Gadgets News

The best winter tech for 2026 to get you through the coldest months

The festive lights, time off and cute scarfs can only conceal the truth for so long: Winter can be pretty bleak. I don't mean to be a downer, but it's cold all of the time, dark most of the time and this lasts far beyond the most wonderful time of the year. Here at Engadget, we've tried so many tools and products to make winter more bearable from therapy lamps to heaters . We've invested in tea sets, wrapped ourselves in heated blankets and learned to grow herbs indoors really, anything that will make these three-plus months more bearable, we've tried. Here, you'll find some of the best winter tech getting us at Engadget through the coldest months, plus a number of recommendations from our other gift guides that will get anyone through the winter warm, comfortable and content. Best winter tech and gear This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/the-best-winter-tech-to-get-you-through-the-coldest-months-130009205.html?src=rss

How to watch the first-ever Lego CES 2026 press conference live

picture alliance via Getty Images The Lego Group is hosting its first-ever press conference at CES 2026 but what the company is going to announce remains a mystery. While the huge toy brick creators haven't given any hints as to what they'll be showcasing, the possibilities run the gamut from new video games to Formula 1 race cars. Here's how you can watch Lego's presentation at CES, and what we might expect to see. How to watch The Lego Group's CES 2026 press conference The Lego CES press conference is scheduled for Monday, January 5 at 1PM ET. While Lego and the Consumer Technology Association haven't yet provided the details, we expect that the press conference will be available as a livestream. Once the details are confirmed, we'll update this post to confirm them. But if a livestream isn't immediately available, the Engadget team will be liveblogging the Lego presser and posting timely details. What to expect Thus far, Lego hasn't shared any public info about its CES plans, so we're largely in the dark as to what to expect. At CES 2025, for instance, the toy production giant partnered with Sony to announce the animated Lego Horizon Adventures online game. As such, Lego may spend some time talking up its new 2026 game, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight . The company may also give some stage time to its Lego Group F1 Academy racing car , though that too would be more about brand building than consumer products. And given Lego's focus on the environment, the company may discuss its efforts to reach its 2032 ecological goals , including making its Lego bricks more sustainable and reducing carbon emissions by 37%. While there are plenty of new Lego sets for 2026 , however, this is CES, not Toy Fair. So we're assuming that the company will be showcasing something that's more tech-centric. Stay tuned. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/how-to-watch-the-first-ever-lego-ces-2026-press-conference-live-130005307.html?src=rss

From 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' to 'Nashville's Big Bash,' here's how to watch this year's biggest New Year's Eve TV specials

Here are some of this year's biggest, most star-studded TV specials you can watch to help you ring in 2026. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images) CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images This year, it seems like there are more ways than ever to celebrate New Year's Eve... from the comfort of your couch, that is. Whether you want to catch the enduring Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest and filmed live out of Times Square in New York City, or check out of one the many other live specials filled with music performances, comedy and celebrity guests, you've got options. Thursday night's TV schedule also includes New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash , a star-studded celebration of country music featuring five hours of performances from some of Nashville's most beloved stars, airing on CBS and Paramount+, plus CNNs New Years Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen , and a livestream of the Times Square ball drop, too. Here's everything you need to know about some of this year's biggest New Year's Eve TV specials, including channels, streaming info, and more. How to watch New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash Date : Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Time: 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ET Channel: CBS Streaming: Paramount+, DirecTV + more What time is New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash on? New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash starts at 8:00 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast live in two segments, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT and 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ET/PT on CBS streaming on Paramount+. Who is appearing at New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash? Nashville's Big Bash includes performances from, headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman, and special guests CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers who will all perform live from Nashville's Bicentennial Park. Additionally, the five-hour special will feature performances by Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Marcus King, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr. from various venues across the city. The night will be hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY, who will also perform. You can also expect additional appearances throughout the night by comedian Dusty Slay, TV host Cassie DiLaura, Sirius XM host Buzz Brainard and UFC champion Kayla Harrison. How to watch Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve Date : Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Time: 8 p.m.- 4 a.m. ET Channel: ABC Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV + more What time is Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve? Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest begins at 8 p.m. ET and runs all the way until 4 a.m. ET, marking its longest New Year's Eve broadcast ever. You can tune in live on ABC, or stream it on DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and more. Who is appearing at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve? This year's New Year's Eve celebration won't just be taking place in Times Square, the show will span multiple time zones, including hosts and performers stationed in Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico and beyond. In Chicago, Chance the Rapper is co-hosting the broadcast to help welcome in the new year from the Midwest and lead the live Central Time Zone countdown. Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough will be co-hosting the Las Vegas broadcast, and in New York, Ryan Seacrest will be joined by co-host Rita Ora. The 2026 NYRE broadcast will feature 42 superstar performers across New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico and beyond. Diana Ross will headline the evening with a midnight performance. Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, and Maren Morris will perform in Times Square. On the West Coast, there will be performances from 4 Non Blondes, 50 Cent, 6lack, AJR, The All-American Rejects, BigXthaPlug, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, DJ Cassidys Pass the Mic Live! featuring Busta Rhymes, T.I., and Wyclef Jean, Goo Goo Dolls, Jess Glynne, Jessie Murph, Jordan Davis, KPop Demon Hunters: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI), Leon Thomas, Mariah Carey, Madison Beer, New Kids on the Block, OneRepublic, Pitbull joined by Lil Jon and Filmore, Rick Springfield, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore, and Zara Larsson. Daddy Yankee will perform from Puerto Rico, Chappell Roan will perform from Kansas City and Post Malone will play from Nashville. How to watch CNNs New Years Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Date : Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Time: 8 p.m. ET Channel: ABC Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV + more Who is appearing on CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen ? CNN's New Year's Eve special will feature performances by Robyn, performing live from Times Square, Shakira performing from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL, Brandy and Monica from The Boy Is Mine Tour presented by BPC, Bryan Adams from Madison Square Garden, Florence + The Machine, RAYE, mentalist Oz Perlman, plus appearances from Amy Sedaris, Brandi Carlile, Aloe Blacc, Patti LaBelle, singer Michelle Williams, Rebecca Romijn and Jerry OConnell, comedians B.J. Novak, Leanne Morgan, Sarah Sherman, Stephen Colbert and more. NYC Times Square Ball Drop New Years Eve free livestream: There will be a free livestream of the Ball Drop on Timessquarenyc.org , offering commercial-free, webcast coverage of the Times Square festivities leading up to the Ball Drop at midnight. There will also be a livestream with open captions and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation available on YouTube. Both livestreams begin at 6 p.m. ET. Watch free livestream More ways to watch this year's New Year's Eve specials This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/from-dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-to-nashvilles-big-bash-heres-how-to-watch-this-years-biggest-new-years-eve-tv-specials-120016871.html?src=rss

The best cameras for 2026

Choosing a camera is not just about resolution or price. It is about finding something that matches how you like to shoot. Some photographers want a compact mirrorless camera that travels easily. Others want an action cam that can handle rough hikes, or a full-frame system that delivers the best possible image quality. With so many options today, there is a camera built for almost every creative style. We tested the top models across categories to help you decide which one fits your needs. Whether you are filming your first vlog, shooting portraits or capturing fast-moving action, these are the best cameras to help you grow your skills. Best cameras for 2026 Best mirrorless cameras Mirrorless is the largest camera category in terms of models available, so its the best way to go if youre looking for something with the most advanced features. Canon and Nikon recently announced theyre discontinuing development of new DSLRs, simply because most of the advantages of that category are gone, as I detailed in a video . The biggest selling feature of a mirrorless camera is the ability to change lenses depending on the type of shooting you want to do. Best action camera or gimbal camera The most important features to look for in an action cam are image quality, stabilization and battery life. GoPro has easily been beating all rivals recently in all those areas, but DJI has taken a lot of its business with the Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal camera. Best compact camera This category has fewer cameras than it did even a few years ago and many models are older, as manufacturers focus instead on mirrorless models. However, Im still a big believer in compact cameras. Theyre a noticeable step up from smartphones quality-wise, and a lot of people will take a compact traveling or to events when theyd never bother with the hassle of a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Compacts largely have type 1-inch sensors, but a few offer larger options, particularly Fujifilms XF-100V. Another popular model, Sonys XV-1, is primarily aimed at content creators looking to step up. In any case, desirable qualities include image quality, a fast lens, relatively long zoom, flip-out display, good battery life, a high quality EVF, decent video and good pocketability. What to consider before choosing a camera Though smartphones get better for video and photos every year, full cameras still have an edge in many ways. The larger sensors in mirrorless cameras let more light in, and you have a wide choice of lenses with far superior optics. Dedicated cameras are also faster for shooting things like sports or wildlife, offer superior video for content creators and create more professional results. Sensor size There are a few key things to consider to get the most out of a camera. The first is sensor size: in general, the larger the sensor, the better (and usually more expensive) the camera. Full frame is the largest sensor size for mainstream cameras, and its available on models like the new Panasonic S9, the Nikon Z III and Canon EOS R5 II. At a size equivalent to 35mm film (36 x 24mm), it offers the best performance in terms of image quality, low-light capability and depth of field. But its also very expensive and finicky. While bokeh looks incredible at an aperture of f/1.4, the depth of field is so razor thin that your subject's eyebrow might be in focus but not their eye. This can also make shooting video difficult. The next size category is APS-C (around 23.5 x 15.6mm for most models and 22.2 x 14.8mm for Canon), offered on Fujifilm's X Series lineup, the Canon R10, the Sony ZV-E10 II and the Nikon Z50. It's cheaper than full frame, both for the camera body and lenses, but still brings most of the advantages like decent bokeh, high ISOs for low-light shooting and relatively high resolution. With a sensor size the same as movie cameras, it's ideal for shooting video, and its easier to hold focus than with full-frame cameras. Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13mm), a format shared by Panasonic and Olympus, is the next step down in sensor size. It offers less bokeh and light-gathering capability than APS-C and full frame, but allows for smaller and lighter cameras and lenses. For video, you can still get reasonably tight depth of field with good prime lenses, but focus is easier to control. The other common sensor size is Type 1 (1 inch), which is actually smaller than one inch at 12.7 x 9.5mm. That's used mostly by compact models like Sonys ZV-1 vlogging camera. Finally, action cameras like the GoPro Hero 11 and DJIs Osmo 3 have even smaller sensors (1/1.9 and 1/1.7 inches, respectively). Autofocus For photographers, another key factor is autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy. Most modern mirrorless cameras have hybrid phase-detect AF systems that allow for rapid focus and fast burst speeds. The majority also offer AI features like eye-detect AF for people and animals, which locks in on the subjects eyes, face or body to keep them in focus. However, some models are faster and more reactive than others. Displays The electronic viewfinder (EVF) and rear display are also crucial. The best models have the sharpest and brightest EVFs that help you judge a shot before taking it. For things like street photography, its best to have as bright and sharp a rear display as possible, so its easy to see your subject and check focus in all manner of lighting conditions. You may also want a screen that flips out rather than just tilting, too. Lenses DSLRs and mirrorless cameras let you change lenses, but you're stuck with what's built into a compact camera. While that's great for portability, a single lens means you're going to sacrifice something along the way. The Fujifilm X100V, for instance, has a fast but fixed 35mm-equivalent f/2.0 lens and no zoom. The Sony RX100 V has a 24-70mm zoom, but it's slower at the telephoto end (f/2.8) and less sharp than a fixed focal (prime) lens. When choosing a lens for a mirrorless camera, youll need to consider the focal or zoom length, along with the minimum aperture. Smaller numbers like f/1.4 for a prime lens or f/2.8 for a zoom are best, as they let you work in darker environments and maximize background blur to isolate your subject. However, those lenses are more complex and thus more expensive. Video recording When it comes to video, there are other factors to consider. Some cameras combine or skip over pixels (line skipping or pixel binning) for video recording, which is not ideal because it can reduce sharpness. Better cameras tend to read out the entire sensor and then downsample to improve video sharpness (camera manufacturers dont often say if video is pixel binned, but will say if its downsampled). Another important factor is sensor speed, as slower sensors tend to have more rolling shutter that can create a jello effect that skews video. In addition, hows the battery life? How do you like the handling and feel? How long can you shoot before the camera heats up or stops? Does it support 10-bit HDR video? Is there a microphone and/or a headphone jack? (If you record a lot of interviews, it's preferable to have both.) How's the video autofocus? All of these things play a part in your decision. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/best-cameras-151524327.html?src=rss

LG announces new line of xboom speakers ahead of CES

LG just revealed several new speakers in the xboom line ahead of CES 2026 . These speakers are part of an ongoing collaboration with will.i.am from Black Eyed Peas, who is on board as the experimental architect involved with development, design and brand marketing. These speakers are fairly different from one another, but they all have AI in common. Each speaker includes an algorithm that automatically adjusts the EQ after analyzing the audio content and the listening space. Many also feature an AI algorithm for ambient lighting, which will adjust the lights to match the song being played. The xboom Stage 501 is intended for parties and karaoke sessions. It features additional AI that can remove vocals from virtually any song and even adjust the pitch. The battery lasts for around 25 hours and can operate while plugged in. The speaker delivers up to 220W of power, with dual woofers and full-range drivers. It boasts a five-sided cabinet design that allows for vertical and horizontal placement. LG The xboom Blast is a boombox with a 99Wh battery that allows for up to 35 hours of continuous playback. That's a mighty fine metric. This is a modern boombox, so it's designed for durability. There are edge bumpers and a side rope handle for carrying. LG The Mini is a tiny doodad that can be placed just about anywhere. It offers ten hours of battery life per charge and a strap for easy placement. The speaker also includes a built-in tripod mount. LG The Rock is a, well, rock-shaped speaker that's larger than the Mini but can still be held in the palm of the hand. The battery lasts for ten hours and the design is focused on durability. It has been tested to seven military standards to ensure reliability in challenging outdoor environments. This is an upgrade of the pre-existing XG2 model . We don't have pricing or exact availability on this stuff yet, though the speakers will be on display at LG's booth at CES. The company has said that all four of these gadgets will come out in 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/lg-announces-new-line-of-xboom-speakers-ahead-of-ces-010052598.html?src=rss

The OneXSugar Wallet is an upcoming retro handheld with a 4:3 foldable screen

OneXPlayer is quickly establishing itself as a company that isn't afraid to get weird as hell. (Take, for example, its transforming dual-screen gaming portable .) Its latest venture is another retro gaming handheld that, at first glance, looks like a standard dual-screen model. But the Android-powered OneXSugar Wallet uses a single foldable screen instead. The device was teased via a 54-second video on the Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili. Retro Handhelds reports that the Wallet uses an 8.01-inch OLED with a 2,480 x 1,860 resolution. (That's a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded.) The video also shows an asymmetrical analog stick layout with a D-pad and four action buttons. OneXSugar Fold OneXPlayer / Bilibi Given foldable phones long-term durability concerns , we aren't necessarily betting on the OneXSugar Wallet being a wise purchase. We also don't know how much it will cost. (The aforementioned weird dual-screen device retails for a whopping $799.) But at the very least, don't be shocked if the novel form factor ends up sparking a few copycats in the competitive retro gaming industry. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-onexsugar-wallet-is-an-upcoming-retro-handheld-with-a-43-foldable-screen-215528433.html?src=rss

How to watch the Hisense CES 2026 presentation live

Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images Hisense is perhaps best known for its budget-friendly electronics and appliances, like TVs and refrigerators. But at CES 2025, the China-based company showed its high-end chops with a massive 136-inch micro LED TV, which recently became available for a whopping $100,000 . So what's on deck for this year's show? New leadership, for starters. The company has two new hires, including Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Larsen and Chief Commercial Officer James Fishler. In a press release , Hisense said Fishler's experience in home entertainment, appliances and HVAC is important as the company builds toward a milestone 2026 and its presence at CES. We'll give you a rundown of what to expect during Hisense's presentation and how you can watch it. How to watch Hisense will have a livestream available on Monday, January 5 at 1PM ET on its website . We'll embed the link here once it's available. What to expect With its new hires in place, Hisense is clearly aiming to further polish its brand. Between Fishler and Larsen, the new front office is bringing to bear their experience from such high-powered competitors as LG, Samsung and Beats. And in a recent interview with Tom's Guide , Larsen emphasized a continued focus on the company's fast turnaround time from concept to market as a key differentiator for Hisense. As for actual announcements, while you can expect Hisense to tout its strength in appliances and HVAC systems (really), Larsen's aforementioned interview specifically calls out the emerging RGB TV space as a focus. We expect this year's show will be all about explaining the shades of difference between mini and micro LED display technologies, as both Samsung and LG have already thrown down pre-announcement gauntlets on the latter. Will any of them cost less than six figures? Let's hope Hisense has some good news to share on that front. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/how-to-watch-the-hisense-ces-2026-presentation-live-190040090.html?src=rss

Samsung unveils its new $200 Galaxy A17 5G smartphone, arriving in January

Samsung will have two new inexpensive mobile devices arriving on the US market next month. The Galaxy A17 5G starts at $199 and will be available on January 7. Arriving on January 8, the Galaxy Tab A11+ will retail for $250. The Galaxy A17 5G has a 6.7 FHD+ Super AMOLED display and is powered by the same Exynos 1330 chip found in the Galaxy A16 5G. The photography setup is also unchanged from last year's model, with a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro and 13MP selfie lenses. The base model has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but can be upgraded with up to 2TB of additional storage via microSD. Its 5,000mAh battery also supports fast-charging, a feature we're happy to see becoming more of an industry standard this year. Essentially, this is more of the same from Samsung, but this product line has a solid legacy of decent smartphones that don't break the bank. Don't be surprised if this joins our lineup of best budget Android phones come 2026. The other new entry-level device is the Galaxy Tab A11+, which boasts an 11-inch LCD display. The rear camera is 8MP and the front one is 5MP. It has an option for 6GB of RAM with 128GB in storage, or for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Like with the Galaxy A17 5G, the tablet can also be juiced up with additional microSD storage. Performance-wise, you'll top out at 15 hours of video playback on the battery, but fast-charging is also supported here. There are many swankier tablets on the market these days, but if you're looking for a bare-bones option, this Samsung offering is a solid consideration. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-unveils-its-new-200-galaxy-a17-5g-smartphone-arriving-in-january-184846560.html?src=rss

Netflix has released a trailer for the Stranger Things finale

Tomorrow's the big day, and I don't just mean New Year's Eve. The series finale of Stranger Things airs tomorrow, and Netflix has released a trailer for the last episode . We're given only flashes of the final episode, along with a voiceover of an emotional Jim Hopper telling Eleven he needs her to fight one last time. It's just over 1 minute and 30 seconds long, with what appears to be only about 30 seconds of new footage. There isn't much to go on here, as most of the footage features emotional moments from seasons past. Netflix no doubt is hoping to keep much of the excitement under wraps until tomorrow's premiere. Warning: Some spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5. Among the new images we briefly see Vecna, hooked up to the ceiling in his gross cave of power on his other world. There's also an explosion at what looks like a military site, plus a few more out-of-context flashes of our heroes. One particularly ominous moment shows Hopper walking around a smoke-filled room with almost zero visibility, gun drawn, when we see what looks to be Vecna appear behind him. We also see Eleven climb back into the sensory-deprivation tank in the Upside Down, presumably to take the fight to the shows big bad. The only continuous scene in the trailer shows most of the gang standing atop a radio tower as Vecna's world moves close enough to collide with the tower's tip. Dustin lets out a mother of God as the so-crazy-it-just-might-work scheme the group cooked up in Chapter Seven appears to be well underway. After nine years and five seasons, we will finally reach a conclusion for the heroes of Hawkins. The episode premieres at 8PM ET (5PM PT). For those still craving more from the world of Hawkins after the finale, Netflix is releasing a Stranger Things animated series in 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-has-released-a-trailer-for-the-stranger-things-finale-171204480.html?src=rss

1Password deal: Last chance to save 50 percent on our favorite password manager

If cleaning up your digital life is on your New Year's resolution list, we've got good news: 1Password is offering half off its subscription plans (both the Individual and Families plans). That brings the price of the Individual plan down to $24 for a year and the Families plan down to $36 for a year. The plans are nearly identical, but the Families plan accommodates five additional people. These discounts are only available to new customers and the prices expire after the year, so set a reminder to cancel or reassess. And you'll need to act fast, because the offer expires today Tuesday, December 30. This provider topped our list of the best password managers , and for good reason. We appreciated the intuitive interface and the fact that it's available on most platforms, so you'll never be left out in the cold. These include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, macOS, iOS, Windows, Android and more. Subscriptions include industry standard encryption and a secret key that only you know on top of a master password. There's also two-factor authentication and the platform issues alerts when credentials have potentially been compromised. 1Password recently raised prices across the board, but this is still looking to be the best deal for our favorite password manager going into the new year. The only downside here is the one that accompanies many password managers: There is no free version. Obviously, this won't be an issue for the year, but it could once the plan runs out. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . Update, December 30 2025, 11:43AM ET: This story has been updated to fix broken links, and to note that this is the final day of the sale. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/1password-deal-last-chance-to-save-50-percent-on-our-favorite-password-manager-162844256.html?src=rss

Meta buys startup known for its AI task automation agents

Meta has acquired an AI startup called Manus known for its custom research and website-building agents in a deal valued at more than $2 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal . It's reportedly one of the largest acquisitions yet involving a startup nurtured in China's AI ecosystem. Manus arrived in March 2025, shortly after another Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek appeared on the scene. The company (called Butterfly Effect at the time) originally described it as the first general AI agent to perform complex tasks autonomously, rather than just generating ideas. It draws from several third-party models, particularly Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet and versions of Alibaba's Qwen. Manus is designed to automate certain tasks, like market research, coding, sales data analysis and website cloning and creation. (However, one skeptic called it a product devilishly optimized for influencers, which is why it exploded so much.) The company claims that Manu is already serving the daily needs of millions of users and businesses and has an annualized average revenue of more than $100 million only eight months after launch. Manus laid off most of its Beijing employees this summer before moving its headquarters to Singapore in an effort to expand globally.The company was reportedly seeking a funding round that would have valued it at $2 billion when it was approached by Meta. Joining Meta allows us to build on a stronger, more sustainable foundation without changing how Manus works or how decisions are made, said Manus CEO Xiao Hong in a company news release . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-buys-startup-known-for-its-ai-task-automation-agents-140045275.html?src=rss

TCL introduces its own take on a color Kindle Scribe

Hot on the tail of Amazon's Kindle Scribe Colorosoft , TCL is introducing its own take on a distraction-free note-taking and reading device. Unlike the new Scribe, however, it doesn't use E Ink. The TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER is the company's latest device to use NXTPAPER , TCL's custom paper-like LCD screen, which offers some of the qualities of E Ink without the limitations. TCL says the 11.5-inch color NXTPAPER Pure display on the Note A1 has a 2,200 x 1,440 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, which should mean it looks clearer and feels much smoother to interact with than the color E Ink screen used on something like the reMarkable Paper Pro . The tablet supports TCL's T-Pen Pro for taking notes and drawing on the screen, but also features eight built-in microphones for recording and transcribing audio. The Note A1 also has a 13-megapixel camera for scanning documents, an 8,000mAh battery and 256GB of storage, with the option to access cloud services like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive if you want it. A diagram of different Note A1 NXTPAPER features arranged in a grid. TCL Unlike TCL's past NXTPAPER tablets, the Note A1 doesn't prioritize media consumption it's a productivity tool first and foremost. TCL says the device runs Android, but hasn't shared whether it'll have access to the Play Store. All the features the company has announced focus on taking notes and using AI to process and organize whatever you've written down. The device will also support real-time translation and handwriting beautification, among a collection of other AI-powered features. Engadget has reached out to TCL for more information on the Note A1 NXTPAPER's software. We'll update this article if we hear back. There will likely never be one Goldilocks version of these note-taking devices, but the Note A1 NXTPAPER's combination of display and microphones does make it an intriguing, if limited, alternative to Boox's E Ink tablets . Anyone interested in TCL's new device won't have to wait long to try it, either. The TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER is available to order now through Kickstarter (with additional bonuses and discounts) and will officially go on sale for $549 at the end of February. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/tcl-introduces-its-own-take-on-a-color-kindle-scribe-140000207.html?src=rss

How to watch the NVIDIA CES 2026 presentation live

CFOTO via Getty Images At CES 2025, NVIDIA spent the bulk of its presentation touting (what else) its leading position in the artificial intelligence arena. But it also spent time talking up new hardware, including its RTX 5000-series GPUs and Project Digits desktop supercomputer (later redubbed Spark ). This year, the company's website says it's lighting up CES 2026 with the power of AI. To that end, NVIDIA is pulling out all the stops at its Vegas installation, promising hands-on demos in its booth at the Fontainebleau, replete with the latest NVIDIA solutions driving innovation and productivity across industries. But don't worry if you're not on the ground in Vegas. Here's how you can watch the livestream of the company's January 5 press conference, and what to expect from NVIDIA at CES this year. How to watch the NVIDIA CES 2026 keynote NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang will deliver a 90-minute keynote at CES 2026. The event will be livestreamed on January 5 at 4PM ET via NVIDIA's website (and likely on YouTube as well). We'll embed the link here once it's available. What to expect NVIDIA's game plan for CES is suitably vague so far, including cutting-edge AI, robotics, simulation, gaming and content creation at the NVIDIA Showcase. It also notes there will be more than 20 demos. Although we're unsure if all of these will be shown during the keynote, we can at least expect to see them throughout the week of CES. Given NVIDIA's sky-high valuation and the fact that the health of the US and global economy seems increasingly linked to infrastructure spending on AI data centers largely powered by chips from NVIDIA and its competitors expect Huang's remarks to be as closely followed by Wall Street investors as technology acolytes, if not more so. Will we get any insight on a successor to the company's Blackwell chip? A more detailed look at how NVIDIA's partners are applying AI to real-world robotics? Time will tell, but you might want to keep your stock portfolio in a split screen while taking in Huang's presentation. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/how-to-watch-the-nvidia-ces-2026-presentation-live-130028065.html?src=rss

The Morning After: What to expect at CES 2026

CES 2026 is right around the corner , and the pre-show hype cycle/ early reveals suggest, yes, theres going to be an awful lot of AI-powered insert-product-category-here alongside, thankfully, some major announcements from the likes of Intel, Sony and NVIDIA. Intel is finally unveiling its Panther Lake (Core Ultra Series 3) chips. The first chips built on Intels 2nm process could offer a 50 percent performance boost, which is sorely needed amid intense competition. NVIDIAs Jensen Huang is taking the stage for a keynote expected to feature a lot of AI hype, while AMDs Lisa Su will likely counter with new Ryzen 9000-series chips and the latest on AI upscaling tech. LG Over the years, CES has consistently been the show for TV innovation and heady next-gen displays. This year, well be talking a lot about Micro RGB. LG is introducing a new Micro RGB Evo panel with over 1,000 dimming zones, while Samsung plans to launch a full range of Micro RGB TVs from 55 inches to 115 inches. In 2025, Sony introduced a new RGB LED panel that uses individual Mini LED backlights in red, green and blue to produce even brighter, more accurate colors. The company has trademarked True RGB, which could become what Sony calls its spin on RGB displays. Well be covering all the keynotes, press conferences and big reveals in person. And figuring which of the 100s of AI-branded devices and gadgets are worth reporting on. Im also taking bets on the most niche celebrity appearance/endorsement at CES 2026. Weve seen 50 Cent, Big Bird, Martha Stewart, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Guillermo del Toro, Justin Bieber and will.i.am ( multiple times), so who will join this pantheon of stars? Mat Smith The other big stories this morning CD Projekt co-founder has acquired GOG, the companys game storefront 2025 was the year Xbox died NASA finally has a leader, but its future is no more certain Samsungs two new speakers will deliver crisp audio while blending into your decor The Music Studio 5 and 7 will be on display at CES 2026. Samsung It isnt just TVs with Samsung. The company has already teased a pair of new understated speakers. Likely inspired by the Samsung Frame, the new Wi-Fi speakers, called the Music Studio 5 and 7, blend into your living room. The Music Studio 5 has a four-inch woofer and dual tweeters, with a built-in waveguide to deliver better sound. The Music Studio 7 comes with a 3.1.1-channel spatial audio with top-, front-, left- and right-firing speakers. No prices yet. Expect to hear more at CES itself or once the speakers arrive in stores. And as the press image above suggests, we can't wait to sit stoically in front of one, with a glass of water (?). Continue reading. Xiaomis 17 Ultra Leica Edition smartphone has a manual zoom ring And a 1-inch sensor, 200MP telephoto camera and 3,500 nit display. Xiaomi Xiaomis latest smartphone is once again a spec beast. It features a 1-inch sensor 50MP f/1.67 main camera and 1/1.4-inch 200MP periscope telephoto camera. And it also has an interesting new mechanical feature: a manual zoom ring. This surrounds the rear camera unit. Both the regular Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leica edition come with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, along with a 6.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display that can hit up to 3,500 nits of peak brightness. But the camera features are the standout elements. The 17 Ultra by Leica adds some very, well, Leica touches: a two-tone finish, red dot status symbol on the front, textured edges and film simulations, like Leicas Monopan 50 black and white. Xiaomi says the zoom ring [eliminates] the need for tedious screen taps... and can detect displacements as small as 0.03mm. It can also be reprogrammed for manual focus. Xiaomis 17 Ultra by Leica and the regular 17 Ultra start at CNY 7,999 ($1,140) and CNY 6,999 ($995), on par with the latest high-end Pixel 10s and Galaxy S25s. Continue reading. You may soon be able to change your Gmail address A Google support page in Hindi says the feature is gradually rolling out to all users. A Google support page in Hindi indicates the ability to change your Gmail address might be coming. The feature would allow you to replace your current @gmail.com address with another. Your old address would remain active as an alias on the account, and all your data would stick around, unaffected. The support page (translated) says the ability to change your Google Account email address is gradually rolling out to all users. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121511445.html?src=rss

Looking back: 2025s biggest tech, internet and gadget stories

Take a look at what unfolded this year in the world of technology, smartphones, AI, cryptocurrency, digital platforms, and more

LG to unveil a canvas-style TV at CES 2026

LG will unveil a canvas-style art TV, dubbed the LG Gallery TV, at CES 2026. The new model will be offered in 55-inch and 65-inch variants, and sports a flush-mount design along with customizable magnetic frames. The Gallery TV uses a Mini LED display and the company's Alpha 7 AI processor and offers 4K resolution. The new model will also leverage the LG Gallery+ service, a paid subscription with a library of over 4,500 works that users can display on the TV. Users will also be able to create custom images using generative AI or display images from personal photo libraries. LG says the TV was developed with museum curators, and will feature a Gallery Mode that optimizes brightness and color to show off the texture of displayed artwork. The display will have some degree of reflection handling and glare reduction, though precise details were not shared. The TV will automatically adjust picture settings to maintain an optimal image in response to changing ambient light throughout the day. This isn't the first time LG has released an art-inspired TV. It released an ultra-thin OLED model called the LG GX Gallery TV in 2020. It has also released other Gallery Design TVs that offer wall-flush mounting in the past, but the new LG Gallery TV with dedicated art-focused features seems like a more direct competitor to Samsung's The Frame or the Hisense CanvasTV . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/lg-to-unveil-a-canvas-style-tv-at-ces-2026-010024691.html?src=rss

Apple AirTag four-packs are on sale for $65 right now

Apple keeps most of its product pricing on a tight leash, but we do see the company's AirTags go on sale pretty frequently. Another cost cut has come around for this item just in time for the new year. Amazon is currently selling a four-pack of AirTags for $65. At a third off the regular cost, that price is pretty close to the record low discount of $63 we've seen for these Bluetooth trackers. AirTags can be useful for people who travel frequently, helping you to keep track of essentials like your passport as well as a way to keep tabs on luggage while you're on the go. If you do purchase some AirTags, we have some recommendations for useful accessories to go along with them, such as different styles of cases to best attach the trackers to different types of items. These are worth looking over and adding to your shopping cart in order to make the most of the product. AirTags have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and their replaceable batteries should last for about a year. They can also support Precision Finding, which gives more exact directions to a lost item, when paired with most models after the iPhone 11. Up to five people can share an AirTag's location, which is helpful for families or large travel groups. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-airtag-four-packs-are-on-sale-for-65-right-now-202333053.html?src=rss

NASA finally has a leader, but its future is no more certain

After a rudderless year and an exodus of around 4,000 employees due to Trump administration cuts, NASA got what may be its first piece of good news recently. On December 17, the Senate confirmed billionaire Jared Isaacman as the agency's new administrator. He now holds the power to rehabilitate a battered engine of scientific research, or steer it towards even more disruption. Considering the caliber of President Trump's other appointees, Isaacman is probably the best candidate for the job. Outside of being a successful entrepreneur, he has flown fighter jets and been to space twice as part of the Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn private missions. One of those flights saw him complete the first commercial space walk , and travel farther from Earth than any human since the end of the Apollo program. Perfect is the enemy of the good. Isaacman checks a lot of boxes, says Keith Cowing, a former NASA employee and the founder of NASA Watch, a blog dedicated to the agency. He's passed every requirement to fly in a spacecraft that American astronauts at NASA are required to pass. He also went out of his way to have a diverse crew, and shove as much science as he could in those missions. And yet if you're a NASA employee or just someone who cares about the agency's work, there are still plenty of reasons to be concerned for its future. When Trump first nominated Isaacman in the spring, the billionaire wrote a 62-page document detailing his vision for NASA. In November, Politico obtained a copy of that plan , titled Project Athena. To some insiders, Project Athena painted a picture of someone who, at least at the time when it was written, fundamentally misunderstood how NASA works and how scientific discovery is funded in the US and elsewhere. It also suggests Isaacman may be more open to Trump's NASA agenda than would appear at first glance. When asked about the plan by Politico , one former NASA official characterized it as bizarre and careless. Another called it presumptuous, given many of the proposed changes to the agency's structure would require Congressional approval. In one section, Isaacman recommended taking NASA out of the taxpayer funded climate science business and [leaving] it for academia to determine. In another section, he promised to evaluate the relevance and ongoing necessity of every agency center, particularly NASA's iconic Jet Propulsion Laboratory, saying the facility and others must increase the output and time to science KPI. A lot has changed since Isaacman first wrote that document. It came before the workforce cuts, before the future of Goddard Space Flight Center became uncertain and before Trump surprised everyone by renominating Isaacman. But during his Senate testimony earlier this month, the billionaire said I do stand behind everything in the document, even though it was written seven months ago. I think it was all directionally correct. He did appear to distance himself from some viewpoints expressed in or inferred by Project Athena, however. Isaacman stated that anything suggesting that I am anti-science or want to outsource that responsibility is simply untrue. He also came out against the administration's plan to cut NASA's science budget nearly in half, claiming the proposals would not lead to an optimal outcome. One thing is clear, Isaacman is not your typical bureaucrat. One of the pitfalls of some prior NASA administrators has been that they've shown too much reverence for the internal processes and bureaucratic structure of the agency to the detriment of decision-making and performance, said Casey Drier , chief of space policy at The Planetary Society , a nonprofit that advocates for the exploration and study of space. Isaacman has positioned himself as the opposite of that. Clearly, that's something that could lead to a lot of political and congressional challenges if taken too far. Even if Isaacman doesn't follow through on any of the proposals made in Project Athena, there's only so much a NASA administrator even one sympathetic to civil servants working under them can do. Once a budget request goes out publicly, everyone in the administration has to defend it. Anything he does will have to be internal and private, Drier explains. He never explicitly criticized the administration during his hearing. He's also coming relatively late in the budget process. A lot of NASA's future will depend on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which is responsible for implementing the president's agenda across the executive branch. As a direct result of guidance the OMB issued over the summer, NASA awarded 25 percent fewer new grants in 2025 than it did on average between 2020 and 2024. The OMB has added layers of requirements that scientists now have to go through to spend the money they've already been allocated. The administration has worked against its own stated goals of efficiency, Drier said. Isaacman can't solve that himself. He can't tell the OMB what to do. That's going to be a serious challenge. Looming over everything is the fact NASA still does not have a full-year budget for 2026. Congress has until January 30 to fund NASA and the rest of the federal government before the short-term funding bill it passed on November 12 runs out. On paper, the official policy of the administration is still to terminate a third of NASA's scientific capability, Drier points out. There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic. Publicly, both the House and Senate have come out against Trump's funding cuts. And some science missions that were slated to be cancelled, such as OSIRIS-APEX , have been approved for another full year of operations. What NASA needs now is someone who will, as Drier puts it, vigorously advocate for the agency in whatever way they can. It remains to be seen if that's Jared Isaacman. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/nasa-finally-has-a-leader-but-its-future-is-no-more-certain-201109072.html?src=rss

How to watch the LG CES 2026 press conference

LG For years, LG has kicked off CES press day with the first event of the morning and 2026 will be no different. The Korea-based corporation is theming its presentation as Innovation in Tune with You , and if it follows the template of past presentations it will highlight both the consumer electronics and large appliance sides of its mammoth global businesses. Like nearly all tech-centric events these days, expect AI to be the binding theme of the LG presentation at CES 2026 . Just be aware that, like Apple, LG has its own customized abbreviation for AI: Affectionate Intelligence. The company will share its vision for elevating daily life through Affectionate Intelligence delivering harmonized and seamlessly connected customer experiences. In other words, the company is aiming for its devices to become more connected and self-automated than ever. Here's how you can stream it and what you can expect. How to watch LG's CES 2026 presentation The event will stream live from Las Vegas on Monday, January 5 at 11AM ET. You've got a few options for tuning in watch the livestream on the LG website , the LG Global YouTube channel or the LG Global X channel . (We'll embed the stream here once it appears on the channel.) What to expect LG will show its portfolio of AI-powered solutions that combine world-class devices and solutions with advanced AI core technologies, the company said in a press release . That, of course, sounds generic and indistinguishable from what we'll get at pretty much every other CES press event. Thankfully, LG has also started providing some more substantive details of its CES 2026 plan. For instance, the company has confirmed that it will debut its first Micro RGB TV , a display with a cutting-edge screen technology with multicolor backlights that should one-up mini LED displays. The size options are 100 inches, 86 inches and 75 inches. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/how-to-watch-the-lg-ces-2026-press-conference-190159378.html?src=rss

1Password deal: Get 50 percent off plans for the holiday season

If cleaning up your digital life is on your New Year's resolution list, we've got good news: 1Password is offering half off its subscription plans now through December 30. This includes the Individual and Families plans. That brings the price of the Individual plan down to $24 for a year and the Families plan down to $36 for a year. The plans are nearly identical, but the Families plan accommodates five additional people. These discounts are only available to new customers and the prices expire after the year, so set a reminder to cancel or reassess. This provider topped our list of the best password managers , and for good reason. We appreciated the intuitive interface and the fact that it's available on most platforms, so you'll never be left out in the cold. These include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, macOS, iOS, Windows, Android and more. Subscriptions include industry standard encryption and a secret key that only you know on top of a master password. There's also two-factor authentication and the platform issues alerts when credentials have potentially been compromised. 1Password recently raised prices across the board, but this is still looking to be the best deal for our favorite password manager going into the new year. The only downside here is the one that accompanies many password managers. There is no free version. Obviously, this won't be an issue for the year, but it could once the plan runs out. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/1password-deal-get-50-percent-off-plans-for-the-holiday-season-162844584.html?src=rss

CES 2026: What to expect from techs biggest conference in January

CES is the January trade show where the tech industry kicks off the year with a bevy of new and notable announcements and its less than a week away. The CES 2026 show floor is officially open from January 6 through 9, but the fun 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 other 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 are already trickling out as CES approaches, and thanks to the CTAs schedule we also do know what companies will be hosting press conferences. Were also using our experience and expertise to predict what tech trends could rear their heads at the show. The CES 2026 schedule 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.Ahead of that, though, Samsung has already outlined a variety of more specifics. 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 offering yet more details 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. On the week of December 15, the CTA added a keynote by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to its schedule . The event will take place on January 5 at 1PM PT (4PM ET) and, according to the website, will last about 90 minutes. Based on the description on the listing, the presentation will showcase the latest NVIDIA solutions driving innovation and productivity across industries. Finally, on Tuesday, January 6, Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang will host Lenovo's Tech World Conference at the Las Vegas 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. Samsung and LG vie for pre-show publicity As they typically do, some companies have already gotten a head start on the CES news by publicly sharing their announcements in the weeks leading up to January. LG, for example, has said it will debut its first Micro RGB television at CES . While details are scarce, the companys press release for the LG Micro RGB evo did confirm it has received certifications by Intertek for 100 percent color gamut coverage in DCI-P3 an Adobe RGB, and that it has more than a thousand dimming zones for brightness control. And if PC gaming displays are more your speed, LG will have that covered, too, with a new line of 5K-capable gaming monitors on deck with built-in AI upscaling. But LGs not just showing off displays. The Korean multinational will also introduce a Dolby-powered modular home audio system and flex its automation muscles with a humanoid home automation robot named CLOiD . Of course, Samsung refuses to be outdone by its hometown rival, and has also released a pre-CES press release document dump. Samsung will be launching its own lineup of Micro RGB TVs at CES , for starters. The company already introduced its first Micro RGB TV at CES 2025 , which was a 115-inch model available for a cool $30,000. Next year, Samsung is expanding the range with 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, 100- and 115-inch models that use the next evolution of the companys Micro RGB technology. Samsung is also countering LGs 5K monitors with a 6K model that aims to deliver glasses-free 3D (another long-time CES staple). Itll be one of several new displays in the companys Odyssey gaming line. And on the audio front, Samsung has teased several new soundbars and speakers, including Sonos-style Wi-Fi streaming models call the Music Studio 5 and Studio 7. 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 As noted above, Samsung and LG appear to be going all-in on Micro RGB display tech for TVs. Expect that to be a huge buzzword at CES, with Hisense and Sony debuting new models, too. 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. And maybe your future TV wont need a power cord, either: Displace will be showing off a mounting option that includes a 15,000mAh battery to juice up whatever giant TV screen you choose to attach. 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 like LGs aforementioned CLOiD 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. Update, December 16 2025, 1:33PM ET: This story has been updated to include the NVIDIA press conference, which was added to the CTA schedule within the last two days. Update, December 23 2025, 7:28AM ET: This story has been updated to include LG and Samsungs Micro RGB TV announcements, which were made public in the past seven days. The intro was also tweaked to reflect how soon CES is at this point. Update, December 29 2025, 11:03AM ET: This story has been updated to include additional details on pre-announcements from Samsung, LG and Displace. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ces-2026-what-to-expect-from-techs-biggest-conference-in-january-120000369.html?src=rss

Rainbow Six Siege servers are back online after shutting down in response to Marketplace hacks

Ubisoft had to shut down Rainbow Six Siege 's servers and roll back transactions, a situation that came from a widespread breach that left various players with billions of in-game credits, ultra-rare skins of weapons, and banned accounts. As of Sunday, December 28, the status page on Rainbow Six Siege 's website still shows unplanned outage on all servers across PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Later that evening, though, the company confirmed that it was done testing on the update it pushed out and was opening the severs back up to players. It also said that the transaction rollback was complete, but that the Marketplace would remain closed for the time being. Our live tests are now complete and we are opening the game to all players. Please note that you may experience a queue when connecting, as our services ramp up. The rollback is also complete. Players who did not log in between December 27th 10:49 UTC and December 29th https://t.co/mfaAVnvK5G Rainbow Six Siege X (@Rainbow6Game) December 29, 2025 The fiasco began Saturday morning when Ubisoft said on X that they were aware of an incident currently affecting Rainbow Six Siege and working on a resolution. A couple of hours later, the Rainbow Six Siege servers were shut down, following plenty of user reports showing either zero or billions in R6 credits, rare skins in their lockers and either account bans or unbans. Ubisoft later clarified Saturday afternoon on X that nobody would be banned if they spent their ill-gotten credits, but that a rollback of all transactions starting from Saturday, 6AM ET would soon be underway. On Sunday afternoon, Ubisoft informed the playerbase that they're currently performing a rollback, but that extensive quality control tests will be executed to ensure the integrity of accounts and effectiveness of changes. The company added that his matter is being handled with extreme care and therefore, timing cannot be guaranteed and didn't provide an estimate for when servers would be back online. Update, December 29, 2025, 10:22AM ET: This story and its headline have been updated with the details about Ubisoft re-opening the games servers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/rainbow-six-siege-servers-are-back-online-after-shutting-down-in-response-to-marketplace-hacks-191049079.html?src=rss

How to watch the Sony Afeela CES 2026 press conference

Longtime CES observers know that Sony's press conference is the traditional capper to the press day that precedes the show floor's official opening the following day. And while that appears to be the same for 2026, there's a twist: Instead of an overview of Sony's electronics, video game and Hollywood studio plans for the new year, the presser will apparently have a more narrow focus: electric vehicles. Apparently the full event will be focused on two vehicles from Sony Honda Mobility the Afeela 1 car that has made repeat appearances at CES, as well as an all-new concept model at the event. How to watch the Sony Afeela CES 2026 press conference The event will be streamed live from Las Vegas on Monday, January 5 at 8PM ET via the Afeela official YouTube channel . (We'll embed the stream here once it appears on the channel.) What to expect from Sony Afeela at CES What's now the Afeela 1 has been shown in various incarnations since CES 2020 , where it was originally announced as Vision-S. But so many more important details were confirmed in the past couple of years, including the price, which starts at a staggering $89,900. However, the earlier impressions were less than impressive, and as of CES 2025, that thought remains the same. Engadget's automotive expert Tim Stevens said earlier this year that the EV feels like a PlayStation 4 in the PS5 era , and that the car lost what little interesting styling it had while sticking true to some specifications that sounded good five years ago. Ouch. But the Afeela 1 won't be the only vehicle on display. Its CES booth will showcase several Afeela 1 pre-production vehicles in multiple color variations, alongside a new Afeela concept model, Sony Honda Mobility said in a press release . We're hoping to hear about what's new and improved at CES 2026, and we're also excited to see its newest concept model. And between booth displays and press releases, we're hoping we'll get to see at least a few new Sony Electronics products on the docket for 2026, too. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/how-to-watch-the-sony-afeela-ces-2026-press-conference-130048921.html?src=rss

The best iPhone accessories for 2026

The right accessories can make your iPhone feel more capable and more personal. Whether you want to protect your phone, improve your photos or stay powered during a long day out, there are plenty of accessories that can make a real difference. MagSafe gear has opened the door for new chargers, stands and mounts, while portable batteries and compact lenses can upgrade your everyday routine. We tested a range of products to find the best iPhone accessories that offer practical benefits for both new and older models. Best iPhone accessories This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-iphone-accessories-140022449.html?src=rss

The best wireless chargers for 2026

Imagine never having to fumble with a charging cable again. That's the magic of a wireless charger. Not only does going wireless clear up your space and make charging as simple as setting your phone down, but its also surprisingly versatile. Whether youre looking for a sleek charging pad for your nightstand, a stand that keeps your phone propped up on your desk or even a foldable charger for convenient travel, there's a wireless charger designed to fit your lifestyle. Some can even double as a car charger, keeping your phone powered up on the go without the hassle of cables to plug in. With so many convenient options, it's easy to see why more people are ditching their wired chargers and embracing the effortlessness of wireless. These are the best wireless chargers we've tested so far. Table of contents Best wireless chargers for 2026 What to look for in a wireless charger Where and how will you use your charger? Wireless charging performance Quality and box contents Wireless chargers FAQs Best wireless chargers for 2026 What to look for in a wireless charger While its tempting to buy a wireless charging pad optimized for the specific phone you have now, resist that urge. Instead, think about the types of devices (phones included) that you could see yourself using in the near future. If youre sure youll use iPhones for a long time, an Apple MagSafe-compatible magnetic wireless charger will be faster and more convenient. If you use Android phones or think you might switch sides, however, youll want a more universal design. If you have other accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch that supports wireless charging, maybe youd be better off with a 3-in-1 wireless charger or full wireless charging station. Where and how will you use your charger? Odds are that you have a specific use case in mind for your charger. You may want it by your bedside on your nightstand for a quick charge in the morning, or on your desk for at-a-glance notifications. You might even keep it in your bag for convenient travel charging instead of bulky portable chargers or power banks. Think about where you want to use this accessory and what you want to do with the device(s) it charges while its powering up. For example, a wireless charging pad might be better for bedside use if you just want to be able to drop your phone down at the end of a long day and know itll be powered up in the morning. However, a stand will be better if you have an iPhone and want to make use of the Standby feature during the nighttime hours. For a desk wireless charger, a stand lets you more easily glance at phone notifications throughout the day. For traveling, undoubtedly, a puck-style charging pad is best since it will take up much less space in your bag than a stand would. Many power banks also include wireless charging pads built in, so one of those might make even more sense for those who are always on the go. Some foldable chargers are also designed for travel, collapsing flat to take up less space. Wireless charging performance Although wireless charging is usually slower than its wired equivalent, speed and wattage are still important considerations. A fast charger can supply enough power for a long night out in the time it takes to change outfits. Look for options that promise faster charging and support standards like Qi2 certified charging for the best balance of efficiency and compatibility. In general, a 15W charger is more than quick enough for most situations, and youll need a MagSafe-compatible charger to extract that level of performance from an iPhone. With that said, even the slower 7.5W and 10W chargers are fast enough for an overnight power-up. If anything, youll want to worry more about support for cases. While many models can deliver power through a reasonably thick case (typically 3mm to 5mm), youll occasionally run into examples that only work with naked phones. There are some proprietary chargers that smash the 15W barrier if you have the right phone. Apples latest MagSafe charging pad can provide up to 25W of wireless power to compatible iPhones when paired with a 30W or 35W adapter the latter being another component youll have to get right to make sure the whole equation works as fast as it possibly can. Quality and box contents Pay attention to whats included in the box. Some wireless chargers dont include power adapters, and others may even ask you to reuse your phones USB-C charging cable. What may seem to be a bargain may prove expensive if you have to buy extras just to use it properly. As mentioned above, youll want to make sure all of the components needed to use the wireless charger can provide the level of power you need youre only as strong (or in this case, fast) as your weakest link. Fit and finish is also worth considering. Youre likely going to use your wireless charger every day, so even small differences in build quality could make the difference between joy and frustration. If your charger doesnt use MagSafe-compatible tech, textured surfaces like fabric or rubberized plastic are more likely to keep your phone in place. The base should be grippy or weighty enough that the charger wont slide around. Also double check that the wireless charger youre considering can support phones outfitted with cases the specifications are usually listed in the chargers description or specs. Youll also want to think about the minor conveniences. Status lights are useful for indicating correct phone placement, but an overly bright light can be distracting. Ideally, the light dims or shuts off after a certain period of time. And while we caution against lips and trays that limit compatibility, you may still want some barriers to prevent your device falling off its perch on the charging station. Wireless chargers FAQs Do wireless chargers work if you have a phone case? Many wireless chargers do work if you leave the case on your phone. Generally, a case up to 3mm thick should be compatible with most wireless chargers. However, you should check the manufacturers guide to ensure a case is supported. How do I know if my phone supports wireless charging? Checking the phones specification should tell you if your phone is compatible with wireless charging. You might see words like Qi wireless charging or wireless charging compatible. Do cords charge your phone faster? Most often, wired charging will be faster than wireless charging. However, wired charging also depends on what the charging cables speed is and how much power its designed to carry. A quick-charging cable that can transmit up to 120W of power is going to be faster than a wireless charger. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-wireless-charger-140036359.html?src=rss

Apple escalates its appeal of a $2 billion fine from a UK antitrust lawsuit

Apple isn't ready to pay a several billion-dollar fine to UK App Store users and is filing an appeal over a major antitrust lawsuit. As first reported by The Guardian , Apple has requested to appeal to the UK's Court of Appeal, which would escalate the case beyond the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT). The latest appeal attempt follows an October decision from the CAT, where the court found that Apple engaged in anticompetitive practices by exploiting its dominant market position with the App Store to charge higher fees. The CAT's ruling established a 1.5 billion, or roughly $2 billion, fine, but Apple said it planned to appeal and that the court takes a flawed view of the thriving and competitive app economy. The CAT didn't grant Apple the appeal, leading the iPhone maker to seek a higher court to overturn the ruling. Apple hasn't made any official statements about its latest appeal application, but it's likely that it will argue against the CAT's proposed App Store developer fee rate of between 15 and 20 percent, which it reached through informed guesswork, instead of the existing 30 percent. If the fine does ultimately stick, the $2 billion fine would be split amongst any App Store user in the UK who made purchases between 2015 and 2024, according to The Guardian . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-escalates-its-appeal-of-a-2-billion-fine-from-a-uk-antitrust-lawsuit-201922558.html?src=rss

Ubisoft is rolling back Rainbow Six Siege servers after being forced to shut them down

Ubisoft has shut down Rainbow Six Siege 's servers and is in the process of rolling back the fallout of a widespread breach that left various players with billions of in-game credits, ultra-rare skins of weapons, and banned accounts. As of Sunday afternoon, the status page on Rainbow Six Siege 's website still shows unplanned outage on all servers across PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Update: Siege and the Marketplace have been intentionally shut down while the team focuses on resolving the issue. https://t.co/7k6Jsa5CiM Rainbow Six Siege X (@Rainbow6Game) December 27, 2025 The fiasco began Saturday morning when Ubisoft said on X that they were aware of an incident currently affecting Rainbow Six Siege and working on a resolution. A couple of hours later, the Rainbow Six Siege servers were shut down, following plenty of user reports showing either zero or billions in R6 credits, rare skins in their lockers and either account bans or unbans. Ubisoft later clarified Saturday afternoon on X that nobody would be banned if they spent their ill-gotten credits, but that a rollback of all transactions starting from Saturday, 6AM ET would soon be underway. On Sunday afternoon, Ubisoft informed the playerbase that they're currently performing a rollback, but that extensive quality control tests will be executed to ensure the integrity of accounts and effectiveness of changes. The company added that this matter is being handled with extreme care and therefore, timing cannot be guaranteed and didn't provide an estimate for when servers would be back online. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ubisoft-is-rolling-back-rainbow-six-siege-servers-after-being-forced-to-shut-them-down-191049440.html?src=rss

Ayaneo's latest Game Boy remake will have an early bird starting price of $269

After the high price tag of the Ayaneo Pocket DMG turned some retro handheld fans away, Ayaneo is working on another remake of the classic Game Boy with a slightly more affordable cost. Ayaneo revealed the pricing for the Pocket Vert , which starts at $269 for early bird orders. Compared to the Pocket DMG that retails for $449, Ayaneo skipped the OLED and configurations that go up to 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage for the Pocket Vert. Instead, the handheld maker went with a fully metal CNC body and an ultra-minimalist design with engraving-free buttons that resemble the Analogue Pocket 's look. Ayaneo built the Pocket Vert with a smaller 3.5-inch LCD screen that has a 1,600 x 1,440 resolution and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip that should allow the handheld to handle anything up to PS2 and some Nintendo Switch games. Ayaneo To play more modern games, the Pocket Vert has a hidden touch pad below the buttons that acts as a makeshift joystick. Ayaneo also hid a fingerprint sensor in the power button and included a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD slot for more storage capacity. The Indiegogo campaign for the Pocket Vert isn't open yet, but it will be the only place to snag the latest vertical handheld from Ayaneo at its lowest price before it reverts to the retail price of $339. You can even opt for the fully specced-out version that's only available in Lava Red and has 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage for an early bird price of $369 and a later standard price of $439. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ayaneos-latest-game-boy-remake-will-have-an-early-bird-starting-price-of-269-174553644.html?src=rss

Samsung's two new speakers will deliver crisp audio while blending into your decor

Samsung is adding two brand new speakers to its audio lineup, along with updated soundbars boosted with AI features. While not as inconspicuous as the Samsung Frame , the new WiFi speakers, called the Music Studio 5 and 7, were designed to blend into your living room's atmosphere with their minimalist design. However, if you're looking for a more convenient option, Samsung also updated its flagship HW-Q990H soundbar, while also introducing the more affordable choice of the HW-QS90H. Samsung built the Music Studio 5 with a four-inch woofer and dual tweeters, pairing them with a built-in waveguide to deliver better sound. To customize the sound, Samsung added its new AI Dynamic Bass Control that can make bass sound better without any distortion. You can even control the gallery-inspired speaker via voice or Bluetooth and it's compatible with WiFi casting and streaming services. Samsung For an upgraded option, the Music Studio 7 comes with a 3.1.1-channel spatial audio that has top-, front-, left- and right-firing speakers to give a more immersive 3D audio experience. You can calibrate the sound even further with the Samsung Audio Lab Pattern Control Technology and the same AI Dynamic Bass Control feature seen with the Music Studio 5. Samsung says the Music Studio 7 can play Hi-Resolution Audio with up to 24-bit/96kHz audio processing and can either be used as a standalone speaker or paired with other Samsung audio devices . Samsung To round out its new audio offerings, Samsung debuted the HW-QS90H, or its All-in-One Soundbar, with a 7.1.2.-channel system that features 13 drivers, nine of which are wide-range speakers. The new soundbar's built-in Quad Bass Woofer system means you can achieve deeper bass without a separate subwoofer. The All-in-One Soundbar even features Samsung's Convertible Fit design that can handle being mounted on a wall or placed on a table, and a gyro sensor that can automatically adapt channel distribution depending on its orientation, like we saw with the QS700F . Samsung even refreshed its flagship HW-Q990H soundbar this year and introduced to it the Sound Elevation feature that makes dialogue sound more natural and Auto Volume, which regulates a consistent volume across its channels for a more balanced sound. All of Samsung's latest soundbars and speakers will be on display at CES 2026 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/samsungs-two-new-speakers-will-deliver-crisp-audio-while-blending-into-your-decor-230053770.html?src=rss

OpenAI is hiring a new Head of Preparedness to try to predict and mitigate AI's harms

OpenAI is looking for a new Head of Preparedness who can help it anticipate the potential harms of its models and how they can be abused, in order to guide the company's safety strategy. It comes at the end of a year that's seen OpenAI hit with numerous accusations about ChatGPT's impacts on users' mental health, including a few wrongful death lawsuits . In a post on X about the position, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged that the potential impact of models on mental health was something we saw a preview of in 2025, along with other real challenges that have arisen alongside models' capabilities. The Head of Preparedness is a critical role at an important time, he said. Per the job listing , the Head of Preparedness (who will make $555K, plus equity), will lead the technical strategy and execution of OpenAIs Preparedness framework , our framework explaining OpenAIs approach to tracking and preparing for frontier capabilities that create new risks of severe harm. It is, according to Altman, a stressful job and you'll jump into the deep end pretty much immediately. Over the last couple of years, OpenAI's safety teams have undergone a lot of changes . The company's former Head of Preparedness , Aleksander Madry, was reassigned back in July 2024, and Altman said at the time that the role would be taken over by execs Joaquin Quinonero Candela and Lilian Weng. Weng left the company a few months later, and in July 2025, Quinonero Candela announced his move away from the preparedness team to lead recruiting at OpenAI. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-hiring-a-new-head-of-preparedness-to-try-to-predict-and-mitigate-ais-harms-220330486.html?src=rss

Stardew Valley players on the Nintendo Switch 2 get a free upgrade

Stardew Valley is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Fans of the farm life simulator, specifically those who already own it for the Nintendo Switch 2, can download a free upgrade that introduces new features and multiplayer modes. However, fans have reported some bugs following the free release, and Eric Barone, the game's developer that's better known as ConcernedApe, is working on fixes. If you have Stardew Valley on the Switch 2, you can download the Upgrade Pack that introduces mouse controls to make it easier to place furniture and organize your inventory. The upgrade also adds local split-screen co-op for up to four players and online multiplayer that maxes out at eight players. On top of the co-op modes, the free content pack includes Game Share compatibility, meaning only one player needs a copy of Stardew Valley to share it with three others. This Upgrade Pack may not have as much content as a numbered update, but some players are already reporting bugs. According to user accounts, the online multiplayer mode isn't working, while other reports noted that some crafting recipes had inaccurate material requirements or quantities. In a post on X , Barone said that he's taking full responsibility for this mistake and that the development team will fix this as soon as possible. On top of addressing the bugs from the latest Upgrade Pack, Barone and the rest of the development team are also working on the upcoming 1.7 update for Stardew Valley , while Haunted Chocolatier is still under development. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/stardew-valley-players-on-the-nintendo-switch-2-get-a-free-upgrade-174849697.html?src=rss

Smartphone retailers forced to pay salaries out of their savings as sales dry up

The retail body said that the impact on the Indian mainline retail market has been severe. Despite high hopes for a year-end recovery, consumer footfall has drastically plummeted since Diwali

CMF begins Nothing OS 4.0 rollout to Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro users in India

Nothing OS 4.0 brings extra dark mode, a refined dark mode that claims to deepen blacks, improves contrast, and reduces power usage

Motorola Edge 70 Review | Meaningful innovation is not always loud

Motorola Edge 70 arrives without much fanfare, letting its design and specs do the talking. At 29,999, it comes in a segment packed with capable contenders like the OnePlus Nord 5 and Vivo V60

Logitech MX Master 4 Review: Should you upgrade?

If youre coming from a basic or older mouse, the MX Master 4 will likely feel like a substantial upgrade