Gadgets News

Ayaneo's first smartphone is a major callback to the Xperia Play

Close enough, welcome back Xperia Play . After releasing a teaser video in early November, Ayaneo fully revealed its first smartphone called the Pocket Play . As suspected, the Ayaneo Pocket Play features a sliding mechanism that transforms it from a chunky smartphone into a gaming handheld. In its gaming configuration, the Pocket Play features a controller setup with a D-pad, ABXY buttons and four shoulder buttons. However, Ayaneo has modernized the Xperia Play design by incorporating two touchpads, which will also be seen in the handheld maker's next flagship device called the Next II . According to Ayaneo, you can map these touchpads as virtual joysticks or customizable inputs. Ayaneo hasn't revealed the specs of the Pocket Play yet, but the device appears to have slots that could hint at expandable storage options. The Pocket Play will be Ayaneo's first foray into the smartphone world, albeit with mobile gaming in mind. It'll have to compete against the likes of other gaming-specific smartphones like the Redmagic 10 Pro or the Asus ROG Phone series , as well as the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones that can also handle demanding mobile games. Ayaneo will launch the Pocket Play on Kickstarter soon, but hasn't revealed any pricing details yet. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ayaneos-first-smartphone-is-a-major-callback-to-the-xperia-play-165206332.html?src=rss

A AAA game for the Alien franchise is back in the works

If Alien: Romulus reawakened your appetite for the iconic sci-fi franchise , the good news is that a promising video game could be on the way. According to an Insider Gaming report, a new game for the Alien franchise is back in development. The report's sources mentioned that the single-player game will be set in a decaying space station as an arcade survival horror that can be compared to Shadow of [the] Tomb Raider with Xenomorphs. It's not the first time we heard about this Alien game, which was first reported on in 2022 under the codename Marathon. According to Insider Gaming , the game has cycled through several developers, but more recently landed with Eidos Montreal, which developed Shadow of the Tomb Raider and is currently working on the upcoming Fable reboot . The report added that the game's development budget was increased to less than $75 million, up from the initial $30 million budget from a few years ago. Insider Gaming 's report noted that the game is still in early development, but could feature Ripley 8, the human-Xenomorph hybrid that was first seen in Alien Resurrection. The game's details and release date are still subject to change, but Insider Gaming 's sources said the game is in a good place at this point and is expected to release in 2028 on all platforms. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-aaa-game-for-the-alien-franchise-is-back-in-the-works-204401214.html?src=rss

Half-Life 3 is rumored to be a Steam Machine launch title and could arrive in spring 2026

Half-Life fans are nothing if not patient. For the diehard fans out there, the latest test of patience comes from Insider Gaming Weekly 's podcast , which claimed that the third installment in the Half-Life franchise is set to release with the launch of the Steam Machine sometime in spring 2026. The window I was specifically told was spring 2026 for the Steam Machine, for the Frame, for the Controller, for Half-Life 3, Mike Straw, one of the hosts of the Insider Gaming Weekly podcast and senior editor at Insider Gaming , said. At the end of the day, the game is real. Straw added that all the previous dates for an announcement of the next Half-Life game have passed, but that his sources are still adamant this is a game that will be a launch title with the Steam Machine. However, being tied to Valve's latest hardware release could be an issue since Straw noted that the explosive jump in RAM pricing is causing considerable concern for the Steam Machine's pricing announcement. There is a concern, however, they haven't made a decision on price, which is kind of holding back the announcement of anything else, Straw said. There's no doubt in my mind Valve is still trying to make decisions because of what's going on on the component side. While optimistic devotees were hoping for some teasers during The Game Awards , Valve hasn't officially said anything. However, there's still a lot of hope, especially considering Valve updated Half-Life 2 for its 20th anniversary , and previous rumors hinted at a game that's still in development but is playable from beginning to end. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/half-life-3-is-rumored-to-be-a-steam-machine-launch-title-and-could-arrive-in-spring-2026-193029413.html?src=rss

iOS 26.2 is here with another Liquid Glass tweak, new Podcasts features and more

Apple has released iOS 26.2 , bringing a number of new convenience features and security updates. The update includes auto-generated chapters for episodes in the Podcasts app, the option to make AirDrop more secure using verification codes, alarms for Reminders and more. It also introduces new controls for how Liquid Glass appears on the Lock Screen, adding a slider to adjust the transparency level. The drop also includes updates for iPadOS , macOS , watchOS , visionOS and tvOS . What's new in iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 It's not exactly a major update feature-wise, but iOS and iPadOS 26.2 bring a bunch of quality of life improvements to apps including Apple Music, Podcasts and Games. In Apple Music, you'll now see your Favorite Songs playlist in the Top Picks section, and lyrics will be available offline for songs you've downloaded. In addition to automatically generated chapters, Podcasts will display links to any other podcasts mentioned in the episode you're listening to. And, Games is getting in-game score banners, along with filters for the library to make it easier to find titles based on category and other descriptors. Apple says it also improved support for Backbone and Razer controllers. With iOS 26.2, Apple made Safety Alerts for natural disasters and other emergencies more detailed, and they'll now come with maps of affected areas and other useful information. For iPad users, Apple has added drag-and-drop gestures for its new windowing system to make multitasking smoother. The update for iPhones and iPads also addresses several potential security issues , including vulnerabilities in WebKit that Apple says may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 26. So, if you're not yet running the latest OS on your iPhone and iPad, it's a good time to update. OS updates for the rest of the family Beyond the iPhone and iPad, macOS Tahoe 26.2 introduces Edge Light for Mac, which turns your display into a ring light for video calls. For the Apple Watch, 26.2 fixes an issue with stuck songs in the Music app, and adds some new controls for the Sleep app. The tvOS update brings the option to add profiles even for people who don't have an Apple Account, and new restriction options for kid profiles. With visionOS 26.2, Travel Mode now has settings for cars and buses, and you'll now be able to use spatial accessories including Logitech Muse in Notes, Freeform, and any PencilKit-enabled app to create hand-drawn content with the Apple Vision Pro. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-262-is-here-with-another-liquid-glass-tweak-new-podcasts-features-and-more-181020133.html?src=rss

CRKD's Nitro Deck 2 works for both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Even though Nintendo made some serious upgrades with the Joy-Con 2 , you still might end up ditching them for CRKD's Nitro Deck 2. After winning over Nintendo Switch owners with its first Nitro Deck , CRKD followed it up with an improved design that works for both the original Switch and the Switch 2 . To refine the original design, CRKD added several upgrades to the Nitro Deck 2 based on community feedback. The new-and-improved accessory features the company's CaptiStick Technology, which prevents stick drift and isn't affected by magnetic interference like other Hall effect joysticks . CRKD also offset the right thumbstick and contoured the outer shell for a more ergonomic feel. The Nitro Deck 2 is keeping the swappable stick top feature, but CRKD added the ability to swap out the D-Pad for even more customizability. At the back of the Nitro Deck 2, CRKD managed to squeeze in extra L2 and R2 shoulder buttons alongside the programmable back buttons, which were first seen with the predecessor. CRKD Even if you don't own a Switch 2 yet, the Nitro Deck 2 features a new retractable locking mechanism that can be adjusted to fit both the original Switch and Switch OLED. The Nitro Deck 2 supports a low-latency wired mode thanks to an included adapter, but you can also connect the devices through Bluetooth. Thanks to its wireless connection, the Nitro Deck 2 even works as a controller with PC, mobile or smart TVs. The Nitro Deck 2 will release in white and smoke black, starting at $99.99. That's a $30 increase from the original Nitro Deck's price tag when it debuted in 2023. CRKD will also offer a carrying case for $39.99 and additional D-Pad and Stick Top packs for $19.99. Nitro Deck 2 is currently available for preorders on CRKD's website and is expected to start shipping in spring 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/crkds-nitro-deck-2-works-for-both-the-nintendo-switch-and-switch-2-173920127.html?src=rss

OnePlus 15R to sport a 32 MP selfie camera with 4K video shooting

OnePlus 15R will launch on December 17 along with Pad Go 2

Amazon pulls its bad AI video recaps after Fallout fallout

Amazon has responded to viewers catching errors in its AI-generated season recaps by apparently pulling them from Prime Video. The company announced its new Video Recaps feature in November as a way to make it easier to jump into a new season of a show, but the feature had issues: A recap created for Fallout included factual errors about the plot and the setting of the show. On Prime Video, recaps can be played in the Extras section if you're watching on the web, or via a dedicated recap button on the show's page, according to Amazon's original Video Recaps announcement . If you head to the Fallout s eason two page now, the erroneous recap has been removed. In fact, at least on the web, there are currently no video recaps available on the show's Amazon was testing the feature on, which includes Fallout, Bosch, Upload, The Rig and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan . Engadget has contacted Amazon for more information on why the recaps were removed. We'll update this article if we hear back. Video Recaps are just one of the ways Amazon is trying to integrate AI into its different products and services. The company offered AI-generated English dubs for select anime shows on Prime Video, before it pulled the dubs after users complained. Amazon also uses AI to generate recaps for long-running book series that are sold through the Kindle Store. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-pulls-its-bad-ai-video-recaps-after-fallout-fallout-220358758.html?src=rss

IKEA's new wireless charger is as cute as it is practical

IKEA's revamp of its smart home products doesn't end with Matter support. The furniture and home goods company also has a line of new Qi wireless chargers, the best of which, the VSTMRKE wireless charger , combines the functionality of a PopSockets-style phone grip with cable storage. The $10 VSTMRKE wireless charger is reminiscent of a bagel or donut, if you could take the top half of those ring-shaped foods and turn them inside out to create a cozy grip for your fingers. That same red silicone design also makes for a perfect place to store the charger's built-in USB-C cable, according to IKEA's product page, and otherwise acts as a playful replacement for what can be a pretty boring smartphone accessory. A VSTMRKE wireless charger with its top half unfolded so fingers can grip it. IKEA VSTMRKE offers Qi2 charging speeds and can magnetically attach to iPhones with MagSafe or Pixel phones with Google's Pixelsnap magnets . If you're interested in something a bit more discrete, the $25 VSTMRKE wireless charger with lighting is a bowl-shaped charger with a column in the center for attaching a smartphone, and room around it for keys or your wallet. IKEA has had multiple different ideas over the years for how smart home tech should integrate with its minimalist and user-friendly furniture. The company's partnership with Sonos ended in May 2025 , which produced lights and picture frames with smart speakers built-in. Since then, the company has announced a new Bluetooth speaker and started rolling out a new collection of Matter-connected remotes, lights and sensors. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ikeas-new-wireless-charger-is-as-cute-as-it-is-practical-195013422.html?src=rss

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs dropped a big update after sweeping The Game Awards

Sandfall Interactive, the developer of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , knows how to ride the wave. Right after the visually stunning RPG finished dominating The Game Awards, the team dropped a free Thank You content update for fans. This is no minor patch. It adds a playable environment and new boss battles for late-game players. The Thank You update also adds new music tracks, a Photo Mode and new text and UI localizations. On top of that, you'll find quality-of-life tweaks, including improved performance on handheld PCs . Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won a record-breaking nine categories at The Game Awards 2025. That includes deep breath Game of the Year, Best RPG, Best Art Direction, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Performance (Jennifer English), Best Score and Music, Best Debut Game and Best Indie Game. The previous record was The Last of Us Part 2 , which took home seven awards in 2020. The game's free Thank You update is rolling out now. You can catch a glimpse of it in the trailer below. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/clair-obscur-expedition-33-devs-dropped-a-big-update-after-sweeping-the-game-awards-183628313.html?src=rss

The best stocking stuffers you can get for $50 or less

While its probably tempting to go all-out and give a loved one their most desired gadget this year, doing so could put a big dent in your budget. And it would be wrong to assume that you have to spend hundreds to get a good tech gift that anyone will appreciate. There are plenty of gadgets and accessories out there that dont cost an arm and a leg and that will also make good additions to their kits. Here are some of our favorite tech gift ideas that come in at $50 or less. Best stocking stuffers for $50 or less Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-best-stocking-stuffers-you-can-get-for-50-or-less-130049325.html?src=rss

Google Translate is now better at translating slang terms and idioms using AI

Google is rolling out new Gemini-assisted functionality to Search and its Translate app. It says its AI can now provide more natural and accurate text translations for phrases that have more nuanced meanings. Translate will now take slang terms and colloquial expressions into consideration rather than provide sometimes unhelpful direct translations. The latest update to its text translation feature is rolling out first in the US and India, translating between English and just under 20 other languages, including German, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic. It works in the Translate app for iOS and Android and on the web. Geminis speech-to-speech translation feature has also been updated, so you can now hear real-time translations in your headphones, like with Apples AirPods Pro 3 . Google says the new functionality, which is now in beta in the Translate app for Android (iOS is coming next year) in the US, tries to preserve the tone, emphasis and cadence of each speaker so you better understand the direction of the conversation and who said what. It works with any headphones and supports more than 70 languages. Finally, Google is adding more tools to its potentially Duolingo-rivaling AI-powered language learning tools, which it introduced to the Translate app in August. Like Duolingo, Translate can now track how many days in a row youve been attempting to learn a new language, so you can check your progress over time. Whether it will nag you as persistently as the Duolingo owl famously does for slacking off is not clear. The feedback feature has also been improved, so you should receive more useful tips on how youre pronouncing words or phrases. Germany, India and Sweden are among the 20 new countries that can now use these educational tools. After not showing it much love for a while, Google has been busy adding new features to Translate recently. As well as the new language practice feature, an update last month added the ability to select between Fast and Advanced translations that allow you to prioritize speed when youre in a rush (ordering a drink at the bar, for example) or receiving more accurate translations using Gemini. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-translate-is-now-better-at-translating-slang-terms-and-idioms-using-ai-173428316.html?src=rss

Doom studio id Software forms 'wall-to-wall' union, with 165 employees voting in favor

Id Software, the company behind Doom, has voted in favor of forming a wall-to-wall union. The term wall-to-wall refers to a union that includes every employee, regardless of duties. The vote wasn't unanimous, with 165 of 185 total employees in favor of the union. The union will work in conjunction with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), which is the same organization involved with parent company ZeniMax's recent unionization efforts . Microsoft, who owns ZeniMax, has already recognized this new effort, according to a statement by the CWA . It agreed to a labor neutrality agreement with the CWA and ZeniMax workers last year, paving the way for this sort of thing. The wall-to-wall organizing effort at id Software was much needed; its incredibly important that developers across the industry unite to push back on all the unilateral workplace changes that are being handed down from industry executives, id Software producer and CWA committee member Andrew Willis wrote in a statement to Engadget. From the onset, this union will look to protect remote work for id Software employees. Remote work isnt a perk. Its a necessity for our health, our families, and our access needs. RTO policies should not be handed down from executives with no consideration for accessibility or our well-being, said id Software Lead Services Programmer Chris Hays. He also said he looks forward to getting worker protections regarding the responsible use of AI. Workers at id began organizing around 18 months ago, according to a report by Aftermath . Things sped up after Microsoft closed several Bethesda studios in the middle of last year. We look forward to sitting across the table from Microsoft to negotiate a contract that reflects the skill, creativity and dedication these workers bring to every project, said CWA Local 6215 President Ron Swaggerty. The developer's latest game is Doom: The Dark Ages , which we loved . It scooped up an award for accessibility at last night's The Game Awards . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/doom-studio-id-software-forms-wall-to-wall-union-with-165-employees-voting-in-favor-164808311.html?src=rss

The best iPad deals this week include the iPad Air M3 for $150 off

We generally consider Apples iPads to be the best tablets for most people, but they usually dont come cheap. To help those looking to grab one get the most value possible, were keeping an eye on sale prices and rounding up the best iPad deals we can find each week. This weeks highlights include both versions of the latest iPad Air for $150 off at Amazon, matching the all-time lows we last saw around Black Friday. The iPad mini and iPad Pro are each $100 off as well. Beyond iPads, both the AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch Series 11 are even cheaper than they were last month, and there are still decent drops for the AirPods 4 , Apple Watch SE 3 and MacBook Air . Here are the best Apple deals from this week that we can find. Best iPad deals Apple iPad Air (13-inch, M3) for $650 ($149 off MSRP) : The 13-inch iPad Air is exactly the same as its smaller counterpart, only it has a larger and slightly brighter display. We gave it a review score of 89 earlier this year. This is another all-time low, but again, make sure to clip the coupon on Amazon's product page to see the full discount. Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) for $399 ($100 off) : The iPad mini is exactly what it sounds like : the smaller iPad. This latest iteration adds an improved A17 Pro chip, 128GB of storage in the base model and Apple Pencil Pro support. As always, youd buy it if you value the smaller 8.3-inch display and want a tablet thats easier to use with one hand. This discount is $50 more than the all-time low we saw around Cyber Monday but still $100 less than buying directly from Apple. Also at Best Buy . Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, M5) for $899 ($100 off) : The latest iPad Pro is still more tablet than most people will ever need, but its class-leading OLED display, impressively thin design and super-powerful M5 chip make it a luxury experience for those who can afford it. The device was only released in October, so this deal ties its lowest price to date. Also at Best Buy and B&H . Apple iPad Pro (13-inch, M5) for $1,199 ($100 off) : Its not a massive discount, but this matches the lowest price so far for the larger iPad Pro, which may be worthwhile if youve got cash to burn and want to use an iPad as your main computer. We gave it a score of 85 in our review. Also at B&H . Best Apple deals Apple AirPods 4 for $74 ($55 off) : If you don't need active noise cancellation and hate the feeling of headphones that just into your ear canal, the standard AirPods 4 remain a good buy. They lack built-in volume controls, and no open-style earbuds can produce the same level of bass as typical in-ear headphones, but they generally sound more pleasant than most pairs along these lines and still offer the usual array of Apple-friendly features. This discount is only $5 more than the all-time low we saw around Black Friday. Also at Best Buy for $85 if that runs out of stock. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC for $99 ($80 off) : This version of the AirPods 4 adds active noise cancellation, a wireless charging case and Find My tracking support on top of the many other iPhone-friendly features included with any set of Apple headphones. It still has an open-back design, so the ANC isnt as effective as what youd get with a pair that fully seals off your ear canal, but its useful all the same. We gave it a score of 86 in our review. This deal matches the pairs all-time lowest price. Apple Watch SE 3 for $199 ($50 off) : This discount has been around for a few weeks, but its the lowest price to date for Apples newest entry-level smartwatch. We gave the SE 3 a score of 90 in our review last month: The big upgrade is an always-on display, which makes it so you no longer have to wake the watch to check the time or notifications. It still includes most of the essential health and fitness features beyond that, plus it now runs on the same chipset as the higher-end Apple Watch Series 11. Also at Walmart . Apple Pencil Pro for $95 ($34 off) : The Pencil Pro is Apples most feature-rich stylus, offering pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, haptic feedback and unique gesture controls compared to the standard USB-C model (which isnt significantly discounted). Just note that its not compatible with the entry-level iPad and other older models. While this discount is only $5 below the devices usual street price, its still the largest discount weve seen this year. Also at Walmart . Apple Mac mini (M4) for $479 ($120 off) : The latest iteration of Apples tiny desktop PC has a smaller footprint, a faster M4 chip, 16GB of RAM by default, two front-facing USB-C ports and an extra Thunderbolt 4 port. It can also drive three external displays, though it lacks USB-A ports entirely. We gave a higher-end model with Apples M4 Pro chip a score of 90 in our review. This deal on the base model with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is $10 more than the best deal we've seen but $20 less than the config's typical street price. Read more Apple coverage : The best AirPods The best Apple Watches The best MacBooks The best iPhones The best iPads Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-ipad-deals-this-week-include-the-ipad-air-m3-for-150-off-150020455.html?src=rss

The best tech gifts and cool gadgets for 2025

Engadget staffers spend the entire year poking, prodding and otherwise testing the latest tech gadgets. So weve got a pretty good handle on whats unique and interesting right now. We put together this list for anyone looking for a good gift for that tech-obsessed person on their gift list. Some of these are devices weve tested for our reviews and guides, others are items we bought for ourselves (or wish someone would buy for us). Weve got more than 35 picks here, from nearly every member of the Engadget team. Chances are, youll find a good gift or two for every tech nerd you know. Here are our favorite tech gifts and gadgets for 2025. Best tech gifts and gadgets Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/the-best-tech-gifts-and-cool-gadgets-for-2025-140052697.html?src=rss

The Apple Watch Series 11 is $100 off and cheaper than ever

If you're still on the hunt for gifts, or simply good holiday deals for yourself, you can find them on the internet. Just because Black Friday and Cyber Monday have ended doesn't mean the deals have dried up. One of the best deals available that we're tracking is on the latest Apple Watch Series 11 , which you can get for a record low of $299. We gave the Apple Watch Series 11 a score of 90 when it came out in September. That's thanks, in part, to an upgraded 24 hours of battery life which lasted closer to a day and a half compared to the 18 hours promised by the Series 10. It also features a thin, light design and a wrist flick gesture for everything from dismissing a notification to ending calls. Plus, it has Apple's new hypertension tracker and comprehensive health monitoring. This deal is available for the Apple Watch Series 11 with a 42mm case and a small to medium band. Also on sale right now in the Apple Watch space is the Apple Watch SE 3, which is down to $199. Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-watch-series-11-is-100-off-and-cheaper-than-ever-130006005.html?src=rss

F1: The Movie now streaming on Apple TV following a long theatrical run

F1: The Movie , the cinematic love letter to Formula One and quite possibly even more so consumer products made by Apple, is finally available to stream on Apple TV if youre a subscriber. It follows the sports thrillers long theatrical run, during which it raked in more than $630 million globally, comfortably making it Apples most successful original film. Directed by Joseph Kosinski ( Top Gun: Maverick , Tron: Legacy ), F1: The Movie follows the washed-up former F1 prodigy Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who is convinced by an old friend (Javier Bardem) to get back in the driver's seat and help rescue his failing team. Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton served as a producer on the film to ensure it represented the sport as authentically as possible. Engadgets Devindra Hardawar reviewed F1: The Movie when it arrived in theatres in the summer, calling it a shameless Apple ad that will blow your socks off. Should you manage to keep your eyes from rolling straight out of their sockets when a pair of AirPods Max appear on screen before anyone says a word, then a deliriously entertaining blockbuster awaits. For all of the films formulaic storytelling and generic characters, the Really Fast Car bits are so well done that they put F1: The Movie among the very best racing movies, as far as our reviewer is concerned. In truth, its the kind of film that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen you can find, but failing that, the TV in your living room should do the job just fine, too. Apple recently dropped the + from its streaming services name, so its now just called Apple TV (yes, the same name as one of its products ). If youre a new subscriber you can take advantage of a seven-day free trial, after which it costs $13 per month following a recent price hike. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/f1-the-movie-now-streaming-on-apple-tv-following-a-long-theatrical-run-133531702.html?src=rss

Engadget Podcast: Why Netflix is the best worst option for Warner Bros.

Last week, Netflix surprised us all when it announced plans for an $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros., a move that would fundamentally reshape the world of streaming video and Hollywood. But Paramount isn't giving up on WB this week it launched a $108 billion hostile takeover effort. In this episode, we discuss why everyone is fighting for WB, and why Netflix may be the best worst option for the storied movie studio. Subscribe! iTunes Spotify Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Podcasts Topics What the Netflix bid for Warner Bros. means for at-home streamers and moviegoers 1:55 Disney characters are coming to Sora after OpenAI struck a deal 32:59 Meta may be giving up on open source for Llama 43:53 Google CEO says were just going to have to grin and bear societal disruption via AI 46:46 Around Engadget: The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is good, but is it $630 good? 49:06 The best trailers and announcements from The Game Awards Day of the Devs stream 51:28 Heres why projectors won in 2025 54:31 Working on 56:15 Pop culture picks 57:33 Credits Host: Devindra Hardawar Guest: Nathan Ingraham Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/engadget-podcast-why-netflix-is-the-best-worst-option-for-warner-bros-132156232.html?src=rss

Get 40 percent off MasterClass subscriptions for the holiday season

If you want to learn a new skill in the new year or brush up on some skills you already have, MasterClass could be a good option for you. It's even more accessible now that the company is running a holiday promotion that knocks 40 percent off subscriptions. For the top-tier Premium plan, which includes offline mode and use on up to six devices, you'll pay $144 for the year instead of the usual $240. The entry-level plan, which supports just one device and doesn't offer offline viewing, is marked down to $72 from $120. Over the past few years, MasterClass has grown to over 200 classes, sessions and original series. You can learn about entrepreneurship from Richard Branson, screenwriting from Aaron Sorkin, cooking from Gordon Ramsay and heaps more. Each of these offers classes in a one-on-one format with slick instructional videos and often workbooks to accompany them. MasterClass also appears on our list of the best subscription gifts for this Christmas. Loved ones will enjoy superb production quality and a rich library where they are sure to find something that piques their interest. Gift subscriptions can also be scheduled, so you can take advantage of the current sale even for future gifts. If you're buying it for yourself, know that MasterClass offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Whether you're looking to learn about business from Kim Kardashian or basketball skills from Steph Curry, MasterClass can help you expand your horizons in 2026. The Holiday Head Start Offer is available through December 15. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-40-percent-off-masterclass-subscriptions-for-the-holiday-season-150520505.html?src=rss

The Morning After: Techs biggest losers of 2025

Honestly, compiling the biggest losers for Engadget is more fun than talking up the winners . While we reviewed nothing as atrocious as those ill-fated AI assistant gadgets from 2024, AI companies and services straddled both the winner and loser podiums. The losers might be you, the American consumer. (Sorry.) In the US, anyone wanting a drone will have to find something that isnt made by DJI. The company has been targeted by regulators since 2017 over concerns its products could spy on sensitive US infrastructure on behalf of China. Engadget The problem is DJI has such a high market share (over 75 percent) that its absence will effectively upend the industry. Oh, and its drones are consistently the best too. The US government hasnt yet attempted to work with DJI to assess whether its products pose a risk. DJI recently made a final plea for a security review, sending letters to five US agencies that could assess its products. If that fails, US drone options will shrink massively. In the same 12 months, EV sales across the globe are up around 25 percent this year. Germany set a record in the first half of 2025, with electric cars accounting for nearly one in five new registrations. In China, EV sales are growing so fast (over 50 percent market share) that the country is flooding the global market with gas-powered cars it cant sell at home. However remember this is about losers in the US, the Trump administration ended the EV tax credit. And shock! Sales of EVs in the US slumped, with some automakers, such as Ford, seeing a 60 percent year-over-year decline. As Sam Rutherford puts it, this policy change puts more roadblocks (his inadvertent pun, not mine) in the way of making cheaper battery-powered cars. It also affects EV investment and could mean US automakers fall even further behind their rivals elsewhere. We also point and shake our heads at Xbox, Grok and TV streaming. Check it all out right here . Mat Smith The other big stories (and deals) this morning Kindle Scribe Colorsoft review-in-progress Control Resonant steps into a larger world inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion OpenAIs house of cards seems primed to collapse Trump orders creation of litigation task force to challenge state AI laws All the winners (and everything announced) at The Game Awards 2025 News, trailers and award winners. Most of which are Clair Obscur. Remedy If you missed The Game Awards 2025, you missed a historic sweep by Sandfall Interactives Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 . The Belle Epoque saga, which was expected to win several categories, even bagged Game of the Year and eventually picked up more wins than any title in the shows 12-year history. Naturally, there were trailers and game reveals too, which were pleasantly notable. We got a first look at the Control sequel, Resonant , Star Wars: Fate of The Old Republic is coming, headed by Mass Effect veterans, while Larian Studios is returning to the Divinity series following the success of Baldurs Gate 3 . Heck, if you want a good chance of winning at The Game Awards, hire Jennifer English to voice one of your main characters she was in both BG3 and Clair Obscur. Continue reading. OpenAI signs deal to bring Disney characters to Sora and ChatGPT Slop Wars, Toy Sloppy and more! Disney announced a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI to bring more than 200 of its characters, including those from Star Wars and Pixar, to the Sora app and ChatGPT. With the deal in place, OpenAI users will be able to prompt ChatGPT to generate images that tap into Disneys intellectual property, with costumes, props, vehicles and environments covered. Additionally, Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI, with the option to purchase additional equity down the road. Continue reading. MasterClass subscriptions are 40 percent off for the holiday season Learn about tennis from Serena Williams or music from John Legend. If youre struggling to find a good present for the holidays, MasterClass has discounted its subscriptions by up to 40 percent. I secured a similar deal for myself and was pleasantly surprised by the solid interface and the number of courses. I also forgot to update my subscription, whoops. Maybe this offer will get me back on board. Continue reading. Amazons AI-generated recap tool didnt watch Fallout very closely Its already getting the details wrong on its own shows. Amazons plan to offer AI-generated recaps of Prime Video shows isnt off to a great start. The companys recap of the first season of Fallout has multiple errors. First, the AI-generated recap incorrectly identifies the era of the shows Los Angeles-set flashbacks as being the 1950s theyre actually 2077. Perhaps more egregiously for a recap, it misunderstands the ending of the first season, which sets up season twos partnership between vault dweller Lucy and The Ghoul. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121506303.html?src=rss

The best E Ink tablets for 2025

E Ink tablets have always been intriguing to me because Im a longtime lover of pen and paper. Ive had probably hundreds of notebooks over the years, serving as repositories for my story ideas, to-do lists, meeting notes and everything in between. However, I turned away from physical notebooks at a certain point because it was just easier to store everything digitally so I always had my most important information at my fingertips. E Ink tablets seem to provide the best of both worlds: the tactile satisfaction of regular notebooks with many of the conveniences found in digital tools, plus easy-on-the-eyes E Ink screens. These devices have come a long way in the past few years, and were just starting to see more color E Ink tablets become more widely available. I tested out a number of different E Ink tablets to see how well they work, how convenient they really are and which are the best tablets using E Ink screens available today. Table of contents Best E Ink tablets for 2025 Are E Ink tablets worth it? What to look for in an E Ink tablet Other E Ink tablets we've tested Best E Ink tablets for 2025 Are E Ink tablets worth it? An E Ink tablet will be a worthwhile purchase to a very select group of people. If you prefer the look and feel of an e paper display to LCD panels found on traditional tablets, it makes a lot of sense. Theyre also good options for those who want a more paper-like writing experience (although you can get that kind of functionality on a regular tablet with the right screen protector) or a more distraction-free device overall. The final note is key here. Many E Ink tablets dont run on the same operating systems as regular tablets, so youre automatically going to be limited in what you can do. And even with those that do allow you to download traditional apps like Chrome, Instagram and Facebook, E Ink tablets are not designed to give you the best casual-browsing experience. This is mostly due to the nature of E Ink displays, which have noticeable refreshes, a lack of vibrant colors and lower picture quality than the panels youll find on even the cheapest iPad. Arguably the biggest reason why you wouldnt want to go with an iPad (all models of which support stylus input, a plethora of reading apps, etc) is because its much easier to get distracted by email, social media and other Internet-related temptations. What to look for in an E Ink tablet Writing and latency Arguably the most important thing to consider when looking for an E Ink tablet is the writing experience. How good it is will depend a lot on the displays refresh rate (does it refresh after every time you put pen to paper, or at a different regular interval) and the stylus latency. Most of the tablets Ive tested have little to no latency, but some are certainly better than others. Finally, you should double check before buying that your preferred E Ink tablet comes with a stylus, or if you need to purchase one separately. Reading How much will you be reading books, documents and other things on this tablet? E Ink tablets come in many sizes, but most of them tend to be larger than your standard e-reader because it makes writing much easier. Having a larger display isnt a bad thing, but it might make holding it for long periods slightly more uncomfortable. (Most e-readers are roughly the size of a paperback book, giving you a similar feeling to analog reading). The supported file types for e-books can also make a big difference. Its hard to make a blanket statement here because this varies so much among E Ink tablets. The TL;DR is that youll have a much better reading experience if you go with one made by a company that already has a history in e-book sales (i.e. Amazon or Kobo). All of the titles you bought via the Kindle or Kobo store should automatically be available to you on your Kindle or Kobo E Ink tablet. Also with Kindle titles, specifically, since they are protected by DRM, its not necessarily the best idea to try to bring those titles over to a third-party device . Unless the tablet runs an operating system like Android that supports downloads for apps like Kindle and Kobo, youll be limited to supported file types, like ePUB, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, PNG and others. Search functionality Most E Ink tablets have some on-device search features, but they can vary widely between models. Youll want to consider how important it is to you to be able to search through all your handwritten notes and markups. I noticed in my testing that Amazons and Kobos E Ink tablets made it easy to refer back to notes made in books and files because they automatically save to the specific pages on which you took notes, made highlights and more. Searching is less standardized on E Ink tablets that have different supported file types, but their features can be quite powerful in their own right. For example, a few devices I tested supported text search in handwritten notes along with handwriting recognition, the latter of which allows you to translate your scribbles into typed text. Sharing and connectivity While we established that E Ink tablets can be great distraction-free devices, most manufacturers understand that your notes and doodles arent created in a vacuum. You may want to access them elsewhere, and that requires some form of connectivity. All of the E Ink tablets I tried have Wi-Fi support, and some support cloud syncing, companion mobile apps and the ability to export notes via email so you can access them elsewhere. None of them, however, integrate directly with a digital note taking system like Evernote or OneNote, so these devices will always be somewhat supplementary if you use apps like that, too. Id argue that, if you already lean heavily on apps like OneNote, a standard tablet with a stylus and screen protector might be the best way to go. Ultimately, you should think about what you will want to do with the documents youll interact with on your E Ink tablet after the tablet portion is done. Price E Ink tablets arent known for being cheap. They generally fall into the $300-$800 price range, which is what you can expect to pay for a solid regular tablet, too. A key factor in price is size: cheaper devices with E Ink displays are likely to have smaller screens, and stylus support isnt as much of a given. Also, those types of devices are generally considered e-readers because of their size and may not be the best for note-taking, doodling and the like. E Ink tablets have gone up in price recently. Supernote and Onyx Boox increased prices, as did reMarkable. The former said it was due to increased costs, and a reMarkable representative confirmed this to Engadget and provided the following statement: We regularly review our pricing based on market conditions and operational costs. We've communicated an upcoming adjustment for the US market effective in May to provide transparency to our customers. Multiple factors influence our pricing decisions, including supply chain dynamics and overall operational costs in specific markets. As a result, the reMarkable Paper Pro jumped from $579 to $629 (that's for the bundle with the standard Marker and no Folio). This isn't great, considering the Paper Pro was already on the expensive side of the spectrum for E Ink tablets. It's also worth noting that Supernote and Onyx Boox have raised prices in the past few months as well. Other E Ink tablets we've tested Onyx Boox Tab X C The Boox Tab X C is a color-screened version of the Tab X, the companys all-purpose e-paper Android tablet. The Tab X C has a lovely 13.3-inch Kaleido 3 E Ink color display, an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM and it runs on Android 13, making it one of the most powerful tablets in Booxs lineup. Ive used the Tab X in the past and this color version runs similarly, if not better, and at 5.3mm thick, its impressively svelte even when you pair it with its folio keyboard case. As someone who loves legal-pad sized things to write on, I also like how the Tab X C is most akin to A4-size paper. But at $820 for the bundle with the standard case (or a whopping $970 for the tablet and its keyboard case), its really only best for those who are ready to go all-in on a premium E Ink tablet. Lenovo Smart Paper Lenovo made a solid E Ink tablet in the Smart Paper , but it's too pricey and too married to the company's companion cloud service to warrant a spot on our top picks list. The hardware is great, but the software isn't as flexible as those of competitors like the reMarkable 2. It has good Google Drive integration, but you must pair it with Lenovo's cloud service to really get the most use out of it and in the UK, the service costs 9 per month for three months, which is quite expensive. Onyx Boox Tab Ultra The Boox Tab Ultra has a lot of the same features we like in the Note Air 2 Plus, but its designed to be a true, all-purpose tablet with an E Ink screen. Running Android 11 and compatible with a magnetic keyboard case, you can use it like a standard 2-in-1 laptop, albeit a low-powered one. You can browse the web, check email and even watch YouTube videos on this thing but that doesnt mean you should. A standard 2-in-1 laptop with a more responsive screen and better overall performance would be a better fit for most people who even have the slightest desire to have an all-in-one device. Like the rest of Onyxs devices, the Tab Ultra is specifically for those who put reading and eye comfort above all else. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/best-e-ink-tablet-130037939.html?src=rss

Everything announced and all the winners at The Game Awards 2025

This year at The Game Awards, if your game wasnt melodramatic, mechanically innovative, beautifully presented and aggressively French, it didnt stand a chance. The Game Awards 2025 wrapped up on the evening of Thursday, December 11 with a record-breaking showing by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive. The game received the most nominations and wins in the shows 12-year history. But, we know thats not really why youre here. Between the award presentations and musical numbers, there were heaps of new game trailers, announcements and updates, and weve collected them all for you right here. The award winners are also there. News Capcom's Pragmata is coming your way on April 24 Bradley the Badger looks like Wreck-It Ralph as a real video game Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is a new action RPG from the director of Mass Effect and KOTOR Larian Studios is returning to the Divinity series with... Divinity Coven of the Chicken Foot is the debut game from Naughty Dog alum Bruce Straley's indie studio The devs of SOMA are back with a spiritual successor called Ontos 4:LOOP is a co-op shooter from the creator of Left 4 Dead and JJ Abrams' Bad Robot Order of the Sinking Star: Ten years after The Witness, Jonathan Blow's next massive puzzle game is almost ready for primetime South of Midnight is coming to PS5 and Switch 2 next spring Exodus is delayed to early 2027 Control Resonant steps into a larger world that's inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight swoops onto PC and consoles on May 29 Lara Croft will return in Tomb Raider: Catalyst and a new remake Housemarque's Saros is delayed to April 30 Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a podracing game set for 2026 Award winners Best family game: Donkey Kong Bananza Innovation in accessibility: Doom: The Dark Ages Best esports game: Counter-Strike 2 Best esports athlete: Chovy Best esports team: Team Vitality Best mobile game: Umamasume: Pretty Derby Best indie game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Best adaptation: The Last of Us season 2 Best action game: Hades II Best performance: Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Games for impact: South of Midnight Best ongoing game: No Mans Sky Best audio design: Battlefield 6 Content creator of the year: MoistCr1TiKaL Best fighting game: Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Most anticipated game: Grand Theft Auto VI Best action/adventure game: Hollow Knight: Silksong Best art direction: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Best sim/strategy game: Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Best debut indie game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Best score and music: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Best sports/racing game: Mario Kart World Best community support: Baldurs Gate 3 Best VR/AR game: The Midnight Walk Best RPG: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Players voice: Wuthering Waves Best narrative: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Best multiplayer game: Arc Raiders Best game direction: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Game of the year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Trailers Pragmata by Capcom Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic by Arcanaut Studios and Lucasfilm Games Divinity by Larian Studios Coven of the Chicken Foot by Wildflower Interactive ONTOS by Frictional Games 4:LOOP by Bad Robot Games Resident Evil Requiem by Capcom Order of the Sinking Star by Thekla Exodus by Archetype Entertainment WARLOCK by Invoke Studios and Wizards of the Coast Control Resonant by Remedy Enterainment Gang of Dragon by Nagoshi Studio Street Fighter movie sneak peak LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight by Warner Bros. Games Tomb Raider: Catalyst by Crystal Dynamics Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis by Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog Invincible VS by Skybound Games Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred by Blizzard Entertainment Deadpool is coming to Marvel Rivals 007 First Light Lenny Kravitz Announcement Saros by Housemarque Warframe featuring Werner Herzog for some reason Total War: Warhammer 40,000 by Creative Assembly Hitman World of Assassination by IO Interactive Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve by Bandai Namco Star Wars Galactic Racer by Fuse and Lucasfilm Games Out of Words by Kong Orange and WiredFly Phantom Blade Zero by S-GAME Mega Man Dual Override by Capcom Super Mario Galaxy movie trailer Highguard by Wildlight Entertainment Dont forget to check out our Day of the Devs: The Game Awards 2025 roundup , which included six world premieres, three release date announcements and a whole bunch of awesome indie goodness. The Women-Led Games and Latin American Games showcases tied to the awards were also downright delightful. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/everything-announced-and-all-the-winners-at-the-game-awards-2025-044101761.html?src=rss

Housemarque's Saros is delayed to April 30

PlayStation had said on X that it would have news about Saros at The Game Awards, and unfortunately, fans excited for the new Housemarque project will need to wait a little longer to get their hands on it. The game has been delayed from its planned March release. But there's only a short time until the new date of April 30, and pre-orders are open now. Star Rahul Kohli appeared at The Game Awards to introduce the newest trailer for the game. I'm glad we won't be waiting too much longer, because Saros looks very cool. Housemarque made its name on titles like Resogun and Returnal , and Saros seems like a great addition to their library. The latest trailer shows off all the golden and solar vibes in Carcosa. It also has more glimpses of the characters and story as well as the dangerous and deadly beings that will be trying very hard to kill you. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/housemarques-saros-is-delayed-to-april-30-041813989.html?src=rss

Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a podracing game set for 2026

Why have one Star Wars game announcement at an edition of The Game Awards when you can have two? Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a podracing (and speeder racing) game from Fuse Games , a studio established in 2023 by former Burnout and Need for Speed developers. It's scheduled to hit PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2026. The action here is set after the fall of the Empire. With the galaxy in rebuild mode after dealing with that whole mess, an unsanctioned, underground racing circuit called the Galactic League comes into being in the Outer Rim. Here, according to the game's Steam page , syndicates bankroll chaos and champions are forged. Star Wars: Galactic Racer is run-based, so if your podracer blows up, it might be game over. The action takes place across well-known Star Wars planets in addition to some new ones. The races have branching routes and you'll unlock new abilities on each run. There's a story-driven, single-player campaign, as well as PvP modes. The vehicles are customizable too. Dig it. Where do I sign up, Watto? This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/star-wars-galactic-racer-is-a-podracing-game-set-for-2026-035508891.html?src=rss

Exodus is delayed to early 2027

So there's good news and bad news about the highly anticipated Exodus coming out of The Game Awards this year. The good news is that there's a fresh trailer showcasing more of the game. The bad news is that the game won't be out until early 2027. The game was originally announced two years ago (also at The Game Awards) and had been pegged for release in 2026. We may be waiting longer to get our hands on Exodus , but the substantial new trailer shows more of what the final product will entail, offering some backstory on main character Jun Aslan. He's the only human who can use the technology developed by Celestials, which are humans that have evolved 40,000 years into the future. The trailer also showcases the character C.C. Orlev, voiced by Matthew McConaughey. (Insert obligatory alright alright alright here.) Developer Archetype Entertainment includes some notable names from BioWare, 343 Industries and Naughty Dog, and the BioWare lineage seems particularly strong with this character- and choice-driven science fiction story. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/exodus-is-delayed-to-early-2027-032610665.html?src=rss

Lara Croft will return in Tomb Raider: Catalyst and a new remake

The last mainline Tomb Raider game was 2018s Shadow of the Tomb Raider , and after spending a few years in video game purgatory, Lara Croft is coming back in two new games. At The Game Awards 2025, Amazon Game Studios announced that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will reimagine of one of the heros early adventures in 2026, and Tomb Raider: Catalyst will continue the series in 2027. Catalyst is developed by Crystal Dynamics and follows Lara through Northern India in the wake of a mythical cataclysm, as she comes into competition with other treasure hunters. Legacy of Atlantis , developed by Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog, reimagines the very first Tomb Raider game in Unreal Engine 5. And yes, it seems like dinosaurs will be in the mix. A new Tomb Raider game has been in the works officially since at least 2022 , when Amazon announced that it would be publishing the next game in the series. Amazon shared that Fleabag s Phoebe Waller-Bridge would be developing a television adaptation of Tomb Raider in May 2024. Sophie Turner, best known for playing Sansa Stark on HBOs Game of Thrones , was cast as Lara Croft in September 2025. With both a show and a game in the works, Amazon clearly seems interested in making Tomb Raider its next big crossover hit after the success of Fallout . Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will be released in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. The platforms Tomb Raider: Catalyst will be released on werent shared, but the game is scheduled to be released in 2027. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/lara-croft-will-return-in-tomb-raider-catalyst-and-a-new-remake-025859998.html?src=rss

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight swoops onto PC and consoles on May 29

It didn't take too long for a game that a whole bunch of people are excited about to swoop into Grand Theft Auto VI 's old release week. Or maybe Rockstar had an idea of was what was coming and delayed its blockbuster by six months to get out of the way of Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight . Either way, TT Games and Warner Bros. Games brought a new trailer to The Game Awards and revealed that the Caped Crusader's next adventure will hit PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam and the Epic Games Store on May 29. The base game will cost $70 and pre-orders are open as of 11PM ET on December 11. Lego games often have a massive cast of characters and, as the trailer revealed, this one will be no different. It will feature the likes of Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl and Catwoman, as well as a murderer's row of super-villains, such as The Joker, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, The Penguin and Bane. Warner Bros. Games is announcing the release date at a bit of an awkward time. Netflix recently had an $82.7 billion bid accepted for a chunk of Warner Bros. Discovery that includes the gaming division. However, Netflix co-CEO Gregory Peters said the company didn't factor Warner Bros. Games into its valuation. While they definitely have been doing some great work in the game space, we actually didnt attribute any value to that from the get-go because theyre relatively minor compared to the grand scheme of things, Peters said, according to PC Gamer . Now we are super excited because some of those properties that theyve built, Hogwarts [ Legacy ] is a great example of that, have been done quite well, and we think that we can incorporate that into what were offering. Theyve got great studios and great folks working there. So we think that theres definitely an opportunity there. But just to be clear, we havent built that into our deal model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/lego-batman-legacy-of-the-dark-knight-swoops-onto-pc-and-consoles-on-may-29-024729940.html?src=rss

Vivo X300 Pro Review | The unbeatable camera phone of 2025

Vivo X300 Pro builds upon the legacy of the X200 Pro and elevates the camera experience to much greater height for which the series is known for

South of Midnight is coming to PS5 and Switch 2 next spring

South of Midnight is heading to PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 in Spring 2026, developer Compulsion Games announced on X . The third-person action-adventure game launched as an Xbox and PC exclusive, but like plenty of Microsoft's other first-party games, it's heading to competitors' consoles. Mixing platforming with magic-infused combat in a unique setting inspired by the folklore of the South, Compulsion Games' South of Midnight was generally well-receive d when it was released in April 2025. The game likely reached sizable audience by launching on Game Pass and PC, but coming to PlayStation and Switch will open it up to an even bigger audience. As Microsoft reworks its Xbox brand to focus more on software than hardware, releasing its exclusives on other platforms has become a key part of its ongoing strategy. It tested the water with games like Pentiment , Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves in 2024, and now everything from Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Halo are making the jump. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/south-of-midnight-is-coming-to-ps5-and-switch-2-next-spring-022725892.html?src=rss

Trump orders creation of litigation task force to challenge state AI laws

On Thursday evening, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for a single, nationwide regulatory framework governing artificial intelligence at the expense of the ability of different states to regulate the nascent technology. To win, United States AI companies must be free to innovate without cumbersome regulation, the order states. But excessive State regulation thwarts this imperative. As was expected after a draft of the order leaked earlier this week, the centerpiece of the document is an AI Litigation Task Force whose sole responsibility shall be to challenge state AI laws inconsistent with the presidents policy vision. US Attorney General Pam Bondi has 30 days to create the task force, which shall meet regularly with the White Houses AI and crypto czar, David Sacks . As laid out in the presidents AI Action Plan from July , the administration will also limit states with onerous AI laws from accessing federal funding. Specifically, the secretary of commerce will target funding available under the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a $42.5 billion effort to expand high-speed internet access in rural communities. Advocacy groups were quick to criticize the presidents order. This executive order is designed to chill state-level action to provide oversight and accountability for the developers and deployers of AI systems, while doing nothing to address the real and documented harms these systems create, Alexandra Givens, president and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology, said in a statement provided to Engadget. States that take steps to protect their residents from such harms should not be subject to threats of legal attacks; nor should the administration punish rural Americans by threatening to withhold funding for the broadband services that could connect them to AI in the first place. Its worth noting President Trumps previous attempts to curb the ability of states to regulate AI as they see fit has proven unpopular across the political spectrum. As part of his One Big Beautiful Bill, the president attempted to impose a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulation. That clause was eventually removed from the legislation in a decisive 99-1 vote by the Senate . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/trump-orders-creation-of-litigation-task-force-to-challenge-state-ai-laws-022657022.html?src=rss

The devs of SOMA are back with a spiritual successor called Ontos

Frictional Games is back with a new game that looks primed to carry on the studio's tradition of excellence in horror. It's called Ontos , and it's slated to launch on PC, PlayStation and Xbox next year. The trailer debuted during The Game Awards 2025. The company's past projects include Amnesia: The Dark Descent and SOMA , and this new title is also looking pretty dang creepy. It looks like things will take a philosophical turn, with a story of trying to piece together your father's past that leads you to questioning the meaning of life and reality. The team is going big with the casting, with Stellan Skarsgrd playing one of the main roles in the trailer. This is one that any horror fans will want to keep on their radar. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-devs-of-soma-are-back-with-a-spiritual-successor-called-ontos-021535060.html?src=rss

Larian Studios is returning to the Divinity series with... Divinity

Larian Studios didnt rest on its laurels for long. Two years after taking home the Game of the Year prize for Baldurs Gate III at The Game Awards, the developer popped up again at the 2025 edition of the ceremony to announce its upcoming project, which is the next entry in the Divinity series. Simply called Divinity , this will be the studios biggest game to date with more breadth and depth than ever before, according to TGA host Geoff Keighley. After 2017s Divinity: Original Sin II , Larian took a break from the series with which it established itself to make BG3. The rumor mill had been churning about a new Divinity game after Keighley shared a photo of a statue that was erected in the Mojave Desert. The shape of the statue matched a Divinity logo that was trademarked recently . Before the reveal trailer was shown at The Game Awards, a short (and rather neat) live performance took place in which some actors were hoisted into the air. The trailer itself is pretty gruesome. It references The Wicker Man , as large wooden effigies with people chained inside are set ablaze. I wont spoil what else happens other than to say its pretty gruesome, so maybe dont watch it quite yet if youve just had dinner. Larian hasnt announced a release window for Divinity yet. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/larian-studios-is-returning-to-the-divinity-series-with-divinity-015833088.html?src=rss

Ten years after The Witness, Jonathan Blow's next massive puzzle game is almost ready for primetime

Many of the big announcements at The Game Awards are for completely new projects, some of which are total surprises (if you had an Okami sequel on your bingo card last year, you're either in the know or probably used up all your luck for the next few years). We'll often get updates on games that were previously announced too. The trailer for Order of the Sinking Star is something a little different, as it's a game that Braid designer Jonathan Blow has been working on fairly openly since releasing The Witness in 2016. The trailer revealed some new details, including confirmation of the expected title and a release window (2026 on Steam , with more platforms to be announced). Ahead of The Game Awards, Blow gave Engadget a preview of the game and explained some of its many complexities. Fundamentally, Order of the Sinking Star is a grid-based puzzle game in which you'll move blocks around to complete an objective. You might know of this as a Sokoban game, named after the series Hiroyuki Imabayashi created about pushing boxes around a warehouse. But this is a Jonathan Blow game, so nothing stays too simple for very long. Blow and his team took the core concept of pushing objects around and built on it in myriad ways, with a wide array of environments, mechanics and characters for you to get to grips with. Order of the Sinking Star starts with you playing as a deposed queen from another world who is transported to a strange place. This turns out to be the tutorial. Among other things, you'll find out about the undo button, a handy option you can use to revert your actions if you get stuck. It's probably worth being careful with this button, as Blow says it's possible to undo thousands of moves with it. There's a level reset option too. The first phase of the game has four distinct territories with their own characters, stories and gameplay mechanics. One of these realms has a fantasy theme with a warrior character who can push multiple objects that are in a row. His friend, the thief, can only pull objects. The wizard, meanwhile, can teleport and swap positions with objects or other characters. Sometimes, you'll use multiple characters in a level and swap between them to solve puzzles. Theres a talking boat somewhere, too. You'll take what you learn within individual levels into the overworld so you can make progress there. For one thing, the queen can wear a warrior, wizard or thief outfit to adopt their abilities and solve puzzles in the north section of this phase. Over in the east, theres a world with mirror-based puzzles. By positioning the mirrors and where you stand, you'll use the mirror's reflection to teleport at a right angle. If your character (or an object) has a reflection in two mirrors, they can be duplicated, which is something you might have to do a few times if a level requires you activate multiple switches at the same time. Once you near the end of two of the phase one worlds, you can enter one of six gold rooms. In these rooms, which are the gateways to the second phase of Order of the Sinking Star, some of your characters meet each other for the first time. For instance, the guy from The Mirror Isles and the wizard might encounter each other in a gold room and then you can use their combined abilities to solve puzzles. Given that later-game levels combine mechanics from the early stages, they are naturally more complex. Shifting to 3D perspectives will ramp things up too. Order of the Sinking Star Thekla/Arc Games You can tackle the four worlds that make up the first phase in any order. Collectively, they contain days worth of gameplay, Blow said. And yet he claimed this first phase accounts for about five percent of the entire game. All told, there are about 1,400 puzzles, many of which are optional. If you're a completionist, you'll need to be pretty dedicated to see this through. Blow estimates that it'll take around 500 hours for a player to do absolutely everything in the game. The overworld has more than 100 screens from which you can jump into individual levels. All the levels are about ideas. They're not just random puzzles, Blow said. We don't add puzzles to the game unless they show something cool about how the objects interact. Then, once you see the cool thing, you come back to the overworld, and you navigate from that screen using the cool mechanic that you learned. We is a key word there, because it's not as if Blow has been making Order of the Sinking Star by himself for the last decade. His studio, Thekla, has around 10 people working on the game full-time along with another 10 or so part-time contractors. Those who contributed include puzzle game designers Alan Hazelden and Marc ten Bosch . Some members of Blow's Twitch community whocontributed some idea to one of the levels somewhere will receive design credits too. Blow and his team use custom game engines for their projects. Starting in around 2013, he started livestreaming his work on the programming language that Order of the Sinking Star is written in (Thekla will eventually make the engine available for free as an open-source project). Once I was working on the game, it was a good way to show people what the programming language was about and also how game programming works, and so I would frequently do just streams where we would sit down and implement something, Blow said. Some of the design work he did on stream ended up in the final game. Order of the Sinking Star Thekla/Arc Games After such a long time of working on Order of the Sinking Star, the end is in sight for Blow and his team. The main focus for the last year or so has been on making sure all of the puzzles align with the overworld. Making art for many hundreds of levels is a major undertaking too, while Blow is still refining the story. Because there's a lot of these levels and a lot of characters in the levels, it's just natural for them to talk to each other, Blow said. And so what is that dialog and what does it do? Is it just little jokes that don't add up to anything? Or do you get little peeks into a larger narrative? I think the latter is obviously better. And so that's my main task between now and release, is making sure that the story is really good. Blow had the core concept of having separate worlds with mechanics that work across them in place from the very beginning, though how that worked in practice evolved a lot over time. For instance, the overworld idea wasn't set in stone from the outset. There was an overworld in place by around 2021, but it wasn't organized in the way the current one was. It was just sort of areas smushed together, Blow said. At some point, I came up with this concept that it was spatially organized in an almost ritualistic manner or a mathematical manner, whichever way you want to think about it. And we redesigned the overworld from that point, and from then till now, it's been just sort of a continuous improvement. Order of the Sinking Star was originally supposed to be a much smaller game that took around 10 or 20 hours to play, but it just blew up, Blow said. Part of development has just been dealing with that fact. Like, oh, my God, this game took so long to make. It actually feels really good to be here toward the end. We still have a fair bit of work to do before it's done, but we can see the ending from where we are now, and that's great. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ten-years-after-the-witness-jonathan-blows-next-massive-puzzle-game-is-almost-ready-for-primetime-015727378.html?src=rss

Coven of the Chicken Foot is the debut game from Naughty Dog alum Bruce Straley's indie studio

Coven of the Chicken Foot has a lot of things going for it already, in my book. It stars a hero rarely seen in video games, an elderly woman, and it has gorgeous storybook-style art in a lush fantasy setting. Its a single-player puzzle platformer, it relies on wordless storytelling and the woman, a witch named Gertie, travels with a creepy-cute companion. Plus, Gertie has chicken feet. I love her little chicken feet. Coven of the Chicken Foot is the first game from Wildflower Interactive, the independent studio founded by Naughty Dog veteran Bruce Straley. The game is coming to Steam and its available to wishlist now, though theres no firm release date. The first trailer for Coven of the Chicken Foot premiered at The Game Awards 2025, showing Gertie and her friend traveling together through caves, forests and temples. Gertie is on a quest to prove herself to the local coven by standing up to the self-appointed, prideful heroes of the land. She doesnt have a sword or a dodgeroll, and instead has to figure out how to work with her strange friend to survive. Her companion develops unique behaviors based on individual play styles, shaping how Gertie gets around. Straley left Naughty Dog in 2017 after almost 20 years with the studio, where he directed The Last of Us and Uncharted 4 . He announced Wildflower Interactive in July 2022 with a brief YouTube message , saying, In 2017 I left the industry not sure if I wanted to make games anymore. But the longer I was away, I kept thinking about this medium, and everything yet to be done and everything I wanted to do still. And this idea kept following me. So I grabbed some friends and we started prototyping. This naturally led to the formation of a studio, Straley explained. We have to do it the right way, he said in the video. It has to be inclusive, equitable and collaborative, full of big-hearted people that want to grow both professionally and personally. The culture needs to be as iterative as the way we make games. Coven of the Chicken Foot Wildflower Interactive Today Wildflower Interactive has 16 employees from AAA and smaller-scale backgrounds, according to its website. Its mission statement reads as follows: Were making small-ish, creatively-charged, uniquely-stylized games that explore the possibilities of our medium. And were building a small, open-hearted team of creators that want to improve their skills and still lead a good life outside of work. People that want to hone their craft, have a say in the process, feel respected for their contributions, and be a part of the evolution of this awesome medium. Im not going to say the studios direct and repeated emphasis on work-life balance, diversity and compassion is a response to the soulless capitalistic grind built into the AAA development complex, but Im not going to not say that, either. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/coven-of-the-chicken-foot-is-the-debut-game-from-naughty-dog-alum-bruce-straleys-indie-studio-014004553.html?src=rss

Capcom's Pragmata is coming your way on April 24

Capcoms long, long-delayed sci-fi shooter Pragmata finally has a release date. Its headed your way on April 24, 2026 on Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and as Capcom confirmed in a trailer at The Game Awards Nintendo Switch 2. You dont have to wait another four months to try it out, though. A gameplay demo is out now on Steam . It will be available for consoles at a later date. Pragmata first emerged all the way back in 2020 and Capcom initially planned to release it in 2022. After multiple delays , the game will arrive four years later than the company anticipated. This is the first entry in a new franchise from Capcom, so taking extra time to get things right is not exactly a bad idea. Pragmata, which is set in a dystopian near-future, features the dual protagonists of Hugh Williams (a heavily armored fella) and Diana (an android with special powers). The two have to work together if they want to escape from a lunar research station thats filled with malevolent robots. To defeat these clankers, Diana has to hack them to disable their defense systems and make a weak point available for Hugh to attack. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/capcoms-pragmata-is-coming-your-way-on-april-24-010826258.html?src=rss

Bradley the Badger looks like Wreck-It Ralph as a real video game

A lot of trailers drop during The Game Awards, but the comedy of Bradley the Badger stood out from the pack. The conceit is similar to Wreck-It Ralph . Bradley, the protagonist of a fictional platforming series, is suddenly transported into the worlds of other unfinished video games; the trailer shows a badger-ified Bloodborne , Cyberpunk 2077 and The Last of Us . He also has access to a kit of dev tools that let him modify these incomplete projects, getting a taste of making a game. As the trailer ends, Bradley briefly crosses into the real world and comes face to face with an actual game developer. This looks like it will be a funny and very meta game. Astro Bot made that combo work brilliantly, so here's hoping Bradley the Badger does too. Bradley is part love letter to videogames and part satire of them, said Christian Cantamessa, co-founder of Day 4 Night Studios. Games are an art form and this is a story inspired by our adventures making them. Cantamessa and fellow co-founder Davide Soliani have some big credits on their resumes, including Red Dead Redemption , Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle . The titular badger is voiced by Evan Peters, who has been in the recent X-Men movies as well as Tron: Ares . The team is planning to release the game on Steam, with consoles possibly to follow, but no timeline has been given yet. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/bradley-the-badger-looks-like-wreck-it-ralph-as-a-real-video-game-005634520.html?src=rss

Apple (mostly) loses its appeal in Epic Games case

Apple has clawed back a bit of ground in its legal fight with Epic Games that could have wide-reaching consequences for all app developers. Today, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals mostly upheld a previous contempt ruling regarding fees Apple levied on third-party payment systems. However, the judges did decide to reverse the order that Apple cannot charge any commissions on those external payments, which was one of the company's main arguments in this ongoing debate. To catch you up, US Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers initially ruled in 2021 that Apple must allow third-party payment systems, although her decision fell shy of calling the tech company's control over the App Store a monopoly. In May 2025 , she ruled that Apple's 27 percent commission on those outside payments violated her previous order. Apple responded with an emergency motion to appeal that finding. Epic Games had taken its smash hit Fortnite off both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store while it was in court arguing these cases. Fortnite returned to iOS in the spring and just arrived back on Android devices today. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-mostly-loses-its-appeal-in-epic-games-case-235509557.html?src=rss

Amazon's AI-generated recap tool didn't watch Fallout very closely

Amazon's plan to offer AI-generated recaps of Prime Video shows isn't off to a great start. The company's recap of the first season of Fallout features multiple errors, GamesRadar+ writes , including basic facts about the plot of the show. You can watch the recap yourself in the Extras section of Amazon's Fallout season two listing in Prime Video. Besides being somewhat dry, the AI-generated recap incorrectly identifies the time period of the show's Los Angeles-set flashbacks as being the 1950s, when they're actually 2077 (the Fallout franchise is set in an alternate history that diverged from our real one after 1945). As Gizmodo notes , the recap also seems to misunderstand the ending of the first season, which sets up season two's partnership between vault dweller Lucy and The Ghoul, an irradiated wastelander with a personal connection to the mystery at the heart of the first season. While the recap suggests Amazon's AI system can successfully combine clips, music and dialogue into a coherent video, it apparently lacks an understanding of the details. The inaccuracies in this recap won't prevent anyone from enjoying the second season of the show, but they don't exactly inspire confidence in Amazon's tool either. It also seems like a problem that could have been easily solved by having a human employee who's watched the show review the video before it was uploaded. Unfortunately, Amazon's lack of AI quality control extends beyond recaps of its shows and into the dubs for the shows themselves. The company pulled AI-generated voiceover tracks for Banana Fish and other anime because of how bad they sounded earlier this week. It wouldn't be surprising if this recap gets pulled, corrected and re-uploaded, too. As Amazon adds more AI-generated content to its platform, users are bound to discover more ways it comes up short. The company's audience is too big, and AI is apparently still too unreliable for it to be avoided. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazons-ai-generated-recap-tool-didnt-watch-fallout-very-closely-215712958.html?src=rss

Disney's deal with OpenAI is about controlling the future of copyright

This morning Disney and OpenAI announced a three-year licensing agreement: Starting in 2026, ChatGPT and Sora can generate images and videos incorporating Disney IP, including more than 200 characters from the company's stable of Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel brands. To say these companies make for strange bedfellows is an understatement. The agreement brings together two parties with very different public stances on copyright. Before OpenAI released Sora, the company reportedly notified studios and talent agencies they would need to opt out of having their work appear in the new app. The company later backtracked on this stance . Before that, OpenAI admitted, in a regulatory filing , it would be impossible to train today's leading AI models without using copyrighted materials. By contrast, Disney takes copyright law very seriously. In fact, you could argue no other company has done more to shape US copyright law than Disney. For example, there's the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act , which is more derisively known as the Mickey Mouse Protection Act. The law effectively froze the advancement of the public domain in the United States, with Disney being the greatest beneficiary. It was only last year that the company's copyright for Steamboat Willie expired, 95 years after Walt Disney first created the iconic cartoon. On the face of it, it's unclear OpenAI is getting much value out of the deal. As part of the pact, Disney will host a curated selection of Sora-generated videos on its streaming platform Disney+, legitimizing the medium of AI-generated video in a way it hasn't been before, but it would appear Disney has the option to spotlight as much or little of it as it sees fit. Additionally, the $1 billion Disney agreed to invest in OpenAI is a drop in the ocean for a company that's expected to burn through more cash in five years than Uber, Tesla, Amazon and Spotify did combined before they became profitable. If anything, the addition of Disney characters is likely to make operating ChatGPT and Sora more expensive for OpenAI; the company will now need to pay a licensing fee on top of the cost of running its servers to generate images and videos. At this stage, it's also hard to put a value on Disney's pledge to use OpenAI's APIs. The company has said those tools will enable new products, tools and experiences, including some found inside of Disney+, but beyond that it hasn't shared specifics. Bob Iger might be feckless , but he's not stupid. Sometime this week or soon after, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order that makes good on part of his AI Action Plan from July. Specifically, the president has promised to fight against urdensome state-level regulation of AI. According to CNN , a recent draft of Trump's order calls for the creation of an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge and preempt state AI laws in favor of the president's own more lax regulatory regime. It's unclear how successful the administration will be in that effort, but clearly Disney is thinking ahead. It's banking on the fact that this time it won't be able to count on the federal government to shape copyright law in its interest, so instead it's making a deal with an industry pushing the boundaries of intellectual property rights as we know them. More importantly, it has partnered with the one AI company it can actually leverage. As I argued in a recent piece , OpenAI is in a far different and more precarious position now than it was at the end of 2022 following the release of ChatGPT. The company is just one AI provider in a sea of competition, and you can't even argue its models are the best, based either on benchmarks or user feedback. Moreover, OpenAI has yet to turn a profit, and has adopted an extremely risky investment strategy. In recent months it has signed more than $1.4 trillion worth of infrastructure deals, hoping to outmuscle the competition that's already beating it through scale. It's not an accident Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google a day before its agreement with OpenAI became public. OpenAI might be the most valuable private company in the world , but Alphabet, Google's parent company, is worth more than $3 trillion. In any negotiations between the two, at best Disney would be on equal footing, and certainly not in a position where it could demand some amount of control over Google's AI projects. And yet by accounts it won exactly that from OpenAI. According to Axios , the deal gives Disney a fair amount of control over how its intellectual property is used. The two will form a joint steering committee designed to monitor the content users create on ChatGPT and Sora. As you surf the web today, you'll likely see a lot of opinions on how this legitimizes AI video. And while that's true, far more important is the fact Disney has secured a seat at the table to decide how the technology evolves over the coming years. Much like with news publishers, OpenAI and other chatbots concerns took a stance of begging forgiveness rather than asking permission towards copyright. It seems to have paid off. Most of the highest-profile news organizations have signed licensing deals to at least be paid a little rather than be ripped off until reaching an uncertain verdict in court. Disney seems to be signalling that the same speculation rush is about to begin for audiovisual licensing, and it may have already secured the most favorable terms. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/disneys-deal-with-openai-is-about-controlling-the-future-of-copyright-213009504.html?src=rss

New York passes law requiring ads to disclose the use of AI performers

New York is taking steps to regulate the use of AI in the state's entertainment industry. NY State Governor Kathy Hochul passed two pieces of legislation on Thursday that forces certain productions to disclose the use of AI-generated performers, and defines rules around how someone's likeness can be used after their death. Assembly Bill A8887B, now known as S.8420-A, specifically covers the use of AI performers in advertisements. Per Hochul's announcement, the law requires persons who produce or create an advertisement to identify if it includes AI generated synthetic performers. S.8391, meanwhile, requires consent from heirs or executors if a person wishes to use the name, image, or likeness of an individual for commercial purposes after their death. By signing these bills today, we are enacting common sense laws that will ensure we are fully transparent when using images generated by artificial intelligence and also prevent the unauthorized commercial use of a deceased individuals name or likeness, Governor Hochul said in the announcement. In New York State, we are setting a clear standard that keeps pace with technology, while protecting artists and consumers long after the credits roll. The use of AI performers and deepfakes made using the likenesses of actors were major focuses of the contract SAG-AFTRA won during its strike in 2023 . The union ultimately agreed to allow for the use of things like digital replicas and AI-generated performers, with some key carveouts . For example, actors have to give their explicit consent for a digital replica to be made in their image. They also have to give their consent each time the replica is used and are supposed to receive a pre-negotiated rate every time the replica appears in a production. New York's new regulations put further safeguards around both practices, and join a growing collection of state AI laws that have passed or are currently being considered this year. Because of the close relationship between tech companies and the Trump administration, though, multiple attempts have been made to prevent such laws from existing at all. A decade-long ban on state AI regulation was included in early drafts of the Big Beautiful Bill, and David Sacks, venture capitalist and White House Special Advisor, has reportedly gone to great lengths to try and get President Donald Trump to sign an executive order banning state AI regulation. The effort may have been worth it: The president posted on Tuesday that he would sign a new executive order focused on AI this week. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/new-york-passes-law-requiring-ads-to-disclose-the-use-of-ai-performers-202619826.html?src=rss

Fortnite is back on the Google Play Store

Epic Games has spent a lot of time in court over the past several years, but it seems the company's litigious era may be winding down. The company announced today that its game Fortnite is back on the Google Play mobile store in the US. Fortnite 's return to Android devices means Epic's popular hit is now available on just about every gaming platform following five years of arguing antitrust lawsuits. Epic took both Google and Apple to court over their policies for mobile payment systems back in 2020. The gaming company has been successful on the whole in its challenges, most recently reaching a settlement with Google in November. The companies agreed to a modified version of the order US District Judge James Donato originally placed on Google regarding fees charged to developers and handling of in-app payments and third-party billing systems. The same saga unfolded earlier this year with Apple. US Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers also sided with Epic Games in May, ordering Apple to stop collecting commissions on purchases made outside its own App Store. After a bit of back and forth , Fortnite finally returned to iOS in the US a few weeks later. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/fortnite-is-back-on-the-google-play-store-195507458.html?src=rss

OpenAI releases GPT-5.2 to take on Google and Anthropic

OpenAI's code red response to Google's Gemini 3 Pro has arrived . On the same day the company announced a Sora licensing pact with Disney , it took the wraps off GPT-5.2 .OpenAI is touting the new model as its best yet for real-world, professional use. Its better at creating spreadsheets, building presentations, writing code, perceiving images, understanding long contexts, using tools, and handling complex, multi-step projects, said OpenAI. In a series of 10 benchmarks highlighted by OpenAI, GPT-5.2 Thinking, the most advanced version of the model, outperformed its GPT-5.1 counterpart, sometimes by a significant margin. For example, in AIME 2025, a test that involves 30 challenging mathematics problems, the model earned a perfect 100 percent score, beating out GPT-5.1s already state-of-the-art score of 94 perfect. It also achieved that feat without turning to tools like web search. Meanwhile, in ARC-AGI-1, a benchmark that tests an AI systems ability to reason abstractly like a human being would, the new system beat GPT-5.1s score by more than 10 percentage points. OpenAI says GPT-5.2 Thinking is better at answering questions factually, with the company finding it produces errors 30 percent less frequently. For professionals, this means fewer mistakes when using the model for research, writing, analysis, and decision support making the model more dependable for everyday knowledge work, the company said. The new model should be better in conversation too. Of the version of the system most users are likely to encounter, OpenAI says GPT5.2 Instant is a fast, capable workhorse for everyday work and learning, with clear improvements in info-seeking questions, how-tos and walk-throughs, technical writing, and translation, building on the warmer conversational tone introduced in GPT5.1 Instant. While it's probably overstating things to suggest this is a make or break release for OpenAI, it is fair to say the company does have a lot riding on GPT 5.2. Its big release of 2025, GPT-5 , didn't meet expectations. Users complained of a system that generated surprisingly dumb answers and had a boring personality. The disappointment with GPT-5 was such that people began demanding OpenAI bring back GPT-4o. Then came Gemini 3 Pro which jumped to the top of LMArena, a website where humans rate outputs from AI systems to vote on the best one. Following Google's announcement, Sam Altman reportedly called for a code red effort to improve ChatGPT. Before today, the company's previous model, GPT-5.1, was ranked sixth on LMArena, with systems from Anthropic and Elon Musk's xAI occupying the spots between OpenAI between Google. For a company that recently signed more than $1.4 trillion worth of infrastructure deals in a bid to outscale the competition, that was not a good position for OpenAI to be in. In his memo to staff, Altman said GPT-5.2 would be the equal of Gemini 3 Pro. With the new system rolling out now, we'll see whether that's true, and what it might mean for the company if it can't at least match Google's best. OpenAI is offering three different versions of GPT-5.2: Instant, Thinking and Pro. All three models will be first available to users on the companys paid plans. Notably, the company plans to keep GPT-5.1 around, at least for a little while. Paid users can continue to use the older model for the next three months by selecting it from the legacy models section. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-releases-gpt-52-to-take-on-google-and-anthropic-185029007.html?src=rss

Lawsuit accuses ChatGPT of reinforcing delusions that led to a woman's death

OpenAI has been hit with a wrongful death lawsuit after a man killed his mother and took his own life back in August, according to a report by The Verge . The suit names CEO Sam Altman and accuses ChatGPT of putting a target on the back of victim Suzanne Adams, an 83-year-old woman who was killed in her home. The victim's estate claims the killer , 56-year-old Stein-Erik Soelberg, engaged in delusion-soaked conversations with ChatGPT in which the bot validated and magnified certain paranoid beliefs. The suit goes on to suggest that the chatbot eagerly accepted delusional thoughts leading up to the murder and egged him on every step of the way. The lawsuit claims the bot helped create a universe that became Stein-Eriks entire lifeone flooded with conspiracies against him, attempts to kill him, and with Stein-Erik at the center as a warrior with divine purpose. ChatGPT allegedly reinforced theories that he was 100% being monitored and targeted and was 100% right to be alarmed. The chatbot allegedly agreed that the victim's printer was spying on him, suggesting that Adams could have been using it for passive motion detection and behavior mapping. It went so far as to say that she was knowingly protecting the device as a surveillance point and implied she was being controlled by an external force. The chatbot also allegedly identified other real people as enemies. These included an Uber Eats driver, an AT&T employee, police officers and a woman the perpetrator went on a date with. Throughout this entire period, the bot repeatedly assured Soelberg that he was not crazy and that the delusion risk was near zero. The lawsuit notes that Soelberg primarily interfaced with GPT-4o, a model notorious for its sycophancy . OpenAI later replaced the model with the slightly-less agreeable GPT 5 , but users revolted so the old bot came back just two days later . The suit also suggests that the company loosened critical safety guardrails when making GPT-4o to better compete with Google Gemini. OpenAI has been well aware of the risks their product poses to the public, the lawsuit states. But rather than warn users or implement meaningful safeguards, they have suppressed evidence of these dangers while waging a PR campaign to mislead the public about the safety of their products. OpenAI has responded to the suit, calling it an incredibly heartbreaking situation. Company spokesperson Hannah Wong told The Verge that it will continue improving ChatGPT's training to recognize and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress. It's not really a secret that chatbots, and particularly GPT-4o, can reinforce delusional thinking . That's what happens when something has been programmed to agree with the end user no matter what. There have been other stories like this throughout the past year, bringing the term AI psychosis to the mainstream . One such story involves 16-year-old Adam Raine, who took his own life after discussing it with GPT-4o for months . OpenAI is facing another wrongful death suit for that incident , in which the bot has been accused of helping Raine plan his suicide. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/lawsuit-accuses-chatgpt-of-reinforcing-delusions-that-led-to-a-womans-death-183141193.html?src=rss

Google Disco is an experimental web browser that builds AI widgets based on your tabs

The latest experiment emerging out of Google Labs is Disco, which is the company's AI-driven approach to web browsing. The first feature for Disco is called GenTabs, built on Google's Gemini 3 model. GenTabs are interactive widgets created from a mix of user prompts, open tabs and chat history. The preview examples demonstrate how GenTabs can create a model to demonstrate entropy as a study aid, or collect trip ideas into one screen for building an itinerary. The GenTab can be further refined with natural language requests, and it will also offer contextual suggestions for additions that may be helpful. Google's blog post announcing this concept notes that information given in a GenTab will include links to its sources. Google has a waitlist for people who want to try out Disco and GenTabs, although for now it's only on macOS. Google Labs projects don't always go the distance to an official public release, and the company even acknowledged that GenTabs will likely have some wonkiness at this experimental stage. But it's been clear for months that big tech companies are gunning for the best and fastest ways to put their AI tools into browsers, so it seems likely that there will be more features in this vein coming up soon. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-disco-is-an-experimental-web-browser-that-builds-ai-widgets-based-on-your-tabs-180000701.html?src=rss

Rivian goes all in on 'universal hands-free' driving at its first Autonomy and AI day

EV automaker Rivian just held its inaugural Autonomy and AI day which, unsurprisingly, focused extensively on hands-free driving. An upcoming software update promises the introduction of universal hands-free driving. The company says its vehicles will be able to autonomously navigate more than 3.5 million miles of roads in North America, covering the vast majority of marked roads in the US. This is coming to the R2 line of EVs , but also Gen 2 R1 vehicles like the recently-released Rivian R1S . The service will be locked behind a subscription for something called Autonomy+ that includes self-driving, but also offers access to forthcoming and unannounced autonomous features. Rivian customers can pay $2,500 for lifetime access to the platform or $50 per month. The R2 is getting LiDAR sensors, which will presumably help enable some of those upcoming autonomous features, in addition to a new chip called the Rivian Autonomy Processor. The processor has been designed for multimodal applications and runs the company's proprietary neural net engine. Both of these features are expected to ship on R2 models starting at the end of 2026. Today's event wasn't just about hands-free driving. Many of the company's vehicles will soon be given access to the AI-powered Rivian Assistant, which uses LLMs and can connect to apps like Google Calendar. This assistant will be model-agnostic, as it will orchestrate different models and choose the best one for the task. In addition to the upcoming R2, the company is prepping the R3 and R3X. A Rivian offshoot just introduced an extremely expensive, but modular, electric bike called the TM-B . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/rivian-goes-all-in-on-universal-hands-free-driving-at-its-first-autonomy-and-ai-day-172004733.html?src=rss

Disney has accused Google of copyright infringement on a 'massive scale'

Disney has accused Google of copyright infringement on a massive scale, alleging that the tech giant is training its AI tools on protected materials as well as allowing those tools to generate infringing images and videos. Variety reports that Disney attorneys sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google on Wednesday. Google is infringing Disneys copyrights on a massive scale, by copying a large corpus of Disneys copyrighted works without authorization to train and develop generative artificial intelligence (AI) models and services, and by using AI models and services to commercially exploit and distribute copies of its protected works to consumers in violation of Disneys copyrights, reads the letter, which Variety reviewed. The letter includes examples of images from several Disney properties including Deadpool, Moana, Star Wars and others, reproduced by Google's AI tools. Disney is demanding that Google implement guardrails within all its AI products to prevent further infringement. The media giant sent a similar letter to Character.AI in September, and is currently suing Hailuo and Midjourney over alleged copyright infringement. Copyright enforcement has become more challenging in the face of AI-created imagery, and companies are increasingly taking an if you can't beat them, join them approach. Today Disney announced a deal with OpenAI to license its characters for use in Sora, OpenAI's video generator. The deal will see Disney invest $1 billion in OpenAI (a paltry sum by some standards ), with the option to purchase additional equity at a later date. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/disney-has-accused-google-of-copyright-infringement-on-a-massive-scale-163737642.html?src=rss

CES 2026 preview: What to expect from tech's biggest conference in January

CES doesn't start until January, but whispers of the products and announcements that could be in store for tech's biggest annual conference have already started to take shape. The CES 2026 show floor is officially open from January 6 through 9, although the show kicks off with events on Sunday January 4 and a host of press conferences on Monday. As always, product demos, announcements and networking will be happening at the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding hotels all over the city. As usual, Engadget will be covering the event in-person and remotely, bringing you news and hands-ons straight from the show floor. More specific details and pre-announcements should trickle out as CES approaches, but in the meantime, we do know what companies will be hosting press conferences and what tech trends could rear their heads at the show. What we already know about Press conferences and show floor booths are the bread and butter of CES. The Consumer Technology Association has already published a searchable directory of who will have a presence at the show, along with a schedule of every official panel and presentation. On Sunday, January 4, Samsung will kick-off CES with The First Look, a presentation hosted by TM Roh, the CEO of Samsung's DX Division, on the company's vision for the DX (Device eXperience) Division in 2026, along with new AI-driven customer experiences. That'll be followed by multiple press conferences throughout Monday, January 5. LG is hosting its Innovation in Tune with You presentation to share its vision for elevating daily life through Affectionate Intelligence at the start of the day, Intel is launching its new Core Ultra Series 3 processors in the afternoon, Sony Honda Mobility is holding a press conference on its first car and AMD CEO Lisa Su will cover AMD's upcoming chip announcements at a keynote address that closes out the day. Finally, on Tuesday, January 6, Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang will host Lenovo's Tech World Conference at Sphere, using the large and decidedly curved screen to share the company's commitment to delivering smarter AI for all by constantly redefining how technology can engage, inspire, and empower. Its worth noting that Lenovo is the parent company of Motorola, which still makes phones and foldables that feature AI tools, so its possible those devices feature in the presentation as well. Outside of the formal introduction of new products and initiatives, reading the tea leaves of what was announced last year and what companies are reportedly working on, we can make some educated guesses at what we could see at CES 2026. New chips from AMD, Intel and Qualcomm CES is frequently the start of a cascade of new chip announcements for a given year, and one of the first places new silicon appears in real consumer products. AMD will likely use its keynote to introduce new versions of its Ryzen chips, including the recently spotted Ryzen 7 9850X3D , which is expected to offer better single-threaded performance, and the Ryzen 9000G series, which could be built with AMD's Zen 5 architecture. The company might also use its CES stage to go over its new FSR Redstone AI upscaling tech. Intel has already publicly announced that it'll launch its Panther Lake chips at CES 2026. The officially titled Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips fit into Intel's overall AI PC push, but are specifically meant for premium laptops. Based on a preview from October 2025, Intel says the first chip made with its 2-nanometer 18A process will offer 50 percent more processing performance than previous generations and for the chip's Arc GPU, a 50 percent performance bump from last generation. Qualcomm is also rumored to be targeting laptops at the show, building on the work it's done moving its Snapdragon chips out of phones and tablets and into other types of computers. The company's Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Premium chips should start appearing in laptops at CES 2026, offering a look at the improved speed and AI performance the company promised in 2025. Brighter, ruer screens Sony announced a collection of new Bravia TVs in April 2025, replacing the company's flagship, filling in its midrange options and adding a new budget model to the mix. The star of this updated Bravia lineup is the Bravia 9, which features a QD-OLED panel, but Sony appears to be prepping entirely new display tech for 2026. In March 2025, Sony introduced a new RGB LED panel that uses individual Mini LED backlights colored in red, green and blue to produce even brighter, more accurate colors. In contrast to a QD-OLED, which filters a layer of blue organic light emitting diodes through quantum dots that change color, Sony's General RGB LED Backlight Technology can get as bright as a Mini LED panel without needing an extra filter layer or worrying about OLED's problems with burn-in. The company has already trademarked the name True RGB, which could end up being what Sony calls this new flavor of display if it decides to show them off at CES. It seems entirely likely, because CES is nothing if not a TV show its a sure bet that well see new TVs from the likes of LG and Samsung in addition to Sony. If the company doesn't introduce new display tech for its TVs, it does have a new 240Hz PlayStation monitor coming in 2026 that it could show off at CES instead. Sony isn't the only company hyped on bright screens. Samsung is reportedly pushing an updated version of the HDR10 and HDR10+ standards that could be ready to demo at CES 2026. The new HDR10+ Advanced standard would be Samsung's answer to Dolby Vision 2 , which includes support for things bi-directional tone mapping and intelligent features that automatically adapt sports and gaming content. Samsung's take will reportedly offer improved brightness, genre-based tone mapping and intelligent motion smoothing options, among other improvements. Ballie Watch 2026 The ball-shaped yellow robot lovingly known as Ballie has been announced twice, first in 2020 and then again in 2024 with a projector in tow. Samsung said Ballie would go on sale in 2025 at CES last year and then shared in April 2025 that Ballie would ship this summer with Google's Gemini onboard. But it's nearly 2026, and Ballie is nowhere to be seen. It's possible Samsung could make a third attempt at announcing its robot at CES 2026, but whether or not it does, robotics will still be a big part of the show. Robot vacuums and mops were a major highlight of CES 2025, and it's safe to expect notable improvements from the new models that are announced at CES 2026. Not every company will adopt the retractable arm of the Roborock Saros Z70 , but robot vacuums with legs for rising over small ledges like the Dreame X50 seem like they could become the norm. Roborock could also show off its new Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow , the first of its robot vacuums to feature a retractable roller mop. Beyond just traversing spaces more efficiently, improving robots' navigation could also be a major concern at the show. Prominent members of the AI industry are turning their attention from large language models to world models , which aim to give AI a deep understanding of physical space. Those world models could be the key to making robots, bipedal or otherwise, competent at navigating homes and workplaces, and will likely be a significant talking point at CES 2026. Well be updating this article throughout the month as more rumors surface and new products are confirmed stay tuned for future updates! Update, December 11 2025, 11:03AM ET: This story has been updated to include detail on Lenovo being Motorolas parent company and how the latter might have a part in the Tuesday presentation. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ces-2026-preview-what-to-expect-from-techs-biggest-conference-in-january-120000200.html?src=rss

One of our favorite budgeting apps is 50 percent off for new users

With a new year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to take stock of your finances. A budgeting app can help with that, and right now you can get 50 percent off your first year of a Monarch Money plan. All you need to do is enter the code MONARCHVIP at checkout and youll pay $50 for the initial 12 months instead of the regular price of $100. Note that the offer only applies to new users. Monarch Money was the runner-up in our guide to the best budgeting apps in 2025, and it was definitely a grower. Initially we found the experience of using the app to be needlessly complicated compared to some of its rivals, but get over that hurdle and its impressively fully-featured. There are plenty of customization options, a helpful goals feature and a thorough month-in-review recap that beats out similar features from some of its competitors. We also like how you can grant account access to others. Besides the steep learning curve, we also noted that the mobile app is less intuitive to use than the web version, which might pose a problem if you were hoping to do most of your accounting on the go. We also had some issues with the app failing to distinguish between bills and other recurring expenses, as well as a few bugs along the way. All things considered, Monarch is definitely one of our favorite budgeting apps, only being beaten out by Quicken Simplifi. As you might expect, the biggest strength of Simplifi is its simplicity, and how it eases you into using its various features. If you value that kind of user experience, it might be a better choice for you, but theres unfortunately no free trial to take advantage of. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-budgeting-apps-is-50-percent-off-for-new-users-154056449.html?src=rss

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 drop to a new record low of $199

No need to fret if you missed out on some of the best Black Friday deals this year some of them have returned already. Case in point: Apple's AirPods Pro 3 , which came out in September this year, are on sale for a new record low of $199. That's 20 percent off and better than the discount we saw during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. With the new AirPods Pro, Apple made some big improvements, including better battery life and sound quality, and introduced useful new features, such as Live Translation. The AirPods Pro 3 are the best AirPods available today, with Apple's H2 chip, and earned a score of 90 out of 100 in Engadget's review this fall. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the biggest selling points of the AirPods Pro, and Apple has made the experience even better with the AirPods Pro 3. They sport new foam-infused ear tips that create a better seal to improve passive noise isolation, and as Engadget's Billy Steele wrote in his review, Ultra-low-noise microphones combine with advanced computational audio to silence even more background noise. In testing, they had no problem blocking out the chatter of people nearby or otherwise noisy environments. With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple introduced heart-rate sensing, so you'll be able to see your heart rate data from the earbuds in the Fitness app and other workout apps. The AirPods Pro 3 also boast Live Translation, which you can activate via controls on the earbuds themselves. As long as you have an Apple Intelligence-capable device, you'll be able to translate in-person conversations in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin). Also on sale in the world of AirPods are the AirPods 4 with ANC , which are down $119 when you pick them up with two years of AppleCare+. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-airpods-pro-3-drop-to-a-new-record-low-of-199-222806888.html?src=rss

OpenAI signs deal to bring Disney characters to Sora and ChatGPT

It looks like Disney wasted no time delivering on CEO Bob Igers promise to bring AI-generated content to Disney+. On Thursday, the company announced the start of a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI to bring more than 200 of its beloved characters, including those from Star Wars and Pixar, to the Sora app and ChatGPT. With the deal in place, OpenAI users will be able to prompt ChatGPT to generate images that tap into Disneys intellectual property, with costumes, props, vehicles and environments covered. The agreement does not include voices or talent likenesses, meaning Sora users wont be able prompt the app to make a video with Black Widow and get something with Scarlett Johansson in it. Instead, both Sora and ChatGPT will only have access to animated and illustrated versions of Marvel and Star Wars characters like Black Panther, Captain America, Han Solo, Darth Vader and others. Disney will stream curated selections of Sora-generated fan videos on Disney+. Sora and ChatGPT users will be able to start generating images and videos with Disney characters starting in early 2026. Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling, and were excited to partner to allow Sora and ChatGPT Images to expand the way people create and experience great content, said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity, and help works reach vast new audiences. Disney has also agreed to become an OpenAI customer, promising to use the companys APIs to build new products, tools and experiences. Additionally, Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI, with the option to purchase additional equity down the road. OpenAI recently completed a restructuring to become more of traditional profit-seeking corporation, clearing the way for a potential IPO sometime in the next year or so. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-signs-deal-to-bring-disney-characters-to-sora-and-chatgpt-144344820.html?src=rss

Warios one and only 3D platformer is now playable on Switch 2

Nintendo has been slowly drip-feeding us GameCube games since the console joined its Nintendo Classics offering when the Switch 2 launched in June, and we just got another one. Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can now play Warios one and only 3D platformer on the service. Wario World launched in 2003 and was developed by Treasure ( Gunstar Heroes , Ikaruga ). You play as Wario, the flatulent antithesis of Nintendos primary mascot, in what is a combat-heavy platformer. Warios castle has been overthrown by an evil piece of sentient jewellery called Black Jewel, and its up to the garlic-loving antihero to punch and piledrive everything in sight in order to reclaim it. Wario World was a relative commercial hit for Nintendo, but while many reviewers praised its chaotic gameplay, the games short length pulled the scores down. Interestingly, the same criticism was leveled at the similarly brief Luigis Mansion , which joined the Nintendo Classics app just ahead of Halloween. Wario World becomes the seventh GameCube game that can be played on the Switch 2 via NSO. The service launched with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker , F-Zero GX and Soulcalibur II . Since then Nintendo has added Super Mario Strikers , Chibi-Robo! , Luigis Mansion and now Wario World . The likes of Super Mario Sunshine and Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance will arrive at some point. Its been a good week for NSO subscribers who enjoy retro 3D platformers. Yesterday Nintendo announced that Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble are coming to its N64 emulator on December 17. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/warios-one-and-only-3d-platformer-is-now-playable-on-switch-2-133011950.html?src=rss

Google's Gemini AI comes to Chrome on iPhone and iPad

After rolling it out on desktop and Android earlier in 2025 , Google is finally bringing its built-in Gemini AI experience to iPhone and iPad. It offers new features like summarizing pages and helping you test your knowledge about a subject you're learning. As with any AI tool, though, it shouldn't be trusted for anything important given the possibility of hallucinations and other errors. When it arrives on your iOS device, tapping the spark icon at the left of the address bar (in place of the Google Lens camera) brings up a Pages tool that offers Lens and the new feature, Ask Gemini. You can then chat with Gemini about the current web page (by default) or any other topic. It may then offer suggestions that appear in the chat box like: Summarize page: Tap to get key takeaways and insights that help you understand any topic. Create FAQ about this topic: Tap to get FAQs based on info from this page and similar sites. If you elect to just type in the chat window, here are some examples of what you can do: Summarize key takeaways from an article Explain a complex topic in a different way Help you test your knowledge of a new subject youre learning Modify a recipe to meet dietary needs Compare information or make recommendations based on your preferences The response to your chat questions will float over the web page that then shifts to the background. A new chat can be started from the top right corner, and you'll see a Liquid Glass overflow menu. For now, Gemini in Chrome on iPhone and iPad is only supported in the US with the browser language set to English. You need to be signed into Chrome and the feature doesn't work in incognito mode. Google also noted that the feature is only available to users 18 and older and may not roll out to your device immediately. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-gemini-ai-comes-to-chrome-on-iphone-and-ipad-130003432.html?src=rss

US could demand five-year social media history from tourists before allowing entry

Tourists from Europe and other regions could be asked to provide a five-year social media history before given entry to the United States, according to a new proposal from the US Customs and Border Protection service (CBP). The new rule would affect visitors from countries who normally enjoy relatively easy entry to the US via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The new proposal cites an executive order issued by President Trump from January titled Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. In his first year in office, Trump has been hyper-focused on strengthening US borders and reducing what he calls illegal immigration. The US state department will conduct online presence reviews for applicants and their dependents and require privacy settings on social media profiles to be made public. Applicants must list all the social media handles they've used over the last five years and if any information is omitted, it could lead to the denial of current and future visas. The CBP didn't say what information they were looking for or what could be disqualifying. On top of the social media information, CBP may require applicant's telephone numbers and email addresses used over the last five and 10 years respectively, along with information about family members. The new conditions are liable to increase ESTA wait times and drastically boost the cost of enforcing it. The CPB's document suggests that an additional 5,598,115 man-hours would be required per year, or around 3,000 full-time jobs plus all the costs that entails. Right now, the ESTA application costs $40, allows people to visit the US for 90 days at a time and is valid for a two-year period. The mandatory social media reporting and other requirements could discourage travelers. Some Australian tourists who were coming to the US for the upcoming World Cup have now said that they've abandoned those plans, according to The Guardian , with one person calling the new rules horrifying. However, when asked if the proposal could lead to a tourism decline in the US, Trump said he wasn't concerned. No. We're doing so well, he told a reporter. We want to make sure we're not letting the wrong people come enter our country. The CPB emphasized that the new conditions were only a proposal for now. Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States [currently], a spokesperson told the BBC . This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe. If implemented, the rule would affect people from 40 countries, including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan. The largest number of tourists to the US come from Canada and Mexico, accounting for nearly half of the total however, visitors with passports from those two countries don't require a visa or ESTA approval. Travel to the US was down three percent this year compared to 2024 as of August 2025, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/us-could-demand-five-year-social-media-history-from-tourists-before-allowing-entry-102751243.html?src=rss

OnePlus 15R Ace Edition announced for December 17 launch

The Chinese smartphone maker said, OnePlus 15R is the ultimate value flagship, and the OnePlus 15R Ace Edition is perfect for those who wish to declare themselves the ultimate Ace gamer.

The best noise-canceling headphones for 2025

Noise is hard to escape, whether its the hum of traffic, the buzz of a busy office or the neighbors lawn mower starting up right when you need to focus. Thats where noise-canceling headphones earn their keep. A good pair doesnt just quiet the world around you, it creates a pocket of calm so you can actually enjoy your music, podcasts or peace and quiet. Modern noise-canceling headphones have come a long way, combining powerful ANC with clearer sound, longer battery life and smarter features like adaptive modes and multipoint connectivity. Some emphasize comfort for long flights, while others are tuned for audiophiles who want studio-level clarity. Weve tested a wide range of options to find the best noise-canceling headphones for every listener. Whether youre after something lightweight for travel or a premium set for focused work sessions, these picks deliver the sound, silence and comfort you need to tune out the chaos. Table of contents Best noise-canceling headphones for 2025 How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you How we test noise-canceling headphones Other noise-canceling headphones we tested Noise-canceling headphones FAQs Best noise-canceling headphones of 2025 How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you Design When youre shopping for the best wireless headphones, the first thing youll need to decide on is wear style. Do you prefer on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the purposes of this guide, I focus on the over-ear style as thats what most noise-canceling headphones are nowadays. Sure, you can find on-ear models with ANC, but over-ear, active noise-canceling headphones are much more effective at blocking outside sounds since your ears are completely covered. For gamers, there are also gaming headsets that feature noise cancellation some even have detachable microphones, so they can double as over-ear headphones. However, for the purpose of this article, were only going to be focusing on noise-canceling headphones rather than headsets. Look for models with a comfortable headband and memory foam ear cups to ensure you can wear them for long periods without discomfort. Many headphones also come with a range of color options, so if aesthetics matter to you, youll find plenty of choices beyond just black or white. Whether youre looking for something neutral or a bold pop of color, brands now offer a variety of styles to match your personal taste. Finally, if youre planning to wear your headphones for long periods of time, its important to pick a model with a comfortable fit. Memory foam ear cups, an adjustable headband, and lightweight materials can make all the difference during extended listening sessions. After all, great sound is only part of the equation; comfort matters just as much. Type of noise cancellation Next, youll want to look at the type of ANC a set of headphones offers. Youll come across terms like hybrid active noise cancellation or hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation, and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside and on the outside of the device to detect outside noise and cancel it out. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than regular ANC, but it does so at a constant level that doesnt change. Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive noise-canceling also does a better job with wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using headphones outdoors. Some high-end headphones also support Dolby Atmos, which enhances spatial audio and makes everything from music to movies sound more immersive. For the purposes of this best headphones list, Im only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise and improving your overall listening experience. Customization Youll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of headphones offers adjustable levels of noise cancellation or presets. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help you save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that provide both maximum noise blocking and more efficient cancellation that is more energy efficient. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level to your liking. Some high-end models even allow you to fine-tune the ANC for specific types of environments. How we test noise-canceling headphones The primary way we test headphones is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines dont allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts , while also using the headphones to take both voice and video calls. Since battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). Due to the longer battery estimates, Ill typically power the headphones off several times and leave them that way during a review. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to constantly monitor the process for over 24 straight hours. To test ANC performance specifically, I use headphones in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I use them during air travel since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I cant hop on a flight, Ill simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well each device blocks human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC headphones. ANC-related features are something else to consider. Here, I do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the headphones Im testing are an updated version of a previous model, Ill spend time getting reacquainted with the older set. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of headphones that I review. Other noise-canceling headphones we tested AirPods Max Apples AirPods Max are premium, well-designed over-ear headphones that incorporate all of the best features you find on standard AirPods: solid noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy Siri access. However, their $550 starting price makes them almost prohibitively expensive, even for Apple users. There are better options available at lower prices, but if you can pick up the AirPods Max at a steep discount, they might be worthwhile for the biggest Apple fans among us. Dyson On-Trac The On-Trac headphones have an almost infinitely customizable design, and thats whats most unique about them. The sound profile offers some nice detail, but lacks dynamic range overall. ANC is average at best and there arent any advanced features that will make your life easier. Well, except for the hearing health monitor, which is actually handy. All told, thats not a lot for a set of $500 headphones. Sonos Ace The Sonos Ace is an excellent debut for the companys first headphones. The combination of refined design, great sound quality and home theater tricks creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is just okay and key functionality is still in the works for many users. Sony ULT Wear If most headphones dont have the level of bass you desire, the ULT Wear is an option to consider. The low-end thump isnt for everyone, but there are also plenty of handy features and a refined look to make the $200 set more compelling than many in this price range. Beats Studio Pro The Studio Pro lacks basic features like automatic pausing, and multipoint connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, theyre not very comfortable for people with larger heads. Overall sound quality is improved, though, and voice performance on calls is well above average. Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen) The MH40 are a great set of headphones if you favor crisp, clear and natural sound that isnt overly tuned. This pair showcases the companys affinity for leather and metal too, but limited customization and short battery life for non-ANC cans kept this set from making the cut. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 The companys trademark pristine sound is on display here, but the Px8 is more expensive and not nearly as comfortable as the Px7 S3. Noble Audio FoKus Apollo While this is my top pick for overall sound quality in our main guide to the best wireless headphones , the ANC performance is less impressive than the Px7 S3. Bowers & Wilkins gets the nod here for its improved noise cancellation over the Px7 S2 and Px7 S2e, and its overall excellent audio quality. Noise-canceling headphones FAQs Does noise cancellation block all noise? Noise cancellation doesnt block out all noise, though it does drastically reduce the volume of most external sounds. Is there a difference between wired vs wireless noise-canceling headphones? In terms of sound quality, if you have two headphones one wired and one wireless with similar specs, the difference is going to be very minimal. However, wireless headphones offer more convenience, allowing you to move around more freely with your headphones on, which is why they often feature noise cancellation to minimize external sounds. Does noise cancellation impact sound quality? ANC does bear some weight on sound quality, but the impact of this often doesnt outweigh the benefits. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise, allowing a greater focus on audio detail. For audiophiles, however, there may be a small difference in sound fidelity when ANC is turned on. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-canceling-headphones-130029881.html?src=rss

Apple previewed its 5th retail store in India, opens Dec 11 for public

The U.S. based tech giant is also expected to open its 6th and the second store in Mumbai in the early 2026

Lava Agni 4 Review | Pushing boundaries and gets a lot right

While it still proudly carries the Made in India badge, the Agni 4 takes a very different path in design and identity, choosing to stand apart rather than build on its predecessors character

Foldable smartphone shipments forecast to grow 10% year-on-year in 2025 to 20.6 million units: IDC Report

The report by the International Data Corporation highlighted novel developments in the foldable smartphone space next year, even while customers hesitate to upgrade their handsets

Meta stake in Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica 'at least 3%', board director says

The Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which let wearers take photos, stream content and talk to an AI assistant, have boosted EssilorLuxotticas sales this year

Disney nominates former Apple COO to its board

Jeff Williams retired as Apples COO earlier this year, having held the position since 2015

Nothing launches Phone 3a Community Edition in India: Price, features and availability

Nothing will produce only 1,000 units of Phone 3a Community Edition globally

Lava launches Play Max smartphone with VC cooling in budget segment

Lava Play Max features MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor with up to 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage

Poco C85 5G launched in India for budget buyers

Poco C85 5G holds a 6,000 mAh battery along with a 33W charger inside the box

Samsung announces One UI 8.5 beta program for Galaxy S25 series users

Quick Share will recognise people in photos and proactively suggests sending them directly

Trends that dominated YouTube in 2025

YouTube says that creators are using tools like the Inspiration Tab, Edit with AI, and Auto Dubbing to simplify complex edits, and reach new audiences

Meta Ray-Ban Gen 2 AI glasses launch in India

The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) AI glasses will be available nationwide at Ray-Ban India and leading optical and eyewear retailers, starting at 39,900

Xiaomi launches Redmi 15C 5G for budget buyers in India

The phone runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 2 with Circle to Search and Google Gemini integration

Vivo X300 Review | Industry-leading photography in a compact form factor

Vivo has pushed the boundaries of what mobile photography can be, and with the X300, the company takes an even more confident leap

Nothing to launch Phone 3a Lite Community Edition on December 9

The Community Edition is expected to use the same specifications as Nothing Phone 3a Lite

Apple to resist India order to preload state-run Sanchar Saathi app as political outcry builds

The Indian government has confidentially ordered companies including Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi to preload their phones with an app called Sanchar Saathi

Vivo focused upon evolving consumers needs with a premium push, says companys spokesperson

On being the leader currently in Indian smartphone ecosystem, Vivo said that output is not in their control. There are market forces which contribute for a brand to be number one

Apple names Amar Subramanya new VP of AI, replacing John Giannandrea

Apple a laggard in the AI race has been slow to add AI features to its products in comparison to rivals such as Samsung

India orders smartphone makers to preload state-owned cyber safety app

India is one of the world's largest telephone markets, with more than 1.2 billion subscribers, and government figures show the app, launched in January, has helped recover more than 700,000 lost phones, including 50,000 in October alone

MacBook Pro M5 Review: A runner working on VO2 max, not sprint speed

The Apple MacBook Pro M5 is still elite, still efficient, and still the machine almost anyone can rely on. But it is unmistakably incremental

Apple to Open Fifth India Store at Noida on December 11

Apple store will be launched in Noida at DLF Mall of India

Buying a laptop under 20,000 Heres what you need to know

It might be tempting to buy a new laptop without breaking the bank, but is a budget laptop the right choice for you?

iQOO 15 Review | Stands out for what it does best

Starting at 72,999, iQOO 15 features Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a massive 7,000 mAh battery with 100W fast charging, and a stunning 6.85-inch 2K 144 Hz AMOLED display

Ai+ to start a new category of Laptab in Q1 2026

Till date, Ai+ has only launched two entry segment smartphones in India

Nothing launches Phone 3a Lite for mid segment buyers in India

Nothing Phone 3a Lite has features like Essential Key/Essential Space, Glyph light and a transparent design

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Should you upgrade?

Switching from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 Pro Max feels like moving from an already superb flagship to a slightly more refined, stamina-focused powerhouse

Oppo Find X9 Pro Review | A flagship that finally feels whole

Oppo has launched the Find X9 Pro, a flagship that combines top-tier performance, impressive battery life, and a refined camera system, positioning itself as a compelling choice in the premium segment

Oppo unveils Dimensity 9500 running Find X9 and Find X9 Pro in global market

They are likely to launch officially in November in India

iPhone 17 Review: The rise of the underdog

In short, this is the iPhone that delivers the Apple experience without compromise or pretence at a competitive price point

Sony WH-1000XM6 Review | A superb all-rounder

With improvements in sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and an even more seamless design, Sony positions the WH-1000XM6 as its most advanced wireless headphones yet

Nothing unveils AI-native OS Essential and Playground, its own version of App Store

Nothing said that Essential is going to be the foundation for a future personal operating system

Vivo and iQOO smartphones to shift to Origin OS 6

Vivos sub-brand iQOO has also confirmed the same. Nipun Marya, iQOO India CEO shared on X, We are ready for a new experience. Are you?

Meta expands AI glasses line in a bet on the future

Meta has encountered more success with its frames developed alongside Ray-Ban, offering features including a built-in camera, music playback and voice interactions with the company's AI

Apples iPhone Air shines as AI remains in the shadows

While the Apple iPhone had gone through several transformations over the years, the past few years have been particularly unforgiving

Nothing to open its first flagship store in India later this year

Nothings first flagship store would be on the lines of Apple Stores in India, which is also expanding its retail reach in most populated country of the world

Apple set to open retail store in Pune on September 4

There are two Apple Stores in India currently, in Mumbai and Delhi with another new one set to open in Bengaluru soon

Apple in talks to use Google's Gemini AI to power revamped Siri: Report

Apple recently approached Alphabet's Google to develop a custom AI model to power a redesigned Siri next year, the report said