The best VPN service for 2025

As frustrating as it is that governments and businesses are running roughshod over our online freedoms, at least we have plenty of good VPNs to choose from to keep us protected online. There are so many fast, intelligently designed, full-featured and affordable services on the market that the biggest problem is picking one. For any use case, you can bet at least two providers will be neck-and-neck for first place. On the other hand, the VPN world is still the Wild West in some ways. It's easy enough to slap a cheap VPN together that the market is flooded with low-quality apps that put more money into advertising than infrastructure. They may look good, but it's all styrofoam under the hood. I built this list of the best VPNs after intensive testing to help you reorient your focus on the providers that actually deserve your time and money. Which one truly fits your needs is dependent on who you are and what you do online, but if you pick any of my seven recommendations, you can't go too far wrong. For each VPN on this list, I've shared which platforms it works on, how much it cuts into your download speed, where it offers servers, what other features are included and how much the best available deal costs. At the end, I'll list some honorable and dishonorable mentions, then answer some of the most common questions I hear about VPNs. Editor's note: This list has been completely overhauled and rewritten as of September 2025. We intend to revisit this list every three months at a minimum, at which time our picks may be adjusted based on changes in pricing, features, testing results and other factors. Table of contents Best VPNs for 2025 Other VPNs we tested What to look for in a VPN VPN FAQs Best VPNs for 2025 Other VPNs we tested The VPNs in this section didn't crack our top list above, but we're summarizing them here so you can see their positives and negatives as of the time of our evaluation. Windscribe Windscribe is another well-known free VPN supported by paid subscriptions. In many ways, it takes the best from both Mullvad and Proton VPN, with the former's no-nonsense privacy and the latter's healthy free plan. Without paying, you can connect to 10 of Windscribe's server locations on an unlimited number of devices at once. Unfortunately, Windscribe didn't copy the most important part of Proton VPN's free plan the unlimited data. You're only allowed to use 10GB per month, which isn't enough for regular streaming. It's also committed to a cramped and headache-inducing user interface that stands out from the crowd in all the worst ways. CyberGhost There's a lot to recommend with CyberGhost. Its streaming-optimized servers meet a high standard for playback quality, it's pretty fast overall and its Smart Rules offer some of the deepest VPN automation on the market. The ad blocker works well, and the NoSpy servers are a neat idea CyberGhost keeps them under lock and key near its Romania headquarters and carefully fine-tunes all their settings. On the other hand, its apps just aren't up to the standard set by our favorites on this list. I like the designs on paper, but there are too many snags in the experience, from laggy connections to an overactive kill switch that often blocks internet access even when the VPN is working perfectly. I also have some concerns about its commitment to data privacy, since its privacy policy retains the right to share your personal data with its entire corporate family. CyberGhost's parent company, Kape Technologies, also owns ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, but neither of those VPNs have privacy policies quite so permissive. TunnelBear TunnelBear has a decent interface, which its target audience of VPN beginners will find very easy to use. Its speeds are perfectly good too, and I appreciate the depth and breadth of its transparency reports. But it's far too limited overall, with few extra features, less than 50 server locations and a free plan that caps data at 2GB per month. VyprVPN VyprVPN often flies under the radar, but it has some of the best apps in the business and a very good security record (there was a breach in 2023, but it didn't crack the VPN encryption itself). It's also got a verified privacy policy, a solid jurisdiction and runs every connection through an in-house DNS to prevent leaks. Despite all that, it didn't make the top seven because its connection speeds aren't up to scratch you'll likely notice a bigger slowdown than average. It also has a troubling history of wild, seemingly experimental swings in its pricing and simultaneous connection limits. Norton VPN Norton VPN is part of the Norton 360 package that includes the well-known antivirus software and other security apps. It's a nice bonus if you use Norton already, but as a standalone VPN, it falls short. My tests repeatedly showed it dropping encryption and revealing my IP address whenever I switched servers, and not all of its locations managed to unblock Netflix. This isn't to say Norton VPN is terrible. It has a fairly large server network, user-friendly apps and some cool features like an IP rotator. It also recently revamped its OpenVPN infrastructure to improve speeds on Windows. But you probably won't find those things sufficient to balance out significant speed drops on other platforms or poorly written FAQs. I especially advise against Norton VPN for Apple users, as its Mac and iPhone apps are much more limited than their Windows and Android counterparts. What to look for in a VPN Choosing a VPN can quickly get you mired in analysis paralysis. We're here to help, but since only you know your particular needs, you should know the major red and green flags so you can make the final call yourself. Every reputable VPN provider offers a free trial or refund guarantee you can use to run the tests below. Compatibility: First, make sure your VPN works on all the platforms you plan to use it on. Most VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, but those apps aren't always created equal check that the app for your chosen OS is user-friendly and has all the features you need. Speed: Use a speed testing app to see how fast your internet is before and after connecting to the VPN (I use Ookla's speedtest.net ). To check security, look up your IP address while connected to a VPN server and see if it's actually changed your virtual location. Be sure it's using expert-vetted protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2. Try connecting to streaming services and seeing whether the VPN changes the available content. Background: Do some outside research into the VPN's origins, especially its parent company, privacy policy and any past incidents. It's a dealbreaker if you can't figure out where the VPN is headquartered (which indicates a lax approach to transparency) or if it seems to have never passed a real third-party audit. Server network: Look at the server network to make sure the VPN has locations near you and in any countries where you'll want an IP address e.g. if you need a VPN to unblock Canadian Netflix, look for multiple server locations in Canada. Customer Service: I also advise testing the customer support options by looking for the answer to a straightforward question. If phone support (versus email and chat) is important to you, make sure to prioritize that and make sure it's available at convenient times in your timezone. Pricing: Finally, check prices. See if the VPN is affordable and decide whether you're comfortable taking a long-term subscription for better savings. If you do get a multi-year plan, check what price it will renew at, since many of the cheapest subscriptions are only introductory deals. VPN FAQs To wrap up, let's answer some of the most common questions we get about VPNs. Feel free to get in touch if you have a query I don't cover here. What is a VPN? VPN stands for virtual private network. There are a few different types of VPNs, but for this list, we're talking about commercial services that let individual users access the internet with an assumed identity. Whenever you get online, you're assigned an IP address a digital nametag that tells websites where to send the information you request. For an IP address to work, it needs to be unique, which means it's possible to create a record of what an individual does online. When you use a VPN, all the data you send to the internet goes through one of the VPN's servers before heading to its final destination. The VPN encrypts the connection between your computer and its server so the data won't trace back to you. Any website, ISP or third party that cares to look will only see the VPN's IP address, not yours. What are some things VPNs are used for? The three main use cases for a commercial VPN are security, privacy and entertainment. Using a VPN conceals your real IP address from anyone who might want to use it for nefarious purposes like cyberstalking, DDoS attacks or deducing your real location. It also keeps your ISP from profiling you for ads based on where you live or what you do online. One side effect of borrowing a VPN's IP address is that you can make it appear as though your connection is coming from another country. You can use this to access streaming content and platforms that are only available in certain regions due to copyright. Changing your location can even get you better prices when shopping online. Location spoofing can also be used to get online in countries that censor internet access, like China and Russia, as well as certain US states or countries like the UK that are adding barriers like age-gating to previously unfettered online access. All you have to do is connect to a neighboring country (or locality) where the internet isn't blocked. If you plan to do this while traveling, make sure you have the VPN downloaded before you go, as some nations prevent you from even loading a VPN's homepage. Make sure you check with local laws regarding the legality of VPN use as well just because your VPN traffic is encrypted doesn't mean that authorities can't detect that it's being used in a given location. Are VPNs worth it? Whether a VPN is worth the price depends on how much you value those three use cases above. It's no secret that your personal information is profitable for a lot of people, from illicit hackers to corporations to law enforcement. A VPN will not make you completely anonymous, nor is it a license to commit crimes (see the next question) but it will give you a lot more control over what you transmit to the world. With entertainment, the value is even clearer. You can use a VPN to fight back against streaming balkanization by getting more shows and movies out of a single platform for example, a lot of shows that have been kicked off American Netflix are still on Netflix in other countries. What information does a VPN hide? A VPN does not make it impossible for you to be unmasked or taken advantage of online. It prevents you from passively leaking information, keeps your IP address undiscoverable on public wi-fi networks and gets you around online censorship. However, if you share personal information of your own volition, there's nothing the VPN can do. If you reveal your password in a social media post or click a link in a phishing email, that information bypasses the VPN. Likewise, if you do anything sensitive while logged into an account, the account holder will have that information even if you're using a VPN. A VPN is a critical part of your online security, but it can't do the whole job by itself. Healthy passwords, malware scanners, private search engines and common sense all have roles to play. Never forget, too, that using a VPN means trusting the VPN provider with access to information that's concealed from everyone else make sure you trust the privacy policy before signing up. Are VPNs safe? As far as we can determine, all the VPNs recommended in this story are safe to use. As with anything you subscribe to online, due diligence is important, but there's very little inherent risk; generally, the worst thing a bad VPN will do is fail to work, leaving you no worse off than before. There are some VPNs (usually offered for free) that transmit malware, so always make sure to look up any complaints or warnings about a service before you download it. Can you get a VPN on your phone? Absolutely almost every VPN has apps for both desktop and mobile devices. A good VPN will redesign its app to be mobile-friendly without dropping too many features. Both iOS and Android natively support VPN connections, so you're free to choose whichever provider you like. What about Google's One VPN? Google One VPN was, as you might expect, a VPN provided by Google. It was launched in 2020 for Google One subscribers and discontinued in 2024 due to lack of use. If you really want a Google VPN, you can still get one if you have certain Pixel models or if you're a Google Fi subscriber. That said, I don't recommend using a VPN from Google even if you do still have access to one. Google is one of the worst big tech companies at protecting user privacy . While its VPN might not leak, I wouldn't trust it to guard your sensitive information. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/best-vpn-130004396.html?src=rss

Google ordered to pay $425 million in app data collection lawsuit

Google must pay $425 million to the plaintiffs of a class action lawsuit that accused the company of collecting users' data even after they've turned off a tracking feature, a federal jury has decided. The lead plaintiff sued Google back in July 2020, arguing that the company still harvested data even though it tells users they can disable tracking under Web & App Activity through its connection with other apps, such as Uber and Instagram. US District Judge Richard Seeborg then certified the lawsuit as class action, involving 98 million Google users and 174 million devices. The plaintiffs' lawyers asked for $31 billion in damages, but the jury only found Google liable on two of the three privacy violation claims. Google didn't violate the California Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act and didn't act out of malice, the jury found. As a result, the jury concluded that the plaintiffs aren't entitled to any punitive damages. In a statement, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said that the decision misunderstands how [their] products work. He added that the company's privacy tools give users control over their data and insisted that Google honors people's choice to turn off personalization. Castaneda said that Google plans to appeal. The company faced several similar privacy lawsuits in the past. Another 2020 lawsuit accused Google of tracking users in Incognito mode , and the company agreed to settle the $5 billion lawsuit in 2023. A year later, it admitted that it can indeed collect information in Incognito and promised to destroy billions of data collected from Incognito tracking to settle the complaint. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-ordered-to-pay-425-million-in-app-data-collection-lawsuit-120048799.html?src=rss

DuckDuckGo's subscription now offers some of the latest chatbots from OpenAI and Anthropic

Since the start of last summer, DuckDuckGo has offered a handful of AI chatbots from OpenAI, Anthropic and others directly through its browser. And while it's mostly low-cost models like GPT-4o mini and Claude 3.5 Haiku on offer, the feature, Duck.ai , allows you to use those tools without sacrificing your privacy. As a service, that appears to have resonated with DuckDuckGo users, and now the company is reorienting its Privacy Pro subscription around access to more advanced models from those providers. The good news? The price of the service either $10 per month or $100 billed annually remains unchanged, and you still get all the previous perks included in the package. What is changing is the name. It's now simply known as the DuckDuckGo subscription, and, in addition to offering access to the company's own VPN, as well as its personal information removal and identity protection services, it allows you to use some of the latest models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta. The full list features GPT-4o, GPT-5 , Sonnet 4.0 and Llama 4 Maverick . As before, any conversations you have with those chatbots through DuckDuckGo are anonymized and your data won't be used for training future systems. Today, we're expanding Duck.ai by giving DuckDuckGo subscribers access to more advanced AI models, covered by the same strong protections, said DuckDuckGo. The base version of Duck.ai is not changing; its still free to use, with no account necessary. Were just adding more models for subscribers. If you don't want to use the new AI perks, you don't have to; DuckDuckGo allows users to hide all the AI buttons found in its browser's search, desktop and mobile settings. That said, the company notes it's exploring the option of offering higher subscription tiers with access to even more advanced AI models in the future. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/duckduckgos-subscription-now-offers-some-of-the-latest-chatbots-from-openai-and-anthropic-120000845.html?src=rss

Hue takes on cheaper rivals with the entry-level Essential smart bulb lineup

Hue just did its biggest product launch ever as part of IFA 2025 and a key product is the new entry-level Essential smart bulb lineup. Though still not as cheap as some products you can find on Amazon, it's designed to take on budget rivals like Govee and Aqara with bulbs starting under $20. The new range includes A19 bulbs, GU10 spots and strip lights with and without color options. Effectively, you're not losing a lot compared to the regular color/white bulbs. They still run on the same platform and offer Bluetooth out of the box along with extra features enabled when using a bridge or Matter-over-Thread. To highlight the differences, Hue released a feature comparison sheet. You can't dim the Essential bulbs as much, they offer a reduced range of whites (2200 to 6500K compared to 1000 to 20000K) and color quality is less accurate. The latter is arguably the most important feature for folks who use smart bulbs to sync with their TVs or require precise matching between bulbs. Hue You'll be able to buy the Hue Essential bulbs starting this month, with the new A19 bulbs priced at $25 individually or $60 in a four-pack. The Essential strip light arrives in December for $60 in a 5 meter length (16 feet) or $100 for 10 meters (33 feet). You can also grab the A19 bulb in a starter kit in the US starting at $80 for the Essential E27 2 pieces and Hue Bridge V2, up to $100 for the Essential E27 4 pieces and Hue Bridge V2. Another primary piece of Hue's smart lighting puzzle is the Hue Bridge Pro. It has a more serious black look compared to the white models of the past to signify the extra power. That includes five times the processing performance and 15 times the memory of the Hue Bridge V2 that came out 10 years ago . Hue Along with the extra power, the Huge Bridge Pro debuts a new feature called Hue Motion Aware. That transforms Hue Bulbs (including 95 percent of existing models) into motion sensors able to detect movement and trigger actions or security alerts. Hue says you can easily upgrade a current Hue Bridge with just a few clicks, and Signify will release support for combining multiple Bridges into a single Bridge Pro by year's end. The Bridge pro arrives in North America in September 2025 for $90. Hue OmniGlow strip lighting JuanCruzDuranPhotographer for Hue Hue also refreshed its strip lighting with several new products including the flagship OmniGlow (starting at $140 for a 3 meter length and arriving in November), the first Hue strip with no visible hotspots via CSP tech to accent your decor with a seamless glow. It also introduced the Flux lineup with indoor, outdoor, ultra-bright and neon options (in sizes up to 10m) starting at $70 for 3 meters, for applications ranging from indoor accents to outdoor facades. Also new are the Festavia string lights that can be used for holiday decor or year round in a permanent model for rooflines, patios and balconies. Those start at $160 for 7m lengths or $120 for 9 meters for the permanent model with availability in September. Signify also introduced a new A19 bulb that can replicate the entire spectrum of daylight while offering 40 percent great efficiency compared to its predecessor. Finally, the company announced a Sonos partnership that will allow you to operates Philips Hue lights using voice controls, and eventually integrate light and sound in new intuitive ways. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/hue-takes-on-cheaper-rivals-with-the-entry-level-essential-smart-bulb-lineup-110415932.html?src=rss

Samsung launches Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Tab S11 with S Pen support

Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra claims 692 grams of weight while the Tab S11 is about 469 grams

The best streaming deals: Get one year of Paramount+ for $30, plus save on YouTubeTV, Disney+ and more

Whether youre a true cord-cutter or you just want to watch the next season of Stranger Things when it drops, everyones on the lookout for streaming deals nowadays. Plenty have chosen VOD and live TV streaming services over traditional cable in recent years, but the savings that choice got you just a few years ago have somewhat evaporated now. Companies like Netflix, Disney, Max and others have been consistently raising prices to the point where you may question if streaming is even worth it anymore . We at Engadget still think so, for many reasons, but you can (and should) be smart with your money at the same time. Streaming deals are an option, even if they dont come around with the same regularity as discounts on AirPods do. If youre looking to save money and still stream all of the content you want, Engadget can help by laying out the best streaming deals you can get right now, how you can save with bundles and everything you should know before paying for yet another streaming service. Best streaming deals True streaming deals can be hard to come by. Most often, theyll pop up during the Black Friday shopping period. On occasion, well see them sparingly throughout the year and they usually take the form of a discounted monthly or annual rate for a limited period of time. Also, true streaming deals are typically on the ad-supported versions of a service, but once in a while youll find a unicorn of a deal on a tier that has ad-free viewing. If youre able to wait for a deal before subscribing to a streaming service, we recommend doing so. Youll save money upfront and in the long run, and you also have the option to cancel your subscription before the price goes back up to the normal rate. Maybe you find you like the service so much that youre fine paying full price for it thats the ideal situation. But if youre not compelled to keep that app on rotation in your smart TV, most streaming services make it easy for you to cancel at any time. With that said, these are the best streaming deals you can snag right now. Paramount+ Essential for $30 for one year (50 percent off): New and returning subscribers can get half off one year of Paramount+. That brings the ad-supported Essential plan down to just $30 for the year, and the Premium plan down to $60 for the year. A subscription will give you access to NFL content on CBS and UEFA Champions League, along with shows like South Park, Tulsa King, Tracker, Ghosts and more. The discount runs through September 18. DirecTV starting at $50/month for one month ($35 off): All of DirecTV's signature packages are $35 off right now for your first month when you sign up. If you opt for the base Entertainment package, you'll spend $50 for the first month and get access to over 90 channels, including many local stations as well as ESPN, ESPN 2 and Fox Sports 1. You'll also be able to watch on the go with the DirecTV mobile app. DashPass Annual + HBO Max (with ads) for $96/year ($144 off): This offer includes access to HBO Max with ads for no extra cost when you sign up for a DashPass Annual plan. You can then decide to upgrade to Max Standard, which removes ads, for a discounted rate of $11 monthly if you want. Aside from the obvious streaming benefits, this deal gives you $0 deliver fees and lower service fees on some restaurant DoorDash orders, five percent DoorDash credits on pickup orders, on-demand grocery delivery and other members-only exclusives. Spotify Premium Individual (3 month) for $0 ($36 off): This is our favorite music streaming service for podcasts and social features. Right now, users who have not signed up for Spotify's Premium service before are eligible to get three months for free. The Premium Individual plan lets you listen ad-free and skip songs at will. You can also organize your listening queue and download content for offline listening. Just be aware, your subscription will auto-renew at the end of the trial period. So if you don't want to be on the hook for the $12 monthly fee, set a reminder to cancel and go back to the free version. Fubo Pro for $55/month for the first month ($30 off): Fubo has introductory discounts on most of its packages, and the Pro package is the least expensive plan currently listed. It offers access to 224 channels, unlimited cloud DVR and up to 10 simultaneous streams. It even includes regional sports content from the NHL, MLB and NBA. YouTube TV (three months) for $150 ($99 off) : You can get three months of our favorite live TV streaming service for $50 per month. That should give you a decent chunk of time to see if the service is right for you while saving some cash. The discount and trial are only open to new subscribers to YouTube TVs base plan, which includes access to over 100 channels, unlimited DVR space and six household accounts with the ability to stream on three devices at once. Sling Orange for $23/month for the first month (50 percent off): New customers can get Sling Orange or Sling Blue for half off the usual price for the first month, bringing the final prices to $23/month and $25.50/month, respectively. Orange is likely best for sports fans, with eight exclusive sports and family channels, while Blue includes 19 exclusive news and entertainment channels. You can get both Orange and Blue access also for half off for one month, or $33 total. Peacock first responders discount one year for $48 (50 percent off) : Medical professionals and first responders can save 50 percent each year of Peacock. The deal requires annual verification and is open to those who work for either private or public institutions. Peacock has some great stuff to watch, including Poker Face and Killing It and more . Student discounts on streaming services HBO Max student discount subscribe for $5/month (50 percent off): HBO Max offers their ad-supported tier to students for half off the usual rate. Youll just have to verify that youre a student through Unidays , and make note that this offer is only good for up to 12 months of service. Hulu student discount subscribe for $2/month (75 percent off): Those with a valid student ID can get Hulus ad-supported tier for 75 percent off the typical rate. Theyll keep the same sale price for as long as theyre a student as well. Spotify student discount Premium + Hulu with ads for $6/month (72 percent off): Spotifys student offer continues to be one of the best around, giving you access to the Premium tier of the music streamer and Hulus ad-supported plan for only $6 monthly. Purchased separately, youd pay $22 per month for both of the services. Plus, the first month is free when you sign up. NBA League Pass student discount one year for $120 (40 percent off) : Students can get one year of League Pass for only $10 per month, which includes access to NBA TV and the ability to watch classic and archive games on-demand. On the NBA League Pass website, look for the student discount banner at the top and follow the instructions to verify your student status. Streaming bundle discounts Theres more consolidation happening now than ever before in the streaming space, and that means there are more streaming bundle options. These bundles offer you access to more content with one subscription price, but those prices are typically higher than paying for a single service by itself (obviously). It may be tempting to just get the bundle, but if only one of those services in the bundle speaks to you, youll spend less overall by just paying for the single service. Speaking of a deep love for a single streaming service: if all of your favorite shows are on Peacock or the latest releases on HBO Max consistently bring you joy, consider paying for one year upfront. Subscribing with an annual plan usually saves you money in the long term over paying on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, not all streaming services (looking at you, Netflix) have an annual subscription option. Here are some of the best streaming bundles you can get right now. Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max bundle with ads for $17/month : Ad-supported HBO Max is included here, along with full, ad-supported access to Disney+ and Hulu. Youll save 43 percent with this bundle, as opposed to paying for all three services individually. Disney+ and Hulu Bundle Premium for $20/month : Disney and Hulu offer a few different bundles, which you can view in the drop-down lists under Choose Your Plan. This bundle removes the ads from both Disney+ and Hulu (with the exception of select live and linear content) and allows you to download content for offline viewing. Youll save 42 percent with this bundle, as opposed to paying for both ad-free tiers individually. Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $96/month: This streaming bundle amalgamation is a bit confusing but it does offer a lot: you get live TV streaming via Hulus service plus access to the following VOD services: Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+. Out of those three, only ESPN+ will have ads. Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic for $17/month : You get full access to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ content with this package, albeit with ads across the board. This bundle price is 46 percent off the total price of all three separate subscriptions. Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium for $27/month : Similarly to the Duo bundles, the Premium version of the Trio removes ads from most content in Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, and you can download content for offline viewing. This price represents a 43-percent savings when compared to paying for all three ad-free tiers separately. Sling TV + HBO Max starting at $53/month: Sling TV and HBO Max have partnered on a discount that gives new subscribers 50 percent off their first month of Sling TV, plus $5 off monthly when you subscribe to the Sling TV + HBO Max bundle. The standard price for the Sling Blue + HBO Max duo is roughly $58/month, so you'll get a monthly discount of $5 off that. In addition, for the first month only, you'll get half off the price of the bundle. The promotion also applies to the Sling Orange & Blue + HBO Max package, which has a standard price of $73/month. Paramount+ with Showtime for $13/month or $120/year : This includes everything in Paramount+s Essential plan, except the ads, and also provides access to Showtime content, live CBS streams and download features. Read more streaming coverage The best live TV streaming services to cut cable The best streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and more The best streaming devices Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-streaming-service-deals-133028980.html?src=rss

Samsung expects 5% value growth this festive season, enhances retail experience with AI demos

The second largest smartphone brand by volume is training its retail staff to educate consumers about AI and its benefits

Samsung launches Galaxy S25 FE in India: Price, features and availability

Samsung said that FE users have largely been young with AI in focus and needs like instant slow motion, generative edit and audio eraser

Samsung launches the Galaxy S25 FE at IFA 2025

Samsung just launched the Galaxy S25 FE smartphone at IFA. It's available right now, starting at $650. The handset is available in four colorways. This is a midrange member of the Galaxy S25 family, after the company released the S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra back in January and the ultra-thin S25 Edge in May . The base-level S25 starts at $800 , so this is a slightly cheaper way to get in on all of that Galaxy action. This phone actually ships with the company's One UI 8 operating system. The other S25 models shipped with One UI 7, but have since begun receiving software updates to bring them up to speed. This introduces a refreshed user interface with new icons and better animations, more AI integration and improved split-screen performance. It features an Exynos 2400 CPU, which should get the job done but won't be quite as snappy as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite that ships with the rest of the lineup. There's a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with up to 1,900 nits of peak brightness. The camera system is decent, with a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens and an 8MP telephoto lens. There's also a 12MP front-facing camera. Despite being a bit underpowered when compared to the rest of the lineup, the S25 FE still accommodates all of those fancy Galaxy AI bells and whistles. This includes the company's Generative Edit photo software, an on-device assistant and more. So this is a relatively affordable entryway into that world. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-launches-the-galaxy-s25-fe-at-ifa-2025-093026581.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra hands-on: Really thin, redesigned S Pen and... remember Dex?

Someone recently asked me: Who even cares about Android tablets anymore? If that's you, you're probably feeling the same indifference towards premium Android tablets. Even Google has conceded it wont be making new tablets and seems to have already forgotten about the Pixel Tablet . But thats not stopping Samsung from releasing the 11th-generation Galaxy Tab S11 series, comprising the 11-inch standard model and 14.6-inch Ultra. The latter is the more interesting of the pair, as its not only what Samsung says is its thinnest tablet ever, but also offers new Dex multitasking features and, of course, AI tools. Plus, in case you forgot, the companys hallmark S Pen stylus still exists, and has received yet another redesign alongside the launch of the series. These days, my stylus use is limited to the ones for e-paper writing tablets like the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Kindle Scribe , but I remain a huge fan of the S Pen. Ive loved Samsungs stylus since my time as an Omnia II owner, back when it was like a mini retractable pointer that extended like old car antennas. The version accompanying the Tab S11 Ultra has a hexagonal shape to its grip that makes it more closely resemble a No. 2 pencil, and its nib has also been tweaked to be more conical. From my brief time with it at a hands-on session, the latest S Pen didnt feel remarkable. Its certainly a lot lighter than the reMarkable Paper Pros Marker Plus. But despite its similarity to a No. 2 pencil, Samsungs new stylus didnt feel better to hold or write with than the Kindle Scribes pen, which is a simple cylindrical piece. I actually like how smooth the latters edges are, and both seemed to deliver similarly fluid and responsive writing. I didnt feel much resistance as I dragged the S Pens nib across the Tab S11 Ultras screen to scrawl out Hello Engadget. Cherlynn Low for Engadget Unlike some previous S Pens that had Bluetooth-powered special features like remote camera control, this version has no additional connectivity. It draws power from the tablets screen like other EMR (electromagnetic resonance) tablets and wont need to be charged. Samsung did make it attach magnetically to the S11 Ultra, which can help prevent you misplacing it in a cafe, for example. But from previous experience, I can say that the magnets arent strong enough to keep the S Pen on the tablet if you toss it in a purse or bag. Youll need a case with a dedicated holder to truly secure the stylus. Speaking of, Samsung has made some new covers and keyboards for the Tab S11 Ultra, since its pogo pins have been moved from the bottom edge to its rear. This means none of your old or existing Samsung keyboard cases will be compatible, and youll have to buy the new version if you want to turn the S11 Ultra into a competent 2-in-1. Samsung improved the cases for its latest tablet, though, and it seems the repositioned pogo pins have allowed the company to make its origami covers a single piece instead of a two-parter. The new Pro keyboard case wont be available at launch, so youll have to wait to get it and perhaps rely on a Bluetooth accessory in the meantime. Or you can get the Slim Keyboard, which doesnt have a trackpad. Once you get a working keyboard connected, youll likely have a nice time getting work done on the S11 Ultra. Thats thanks in large part to the improved Dex mode, Samsungs multitasking software for Android devices. The new tablet ships with One UI 8, which gets new multitasking features like Extended Mode and support for up to four dedicated customizable workspaces. The former basically lets you wirelessly extend your display to other screens, like another tablet or even a laptop or monitor, to simulate a dual-monitor setup. I didnt get to see this for myself yet, so I cant speak to the latency and ease of use, but the idea is nice in theory, and is something iPads cant do yet. You might not even need extra screens, though, since the Tab S11 Ultras display is a roomy 14.6 inches, which Samsung says is its largest yet. It offers the vibrancy and brightness thats typical of the companys AMOLEDs, meaning colors are richly saturated and make for an enjoyable multimedia experience. Like recent models, the S11 Ultras panel refreshes at up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations, and has a fairly sharp resolution of 2,960 x 1,848. If you really care about numbers, then know that the Tab S11 Ultra gets up to 1,600 nits of brightness, as well. All this is powered by a 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, which the company said is a first for its tablets and brings 20 percent improved CPU and GPU performance over the previous generation. The neural processing unit (NPU) also sees a jump of 30 percent, according to Samsung. That means AI tools like Writing Assist and Drawing Assist should be faster and smoother. Cherlynn Low for Engadget In addition to those tools, which help you adjust the tone of your messages or turn your rough sketches into full-fledged art, the Tab S11 Ultra will also support Googles Gemini Live so you can have more natural conversations with the assistant. Samsung is also rolling out a Galaxy AI overlay for its Notes and browser apps, allowing you to drag around a moveable panel on top of those windows for easier reference. Despite how I started this article, Ive actually long been a fan of Samsungs Galaxy Tab S line. I love how thin and sturdy they are they just feel like sharp gadgets to wield. And at just 5.1mm (0.2 inches) thin and weighing just 1.53 pounds (692 grams), the Tab S11 Ultra is impressively svelte. Holding it up with just one hand while I aimed my camera at it felt effortless, and despite measuring 8.2 x 12.8 inches, the tablet was relatively easy to maneuver. By the way, the S11 Ultras bezels measure 5.2mm, meaning even the barely-there borders are thicker than the device. And in case you needed a comparison, the 13-inch iPad Pro from 2024 was also 5.1mm thin. The Tab S11 Ultra has a bigger screen while keeping that slim profile. It also is rated IP68 so it can withstand about the same amount of dust and water ingress as the average smartphone today. While I wasnt able to test the battery life of the Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra at the hands-on event, I think their respective 8,400mAh and 11,600mAh cells should provide ample runtime to get work done on the go. Samsung says theyll both last about 13 hours on a charge. Ill take this opportunity to point out that the Tab S11 is a much less premium device, with noticeably thicker bezels around its 10.9-inch screen. It supports Wi-Fi 6E, while the Ultra gets up to Wi-Fi 7, and it has a headphone jack if you still want one. The Ultra, meanwhile, does not have a 3.5mm audio socket. Cherlynn Low for Engadget In most other respects, the Tab S11 and its Ultra sibling share similar specs. Both have 13-megapixel rear cameras and 12MP front sensors, though the Ultra has an additional 8MP ultrawide setup. They support the redesigned S Pen, have in-screen fingerprint sensors, use the same processor, start at the same 12GB of RAM and go up to 2TB of storage, all while running Android 16. Im truly intrigued and tempted by the Tab S11 Ultras promise of portable productivity in a handsome package, but I simply dont use tablets in my life. My personal laptop is a Samsung Galaxy Book, and that feels like a suitable medium-screen to join my small screen (phone), big screen (TV) and tiny screen (watch). I dont need to throw a smedium screen into the mix. I already have a Kindle and a reMarkable Paper Pro that take the place of books and notebooks, too. That said, for the non-Apple people who use tablets as laptop replacements, artists who want to sketch in color or simply anyone who just likes a 15-inch thin and light touchscreen for whatever reason, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra should be a worthy option. Its just going to be quite the hefty investment at $1,200 to start. Thats costlier than most laptops, and doesnt include accessories like keyboard cases or mice yet. The base Tab S11 goes for $800, which is also more expensive than the plethora of midrange laptops on the market , so youll be paying a premium for portability. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/samsung-galaxy-tab-s11-ultra-hands-on-really-thin-redesigned-s-pen-and-remember-dex-093015036.html?src=rss

The best smart LED light bulbs for 2025

Smart LED light bulbs are one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home with smart lighting solutions that are both practical and fun. These color-changing bulbs let you customize your space with vibrant RGB color options, cozy warm white or any light color you can imagine. Theyre compatible with popular systems like Google Home and can work seamlessly with smart switches and other light switches, making them a key part of your home automation setup. With app control, you can adjust the brightness (no need for a separate dimmer), set schedules and even program the lights to turn on or off under certain conditions, like when you connect to your home network. Whether youre setting lights for movie night, creating a relaxing atmosphere or adding a pop of color to your room, these smart lighting solutions are easy to install and surprisingly affordable. Table of contents Best smart lights for 2025 Other smart bulbs we tested What to look for in smart light bulbs Smart light bulb FAQs Best smart lights for 2025 Other smart bulbs weve tested Nanoleaf Smarter Kit While weve recommended Nanoleafs Smarter Kits in guides in the past, theyre a bit more niche than other smart lights on this list. Theyre best for adding flare to your living room or game-streaming setup as they come in different shapes like hexagons and triangles and can sync with music. In addition to different colors, light animations and schedules, Nanoleafs Smart Kits also support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. What to look for in smart light bulbs Connectivity (To hub or not to hub) One of the biggest appeals of smart lighting solutions is being able to control them from your phone. Most of them are able to do so by connecting to it via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or via an external hub, which handles the connection for them. Bluetooth connectivity limits the range in which youll be able to control the light, so its only best for a limited number of bulbs and ones you dont expect to control when youre away. Wi-Fi color-changing bulbs are easy to set up and can be cheaper overall since they dont require a hub to connect them. However, having something like a central Zigbee hub can make your whole system more reliable since its connection is separate from your homes network. For that reason, hub-based bulbs tend to be more expandable, so we mainly recommend those if you want to eventually have dozens of smart lights around your home. White or color? Most color-changing bulbs youll find today are white and color bulbs, meaning they can glow in vibrant RGB color-options like blues, pinks, greens and everything in between, as well as shine with different temperatures of white. But there are some white-only bulbs out there, and they are often a bit more affordable than their color counterparts. While we recommend springing for the white-and-color devices, if youd prefer white only, make sure youre getting a bulb that can span the color temperature spectrum (typically from about 2000 to 5000 Kelvin), offering you various levels of cool and warm white light. App features One of the perks of smart lighting solutions is the amount of control you have over them thanks to their various app-control capabilities. Most companion apps let you do things like set lighting schedules and timers, group individual lights into room designations and create your own custom light scenes with different RGB options. But we have seen other features that arent as ubiquitous like vacation mode for automatically turning lights on and off to enhance your home security, and sync with media, which changes the colors of lights depending on the music youre listening to or the game youre currently live-streaming. Smart home compatibility If you use a smart assistant like Amazons Alexa or the Google Assistant regularly, make sure the smart lights or smart switches work with your favorite. All of the bulbs we tested supported both Amazons and Googles virtual assistants, allowing you to use voice commands to turn lights on and off, dim them with a virtual dimmer and more. The wildcard here is Siri and Apples HomeKit; while numerous smart bulbs have added HomeKit support, not all lights are compatible with Apples smart home system. Expandability We alluded to this above, but youll want to consider how many smart lights you eventually want in your home. Some brands and lighting systems are easier to expand than others, and we generally recommend going for hub-based bulbs if you plan on putting smart lights in every room in your home. If youre only looking to deck out your home office or living room with some fancy color-changing bulbs, Wi-Fi options should serve you well. Thankfully, these are some of the most affordable smart home devices you can get, so even if you dont have a clear answer to this question now, you can reconsider your options down the line if you do decide to outfit your home with multiple smart bulbs. Smart light bulb FAQs Whats the best smart light bulb for Alexa? There is no best smart light bulb for Alexa. Amazon doesnt make its own smart bulbs (like it does for smart plugs and thermostats), but rather there are dozens of smart lights made by third-parties that work with Alexa including all of the ones we tested. Before picking the best smart light bulb for you, make sure to check the voice assistants that the contenders support. Youll find that most smart light bulbs available today work with Amazons Alexa and the Google Assistant, and plenty of them also have support for Apples Siri and HomeKit. Can you put a smart bulb in any lamp? Smart light bulbs can go into most modern light fixtures but just like regular bulbs, they need to be the right shape/size for the fixture. A standard A19 smart light bulb should work properly in most table, floor and other lamps. If you have a fixture that takes a specific type of bulb, look for smart bulbs that will fit properly. Do smart light bulbs use electricity when off? Smart light bulbs do use a negligible amount of electricity when their fixtures are turned off. This is due to the fact that the smart bulb needs to stay in constant contact with your homes internet connection or Bluetooth in order to work properly. However, their energy-saving benefits usually outweigh the small amount of power they consume even while turned off. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-led-light-bulbs-143022856.html?src=rss

Eufy's MarsWalker allows its robot vacuums to climb stairs

Eufy just introduced a couple of new devices at the IFA conference in Germany, including something called the MarsWalker. This little doodad picks up robot vacuums and carries them up and down stairs. That's pretty neat, considering stairs are the bane of any robovac's existence. The company says the MarsWalker automatically recognizes common stair types, including straight, L-shaped and U-shaped. It transports the vacuum between floors and drops it off at the base station when needed. Eufy boasts that the device allows for truly hands-free, whole-home cleaning while avoiding the cost of buying multiple devices. It uses four control arms that dynamically adapt to stair structures, along with a track-drive system that grips each step securely. The company notes that it has been designed to prevent slips. There are a couple of caveats here. First of all, we don't have the price yet. If this ends up being around the price of an actual robot vacuum, it might be better just to get two for a multi-story home. Also, it only works with a few Eufy models and no third-party devices. Still, it's cool to see robot vacuums finally adapting to stairs . It's been a slow road to get here. The MarsWalker will be released in the first half of 2026. Eufy The company also announced a new robovac at IFA which fully integrates with the MarsWalker. The Omni S2 includes an aromatherapy system, which is fairly novel, and adaptive wheels to clear thresholds like thick rugs. It'll be available in January, with a cost of $1,600. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/eufys-marswalker-allows-its-robot-vacuums-to-climb-stairs-083020319.html?src=rss

The best live TV streaming services to cut cable in 2025

We still think getting a live TV streaming service is a better deal than paying for cable but the gulf between the two options is narrowing. Now that many of the major providers go for more than $80 per month, its not the amazing deal it once was. Still, live TV streaming plans have no contract, offer relatively simpler pricing and need no special equipment beyond a smart TV and an internet connection. There are a handful of major players and, after testing them all, we found YouTube TV to be the most well-rounded. But there are a lot of changes happening in the world of live TV streaming, with new services coming from ESPN and Fox , as well as a consolidation of Hulu into Disney . Well test out the new service once they arrive and let you know how other changes affect your options. For now these are the best live TV streaming services we tested, along with our breakdowns of how to stream and what you get. Table of contents Best live TV streaming services for 2025 How to stream live NFL games Best free live TV streaming services for 2025 What to look for in a live TV streaming service How we tested Live TV Streaming FAQs Recent updates Best live TV streaming services for 2025 Back to top How to stream live NFL games The rights to air regular-season NFL games belong to a number of networks. Around 200 games are scheduled to appear Sundays on CBS/Paramount+ and Fox/Fox One . NBC/Peacock will host one Sunday night competition each week while Prime Video will air Thursday night contests (except for Thanksgiving week) and ABC/ESPN will show Monday night matchups. A few games will be exclusive to the NFL Network and Christmas-day games will air live on Netflix . YouTube is airing a single week-one game. You can see the complete 2025 NFL schedule here (the airing network appears just below the game time on the list). On many Sundays, multiple games are scheduled to air at the same time by the same broadcaster. That means Fox and CBS will broadcast regional games through the associated local affiliate station. Select national games will air through Fox One and Paramount+. To see all Sunday (daytime) matchups, youll need the NFL Sunday Ticket thats now exclusive to YouTube TV and costs between $35 and $115 per month depending on the type of subscription you choose (YouTube recently announced monthly options for the Sunday Ticket). Note that the subscription doesnt include Sunday night games for that, youll need Peacock and/or local NBC station access through YouTube TV or elsewhere. Most of the paid live TV streaming services we recommend here include the stations youll need to see most of the games. YouTube TV, Fubo TV (including the new, cheaper Fubo Sports package ), Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV (Signature packages and MySports Genre packs) offer local Fox, CBS, ABC and NBC stations in most (but not all areas). They also carry sports-focused channels from those networks, like Fox Sports, CBS Sports and ESPN. Slings Orange plan includes access to a few local channels (varying by area), and also carries ESPN, but youll need the combined Orange and Blue plan to also get the Fox Sports channel but neither plan carries CBS Sports. How can I stream NFL games for free? If you have a digital antenna hooked up to your TV, you can grab games that are broadcast over the airways for your region by tuning into your local CBS, Fox, NBC and ABC stations. You can buy a digital antenna for between $20 and $60. Of course, that wont get you the games that are exclusive to the NFL Network, Prime Video or Netflix, and you wont be able to watch games broadcast outside your area. Nearly all paid live TV streaming services are currently offering free trials ranging from a few days to a week. You could hop from service to service, catching a few games before cancelling and not pay anything, but with 18 weeks in the regular season, youll obviously not be able to watch all games for free. Alternatively, you can check out your local sports bar and watch a game for the price of a soda and maybe some nachos. As it turns out, bars and restaurants that provide those games to customers have to pay a ton of cash to do so, so you may as well take advantage of the opportunity. Does Paramount Plus stream live NFL games? Yes. Paramount owns CBS, which has historically held the rights to air many NFL games each season. This year, NFL on CBS includes more than 100 regular-season games, most of them Sunday matchups. You can see which NFL games will air on CBS/Paramount + here . Note that to watch your local CBS station you need Paramount+ Premium (formerly Paramount+ with Showtime) for $13 per month. Can you stream live football on YouTube? September 5, 2025 will mark the first time YouTube will officially be a live NFL broadcaster when it airs a Friday night, week-one game of the 2025 NFL season from So Paulo, Brazil. It pits the Los Angeles Chargers against the Kansas City Chiefs and it will air worldwide on YouTube for free as well as for subscribers to YouTube TV. There are no other plans for YouTube to air live NFL games for the 2025 season for free, but YouTube TV customers will be able to watch many live matchups on their local CBS, Fox, NBC and ABC stations as part of their subscription. Both YouTube TV subscribers and anyone with the YouTube app can subscribe to the NFL Sunday Ticket add-on for $35 to $60 monthly, depending on promotions. Through the YouTube app, you can also purchase access to other Primetime Channels including Paramount+, but it costs the same as paying for those accounts directly. Best free live TV streaming services for 2025 There are loads of ways to get free TV these days. To start, many standard streaming apps have added live components to their lineups even Netflix . Peacock Premium Plus subscriptions include regional NBC stations. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can watch on-air CBS programming . Max now includes a live CNN outlet with its service, and the new Fox One service includes multiple live Fox stations. True, if youre already paying for a service its not technically free but at least the live content isnt extra. The smart TV operating system (OS) you use likely provides free live content too: Amazons Fire TV, Google/Android TV, Rokus built-in Roku Channel and Samsungs TV Plus all have hundreds of live channels and original programming. Some of the paid services we recommend above have a free version namely Sling Freestream , Fubo Free (available after you cancel) and DirecTVs MyFree . But if youre looking for more, here are the best free ad-supported TV (FAST) apps with live TV that we tried: Back to top What to look for in a live TV streaming service How to stream live TV Streaming live TV is a lot like using Netflix. You get access through apps on your phone, tablet, smart TV or streaming device and the signal arrives over the internet. A faster and more stable connection tends to give you a better experience. Most live TV apps require you to sign up and pay via a web browser. After that, you can activate the app on all of your devices. Monthly Price When I started testing these cord-cutting alternatives, I was struck by the price difference between live TV and a standard video streaming app . Where the latter cost between $5 and $20 per month, most live TV services hit the $80 mark and can go higher than $200 with additional perks, channel packages and premium extras. The higher starting price is mostly due to the cost of providing multiple networks particularly sports and local stations. And, in the past year or so, every service has raised base plan prices. Local channels Only two of the services I tried dont include full local channel coverage for subscribers and one of those makes no effort to carry sports at all. That would be Philo and, as you might guess, its the cheapest. The next most affordable option, Sling, only carries three local stations and only in larger markets but it still manages to include some of the top sports channels. When you sign up with any provider that handles local TV, youll enter your zip code, ensuring you get your areas broadcast affiliates for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. Of course, you can also get those stations for free. Nearly all modern television sets support a radio frequency (RF) connection, also known as the coaxial port, which means if you buy an HD antenna , youll receive locally broadcast stations like ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX and NBC. And since the signal is digital, reception is much improved over the staticky rabbit-ears era. But local channel access is another area where traditional streaming services, like Netflix, are bleeding into broadcast territory. For example, you can watch your local NBC station with a Peacock subscription and you can tune into your areas CBS station through your Paramount+ subscription. Netflix is even getting into the mix with a recently announced deal with one of Frances broadcast companies, TF1. The streaming service will now air TF1's live TV channels and on-demand content inside the Netflix app. No word if the concept will expand to other regions, but its an interesting move to anyone interested in the future of streaming. Live sports coverage One reality that spun my head was the sheer number and iterations of sports networks in existence. Trying to figure out which network will carry the match-up you want to see can be tricky. I found that Google makes it a little easier for sports fans by listing out upcoming games (just swap in NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and so on in the search bar). When you click an event, the TV & streaming button will tell you which network is covering it. That just leaves figuring out if your chosen service carries the RSNs (regional sports networks) you want. Unfortunately, even with add-ons and extra packages, some providers simply dont have certain channels in their lineups. It would take a lawyer to understand the ins and outs of streaming rights negotiations , and networks leave and return to live TV carriers all the time. That said, most major sporting events in the US are covered by ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT, USA and local affiliates. I should also point out that traditional streaming services have started adding live sports to their lineups. Peacock carries live Premier League matches, Sunday Night Football games and aired the 2024 Olympic Games from Paris. Thursday Night Football as well as NBA and WNBA games are on Amazon Prime and Christmas Day Football airs on Netflix. HBO Max ( formerly , er, HBO Max) now airs select, regular season games from the NHL, MLB, NCAA and NBA with a $10-per-month add-on . You can watch MLS games with an add-on through the Apple TV app, and Apple TV+ includes some MLB games . Roku users can watch the just-added free sports channel and those who subscribe to Paramount Plus can see many of the matches aired on CBS Sports, including live NFL games. This year, January's Super Bowl was live-streamed for free on Tubi . While all of these alternatives may not cover as much ground as live TV streamers, they could end up being cheaper avenues to the sports you want. And if sports is all youre after, there are sports-only plans that are a touch cheaper, too. The promised sports streaming service from ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. called Venu was cancelled early this year. But on August 21, ESPN launched its own streaming service that includes all ESPN channels and costs $30 per month. Fubo Sports is $56 monthly and includes local broadcast stations from ABC, CBS and FOX plus a slew of sports networks (CBS Sport and FS1 among them) as well as all networks included with ESPN Unlimited . Fox launched its own standalone service in August as well and it includes Fox Sports and all other Fox properties (News, Business, Weather) for $20 monthly. DirecTV also has a $70-per-month , sports-only streaming package called MySports and Comcast has a sports and news bundle for that same price (as long as you're an Xfinity customer with auto-pay, otherwise it's more expensive). Traditional cable networks Dozens of linear programming networks were once only available with cable TV, like Bravo, BET, Food Network, HGTV, CNN, Lifetime, SYFY and MTV. If you only subscribe to, say, Netflix or Apple TV+, you wont have access to those. But as with sports, standard streamers are starting to incorporate this content into their offerings. After the Warner Bros. merger, Max incorporated some content from HGTV, Discovery and TLC. Peacock has Bravo and Hallmark shows, and Paramount+ has material from Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central. Other entertainment channels like AMC+ have stand-alone apps. The Discovery+ app gives you 15 channels ad-free for $10 per month (or with ads for $6 monthly). And a service called Frndly TV starts at a mere $7 per month and streams A&E, Lifetime, Game Show Network, Outdoor Channel and about 35 others. Of course, most live TV streaming options will deliver more sizable lists of cable networks, but just note that you may already be paying for some of them and if all you need is a certain channel, you could get it cheaper by subscribing directly. On-demand streaming Most live TV subscriptions include access to a selection of video-on-demand (VOD) content, like you would get with a traditional streaming service. Much of this content is made up of the movies and TV series that have recently aired on your subscribed networks. This typically doesnt cover live events and news programming, but I was able to watch specific episodes of ongoing shows like Top Chef or BETs Diarra from Detroit. Just search the on-demand library for the program, pick an episode and hit play. Partnerships, like Hulus relationship with Disney, and add-ons, such as bundling Max with your YouTube TV subscription or Starz with your Sling plan, will let you watch even larger libraries of on-demand content. But again, if VOD is all youre after, paying for those networks directly instead of through a live TV plan will be far cheaper. Digital video recordings (DVR) limits Every option I tried offers some cloud DVR storage without needing a separate physical device. Youll either get unlimited storage for recordings that expires after nine months or a year, or youll get a set number of hours (between 50 and 1,000) that you can keep indefinitely. Typically, all you need to do is designate what ongoing TV series you want to record and the DVR component will do all the hard work of saving subsequent episodes for you to watch later. You can do the same thing with sports events. Aside from being able to watch whenever its most convenient, you can also fast-forward through commercials in recorded content. In contrast, you cant skip them on live TV or VOD. Simultaneous streams and profiles per account Each plan gives you a certain number of simultaneous streams, aka how many screens can play content at the same time. And while most providers will let you travel with your subscription, there are usually location restrictions that require you to sign in from your home IP address periodically. Stream allowances range from one at a time to unlimited screens (or as many as your ISPs bandwidth can handle). Some plans require add-ons to get more screens. Most services also let you set up a few profiles so I was able to give different people in my family the ability to build their own watch histories and libraries, set their favorite channels and get individual recommendations. Picture-in-picture mode and multiview Picture-in-picture (PiP) usually refers to shrinking a video window on a mobile device or computer browser so you can watch it while using other apps. Sling, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Philo, DirecTV Stream and Hulu + Live TV all have PiP modes on computers and mobile devices. Another feature, multiview, lets you view multiple (usually four) sports matches or other live content at once on your TV screen. YouTube TV, FuboTV and now DirecTV all let you do this. With YouTube TV, you can select up to four views from a few preset selection of streams. FuboTV offers the same feature, but only if you're using an Apple TV or Roku streaming device. DirecTV lets you do so through mixes which include sports, news, business and kids variants with a set four channels in each mix. 4K live streams Right now, just FuboTV, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream offer 4K live streams but with caveats. YouTube TV requires a $20-per-month add-on , after which youll only be able to watch certain live content in 4K. DirecTV Stream has three channels that show live 4K content one with shows and original series, and two with occasional sporting events. You dont have to pay extra for these but you do need to have either DirecTVs Gemini receiver, or a device from Fire TV, Apple TV or Roku. Youll need those same streaming devices to watch the select 4K programming on Sling as well. FuboTV shows certain live events in 4K but access is limited to the Elite and Premier packages, not the base-level Pro plan. Of course, watching any 4K content also requires equipment that can handle it: a 4K smart TV or 4K streaming device paired with a cord and screen that can handle 4K resolution. Tiers, packages and add-ons Comparing price-to-offering ratios is a task for a spreadsheet. I made three. The base plans range from $28 to $85 per month. From there, you can add packages, which are usually groups of live TV channels bundled by themes like news, sports, entertainment or international content. Premium VOD extras like Max, AMC+ and Starz are also available. Add-ons cost an extra $5 to $20 each per month and simply show up in the guide where you find the rest of your live TV. This is where streaming can quickly get expensive, pushing an $80 subscription to $200 monthly, depending on what you choose. How to stream live TV for free I also downloaded and tried out a few apps that offer free ad-supported TV ( FAST ) including Freevee , Tubi , PlutoTV and Sling Freestream . These let you drop in and watch a more limited selection of live networks at zero cost. Most dont even require an email address, let alone a credit card. And if you have a Roku device, an Amazon Fire TV or Stick, a Samsung TV, a Chromecast device or a Google TV, you already have access to hundreds of live channels via the Roku Channel , the live tab in Fire TV, through the Samsung TV Plus app or through Google TV . Back to top How we tested live TV streaming services When I begin testing for a guide, I research the most popular and well-reviewed players in the category and narrow down which are worth trying. For the paid plans, just six services dominate so I tried them all. There are considerably more free live TV contenders so I tested the four most popular. After getting accounts set up using my laptop, I downloaded the apps on a Samsung smart TV running the latest version of Tizen OS. I counted the local stations and regional sports coverage, and noted how many of the top cable networks were available. I then weighed the prices, base packages and available add-ons. I then looked at how the programming was organized in each apps UI and judged how easy everything was to navigate, from the top navigation to the settings. To test the search function, I searched for the same few TV shows on BET, Food Network, HGTV and Comedy Central, since all six providers carry those channels. I noted how helpful the searches were and how quickly they got me to season 6, episode 13 of Home Town . I used DVR to record entire series and single movies and watched VOD shows, making sure to test the pause and scan functions. On each service with sports, I searched for the same four upcoming NHL, NBA, MLS and NCAA basketball matches and used the record option to save the games and play them back a day or two later. Finally, I noted any extra perks or irritating quirks. All live TV streaming services weve tested: Philo Sling YouTube TV Hulu + Live TV DirecTV Stream FuboTV Freevee Tubi PlutoTV Sling Freestream Plex Back to top Live TV Streaming FAQs What is live streaming? Streaming simply refers to video content that is delivered to your screen over the internet. Live streaming can be split into two categories: linear programming and simultaneous transmission. That first one is similar to what you get with cable or broadcast TV, with channels that play a constant flow of movies and shows (sort of what TV looked like before Netflix). Simultaneous streaming lets you watch live events (like a basketball game) or a program (like the evening news) as they happen. What is the difference between streaming and live streaming? Standard streaming, the most popular example being Netflix, lets you pick what you want to watch from a menu of choices. Its also referred to as video on demand. Live streaming refers to sports and news events that you can stream as they happen in real time. It also refers to channels that show a continuous, linear flow of programming. What streaming service is best for live TV? FuboTV does the best job of letting you organize live channels to help you find just what you want to watch. The interface is uncluttered and when you search for something, the UI clearly tells you whether something is live now or on-demand. YouTube TV also does a good job making that info clear. Both have just over 100 live channels on offer. What is the most cost effective TV streaming service? Free TV streaming services like PlutoTV, Plex, Tubi and FreeVee show plenty of ad-supported TV shows and movies without charging you anything. Of course, they wont have the same channels or content that more premium subscriptions have. Ultimately it depends on what you want to watch and finding the service that can supply that to you in the most streamlined form so youre not paying for stuff you dont need. Is it cheaper to have cable or streaming? A basic cable package used to be more expensive than the base-level live TV streaming service. But now that nearly all major providers have raised their prices to over $75 per month, thats no longer the case. And with add-ons and other premiums, you can easily pay over $200 a month for either cable or a live TV streaming service. But those who want to cut the cord will appreciate that streaming services don't have contracts. What streaming service has all the TV channels? No service that we tested had every available channel. Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream carry the the highest number of the top rated channels, according to Neilsen . Hulus service also gets you Disney+ fare, which you cant get elsewhere. FuboTV has the most sports channels and YouTube TV gives you the widest selection of add-ons. What is the most popular live TV streaming platform? YouTube TV has the most paying customers. According to 2024's letter from the CEO, the service has over eight million subscribers. Disneys 2024 third quarter earnings put the Hulu + Live TV viewer count at 4.6 million. Slings customer count dipped from two million to about 1.9 million in 2024 and FuboTV grew its subscriber list to 1.6 million . How safe are free streaming services and websites? You may have heard certain sites that provide free content can be dangerous, leading to stolen info and/or exposing you to malware. Thats likely in reference to certain peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and file-sharing sites that let people download free movies and series which can come bundled with malicious code. But if youre talking about the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services listed here, from providers like PlutoTV, Tubi and Plex, they are just as safe as any other streaming service. Since you sometimes dont even have to provide your email address or credit card info, they can even be more anonymous for cord cutters than apps that require login credentials. Back to top Recent updates August 2025 : Added section about streaming live NFL games. Updated our specs. Streamlined and revised our recommendations for free live TV streaming services. Back to top This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/best-live-tv-streaming-service-133000410.html?src=rss

The best VPN deals: Get up to 77 percent off ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, Surfshark and others

A virtual private network (VPN) can save you a lot of money if you use it right. By changing your virtual location, you can use one streaming service to see shows that might be scattered between three or four in your home country. You can also trawl the world for discounts that only show up in a few select regions. And of course, you can't put a price on the joy of taking back your online business from intrusive ads and trackers. VPN providers are all competing to boost their subscriber counts, so they frequently offer massive discounts to anyone willing to sign up for one or two years at a time. Most of the deals below fit into that category. Before you jump into the list, make sure you're OK with a longer-term commitment. Best VPN deals NordVPN $83.43 for a two-year subscription with three months free (77 percent off): NordVPN gets the most important parts of a VPN right. It's fast, it doesn't leak any of your data and it's great at changing your virtual location. I noted in my NordVPN review that it always connects quickly and includes a support page that makes it easy to get live help. Although I'm sad to see it shutting down Meshnet , NordVPN still includes a lot of cool features, like servers that instantly connect you to Tor. This deal gives you 77 percent off the two-year plan, which also comes with three extra months but there's no expiration date, so you have a little time for comparison shopping. ExpressVPN $97.72 for a two-year Basic subscription with four months free (73 percent off): This is one of the best VPNs, especially for new users, who will find its apps and website headache-free on all platforms. In tests for my ExpressVPN review , it dropped my download speeds by less than 7 percent and successfully changed my virtual location 14 out of 15 times. In short, it's an all-around excellent service that only suffers from being a little overpriced which is why I'm so excited whenever I find it offering a decent deal. This deal, which gets you 28 months of ExpressVPN service, represents a 73 percent savings. It's the lowest I've seen ExpressVPN go in some time, though like NordVPN, it's not on a ticking clock. Surfshark Starter $53.73 for a two-year subscription with three months free (87 percent off): This is the asic level of Surfshark , but it includes the entire VPN; everything on Surfshark One is an extra perk. With this subscription, you'll get some of the most envelope-pushing features in the VPN world right now. Surfshark has a more closely connected server network than most VPNs, so it can rotate your IP constantly to help you evade detection it even lets you choose your own entry and exit nodes for a double-hop connection. That all comes with a near-invisible impact on download speeds. With this year-round deal, you can save 87 percent on 27 months of Surfshark. Surfshark One $67.23 for a two-year subscription with three months free (86 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware), Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach) and Surfshark Search (a private search engine with no ads or activity tracking). This evergreen deal gives you 87 percent off all those features. If you bump up to Surfshark One+, you'll also get data removal through Incogni, but the price jumps enough that it's not quite worthwhile in my eyes. CyberGhost $56.94 for a two-year subscription with two months free (83 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers while it's not totally clear what it does to optimize them, I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Currently, you can get 26 months of CyberGhost for 83 percent off the usual price. Private Internet Access $79 for a three-year subscription with three months free (83 percent off): It's a bit hard to find (the link at the start of this paragraph includes the coupon), but Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 39 months of PIA for a little bit over $2 per month an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA almost never comes off as a budget VPN, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected. What makes a good VPN deal Like I said in the intro, practically every VPN heavily discounts its long-term subscriptions the whole year round. The only noteworthy exception is Mullvad, the Costco hot dog of VPNs (that's a compliment, to be clear). When there's constantly a huge discount going on, it can be hard to tell when you're actually getting a good deal. The best way to squeeze out more savings is to look for seasonal deals, student discounts or exclusive sales like Proton VPN's coupon for Engadget readers . One trick VPNs often use is to add extra months onto an introductory deal, pushing the average monthly price even lower. When it comes time to renew, you usually can't get these extra months again. You often can't even renew for the same basic period of time for example, you may only be able to renew a two-year subscription for one year. If you're planning to hold onto a VPN indefinitely, check the fine print to see how much it will cost per month after the first renewal, and ensure that fits into your budget. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-vpn-deals-120056041.html?src=rss

OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT Projects to free users

OpenAI has announced that it's making its Projects feature available to free users of ChatGPT. Projects let you organize chats with the company's AI assistant around a specific subject, and were previously one of several privileges only enjoyed by paid subscribers. While on some level Projects are glorified folders for ChatGPT conversations, the ability to set custom instructions for how the AI responds or limit what information and files it can reference, makes the feature a useful option for power users. As part of this rollout, OpenAI is also increasing the number of files that can be added to a project for ChatGPT to reference. Free users can upload five, Plus subscribers can upload 25 and Pro subscribers can upload 40. Whether you pay for ChatGPT or not, you'll also be able to customize the color and icon for your project, too. OpenAI has made a habit of slowly trickling down paid features to its free users over the last few years. Things like Deep Research and ChatGPT Voice started off as exclusives for the company's subscribers before becoming available to everyone. Offering a formerly premium feature with limits is itself a way to get free customers to become paid ones. OpenAI's decision to make the recently released GPT-5 model available to everyone at launch, but with harsher limits on how many times free users can use it follows a similar logic. Projects are available for free users on the web and in the ChatGPT app for Android. OpenAI says the iOS ChatGPT app will receive the feature over the coming days. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-rolls-out-chatgpt-projects-to-free-users-215027802.html?src=rss

Paramount+ annual subscriptions are on sale for half-off

Sometimes, rising prices for streaming services feels as inevitable as death and taxes. So when a serious discount is available, we tend to sit up and take notice. For a few weeks, you can get a whopping half off an annual subscription to Paramount+ . A year of the Paramount+ Essential plan, which is ad-supported, will cost $30 compared to the usual $60. Paramount+ Premium, which is ad-free except for live tv programming, will cost $60 for a year instead of $120. This is a substantial deal that both new and returning subscribers can take advantage of; it's not uncommon for this type of serious discount to only be offered to a first-timer. Anyone who signs up for a year-long subscription to Paramount+ from now through September 18 will be able to get this pricing. The only real caveat with this deal is that you have to pay for the full year in advance; month-to-month subscriptions will still cost the usual rate. Paramount+ has some great programming options, particularly if you're a fan of anything involving RuPaul. It's also the home of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks , which are arguably the best modern additions to the sci-fi show's canon, as well as the other past and present Star Trek series. The platform offers a solid lineup of sports as well. And if you opt to go for the Premium plan, you'll also be granted access to Showtime titles such as Yellowjackets and the rebooted Dexter: Resurrection . Check out our coverage of the best streaming 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/paramount-annual-subscriptions-are-on-sale-for-half-off-212655020.html?src=rss

Roblox will require age verification for all users to access communication features

Roblox announced that it aims to roll out age estimation technology to all of its users by the end of 2025. Users on the gaming and social network will have to confirm their age in order to access communication features within the platform under the new policy. Roblox initially rolled out an age verification option to teen accounts in July as part of an effort to keep users younger than 13 from accessing select chat features. In addition to confirming ages for individual accounts, Roblox also said it plans to adopt new systems that will limit communication between adults and minors unless they already know each other offline. Age verification can be completed by providing a selfie that Roblox and its partner will analyze or by submitting an accepted form of identification. Roblox has drawn criticism for what many claim are failures to adequately protect younger users from bad actors, including facing lawsuits . The platform started rolling out more stringent policies aimed at child safety last year . These rules kept some interactive features away from the under 13 age group, while other additions were aimed at giving parents tools to curate their children's experience. Age verification is becoming a go-to method to try and protect minors from accessing inappropriate content online. Utah was the first state to adopt a requirement to prove users' ages in order to access app stores, and other states like Mississippi are placing similar requirements on social media networks. There have been legal challenges, however. The tech sector has been arguing that their platforms should not be responsible for confirming ages, while digital privacy advocates have questioned whether sufficient protections have been enacted to keep users' personal information safe with these new laws. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/roblox-will-require-age-verification-for-all-users-to-access-communication-features-203653330.html?src=rss

007 First Light is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC on March 27

A PlayStation State of Play showcase all about 007 First Light shed some light on how Hitman developer IO Interactive's James Bond game works. The stream also disclosed what was, until now, a top-secret nugget of intel: the release date. 007 First Light is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam and Epic Games Store on March 27. The State of Play included a partial playthrough of the first mission, which sees Bond stealthily tailing a suspicious bellhop through a fancy hotel. Some time later, Bond breaks into a car to chase down a target, which leads into an explosive shootout. In a neat touch, Bond is granted a license to kill when enemies are about to shoot at him. One of my favorite bits from the gameplay deep dive showed Bond pushing an enemy off a ledge and using the baddie to break his own fall. Bond uses all the tricks of the trade, including distractions, gadgets and sweet talking NPCs. As with the Hitman series, you'll have plenty of options as to how to complete your objectives. Being a Bond project, of course there's plenty of product placement too. You can read more details about what to expect from the game in our preview . In addition, IO Interactive revealed the game's main cast during the State of Play. Patrick Gibson ( The Tudors, Dexter: Original Sin ) is playing 007. The cast also includes Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, Kiera Lester as Miss Moneypenny, Lennie James as John Greenway and Noemie Nakai as Miss Roth. What are the odds that at least one of those will turn out to be a double agent? Pre-orders are open now . If you do lock in a pre-order for the $70 base edition, you'll get a free upgrade to 007 First Light Deluxe Edition, which includes 24 hours of early access, as well as exclusive outfits and skins for weapons and gadgets. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/007-first-light-is-coming-to-ps5-xbox-series-xs-nintendo-switch-2-and-pc-on-march-27-191011686.html?src=rss

The best E Ink tablets for 2025

Im a longtime lover of pen and paper, so E Ink tablets have been intriguing to me ever since they started becoming more widely available. After having hundreds of half-filled notebooks over the years, I, at some point, turned to digital tools instead because it was just easier to store everything on my phone or laptop 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 recent years now you can find them in multiple sizes, some have color E Ink screens and others double as full-blow ereaders with access to ebook stores and your local librarys offerings. Ive tested out close to a dozen E Ink tablets over the past few years 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

The first new Bond game in over a decade is Hitman meets action blockbuster

IO Interactive seemingly wrapped up its assassination series Hitman in 2023, launching the anthology on practically every game platform. But its not done with sneaking, subterfuge, and sniper rifles. The game developer announced that it was making a new James Bond game, teasing an unrefined Bond in training yes, its another reimagined origin story. At a closed-door briefing at Gamescom, I watched the team play through some early parts of 007 First Light, with Bond part of a team of more seasoned spies hunting down a rogue double-o agent. Ah, that sounds like a Bond plot. The gameplay was separated into three parts. First, the creative, exploratory sandbox part, as Bond tries to elbow his way into a bougie mansion when he should be readying the escape car. Like Hitman , Bond can sneak around, triggering items to draw away guards or distract from his own actions. He scrambles up a building to get in through an open window, while vaguely flirting with staff and pretending hes meant to be there. The team explained that social interactions will form another part of how the rookie agent can interact with people and progress through areas and toward goals. Some features differentiate First Light from the aforementioned bald-headed assassination games. First of all, its far less centered on all the killing (at least until the full-throttle action sections later), with the team attempting to reflect Bond adventures beyond bullets and grizzly ends. Theres also an Omega-branded Q Watch that attempts to elegantly fold in HUD features like location markers, weaponry, and gadget selection. Itll also help analyze the environment for interactive parts and opportunities for Bond. Players will apparently have a degree of freedom to decide how they approach missions and areas, even if we only saw one approach during this presentation. It did manage to convey the stress and pressure Id expect to feel from an IO Interactive game. The early demo diverges from Hitman familiarity elsewhere. IO Interactive said that while 007 will offer a linear adventure of sorts, players will still have control of their adventure. A blend of action setpieces and more measured, thinking, exploratory sections should separate it from other games and other Bond games, too, which have typically been first-person shooters, some of which are terrible . The demo jumps ahead as Bond follows the rogue agent in an exciting-looking car chase. These reminded me of Uncharted car segments, filled with destruction and chaos. Bond drives through a Swiss market, with something catching on his car tires for the rest of the chase, while there are jumps, explosions, and near-misses as you fight to catch up. Its a shame that, at this early stage at least, you can tell that regardless of your honed driving skills, you will never catch up to your quarry until the game wants you to. The chase ends at a very well-guarded airbase. This leads into the other facet of First Light : gunplay and way too many oil drums and trucks filled with gasoline. The final segment includes Bond rushing the airbase and chasing a military transport craft as it takes off. Fighting is a mix of duck-and-cover, using the environment, and, if all else fails, throwing your gun once its out of bullets. Theres a great point after Bond barely makes it on board the plane just before it takes off. He uses his Q Watch to tilt the plane, swinging cargo and enemies into the walls of the plane or even out the cargo door. Eventually, 007 is flung from the plane too, and as he falls, has to claim a parachute. Its a real change of pace from the early part of the demo but suggests First Light might cover all the Bond movie beats. I might not be sold on another Bond origin story, but hopefully, IO Interactive can successfully blend three different types of game together. 007 FIrst Light is scheduled to arrive on March 27 for the PS5, Xbox Series X / S, Switch 2 and PC. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/007-first-light-hitman-meets-action-movie-183551755.html?src=rss

Amazon's Tomb Raider series will star Sophie Turner as Lara Croft

We finally have our Lara Croft, well over two years after Prime Video's Tomb Raider series was first announced . Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner has been cast in the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter . She had better start trying on khaki shorts and blue sleeveless shirts. Turner acknowledges the massive shoes to fill from previous actors that have played the role, shouting out Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander. She also says she can't wait for audiences to see what we have cooking. We also now know when the show will enter production. Filming starts on January 19. We don't know when the series will come out, but at least we know it's a real thing that's going to get filmed. Sophie Turner set to star as Lara Croft in upcoming Tomb Raider series from Amazon MGM Studios. Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as creator, writer, executive producer and co-showrunner. Jonathan Van Tulleken set as director and executive producer and Chad Hodge joins as pic.twitter.com/m7aaaZH9Sk Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) September 3, 2025 Additionally, the platform has announced that Chad Hodge will join Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a co-showrunner. Bridge was revealed as the creator well over a year ago . Hodge is best known for his work on shows like Good Behavior and movies like Single All the Way . Bridge may be best known for creating the romantic comedy series Fleabag , but she has had plenty of experience with action-heavy projects. She created the series Killing Eve and co-wrote a James Bond film. She also starred in the most recent Indiana Jones movie, which is a franchise the Tomb Raider games cribbed from. As for those games, Amazon is also publishing the next entry in the long-running franchise. Crystal Dynamics is developing it, which is the company that has been in charge of the mainline titles since 2003. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/amazons-tomb-raider-series-will-star-sophie-turner-as-lara-croft-183035877.html?src=rss

Ubisoft's free Assassin's Creed Mirage Discovery Tour app allows you to explore 9th century Baghdad

Ubisoft is releasing a free Discovery Tour app covering the history of Baghdad, the setting of Assassin's Creed Mirage . The game launched in 2023 without Ubisoft's Discovery Tour feature, a mode that's previously been packed into Assassin's Creed games starting with 2017's Assassin's Creed Origins and uses the game's open-world maps and character models to illustrate the history and cultural specifics of their chosen setting. This new app takes a slightly different approach, reworking the map of Assassin's Creed Mirage to deliver a two hour narrative adventure set in 9th century Baghdad. The Discovery Tour app also includes encyclopedic entries on the history, art, and culture of medieval Baghdad and the Abbasid Caliphate and an augmented reality feature that lets you view 3D models of famous artifacts. It sounds like less of a playable history lesson than past Discovery Tours, but still an excellent use of the historical research that goes into each Assassin's Creed game. It's a bit unusual the app is being offered for free when Ubisoft has traditionally charged for Assassin's Creed games or its standalone Discovery Tour apps , but maybe that reflects Assassin's Creed Mirage 's unique place in the series. The game was pitched as a back-to-basics stealth game without the open-world fluff of past games, and largely delivered. Ubisoft's approach to Assassin's Creed might also be changing in general. The game franchise was spun-off alongside Far Cry and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six into a new subsidiary partially funded by Tencent earlier this year. Even grander plans to turn Assassin's Creed into an always-online live-service game still loom in the background, too. You can download and try the Ubisoft's Discovery Tour App: Medievil Baghdad for yourself from the App Store and Play Store . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ubisofts-free-assassins-creed-mirage-discovery-tour-app-allows-you-to-explore-9th-century-baghdad-182020279.html?src=rss

The largest illegal sports streaming service has been shut down after sting operation

The sports broadcasting piracy network Streameast has been shut down after it was investigated for a year by a US-based anti-piracy group. Streameast is the largest illegal sports streaming platform in the world, and while active it offered its users free access to 80 unauthorised domains. This allowed people to pirate live soccer matches from the Premier League and Champions League, as well as NFL, NBA and MLB games. According to ACE, annual traffic to the site topped 1.6 billion visits. The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), which describes itself as the worlds leading content protection coalition dedicated to combatting the illegal acts of digital piracy, cooperated with Egyptian law enforcement on a sting that took place on August 24. ACE comprises more than 50 global entertainment companies and studios, including Disney, HBO, Fox, Netflix and Sony Pictures. As reported by The Athletic , two men in Sheikh Zayed City part of the Greater Cairo urban area were arrested on suspicion of copyright infringement and have been detained. Laptops and smartphones were seized in the raid, and according to The Athletic , investigators discovered links between Streameast and a shell company in the UAE allegedly used to launder advertising revenue of more than $6 million over the last 15 years. Streameasts original domain is no longer active, but according to The Athletic s report, there may now be a number of copycat sites seeking to fill the void left by the now defunct streaming platform. ACE told the sports journalism outlet that it's aware of these sites and is investigating whether theyre related. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/the-largest-illegal-sports-streaming-service-has-been-shut-down-after-sting-operation-173537889.html?src=rss

Instagram finally has an iPad app 15 years after it first launched

The social media platform Instagram is finally available on the iPad as a native app. It only took 15 years, as the app first launched all the way back in 2010. We knew this was coming and, well, now it's here. The iPad is a different platform from a smartphone, so the tablet-based app features redesigned elements. For instance, the app opens directly into a feed of Reels. The iPad app also lets users organize posts and Reels into a chronological list, with recent posts appearing first. This is how social media used to work, before the almighty algos started choosing stuff for us. This new feature has also begun popping up once again on the standard app. Meta Otherwise, the redesign takes full advantage of the increased screen real estate. Comments on Reels will appear right next to the videos and the DMs page will include the inbox alongside the actual chat. This is reminiscent of how the web client of Messenger works. This move is fascinating, as two years ago Instagram head Adam Mosseri said the iPad simply wasn't a big enough market to fast track an app. It's still just not a big enough group of people to be a priority, he wrote on X . Hoping to get to it at some point, but right now we're very heads down on other things. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/instagram-finally-has-an-ipad-app-15-years-after-it-first-launched-165521142.html?src=rss

Apple's new iOS 26 public beta 6 is out now: Is your iPhone eligible for the update? Check this list

In a little under a week, Apple's iPhone 17 event which the company has themed awe dropping will be here. It's confirmed for Tuesday, September 9 . If all goes according to plan, we should also get to download iOS 26 and iPad 26 about a week after the event. Coming with the OS 26es are huge upgrades to your iPhone and iPad's operating systems. You've heard of Liquid Glass , right? It's like the better-executed version of the Windows Vista design motif and definitely one of the cooler features coming this fall. We spent two weeks test-driving it you can check out our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview , or you can try it out yourself by downloading and installing the newly released public beta 6 . That software is a more stable iteration of the separate developer version, which recently hit the beta 9 waypoint, and offers a few more flashy features not yet available in the public version. (While the public beta is open to everyone and quite stable, always remember there's a degree of risk involved with beta software.) Additionally, there are credible reports that iOS 26 could bring a new live translation feature to AirPods , too. Not sure if you want to upgrade your smartphone or tablet this year? No worries, we'll help you find out if your devices will be able to run iOS 26. While Apple didn't nix any iPhones from its eligibility list last year, that's not the case for 2025 a few models are getting cut this time. All iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X were the last to get the boot in 2023, and this year the 2018 models are getting left behind. If you have an ineligible device, you won't be able to download iOS 26 when it becomes available this fall. We'll get to the bottom of which iPhones and iPads will support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this year. To see what's coming with the latest OSes, check out everything announced at Apple's WWDC June 9 event . One thing you shouldn't immediately expect is Apple's updated version of Siri , though the company is reportedly working on a 'stripped-down' AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT. These three iOS 18 iPhones won't be compatible with iOS 26 Unlike last year, several iPhone models won't be eligible to download the newest iOS when it makes its debut in September. This trio of models first released in 2018 won't be coming to the iOS 26 party: iPhone XR iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhones compatible with iOS 26 While we don't yet know the new iPhones Apple will be dropping next month though there are iPhone 17 rumors we do know, per Apple's site , that the phones listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. Basically, if you have an iPhone that was announced in 2019 or later, you're in the clear: iPhone SE (second generation or later) iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 16e iPads compatible with iPadOS 26 The iPads listed below, and any iPads released later this year, are eligible to download iPadOS 26 . iPad Pro (M4) iPad Pro 12.9inch (3rd generation and later) iPad Pro 11inch (1st generation and later) iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3) iPad (8th generation and later, including A16) iPad mini (5th generation and later, including A17 Pro) What if I don't want to buy a new iPhone? If you want to continue using your older iPhone that isn't supported by iOS 26, that's fine. However, you'll miss out on security updates which could potentially put your phone at risk for malware and other threats. Additionally, some apps may stop working if they require a certain version of iOS or later. And of course, you won't be able to access the latest features iOS 26 offers. When will iOS 26 become available? Apple usually rolls out its latest iOS in mid-September, just a few days before the new iPhones hit store shelves. Last year, it released iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. If it follows suit this year, we should have access to the new operating system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 exactly one week after the event. Expect a confirmation of the release date at the iPhone 17 event on September 9. iOS 26 features we're excited about Liquid Glass design : Your home screen is getting revamped with new app icons, including dark mode and all-clear options. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design. Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple's OSes more cohesive. Phone app redesign: You'll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music. Live Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translate will translate your conversation in real time. Polls feature: Coming to group messages in the Messages app, chat members will be able to create polls. This can help prevent the unwanted 30+ messages when it comes to deciding which restaurant you're meeting at this weekend. New lock screen options : More customizable iPhone lock screen options are coming with iOS 26, including a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options. Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms (if you want). You'll soon have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes. Fresh Camera app design : You'll find the Camera app is simpler to navigate in iOS 26, with all the buttons and menus located in convenient spots. That means less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there's a new feature that tells you if your lens is too dirty. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apples-new-ios-26-public-beta-6-is-out-now-is-your-iphone-eligible-for-the-update-check-this-list-191854592.html?src=rss

PayPal and Venmo users get a free year of Perplexity Pro and early access to its AI browser

Perplexity, the NVIDIA- and Bezos-backed AI company, is partnering with PayPal to get its Comet browser in front of millions of the financial tech giant's users. The deal will see PayPal and Venmo customers in the US and select international markets gain access to the AI-powered browser, as well as a free 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro, which normally costs $200. There are, of course, some conditions. The promotion is part of PayPal's new subscription hub, where users can manage all their recurring PayPal payments. The company is also offering users a $50 credit when they link and pay for three subscriptions using the hub. PayPal users in the US can claim their free 12-month Perplexity Pro subscription from the PayPal app today. Likewise, Venmo users can access the offer from within the Venmo app. The deal is on offer through the end of this year, and the Perplexity Pro subscription will auto-renew after the free 12 months is up at the then current rate unless cancelled. The Comet browser was in beta testing earlier this summer before launching in July as part of Perplexity's $200-per-month Max subscription . Perplexity's AI is integrated into Comet and serves as the browser's default search engine. This incorporation allows users to pull up the AI in a sidebar to ask questions about what they see on screen, summarize text and even take actions on behalf of the user, like sending an email or looking up directions on Google Maps. The browser is built on Chromium , the same open-source codebase beneath Chrome, Edge and Opera. Perplexity actually offered to buy Chrome in August for $34.5 billion when it appeared that the courts might force a divestment, but a judge ruled this week that Google can keep its browser. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/paypal-and-venmo-users-get-a-free-year-of-perplexity-pro-and-early-access-to-its-ai-browser-155844658.html?src=rss

Netflix adds Twitch-like clipping function, complete with an editor

Netflix has upgraded its Moments feature for the mobile app. It already lets users save iconic scenes , but now there's a simple editor to bring it in line with something like Twitch's clipping tool . Viewers can use the tool to set start and end points, so they can turn preferred scenes into full clips to save, relive and share anytime. Just tap the Clip button when watching something on mobile and the new editor will pop up. Once something is saved, it'll reside in the My Netflix tab. The company says users can make the clip as long or as short as they'd like, so there aren't any time constraints. These clips can be shared on various social media sites and in text messages. Netflix is launching this alongside a new batch of Wednesday episodes, so maybe there's something potentially viral in there like that dance scene from the first season . However, that's not even the most-saved moment on the platform. That honor goes to a song from the recent smash KPop Demon Hunters . Again, this tool is only available for mobile users. Believe it or not, the most used device to stream Netflix is still the television. Studies indicate that televisions are involved with 60 to 70 percent of streaming on the platform . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/netflix-adds-twitch-like-clipping-function-complete-with-an-editor-154518598.html?src=rss

Samsung announces a pair of flashy new party speakers

Its shaping up to be a good week for people who like enormous party speakers. Hot on the heels of JBLs PartyBox 720 comes Samsungs latest Sound Tower. The two new models are the ST50F and the ST40F, both of which are designed to provide music for large gatherings, indoors or outdoors. A redesigned acoustic structure houses dual dome tweeters equipped with Samsungs Waveguide tech, which it says delivers a wider and more even soundstage. These are joined by a pair of woofers, the output of which you can adjust by choosing between Deep, Punchy and Gentle bass modes. You can even customize further by selecting one of four sound modes Standard, Wide, Stadium and Outdoor to get the best sonic balance for your environment. Presumably you opt for Stadium at your own risk. The Sound Tower isnt just about big sound. This is very much an audiovisual device, with the visual element provided by Samsungs Party Lights+ system, which is exactly what it sounds like. It offers five mood presets and six dynamic lighting patterns, with the LEDs arranged in five different areas of the speakers exterior illuminating in sync with the rhythm of whatever music you're playing. You can switch lighting modes using the updated Samsung Sound Tower app, and the speaker has built-in DJ Booth and Karaoke modes. You can even plug a guitar into it. The Sound Tower ST50F has wheels and a telescopic handle for easy transportation, with a battery life of up to 18 hours. Its loudspeakers are slightly larger than those in the ST40F (6.5-inch vs 5.25-inch on the respective woofers), which has a handle but no wheels, and only lasts for 12 hours on a single charge. Both speakers are IPX4-rated for water resistance, which means theyll be fine with a little splash, but dont send them for a swim. The new Samsung Tower is available to buy from this month, retailing at $700 for the ST50F and $500 for the ST40F. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/samsung-announces-a-pair-of-flashy-new-party-speakers-153027692.html?src=rss

How to watch Apple announce the iPhone 17

Apple is debuting the iPhone 17 at its annual hardware event on September 9.

European court rules in favor of the latest US and EU data transfer framework

Europes second-highest court has dismissed a challenge against a data transfer pact between the European Union and the US. On the date of adoption of the contested decision, the United States of America ensured an adequate level of protection for personal data transferred from the European Union to organisations in that country, the EUs General Court ruled ( PDF ). The two sides brokered the Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework in 2023 to continue allowing US companies to store European users personal data on Stateside servers. The pact included a proviso that allows for Europeans to file complaints over what US companies do with their data. French politician Philippe Latombe sued the European Commission (EC), the EUs executive arm and the body that struck the deal with the US, claiming that there were inadequate guarantees of respect for private and family life in the agreement because of the widespread and bulk collection of personal data, according to Reuters . He also said that the Data Protection Review Court (DPRC), the body that was set up to handle complaints from Europeans , wasnt an independent tribunal and didnt necessarily offer the level of protection required under European law. The General Court determined that the DPRCs functioning and appointment of judges are accompanied by several safeguards and conditions to ensure the independence of its members. It stated that the judges can only be removed by the Attorney General and for cause, while the AG and intelligence agencies may not hinder or improperly influence their work. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since the agreement was reached in 2023. The Trump administration has asserted control over independent government agencies and its been at loggerheads with the EU over issues such as regulating major US-based tech companies and international trade. Still, the General Court points out that the EC is required to keep an eye on the application of the legal framework. If the legal framework in force in the United States at the time of the adoption of the contested decision changes, the Commission may decide, if necessary, to suspend, amend or repeal the contested decision or to limit its scope, the court said. The judges also dismissed Latombe's claims regarding the bulk collection of personal data. Latombe can still take the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union. Europe's top court previously scrapped two previous data transfer deals between the EU and US the Safe Harbor agreement and the Privacy Shield following challenges by pro-privacy activist Max Schrems, who raised concerns about American intelligence agencies accessing the private data of European citizens. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/european-court-rules-in-favor-of-the-latest-us-and-eu-data-transfer-framework-150049576.html?src=rss

The Sonos Era 300 speaker is 20 percent off right now

No matter how old you get, the back-to-school season will always bring a desire to shop. So, sales at this time of year are always more than welcome especially when they're on some of our favorite devices. Such is the case with the 20 percent discount on the Sonos Era 300 . The spatial-audio speaker is on sale for $359 right now, down from $449. It's part of a larger sale that's both for Labor Day and back to school, discounting speakers, soundbars and more by up to 20 percent. The same price is available on Amazon , as are some more deals on Sonos products . Sonos debuted the Era 300 in 2023 as its main spatial audio offering, and we found it to have excellent sound quality, a simple setup process and Trueplay tuning that's super easy to use. It works with basically any music streaming service you could have, and if you simply must have spatial audio support in your next speaker, you'll be hard pressed to find a better option. It's worth mentioning that the Sonos Ace headphones are also on sale for $299, down from $399 a 25 percent discount. The headphones have come a long way since they first launched, including the introduction of TrueCinema, which works with a Sonos soundbar to create the best spatial audio experience. 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-sonos-era-300-speaker-is-20-percent-off-right-now-125211815.html?src=rss

How to watch Apple's 'Awe dropping' event on September 9

Autumn is Apple season, and the tech company will once again host its annual unveiling of the season's new smartphone generation. The fall event has been dubbed Awe dropping, and so we're hoping for some surprising announcements that will earn the name. Awe dropping all begins on September 9 at 1PM ET/ 10 AM PT. If you want to tune in to hear what Tim Cook and crew have to say about the iPhone 17, you can stream the whole show on Apple's website or on its YouTube channel . We've also got the livestream embedded below so you can follow along with our liveblog while you watch. With just a week to go until the Awe dropping event, it seems like we've already gotten a lot of advanced insights about what the new iPhone 17 lineup has in store. Apple introduced the software side of the equation with the iOS 26 unveil at WWDC this summer, and since then we've gotten some pretty reliable insights on the hardware. The big reveal is expected to be an ultralight smartphone, potentially called the iPhone 17 Air. This would be Apple's first application of its Air nomenclature for mobile, and when we had Bloomberg's Mark Gurman on the Engadget Podcast at the end of August, he suggested that the first iteration of the smartphone might come with some growing pains. We also anticipate seeing a base iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max. Beyond the smartphones, Awe dropping will likely showcase some refreshes for the Apple Watch and possibly for some new smart home tech. Tune in on September 9 to hear all the new product launches. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-watch-apples-awe-dropping-event-on-september-9-130040484.html?src=rss

Appeals court reinstates fired Democratic FTC commissioner

Rebecca Kelly Slaughter can resume her work as a commissioner for the FTC, a federal appeals court has ruled. Slaughter, who was one of the two Democratic commissioners for the FTC that President Trump fired back in March, filed a lawsuit for her reinstatement. Your continued service on the FTC is inconsistent with my administrations priorities, a letter to the commissioners said. In July, US District Judge Loren AliKhan ruled that her removal from the agency was unlawful and without legal effect, and Slaughter was able to go back to work. A few days later, however, an appeals court paused the order for her reinstatement. Now, the appeals court judges voted 2-to-1 in favor of restoring AliKhan's order. Obama appointees Patricia Millett and Cornelia Pillard voted to reinstate Slaughter, while Trump appointee Neomi Rao dissented. Millett and Pillard wrote in their decision that the government has no likelihood of success on appeal given controlling and directly on point Supreme Court precedent. They explained that a Supreme Court precedent known as Humphrey's Executor prevents presidents from removing FTC commissioners at will and without cause. Based on federal law, commissioners can only be removed due to inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Rao, however, has dissented. By ordering the remaining FTC commissioners and the subordinates to treat Slaughter as though she is still in office, the district court expressly orders them to disregard the President's directive, she said in a statement. It directly interferes with the President's supervision of the Executive Branch and therefore goes beyond the power of the federal courts. The FTC typically has five commissioners: Three from the same party as the president and two from the opposition. After Trump fired the FTC's Democratic commissioners, only the three Republican commissioners remained. Slaughter is now listed again on FTC's website as a commissioner. According to The New York Times , she's planning to report back to work today, September 3. Amid the efforts by the Trump administration to illegally abolish independent agencies, including the Federal Reserve, Im heartened the court has recognized that he is not above the law, Slaughter said in an interview. Her fellow Democratic commissioner who was fired back in March, Alvaro Bedoya, resigned from the agency completely and took on a private-sector job. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/appeals-court-reinstates-fired-democratic-ftc-commissioner-124549494.html?src=rss

Ooni's Volt V2 oven uses 'Pizza Intelligence' to cook your pie more evenly

In the latest case of AI being shoehorned into everything, say hello to Ooni's Volt 2 pizza oven. It uses an adaptive heating system called Pizza Intelligence that's designed to cook your pizza more consistently to deliver the ideal slice, while also giving the company a hot new marketing angle. The Volt 2 is an all-electric indoor oven that can cook pizzas up to 13 inches in size, the same as the Volt 12 . Like that model it operates at up to 450 degrees Celcius (850 degrees) Fahrenheit, allowing you to cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in around 90 seconds. However, the design has changed with a more rounded profile, considerably larger window, touch controls and a dial. Ooni notes that it's compact enough to fit on a kitchen counter. Ooni The Volt 2 uses real-time sensor data to dynamically balance heat between the top and base heating elements in order to minimize temperature fluctuations and cold spots for consistently perfect pizza. Ooni dubbed that system Pizza Intelligence, though others may call it a hermostat. It also automatically adjusts for different types of pizzas ranging from New York slices to Chicago-style deep-pan pies. Each preset is programmable so you can bookmark favorite settings for consistent results. It offers cooking modes including Dough Proof, Oven and Grills, making it useful for prepping, baking, roasting and recipe experimentation. Ooni's Volt 2 electric pizza goes on sale October 1 for $699 if you're interested, you can join the waitlist here . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/oonis-volt-v2-oven-uses-pizza-intelligence-to-cook-your-pie-more-evenly-123055762.html?src=rss

The best MagSafe power banks for your iPhone

One of the first guides I ever worked on for Engadget was about power banks . In the years since, Ive tested more than 50 portable batteries to keep our top picks as up-to-date as possible. Now that the iPhone 17 is on the horizon and rumored to be the thinnest ever we wanted to devote some space to MagSafe battery packs in particular. I gathered up a new crop of batteries to test and compared the results with our existing data to pick the best MagSafe-compatible battery out there. As we learn more about the new iPhones battery specs and get our hands on banks enabled with the new Qi2 25W charging standard, Ill continue to update this guide. For now, our top pick is Ankers Qi2-enabled MagGo 10K power bank . It has a big capacity, fast charging times and handy extra features like a stand and display. But there are also options here for minimalists and the budget-conscious, too. The best MagSafe power banks for 2025 What to consider before buying a MagSafe power bank Choose the right capacity . Most portable MagSafe chargers have either a 5,000 milliamp hour (mAh) or 10,000mAh capacity. Obviously, the larger capacity batteries are physically bigger, but thanks to an iPhones magnetic attachment points, you can still use the phone comfortably as it charges. If youre worried about overall bulk, you may prefer the slimness of a 5,000mAh battery. Just note that a 5K battery pack wont deliver its entire capacity to your phone due to energy loss from voltage conversion and heat dissipation. Over the years, Ive measured around a 60-percent delivery rate for wireless banks. For example, that means an iPhone 16 with its 3,561mAh battery will get about 85 to 90 percentage points from a 5K battery. A 10K bank will charge that same phone fully once, with enough for a 50- to 60-percent boost next time. Understand MagSafe versus Qi2 . All iPhones model 12 and later have MagSafe technology, which rely on embedded magnets to align the phone with a wireless charger and can support charging speeds of up to 15 watts. The MagSafe name is owned by Apple third-party chargers cant freely use the term and instead call their accessories magnetic, or apply a branded name like Ankers MagGo or UGreens MagFlow. Be sure to check the product details before buying: anything that works with Apples technology will be listed as MagSafe-compatible. Qi2 is a standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (of which Apple is a member) and has the same stipulations as MagSafe (15W charging and magnetic alignment). Any company can submit their tech for this certification. iPhones 13 and later are Qi2 compatible. A new standard is coming this fall; its called Qi2 25W and bumps wireless charging speeds up to 25W. The WPC says a certified smartphone using a certified charger can wirelessly go from dead to half full in about 30 minutes. These devices will start hitting shelves in the fall of 2025 and its highly likely that the new iPhone 17 will support it. Plus, its likely that iPhone 16 models will retroactively gain the certification since those phones already support 25W speeds when using Apples official MagSafe Charger puck . Remember travel restrictions . You may have seen news reports of flights being grounded because a power bank caught fire in the cabin. Currently, the TSA allows them in your carry-on luggage as long as theyre rated at 100 watt-hours or lower (about 27,000mAh for lithium ion batteries). But some airlines have enacted further restrictions. Southwest , for example, requires you to keep power banks out of the bag and visible while charging. Even if your airline doesnt make such demands, keeping a power brick out in the open while its in use is a good idea itll keep it cooler and youll be more likely to notice if it starts to overheat. Most, if not all, MagSafe battery packs come in at under the 100-watt-hour limit, so traveling should be easy with one. Consider the extra features . You may not need them, but the little extra perks of a MagSafe power bank can come in handy. Some have stands so you can watch your phone while it refills. Some have LED displays that tell you how much charge is left, which can be a little more precise than the lighted pips other banks use. Some also have straps to make the bank easier to carry around or fish out of your bag. MagSafe power banks FAQs What does MagSafe do? MagSafe is Apples own technology that supports 15W wireless charging speeds and incorporates embedded magnets to align the phone with chargers and other accessories. Which iPhones support MagSafe? iPhones 12 and later support MagSafe technology, though only iPhones 13 and later can reach the 15W charging speed with third party Qi2 chargers. The iPhone 12 maxes out at 7.5W with non-Apple accessories. Can you use MagSafe batteries with a case? In most cases (heh), yes. The wireless charge can travel across a distance of a few millimeters. If the case is more than 5mm thick or contains metal components, the wireless charge can be blocked. Many iPhone cases are marketed as MagSafe-compatible, which means the case itself has complimentary magnets inside and should not interfere with charging accessories. We tested a MagSafe power bank on an iPhone 15 with and without a MagSafe case and got the same charging speeds and amounts in both tests. How much power do MagSafe batteries provide? That depends on the power bank. If it is Qi2-certified, it can provide up to 15 watts of wireless power. Non-Qi2 batteries typically deliver around 7.5 watts. The amount of charge delivered depends on the capacity. Most MagSafe portable chargers are rated at 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh. The former can get a standard iPhone 15 from five percent to around 90 percent. The latter can fill the phone completely with enough left over for another half charge. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-magsafe-power-banks-120015338.html?src=rss

reMarkables Paper Pro Move is a pocketable version of its e-paper tablet

reMarkable knows youd like to use its e-paper tablet on the go, but the size of its current products dont make that easy. To address this, its launching a smaller, pocket-sized version of its flagship slate for folks who cant luxuriate at a desk or armchair to do their thinking. The reMarkable Paper Pro Move is a slate with a 7.3-inch display thats the same size as a reporters notepad. Its a device that Chief Product Officer Mats Herding Solberg says is perfect for getting real work done while standing up and holding it in one hand. Now, Im on record saying that I love reMarkables products, and its ethos, but the bit about being able to do good work while standing up? Thats a harder sell. reMarkable makes devices for serious, intentional work shorn of the myriad distractions inherent in modern computing. You can read, annotate and edit documents on its e-paper display, as well as write with either a stylus or a compatible keyboard. Its first device launched in 2016 and its second in 2020 with the third, the Paper Pro, arriving last year . The Paper Pro heralded a number of changes, including a bigger display (11.8-inch, up from 10.3-inch), a backlight, faster internals and, for the first time, the ability to reproduce color. Nico Cormier, the companys CTO, said the previous three models were really designed for people who have a desk, people in a controlled environment. The focus here was to build a reMarkable slate that could easily fit in a pocket or purse for work on the go. After a lot of prototyping, product manager Jon Dalvang said the team used the reporters notepad as the template for how the hardware should feel. At first blush, the Paper Pro Move just looks like a slimmed down version of the Paper Pro from last year. If the company said it just threw some of its bigger tablets into a boil wash and they came out looking like this, youd be tempted to believe them (Im joking). But while they look and feel very similar, reMarkable made it clear that a lot of work had to go into reengineering the hardware and software to reach this smaller size. Daniel Cooper for Engadget The reMarkable Paper Pro Move measures 7.6 inches tall and 4.3 inches wide, with a 7.3-inch version of the same Canvas Color display found in its larger sibling. Inside, youll find a 1.7GHz dual-core Cortex A55 processor (compared to the Paper Pros 1.8GHz, quad-core Cortex A53 one). It has the same 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage as found on the bigger model, and while the battery has shrunk from 5,030mAh to 2,344mAh, the promise of two weeks of battery life remains the same. Similarly, youll find the same ridged edge banding (to evoke the feeling of a sheaf of paper) as on the Paper Pro. And the power button and USB-C ports are in the same place (bottom edge and top left corner, respectively), too. Dalvang explained that the changes are far more subtle, and designed to improve the user experience. For instance, the back cover has the same high-friction surface as found on the companys styluses to improve friction. reMarkable believes users should always use their device with a folio for protection. After all, no matter how hardy a device like this is, it might not do too well if its dropped onto a curb from chest height. Such are the perils of using any device on the go. The smaller chassis and smaller display pushed the company to make a lot of changes to the software. The Paper Pros 11.8-inch screen is positively luxurious compared to whats here and, in usual reMarkable fashion, the details have been sweated . For instance, you can now drag and drop the toolbar, letting you pick a position in both portrait and landscape modes. The company also focused on ensuring gesture navigation is more efficient since youll need to use it a lot more frequently here. Ive maintained that reMarkables products work fine with a stylus, but only really become truly useful when paired with a keyboard. After all, its at that point that you have a pure, distraction free writing machine that enables you to get focused work done. But with the Move, the only way to write and edit text is with the on-screen keyboard, and the company has already ruled out making a smaller version of the Type Folio . On one hand, its logical since a keyboard for a 7.3-inch tablet would be fairly small, and using the equivalent of a Nokia 9210 to get work done would be a pain. But Id have preferred the ability to pair up any old Bluetooth keyboard if I needed to write something out and this was my device of choice. For the bigger models, I grudgingly accept the company omitting Bluetooth to help encourage sales of the type folio, but here, its absence is churlish. Daniel Cooper for Engadget Now, I often use old-school reporters notebooks, especially when Im on the go at a big tech trade show. I like their small size, the big volume of paper at hand and the fact that they fit in the back pocket of my pants. The spiral binding makes it easy to flip pages and is a neat place to hold my pen, making it practical and effective, if not particularly good-looking. Since the Paper Pro has the same footprint as one, I could easily see this as a useful tool when Im on the go. The notebooks I use measure five by eight inches, giving me plenty of space to write. Its here, however, that I started to see the issue with the Move, given its usable writing area is closer to 3.6 by 6.4 inches. That puts your writing area in the same territory as the not-quite-A6 youd find if you used Field Notes or one of its many imitators. reMarkable knows this, and believes users will more likely hold the slate in landscape orientation. So you get a longer writing line, at the expense of having to scroll up more frequently and you can move the toolbar around to ensure youre as comfortable as you can be. reMarkable believes landscape orientation is easier to write with, but its not as easy to hold with your non-dominant hand. It now has to carry the weight of both the slate and the pressure of your writing from the palm to the tips of your fingers. Its here, I think, that the whole pitch for the Paper Pro Move is slightly undermined by its goals. After all, you can use the full-size reMarkables when sitting down in pretty much any location you can imagine. Ive read, written and annotated documents on train journeys and long haul flights on a fairly regular basis. But in trying to capture the feeling of writing while standing up or moving around, Ive found that the experience is compromised. My handwriting is quick and efficient, but its barely legible to anyone else but me, and thats a problem for OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Take this snippet that I scribbled on the Paper Pro Move: Daniel Cooper for Engadget Naturally, reMarkable thinks its ability to convert written text to type will be more useful with the smaller slate. This is true, since its algorithms are quite effective at discerning whats being written. But you will always be cursed with more than a few Eat up Martha moments. Daniel Cooper for Engadget Naturally, ReMarble thinks its ability to count untten text type will be more betel with the small Slate. This is the, since its algorithms are Quite effete at discerning thats being within. But, you will always be cased with me than a few EAT Up MARTHA Moment. As the above shows, your mileage is likely to vary depending on how many stickers you got from your teacher complimenting your handwriting. But for people with more legible handwriting, the company is offering a new feature: Search. Behind the scenes, the system is indexing your scrawl, and so if you need to find a reference across all of your notebooks, you can type the word in search. So long as your text is clear enough to be indexed, youll be able to jump straight to where you need to go. The arrival of the Move allows reMarkable to talk up its plans for reducing friction when using its devices. As much as you want a deliberate experience while using it, getting content to and from the Paper tablets can be arduous. Text documents need to be sent to the slate and when edited, may only be returned as an emailable PDF. Its a fussy process, and one reMarkable knows needs to be improved. Daniel Cooper for Engadget Over the year, its been looking at building one-click methods to send files to platforms like Slack. But the company has also developed Quick Share, which will let you push a file online to share and collaborate with others. Press the button, and youll be given a QR code that will take you there in the browser and allow others to view at the same time. In my limited time with the Paper Pro Move, Ive found it to be a little more compelling to use than its bigger siblings. The smaller size means Ive had it alongside my Bullet Journal for the whole of the week, helping me keep track of things. But Ive discovered that Id much rather sit down to use it rather than embracing its new-found portability. I suspect the biggest cause of this is my unique handwriting, and that better graphologists than I wont have that issue. The reMarkable Paper Pro Move is available to order today, priced at $449 with the standard Marker. As before, youll be able to upgrade to the Marker Plus, which has a built-in eraser tip on its other end, for an additional fee. The company has said users should be buying a folio to help protect their Move on the go, and there are six options to choose from, ranging from gray polymer weave to black leather. The former will set you back $69, while the latter is $139, although if bought at the same time as the slate, youll get a small discount. As usual, the Paper Pro and reMarkable 2 will remain available at their existing prices. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/remarkables-paper-pro-move-is-a-pocketable-version-of-its-e-paper-tablet-120011894.html?src=rss

The best mesh Wi-Fi systems of 2025

A Wi-Fi mesh system is one of the best upgrades you can make to improve your homes internet coverage, especially if youve ever struggled with dead zones, buffering or dropped video calls. Unlike a single router that broadcasts from one central point, a mesh system uses multiple access points spread throughout your space to blanket your entire home with a strong, seamless Wi-Fi signal. Whether you're working on multiple laptops, streaming 4K video in the living room or gaming online in the basement, a mesh setup helps ensure you get reliable Wi-Fi wherever you are. These systems are designed to handle the demands of modern households, offering features like dual-band or even tri-band connectivity to balance your bandwidth across devices, and automatic updates to keep your firmware current. Many also support high-speed internet plans and include options for a wired connection if you need extra stability for gaming or work. With easy setup, smart app controls and long-term future-proofing, the best mesh Wi-Fi router systems can eliminate the need for clunky Wi-Fi extenders and give you fast, dependable Wi-Fi connections across your whole home. Table of contents Best mesh Wi-Fi systems for 2025 What to look for in a mesh Wi-Fi system Other mesh Wi-Fi router systems we tested How we test Wi-Fi routers Mesh Wi-Fi system FAQs Best mesh Wi-Fi systems for 2025 What to look for in a mesh Wi-Fi system Linksys CEO Jonathan Bettino told Engadget why mesh systems are an advancement in Wi-Fi technology over buying a single point router. With one transmitter, the signal can degrade the further away from the router you go, or the local environment isnt ideal. You can have a small [home], but theres thick walls [...] or things in the way that just interfere with your wireless signal, he said. Historically, the solution to a homes Wi-Fi dead zone was to buy a Wi-Fi extender but Bettino said the hardware has both a terrible user experience and one of the highest return rates of any consumer electronics product. Mesh Wi-Fi, by comparison, offers multiple nodes that can be placed anywhere in your home, says Bettino, resulting in ubiquitous Wi-Fi that feels as if you have a router in every room. Rather than having one main router in your home, having a router in every room is the biggest selling point for mesh Wi-Fi given how reliant we all are on the internet. Each node is in constant contact with each other, broadcasting a single, seamless network to all of your connected devices. Theres no separate network for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, just a single name that you connect to. Its a good time to buy a mesh Wi-Fi system since the latest standard, Wi-Fi 6E, represents a big leap in the technology. Matt MacPherson, Cisco's Chief Technology Officer for Wireless, said Wi-Fi 6E is a big inflection point, using much more of the wireless spectrum than its predecessors. If youre using that spectrum with a Wi-Fi 6 [device], he said, youre going to get significant gains [in speed.] MacPherson added Wi-Fi 6E will likely carry you for a long time thanks to the fact its top throughputs now typically exceed what people can actually connect their home to. In short, with a top theoretical per-stream speed of 1.2 Gbps, Wi-Fi 6E is fast enough to outrun all but the fastest internet service. What do all these Wi-Fi numbers and letters mean? Im sorry folks, we need to get boringly technical for one paragraph, but I promise you its worth it. Wi-Fi is governed by International Standard IEEE 802.11, and every few years a letter gets added onto that name when the technology evolves and improves. Until 2019, routers were sold under their IEEE name, leaving users to pick through the word soup of a product labeled 802.11 b/g/a/n/ac and so on. Mercifully, wiser heads opted to rebrand the letters as numbers, so rather than 802.11 b/g/a/n/ac, we have Wi-Fi 1, 2, 3 4 and 5. Right now, were in the middle of one of those Wi-Fi generations, with most of the gear on sale right now supporting either Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. Whats the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E? Wi-Fi uses chunks of the radio frequency spectrum, with Wi-Fi 6 using the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to pump data around. In fact, back in the old days, it was likely your home router would offer you the choice of the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz network, as separate bands to access. These days, all of the spectrums are tied together as one thing, and Wi-Fi 6E has the added ability to use the 6GHz band as well. Thats a big chunk of extra wireless real estate that isnt as cluttered up as the 2.4 and 5GHz bands. Youre going to talk about wireless frequencies now, arent you. Each Wi-Fi band had tradeoffs, because the slower radio frequencies have greater range but less speed. 2.4GHz signals will travel a long way in your home but arent quick, while 6GHz is blisteringly fast but can be defeated by a sturdy brick wall. A lot of Wi-Fi-enabled gear you own, like smart home products, only use the 2.4GHz band because the range is better and its a lot cheaper. But it means that the band is also overcrowded and slow, making it great for your doorbell and robovac, but lackluster for Twitch streaming. So, what am I looking for? Right now, the market is full of mature Wi-Fi 6 and 6E devices, and most new systems available to buy are capable of taking advantage of the faster speeds they offer. This guide focuses on Wi-Fi 6E gear since its what we think its more than enough to satisfy almost everyones at-home Wi-Fi needs. What about Wi-Fi 7? Were now seeing the first generation of Wi-Fi 7 devices available to buy, but we dont recommend you do so immediately. The Wi-Fi 7 standard is still so new that theres little to no reason for you to rush out and buy one for your home. The hardware is tremendously expensive and while Wi-Fi 7 will, eventually, offer some great benefits over 6E, its not as transformative an upgrade as 6E. Not to mention, Wi-Fi 7 is so new that almost none of your homes devices will be able to take advantage of its big-ticket features. Id estimate you wont need to worry about upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 for at least five years, if not longer. Range and speed All Wi-Fi routers boast a theoretical broadcast range and a theoretical top speed, and in some cases external antennas to boost signal directionality but these figures dont mean much. After all, manufacturers cant control your ISPs real speed, the materials and layout of your home or where you put your Wi-Fi gear. Raw speed isnt everything, either, and you likely need a lot less than the internet speeds your provider is advertising. What matters more is how consistent your connection is between rooms and across devices.. After all, Netflix needs just 15 Mbps to push a single 4K video stream to your home. As cool as it is to say youve got all these hundreds of Mbps, factors like latency and reliability are far more crucial to a happy internet life. And unless you have Gigabit internet that can reach speeds of up to 1 Gbps, you wont need a mesh router that offers that spec. Backhaul Mesh Wi-Fi systems work by connecting every hardware node to a single wireless network, letting them all communicate with each other. Imagine four people in a busy, noisy restaurant all trying to order their dinner from a weary staff member, all at once. Now imagine, while this is going on, that four more people at that same table are also trying to tell a funny anecdote. Its no surprise that it might take a long time for the right information to reach its intended destination. To combat this, higher-end mesh routers offer dedicated wireless backhaul; a slice of the spectrum for node-to-node communication. So rather than everyone talking at once in the same space, the conversations are essentially separated, reducing the invisible clutter in the air. Because theres less confusing cross-chatter, everything moves faster, offering a significant performance boost to those systems. Connectivity These days, even your washing machine can have a wireless connection, but that doesnt mean you should ignore the joys of wired internet. No matter how fast Wi-Fi is, a hard line will always be faster, and some gear, like Philips Hue bridge, still needs an ethernet connection. Plenty of routers can also use these hard connections as backhaul, eliminating further wireless clutter. Its convenient for spread-out systems and power users, but it will mean running more wires through your home. The most common standard is Cat 5e, or gigabit ethernet which, unsurprisingly, has a top speed of 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps). Since Ethernet cables are backward compatible, you should be able to easily find one that works with your system. However, to get the most out of your mesh routers, its worth investing in an Ethernet cable that meets the standard your router uses if its Cat 5e, use a Cat 5e cable. You can check your routers specs via the manufacturers website to be sure. Flexibility and scalability Mesh routers enable you to add (or subtract) modules from your home network to suit your needs. D-Links Alan Jones said users should check how scalable the prospective product is before you buy. This sense of scale doesnt just apply to the number of nodes on the network, but how many simultaneous connections it can handle. Its also worth looking at ASUS AiMesh products, which can combine mesh Wi-Fi gear and its standard spider Wi-Fi routers. If youve got a tricky part of your home, you can bolt on an ultra-power standalone Wi-Fi router to a compatible mesh. Placement Mesh networks replace one big piece of hardware with a series of identical nodes that you scatter around your home. You connect one to your modem (usually over ethernet), and then scatter the rest around the place for the best coverage. A good rule of thumb is to place each node no more than two rooms away from the last one, rather than sticking them at the far ends of your home. Bear in mind, every physical obstacle between a Wi-Fi node, its siblings and your devices will hurt your overall performance. You should aim to place them, at the very least, at waist height on furniture in open air, without too many obstructions. The reason many mesh Wi-Fi products are designed to look like an inoffensive white doodad is so you dont feel compelled to hide them behind your TV. Other mesh Wi-Fi router systems we tested Amazon Eero Pro 7 Eero built its reputation on easy to use yet powerful mesh systems that offer a lot of good in a relatively small and affordable package. Setup is effortless, the app running things is clean and simple, and you get the added benefit of backwards compatibility with older hardware. Sadly, the issue with every Eero system is that so many basic management features, like parental controls, are paywalled behind the companys Eero Plus subscription for $100 a year. Amazon Eero 6E Eero Pro 6E is an easy device, the sort a total novice can set up on their own and thrive with for years on end. Theres little brainwork required to get things set up, and the app has a clean UI with plenty of hand-holding. But, as with the Eero Pro 7, the fact that so many basic management tools are paywalled irks me, especially since you can get plenty of them for free with Googles rival offering. Netgear Orbi 960 The Orbi 96T0 (RBKE963) is Netgears flagship mesh Wi-Fi product, which the company calls the worlds most powerful Wi-Fi 6E system. Its also one of the most expensive consumer-level kits on the market, setting you back $1,499.99 for a three pack. It's a fantastic piece of gear, but it's worth saying that the subset of people who could, would or should buy it remains far smaller than you might expect. Ultimately, I feel that if youre paying luxury prices, you should expect a luxury product. There were plenty of times during testing that I went looking for a feature that was either only available via the web client, or behind a paywall. While, yes, much of your cash is going to the superlative hardware, but for this sort of money, the fact you have to pay extra for some table-stakes features is insulting. If youre looking for a new Wi-Fi system and arent prepared to spend almost $1,500, its worth considering our other top picks for the best Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems. How we test Wi-Fi routers My home covers around 2,200 square feet across three stories with the office on the third floor. Its relatively long and thin, with the living room at the front of the house, the kitchen at the back and the three bedrooms on the first floor. Its age means there are a lot of solid brick walls, old-school lathe and plaster as well as aluminum foil-backed insulation boards to help with energy efficiency. There are two major Wi-Fi dead zones in the house: The bathroom and the third bedroom behind it, since theres lots of old and new pipework in the walls and floors. For mesh routers with two nodes, I place the first in my living room, connected via ethernet to my cable modem with the second on the first floor landing in the (ostensible) center of the house. For three-node sets, the third goes in my kitchen, which Ive found is the optimal layout to get the bulk of my house covered in Wi-Fi. Fundamentally, my home poses enough challenges that if it succeeds here, it stands a very good chance of succeeding in your place. Each mesh is judged on ease of setup, Wi-Fi coverage, reliability, speed and any additional features that it advertises. I look at how user-friendly each companion app is from the perspective of a novice rather than an expert given you shouldnt need to be a network engineer to do this sort of thing. Tests I do include checking for dead zones, moving from room to room to measure consistency of connectivity and streaming multiple videos at once to replicate common usage patterns. Mesh Wi-Fi system FAQs This is the section of our mesh Wi-Fi buyers guide where we talk about the stuff that most people just glide past. If youre not familiar with technology, it can be intimidating if people talk about these things as if youre expected to already know. So heres a very simple, very basic rundown of some of the stuff you might have missed in very basic terms. Whats the difference between a Wi-Fi router and a mesh router? A Wi-Fi router is a box that usually sits close to wherever the internet comes into your home and pumps out information over radio waves. A mesh router, meanwhile, is a set of smaller devices, one of which sits next to your internet connection while the rest are scattered around your home. A single Wi-Fi router is great if your home is small, your needs arent too demanding, or if your home doesnt have many radio-blocking obstructions that mean those signals cant reach every corner of your home. But, much like standing next to a radio transmitter and then walking away from it in a straight line, after a while, the signal will degrade. Thats the problem a mesh system is designed to solve, since it will take the signal from your modem and pump to the other mesh devices, known as nodes, in your home. That way, instead of having one big router in one part of your home, you have several small ones that ensure you have good Wi-Fi connectivity all over. It also helps ensure that theres no risk of dropping your connection as you move around a mesh router system makes it easy to, for instance, walk from room to room watching Netflix and know you wont miss a single frame. What's the difference between a Wi-Fi extender and a mesh system? Oh boy. Wi-Fi extenders, or repeaters, are small devices designed to push Wi-Fi a little further than your Wi-Fi router can stretch. Theyre cheap, compact and often come in the form of little boxes that sit on your plug sockets with the hope of pushing Wi-Fi to a signal-sparse corner of your home. They are, and I cant put this delicately enough, often a big pile of rubbish and are often not worth your time . Especially since the price of mesh routers has fallen to within most peoples budgets. What is a wireless backhaul? As we explained above, mesh Wi-Fi systems work by connecting every hardware node to a single wireless network, letting them all communicate with each other. Imagine four people in a busy, noisy restaurant all trying to order their dinner from a weary staff member, all at once. Now imagine, while this is going on, that four more people at that same table are also trying to tell a funny anecdote. Its no surprise that it might take a long time for the right information to reach its intended destination. To combat this, higher-end mesh routers offer dedicated wireless backhaul; a slice of the spectrum for node-to-node communication. So rather than everyone talking at once in the same space, the conversations are essentially separated, reducing the invisible clutter in the air. Because theres less confusing cross-chatter, everything moves faster, offering a significant performance boost to those systems. Is it better to hard wire instead of using a mesh Wi-Fi system? This is a great question that doesnt have a simple answer. It is (almost) always preferable to connect devices with a wire, in this case Ethernet, than to use Wi-Fi. The speeds are faster, its more reliable and your data is less vulnerable to the slings and arrows of the laws of physics. Hell, I spent about a year trying to work out how to build an iPhone to Ethernet connector back in the bad old days of Wi-Fi. But your ability to do so depends on your level of DIY skills and / or how much money you want to spend on contractors. Wiring your home for Ethernet if you dont have the infrastructure already can be a costly and time-consuming process. Particularly if you dont want ugly wires running along your baseboards and under your carpets or across your hardwood floors. If youre building your own home or can do some serious DIY, then hard wiring is a fantastic thing to have. It goes wonderfully hand-in-glove with mesh networks too, since youll be able to hook up your nodes to the network for even better speeds. But if Im honest, advances in Wi-Fi technology mean Id only go for hard wiring if I really believed I needed the sort of speed it offers. Unless youre a Twitch streamer running your own 24/7 content studio, its probably overkill. When we started renovating our 140-year-old home, I had Ethernet installed in the living room, the master and second bedroom and in my office, all at the front of the house. I cant use it for my mesh since Id need to put the wiring through the middle of the house. If I ever had the wiring done again, I would do so as I know Ill instantly see a meaningful improvement in both my connection speed and reliability. But I wouldnt spend several thousand pounds to have it done just for the sake of it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-mesh-wifi-system-130028701.html?src=rss

Acer's Swift 16 Air laptop weighs less than 2.2 pounds

Acer just unveiled the new Swift 16 Air laptop at IFA 2025. The biggest selling point here is likely the weight. The 16-inch laptop clocks in at just over two pounds, which is lighter than a 13-inch MacBook Air . The Swift 16 Air is available with two display options. There's a standard IPS panel and an AMOLED. The AMOLED does tick the weight up a bit to 2.4 pounds, which is worth considering. Acer The overall specs here are solid. These computers are powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, with options up to the AI 7 350. They also come with AMD Radeon GPUs. The battery life is pretty decent, allowing for up to 13 hours of use per charge. There's a webcam with a privacy shutter and plenty of connectivity options. These include a pair of USB-C ports, two USB-A ports and an HDMI port. Finally, each laptop ships with two speakers and two microphones. The Acer Swift 16 Air will be available this November in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We don't have pricing or availability information for the US yet, but the starting cost in Europe translates to around $1,160. Acer The company also used IFA to introduce the TravelMate X4 AI. This is a lightweight Copilot+ PC with Intel Core Ultra Processors. It weighs less than three pounds and meets MIL-STD810H durability standards. It ships later this month, with a starting price of $1,400. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/acers-swift-16-air-laptop-weighs-less-than-22-pounds-090029625.html?src=rss

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 review: The new ChromeOS sweet spot

In the last few years, Ive felt like Chromebooks have hit a plateau. ChromeOS is a quirky but mature platform at this point, and Google has continued to add smart and useful features on a regular basis. But the hardware has felt pretty stagnant, with a few exceptions. Most Chromebooks at this point are utilitarian devices that get the job done but inspire little excitement, and Ive found most Intel-based Chromebooks dont get me through a day of work before the battery dies. But earlier this summer, Lenovo released a new Chromebook with the ARM-based MediaTeks Kompanio Ultra 910 chip, rather than the usual Intel fare. And now Acer is doing the same with the latest Chromebook Plus Spin 514, a laptop that Acer says should get up to 17 hours of battery life a figure that only this model and the aforementioned Lenovo can hit. Previously, the MediaTek-powered Chromebooks available ran on weaker mobile chips that didnt have nearly enough power, but the Kompanio Ultra 910 is a completely different beast. The combo of performance and efficiency the Spin 514 offers makes it one of the best Chromebooks Ive used in a while. Hardware design The Chromebook Spin 514 feels like many Acer laptops Ive tried over the years (CP514-5HN is the identifier for this particular model, but were just going to call it the Spin 514 from here on out). Its solid and well-built while still also feeling fairly utilitarian. It doesnt quite hit premium laptop standards, but its on the nicer end of the Chromebook spectrum. Im a fan of the silver color scheme as opposed to the rather dull grey most Chromebooks come in, and the laptops lid has a nicely chamfered and polished edge, giving it some visual flair. Its also a relatively slim (0.61 inches) and light (3 pounds) laptop. Its not pushing the envelope, but its also more svelte and portable than a lot of cheaper Chromebooks. Almost premium isnt a bad place to be. The same goes for the keyboard and trackpad theyre both spacious and comfortable, and the keys have plenty of clicky travel. Its not the best keyboard Ive ever used, but one that Im happy to tap away on for hours at a time. The 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen is bright, sharp and colorful, quite pleasant to look at for long sessions. However, it also has pretty large bezels above and below the display. Again, almost premium. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget The Spin 514 has solid connectivity options, as well. On one side youll find two USB-C 3.2 ports and a headphone jack, while the other side goes old-school with two USB-A 3.2 ports. I wish that there was one of each on each side so that you could plug in a charger on the left or the right, but alas. My only real quibble is that if youre using a monitor with the laptop plugged into power, both USB-C jacks are taken up. An HDMI connection would have been helpful for that common scenario. As the name implies, the Spin 514 has a 360-degree hinge that lets you use it in a tablet mode, with the touchscreen as the main input. Ive long believed these convertible laptops arent really offering any useful solution for the vast majority of people, and I still feel the same way. But the hinge feels great; Acer has a ton of experience in this department. And the USI 2.0 stylus I had on hand worked without any need for pairing or setup, which was convenient. If youre the kind of person who would take advantage of that, the Spin 514 does the trick. Overall, the Spin 514 lands just about where Id expect for a $700 laptop in terms of hardware quality. Its utilitarian in a good way there were no major letdowns in my testing aside from the speakers, which have very little bass and sound rather harsh when listening to music. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget Configurations and performance Before diving into how the Spin 514 worked for me, a quick word about configurations. The version I tested retails for $700 and will be sold through Best Buy. This setup has the aforementioned MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 alongside 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space. Acer itself will sell a $750 model with a 2,880 x 1,800 display and 16GB of RAM, but it should be otherwise identical to the model Im testing. ChromeOS runs well enough on the various Intel chips that are commonly used. One of my longstanding favorite Chromebooks, the Lenovo Ideapad 5i, still uses a Core i3 from early 2023, and it gets the job done. But the move to MediaTeks ARM-based Kompanio Ultra 910 has raised the performance bar, as the Spin 514 is probably the most responsive Chromebook Ive tried. Theres nary a hint of slowdown or hiccups that still happen on Intel-based models if you have too many windows or apps open. Tabs rarely need to be reloaded and pop back up quickly on the rare occasion that they do. Music or video playback never skipped regardless of what else I was doing, and Android apps like Lightroom worked swiftly and smoothly as well. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget Perhaps more importantly than how it performs today is the fact that the Kompanio Ultra 910 should keep the Flip 514 feeling snappy and powerful for years to come. Theres just more room for this chip to handle increasing performance demands over the years. Benchmarks from the Android version of Geekbench 6 help illustrate this: the Spin 514 scored 2,526 on the single-core CPU test, 7,687 on multi-core and 18,020 on the GPU test. For comparison, Acers recently-released Chromebook Plus 514 with an Intel Core 3 chip scored 1,150, 4,407 and 5,932 respectively. I dont think that benchmarks like Geekbench are a be-all end-all of anything, but its at least one metric to illustrate the benefits of moving away from Intel. Ive long groused about the relatively mediocre battery life on Intel-powered Chromebooks, and this is another place where the MediaTek chip helps out tremendously. The Spin 514 looped video playback in my test for just over 14 hours before running out of battery. My daily workflow of tons of Chrome tabs, various chat apps, YouTube Music, Todoist and a handful of Android apps definitely used more resources, but I could still get through a full work day with battery to spare. Thats not something Ive said about many Chromebooks recently. The only caveat is that battery life will almost surely take a hit if you opt for the model with the higher-resolution display. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget ChromeOS and Gemini I wrote a lot about the ChromeOS and Gemini experience last year when I reviewed Samsungs Galaxy Chromebook Plus , and basically everything I said then applies here. But to recap: ChromeOS is quite mature and stable at this point, and Google has built in a lot of smart features over the years to make it more than just a web browser as it was referred to previously. Of course, ChromeOS is still a primarily web-based system, with Android applications giving you access to things you might not find in the browser. There are also plenty of web apps that are well optimized for ChromeOS, and Google Docs has a comprehensive offline mode at this point. ChromeOS also pairs nicely with Android phones and adds features like shared notifications and streaming of some apps directly to your laptop. Of course, Gemini is also a big part of the equation but if youre not a big fan of AI tools, its also quite easy to ignore. There are little prompts around the OS, but nothing that really drags your attention away from what youre working on. And if you do want to dive into what Gemini is all about, a Chromebook like the Spin 514 is a good option because you get 12 months of Googles AI Pro plan for free. That usually costs $20/month and provides 2TB of Drive storage along with Gemini 2.5 Pro in search and the Gemini app, Gemini in Gmail and Google Docs, access to the Veo image- and video-generation tool and more. Given that 2TB of Google Drive storage costs $10/month on its own, this is a solid perk. But its also worth remembering that once that year ends, youre on the hook to pay for that plan yourself. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget Pricing and final thoughts My only real quibble with the Spin 514 is its price. At $700, were pushing the top of what anyone should spend on a Chromebook. While the more powerful chip and long battery life will be worth it for some people, Acer itself is providing some strong competition with its standard Chromebook Plus 514 which came out this summer. It has an Intel chip, so battery life and performance arent at the same level as the Spin 514, but its also literally half the price at $350. If youre only going to be away from a charger for a few hours at a time, its hard not to recommend that device instead. Ill be publishing more details about that laptop in our guide to the best Chromebooks very soon if you want to know more. So while this might not be the Chromebook Id recommend to everyone , it is a strong contender for the best premium Chromebook you can buy. If youre looking to use this laptop all day, every day, it may be worth shelling out the extra cash for the improved performance, battery life and longevity youll get from the Spin 514. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/acer-chromebook-plus-spin-514-review-the-new-chromeos-sweet-spot-090014823.html?src=rss

Acer's new gaming lineup includes an 18-inch AI laptop and a 720Hz monitor

Acer maintains two different gaming product lines and it's updating both of them at IFA 2025. Among the new gear is a gigantic new 18-inch Predator laptop, an ultra high-refresh rate monitor and multiple entry-level Nitro laptops and monitors. The updated Predator Helios 18P AI is an even more powerful version of the Predator Helio 18 the company showed off at CES 2024, offering desktop-level AI in what's still technically a portable body. Inside, you can get up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU and 6TB of SSD storage. For the display of the panel, you'll get a Mini LED 4K panel, which should work well for creative workflows and gaming. Acer also says the new Helios uses its proprietary thermal solution to keep cool, which is a combination of thin metal fans, liquid metal thermal grease and vector heat pipes. Acer has new gaming desktop PCs, the Predator Orion 7000 and Orion 5000, which can use GeForce RTX 5090 or 5080 GPUs, respectively. The more exciting announcement, though, is the new Predator monitor. The Predator X27U F8 Monitor is a 26.5-inch OLED, with a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution and a ridiculous 720Hz refresh rate. Acer says the monitor can move between resolutions and refresh rates to maximize performance. The X27U F8 monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. Acer On the Nitro side of the house, Acer has two new gaming laptops on offer. The Acer Nitro V 16 can be built with up to an Intel Core 9 processor and a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU. With NVIDIA inside, the laptop supports NVIDIA DLSS 4 for improved graphics performance. The laptop also comes with a 2,560 x 1,600 display that has up to an 180Hz refresh rate for fluid motion during fast-paced games. The Acer Nitro V 16S, while similar, is more focused on portability. The laptop has up to an Intel Core 9 processor, but only a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU, the same 180Hz display, in a metal body that's 19.9mm thin. That's not quite MacBook Air dimensions, but it's better than nothing. Acer is pairing those new laptops with a collection of new Nitro monitors. The largest option is the 39.7-inch curved Nitro XZ403CKR monitor, which uses a 5K panel, has built-in 5W speakers and supports AMD FreeSync Premium for fluid gameplay. If you like 5K but don't want a curved screen, there's the 27-inch Nitro XV270X, which includes two built-in 2W speakers. You can get similar speakers on the 27-inch Nitro XV273U W1 monitor, which has a 27-inch 1440p display that reaches 500 nits of peak brightness. Finally, there's also the Nitro XV275K V6, which features a 27-inch 4K display, AMD FreeSync Premium and dual HDMI 2.1 ports. Acer hasn't announced a final price or release for the Predator Helios 18P AI laptop, but did confirm it will be available in North America at launch. The Predator X27U F8 monitor, meanwhile, will go on sale in Q1 2026 for $1,300. For the Nitro laptops, Acer says the Nitro V 16 will be available in the US in October starting at $1,000, with the Acer Nitro V 16S arriving a month later in November for $1,100. For the Nitro monitors, all three will be available in Q1 2026. The Acer Nitro XV25K V6 starts at $700, the Acer Nitro XV273U W1 starts at $300, the Acer Nitro XV270X starts at $900 and the Acer Nitro XZ403CKR starts at $1,000. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/acers-new-gaming-lineup-includes-an-18-inch-ai-laptop-and-a-720hz-monitor-090009032.html?src=rss

Apple opens first retail store in Pune, fourth in India

Apples newest store in India is set to open on Thursday (September 4, 2025) at 1 p.m.

Google Pixel 10 Review | A combination of thoughtful design, powerful AI and photography

Pixel 10 stands out due to its unique combination of AI-driven capabilities, stellar camera performance and seamless software experience

The best Apple Watch in 2025

The biggest news in Apple Watches right now is the upcoming release of watch OS 26 new software that includes a Workout Buddy and support for a wrist flick gesture and the restoration of the blood oxygen monitoring feature. Both the operating system and restored feature only apply to the flagship Apple Watch Series 10 and the adventure-geared Apple Watch Ultra 2. The third wearable in the lineup, the budget-focused Apple Watch SE, still has its advantages, namely price and strong fitness-tracking chops. Of course, all three models may be replaced after Apples expected iPhone 17 event in September. But if you need help picking the best Apple Watch for you right now, this guide can help. Well walk you through the specs, sensors and other features, along with our evaluations based on our reviews. Table of contents Best Apple Watch in 2025 What to look for in an Apple Watch How we tested Apple Watches Apple Watch comparison chart Apple Watch FAQs Best Apple Watch in 2025 What to look for in an Apple Watch Like all Apple products, Apple Watches will only work with other devices from the brand's ecosystem. You won't be able to pair any Apple Watch to your Android phone. Note that you can pair other wearables (like a Garmin tracker or a Fitbit band) with your iPhone. There are some more features that are specific to Apple Watches and that set each of the three models apart from one another. Chips and sensors The new Apple Watch Series 10 has an S10 SiP (system in a package) chip with a four-core Neural Engine. The Ultra 2 was updated September 2023 with Apples S9 SiP. Both chips allow for on-device processing of Siri requests as well as dictation, translation, automatic workout detection and the Double Tap gesture that lets you answer calls or stop an alarm by tapping your thumb and forefinger together twice. It also enables faster machine learning performance for interpreting sensor data, speech recognition and performing other thinking tasks. The Apple Watch SE still relies on the S8 SiP, which was also used in the Series 8 and the original Ultra. Both the Series 10 and Ultra 2 can measure certain vital signs like heart rate, and both have an ECG app. Temperature sensors can help track ovulation, while underwater temperature sensors may come in handy while swimming and snorkeling. Both also support fall-detection and crash-detection as a safety feature. All three models have a compass and altimeter. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an onboard SOS siren, as well as dive features like a depth gauge. Water features were added to the Apple Watch Series 10, but with a shallower depth rating (just six meters, as compared to 40 meters on the Ultra). All three models support near field communication (NFC), the chip that enables Apple Pay. Once you set it up using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, you can pay for stuff at any store that accepts Apple Pay, even if you don't have your phone with you. Blood oxygen feature You may have heard about a patent dispute over blood oxygen monitoring technology that forced Apple to stop selling its watches for a few months back in 2023. The company then started selling the watches with the blood oxygen app disabled. Now the feature is back Apple announced in August of 2025 that it would be restoring the feature to any Series 9, Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models that lack it. Doing so requires an update to iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1. You can view your blood oxygen measurement results in the Respiratory section of the Health app on your phone. Displays and case sizes The wide-angle OLED display on the Apple Watch 10 lets you see the always-on display from more angles. The Ultra 2 also has an always-on display, but youll have to lift your wrist to tell time or read notifications on the SE. The SE can reach a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, the Series 10 can get as bright as 2,000 and the Ultra 2 hits 3,000 nits. Both higher-end screens can dim to a single nit, making them less distracting in the dark. The Apple Watch Series 10 came with a new finish and case material a glossy anodized jet black finish on the aluminum model and the option for a titanium case. The Ultra 2 also got a new finish, satin black, that utilizes a PVD (physical vapor deposition) process to apply the color. As for case sizes, the SE is available in 40 or 44mm. The Series 10 increased in size from the prior generation and now has a choice of a 42 or 46mm case. The Ultra 2 comes in just one size measuring 49mm. You also get the opportunity to pick the length and style for watch bands. The SE and Series 10 come in small/medium or medium/large and the Ultra 2 gives you the choice of small, medium or large. The Series 10 (left) and Series 9 (right). Cherlynn Low for Engadget Battery life Since its the largest wearable, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sports the biggest battery and can last for a claimed 36 hours on a charge. That number jumps up to 72 hours if you turn on low power mode. Both the Apple Watch 10 and the SE are rated by Apple to go for 18 hours before they need a visit to the charger, and longer when using battery saver mode. That means if you want to use either of those models regularly for sleep tracking, you may need to recharge them a bit before bed. Fitness and wellness features Believe it or not, all three Apple Watches have similar fitness tracker chops. The Activity app uses three rings to keep tabs on how much youre moving in a day: The Move ring tracks your active calories; the Exercise ring monitors the minutes youve spent walking, running, doing yoga and so on; and the Stand ring tells you how many hours in a day youve stood up and moved around for at least one minute. Different internal sensors detect those activities, for example the accelerometer senses when youre moving versus sitting still, and the optical heart rate sensor judges how hard you're working out and how many calories youve burned. You can set your goals for each ring and youll earn badges and animations when you hit them. The Workout app lets you start and track an exercise session. The sensors can even auto-detect when youre working out, tapping your wrist to suggest you track the activity. Apple Watches will integrate with Apples Fitness+ subscription, displaying real time heart rate and calorie burn data on your iPhone, iPad or even Apple TV 4K as you take a class. Fitness+ also includes audio-guided walks and runs with just your watch and Bluetooth earbuds. All three models support the Activity and Workout apps for free. The Fitness+ app also works with all Apple Watches, but costs $10 per month. New features enabled with watchOS 11 include Training Load that gauges your bodys response to workouts over time, which could help athletes better prepare for events like marathons. Users can also now skip a day (or more) from fitness tracking metrics when they need to rest or arent feeling up to the challenge of closing their rings. The new OS also supports offline maps , which could prove useful when hiking far from cellular coverage. Upcoming features of the next operating system ( watchOS 26 ) will include an AI Workout Buddy to coach you through your next run via your connected Airpods. Siri You can get the weather, start a workout, identify a song and dictate a text just by asking Siri. All Apple Watch models support the Raise to Speak feature that bypasses the need to say Hey Siri and will instead listen for your request when you lift your wrist near your mouth. Both the Series 10 and the Ultra 2 utilize onboard processing of Siri requests. That means executing simple requests like starting workouts and timers are quicker, as they wont need to access external networks. However, requests like sending texts or getting weather forecasts still need to communicate with Wi-Fi or cellular, so youll need to have your phone nearby if you have a GPS-only model. Carbon neutral options The Apple Watch Series 9 with the aluminum case was the company's first carbon neutral product. Apple defines its carbon neutral products as those that use 100 percent clean electricity for manufacturing and product use, 30 percent recycled or renewable material by weight and 50 percent of shipping without the use of air transportation. Combined, Apple says those changes reduced the emissions by around 75 percent, and the company will use credits so make up for the remaining emissions. Currently, the Apple Watch Series 10 in either aluminum or titanium with the sport loop band, braided solo loop or Milanese loop, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with the trail loop or alpine loop bands are designated as carbon neutral products. If you select, say the rubber Sport Band, the carbon neutral rating wouldn't apply. Price Theres a $550 difference between the cheapest and most expensive Apple Watches. For $250 you can get the 40mm Apple Watch SE with GPS-only connectivity; adding cellular connectivity ups the price by $50. The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for the 42mm, non-cellular model in aluminum and goes as high as $749 for the 46mm titanium case (which is only available with GPS and cellular). The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has just one price: $799 for a titanium 49mm case with both GPS and cellular power though if you want the titanium Apple Watch Band, the price goes up. For any model you pick, you'll probably also want a few Apple Watch accessories , so you may want to factor that into your purchasing decision. Note that all models go on sale fairly often but only at third-party realtors. You won't find many sale's on Apple.com, though the site does offer discounts when you trade in your old devices. How we tested Apple Watches Engadget has been reviewing Apple Watches since the first one came out in 2015 . Since then, weve tested every subsequent model Apple has released , including the Ultra and SE models , spending at least a few days or even a couple weeks with one strapped to our wrists. During that time, we run, hit the gym, go on hikes and wear it while sleeping, all the while gauging how it tracks various metrics, integrates with the iPhone and performs every other trick Apple claims its smartwatches can do. Since we also review smartwatches from other companies, such as Samsung 's Galaxy Watches and Google Pixels, our editors can compare Apple Watches not just to previous generations, but also to other wearables on the market. Our buying guides and recommendations rely on first-hand testing by Engadget staff. Apple Watch comparison chart Product Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Ultra 2 Apple Watch SE (Gen 2) Release date September 2024 September 2023 September 2022 Case sizes 42mm or 46mm 49mm 40mm or 44mm Case material Aluminum or titanium Titanium Aluminum Display LTPO3 OLED Always-On LTPO2 OLED Always-On LTPO OLED Max brightness 2,000 nits 3,000 nits 1,000 nits Chip S10 SiP S9 SiP S8 SiP Max battery life 18 h./36 h. low power 36 h./72 h. low power 18 h. Water resistance 50 m. 100 m. 50 m. Featured sensors ECG, electrical heart rate, optical heart rate, water temp, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking, sleep apnea, wrist temp ECG, electrical heart rate, optical heart rate, water temp, expanded-range altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking, sleep apnea, wrist temp ECG, optical heart rate, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking Apple Watch FAQs What are the best Apple Watch apps for fitness tracking? All three watches use the same Fitness and Workout apps to track your progress, and they all have sensors to track speed, cadence, distance and heart rate. But the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 have more sensors than the Apple Watch SE. These include an electrical heart rate sensor and a depth gauge. The two watches also have a blood oxygen app and an ECG app, all of which may give you a better picture of your overall health. The Series 10 and Ultra 2 are also the only models compatible with the AI-powered Workout Buddy from watchOS 26 (the feature also requires an AI-compatible iPhone ). Are any of the Apple Watch series waterproof? All three models are water resistant . But they can all handle immersion in water, including a swim. The Apple Watch SE and Series 10 can handle a depth of up to 50 meters while the Ultra 2 can be submerged up to 100 meters. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-apple-watch-160005462.html?src=rss

Google starts its authorised refurbished Pixel phone sale program with Cashify in India

Cashify will do the quality checks of the refurbished Pixel phones and if necessary, use only genuine Google Pixel parts

Waymo's next stops for its robotaxis are Denver and Seattle

Waymo is preparing to launch in two more markets. The company announced today that it will expand into both Denver and Seattle . It will begin testing with humans behind the wheel this week, bringing up to a dozen vehicles to each location, according to CNBC . The rollout will include a mix of the brand's fully electric Jaguar iPace and Geely Zeekr autonomous vehicles. We will begin driving manually before validating our technology and operations for fully autonomous services in the future, a representative told CNBC . This has been a busy year for the Alphabet-owned Waymo, which said in January that it planned to introduce its autonomous vehicles to ten new cities during 2025. The company partnered with Uber for its Atlanta launch in June and also rolled out a teen account option in July. Waymo received permits to begin testing its cars in New York City last month. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymos-next-stops-for-its-robotaxis-are-denver-and-seattle-225125605.html?src=rss

Disney will pay $10 million to settle FTC complaint that it collected children's data on YouTube

The Federal Trade Commission announced that Disney will pay $10 million to settle allegations that the entertainment giant allowed data collection on YouTube videos meant for children. Under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule, also known as COPPA , companies are required to notify parents and obtain parental consent if they collection information from minors. According to the FTC complaint, Disney failed to properly label some YouTube videos as Made for Kids, which allowed the company to collect data and deliver targeted ads to viewers younger than 13. The proposed order from the FTC would also require Disney to create a review process for determining when and how videos are correctly designated with YouTube's Made for Kids label. YouTube rolled out the Made for Kids tags following a $170 million settlement in 2019 on charges that the video platform had violated COPPA. Google faced an additional settlement of $30 million last month from a similar class-action lawsuit. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/disney-will-pay-10-million-to-settle-ftc-complaint-that-it-collected-childrens-data-on-youtube-213646745.html?src=rss

Everything you need to know about iOS 26 features and the upcoming Apple iPhone update

The Apple iPhone 17 event is now just one week away. On Tuesday, September 9, we'll finally get to see the new iPhone 17 lineup , and assuming Apple sticks to tradition we should be able to install iOS 26 around a week or so after the event. But you don't have to wait to test out the new features because you can download and install the newly released public beta 6 (or iOS 26 developer beta 9 for developers). You can see a more complete view of the new features in our preview of the iOS 26 public beta release , which shows off the fresh home and lock screen redesign. Called Liquid Glass , the translucent look will extend across all of Apple's upcoming operating systems. The overhaul is one of several big changes coming to iOS, macOS , iPadOS and the rest of Apple's software suite, all of which were showcased during the company's WWDC keynote on June 9. After overpromising on AI plans last year, Apple kept its iOS roadmap focused more on basic quality of life improvements this year. There are multiple useful additions coming to the Phone and Messages apps on your iPhone, for instance: Apple execs outlined the ability to weed out spam texts or other unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you've been waiting for a representative to pick up. Plus, a treasured feature that we took for granted is coming back (hint: it's in the Photos app). With each beta, it seems like additional new improvements are popping up, like this new AirPods gesture we're all curious about. With the release of the iOS 26 developer beta 5 , we saw more added features, like a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center, MacRumors reports . Some or all of those changes will likely soon migrate into the separate public beta (see below). Most newer iPhone models are eligible to download iOS 26 (both the betas and final version). Want to see the full list of new features coming this fall? Read on. What is iOS 26? The current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, and Apple is still actively updating it version 18.6.1 was released to restore Apple Watch blood oxygen monitoring functionality for certain users in the US. More recently, Apple released 18.6.2 to address a vulnerability related to image processing. Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6, MacRumors reports , which means it can no longer be installed on your iPhone due to a server-side software verification check. That's pretty normal when newer versions are available to download. But don't expect to see iOS 19 soon or ever. Instead, Apple is skipping the numbering ahead to iOS 26 next month. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they're all designated 26 to reflect the year ahead. It's official, we're moving to iOS 26. (Apple) What is Liquid Glass design? Let's be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone's home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens' new facelift is refreshing. So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a new translucent material since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They're designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some including Engadget's own Devindra Hardawar like the new direction, even if it's somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft's translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago. That said, as of the release of the iOS 26 beta 2, Apple has already incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won't be able to escape it: Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple's OSes more cohesive. Here's a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop. What are the new and notable features of iOS 26? iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile: Phone app redesign: You'll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks. Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation. Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for deciding things like which brunch spot you're eating at or whose car you're taking on a road trip. Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven't received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you're lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder. Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that's on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online. Photos tabs are back: For anyone who's still frustrated with the Photos changes made last year , you'll be happy to know that your tabs are coming back. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces so you don't have to scroll to infinity to find what you're looking for. Camera app updates : Navigating the Camera app is simpler in iOS 26, as all the buttons and menus are in convenient spots less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there's a new feature that tells you if your lens needs to be cleaned. FaceTime Communication Safety feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the FaceTime Communication Safety feature that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues. New lock screen options : The iPhone lock screen gets more customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options. New alarm setting : You'll no longer be stuck with the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms. Instead, you'll have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes. Apple's Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple) New changes coming to iPadOS 26 Your iPad isn't getting left behind when it comes to big updates. Here's what's coming this fall. Multitasking and real windowing: When you download the newest update, you'll be able to have multiple apps running on your screen at the same time. Once you open an app, it'll appear on your screen as normal but you'll be able to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don't like it. Visual update: Along with the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 is coming with the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look will appear on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop-down menus. New menu bar: When you swipe down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows and more. There's also a search option if you're looking for something specific. Check out our first impressions of iPadOS 26 . What about AirPods? AirPods are also getting updated with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions. Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this studio-quality audio recording, and with it, you'll notice more clarity while in noisy environments. Camera remote control: Using this, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just one press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you'll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture. Live translation feature: While not officially announced or confirmed, it appears that the long-rumored live translation for AirPods could be coming with iOS 26 . The evidence comes from a system asset spotted in the in iOS 26 beta showing a gesture that's triggered by pressing both earbud stems at the same time. The photo also shows words in several different languages. Heart rate monitoring (rumored for now): Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes Apple will introduce new AirPods Pro earbuds this year, which could have heart rate monitoring. It would work with Apple's Health app and other fitness apps that track heart rates. Will Siri get an update? Siri is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant first promised at WWDC 2024 is delayed until some point in the coming year , so you shouldn't expect any major changes in the current betas. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. The company is also reportedly working on a stripped-down AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT. Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26? A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS iPhone XR, XS and XS Max won't be compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be eligible for the iOS 26 update . iPhone SE (second generation or later) iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 16e Not listed here are the presumed new iPhone 17 models (or maybe iPhone 26?) that are all but certain to be announced and released in September. How to install iOS 26 beta The iOS 26 public beta is now available to download via the Apple Beta Software Program . If you're not already a member, you'll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Just visit beta.apple.com and sign up with your phone number or email address. It's free. Once you're in, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta . A word of caution: Don't sign up with your main iPhone unless you're OK with any risks that occur with using an OS that isn't finalized. When will the final version of iOS 26 be released? iOS 26 will be released to the public this fall. It usually comes in September, within a week of the Apple iPhone event. Last year, it rolled out to iPhone users on September 16 exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced. Since the iPhone 17 event falls on September 9 this year, it's possible the downloads will hit our phones on September 16. If you're more interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming, here's everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple's delayed Siri rework . Update, September 2: Added more new features coming with iOS 26. Update, August 29: Added new section about Siri and a link to what's new with the iOS 26 Camera app. Update, August 27: Added the official iPhone 17 event date, as well as the potential iOS 26 release. Update, August 25: Added a rumor about new AirPods Pro having heart rate monitoring. Update, August 22: Noted that Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6. Update, August 20: Noted that iOS 26 public beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available to download. Update, August 18: Added details about a potential iOS 18.6 update. Update, August 15: Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what's available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor. Update, August 13: Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta. Update, August 11: Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6. Update, August 8: Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods. Update, August 6: Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center. Update, August 4: Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival. Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26. Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available. Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available. Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta. Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri. Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ios-26-features-and-the-upcoming-apple-iphone-update-135749757.html?src=rss

Apple iPhone 17 lineup: Rumors, prices, new features and everything else you need to know

We're in the homestretch in just one week, the 2025 iPhone event will be here to showcase the new iPhone 17 lineup. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 9 at 1PM ET . The new smartphones will come equipped with the latest iOS 26 features preinstalled, along with any new features Apple reveals that day. But since we still have to wait a couple of weeks until the iPhone event, we can only speculate what the new devices will look like. As with most unreleased iPhones, rumors and leaks have trickled in about the hardware side ahead of the official introduction. Here's what we're expecting and what we can reasonably assume we'll get from Apple next week. What are the latest iPhone 17 rumors? The iPhone 17 case rumors keep coming from leaker Majin Bu, per MacRumors . The latest shows a clear iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max case with the large rear camera bump cutout. However, it appears the case isn't fully transparent, and instead has a white rectangular piece that covers the MagSafe area. The same post notes Apple is working on a tinted version of the Clear Case, which could become available later on. New iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Full Article: https://t.co/d66MxDiYQ6 pic.twitter.com/uXe5huxTl3 Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) August 31, 2025 These rumors haven't been confirmed by Apple and we won't know what the actual iPhone 17 models will look like until the iPhone event next month. How much will the iPhone 17 cost? Apple's announced plan to expand US-based manufacturing partners seems to give it at least some shielding from the steepest Trump administration tariffs that have already triggered price increases on everything from PlayStations to Switch consoles to high-end cameras to Sonos speakers . But given that President Trump's trade policies can change from week to week, and Apple's continuing reliance on Asia-based supply chains, price shocks remain an ongoing possibility. The bigger question is: Will Apple absorb any higher costs, or pass them on to consumers? If prices do creep up, Apple may choose to pair it with an upgrade. Consider this recent rumor posted by MacRumors from a leaker known as Instant Digital , suggesting that the default storage of the iPhone 17 line may start at 256GB, doubling the current 128GB baseline. While that could be accompanied by a price increase of $50 , Apple could at least pitch it as a better value. That said, the company doubled the default RAM of its Mac computers from 8GB to 16GB at no extra cost in 2024 but that was before the current Trump tariff cycle started. Now, on the eve of the iPhone announcement, a report from JPMorgan mixes and matches the rumors above. As recounted in 9to5Mac , the iPhone line's starting prices will still stretch from $799 to $1,199 just as they do now with the Air possibly getting a $50 increase versus the iPhone Plus model it's replacing, and the 17 Pro costing an additional $100, but including more storage. Again, these prices are only projections and haven't been confirmed by Apple. When will the iPhone 17 series be announced? As noted above, the date has been confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. That lines up with Apple's traditional schedule, and the earlier report from iphone-ticker.de (via MacRumors ). This generation of Apple smartphones may be the last to be fully released in September, however. There have been hints that the introduction of the iPhone 18 collection in 2026 will be split into a pro-tier announcement in the fall and a standard model announcement the following spring. What will the new iPhone 17 lineup include? Design leaks suggest that Apple is building an ultra-thin smartphone , likely to be named the iPhone 17 Air to match Apple's ultralight laptop designation. Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman, often a solid source of advanced intel about Apple, reported in January that the iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with a basic A19 chip and will only have a single camera lens. It may also use Apple's new in-house modem, which was introduced in February on the iPhone 16e . More details about this development may leak ahead of September, but that's what we know for now. As a guest on the latest Engadget Podcast , Gurman told Engadget's Devindra Hardawar and Igor Bonifacic the rumored iPhone Air will be rough around the edges at first. He believes the 17 Air will lag in both when it comes to camera and battery performance. The battery life is going to be subpar compared to a base-level 17 or Pro model, he says. The ultimate goal, he notes, is to get all the functionality of the Pro models into the Air models. An investor note from Apple analyst Jeff Pu indicated that the Air will have a titanium frame. If his reports are accurate, the lightweight smartphone will be the only entry in the iPhone 17 lineup to use that metal; the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to be made of aluminum, which is oddly a lighter material than titanium. Other speculation had suggested that the Air would use a blend of aluminum and titanium, so the exact materials may not be known until the official announcement. After the announcement dropped Tuesday for the official iPhone 17 event, MacRumors speculates the Apple logo says a lot about the new iPhones. Apple's logo hints at two rumored iPhone 17 Pro features. The logo shows bright orange and dark blue colors, rumored to be two of the iPhone 17 Pro colors, so they could be onto something. They also noticed it looks like an infrared heat map, hinting at the vapor chamber cooling system. Additionally, an August 4 MacRumors report says the internal battery pack of the iPhone Air is just 2.49mm thick half the thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro battery. The leak was posted on the Korean-language Naver blog , where they show the alleged batteries of the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro side by side. The same account claimed the 17 Air's battery capacity was a mere 2,800 mAh, MacRumors notes. (That's below the battery capacity of current iPhone 16 models.) On a similar topic, an iPhone 17 Pro production leak appears to have revealed an all-aluminum chassis, according to MacRumors . Originally posted by leaker Majin Bu , the image shows a shell that has a large round hole on the back (where the Apple logo typically is) to allow for MagSafe charging. MacRumors says this could just be a molding but notes that the aluminum frame (versus the current titanium in Pro iPhone models) would yield a significantly lower weight. That same leaker (Majin Bu), whom MacRumors classifies as a hit-or-miss leaker, suggests the iPhone 17 Pro will have better wireless signal strength thanks to an updated antenna design. The individual posted a render on X that shows a new antenna system that wraps around the iPhone 17 Pro's supposedly wider rear camera bump. Again, this is a render, not a real-world photo. That said, we can't knock the goal of better wireless reception, so we're hoping this one has a degree of truth to it. Leaker Majin Bu also claims TechWoven cases could be introduced, per a MacRumors report . The cases match the rumored design on the iPhone 17 models, with the wide camera bump. The leaker noted there are two lanyard holes for convenient and secure carrying, so it could be worn around your neck. The colors would come in grey/black, blue, green, purple and orange. Additionally, he says there will be new Liquid Silicone cases in eight colors, including Deep Orange, Pale Orange, Grass Green, Celadon, Fog Purple, Grey Blue, Dark Blue and Midnight Black. Each new roster includes a base model, but over the years, Apple has shaken up the variety of phones it offers. Most likely there will be an iPhone 17 and an iPhone 17 Pro. Apple has also committed to the size matters philosophy, and has been building an iPhone Pro Max option with an even bigger screen and better battery life; the 17 roster will almost certainly have one as well. The new Pro iPhones are said to have a full-width camera island on the rear, which would mark the first time an Apple model opted for that design. This feature can be seen in the purported iPhone 17 spotted in the wild. The pics, highlighted on MacRumors , show a black cased iPhone (17 Pro?) with the distinct back panel. Is it the real deal? The dual angles lend a degree of credibility in a social media landscape increasingly polluted with AI-enhanced fakes, but your guess is as good as ours. I just spotted a test development iPhone in the wild pic.twitter.com/iS3PtKWqxJ Fox Pupy (@Skyfops) July 28, 2025 The iPhone 17 Air seems primed to take the place of a potential iPhone 17 Plus. Since the iPhone 16e was only just introduced in February at a surprisingly high price point , it seems unlikely that there will be a new addition to that lower end of the spectrum, the models that were previously called SE. At the very least, it sounds like the iPhone 17 Air won't take away the charging port and rely only on wireless connectivity. Bloomberg said that while Apple had investigated making the iPhone 17 Air without a single port, the company (fortunately) changed plans. He also says that the rumored phone will have a 6.6-inch screen and include the Dynamic Island and Camera Control button. Finally, the price is rumored at $900 likely more than the standard iPhone 17 but less than the Pro. We've also gotten what seems to be a reliable look at what the color lineup will be for the new smartphones. Macworld reported that the iPhone 17 will be available in black, white, steel gray, green, purple and light blue. The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly have four color options: black, white, light blue and light gold. While the Air colors will be less saturated, the visuals for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will go bold. The options for the Pro models are expected to be black, white, gray, dark blue and orange. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes there actually will be a new orange color offered for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as well as a light blue color for the iPhone 17 Air, he confirmed in his weekly Power On newsletter . On July 30, Tom's Guide highlighted an X post from Sonny Dickson a longtime and generally reliable leaker of unreleased iPhone information showing dummy iPhone 17 models in the new colors that were the source of the aforementioned Macworld story. While these are literally just mock-ups not real, leaked iPhones it's interesting to see how the design and color rumors translate into a real-world look and feel. To add the the rumors, a Weibo leaker known as Digital Chat Station suggests the iPhone 17e will come equipped with a new design that includes the Dynamic Island, MacRumors reports . According to the post, the new phone will have the A19 chip and could have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a front-facing 12-megapixel camera and a rear-facing 48-megapixel camera. However, it's important to note this report refers to the 17e model that would be expected to launch no earlier than February 2026, if it followed the same release pattern as the iPhone 16e . What will iOS 26 be like? Apple upended its numbering conventions with WWDC 2025, and will match the name of each new operating system to the year it's released. So when the next wave of iPhones hits, they'll be running on iOS 26 . On the design side, the smartphone OS introduced during the big developer showcase took a contentious approach dubbed Liquid Glass. Apple has been scaling down the amount of transparency effects in the subsequent beta tests of iOS 26, but it will still have a glass-like visual. The feature list includes big and small updates. On the more impactful side, the Phone and Photos apps have been redesigned. There will be several features leveraging artificial intelligence, such as live translation capabilities coming to Phone, FaceTime and Messages. Apple is also currently testing a sensitive content warning for child accounts that will freeze FaceTime video if nudity is detected by on-device machine learning tools. And the company is also launching Visual Intelligence, which will use AI to search for elements in an image. iOS 26 also has a litany of minor, quality of life improvements. Group texts are getting support for polls. And for the slow risers out there, iOS 26 will finally let you escape the tyranny of the nine minute snooze alarm . The next iOS is now available as a public beta . Here are our initial impressions of the Liquid Glass design and other new features. iOS 26 is compatible with all models back through iPhone 11. What other products are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17? If Apple follows its usual pattern, the iPhone 17 will be announced alongside new Apple Watch products. That would be the Apple Watch Series 11 (if Apple sticks to the same naming scheme), and maybe an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and/or an updated Apple Watch SE. (They'll all run watchOS 26 , of course.) Other possibilities and this is, again, speculation could include refreshed Apple AirPods Pro (which received its last big update in 2022 ) and maybe new AirTags trackers (first released in 2021). The Apple rumor mill got a big shot in the arm this week thanks to the reported inclusion of product ID numbers in recent beta software builds. Per MacRumors , it's a laundry list of new hardware, including long-rumored product updates like the Apple TV , HomePod mini , new Apple Studio Display monitor and two fresh iPads. Of course, even if that list is totally accurate, we may not see those products until 2026 if ever. So don't expect all of products to share the stage with the iPhone 17, especially since Apple likes to keep its star performer at the center of attention. That said, keep in mind that Apple has recently been having Mac-centric announcements in late October (as it did last year to debut new M4 Macs ), so there's always the chance of another shoe dropping a few weeks down the road. Update, September 2, 2025, 3:56PM ET: Added new details about the potential iPhone 17 lineup prices, and a new Clear Case rumor. Update, August 30, 2025, 8:45AM ET: Added commentary from Mark Gurman's guest appearance on the Engadget Podcast about the rumored iPhone 17 Air. Update, August 27, 2025, 5:44PM ET: Added official Apple iPhone 17 event date, and a rumor about its event logo. Update, August 25, 2025, 5:15PM ET: Added new reports about the iPhone 17 Pro's orange color as well as new rumored Liquid Silicone cases. Update, August 22, 2025, 11:52AM ET: Added new details about the colors of the rumored TechWoven case. Update, August 20, 2025, 7:12PM ET: Added new rumor about potential TechWoven case for iPhone 17 series. Update, August 18, 2025, 6:23PM ET: Added new rumor about the iPhone 17e potentially having the Dynamic Island. Update, August 15, 2025, 2:05PM ET: Added new rumor about the all-aluminum chassis on the iPhone 17. Update, August 13, 2025, 10:02PM ET: Added a list of the products that are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17s. Update, August 11, 2025, 7:27PM ET: Added a render of a rumored new antenna design for the iPhone 17 Pro. Update, August 8, 2025, 4:43PM ET: Added new speculation and reports about iPhone 17 pricing. Update, August 6, 2025, 4:05PM ET: Added latest details about the potential iPhone 17 event date. Update, August 4, 2025, 5:23PM ET: Added latest battery leaks about the iPhone 17 models. Update, August 1, 2025, 8:15AM ET: Added new photos showing potential iPhone 17 colors. Update, July 30, 2025, 11:08AM ET: Added latest leaks and rumors about the iPhone 17, and updated information on the iOS 26 public beta. Update, July 17, 2025, 4:40PM ET: Added latest information about iOS 26, possible materials for the Air, and the color options for the different models. Update, March 17, 2025, 2PM ET: Added details about the rumored price and features of the iPhone 17 Air. Update, April 11, 2025, 3:45PM ET: Added details from Front Page Tech's new video that claims to reveal details from a leaked iOS 19 build. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-iphone-17-lineup-rumors-prices-new-features-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-153024440.html?src=rss

Audi's Concept C previews the company's next-gen EV aspirations

It's a dynamic time right now in the automotive industry. Many manufacturers that previously pledged themselves to dive head-first into the wonderful world of electrification are now pumping their literal and metaphorical brakes on the idea, leaning back into hybrids, plug-ins, and various other transitional means of propulsion. Audi is one of those brands that has been softening its stance on the EV front lately, pledging to continue supporting internal combustion-powered machines so long as the market demands. But its new concept unveiled today in Milan gives us a striking view of a next generation of EVs and hybrids, and others that will wear four rings on the nose. It's called the Concept C, and it's part of a movement Audi brass have called the radical next. It's meant to be something of a reboot for the brand's design efforts, a back-to-basics project that starts on the inside with a dramatically simplified interior design. While many modern Audis feature one or two giant touchscreens that dominate the dash, in the Concept C, there's just a pure dashboard with a subtle, illuminated vertical slot in the middle. Controls are physical and chunky, designed to have a strong sense of weight and tactility, featuring what the car's designers describe as the Audi click. Tim Stevens for Engadget It's definitely a major departure for Audi, but there is a nod to modern sensibilities with a 10.4-inch touchscreen. It's hidden, tucking itself behind the dashboard when not needed and quickly swiveling into view when summoned. The car also features buttons and touch-sensitive surfaces that disappear behind the dashboard, a row of backlit controls that only appear when needed. The outside of the car is a substantial reboot, too. In this new concept, you'll see some similarities to the brand's last great roadster, the TT, which went out of production in 2023. But to see the key inspiration for the Concept C, you have to go back a little further, back to the Auto Union Grand Prix machines of the 1930s. Specifically, Audi is referencing the Type C, which raced from the pre-Formula One days of 1936 to 1937. That car's shape and upright grille definitely carry on in the Concept C, but this new road car has one feature that vintage racing machines lacked: a folding hardtop convertible. The Concept C is actually the first Audi to sport such a top, giving it the look of a coupe but the open-air design of a roadster. The louvered rear and simple, tapered shape are dipped in a colored paint meant to emulate the subtle warmth of titanium. Tim Stevens for Engadget One thing that tapered shape doesn't allow is a rear window. Like the Polestar 4 , the Concept C takes an extreme stance towards rearward visibility by featuring none at all. That rear-view mirror you see hanging from the glass is digital. But, the fact that this car even has a rear-view mirror, plus side mirrors and windshield wipers, hint that this thing is probably close to production-ready. When it comes to the more practical matter of what makes it go, and for how far and how quickly, sadly, we don't have a lot of details just yet. Again, Audi has said that this will be an EV, but that the design will influence a new generation of Audis powered by all sorts of options, including hybrid and internal combustion, as the transition to electric mobility progresses. This car, though, is most definitely battery powered, though the company has yet to share any more details beyond that. Audi says it is rear-wheel drive, which would point to a single-motor at the back, but a future version with Quattro all-wheel drive seems like a sure bet. This car's predecessor, the TT, was actually based on the Volkswagen Golf chassis, which gave it front-wheel drive to begin with. However, if this new machine is to share its foundations with anything, it's much more likely to be Porsche's upcoming electric 718, as previewed in the Mission R . But for now that's just speculation, and again, this is just a concept. Audi isn't saying when a car like this might see production, but it is a machine that is destined to become something you can buy. That'll be good news to anyone who misses the dearly departed TT. If an eventual production-based Concept C still looks this good when it hits dealers, it very well might make just as many waves as its predecessor. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/audis-concept-c-previews-the-companys-next-gen-ev-aspirations-190030488.html?src=rss

The Google TV Streamer 4K is back on sale for $80

The Google TV Streamer 4K is back on sale for just $80 , which is a discount of 20 percent. The deal is available via Amazon, but also through retailers like Best Buy and Walmart . This beats a recent Prime Day promotion by $4. The TV Streamer 4K topped our list of the best streaming devices . It's a smartly-designed product that just works. We enjoyed the clean interface and the fantastic remote that ships with the device. The processor is speedy and this thing can stream content in 4K at 60FPS. It integrates with HDR, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. On the audio side of things, it supports formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. It can even handle spatial audio, so long as you're wearing the Pixel Buds Pro earbuds . The interface includes a smart home control hub, which we praised in our official review . This lets users easily control smart lights and thermostats, among other gadgets. The TV Streamer 4K also offers voice control, which we found to be useful. There are only two minor knocks with this one. The original asking price is on the higher end, but this sale alleviates that concern. The unit also includes some fairly useless AI integration, but it's 2025 so what else is new? 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-google-tv-streamer-4k-is-back-on-sale-for-80-183511035.html?src=rss

Amazon ends shared Prime shipping

Amazon is shutting down the Prime Invitee program which allowed members to extend free shipping to people outside their household. An updated support page says sharing through Invitee will end on October 1 and that previously invited guests will be notified by September 5 of the changes. The Verge is reporting that users who don't live with the primary account owner will be prompted to create their own Amazon Prime accounts and will be offered a discounted rate of $14.99 for the entire first year and then the standard rate of $14.99 per month thereafter. We've reached out to Amazon to see what measures the company plans to take to prevent account sharing beyond limiting deliveries to one address and will update if we hear back. The company is encouraging users to take advantage of Amazon Family , which allows the sharing of Prime benefits among multiple people under the same roof. This arrangement is limited to two adults including the primary account holder and up to four children. Up to four teens can also be included if they were added before April 7, 2025. Household members who participate in Amazon Family can access free shipping, Prime Video and more. Many major subscription-based online services have been cracking down on sharing recently, especially streamers like HBO Max and Disney+ . Reuters recently reported that despite a record four-day Prime Day this year, Amazon fell short of its goals for new Prime account sign-ups. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amazon-ends-shared-prime-shipping-182513989.html?src=rss

Call of Duty is getting the movie treatment, courtesy of Paramount

Paramount has just signed a deal with Microsoft and Activision to make a movie based on the iconic Call of Duty franchise. The valuation of the deal hasn't been revealed, but CoD is a mighty lucrative IP . We don't know much about the specifics of the deal, other than it covers a live-action feature film that Paramount will develop, produce and distribute. This means we don't have any information about the cast, creative team or what game or era the film will pull from. After all, there have been more than 30 mainline games in the franchise. Some of the standard Call of Duty games could make for decent, yet slightly derivative, war movies, while the more futuristic titles could spin out into sci-fi epics. Variety reports that this could just be the beginning . The deal is for one movie but industry sources indicate that there's potential here for Paramount to expand the franchise to more movies and TV shows. Get ready for the CoDCU. Paramount recently completed an $8 billion merger with Skydance, after making some controversial moves that were widely seen as appeasements to President Trump to secure the blessing of the FCC . Since that happened, the newly-formed media conglomerate has been on a spending spree. It lured the creators of Stranger Things away from Netflix and shelled out over $7.7 billion for exclusive rights to UFC events for the next seven years. The company recently announced plans to double its yearly theatrical output , eventually hoping to release 20 films annually. As for games, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 arrives on November 14. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/call-of-duty-is-getting-the-movie-treatment-courtesy-of-paramount-171408410.html?src=rss

Googles Play Games update will show people what youre playing

Google is readying an update for its Play Games app that will introduce stats and milestones to your all-new profile. From September 23 (October 1 in the EU and UK), other players will be able to see which games youve played and for how long, as well as any achievements youve unlocked. Google says there will also be new social features, but its not yet clear what theyll be. It sounds a lot like Googles take on Steam profiles (similar features are also available on PlayStation and Xbox) and the company says it will be collecting usage data for games youve installed or played previously, adding that it may pass on information about your in-game activity to developers. You can also choose to import your past activity on a one-time basis, which Google pulls from your account history and then uses to populate your Play Games profile statistics from the start. Youre already able to decide whether data related to gaming is collected through Activity Controls in your account settings. Its up to you whether people can see your profile or not. If you make it public, other people can follow you and snoop on your gaming activity, but you can also choose to hide it if you dont want anyone to know how many hours youve spent playing Angry Birds . Youre also free to delete your Play Games profile entirely, along with all of the data its using. Googles overhauled gaming profiles will arrive around the same time as Apples annual software updates for all of its devices, which will introduce a new dedicated gaming app, simply called Games. Pre-installed on all updated Mac, iPhone and iPad devices, it effectively replaces Game Center and will behave more like a modern gaming hub. Games will feature leaderboards, matchmaking services, recommendations and news regarding new titles. And like Googles offering, youll be able to see what your friends are playing. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/googles-play-games-update-will-show-people-what-youre-playing-164549921.html?src=rss

Tesla's latest 'Master Plan' isn't a mission statement, it's a discursive mess

Tesla has released part four of its so-called Master Plan in a post on X. Unlike the more focused Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan , which outlined concrete plans for future products, this Master Plan Part IV reads more like a rambling utopic fever dream that was partly written by Grok, while touching on Tesla's AI-powered products. Tesla says it intends to deliver unconstrained sustainability without compromise, and that the company is unifying our hardware and software at scale in order to create a safer, cleaner and more enjoyable world through sustainable abundance. Specifics on what any of that actually means were largely absent throughout the manifesto. Over the post's 1000 words, Tesla waxes poetic about how semiconductors and the internet changed the world, employs self-aggrandizing language about pushing forward the electric vehicle market and shares extremely vague depictions of a future molded by the company's products. How we develop and use autonomy and the new capabilities it makes available to us should be informed by its ability to enhance the human condition, the company writes in one particularly vague passage. Making daily life better and safer for all people through our autonomous technology has always been, and continues to be, our focus. Another passage reads, We must make one thing clear: this challenge will be extremely difficult to overcome. The elimination of scarcity will require tireless and exquisite execution. Some will perceive it as impossible. And plenty of others will laud every obstacle and setback we inevitably encounter along the way. But once we overcome this challenge, our critics will come to see that what they once thought was impossible is indeed possible. And that will be fine with us, because what matters most is that, together, we create a sustainable and truly abundant future for generations to come. The Tesla Master Plans have been treated with almost religious reverence in tech circles over the years as fans of the electric car company and its polarizing CEO point to them as evidence of Musk's visionary thinking. The first Master Plan , authored by Musk in 2006, espoused lofty but specific goals, many of which ultimately came to pass. In it, Musk laid out how The strategy of Tesla is to enter at the high end of the market and then drive down market as fast as possible to higher unit volume and lower prices with each successive model. This is exactly what the company did, leveraging earnings from the 2008 Roadster to build the Model S in 2012 and Model X in 2015, then using those profits to create the Model 3 in 2017 and Model Y in 2020, the latter of which went on to become the best-selling car in the world in both 2023 and 2024 . The second Master Plan , published in 2016, was the last one with Musk's name attributed to it and laid out a vision for Solar Roof and Powerwall, the need to create an electric pickup truck and semi, the future of autonomous driving and a plan for a fleet of robotaxis. Tesla's energy generation and storage business now accounts for 10 percent of company revenues. The Cybertruck and Semi both launched years later though have not yet proven successful, and Tesla's Full Self-Driving has been in beta for years. Meanwhile, robotaxis saw a limited launch with in-vehicle supervisors earlier this summer. Master Plan Part 3 was a stark departure from the more focused initial duo. It's basically a 40-page white paper with fanciful ambitions for a decarbonized future. It was heavy on data but short on product roadmaps. Part IV really jumped the shark, and while it tells us that we are on the cusp of a revolutionary period primed for unprecedented growth and that this time it will not be a single step but a leap forward for Tesla and humanity as a whole, it offers little by way of how the company plans to accomplish that leap. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/teslas-latest-master-plan-isnt-a-mission-statement-its-a-discursive-mess-162301466.html?src=rss

The first Game Pass additions for September include Hollow Knight: Silksong and I Am Your Beast

Microsoft has revealed the first batch of Game Pass additions for September 2025 and there's one hornet-shaped title that looms large over the others. After a seven-year wait, Hollow Knight: Silksong arrives on September 4. We've known for a few years that the sequel to Team Cherry's indie blockbuster would be on Game Pass on day one, and it'll be available on the Ultimate and PC versions of the service. Xbox announced the Metroidvania's future debut on Game Pass all the way back at its June 2022 showcase. At the time, it claimed every game shown at the event would be out within the following 12 months. That didn't exactly happen in Silksong 's case. Team Cherry confirmed pricing for Silksong this week as well. It'll cost $20 on all platforms. The developer added that there will be a free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack with enhanced features available for Kickstarter backers who receive a Switch key (it's implied, but not confirmed, that anyone who gets the Switch 1 version will be able to upgrade for free later). If you're planning to dive into Silksong as soon as it goes live at 10AM ET on Thursday and you're looking for something to play on Game Pass in the meantime, it's maybe worth checking out I Am Your Beast . This is a fast-paced, covert revenge shooter from the folks at Strange Scaffold ( Clickolding , TMNT: Tactical Takedown and El Paso, Elsewhere ). It's dropping on the Ultimate, PC and Standard versions of Game Pass today. On September 3, Nine Sols will join the Game Pass Standard lineup after being on the Ultimate and PC versions of the service since last November. This is a Metroidvania from Devotion developer Red Candle Games, and it was one of our favorite games of 2024 . The other Game Pass additions for the first half of September are: Real-time strategy game Cataclismo (PC) September 4 on Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass 3D action adventure Paw Patrol World (Cloud, Console, and PC) September 10 on Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard Disaster recovery/construction sim RoadCraft (Cloud and Xbox Series X/S) September 16 on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass Standard Inevitably, a few games are cycling off of Game Pass too. All You Need is Help, Wargroove 2 and We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie are all leaving the library on September 15. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/the-first-game-pass-additions-for-september-include-hollow-knight-silksong-and-i-am-your-beast-145148351.html?src=rss

OpenAI is adding parental controls to ChatGPT

OpenAI has promised to release parental controls for ChatGPT within the next month, the company said Tuesday . Once the controls are available, they'll allow parents to link their personal ChatGPT account with the accounts of their teenage children. From there, parents will be able to decide how ChatGPT responds to their kids, and disable select features, including memory and chat history . Additionally, ChatGPT will generate automated alerts when it detects a teen is in a moment of acute distress. According to OpenAI, expert input will guide this feature to support trust between parents and teens. The announcement of parental controls comes after OpenAI was sued in the first known instance of a wrongful death lawsuit against an AI company. In a lawsuit filed last week, Matt and Maria Raine, the parents of a teen who committed suicide this year, allege ChatGPT was aware of four failed suicide attempts by their son before helping him plan his death. The Raines said ChatGPT provided their son Adam with information on specific suicide methods, and even gave him tips on how to hide neck injuries sustained from his previous failed attempts. On Tuesday, OpenAI said parental controls are part of a broader effort by the company to improve safety on ChatGPT. Separately, the company has promised to work with additional experts, including those who specialize in eating disorders, substance use and adolescent health, to fine tune its models. The company has also promised to deploy a new real-time router designed to funnel sensitive conversations through its reasoning models. Trained with a method we call deliberative alignment , our testing shows that reasoning models more consistently follow and apply safety guidelines and are more resistant to adversarial prompts, said OpenAI. Moving forward, in situations where ChatGPT detects a person may be in distress, the chatbot will direct those conversations through a reasoning model, regardless of the model the user selected before starting the conversation. More broadly, OpenAI says people can expect more safety features in the future. This work has already been underway, but we want to proactively preview our plans for the next 120 days, so you wont need to wait for launches to see where were headed, OpenAI said. The work will continue well beyond this period of time, but were making a focused effort to launch as many of these improvements as possible this year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-adding-parental-controls-to-chatgpt-144128085.html?src=rss

Marshall adds a subwoofer and compact soundbar to its Heston TV audio lineup

Marshall's family of TV audio gear is growing. The company has announced the Heston Sub 200 subwoofer and Heston 60 compact soundbar, both of which are now available for pre-order. The $700 Heston 60 is a smaller take on the first soundbar Marshall introduced earlier this year, the Heston 120, offering Dolby Atmos and DTS-X for more intimate spaces. With the Heston Sub 200, a $600 subwoofer that pairs with both soundbars, Marshall touts a sound that can be truly felt. Both products come in Cream and Black, and sport Marshall's classic guitar amp styling. They ship September 23. The Heston 60 has 7 Class D amplifiers two 25W and five 5W with a total power output of 56W. It has two woofers and five full range drivers. The soundbar offers wireless and wired connectivity, with Bluetooth (5.3) and Wi-Fi, as well as an HDMI 2.1 port (eARC), a 3.5mm aux port, an RCA input and USB-C. It also supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. The Heston 200, Heston 120 and Heston 60 Marshall The Heston Sub 200 packs two 5.25 inch subwoofers and two 120W Class D amplifiers, with a peak total power output of 236W. Marshall says it'll deliver deep, room-shaking bass. The subwoofer has Bluetooth and wired input (RCA mono). The Heston 60 and Heston Sub 200 will be available from Marshall starting September 23, and will roll out to select other retailers on September 30. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/marshall-tv-subwoofer-heston-200-compact-soundbar-heston-60-140044805.html?src=rss

Just 4 days left to exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 10 tables remain

The clock is ticking, and exhibit space at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is moving fast. With just 4 days and 10 table left to book, nows the time to stop circling the idea and claim your spot on the show floor.

The best Labor Day sales you can still get today from Apple, Dyson, Sony and others

Labor Day may bring about the unofficial end to summer, but on the bright side, it can be a good time to save on tech. While seasonal holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day arent the boon for tech deals as Prime Day or Black Friday can be, you can still find some good deals across the web. Thats particularly true if youre going back to school soon, or are shopping for someone imminently heading back to campus. Labor Day itself may have come and gone, but that's not the case for its corresponding sales. You can still shop some great Labor Day sales today, and below, we've collected the best of the best in the tech space. Since this time of year does overlap with the back-to-school season, students should be first in line to check out these deals. If you need some new gadgets for college, or refreshed tech to help you out in your first job after graduating, now's the time to see if you can get it for less. Student discounts are handy and exclusive to those who can prove their student status, but the good thing about Labor Day sales is that anyone can take advantage of them student ID not required. Best Labor Day sales: Engadget's top picks Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $799 ($200 off): Apple's latest MacBook Air is the top pick in our guide to the best laptops , and it earned a score of 92 in our review . The M4 model isn't a major refresh overall, but that's not a bad thing the design remains exceptionally thin, light and well-built, with long battery life and a top-notch keyboard and trackpad. Now it's a bit faster thanks to the updated chipset. Apple AirTag (four-pack) for $80 (19 percent off): These are the best Bluetooth trackers for iPhone users thanks to their vast finding network and accurate ultrawide band features for locating your things when theyre close by. Just attach them to your keys, wallet or bag with the right AirTag holder and keep track of everything in the Find My app. Apple iPad (11-inch, A16) for $299 ($50 off): Apple's entry-level iPad is, unsurprisingly, the best iPad option for those on a budget. It has solid performance thanks to the A16 chipset, 128GB of storage in the base model and good battery life. Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones for $35 (50 percent off) : Sony makes headphones at all price ranges, and the WH-CH520 provides good sound quality and long battery life at an affordable price. They support custom EQ with Sony's mobile app, multipoint connectivity, a built-in microphone and up to 50 hours of battery life. Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $500 ($500 off): Dyson made one of the most impressive robovacs with the 360 Vis Nav . It has some of the strongest suction power of any robot vacuum I've tried, and its impressive obstacle avoidance allows it to move around furniture and other objects with basically not intervention from humans necessary. Anker MagGo Qi2 10K power bank for $72 (20 percent off): Our current favorite power bank for iPhones, this 10K portable battery attaches magnetically to iPhones and powers them up quickly thanks to Qi2 technology. The built-in kickstand makes it easy to prop up your phone while it's recharging, and the LCD display handily shows you how much power is left in the bank itself. Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 100W) for $95 (30 percent off) : One of our top picks for the best power banks , this 25K brick from Anker has two built-in USB-C cables so you never have to remember to bring one with you. It has a durable build and delivers a speedy charge to all devices, and as the name implies, it can handle powering up items as big as a laptop. Sonos Era 300 for $359 (20 percent off): Sonos' Labor Day sale discounts headphones, speakers and sets by up to 35 percent. One of the best deals is on the Era 300 speaker , which is an excellent option particularly if you want a home speaker than supports spatial audio. It has great sound quality, Trueplay tuning and Bluetooth plus in-line option for connectivity. Also available at Amazon . Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $149 (46 percent off): This model is one of our favorite budget robot vacuums thanks to its slim design that lets you get underneath furniture more easily and strong suction power for its size. Note that it does not have Wi-Fi connectivity, but it comes with a remote that lets you control the robot to your liking. Cosori 9-in-1 air fryer for $90 (25 percent off): One of our picks for the best air fryers , this Cosori model has a spacious six-quart cooking basket and nine prep modes to choose from. In our testing, it consistently crisped up all kinds of foods, from frozen appetizers to raw proteins, and it has a nifty safety feature with its built-in basket release button. Google Pixel 10 smartphone + $100 Amazon gift card for $799 ($100 off): More of a pre-order deal than a Labor Day deal, this bundle includes a free gift card when you order the latest Google Pixel phone in advance. You'll find different gift card deals at Amazon depending on which phone you go with: the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL have a $200 gift cards included, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with a free $300 gift card. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) for $220 ($30 off): This is the latest version of Amazon's color ereader that has half of the storage of the original model, but otherwise functions the same. That makes it a little cheaper to start off, but you're still getting a 7-inch color e-paper display, full access to the Kindle shop and a waterproof design. We also appreciate that the Colorsoft comes with no lockscreen ads by default. Amazon Kindle (16GB) for $90 (18 percent off): The latest entry-level Kindle has a lightweight, compact design, a six-inch screen with adjustable front light, up to six weeks of battery life and gives you access to the entire Kindle ebook store. Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras (3 camera system) for $100 (47 percent off): Some of our favorite security cameras , Blink Outdoor 4 devices support 1080p video, two-way talk, motion alerts and night vision. The most convenient thing about these is that they're totally wireless and run on AA batteries that can last up to two years before you need to replace them. That combined with their weather-proof design allows you to place them both inside and outside. ESPN Unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $30/month ($6/month off): ESPNs new streaming service is officially available now, and new subscribers can get Disney+ and Hulu included for one year when they sign up. The regular price of the new ESPN Unlimited plan is $30 per month, but this bundle offer throws in Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for one year at no extra cost. If you want to break it down, youre essentially getting each of the three services for $10 monthly with this offer. NordVPN deal Get up to 77 percent off two-year plans: Most of NordVPN's two-year plans are on sale right now. You'll get 77 percent off the Prime tier, bringing the price down to $189 for 27 months of service (Nord throws in an extra three months for free). Arguably the best plan for most people is the Plus tier, which is 73 percent off and down to $108 for the 27-month term. Best Labor Day sales on tech Apple 24-inch iMac (M4) for $1,149 ($150 off) 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wired Controller for $15 (25 percent off) Xbox wireless gaming controller for $54 (17 percent off) Roku Ultra streamer for $79 (21 percent off) Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones for $200 (43 percent off) Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp Basic for $60 (40 percent off) Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum with self-emptying base for $300 (45 percent off) Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System for $250 (29 percent off) Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet for $175 (24 percent off) Nothing Headphones (1) for $269 ($30 off) More Labor Day sales Dyson Labor Day sale: Save up to $500 on vacuums, hair care and more Sonos Labor Day sale: Save up to 25 percent on headphones and speakers Therabody Labor Day sale: Save up to $150 on percussion massage guns and more Ooni Labor Day sale: Get 20 percent off the Koda 2 Max and save on other pizza ovens Solo Stove Labor Day sale: Get 20 percent off fire pits and 15 percent off select accessories Meater Labor Day sale: Get up to 27 percent off smart meat thermometers 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-labor-day-sales-you-can-still-get-today-from-apple-dyson-sony-and-others-120049310.html?src=rss

Switzerland launches its own open-source AI model

There's a new player in the AI race, and it's a whole country. Switzerland has just released Apertus , its open-source national Large Language Model (LLM) that it hopes would be an alternative to models offered by companies like OpenAI. Apertus, Latin for the world open, was developed by the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL), ETH Zurich and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), all of which are public institutions. Currently, Apertus is the leading public AI model: a model built by public institutions, for the public interest. It is our best proof yet that AI can be a form of public infrastructure like highways, water, or electricity, said Joshua Tan, a leading proponent in making AI a public infrastructure . The Swiss institutions designed Apertus to be completely open, allowing users to inspect any part of its training process. In addition to the model itself, they released comprehensive documentation and source code of its training process, as well as the datasets they used. They built Apertus to comply with Swiss data protection and copyright laws, which makes it perhaps one of the better choices for companies that want to adhere to European regulations. The Swiss Bankers Association previously said that a homegrown LLM would have great long-term potential, since it will be able to better comply with Switzerland's strict local data protection and bank secrecy rules. At the moment, Swiss banks are already using other AI models for their needs, so it remains to be seen whether they'll switch to Apertus. Anybody can use the new model: Researchers, hobbyists and even companies are welcome to build upon it and to tailor it for their needs. They can use it to create chatbots, translators and even educational or training tools, for instance. Apertus was trained on 15 trillion tokens across more than 1,000 languages, with 40 percent of the data in languages other than English, including Swiss German and Romansh. Switzerland's announcement says the model was only trained on publicly available data, and its crawlers respected machine-readable opt-out requests when they came across them on websites. To note, AI companies like Perplexity have previously been accused of scraping websites and bypassing protocols meant to block their crawlers. Some AI companies have also been sued by news organizations and creatives for using their content to train their models without permission. Apertus is currently available in two sizes with 8 billion and 70 billion parameters. It's currently available via Swisscom, a Swiss information and communication technology company, or via Hugging Face . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/switzerland-launches-its-own-open-source-ai-model-133051578.html?src=rss

ExpressVPN switches to multi-tiered pricing plans, letting users tweak features to plan duration

ExpressVPN has tripled its subscription options by switching to a tiered pricing structure, effective today. The new system includes three levels of service, the cheapest offering basic VPN service and the others adding extra features. Each one of those levels Basic, Advanced and Pro can be purchased for monthly, yearly or two-year durations. In total, you've now got nine different options for subscribing to ExpressVPN. The company also says legacy plans will remain active for now, and current customers won't be downgraded. The change is similar to the approach already used by rivals like NordVPN and Surfshark . Previously, ExpressVPN locked feature offerings to the duration of the plan, so the only way to get the full suite of features was to subscribe for 24 months. Now, while longer-term subscriptions will still offer discounts, features depend on your level of subscription instead of how long it lasts. The new tiers roll in some features that were previously part of ExpressVPN's Identity Defender suite, including identity monitoring, credit reports and data removal services. New types of plans will also bump the number of allowed simultaneous connections to as high as 14. Here's what you'll get with each tier. ExpressVPN The Basic plan comes with core VPN functionality including the Lightway protocol. Basic users will no longer have access to the ad blocker, tracker blocker or parental controls. It can be used on 10 devices at once and will cost $12.99 for a month, $74.85 for a year and $97.72 for two years. The Advanced plan raises the device limit to 12 and adds the blockers and parental controls, plus the ExpressVPN Keys password manager. It also gives you three days of eSIM service and adds the Identity Defender features leak alerts, $1 million of identity theft insurance, data removal and credit monitoring. As was already the case, those ID protection features are available only to users in the United States. An Advanced plan will cost $13.99 for a month, $89.85 for a year and $125.72 for two years. The one-year and two-year plans are both cheaper than the same duration used to cost. Advanced subscribers also get five days of eSIM service and a discount coupon for between 25 and 50 percent off an ExpressVPN Aircove router (it's not currently clear how the exact discount will be determined). Although Basic and Advanced users can pay extra (between $3.99 and $8.99) for a dedicated IP address, it comes standard on a Pro subscription. Pro users additionally get monthly credit reports and data removal, 14 simultaneous connections and an Aircove discount between 50 and 75 percent. A Pro plan costs $19.99 for a month, $134.95 for a year and $209.72 for two years. What ExpressVPN tiered pricing means for VPN shoppers Ultimately, I don't think this new approach will change much about the experience of using ExpressVPN. It's not introducing any new features; I already touched on everything here in my recent ExpressVPN review , so the only difference is how much you'll pay to access the perks. The best news for consumers is that ExpressVPN is now available for significantly cheaper than before. A two-year Basic plan costs about 30 percent less than a two-year subscription used to though a one-year basic plan is still more expensive than a comparable subscription to Proton VPN or Surfshark. All that said, I can't enthusiastically recommend a Basic subscription until I know that it includes the Network Lock kill switch and split tunneling on supported platforms (we're reaching out to ExpressVPN to confirm this). We're in the process of overhauling our ranking of best VPNs , including the new information from ExpressVPN check in soon to see the results. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/expressvpn-switches-to-multi-tiered-pricing-plans-letting-users-tweak-features-to-plan-duration-130016667.html?src=rss

Dolby announces Dolby Vision 2, expanding picture quality 'beyond HDR'

Dolby Vision has been one of the industry standards for HDR on TVs for over a decade. At IFA 2025 , Dolby Laboratories is introducing Dolby Vision 2, what it calls a groundbreaking evolution of its industry-leading picture quality innovation. The second iteration has been updated to meet the capabilities of today's TV technology and the ever-expanding set of artist tools. Dolby Vision 2 includes a more powerful image engine, better optimization for your TV and features that go beyond HDR. The base of Dolby Vision 2 is called Content Intelligence. Dolby says these tools provide a better bridge between the creative professionals and the living room by using AI to automatically adapt your TV to what your watching and where you're watching it. Content Intelligence includes tools like Precision Black to help keep darker scenes visible and Light Sense that detects ambient light to create the best picture. There's also Sports and Gaming Optimization that caters to the specific needs of live sports and gaming with upgrades to white point adjustments and motion control. Bi-directional tone mapping will allow premium TVs produce deliver higher brightness, sharper contrast and deeply saturated colors while maintaining artist intent, Dolby explains. That beyond HDR push includes features like Authentic Motion. This tool is what Dolby calls the worlds first creative driven motion control tool to make scenes feel more authentically cinematic. When it's ready for the living room, Dolby Vision 2 will be offered in two ways. First, Dolby Vision 2 Max will come on premium TVs to harness all of their processing power to provide unique premium features. Regular Dolby Vision 2 is what you'll find on mainstream TVs with features that run on the new image engine and Content Intelligence. When new standards like this are introduced, sometimes it takes a while for them to actually make it into products you can buy. Dolby says Hisense will be the first to bring Dolby Vision 2 to market, offering support for the new standard on its premium TVs, including RGB-MiniLED models. What's more, French streaming service Canal+ is also on board, aiming to leverage the new technology for movies, TV shows and live sports. You'll want to tune into our CES coverage in January, because Dolby Vision 2 will certainly be a topic of discussion for the companies that typically debut new TVs in Las Vegas. Perhaps we'll also get a demo of what this second-gen tech is capable of at the show as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/dolby-announces-dolby-vision-2-expanding-picture-quality-beyond-hdr-123019504.html?src=rss

The Morning After: DJIs tiny Mic 3 can record four subjects at once

It was a quiet Labor Day weekend for tech, but the Engadget team has kept busy testing out new gear from the likes of DJI, Sony and Bose. I want to kick things off with the new flagship DJI Mic 3 . The wireless mics have a wholesale design change from the Mic 2, plus many improvements in sound quality, noise reduction and the number of subjects you can record at once though there is one downgrade compared to the last model. Ive had one for over a week, so Ill share some impressions as well. The most noticeable change with the Mic 3 is the smaller transmitter size and lighter weight. Its just 16 grams (.58 ounces) compared to 28 grams (.99 ounces) for the Mic 2. The smaller size and rotating clip make the Mic 3 more discreet and easier to attach to any shirt or hat. However, theres still a large DJI logo on both sides of the transmitter, so dig out your black tape. The Mic 3 now supports up to four transmitters and eight receivers at once. That means you can record four subjects at a time to as many as eight receivers simultaneously for multi-camera shoots (if you buy the extra kits). DJIs Mic 3 is now on sale in most territories, priced at $329 in a kit with a charging case plus two transmitters and a receiver, or $219 with a single transmitter and receiver. Mat Smith Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The news you might have missed Hitman on iOS, martial arts survival and other new indie games worth checking out Apples MLS Season Pass drops to as low as $25 for the rest of 2025 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) review: Still a noise-canceling powerhouse How to perform a reverse phone number lookup The best mobile microphones for 2025 Our top picks for phone mics to record anything and everything. That makes it a great time to test the DJI Mic 3's rivals. The world of mobile-specific (or phone-friendly) microphones has expanded significantly, with many great options arriving in the last few years. Weve tested a wide range of popular microphones with a mobile focus, so you dont have to. Some microphones such as the wireless lavalier kind will be more versatile and convenient, making them useful for a variety of uses. We also have musician or field-recording picks, where we explore more exotic form factors, such as shotgun mics and mobile-friendly desktop options. Naturally, our top focus is sound quality and performance. Continue reading. YouTube TV subscribers wont lose access to Fox content after all The two companies reached an agreement. YouTube TV warned subscribers they could lose access to Fox content, including the start of the NFL season and a key college football game between the top-ranked Texas Longhorns and the Utah Utes. The standoff was over money, of course, with YouTube TV saying Fox demanded more than rival stations with comparable offerings. That has now been resolved with a renewal of the full portfolio of Fox networks, including Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, Fox Weather, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network, the Fox network and all Fox Local Stations, Fox said in its own press release. In the past, YouTube TV has lost access to local Fox stations that carry regional sports, though usually disputes are extended and resolved before they get that far. Continue reading. Sony RX1R III camera review Waiting 10 years to be underwhelmed. Engadget First things first: The RX1R III can capture stunning photos. However, for something Sony waited nearly a decade to update and is charging $5,100 for, it also feels like a missed opportunity. First, the RX1R III is nearly $2,000 more expensive than its predecessor. Plus, its missing a handful of features the company really should have included for it to hold its own against other high-end compact cameras from rivals, like Fujifilm. Come for Igor Bonifacics full review, stay for the pet pics. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111920529.html?src=rss

The best cheap Android phones to buy in 2025

You dont need to spend a fortune to get a new phone that handles your daily tasks with ease. The best cheap Android phones pack impressive features into affordable price tags, making them great options for anyone who wants solid performance without stretching their wallet. Whether you're scrolling social media, streaming videos or snapping photos, there are plenty of budget-friendly Android devices that can keep up with everything you do. While you might not get all the bells and whistles of flagship models, many of todays affordable phones still offer surprisingly good build quality, smooth displays and capable camera systems. Some even boast impressive camera quality that can go toe-to-toe with far more expensive options perfect for casual photographers or anyone who just wants to capture great moments on the go. Table of contents Best budget Android phones for 2025 How cheap should you go for an Android phone? What to look for in a cheap phone Android phone FAQs Best budget Android phones for 2025 How cheap should you go for an Android phone? We tend to define a budget smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any lower and the device runs the risk of suffering from too many compromises in function, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (if you're open to spending more, we shouted out a couple of our favorite flagship phones at the very end of this guide). But for those with a little wiggle room, there are some things to consider. For example, a child may be better off with a cheaper device, especially if its intended mainly for emergencies, WiFi browsing or texting parents (and not social media). On the higher end of this price spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung phones and other Android devices have come a long way thanks to improved performance, better phone cameras with low-light capabilities, fast charging, and nicer displays like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable alternative to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even if you have the flexibility to spend more. What to look for in a cheap Android phone When it comes to cheap phones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones in this price range are made out of plastic, though the fit and finish of a specific model can vary a lot based on price. A bright screen is also important. Typically youll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate, but some phones may have OLED or AMOLED screens with increased color saturation. Long battery life is critical as well, so we tend to favor devices with larger power cells of around 5,000 mAh. In this price range, performance can vary a lot, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and processors that can deliver stutter-free visuals. Its also important to consider support length: as periodic security updates and lengthy software support can extend the longevity of your device, which will save you money in the long run. Android phone FAQs What's the price difference for a cheap Android vs a cheap iPhone? iPhones tend to be more expensive compared to Android phones even the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE, which starts from $429, is a harder pill to swallow compared to a cheap Android phone. In contrast, you can get your hands on a cheap Android device for as low as $100. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-cheap-android-phone-160029703.html?src=rss

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The best mobile microphones for 2025

Theres nothing more frustrating than shooting the perfect reel only to realize that the audio sounds like garbage. For budding creators, its a frustration; for those looking to make more professional content, its a dealbreaker. Fortunately, the world of mobile-specific (or phone-friendly) microphones has exploded with great options in the last few years. Whether youve been tasked with recording candid moments at a relatives wedding, shooting a friends dance moves or are a journalist out in the field traveling light theres an option out there that will be perfect for you. Weve tested a wide range of popular microphones with a mobile focus so that you dont have to. Below is our hand-picked list of the very best options for a variety of use cases. Some microphones the wireless lavalier kind, for example will be more versatile and convenient, useful for a number of different applications. Others, such as our musician or field-recording picks, are where we explore more exotic form factors such as shotgun mics and mobile-friendly desktop options. As always, above everything else is sound quality and general performance. The good news for you is that weve done all the hard work for you. Happy recording! Best phone mics for 2025: Best wireless mics for creators Creator is a broad term, but for the purposes of this guide, its anyone that wants to make videos or recordings to share on the internet. This is possibly the most exciting category right now with excellent options from brands such as Rode and DJI, but also some compelling budget options too. Once the domain of TV and pro productions, wireless lavalier mics are now the go-to choice for anyone creating in front of (or even behind) the camera. They usually sound great, offer hands-free flexibility and premium models come with extra features that will streamline your creative process. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-mobile-microphones-for-recording-with-a-phone-154536629.html?src=rss

Google says reports of a major Gmail security issue are 'entirely false'

Google is officially debunking a series of reports that claimed Gmail has been hit with a major security issue in recent days. We want to reassure our users that Gmails protections are strong and effective, the company said in a somewhat unusual statement. Several inaccurate claims surfaced recently that incorrectly stated that we issued a broad warning to all Gmail users about a major Gmail security issue. This is entirely false. Google doesn't detail the erroneous claims in its post. But, as Forbes points out , it seems to be referring to several recent reports that stated the company issued an emergency warning to all of its 2.5 billion users in response to a phishing attack that targeted a Salesforce instance used by the company. That incident, however, was first reported by Google in early June , and the company said in an August 8 update that it had finished notifying everyone affected. It's not clear why that report resurfaced now or how it was misconstrued into a supposed warning impacting all Gmail users, but Google is now trying to set the record straight. While its always the case that phishers are looking for ways to infiltrate inboxes, our protections continue to block more than 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts from reaching users, the company said. Its crucial that conversation in this space is accurate and factual. Google also notes that it encourages all users to set up a secure password alternative, such as a passkey for maximum protection. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/google-says-reports-of-a-major-gmail-security-issue-are-entirely-false-224812292.html?src=rss

Chinese social media platforms roll out labels for AI-generated material

Major social media platforms in China have started rolling out labels for AI-generated content to comply with a law that took effect on Monday. Users of the likes of WeChat, Douyin, Weibo and RedNote (aka Xiaohongshu) are now seeing such labels on posts. These denote the use of generative AI in text, images, audio, video and other types of material, according to the South China Morning Post . Identifiers such as watermarks have to be included in metadata too. WeChat has told users they must proactively apply labels to their AI-generated content. They're also prohibited from removing, tampering with or hiding any AI labels that WeChat applies itself, or to use AI to produce or spread false information, infringing content or any illegal activities. ByteDance's Douyin the Chinese version of TikTok similarly urged users to apply a label to every post of theirs that includes AI-generated material while noting it's able to use metadata to detect where a piece of content content came from. Weibo, meanwhile, has added the option for users to report unlabelled AI content option when they see something that should have such a label. Four agencies drafted the law which was issued earlier this year including the main internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security and the National Radio and Television Administration also helped put together the legislation, which is being enforced to help oversee the tidal wave of genAI content. In April, the CAC started a three-month campaign to regulate AI apps and services. Mandatory labels for AI content could help folks better understand when they're seeing AI slop and/or misinformation instead of something authentic. Some US companies that provide genAI tools offer similar labels and are starting to bake such identifiers into hardware. Google's Pixel 10 devices are the first phones that implement C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) content credentials right inside the camera app . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/chinese-social-media-platforms-roll-out-labels-for-ai-generated-material-194803979.html?src=rss

The best noise-canceling earbuds for 2025

Whether you're commuting, working in a bustling caf or just trying to tune out the world, the best noise-canceling earbuds can help you focus on what matters your music, podcasts or a bit of peace and quiet. With advanced noise reduction and features like active noise cancellation, these compact in-ear buds are designed to block out distractions and deliver immersive sound, even in the most noisy environments. Todays top models offer everything from seamless Bluetooth connectivity and customizable ear tips to long-lasting batteries with a pocketable charging case some even charge via USB-C and come with added perks like touch controls and water resistance. Whether you're a casual listener or a true audiophile, theres a pair out there that fits your lifestyle and budget. Table of contents Best noise-cancelling earbuds for 2025 How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you How we test noise-canceling earbuds Best noise-cancelling earbuds for 2025 How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you Design Most true wireless earbuds these days have a traditional design thats a round bud that fits in your ear canals. However, there are some variations on the formula in terms of shape, size and additional fitting elements. Some companies include fins or fit wings to help hold their in-ear earbuds in place while others opt for an over-the-ear hook on more sporty models . Youll want to pay attention to these things to make sure they align with how you plan to use them. Also consider overall size and weight since those two factors can impact the fit. A less-than-ideal seal due to a weird fit will affect the performance of active noise-canceling earbuds. Type of noise cancellation Next, youll want to look at the type of ANC a set of earbuds offer. Youll see 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 the outside of the device to detect ambient noise. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than regular ANC, but its 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 or ear tips. Adaptive ANC is also better at combating wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using earbuds outdoors. For this top pick list of the best noise-canceling earbuds, Im only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise in noisy environments. Customization Youll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of earbuds offers presets or adjustable levels of noise reduction. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that either provide maximum noise-blocking or prioritize energy efficiency. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level. How we test noise-canceling earbuds The primary way we test earbuds 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 earbuds to take both voice and video calls. Since battery life for ANC earbuds is typically 6-10 hours, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). When necessary, Ill power the headphones off during a review without putting them back in the case. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to wear them for an entire day. To test ANC performance specifically, I use the earbuds in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I also use them during air travel, since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if Im not slated to hop on a flight, I simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well earbuds block human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC setups. I also 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 earbuds Im testing are an updated version of a previous model, Ill spend time getting reacquainted with the older set, and revisit the closest competition as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-canceling-earbuds-150026857.html?src=rss

Apple's MLS Season Pass drops to as low as $25 for the rest of 2025

The end of any sports season is usually the most exciting part, and MLS fans can watch the climax of the 2025 campaign for a discount. As it has done each year around this time since it locked up the rights to the top North American soccer league, Apple is offering the MLS Season Pass at a discount for the remainder of the season. Apple TV+ subscribers can get access for $25, while everyone else can snag the season pass for $29. This is just the latest MLS Season Pass price cut of 2025, as Apple slashed it in half to $49 in July . However, it's not quite as great a deal as latecomers got on the pass last year. Apple's end-of-season discount for 2024 saw the season pass drop to just $10 in early September. We're now well over halfway through the 2025 season. Teams have between five and nine games of the regular season left to play. Inter Miami have the most games remaining due to the team's participation in the Club World Cup, so Lionel Messi fans might get to see quite a bit more of him especially if his squad makes the MLS Cup playoffs. You'll also have the chance to check out a few new high-profile imports to MLS, including Son Heung-min at Los Angeles FC and Thomas Mller at Vancouver Whitecaps. The season will end with the MLS Cup final, which will take place on December 6 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apples-mls-season-pass-drops-to-as-low-as-25-for-the-rest-of-2025-170855008.html?src=rss

Only 5 days left: Exhibit tables are disappearing for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

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How to perform a reverse phone number lookup

In an age of constant communication, receiving phone calls or messages from unknown numbers has become increasingly common. Whether it's a missed call from an unfamiliar number, a potential scam or a wrong number, performing a reverse phone number lookup can help you identify the caller. You could start your search with free tools like Google or Whitepages, but if youre struggling to find the person behind the number, paid services such as Spokeo or BeenVerified might give you more detail. In this guide, Ill show you how each option works, along with a few tricks to improve your chances of getting accurate results. What is reverse phone number lookup? Though it sounds like a word jumble, what is commonly referred to as reverse phone number lookup is really just a service that allows you to search for information about a phone number. By entering the number into a lookup tool, you can find out details like the name of the caller, their location and sometimes even social media profiles or associated email addresses. This can be particularly useful when dealing with unwanted calls, checking the legitimacy of a business or reconnecting with someone youve lost contact with. Free options For many people, a quick and free method is sufficient to uncover basic information about a phone number. Here's how you can do it: 1. Use Google Search The simplest (and often most effective) method is using Google. By typing the phone number into the search bar, you may uncover listings, social media profiles, business registrations or forum posts associated with that number. Its a quick way to gather information without needing a dedicated service. Tip: Put the phone number in quotation marks to search for the exact number. Example search: +44 123 456 7890 or 123-456-7890 2. Check online directories Several free online directories provide phone number lookup services. These usually gather data from publicly available sources such as government registries and social media platforms. Examples include: Whitepages : Offers limited access to data for free and can show basic information like location or carrier. TrueCaller : Known for its extensive community-based database, TrueCaller helps identify unknown numbers based on user reports. To use these tools, you simply enter the phone number into the search bar. Some sites offer additional premium features, but the basic lookup is free. 3. Social media search Social media platforms can also be an invaluable resource for tracking down information about a phone number. Searching the number on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram might lead to a user profile associated with it. Many people include their contact details in their social media bios, which can help you identify your caller. Subscription-based reverse phone number lookup services While free services are helpful, they might not always provide comprehensive details, especially for mobile numbers or those associated with private listings. For more detailed information, subscription-based services are available, offering more extensive data and enhanced accuracy. The services below are priced at less than $25/month; however, depending on the service and the features it offers, you may expect to pay more or less. Here are a few popular options: 1. Spokeo Spokeo offers reverse phone lookup services that can help you uncover detailed information about the caller. It searches social networks, public records and other online databases to provide name, address and even criminal background (if applicable). How it works: Enter the phone number, and Spokeo will pull up available records. A subscription is required (from $14.95/month) for full access to reports. 2. Intelius Intelius is another service that provides reverse phone lookup services, and it can identify landlines, mobile numbers and even VoIP numbers. Youll get a detailed report with the persons name, address and potentially even their email address. Subscription cost: Pricing starts at around $1.99 per lookup, though packages for multiple searches are available. 3. BeenVerified BeenVerified is a popular background-check service that provides phone number directories that you can search through, along with other public records searches. It can uncover information such as a person's criminal background, social media profiles and more. How it works: Enter the phone number, and BeenVerified will provide a detailed report. Subscription required (from $23.98/month) for full access. How to use a reverse phone number lookup service Using a reverse phone number lookup service is generally straightforward. Heres a step-by-step guide on how to do it: Choose a service: Decide whether you want to use a free or paid service, depending on how detailed you want the information to be. Enter the phone number: Type the phone number into the search bar, ensuring the correct country code is included (if needed). Review the results: Depending on the service, you may see information like the name, location, phone carrier or social media profiles associated with the number. Access additional information (optional): If youre using a paid service, you might be able to access detailed reports, including criminal records, address history and more. Things to keep in mind when using reverse phone number lookup While reverse phone lookup services can be incredibly helpful, they also have some limitations: Not all numbers are listed: Reverse phone lookup tools search public databases, which are collections of phone number records that are legally available for anyone to access. These usually include landline or mobile numbers that have been shared. Some numbers, especially those on private networks like a university campus, a large factory or a companys internal phone system, are kept out of these databases. These private network numbers might only work inside that network and may not be reachable from the outside anyway, so a lookup will often come up empty. Accuracy issues: The data provided by free services can sometimes be incomplete or inaccurate. Privacy concerns: Some reverse phone lookup services ask for your own details, like your name, email address, or even payment information, before showing results. They might also log the fact that you searched for a specific number. So if youre trying to see who called you, remember that youre also sharing information about yourself. Always check the services privacy policy first and make sure youre okay with how your data will be used. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/how-to-perform-a-reverse-phone-number-lookup-130004364.html?src=rss

Dyson Labor Day sale: Get $500 off the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Labor Day sales might have just what you're looking for in the home cleaning department. Dyson is having a big sale for the holiday that discounts vacuums, hair care devices and more by up to $500. One of the best discounts is on the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum , which is 50 percent off and down to $500. That's a seriously great deal and the lowest price we've seen for this product. The Vis Nav made our list of the best robot vacuums , primarily based on the unit's superior suction power. This thing can pull up dirt like a beast. We said it had the strongest suction power of any robovac we've tested and easily took out pet fur from a carpeted floor. We also noted in our official review that the power here was on par with Dyson's stick vacuums. The unit includes a stellar obstacle avoidance system, with cameras and LED lights to help the vacuum navigate around furniture. During our testing we found it to be nearly flawless, as it only crashed into a chair leg a couple of times. Also, we never received any alerts that the robot got stuck somewhere while working. The bin here is on the larger side, but there's no self-emptying base. This is also not a hybrid unit. It's a vacuum and not a mop. This made it tough to recommend the unit at $1,000, despite the fantastic suction, but $500 makes it a whole lot easier. The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is also down to $800 as part of this sale, which is a discount of $200. This is one of our favorite cordless stick vacuums and features a HEPA filtration system and advanced wet-cleaning capabilities. It's a great tool for cleaning both carpets and hard floors. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/dyson-labor-day-sale-get-500-off-the-360-vis-nav-robot-vacuum-172759786.html?src=rss

Hollow Knight: Silksong costs $5 more than the original

After years of waiting, there's only three days left until Hollow Knight: Silksong is out in this world. We only got the September 4 release date a few weeks ago and now we have the final piece of the puzzle: price. Team Cherry, the indie studio behind the Hollow Knight series, has announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Hollow Knight: Silksong will cost $20. That's a $5 increase from 2017's original mega hit Hollow Knight game. Which, after almost a decade, isn't very surprising. We also have the exact release times for Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4. The game will be available to purchase at 7AM PT/10AM ET. After being delayed past its original 2023 release date , it doesnt feel too far away now. If you're dying with anticipation for the sequel to finally arrive, may we recommend rewatching the above trailer ? It gives away just enough of the game to satiate us until Thursday. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hollow-knight-silksong-costs-5-more-than-the-original-120005386.html?src=rss

The best smart home gadgets for 2025

Turning your house into a smart home is easier and more useful than ever. From automating your lights and climate to securing your front door, smart home tech has come a long way in making everyday life more convenient, energy-efficient and secure. Whether you're just getting started or looking to upgrade your setup, there are plenty of gadgets that work seamlessly together to make your home feel a little more futuristic. The best smart home gadgets can help you control everything from your light switch to your smart thermostat with a tap on your smartphone or a quick voice control command. Whether you're setting routines with a motion sensor, managing entry with a smart lock, or keeping an eye on things with a full security system, modern home automation puts you in charge often with options for remote control when you're away. Table of contents Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart speakers Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart displays Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart lights Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Security cameras Best smart home gadgets for 2025: IoT gear How to pick the right voice assistant before you buy smart gadgets Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart speakers Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart displays Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart lights Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Security cameras Best smart home gadgets for 2025: IoT gear How to pick the right voice assistant before you buy smart gadgets While plenty of the best smart home devices are platform agnostic, there are some smart speakers and smart displays in particular that require you to choose your voice control assistant. Currently, that means deciding if youll use the Google Assistant or Amazons Alexa on a regular basis (Ill address Siri in a moment.) Theyre both compatible with various smart home tech products from light switches and bulbs to robot vacuums, but there are certain devices that work best with either Google or Amazon. Nest products, for example, are more compatible and have more functionality with Google-powered speakers and displays. They can still work with Amazon devices , but certain features might be disabled. The same holds true with Amazon products: They work better if theyre in the same ecosystem. Amazon Alexa So how do you choose between Alexa and Google Assistant? It really depends on your personal preferences. Do you listen to Audible, watch Prime Video and tend to do a lot of shopping on Amazon? Then you might lean toward an Alexa-powered home automation setup. Alexa supports a wide range of devices including smart locks, smart thermostats and motion sensors and many of its speakers and displays include remote control functionality for lights, plugs and other smart gear. Google Assistant If you want a voice assistant thats great at answering questions, Google Assistant tends to be better than Alexa. Amazons helper, on the other hand, currently supports more smart home products. The companys smart speakers and displays also support the Zigbee smart home protocol, and some devices even have built-in smart home hubs. Both Google and Amazon devices can sync with your calendar, though Googles tend to work better with Google services. Plus, if you already have an Android smartphone, you might be more comfortable with Google Assistant anyway. Siri But what about Siri ? Apples assistant supports voice control as well, but it doesn't have as many compatible devices as Google or Amazon. The HomePod mini and the full-sized HomePod are the only Siri-compatible speakers on the market at the moment, too. That said, its not too hard to find Apple HomeKit-compatible gear as more third-party companies add support for it, but you currently have a smaller pool of devices to choose from. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-home-gadgets-125608958.html?src=rss

Sonos Labor Day sale: Save up to 25 percent on headphones, speakers and other gear

The Labor Day and back-to-school season isn't only a good time to save on things like a new laptop. Case in point: Sonos' latest sale. Whether you want to upgrade the sound in your dorm room or home office, you can save up to 25 percent on Sonos speakers and other gear right now. Included in the sale is the Era 100 , which has a 10-percent discount at the moment. Our choice for midrange smart speaker is down to $179 from $199 as part of a larger Labor Day sale on the Sonos website . The same price is available on Amazon , as are some more deals on Sonos products . Sonos debuted the Era 100 speaker in 2023 as a replacement for the Sonos One. It offers great sound quality and has built-in mics for Trueplay tuning and voice control. It's worth mentioning that the Sonos Ace headphones are also on sale for $299, down from $399 a 25 percent discount. The headphones have come a long way since they first launched, including the introduction of TrueCinema, which works with a Sonos soundbar to create the best spatial audio experience. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonos-labor-day-sale-save-up-to-25-percent-on-headphones-speakers-and-other-gear-125211296.html?src=rss

The best Labor Day sales for 2025: Get up to $500 off gear from Apple, Dyson, Shark, Sony and others

Labor Day is here, marking the unofficial end to summer as the weather starts to get crisper and students head back to school for the new semester. It also marks a good time to check out the tech deals available across the web. While seasonal holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day are not the boon for tech sales that shopping events like Amazon Prime Day are, they can present good opportunities to save on things like laptops, tablets, smart home gear and more. Here, we've curated the best Labor Day sales on tech we could find this year. Since this time of year does overlap with the back-to-school season, students should be first in line to check out these deals. If you need some new gadgets for college, or refreshed tech to help you out in your first job after graduating, now's the time to see if you can get it for less. Student discounts are handy and exclusive to those who can prove their student status, but the good thing about Labor Day sales is that anyone can take advantage of them student ID not required. Best Labor Day sales: Engadget's top picks Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $799 ($200 off): Apple's latest MacBook Air is the top pick in our guide to the best laptops , and it earned a score of 92 in our review . The M4 model isn't a major refresh overall, but that's not a bad thing the design remains exceptionally thin, light and well-built, with long battery life and a top-notch keyboard and trackpad. Now it's a bit faster thanks to the updated chipset. Apple iPad (11-inch, A16) for $299 ($50 off): Apple's entry-level iPad is, unsurprisingly, the best iPad option for those on a budget. It has solid performance thanks to the A16 chipset, 128GB of storage in the base model and good battery life. Apple iPad Air (11-inch, M3) for $449 ($150 off): The latest iPad Air is a relatively minor update; the only big addition is a more powerful M3 chip. However, we still recommend this iPad over the base model in our iPad buying guide : Its display is more color-rich and better at fending off glare, its speakers are more robust, it works with Apples best accessories and its performance should hold up better in the years ahead. Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones for $38 (46 percent off) : Sony makes headphones at all price ranges, and the WH-CH520 provides good sound quality and long battery life at an affordable price. They support custom EQ with Sony's mobile app, multipoint connectivity, a built-in microphone and up to 50 hours of battery life. Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $500 ($500 off): Dyson made one of the most impressive robovacs with the 360 Vis Nav . It has some of the strongest suction power of any robot vacuum I've tried, and its impressive obstacle avoidance allows it to move around furniture and other objects with basically not intervention from humans necessary. Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum for $298 (50 percent off): This Shark robot vacuum is a version of one of our favorites and it comes with a auto-empty base that can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. It has strong suction power and home mapping capabilities, so you can tailor cleaning jobs to your liking in addition to putting the robot on a cleaning schedule. Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $159 (43 percent off): This model is one of our favorite budget robot vacuums thanks to its slim design that lets you get underneath furniture more easily and strong suction power for its size. Note that it does not have Wi-Fi connectivity, but it comes with a remote that lets you control the robot to your liking. Cosori 9-in-1 air fryer for $90 (25 percent off): One of our picks for the best air fryers , this Cosori model has a spacious six-quart cooking basket and nine prep modes to choose from. In our testing, it consistently crisped up all kinds of foods, from frozen appetizers to raw proteins, and it has a nifty safety feature with its built-in basket release button. Anker MagGo Qi2 10K power bank for $70 (22 percent off): Our current favorite power bank for iPhones, this 10K portable battery attaches magnetically to iPhones and powers them up quickly thanks to Qi2 technology. The built-in kickstand makes it easy to prop up your phone while it's recharging, and the LCD display handily shows you how much power is left in the bank itself. Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 100W) for $95 (30 percent off) : One of our top picks for the best power banks , this 25K brick from Anker has two built-in USB-C cables so you never have to remember to bring one with you. It has a durable build and delivers a speedy charge to all devices, and as the name implies, it can handle powering up items as big as a laptop. Google Pixel 10 smartphone + $100 Amazon gift card for $799 ($100 off): More of a pre-order deal than a Labor Day deal, this bundle includes a free gift card when you order the latest Google Pixel phone in advance. You'll find different gift card deals at Amazon depending on which phone you go with: the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL have a $200 gift cards included, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with a free $300 gift card. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) for $220 ($30 off): This is the latest version of Amazon's color ereader that has half of the storage of the original model, but otherwise functions the same. That makes it a little cheaper to start off, but you're still getting a 7-inch color e-paper display, full access to the Kindle shop and a waterproof design. We also appreciate that the Colorsoft comes with no lockscreen ads by default. Amazon Kindle (16GB) for $90 (18 percent off): The latest entry-level Kindle has a lightweight, compact design, a six-inch screen with adjustable front light, up to six weeks of battery life and gives you access to the entire Kindle ebook store. Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras (3 camera system) for $100 (47 percent off): Some of our favorite security cameras , Blink Outdoor 4 devices support 1080p video, two-way talk, motion alerts and night vision. The most convenient thing about these is that they're totally wireless and run on AA batteries that can last up to two years before you need to replace them. That combined with their weather-proof design allows you to place them both inside and outside. ESPN Unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $30/month ($6/month off): ESPNs new streaming service is officially available now, and new subscribers can get Disney+ and Hulu included for one year when they sign up. The regular price of the new ESPN Unlimited plan is $30 per month, but this bundle offer throws in Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for one year at no extra cost. If you want to break it down, youre essentially getting each of the three services for $10 monthly with this offer. NordVPN deal Get up to 77 percent off two-year plans: Most of NordVPN's two-year plans are on sale right now. You'll get 77 percent off the Prime tier, bringing the price down to $189 for 27 months of service (Nord throws in an extra three months for free). Arguably the best plan for most people is the Plus tier, which is 73 percent off and down to $108 for the 27-month term. MasterClass deal Get 50 percent off one-year subscriptions: You can sign up for one year of MasterClass access for as low as $5 per month thanks to this sale that runs through September 1. A subscription lets you watch hundreds of online video classes taught by experts in their fields, and subject matter ranges from writing to cooking to sports. Best Labor Day sales on tech Apple 24-inch iMac (M4) for $1,149 ($150 off) 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wired Controller for $15 (25 percent off) Xbox wireless gaming controller for $54 (17 percent off) JBL Go 4 portable speaker for $45 (10 percent off) Roku Ultra streamer for $79 (21 percent off) Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones for $198 (43 percent off) Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp Basic for $60 (40 percent off) Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet for $175 (24 percent off) Nothing Headphones (1) for $269 ($30 off) More Labor Day sales Best Buy Labor Day sale: Get up to 50 percent off appliances, laptops, TVs, smartphones and more Amazon Labor Day sale: Get up to 40 percent off headphones, earbuds, tech accessories and more Walmart Labor Day sale: Save hundreds on electronics including TVs, laptops, headphones and more Dyson Labor Day sale: Save up to $500 on vacuums, hair care and more Sonos Labor Day sale: Save up to 25 percent on headphones and speakers Therabody Labor Day sale: Save up to $150 on percussion massage guns and more Ooni Labor Day sale: Get 20 percent off the Koda 2 Max and save on other pizza ovens Solo Stove Labor Day sale: Get 20 percent off fire pits and 15 percent off select accessories Meater Labor Day sale: Get up to 27 percent off smart meat thermometers 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-labor-day-sales-for-2025-get-up-to-500-off-gear-from-apple-dyson-shark-sony-and-others-120049563.html?src=rss

How to buy a GPU in 2025

One of the trickiest parts of any new computer build or upgrade is finding the right video card. In a gaming PC, the GPU is easily the most important component, and you can hamstring your experience by buying the wrong model. The buying process can be frustrating, with many manufacturers selling their models above their suggested retail price. In this guide, we'll help you navigate the market and find the right GPU for your needs. Table of contents How to buy a GPU It's all about the games NVIDIA vs AMD and Intel VRAM Size and power draw Should you buy a used GPU? When is a good time to buy a new GPU? Best GPUs for 2025: Engadget recommendations How to buy a GPU There are a lot of things to consider before buying a graphics card. We'll go through everything in depth below, but here's a TL;DR list of what you should consider: the types of games you play, the amount of VRAM in the graphics cards you're considering, the physical size of the card and how much power it requires, the manufacturers that make the GPUs on your shortlist and, finally, your budget for a new GPU. We have some of our favorites recommended at the end of this guide, but it's important to remember that there isn't one best graphics card for everyone the best GPU will you will depend largely on how you plan on using it, with what frequency and how much you're willing to spend. It's all about the games The first question to ask yourself is what kind of games do you want to play. Competitive shooters like Valorant , Overwatch and Marvel Rivals were designed to run on older hardware. As such, even entry-level GPUs like the GeForce RTX 5060 can push those games at 120 frames per second and above at 1080p (more on why that's important in a moment). By contrast, if you want to play modern, single-player games with ray tracing and other graphical extras, you'll need a more powerful GPU. Just how much more powerful will depend on the resolution of your monitor. A 1440p monitor has 78 percent more pixels than a 1080p screen, and a 4K display has more than twice as many pixels as a QHD panel. In short, running a game at 4K, especially at anything above 60 frames per second, is demanding, and most GPUs will need to use upscaling techniques like NVIDIA's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) to push new games at high refresh rates. While we're on the subject of resolution, it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on a 4K monitor only to pair it with an inexpensive GPU. That's a recipe for a bad experience. As you're shopping for a new video card, you should think about the resolution and frame rate you want to play your games. If you're in the market for both a GPU and display, be sure to check out our guide to the best gaming monitors . If your budget allows, a good bet is to buy a midrange card that can comfortably render all but the most demanding games at 1440p and at least 144 frames per second. Put another way, you want a GPU that can saturate a monitor at its native resolution and refresh rate in as many games as possible. That will give you the smoothest possible experience in terms of motion clarity, and allow you to dabble in both competitive shooters and the latest single-player games as the mood strikes you. NVIDIA vs AMD and Intel Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget One of the confusing aspects of the GPU industry are all the players involved . What you need to know is that there are three main players: AMD, Intel and NVIDIA. They design the cards you can buy, but delegate the manufacturing of them to so-called add-in board (AIB) partners like ASUS, XFX, Gigabyte and others. As you can probably imagine, this creates some headaches. The most annoying of which is that AMD, Intel and NVIDIA will often set recommended prices for their graphic cards, only for their partners to sell their versions of those GPUs above the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). For example, NVIDIA's website lists the RTX 5070 with a starting price of $549. On Newegg, there are no 5070s listed at that price . The only models anywhere close to $549 are open box specials. If you want one that comes sealed, that will cost you at least $600 . As for what company you should buy your new GPU from, before 2025, NVIDIA was the undisputed king of the market. Specific GeForce cards may have not offered the best rasterization performance in their price range, but between their performance in games with ray tracing and the fact NVIDIA was ahead on features like DLSS, an RTX GPU was a safe bet. However, with this year's RTX 50 series release, other than models like the RTX 5080 and 5090 where there's no competition, it's safe to say NVIDIA missed the mark this generation. If you're in the market for an entry- or mid-level GPU, AMD and Intel offer better value, with cards that come with enough VRAM for now and into the future. That said, there are still a few reasons you might consider an NVIDIA GPU, starting with ray tracing. Ray tracing For decades, developers have used rasterization techniques to approximate how light behaves in the real world, and the results have been commendable. But if you know what to look for, it's easy to see where the illusion falls apart. For that reason, real-time ray tracing has been a goal of industry for years, and in 2018 it became a reality with NVIDIA's first RTX cards. In some games, effects like ray-traced reflections and global illumination are transformational. Unfortunately, those features are expensive to run, often coming at a significant frame-rate drop without upscaling. Since ray tracing was optional in many games before 2025, you could save money by buying an AMD GPU. For example, even if the RX 7800 XT was worse at ray tracing than the RTX 4070, the former was often cheaper to buy, had more onboard VRAM and was as good or better rasterization performance in many games. However, you can't ignore ray tracing performance anymore. We're starting to see releases like Doom: The Dark Ages where the tech is an integral part of a game's rendering pipeline, and more are likely to follow in the future. Thankfully, AMD's newest cards are much better in that regard, though you'll still get an edge running an NVIDIA model. For that reason, if ray tracing is important to you, NVIDIA cards are still the way to go. Refresh rates and frame rates If you're new to the world of PC gaming, it can be tricky to wrap your head around refresh rates. In short, the higher the refresh rate of a monitor, the more times it can update the image it displays on screen every second, thereby producing a smoother moving picture. For example, moving elements on a monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate will look better than on one with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, that's all contingent on your GPU being able to consistently render a game at the appropriate frame rates. In the case of a 120Hz monitor, you want a GPU with enough headroom to drive most games at 120 fps. Realistically, most video cards won't be able to achieve that in every game, but it's a good baseline to aim for when shopping for a new GPU. Upscaling and latency I've mentioned DLSS a few times already. Alongside FSR and Intel XeSS, DLSS is an example of what's known as an image reconstruction technology. More and more, native rendering is going out of fashion in game design. With ray tracing and other modern effects enabled, even the most powerful GPUs can struggle to render a game at 1440p or 4K and a playable framerate. Thats why many developers will turn to DLSS, FSR or XeSS to eke out additional performance by upscaling a lower resolution image to QHD or UHD. Upscaling in games is nothing new. For example, the PS4 Pro used a checkerboard technique to output games in 4K. What is different now is how modern GPUs go about it. With DLSS, NVIDIA pioneered an approach that uses machine learning to recreate an image at a higher resolution, and in the process, addressed some of the pitfalls of past upscaling methods. If you're sensitive to these sorts of things, there's still blur and shimmer with DLSS, FSR and XeSS, but it's much less pronounced and can lead to significant performance gains. To DLSS, NVIDIA later added single and multi-frame generation. DLSS is only available on NVIDIA cards, and following the recent release of DLSS 4 , widely considered to offer the best image quality. That's another reason why you might choose an NVIDIA card over one of its competitors. However, if you decide to go with an AMD GPU, don't feel like you're missing out. The company recently released FSR 4. While it's not quite on par with DLSS 4 in terms of support and image quality, it's a major leap over FSR 3 and FSR 2. While on the subject of DLSS, I'll also mention NVIDIA Reflex . It's a latency-reducing technology NVIDIA introduced in 2020. AMD has its own version called Radeon Anti-Lag , but here again Team Green has a slight edge thanks to the recent release of Reflex 2 . If you're serious about competitive games, Reflex 2 can significantly reduce input lag, which will make it easier to nail your shots in Counter-Strike 2 , Valorant and other shooters. Driver support Previously, one of the reasons to pick an NVIDIA GPU over the competition was the company's solid track record of driver support. With one of the company's video cards, you were less likely to run into stability issues and games failing to launch. In 2025, NVIDIA's drivers have been abysmal, with people reporting frequent issues and bugs. So if you care about stability, AMD has a slight edge right now. VRAM As you're comparing different GPUs, especially those in the same tier, pay close attention to the amount of VRAM they offer. Modern games will eat up as much VRAM as a GPU can offer, and if your card has a low amount, such as 8GB, you're likely to run into a performance bottleneck. If your budget allows for it, always go for the model with more VRAM. Consider, for instance, the difference between the $299 RTX 5060 and $429 RTX 5060 Ti . I know spending an extra $130 close to 50 percent more on the 5060 Ti is going to be a lot for some people, but it's the difference between a card that is barely adequate for any recent release and one that will last you for a few years, and it all comes down to the amount of VRAM offered in each. Simply put, more is better. A slight caveat to this is when comparing models that have different memory bandwidths. A GPU that can access more of its memory faster can outperform one with more memory, even if it has less of it outright. Here, you'll want to read reviews of the models you're comparing to see how they perform in different games. Size and power draw Modern GPUs are big. Most new cards will take up at least two PCI slots on the back of your motherboard. They can also vary dramatically in length, depending on the number of fans the AIB has added to cool the PCB. To be safe, be sure to check the length of the card you want to buy against the maximum clearance listed by your case manufacturer. If you have a radiator at the front of your case, you will also need to factor the size of that in your measurements. The last thing you want is to buy a card that doesn't fit in your case. Lastly, be sure to check the recommended power supply for the card you want. As a rule of thumb, unless you know what you're doing, it's best to just stick with the manufacturer's recommendation. For instance, NVIDIA suggests pairing the RTX 5070 with a 750 watt PSU. So if you're currently running a 650 watt unit, you'll need to factor in the price of a PSU upgrade with your new GPU. Should you buy a used GPU? Devindra Hardawar for Engadget It depends. If you can find a deal on an old RTX 40 series GPU, then yes. NVIDIA's RTX 50 series don't offer greatly improved performance over their predecessors, and with most models selling for more than their suggested retail price, it's not a great time to buy a new NVIDIA card. That said, I suspect finding a good deal on a used GPU will be difficult. Most people will know the value of what they have, and considering the current market, will probably try to get as much as they can for their old card. You may find better deals on older AMD and Intel GPUs, but I think you're better off spending more now on a new model from one of those companies since the generational gains offered by their latest cards are much more impressive. Simply put, the 9070 XT and B580 are two of the best cards you can buy right now. Anything older than a card from NVIDIA's 40 series or AMD's RX 6000 family is not worth considering. Unless your budget is extremely tight or you mostly play older games, you're much better off spending more to buy a new card that will last you longer. When is a good time to buy a new GPU? If you've read up to this point, you're probably wondering if it's even worth buying a GPU right now. The answer is (unsurprisingly) complicated. There are a handful of great cards like the Intel B580 and Radeon 9070 XT that are absolutely worth buying. The problem is finding any GPU at prices approaching those set by AMD, Intel or NVIDIA is really tough. To make things worse, uncertainty around President Trump's tariff policies is likely to push prices even higher. If you own a relatively recent GPU, you're probably best off trying to hold onto your current card until things settle down. However, if your GPU isn't cutting it anymore, you face a difficult decision: overpay now, or wait and potentially pay even more later. As much as I'm reluctant to recommend a prebuilt PC, if you're already planning to build a new computer, it's worth exploring your options there since you might end up saving money on a video card when it's bundled together with all the other components you need. Best GPUs for 2025: Engadget recommendations Entry-level (1080p) GPUs As we mentioned above, if you're only aiming to play basic competitive shooters like Valorant and Overwatch 2 in 1080p, an entry-level GPU may be all you need. While 1080p isn't an ideal resolution when it comes to sharpness, many gamers prefer it since it's easier to reach higher framerates. And it also helps that 1080p gaming monitors , like the AOC 24G15N 24-inch we recommend, tend to offer speedy refresh rates for between $100 and $200. When you're zipping through matches, you likely won't have time to take a breath and appreciate the detail from higher resolutions. Here are our recommendations for entry-level video cards. Midrange (1440p) GPUs While entry-level cards can dabble with 1440p gaming, it's worth stepping up to something a bit more powerful if you actually want to achieve higher refresh rates. For most gamers, 1440p is the best balance between sharpness and high framerates. It looks noticeably better than 1080p, and doesn't require the horsepower overhead of 4K. (And there's a good chance you won't really see a visual difference with the jump to 4K.) Here are our recommendations for midrange GPUs. High-end (4K) GPUs If you want the most of what modern PC games have to offer, including 4K and all of the benefits of ray tracing, then be ready to spend big bucks on a high-end GPU. If you're going this route, though, be sure you're also gaming on a high-end monitor that befits these powerful GPUs. Here are our recommendations for premium GPUs. Super high-end/Money isn't real GPUs Listen, there's only one choice here and it's NVIDIA's enormously powerful and fantastically expensive RTX 5090 . It's an absolute beast, with 32GB of VRAM and the most hardware NVIDIA has ever stuffed into a consumer GeForce GPU. The RTX 5090 doesn't make sense for 99 percent of gamers especially since it's now going for $3,000, up from its $2,000 launch price but if you have the cash to spare, it'll certainly earn you bragging rights. (Check out our NVIDIA RTX 5090 review .) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/how-to-buy-a-gpu-160100017.html?src=rss

Get up to 77 percent off NordVPN two-year plans for Labor Day

VPN users are overwhelmed with choice , and there are as many bad options out there as there are good ones. Luckily, NordVPN sits in the latter category, and right now Nord is offering discounted plans across its various tiers. If you take out a two-year NordVPN Plus plan (the company's most popular plan) itll cost you $108 for the duration of the contract, with Nord throwing in three extra months at no extra cost. Thats 73 percent off the usual rate. As well as Nords VPN service, a Plus plan also includes the Threat Protection Pro anti-malware tool, password management and an ad- and tracker-blocker. A Prime plan additionally comes with encrypted cloud storage or NordProtect, which insures you against identity theft and monitors dark web activity. That's also on sale down to $189 on the same two-year commitment with those three additional months thrown in, which works out to a 77 percent savings on the regular price. When Engadgets Sam Chapman reviewed NordVPN earlier this year, he praised its excellent download speeds, exclusive features and extensive server network. Less impressive is its clunky interface and inconsistent design when jumping between different platforms running a NordVPN app. While it doesn't quite make the cut in our guide to the best VPNs available right now, it generally performed well in speed tests and Threat Protection Pro is really worth having. 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-up-to-77-percent-off-nordvpn-two-year-plans-for-labor-day-151807565.html?src=rss

Escape from Tarkov is finally coming to Steam 'soon,' developer says

Following news that Escape from Tarkov is escaping its perpetual beta, the pioneering extraction shooter is also about to make its debut on Steam. Nikita Buyanov, head of the Battlestate Games studio that developed Escape from Tarkov , confirmed on X that the game's Steam page will be available soon, only teasing that the full details will come later. Buyanov's confirmation comes less than a day after the developer posted a GIF on X of a man spraying steam from an iron. Earlier this month, Buyanov revealed on X that the looter shooter will get its 1.0 release on November 15, 2025, more than eight years after the beta opened up to players in July 2017, and that the studio has plans to port it to consoles. The Steam page for Escape from Tarkov isn't live yet, and with only vague details to go off of, longtime fans already have burning questions. Most importantly, existing players are eager to know if they will have to buy the game again on Steam and how this change will affect the ongoing cheating problem . While we don't have any answers yet, Battlestate Games recently went into damage control mode when it revealed the Unheard Edition of the game that costs $250 and includes a new PvE mode. This move irked longstanding players who previously purchased another premium edition of the game, called the Edge of Darkness, which promised access to all future DLCs. The controversy boiled down to owners of the Edge of Darkness edition claiming they should have access to the new content, but the studio argued that it isn't classified as DLC. In the end, Buyanov apologized for the debacle and promised the PvE mode would be available for anyone who purchased the Edge of Darkness package. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/escape-from-tarkov-is-finally-coming-to-steam-soon-developer-says-181356635.html?src=rss

Stardew Valley is getting yet another surprise update

We may not have a date for Stardew Valley 's next major update, but we have confirmation that it's happening. Eric Barone, the developer behind the hit farming sim , announced that there will be a 1.7 update during the Stardew Valley Symphony of Seasons concert in Seattle, later confirming the news with a post on X . Barone, better known as ConcernedApe, didn't reveal a release date, nor any teasers about content. Considering the numbered update, we're expecting more than just a patch and something similar to the fresh content added in the 1.6 update. The previous update released in March of last year and delivered a ton of free content, including the Meadowlands Farm, a new three-day festival, more crops and novel NPC interactions. Fans will always welcome more content for Stardew Valley , but some expressed concern about how this will impact the release timeline for Barone's upcoming title, Haunted Chocolatier . The developer revealed the standalone title in 2021 and told PC Gamer in April of this year that he wouldn't work on any more Stardew Valley updates until he's done with Haunted Chocolatier. To offer some reassurance, Barone replied on X that the 1.7 update will not hinder Haunted Chocolatier development. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/stardew-valley-is-getting-yet-another-surprise-update-161805119.html?src=rss

MasterClass Labor Day sale: Get 50 percent off subscriptions

If you want to brush up on some skills or learn new ones, MasterClass offers a good way to do just that. The streaming service has hundreds of classes taught by professionals and experts in their fields, and now you can get a subscription for 50 percent less than usual. All MasterClass membership tiers are on sale right now, so you can sign up for as low as $5 per month. With a subscription, you could watch a class on writing taught by James Patterson, or learn cooking techniques from Thomas Keller. If you're trying to impress at your next pickup basketball game you could learn about shooting, ball-handling and scoring from Steph Curry. Each class includes around 20 video lessons that run about 10 minutes long on average, as well as an in-depth workbook. MasterClass has also begun producing some original series for its platform. The series Business Rebels features different CEOs walking viewers through the strategies that helped them disrupt their industries. One entitled Skin Health features top dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist walking viewers through keeping their skin healthy through cleansing routines and specific beauty products. The wide range of skills or life lessons you could learn through these classes is why MasterClass is on our list of best subscriptions you can give as gifts . Maybe your loved one who loves to host dinner parties could use some tips from Gordon Ramsay. There are three subscription tiers for MasterClass that each differ only in how many devices they allow at one time, and whether offline videos are supported. The Standard subscription only supports one device, whereas the Plus subscription allows two. These are normally $10 and $15 per month, respectively, and neither offers offline mode. The Premium tier, which carries a regular price of $20 per month, allows up to six devices and features offline mode for downloaded classes. All three tiers are part of the 50 percent off sale, which marks them down to $5, $8 and $10 respectively. MasterClass bills annually, so be sure to calculate the total from the monthly price before deciding. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/masterclass-labor-day-sale-get-50-percent-off-subscriptions-133223226.html?src=rss

Pick up an Apple AirTag four-pack for only $70 in this Labor Day sale

Labor Day sales include a decent number of Apple devices this year, from big to small. AirTags are among the latter; you can pick up a four-pack of the Bluetooth trackers for only $70 right now. That's only about $5 more than the pack's record-low price, and it's one of the best prices we've seen all year. For Apple users, AirTags offer some large advantages over rival trackers. The ultra-wideband functionality offers precise tracking with iPhones less than five years old, so you can narrow your search between a couch and love seat in the same room. Over larger distances, the AirTag network enabled by all Apple device users lets you track down an object you might have misplaced in a caf. It offers a simple coin-sized design and seamless experience thanks to the Find My app. You can also force an AirTag to emit a chime to help you home in an object's location, and and that sound is nice and loud to better help you locate it. It does lack a built-in keyring like rival trackers, so you'll need to pay an extra for that. And it works best with Apple devices, so Android users may want to look at trackers from Chipolo or Pebblebee that use Google's Find My Device network . However, if you're in Apple's ecosystem and have been waiting for a discount, now is the time to act. 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/mobile/smartphones/pick-up-an-apple-airtag-four-pack-for-only-70-in-this-labor-day-sale-130740075.html?src=rss

Apples retail expansion in India comes amid strained trade ties between New Delhi and Washington

The Cupertino-based companys sequence of openings in India, from financial and political capitals first, followed by Bengaluru and Pune centres, suggests Apple wants more than transactional sales

Samsung, Lenovo and Apple lead Indias tablet market as it declines 32% in the first half

The decline is largely attributed to a drop in commercial shipments, primarily driven by a reduction in government-funded manifesto programs

Nothing hires former Poco India head Himanshu Tandon as VP Business CMF

CMF is known to sell budget and mid segment smartphones with a quirky design element apart from offering affordable wireless earbuds

Apple new iPhone series launching on September 9: What to expect

Apple CEO Tim Cook shared on X, Get ready for an awe dropping #AppleEvent on Tuesday, September 9!

OnePlus launches Nord Buds 3r wireless earbuds for entry level buyers in India

It also comes With Sound Master EQ with three pre-tuned EQ presets

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

Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab S10 Lite tablet running Exynos processor and S Pen

Galaxy Tab S10 Lite ships with an 8,000 mAh battery with fast charging support