GameStop, Costco and others. When do Black Friday sales start? Gone are the times when Black Friday sales were one-day-only affairs. Now, Black Friday deals are often available starting on Thanksgiving, or even earlier. Last year, we saw Black Friday deals online begin the week before Black Friday proper. When do Black Friday sales end? Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blended a lot over the past few years. Now, you can expect to see a good portion of Black Friday deals extend through the weekend and into Cyber Monday. It's not uncommon for Black Friday deals to expire at the end of Cyber Monday. Which retailers have the best Black Friday tech deals? The best Black Friday tech deals are typically available online at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target. It's also a good idea to check the store websites of the companies that make the products you want for example, if you're looking for a Sonos speaker, check the Sonos website on Black Friday. Most of the time, you'll find the best Black Friday tech deals are matched at multiple retailers. Does Apple have Black Friday sales? No, you will usually not find Black Friday sales at Apple stores or on Apple's website. However, you can find Black Friday deals on Apple devices elsewhere; we recommend checking Amazon, Best Buy and other big retailers for discounts on iPads, Apple Watches and more on Black Friday. Does Amazon have Black Friday sales? Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales. The online retailer's site will look similar to Prime Day on Black Friday, with discounts on all sorts of items from household essentials to fashion to tech. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-2025-the-best-early-tech-deals-on-apple-shark-lego-and-other-gear-plus-what-to-expect-during-the-sale-100052983.html?src=rss

These are the Black Friday tech deals I'm hoping to see for 2025

Black Friday is a time for all kinds of shopping, not just gifts . And since its become more of a month-long affair than a one-day event, its a good time to pick up things for yourself and for other people while you can save some money in the process. But to say money is tight is an understatement this year. If Amazons Prime Big Deal Days was any indicator , folks are spending more on essentials than anything else right now. That, combined with the rising trend of holding on to big tech purchases for longer means that gadgets may be showing up lower on your shopping list this year. Even if thats the case, Id recommend not overlooking tech entirely this Black Friday. Besides, all of us have essential tech that we use every day; more often than not, you can avoid paying full price for most of those devices (and all of the rest of the best tech of the year ) if you're looking to add to your repertoire or need a replacement. Personally, I'm not eyeing a new smartphone or laptop this holiday shopping season, but there are a few tech purchases Id like to make if the prices are right. This is the tech Im hoping to save on this year during Black Friday. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/these-are-the-black-friday-tech-deals-im-hoping-to-see-for-2025-100014108.html?src=rss

It's Been a Year Since Trump Was Elected. Democrats Still Don't Get the Internet

I can't, for the life of me, figure out why we are still so rigid and moderating everything when we have nothing to lose for the first time, a Democratic digital strategist tells WIRED.

Zynk raises $5M to expand instant cross-border payment network

Zynk describes itself as a provider of embedded just-in-time liquidity and optimized cross-border settlement rails, aiming to make global payments instant and frictionless.

What MobiKwik's Q2 reveals about the fintech's profitability challenge

Losses deepened sharply as revenue slipped, but management remained upbeat, citing steady operational improvement and a path toward profitability.

Apple's Mac mini M4 is $100 off ahead of Black Friday

While there are lots of great Black Friday sales on cheaper devices, it's the big ticket items that really make a world of difference. Take Apple's 2024 Mac mini M4 , which has dropped to $499 from $599 as part of early Black Friday deals . The 17 percent discount brings Apple's mini desktop computer with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD to only $30 more than its all-time low. We gave the Mac mini M4 a 90 in our review , in part, because it packs an incredible amount of power into such a small design. It also has front facing USB-C and headphone ports, a first for the Mac mini lineup. Plus, it starts with 16GB of RAM, an upgrade from its predecessors. However, if you want more memory or storage, the other Mac Mini M4 models are also on sale. You can get 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD for $690, down from $799. Then there's the option for 24GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD at $890, down from $999. Plus, if you want to bundle in three years of AppleCare+, each model ends up being about $100 cheaper than normal. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-mac-mini-m4-is-100-off-ahead-of-black-friday-150749148.html?src=rss

10 Best Meal Delivery Services, Tested by an Ex-Restaurant Critic

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Get 50 percent off one of our favorite budgeting apps ahead of Black Friday

Those looking for a better way to keep track of their finances should consider a budgeting app . There are dozens of them on the market now, and one of our favorites is running a discount for new subscribers. Monarch Money is offering 50 percent off annual plans right now when you use the code MONARCHVIP at checkout. With the typical yearly price being $100, this will save you $50. As mentioned before, the discount is only for new users and it can't be combined with other offers. The code only works when you sign up through the web as well. You can't redeem it through the Monarch mobile app. We feel that Monarch has a steeper learning curve than some other budget trackers and that certain aspects of the app are slightly more complex than they probably need to be. But it offers a great deal of customization and granularity , which outweighs our misgivings. On the main dashboard, you'll see your net worth along with your latest transactions, spending versus the previous month, your income so far for the month and details about upcoming bills, your investments and goals you've set. There's also a link to a month-in-review page, which offers an in-depth overview of what's been happening with your money that month. You'll also be able to take a peek at how your net worth has changed over time. Monarch can connect to your bank and track Apple Card, Apple Cash and Savings accounts. It can pull in your transactions and balance history automatically and detect your recurring expenses and income. The app can even keep your car valuation up to date. While it might take a little work to set up Monarch (and you might have to tweak things here and there), it's a detailed budgeting app that can help you keep better track of your income, expenditure and net worth. If you're a former Mint user (RIP), Monarch Money is a great alternative if you haven't yet found a Mint replacement . But it's worth mentioning that our favorite Mint replacement service, Quicken Simplifi , also has a sale going on right now. It's offering 50 percent off when you sign up for an annual subscription, billed at $3 per month with the discount. That comes out to $36 for the first year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-50-percent-off-one-of-our-favorite-budgeting-apps-ahead-of-black-friday-174011477.html?src=rss

Meta finally made a proper WhatsApp app for Apple Watch

Meta has unveiled an overhaul for the WhatsApp experience on Apple Watch. The first official such app for the wearable is rolling out today and it includes support for what the company calls many requested features. You'll now be able to see everything your friends are saying via your Apple Watch as longer WhatsApp messages won't be truncated. You'll have the option to respond to messages with quick emoji reactions. The Apple Watch app will enable you to record and send voice messages from your wrist. In addition, you'll be able to see call notifications with details on who's trying to get in touch with you without having to look at your iPhone. Other features include the ability to see clear images and stickers on the Apple Watch app, as well as more of your chat history. Of course, there's still end-to-end encryption for your messages and calls. The new app is a major upgrade over only being able to reply to WhatsApp messages via mirrored iPhone notifications on Apple Watch. To use it, you'll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer that's running at least watchOS 10. It's a little wild that it has taken Meta so long to create a proper Apple Watch app. Even BlackBerry made a BBM app for the wearable, and that was a decade ago. But perhaps it shouldnt be too surprising given how long we had to wait for an Instagram iPad app . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/meta-finally-made-a-proper-whatsapp-app-for-apple-watch-150000781.html?src=rss

The GOP Civil War Over Nick Fuentes Has Just Begun

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Alexa+ comes to the Amazon Music app

Amazon has launched its new and improved AI assistant in the Amazon Music app. From today, anyone signed up to Alexa+ Early Access with the latest version of the app downloaded to their iOS or Android device can start using Amazons reimagined virtual assistant for music discovery and organizing their libraries. To access the chatbot, you tap the A button in the lower right corner of the screen when Amazon Music is open. You can then test its knowledge by asking it a range of questions, from something as basic as finding a recently released song by a particular artist, to more complex searches based on a single lyric or the name of the TV show the song youre trying to find is featured in. Alexa+ is designed for more conversational interactions, so you can use natural language prompts and then ask follow-up questions as you would if you were talking to a friend, to narrow down its search results. Amazon says you can search for specific eras, moods and instruments, as well as telling Alexa what you dont want it to serve up. Alexa+ can also be used for playlist creation, allowing you to request something as specific as a high-energy running playlist with songs from a particular decade that starts with a song from a certain artist. You can also be more vague, asking for something that fits your current mood or the time of day. Alexa+ in Amazon Music is being marketed not only as an AI tastemaker and personal DJ, but also a music expert, so you can ask it things like the inspiration for a songs lyrics, where an album charted and questions about upcoming live performances. Alexa+ has been gradually rolling out in Amazons various smart devices since the beginning of the year, with mixed results. Youll be using it in everything from new Ring devices, to the latest Kindles and Vega , Amazons new smart TV operating system. Its also built into the new Echo Studio speaker, and Engadgets Billy Steele was impressed by the AI assistants more human-like conversation skills, even if its still prone to basic errors right now, such as getting the day of the week wrong in a response. Alexa+ is currently available in Early Access for all tiers of Amazon Music. Eventually itll be free to all Prime members, and available to non-Prime members for $20 per month (more than an Amazon Prime subscription on its own). This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/alexa-comes-to-the-amazon-music-app-143234227.html?src=rss

The 16 Best Advent Calendars (2025): We Opened Every Door

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Motorola introduces its latest takes on the Moto G and Moto G Play phones

Motorola has been consistently offering solid budget smartphone offerings, and the company back with new refreshes to its Moto G and Moto G Play for 2026. The latest versions offer some incremental tech upgrades and a couple lovely new color options for the aesthetic upgrades. These smartphones both sport 6.7-inch displays with 120Hz and peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The Moto G boasts a 50MP camera as well as a 32MP front camera for selfies, while the Moto G Play has 32MP for its main camera and 8MP for the front camera. Both devices' photography is backed by quad pixel technology to provide detailed image capture in a variety of lighting conditions. These two phones have a 5,200mAh battery and adds some quick-charging options: 30W for the Moto G and 18W for the Moto G Play. On the durability front, the Moto G is still using Gorilla Glass 3 and boasts an IP52 water resistance rating, as the 2025 model did, and the same will also be available in the Moto G Play model. Both phones are getting some Pantone color options in leather-inspired finishes. The Moto G will have a gray color called Slipstream or the purple of Cattleya Orchid, while the Moto G Play comes in Pantone Tapestry blue. Moto G will continue to retail starting at $200 and will be available directly from Motorola starting on December 11, followed by Amazon and Best Buy availability on January 15. The Moto G Play will be available online from Motorola, Best Buy and Amazon on November 13 for $170; the model will arrive in stores some time in the coming months. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/motorola-introduces-its-latest-takes-on-the-moto-g-and-moto-g-play-phones-140000620.html?src=rss

ClickUp adds new AI assistant to better compete with Slack and Notion

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Early Black Friday deals include the Google TV Streamer 4K for a record-low price

If you'd rather not spend the money on a brand new TV this year, you can make an old set feel new again with a streaming device. Our favorite streaming device is on sale right now ahead of Black Friday: you can grab the Google TV Streamer 4K for only $75, which is the lowest price we've seen so far. The Amazon deal applies to both color options, White and the soft gray Haze. The Google TV Streamer is our top pick for an all-in-one streaming device . It has a faster processor than Google's previous streaming devices (22 percent faster, according to the company), so you can switch between apps and different media without lagging. It also has more storage and memory, at 32GB and 4GB, respectively. Google TV streamer has an intuitive interface and keeps all of your favorite content from different streaming apps organized in one menu. It also seamlessly integrates Google Home, allowing you to control your smart home devices from a slideout panel on the TV. The 4K streamer comes in a set-top wedge design, rather than the dongle of Chromecasts past, but you'll have to pick up an HDMI cable separately if you don't already have one you can use. It comes with a small remote that you can ping by pressing a button on the streamer for when you inevitably misplace it. In her review of the device , Engadget's Amy Skorheim called the Google TV streamer a full-featured, competent device with an interface thats better than most at pulling together all the disparate threads of a streaming experience. One of its only downsides is the relatively high cost at $100, so don't let this deal go to waste. In addition to the streaming device, Google has a bunch of other tech on sale for Black Friday . The entry-level Nest thermostat is on sale for $90 right now, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E router has dropped to $120 for a single-pack; that's 40 percent off. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/early-black-friday-deals-include-the-google-tv-streamer-4k-for-a-record-low-price-173858982.html?src=rss

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Apple's MacBook Air M4 drops to an all-time-low price ahead of Black Friday

The Apple MacBook Air M4 laptop is back on sale for just $799 , which is one heck of a deal. This sale is for the model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It's available in multiple colorways. We ranked this as our favorite Apple laptop in our list of the best MacBook computers . Heck, it's even our very favorite laptop . Full stop. The performance is exceptionally snappy, thanks to the M4 chip. We appreciated the upgraded battery life, which now lasts for around 18 hours per charge. That's well beyond a full day of work. The design is lightweight, but sturdy. This has become a hallmark for modern MacBook Air computers. The screen is both gorgeous and roomy, even though it's technically just a 13-inch panel. There's support for the P3 wide color gamut and it can reach up to 500 nits of brightness. This is a near-perfect laptop, but there are a couple of nitpicks. There's no USB-C port on the right side, limiting how users can arrange accessories on a desk. Also, the screen is capped with a 60Hz refresh rate. Another potential complication is the looming specter of the M5 chip. The company has already released the MacBook Pro M5 , so a new MacBook Air is likely coming in the nearish future. If you need more screen space, you'll find a similar discount on the 15-inch MacBook Air on Amazon, too. Most color options are $200 off and down to $999 for the base model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-macbook-air-m4-drops-to-an-all-time-low-price-ahead-of-black-friday-183808575.html?src=rss

BITS Pilani WILP Professor Nishit Narang to unlock the skill code for AI-ready teams at TechSparks 2025

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Apple TV has a new intro bumper and soundmark

Apple dropped the plus from its streaming service's name in October, because the company typically uses the plus sign for free services with paid versions, such as iCloud+. Now, the company has released a new intro bumper and soundmark for its TV service. Apple has uploaded a five-second video showing its streaming service's new logo appearing in a hazy multi-colored animation before it shifts into focus at the center of the screen. Playing in the background is a soundmark, or as its composer calls it, a mnemonic. The soundmark will appear before every show and every episode in a series, according its composer Finneas, whom you may know as Billie Eilish's brother and frequent collaborator. The things that I think of as real classic mnemonics are NBC you can hear that in your head or HBO has its static, he told Variety . Netflix's tudum sound is pretty iconic, as well. Only time can tell if Apple's will have the same impact. He explained that the five-second version Apple released as a video will be played before every movie and in between the episodes of a show, so you're bound to hear it multiple times if you're bingeing a series. Apple also made a one-second version of the intro for trailers and a 12-second one for anything released in theaters, such as Killers of the Flower Moon . Finneas said that he was approached by Apple's Head of Music, David Taylor, who apparently told him that the company was simplifying the service. Removing the plus from its name was just the beginning. In addition, Apple has also debuted a new logo for Apple One , a subscription option that bundles multiple Apple services, including Apple Music, TV and iCloud+, into a lower-priced monthly plan. The new logo uses a textured multi-colored Apple illustration. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apple-tv-has-a-new-intro-bumper-and-soundmark-140016449.html?src=rss

Learn how to turn engagement into impact at Metas masterclass at TechSparks 2025

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The best board games to gift (and play) this 2025 holiday season

It's become cliche to say that we live in a golden age of board games, but to paraphrase the great stoic philosopher Andy Bernard, it's great to know you're in the good old days before you've left them. Great titles are still coming out by the thousands every year, from crowd-pleasing party games to genre-bending, theme-heavy Euros. Whether the gamer in your life is looking for a mind-warping challenge, a fun evening with friends or something in-between, we've got new releases or old favorites they'll love. The best board games to gift (and play) Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-board-games-to-gift-and-play-this-2025-holiday-season-125529143.html?src=rss

At TechSparks 2025, Meta to share the builders playbook for scaling smarter and faster

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Hisense U75QG TV Review: Dazzling Punch, Minimal Compromises

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The Morning After: Musk talks flying Teslas on Joe Rogans show

Elon Musk told Joe Rogan on his podcast he hopes to unveil a flying car before the end of the year. It was an interesting announcement to make, as Rogan also asked Musk about the long-delayed second-gen Tesla Roadster. Tesla unveiled a new Roadster in 2017 and had plans to start deliveries in 2020, but production was delayed several times. Avoiding that conversation, the Tesla CEO suddenly started talking about wanting the vehicle to fly. After vague answers and musing, he eventually said: My friend Peter Thiel once reflected that the future was supposed to have flying cars, but we dont have flying cars. He claimed the vehicle Tesla is supposedly working on contains crazy, crazy technology. Musk said he wasnt sure its technically a car but that it looks like a car. Musk has been talking about flying cars since 2014. Given his optimistic take on development timelines, thats a good 10 years of talk so far. Give it perhaps another 10? Mat Smith Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The news you might have missed Logitech is going after keyboard snobs with the hot-swappable Alto Keys K98M Acer Predator Triton 14 AI review: A true ultraportable gaming laptop YouTube TV blackout with Disney: How to watch ESPN, ABC and more as a YouTube TV subscriber OpenAI signs $38 billion cloud contract with Amazon The $115,000 showdown between Meta and Facebook creators The business of viral Facebook content is lucrative, but often volatile. Engadget Creator Mel Bouzad is suing Meta for over $115,000 on his and other creators behalf. He alleges that Metas broken AI and vague monetization policy violations led to the wrongful demonetization of high-earning pages and the withholding of tens of thousands of dollars in payments. Can multiple small claims court fights force Meta to provide human support and fix its system? Read the full story on the volatile world of viral content. Continue reading. Pentagon may award SpaceX a billion-dollar contract to help with Golden Dome SpaceX could build up to 600 satellites for a new defense system. SpaceX will reportedly receive a $2 billion contract to develop satellites for the US government, according to sources talking to The Wall Street Journal . SpaceX will reportedly be tasked with developing up to 600 satellites that can track missiles and aircraft and will be used for President Trumps proposed Golden Dome project. The president introduced the project earlier this year as an anti-missile defense system, designed to intercept missile attacks before they reach their target. Continue reading. Apple Vision Pro M5 review A better beta is still a beta. Engadget Apple surprised many by announcing an upgraded Vision Pro with its latest M5 chip. Its still largely the same device. The revamped Apple Vision Pro is faster and more comfortable than the original, but its limited ecosystem still makes it better suited to developers than consumers. It does support PSVR2 controllers, though. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-musk-talks-flying-teslas-on-joe-rogans-show-120438841.html?src=rss

iOS 26.1 lets you turn down liquid glass transparency

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The best smart home gadgets for 2025

Turning your home into a smart home is easier than ever. Todays gadgets can do everything from warming the house before you wake up to locking the door behind you at night. You can ask a voice assistant to dim the lights, set a reminder or play music while a robot vacuum takes care of the floors. With more devices working together across platforms, its never been simpler to make everyday life feel a little more connected. The best smart home gadgets save time and effort by automating the small things. You can control lighting, climate and security from your phone or with a quick voice command. Smart displays act as control hubs, video doorbells show whos outside and sensors can trigger routines when you walk through the door. What once felt futuristic now just feels useful. Whether youre starting small or expanding an existing setup, the latest smart home devices fit neatly into daily routines. From connected plugs to cleaning robots, they bring convenience, comfort and peace of mind to every room. Table of contents Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart speakers Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart displays Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart lights Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Security cameras Best smart home gadgets for 2025: IoT gear How to pick the right voice assistant before you buy smart gadgets Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart speakers Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart displays Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart lights Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Security cameras Best smart home gadgets for 2025: IoT gear How to pick the right voice assistant before you buy smart gadgets While plenty of the best smart home devices are platform agnostic, there are some smart speakers and smart displays in particular that require you to choose your voice control assistant. Currently, that means deciding if youll use the Google Assistant or Amazons Alexa on a regular basis (Ill address Siri in a moment.) Theyre both compatible with various smart home tech products from light switches and bulbs to robot vacuums, but there are certain devices that work best with either Google or Amazon. Nest products, for example, are more compatible and have more functionality with Google-powered speakers and displays. They can still work with Amazon devices , but certain features might be disabled. The same holds true with Amazon products: They work better if theyre in the same ecosystem. Amazon Alexa So how do you choose between Alexa and Google Assistant? It really depends on your personal preferences. Do you listen to Audible, watch Prime Video and tend to do a lot of shopping on Amazon? Then you might lean toward an Alexa-powered home automation setup. Alexa supports a wide range of devices including smart locks, smart thermostats and motion sensors and many of its speakers and displays include remote control functionality for lights, plugs and other smart gear. Google Assistant If you want a voice assistant thats great at answering questions, Google Assistant tends to be better than Alexa. Amazons helper, on the other hand, currently supports more smart home products. The companys smart speakers and displays also support the Zigbee smart home protocol, and some devices even have built-in smart home hubs. Both Google and Amazon devices can sync with your calendar, though Googles tend to work better with Google services. Plus, if you already have an Android smartphone, you might be more comfortable with Google Assistant anyway. Siri But what about Siri ? Apples assistant supports voice control as well, but it doesn't have as many compatible devices as Google or Amazon. The HomePod mini and the full-sized HomePod are the only Siri-compatible speakers on the market at the moment, too. That said, its not too hard to find Apple HomeKit-compatible gear as more third-party companies add support for it, but you currently have a smaller pool of devices to choose from. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-home-gadgets-125608958.html?src=rss

The EV Battery Tech Thats Worth the Hype, According to Experts

Major battery breakthroughs seemingly happen every day, but only some of that tech ever leaves the lab. WIRED breaks down whats actually going to change EVs and whats just a dream.

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20% Off Chewy Promo Codes | November 2025

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Caught on camera: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reappears after solar swing first optical image captured

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Logitech is going after keyboard snobs with the hot-swappable Alto Keys K98M

Logitech is hoping to attract all the keebheads out there with its latest Alto Keys K98M. While this keyboard has been available in Asian markets for a while, Logitech finally brought its customizable work keyboard to the US. It may appeal to a specific demographic, but it's a welcome return to hot-swappable offerings from Logitech. The Alto Keys K98M is now available in US markets through its website for $119. According to Logitech, the Alto Keys K98M comes with hot-swappable Logi Marble linear switches. While Logitech sells several mechanical keyboards , the last notable one with a hot-swappable board was the Logitech G Pro X from 2019. Now, Logitech wants to dive back into the hardcore side of the keyboard world with something that's more tailored for the workspace. Instead of obnoxious RGB lighting , the Alto Keys K98M features a translucent frame that's paired with white backlighting. For long days, the keyboard has a UniCushion design, where the full frame gasket mount absorbs typing vibrations for an improved feel and sound. For customizability beyond switches, Logitech included three action keys that can be programmed for whatever you need. The first three F keys also work as Easy-Switch buttons that let you cycle between up to three devices. The Alto Keys K98M works wirelessly through Bluetooth and is compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and iPadOS. Logitech said that the keyboard will get up to a year of wireless use if you keep the backlighting off. When the Alto Keys K98M's battery runs low, you can continue using it as you recharge it through the USB-C port. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/logitech-is-going-after-keyboard-snobs-with-the-hot-swappable-alto-keys-k98m-031051209.html?src=rss

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