Gadgets News

The 11 best gifts under $25 for 2025

So you want to give someone a gift but you dont have a ton of cash to spare. Dont fret because first, youre not alone, and second, there are tons of options to choose from. Especially if youre looking in the tech space, it can feel especially daunting to find a gadget thats affordable but also worth gifting in other words, not a piece of junk that will eventually take up residence at the bottom of a drawer. But you dont have to drain your wallet to get someone a cool gadget that will both be useful and make their lives easier. Weve collected our favorite pieces of tech under $25 that make great gifts and help you to stick to a budget. Best gifts under $25 Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-11-best-gifts-under-25-for-2025-140042203.html?src=rss

Governor Hochul signs New York's AI safety act

New York governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Friday aimed at holding large AI developers accountable for the safety of their models. The RAISE Act establishes rules for greater transparency, requiring these companies to publish information about their safety protocols and report any incidents within 72 hours of their occurrence. It comes a few months after California adopted similar legislation. But, the penalties aren't going to be nearly as steep as they were initially presented when the bill passed back in June. While that version included fines of up to $10 million dollars for a company's first violation and up to $30 million for subsequent violations, according to Politico , Hochul's version sets the fines at up to $1 million for the first violation, and $3 million for any violations after that. In addition to the new reporting rules, a new oversight office dedicated to AI safety and transparency is being born out of the RAISE Act. This office will be part of the Department of Financial Services, and issue annual reports on its assessment of large AI developers. Hochul signed two other pieces of AI legislation earlier in December that focused on the use of the technology in the entertainment industry. At the same time, President Trump has been pushing to curb states' attempts at AI regulation, and signed an executive order this month calling for a minimally burdensome national standard instead. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/governor-hochul-signs-new-yorks-ai-safety-act-220503930.html?src=rss

Sony's first EV with Honda will let you remotely play PS5 in your car

Faraway road trips just got a lot easier, at least for the passengers. Sony Honda Mobility , the joint venture between the two Japanese conglomerates created to produce electric vehicles, announced that its Afeela EV will come with PS Remote Play. While playing video games in a car may be a niche feature, it means drivers will have something to do when parked, and passengers can chip away at their favorite RPGs during long drives. According to the announcement, the Afeela will be able to run your PS5 and PS4 consoles remotely through the infotainment system's integrated display. You can even grab your DualSense controller from home and get right back into the game after jumping in your Afeela. Sony Honda Mobility said a 5Mbps broadband connection is required to play, and a 15Mbps rate will deliver a smoother experience. It's not the first time we're hearing about PS Remote Play in an EV. The joint venture previously showed off the Afeela 1, which is set for its first deliveries in 2026, and its ability to remotely play PlayStation titles at CES 2024 . As for gaming in EVs overall, Tesla famously offered Steam support for its Model S and X , but later removed this feature. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/sonys-first-ev-with-honda-will-let-you-remotely-play-ps5-in-your-car-202359091.html?src=rss

Game publisher says cheaper Switch 2 cartridges are coming in since-deleted post

Gamers who prefer physical copies of their favorite titles may be getting a major win with the Switch 2. In an unexpected announcement from retro video game publisher ININ Games, Nintendo reportedly has two new smaller cartridge sizes for its Switch 2 console. For ININ Games, these rumored game cartridges with smaller storage capacity allow the publisher to recalculate production costs and pursue a physical Switch 2 release of its upcoming R-Type Dimensions III. ININ Games later deleted its posts mentioning these smaller Switch 2 cartridges and issued a correction on its website and social media pages . However, the publisher reiterated that R-Type Dimensions III will be released on a physical cartridge, but that no further technical details regarding cartridge specifications have been officially confirmed. There has been no official announcement or confirmation from Nintendo concerning cartridge storage capacities, ININ Games said in a statement. Any references to specific storage sizes should not be interpreted as official information from Nintendo. If we're reading between the lines, ININ Games may have been early to tease a crucial detail about Switch 2 cartridges that Nintendo wasn't officially ready to reveal yet. For more context, Nintendo reportedly only offers physical game cartridges for Switch 2 with a 64GB capacity. With less demanding games like R-Type Dimensions III , that much storage capacity could be unnecessary and raise production costs. Nintendo still hasn't made an announcement about these potential smaller cartridges, but we could see a lot more game publishers opting for physical copies of their upcoming games if they are indeed an option. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/game-publisher-says-cheaper-switch-2-cartridges-are-coming-in-since-deleted-post-191145230.html?src=rss

Valve discontinued the last remaining LCD model of the Steam Deck

If you still haven't bought into the Steam Deck craze, it'll cost you a little extra to take the plunge now since Valve is only offering OLED models. Valve announced in a note on its Steam Deck page that it's no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model, adding that once sold out, it will no longer be available. As of this article's publishing, the $399 Steam Deck with LCD and 256 GB of storage, which we ranked as the best gaming handheld for most, is out of stock. Even Valve's refurbished stock of LCD models has been cleared out. The OLED version of the Steam Deck is a worthy upgrade since it comes with a longer battery life and a larger display with a higher refresh rate. However, the LCD model offered an impressive entry price for the Steam Deck and the world of affordable gaming handhelds. Fortunately for existing owners, Valve said it plans to continue supporting the LCD models with future software updates. For now, potential buyers will have to choose between the new entry-level pricing of $549 for the OLED model with 512GB of storage or upgrading to 1TB and paying at least $649. Valve's choice to discontinue its last remaining LCD model isn't surprising after it did the same with the 512GB version and the 64GB option that was available when the Steam Deck was first released in 2022. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/valve-discontinued-the-last-remaining-lcd-model-of-the-steam-deck-171548195.html?src=rss

The 10 best white elephant gifts worth fighting over for 2025

If you have a white elephant gift exchange at work this year or with friends and family, theres a good chance youre scrambling right now to find a good gift or decipher what even makes a good white elephant gift. The possible origins of the term white elephant provide one way of looking at it: According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. It was a far more devious punishment than simply having them executed. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. Whether or not that story is true, it gives us one way of looking at a white elephant gift: something just useful or amusing enough that it wont immediately get tossed into the trash, but is also somewhat of a burden. However, there are plenty of other ways of interpreting this strange yet delightful tradition. Some compete to get a gift that others will surely want to steal, while others scavenge for the most niche and targeted gag gifts. Almost all of them, though, typically have a price limit that keeps the burden of gift giving to a minimum usually $50 or less. So with all of that in mind, here are some white elephant gift ideas that will get you a few chuckles without requiring you to spend too much (or think too hard about it). Best white elephant gift ideas White elephant FAQs What is white elephant? A white elephant gift exchange is a party game typically played around the holidays in which people exchange funny, impractical gifts. How does white elephant work? A group of people each bring one wrapped gift to the white elephant gift exchange, and each gift is typically of a similar value. All gifts are then placed together and the group decides the order in which they will each claim a gift. The first person picks a white elephant gift from the pile, unwraps it and their turn ends. The following players can either decide to unwrap another gift and claim it as their own, or steal a gift from someone who has already taken a turn. The rules can vary from there, including the guidelines around how often a single item can be stolen some say twice, max. The game ends when every person has a white elephant gift. Why is it called white elephant? The term white elephant is said to come from the legend of the King of Siam gifting white elephants to courtiers who upset him. While it seems like a lavish gift on its face, the belief is that the courtiers would be ruined by the animals upkeep costs. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-10-best-white-elephant-gifts-worth-fighting-over-for-2025-150516281.html?src=rss

AirTags are back on sale for $65 for a four-pack

Most Apple products are pretty expensive, but some of the most affordable (and useful) ones are AirTags . The Bluetooth trackers are priced pretty reasonably even when not on sale, but they can be a steal if you can get them on a discount like right now. A four pack of AirTags is on sale for $65 at Amazon, which is only a few dollars more than the record-low price we saw during Black Friday this year. If you place an order quickly, the AirTags should arrive in time for Christmas, making this a solid choice as a gift for someone with a tendency to misplace stuff. AirTags can also be useful for people who travel frequently, helping you to keep track of essentials like your passport as well as a way to keep tabs on luggage while you're on the go. If you do purchase some AirTags, we have some recommendations for useful accessories to go along with them, such as different styles of cases to best attach the trackers to different types of items. These are worth looking over and adding to your shopping cart in order to make the most of the product. AirTags have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and their replaceable batteries should last for about a year. They can also support Precision Finding, which gives more exact directions to a lost item, when paired with most models after the iPhone 11. Up to five people can share an AirTag's location, which is helpful for families or large travel groups. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/airtags-are-back-on-sale-for-65-for-a-four-pack-202333618.html?src=rss

AirPods Pro 3 drop to a record low of $199

If you haven't yet upgraded to Apple's AirPods Pro 3 , you can pick up the company's latest model at a discount through a deal on Amazon right now. The AirPods Pro 3, which came out in September, are currently down to $199. That's $50 off and the best price we've seen. With the new AirPods Pro, Apple made some big improvements, including better battery life and sound quality, and introduced useful new features, such as Live Translation. The AirPods Pro 3 are the best AirPods available today, with Apple's H2 chip, and earned a score of 90 out of 100 in Engadget's review this fall. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the biggest selling points of the AirPods Pro, and Apple has made the experience even better with the AirPods Pro 3. They sport new foam-infused ear tips that create a better seal to improve passive noise isolation, and as Engadget's Billy Steele wrote in his review, Ultra-low-noise microphones combine with advanced computational audio to silence even more background noise. In testing, they had no problem blocking out the chatter of people nearby or otherwise noisy environments. With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple introduced heart-rate sensing, so you'll be able to see your heart rate data from the earbuds in the Fitness app and other workout apps. The AirPods Pro 3 also boast Live Translation, which you can activate via controls on the earbuds themselves. As long as you have an Apple Intelligence-capable device, you'll be able to translate in-person conversations in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin). Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/airpods-pro-3-drop-to-a-record-low-of-199-222806196.html?src=rss

Google Assistant will stick around a bit longer than expected for some Android users

Google wanted to remove Assistant from most Android phones by the end of 2025 and replace it with Gemini. But now the company has announced that it needs a bit more time to make its AI assistant the new default digital helper for most of its users. Google said that it's adjusting its previously announced timeline to make sure [it delivers] a seamless transition and that updates to convert Assistant to Gemini on Android devices will continue into the next year. The company also said that it's sharing more details in the coming months, so it's possible that the transition will go past early 2026. Assistant's retirement was pretty much expected the moment Google launched Gemini and started giving it Assistant's capabilities, such as the ability to control smart devices connected to your phone. It launched the Pixel 9 Series with Gemini as the default assistant back in 2024. The company has also been putting Gemini in all of its products and previously said that it plans to upgrade all tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches with the AI-powered chatbot. Devices do have to meet a few minimum requirements to get the upgrade, however, and must be running Android 10 and come with 2GB of RAM at the very least. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-assistant-will-stick-around-a-bit-longer-than-expected-for-some-android-users-130000178.html?src=rss

Claude's Chrome plugin is now available to all paid users

Anthropic is finally letting more people use Claude in Google Chrome . The company's AI browser plugin is expanding beyond $200-per-month Max subscribers and is now available to anyone who pays for a Claude subscription. The Claude Chrome plugin allows for easy access to Anthropic's AI regardless of where you are on the web, but its real draw is how it lets Claude navigate and use websites on your behalf. Anthropic says that Claude can fill out forms, manage your calendar and email and complete multi-step workflows based on a prompt. The latest version of the plugin also features integration with Claude Code, Anthropic's AI coding tool, and allows users to record a workflow and teach Claude how to do what they want it to do. Claude in Chrome is now available to all paid plans. Weve also shipped an integration with Claude Code. pic.twitter.com/VLpB1qCntT Claude (@claudeai) December 18, 2025 Before agents were the buzzword du jour, computer use, the ability for AI models to understand and interact with computer interfaces , was a major focus at Anthropic and other AI companies. Now computer use is just one tool in the larger tool bag for agents, but that understanding of what digital buttons to click and how to click them is what makes Claude's Chrome plugin possible. OpenAI and Perplexity offer similar agentic capabilities in their respective ChatGPT Atlas and Comet browsers. At this point the only AI company not fully setting its AI models loose on a browser is Google. You can access Gemini in Google Chrome and ask questions about a webpage, but Google hasn't yet let its AI model navigate or use the web on a user's behalf. Those features, first demoed in Project Mariner , are presumably on the way. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/claudes-chrome-plugin-is-now-available-to-all-paid-users-221024295.html?src=rss

Netflix is acquiring game avatar maker Ready Player Me

Netflix is acquiring Estonian startup Ready Player Me , a company creating cross-game avatar tech that allows players to bring their digital personas with them to different games, the company's CEO Timmu Tke shared in a LinkedIn post . The acquisition is part of Netflix's new games strategy, which puts an emphasis on approachable multiplayer titles and adaptations of the streaming service's IP. Ready Player Me's team of around 20 employees will be incorporated into Netflix's staff, TechCrunch writes , though Tke is the only one of the startup's four founders who will continue on after the acquisition. Neither company has shared when the avatar tech will be incorporated into Netflix's games or what games will support the feature when they do. Besides designing its avatar system to be easy for developers to implement in their games, Ready Player Me's big pitch for their system is using AI to automatically redesign avatars for different games' art styles and automatically fit assets to any avatar rig or topology without manual work. Netflix has taken multiple different approaches to games in the last few years, but lately, the company has actively retreated from AAA development and its more ambitious projects . Other than the premiere of its take on HQ Trivia , Netflix's last few game announcements of 2025 were focused on a collection of streamable party games , and a partnership with FIFA to release a new soccer sim in 2026. All of those projects could support avatars in one form or another, now Netflix just needs to decide how. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/netflix-is-acquiring-game-avatar-maker-ready-player-me-204443001.html?src=rss

Get up to 78 percent off ExpressVPN two-year plans for the holidays

It looks like the holidays aren't a bad time to shop for a VPN subscription. ExpressVPN , Engadget's pick for the best premium provider , currently has a less premium price. This deal gives you two years of the Advanced plan (with a bonus of four free months) for only $101. When it isn't on sale, the same subscription would cost $392. Engadget's VPN guru, Sam Chapman, praised ExpressVPN's service. He described it as high-performing and having very few flaws. The service received high marks for its speeds, easy-to-use interface and global network availability. The only significant mark against it was its relatively high standard pricing. But with this holiday sale, that criticism is (temporarily) null and void. ExpressVPN recently switched to a multi-tier pricing structure . (That previously mentioned Advanced plan is the mid-range one.) There's a cheaper Basic plan that allows 10 simultaneous devices (compared to the Advanced plan's 12) and doesn't include perks like a password manager. You can also choose the highest-priced Pro plan. It allows for 14 simultaneous devices and adds several extras. You can compare plans on ExpressVPN's website . When buying a two-year plan, the Basic tier is available for $2.79 per month (78 percent off). The Advanced plan is $3.59 per month (74 percent off). And the Pro plan is $5.99 per month (70 percent off). All three include the bonus of four additional months, giving you 28 total. 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-78-percent-off-expressvpn-two-year-plans-for-the-holidays-194912043.html?src=rss

The best iPad deals this week include the iPad mini for $100 off

The iPad, of course, isn't the only tablet computer out there it wasn't even the first but Apple's version redefined the category . In our opinion , it's the best tablet you can buy and these slates consistently earn high scores in our reviews . That doesn't mean you should have to pay full price for your next iPad. We are continually on the hunt for good deals on iPads (and other Apple gear while we're at it) and each week, we round them up right there. Current discounts include the iPad mini and the 11-inch iPad Pro , each for $100 off the list price. Beyond iPads, are a few other Apple deals are going around, such as the latest AirPods Pro 3 for the lowest price yet at $199 and certain colors of the Apple Watch Series 11 for $299. Here are the best Apple deals we found this week. Best iPad deals Apple iPad Air (M3, 11-inch) for $499 ($100 off) : The iPad Air is the top overall pick in our guide to the best iPads . Yes, its pricier than the entry-level iPad (A16) , but its faster chip, extra RAM, laminated and more color-rich display, better speakers and superior accessory support add up to a more pleasant experience in day-to-day use. This isn't the lowest price we've tracked the price went as low as $450 just after Black Friday, but this is still $100 cheaper than buying directly from Apple. Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, M5) for $899 ($100 off) : The latest iPad Pro is still more tablet than most people will ever need, but its class-leading OLED display, impressively thin design and super-powerful M5 chip make it a luxury experience for those who can afford it. The device was only released in October, so this deal ties its lowest price to date. Also at Best Buy and B&H . Apple iPad Pro (13-inch, M5) for $1,199 ($100 off) : Its not a massive discount, but this matches the lowest price so far for the larger iPad Pro, which may be worthwhile if youve got cash to burn and want to use an iPad as your main computer. We gave it a score of 85 in our review. Also at B&H . Best Apple deals Apple AirTags (4-pack) for $65 ($34 off) : These are the best Bluetooth trackers for iPhone users thanks to their vast finding network and accurate ultra-wideband 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 AirPods 4 for $74 ($55 off) : If you don't need active noise cancellation and hate the feeling of headphones that just into your ear canal, the standard AirPods 4 remain a good buy. They lack built-in volume controls, and no open-style earbuds can produce the same level of bass as typical in-ear headphones, but they generally sound more pleasant than most pairs along these lines and still offer the usual array of Apple-friendly features. This discount is only $5 more than the all-time low we saw around Black Friday. Also at Best Buy for $85 if that runs out of stock. Apple Watch SE 3 for $199 ($50 off) : This discount has been around for a few weeks, but its the lowest price to date for Apples newest entry-level smartwatch. We gave the SE 3 a score of 90 in our review last month: The big upgrade is an always-on display, which makes it so you no longer have to wake the watch to check the time or notifications. It still includes most of the essential health and fitness features beyond that, plus it now runs on the same chipset as the higher-end Apple Watch Series 11. Also at Walmart . Apple Pencil Pro for $95 ($34 off) : The Pencil Pro is Apples most feature-rich stylus, offering pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, haptic feedback and unique gesture controls compared to the standard USB-C model (which isnt significantly discounted). Just note that its not compatible with the entry-level iPad and other older models. While this discount is only $5 below the devices usual street price, its still the largest discount weve seen this year. Also at Walmart . Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M4) for $949 ($250 off) : The 15-inch MacBook Air is nearly identical to the smaller version; apart from its roomier display, it adds better speakers and a more spacious trackpad. This deal matches the all-time low, and other configurations are similarly discounted. Apple MacBook Pro (M5, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,350 ($249 off) : Apples most recent M-series chip is the M5, and only comes equipped on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro. When the M5 MacBook Pro M5 came out in October, we promptly reviewed it and awarded it a 92. The new chip gives the laptop an impressive graphics upgrade, which only adds to the Pro's known qualities: a sturdy build, excellent trackpad and speakser paired with an impressively long battery life we clocked 34 hours in a video run-down test. Also at Walmart . It's $1,399 at Best Buy and B&H . Apple Mac mini (M4) for $479 ($120 off) : The latest iteration of Apples tiny desktop PC has a smaller footprint, a faster M4 chip, 16GB of RAM by default, two front-facing USB-C ports and an extra Thunderbolt 4 port. It can also drive three external displays, though it lacks USB-A ports entirely. We gave a higher-end model with Apples M4 Pro chip a score of 90 in our review. This deal on the base model with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is $10 more than the best deal we've seen but $20 less than the config's typical street price. Apple MagSafe cable 25W for $24 ($15 off) : With this puck, the iPhone 17 can wirelessly recharge at 25-watt speeds. You can also get those speeds with iPhone 16 handsets that have updated to the latest OS 26 version. Just note that youll need to plug it into at least a 30 watt adapter, which isnt included. This is the lowest price we've tracked. Apple USB-C Magic Mouse for $68 ($11 off) : This isn't a record-low price for Apple's popular mouse it went for $60 in October. It's lightweight, supports multi-touch features including scroll and the battery life is fairly long just note that the charging port is on the bottom so you can't use it while it refills. The discount only applies to the white model. Read more Apple coverage : The best AirPods The best Apple Watches The best MacBooks The best iPhones The best iPads Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-ipad-deals-this-week-include-the-ipad-mini-for-100-off-150020342.html?src=rss

Mark Zuckerberg's nonprofit cuts ties with the immigration advocacy group he co-founded

Behold Mark Zuckerberg: man of principle. Witness the Meta CEO's dedication to the most high-minded of causes: currying favor with whoever's in charge. In 2013, when Barack Obama was president, Zuckerberg co-founded FWD.us , a pro-immigration advocacy group. For years, he vocally supported providing paths to citizenship for he most talented and hardest-working people, no matter where they were born. Now, in 2025, with Donald Trump back in power and pushing draconian immigration policies, Zuckerberg's philanthropy organization has officially cut ties with the group. Who says Big Tech executives don't stand for anything? On Friday, Bloomberg reported on the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) severing its ties with FWD.us . Zuckerberg's group provided no funding to the advocacy group for the first time this year. Up to that point, over half of the roughly $400 million donated to the nonprofit since 2013 had come from CZI. In addition, CZI's chief of staff, Jordan Fox, resigned from the FWD.us board. No one else at CZI will fill the vacant slot, another first for the pro-immigration and justice reform advocacy group. In late 2024, Zuckerberg met with Trump adviser Stephen Miller, who reacts to brown-skinned humans being sent to foreign gulags the way my dog responds to a juicy steak. Among other topics during the exchange, Miller reportedly questioned Zuckerberg's ties to FWD.us . Mark Zuckerberg listens attentively to Stephen Miller at Trump's January inauguration BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images Apparently, his words resonated with Zuckerbergs principles. In January, before Trump was sworn in for his second term, Meta unleashed an overhaul that reads like a Miller wishlist. The company ended its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. That same month, it ditched third-party fact-checkers , calling them oo politically biased. It also changed its policies to allow for insulting language on topics of immigration and LGBTQ+ issues. The company even added Trump backer Dana White to its board. It fits a broader pattern of Big Tech bending the knee to Trump . We're in the middle of a pretty rapidly changing policy and regulatory landscape that views any policy that might advantage any one group of people over another as something that is unlawful, Zuckerberg told the New York Times in January. Because of that, we and every other institution out there are going to need to adjust. We now have a US administration that is proud of our leading companies, prioritizes American technology winning and that will defend our values and interests abroad, Zuckerberg said in a January investor call. I am optimistic about the progress and innovation that this can unlock, so this is going to be a big year. What a big year indeed. US Chief Border Patrol Agent, Gregory Bovino and masked ICE agents in New Orleans Ryan Murphy via Getty Images Now witness the contrasting words of one of Zuckerberg's chief rivals in Silicon Valley. When you meet these [immigrant] children who are really talented, and they've grown up in America, and they really don't know any other country besides that, but they don't have the opportunities that we all enjoy, it's really heartbreaking, right? the tech executive said. That seems like it's one of the biggest civil rights issues of our time. That ival, of course, was Obama-era Mark Zuckerberg in 2013 . Despite the funding setback, thanks to our principled hero, FWD.us will press forward. We're thankful to our donors, past and present, and so grateful to the many new donors who have stepped up in the past few years and particularly the influx of new supporters we have seen this year, FWD.us President Todd Schulte said in a statement. This allows us to fight for immigrants under attack today and to build a better approach to immigration and criminal justice reform for many, many years to come. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/mark-zuckerbergs-nonprofit-cuts-ties-with-the-immigration-advocacy-group-he-co-founded-183447900.html?src=rss

The best Secret Santa gift ideas for 2025: Affordable gifts you can still get from Lego, Apple, Yeti and more

Secret Santa gift exchanges can be chaotic in the best way. One minute youre drawing a name from a hat, the next youre scrambling to figure out what theyd actually like. The trick is finding something thats thoughtful, gets a laugh or feels useful without going over budget. Luckily there are plenty of gifts that do exactly that, whether youre shopping for the office exchange, a family swap or a friend group tradition. From clever gadgets to playful desk toys and little luxuries, these ideas prove you can spend less than $50 and still land the perfect Secret Santa present. Best Secret Santa gift ideas Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-secret-santa-gift-ideas-for-2025-affordable-gifts-you-can-still-get-from-lego-apple-yeti-and-more-130014284.html?src=rss

We have more details on the TikTok deal, including some ownership statistics

TikTok has signed a deal to spin off its American business, according to reporting from Associated Press and others. This should keep the popular social media app available in the US for good, capping off years of drama. We now have some new data as to the specifics of the deal. Nearly 50 percent of assets will be split between three companies. Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX will each control around 15 percent of the newly-formed entity. It's worth noting that MGX isn't an American company at all, but rather Abu Dhabis state-owned investment firm. The rest will remain in the hands of affiliates of TikTok's parent company, ByteDance. That company will also take a direct ownership stake of around 20 percent. US platform operations will be managed by a seven-member board of directors . The majority of this board will be Americans. US data will be stored under a system operated by Oracle. That company is run by Larry Ellison, a long-time ally of President Trump who once brainstormed ideas on how to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Oracle has been trying to get its mitts on TikTok since at least 2020 . As for Silver Lake, it has deep ties to Trump allies like Michael Dell and his son-in-law Jared Kushner . The deal is expected to close on January 22, according to an internal memo shared by TikTok CEO Shou Chew. With these agreements in place, our focus must stay where its always been firmly on delivering for our users, creators, businesses and the global TikTok community, he wrote to employees. If a deal is truly finalized by next month, it will come just over a year after Trump's first executive order to delay a law that required a sale of the app to prevent a ban. He has signed several other extensions since. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/we-have-more-details-on-the-tiktok-deal-including-some-ownership-statistics-163003507.html?src=rss

One of our favorite budgeting apps is 50 percent off right now

If you have a resolution in the new year to get more acquainted with your finances, a good budgeting app can help with that. One of our favorites is a bit cheaper to sign up for right now: Monarch Money is offering 50 percent off annual subscriptions for new users. Use the code MONARCHVIP at checkout to get half off, so you'll pay just $50 for one year of access. Monarch Money was the runner-up in our guide to the best budgeting apps in 2025, and it was definitely a grower. Initially we found the experience of using the app to be needlessly complicated compared to some of its rivals, but get over that hurdle and its impressively fully-featured. There are plenty of customization options, a helpful goals feature and a thorough month-in-review recap that beats out similar features from some of its competitors. We also like how you can grant account access to others. Besides the steep learning curve, we also noted that the mobile app is less intuitive to use than the web version, which might pose a problem if you were hoping to do most of your accounting on the go. We also had some issues with the app failing to distinguish between bills and other recurring expenses, as well as a few bugs along the way. All things considered, Monarch is definitely one of our favorite budgeting apps, only being beaten out by Quicken Simplifi. As you might expect, the biggest strength of Simplifi is its simplicity, and how it eases you into using its various features. If you value that kind of user experience, it might be a better choice for you, but theres unfortunately no free trial to take advantage of. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-budgeting-apps-is-50-percent-off-right-now-154056703.html?src=rss

Engadget Podcast: 2025 was the year of AI, smartglasses and spineless Big Tech

This week, Engadget Managing Editor Cherlynn Low joins us to look back at some of the highlights (and lowlights) of 2025. We dive into our favorite gadgets of the year, the many ways Big Tech bowed to Trump, the disappointment of AI PCs and the rise of smart glasses. We also learn way too much about our skincare routines. Subscribe! iTunes Spotify Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Podcasts Topics Our favorite gadgets of 2025: Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, Airpods Pro 3, bluetooth lav mics and more 2:26 Favorite Media of 2025: Andor, self-improvement via podcast, and a shoutout to your library 34:30 iRobot declares bankruptcy 47:29 Warner Bros. Discovery board rejects Paramounts hostile bid, shareholders yet to vote 53:47 The Oscars will air on Youtube starting in 2029 56:05 Ford to turn its F-150 Lightining into a gas generator EV 57:41 Around Engadget: smart glasses had a great run in 2025, against social media age verification 58:20 Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/engadget-podcast-2025-was-the-year-of-ai-smartglasses-and-spineless-big-tech-143000338.html?src=rss

MasterClass deal: Get 50 percent off subscriptions for the holidays

If learning a new skill is one of your New Year's resolutions, then you might want to know that MasterClass subscriptions are currently 50 percent off. This brings the top-tier subscription with offline mode and use on up to six devices down from $240 annually to $120. The entry-level plan, which supports just one device and doesn't offer offline viewing, is marked down to $60 from $120. Over the past few years, MasterClass has grown to over 200 classes, sessions and original series. You can learn about entrepreneurship from Richard Branson, screenwriting from Aaron Sorkin, cooking from Gordon Ramsay and heaps more. Each of these offers classes in a one-on-one format with slick instructional videos and often workbooks to accompany them. MasterClass also appears on our list of the best subscription gifts for this Christmas. Loved ones will enjoy superb production quality and a rich library where they are sure to find something that piques their interest. Gift subscriptions can also be scheduled, so you can take advantage of the current sale even for future gifts. If you're buying it for yourself, know that MasterClass offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Whether you're looking to learn about business from Kim Kardashian or basketball skills from Steph Curry, MasterClass can help you expand your horizons in 2026. The holiday offer is available through December 24. 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-deal-get-50-percent-off-subscriptions-for-the-holidays-150520715.html?src=rss

A total League of Legends revamp is coming in 2027

Riot Games has confirmed that its working on a massive update for League of Legends after Bloomberg published a report saying that the company has plans to remake the game. Back in November, a Chinese esports insider also reported that a League of Legends 2 is in development and is coming as early as the second half of 2026. In a video announcement discussing Riots plans for League after 2026, executive producer Paul Belleza denied that the developer is working on League 2 like rumors have been suggesting, but he admitted that it is working on a big update that will arrive in 2027. Andrei van Roon, Head of League Studio, then enumerated some of the things his team is already working on, including a brand new around-game client thats fully integrated with the in-game experience, a full visual overhaul of the Summoners Rift, changes to Runes and an overall improvement to the player experience. The update is looking to be as big as the one from back in the mid-2010s when Riot reworked Leagues graphics and is meant to bring in new players. Belleza and van Roon said theyll share more details between MSI in the summer and Worlds in the fall of 2026. While the timeline is pretty vaugue, the window of release for a major update like this is most likely the end of November until early January when competitive league is on break. A look at some of our plans for League after 2026. pic.twitter.com/vqsnBksg1Y League of Legends (@LeagueOfLegends) December 18, 2025 This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-total-league-of-legends-revamp-is-coming-in-2027-130000644.html?src=rss

Pick up the Samsung P9 microSD Express card for Switch 2 while it's down to a record low

It was a big day in gaming history when Nintendo finally released its Switch sequel. But the Nintendo Switch 2 lacked many options for microSD Express cards. Samsung helped change that this fall, with the release of its P9 Express series of microSD Express cards, and now one of them is on sale. Currently, you can pick up the 256GB Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card for $33, down from $55. The 40 percent discount brings the microSD down to a new all-time low price. That means your new Nintendo Switch 2 gets a lot more memory with transfer speeds reaching 800MB/s. The specs are on par with some of our other favorite microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 . Samsung's new microSD also comes with the company's Dynamic Thermal Guard, which should keep things from heating up too much during gameplay. It also works with devices other than the Switch 2, including other gaming consoles, computers, Steam Deck, cameras and more. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-the-samsung-p9-microsd-express-card-for-switch-2-while-its-down-to-a-record-low-141947013.html?src=rss

The Morning After: The highest rated tech of 2025

The best phone of 2025: The iPhone 17 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro? Perhaps the Galaxy Z Fold 7? All three rank as some of the best tech we reviewed in 2025. Engadget We have compiled all the best gear with our highest review scores in each category, after thousands of hours of testing. Weve got the Switch 2, AirPods Pro 3 and DJIs top drone for most of you. Anecdotally, Ankers Laptop Power Bank, with two built-in charging cables, has been the sleeper hit of the Engadget team, with four editors making it their power bank of choice. I think its the retractable cable. Mat Smith OpenAI just launched an app store inside ChatGPT Some use locally stored data, and others let you organize Apple Music songs. OpenAI has introduced an app directory right inside ChatGPT. The new apps section (on iOS, Android and web) divides into Feature, Lifestyle and Productivity categories, letting you connect to commonly used apps and even websites like Booking.com, Spotify and Dropbox. With Dropbox, for instance, you can gather insights, prepare briefs and summarize reports or internal documents, using ChatGPTs smarts, according to the description. OpenAI says developers can only monetize apps by linking out from the ChatGPT app to a native app or website, but the company is exploring internal monetization options as well. Continue reading. Trump Mobiles T1 still doesnt exist, but the company is now selling refurbished phones Who wouldnt want to overpay for an old phone? The T1 smartphone from Trump Mobile remains non-existent vaporware, but you can still give the company your money. If you want, you can buy a refurbished phone from Trump Mobile. The businesss website lists Samsung S24 and S23 and the iPhone 15 and 14. Gizmodo noted Trump Mobile is selling other brands phones at the same price as or higher than other retailers. Continue reading. Sony is buying Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of Peanuts It will own 80 percent of the franchise. Peanuts Its the wildcard news story no one saw coming. Sony, of Walkman and PlayStation fame, is buying an 80 percent stake of Peanuts for a cool $460 million. Sony already bought 39 percent of the franchise back in 2018 something most of us were entirely unaware of. Continue reading. The other big stories (and deals) this morning Dont panic! The 12 best last-minute Christmas gifts for 2025 Avatar Fire and Ash review: Maybe its time to sunset Pandora Big Tech bent the knee for Trump in 2025 OnePlus 15R review: A 165Hz display and big battery for $700 This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121536612.html?src=rss

The best DACs for Apple Music Lossless in 2026

If you want to hear Apple Musics lossless catalog the way it was meant to sound, you will need a little extra hardware. iPhones and most wireless headphones still have limitations when it comes to high-resolution audio, which means a good DAC can make a real difference in clarity and detail. Whether you listen through wired earbuds, studio headphones or a home speaker setup, the right DAC can bring out far more texture in your music. Lossless audio can be confusing at first, especially with different formats and file sizes to consider, but you do not need a complicated setup to enjoy it. Many DACs work across iOS, Android, Mac and Windows, and several are small enough to carry every day. In this guide, we picked the best DACs for Apple Music so you can upgrade your listening experience without wasting money on gear you do not need. Best DACs for 2026 DAC FAQs What does DAC stand for? DAC stands for digital to analogue converter. A digital-to-analog converter takes the digital (D) music from your phone or computer and converts (C) it into analog (A) sound you can hear. All phones and PCs have them, but since handsets moved to USB-C, Lightning or Bluetooth for music, the task of converting that signal was generally outsourced to either your adapter or your wireless headphones. DACs can be used with phones, laptops and desktops but tend to be much simpler than a regular external audio interface. One basic distinction is that DACs are usually for listening only whereas an audio interface might have ports to plug in microphones and instruments (but an external audio interface is also technically a DAC). Some high-end DACs even include XLR outputs for better connectivity with professional audio equipment. The best DACs tend to be lightweight, making them more suitable for mobile use, although it still gets a little tricky with the iPhone as you still might need to add another dongle to make it play nice with Lightning. Also, not all DACs support all the higher audio resolutions like DSD. Most standalone DACs require external power or an onboard battery, though some can use the power from whatever you plug them into in which case expect a hit to your battery life. Why do I need new hardware to listen to music? The short answer is, you dont. You can play hi-res audio files on most phones and PCs, you just might not be getting the full experience. If your devices audio interface tops out at 44.1 or 48kHz (which is fairly common and covers the vast majority of music online) then thats the experience youll get. If you want to enjoy better sounding music at a higher sample rate and bit-depth (aka resolution), youll need an interface that supports it and wired headphones, potentially using a headphone amp for an enhanced experience. Its worth pointing out that lossless and hi-res are related terms, but not the same thing and will vary from service to service. Apple uses ALAC encoding which is compressed, but without loss to the quality (unlike the ubiquitous .aac or .mp3 file formats). CDs were generally mastered to at least 16-bit / 44.1kHz which is the benchmark that Apple is using for its definition of lossless. In audio circles, a general consensus is that hi-res is anything with a sample rate above 44.1kHz. Increasingly, though, the term is being used for anything 96kHz and above. This, of course, isnt only about Apples new streaming formats. External DACs and audio interfaces are a great way to get the best sound and upgrade your listening experience generally. Especially if you want to get into the world of more exotic (read: pricey) headphones, as they often even require a DAC to provide enough clean digital signal to drive them. For audiophile headphones, a phone or laptops internal sound chipset often doesnt have the oomph needed to deliver a hi-fi experience, meaning a better DAC could make all the difference in sound quality. Okay, but cant I just use the headphone adapter for my phone? No. Well, yes, but see above. A Lightning or USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter often is an audio interface and most of the ones youre buying for $7 (or that come free in the box) do not support hi-res audio beyond 48kHz / 24-bit. Android is a little more complicated, as some adapters are passive and really just connect you to the phones internal DAC like old school headphones. Others (active ones) have a DAC built-in and good luck finding out what your specific phone and the in-box adapter delivers. (Hint: connect it to a PC and see if it comes up as an audio interface. You might find some details there if it does). What about Bluetooth headphones? Chances are that over the last few years youve migrated from wired to wireless headphones (thanks, Apple). The world of Bluetooth headphones changes things a little when it comes to seeking better audio performance. What matters here is twofold, the headphones youre using (as those will technically be the DAC) and the codec the method used to send the musical data over to the headphones. Its also worth checking to see if your headphones support aptX and which version. Look out for aptX HD, aptX Adaptive and (for the highest quality) aptX Lossless which are all better than standard and becoming more common, albeit slowly. Its worth noting that both your phone or media player and your headphones need to support the same aptX codec. Currently, no iPhone supports any type of aptX, though dongles exist that will offer that functionality. Other higher-resolution Bluetooth codecs exist, like Sonys LDAC, but Qualcomms AptX has wider support thanks to its prevalence in Android devices. Some high-end wireless headphones might even come with a headphone jack for wired connections when higher-quality audio is needed. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/the-best-dac-for-lossless-high-resolution-music-iphone-android-160056147.html?src=rss

Realme 16 Pro series with 200 MP camera to launch on January 6

The series will get 3 OS and 4 years of security updates, and will operate on Realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16 out of the box

Sony is buying Peanuts

Sony is paying approximately $460 milliion to purchase Peanuts [PDF] and its characters, including Snoopy and Charlie Brown, created by Charles M. Schulz. Thats a 41 percent stake Sony is buying from Canadian firm WildBrain. Since Sony bought 39 percent of the franchise back in 2018, this will give the company an 80 percent stake. The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals, but Peanuts will become Sonys consolidated subsidiary once its closed. Schulzs family still owns the remaining 20 percent stake in the franchise. Schulz launched the Peanuts universe in comic strips 75 years ago, back in 1950. The franchise has grown massively since then, spawning animated series, cartoon musicals and movies that made Snoopy a household name. The company said that it has focused on expanding the Peanuts IP since it bought 39 percent of the brand years ago. With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further elevate the value of the PEANUTS brand by drawing on the Sony Groups extensive global network and collective expertise, Sony Music Entertainment Japan CEO Shunsuke Muramatsu added. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/sony-is-buying-peanuts-022341467.html?src=rss

OnePlus 15R Review | A balancing act between battery and performance

OnePlus 15R positions itself right between the full-fledged flagship OnePlus 15 and the more compact OnePlus 13s, bringing the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor at a base price of 47,999

Trump's TikTok deal is another step closer to finally actually happening

Remember back in September when President Donald Trump signed an executive order that seemingly finalized some of the terms of a deal to spin off TikTok's US business? Three months later, that same deal is apparently one step closer to being official. According to Bloomberg , TikTok CEO Shou Chew told employees that TikTok and ByteDance had signed off the agreement for control of TikTok's US business. It sounds like terms of the deal are roughly the same as what Trump announced earlier this year. A group of US investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX will control a majority of the new entity while ByteDance will keep a smaller stake in the venture. According to Chew's memo, the deal is expected to close January 22, 2026. Upon the closing, the US joint venture, built on the foundation of the current TikTok US Data Security (USDS) organization, will operate as an independent entity with authority over US data protection, algorithm security, content moderation and software assurance, he wrote according to Bloomberg . TikTok didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Notably, it's still not clear where Chinese officials stand on the deal. Trump said back in September that China was fully on board, but subsequent meetings between the two sides have so far produced vague statements. In October, China's Commerce Ministry said it would work with the U.S. to properly resolve issues related to TikTok. If a deal is indeed finalized by next month, it will come almost exactly a year after Trump's first executive order to delay a law that required a sale or ban of the app front taking effect. He has signed off several other extensions since. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/trumps-tiktok-deal-is-another-step-closer-to-finally-actually-happening-001813404.html?src=rss

Steam Winter Sale discounts Clair Obscur, Silent Hill f and more

Holiday shopping is in full swing, which means it's about time for the Steam Winter Sale . This go-around, Valves sale runs from December 18, 2025 through January 5, 2026, and includes discounts on some of this year's hit games, like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , Silent Hill f and Assassin's Creed Shadows . Clair Obscur is available for $40, down from its normal $50, Silent Hill f is 40 percent off, bringing its price down to $42, and the normally $70 Assassin's Creed Shadows is selling for $35, a solid deal on what was somewhat of a comeback for the long-running Ubisoft series. On top of those sales, you can get Stardew Valley for $9, or the difficult-to-master walking sim Baby Steps for $13. I'm also considering picking up Consume Me for $10 and Ball x Pit for $12, just to round out my collection of indie hits from 2025. Valve runs Steam sales on a pretty regular cadence, so if the game you're eyeing isn't on sale, there's a good chance it could be soon. With holiday vacations coming up, and hopefully time to play games on the menu, though, now's the perfect time to pick up something new. And if you don't get to it this year, consider it an investment of sorts for the Steam Machine you might purchase in 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/steam-winter-sale-discounts-clair-obscur-silent-hill-f-and-more-230834279.html?src=rss

Googles NotebookLM introduces Data Tables feature

Google's latest addition to its NotebookLM artificial intelligence research platform is a feature called Data Tables . The tool can collect and synthesize information across multiple sources into a chart that can be exported to Google Sheets. All Pro and Ultra users will have access to the feature today, and Data Tables will roll out to all users over the coming weeks. In practice, Google suggested that Data Tables can be used to organize scattered notes, create price comparison charts or aggregate results from multiple research projects. The example of the interface shows the desired table components requested in natural language statements. Last month, Google added a Deep Research mode to NotebookLM. Deep Research was initially unveiled for its Gemini chatbot in late 2024 as an option for handling complex user queries. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-notebooklm-introduces-data-tables-feature-225548565.html?src=rss

LG will let you delete the previously unremovable Microsoft Copilot shortcut on its smart TVs

Several LG smart TV owners, including some Engadget staff, were surprised to find what looked like an unremovable Microsoft Copilot app suddenly installed on their devices earlier this week. After all the raised eyebrows, a representative from LG has reached out to say that the company will take steps to allow users to delete the shortcut icon if they wish. According to the spokesperson, the Copilot icon is a shortcut for launching the AI chatbot in the TV's web browser rather than an application embedded in the appliance. We've asked for more specifics about when people will be able to get rid of the Copilot prompt, but have not received a response at this time. Apparently we're still learning the lessons of U2's notorious iTunes album giveaway . It might seem like free additions would be something people would enjoy, but it turns out customers want to choose which services they use. Particularly when smart TVs don't have the best track record on privacy, the surprise appearance of an AI chatbot wasn't likely to be well received. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/lg-will-let-you-delete-the-previously-unremovable-microsoft-copilot-shortcut-on-its-smart-tvs-215352944.html?src=rss

Auto chip shortage: Honda will pause production in Japan and China

The ripples of the auto industry's chip shortage are still being felt, as evidenced by Honda. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the automaker will suspend production in Japan on January 5 and 6. (Honda didn't specify the affected factories.) In addition, all three of the automaker's Guangqi Honda Automobile plants in China will shut down from December 29 to January 2. The halt is an outgrowth of a chip shortage stemming from a recent geopolitical proxy war in the Netherlands, of all places. In October, the Dutch government, bowing to pressure from the Trump administration, seized control of the Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia. The company, which operates in the Netherlands, makes low-end chips that power automobiles, appliances and other tech. The Dutch government's official explanation for the seizure was that Nexperia had serious governance shortcomings. It cited a concern that Nexperia's Chinese majority owner, Wingtech, would move key technology out of Europe. However, the New York Times later reported that the Dutch government had known about those plans since 2019. Regardless, China retaliated by blocking exports of Nexperia-made chips. The Netherlands eventually suspended its intervention, following constructive talks. China then relaxed (but did not entirely remove) its restrictions through exemptions to export controls. The uneasy resolution hasnt been enough to help supply chains fully recover. Honda initially anticipated that production would return to normal starting in late November. So much for that. No one [in the auto industry] prepared for geopolitical disruption, automaker consultant Ambrose Conroy, CEO of Seraph Consulting, told Reuters in November. And they're still not prepared. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/auto-chip-shortage-honda-will-pause-production-in-japan-and-china-200857591.html?src=rss

The Displace Hub can make your normal TV wireless

Displace first tried its hand at reimagining the TV in 2023, with a wireless screen that suctions onto walls and features built-in rechargeable batteries. At CES 2026, the company is not only introducing new versions of its own TVs, it's also showing off the Displace Hub , an accessory that can make other TVs wireless. The Displace Hub is a wall-mounting system with some extra bells and whistles. It combines the active-loop suction of Displaces TVs, with a rechargeable battery that can power whatever screen you mount on it and a built-in PC that runs Displace's ambient computing platform. The Hub uses an Intel N-150 4-core CPU with an integrated GPU, 16GB RAM and 128GB of storage to run Displace's operating system, and includes a 15,000mAh battery to keep everything powered. The Hub also has two HDMI inputs for external devices and supports Displace's Controller 2.0, which offers a second screen for additional information and content. The Displace Hub uses the same active-loop suction system as the Displace TV. Displace The mounting system does have some notable limits, however. Displace says the Hub can support weights up to 150 pounds, and is specifically designed to mount TVs between 55 and 100 inches, which might rule out the TV you already own. The battery life of the Displace Hub could also be a concern. Connecting your TV to the Hub's integrated battery is supposed to eliminate the need for unsightly power cables, but depending on how often you watch and the energy demands of your screen, you might be recharging fairly often. Displace says the Displace Hub's battery life lasts anywhere from five to 10 hours. While the Hub can be recharged while keeping your TV mounted at the same time, having to plug and unplug your TV setup from a charger seems like it could defeat the point of having a wireless TV in the first place. Other TV makers have tried to offer mostly wireless screens at CES in the past, like the LG Signature OLED M3 and the Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN990F , which use wireless breakout boxes to stream HDMI connections to their TV screens. Both of those TVs were focused on reducing the number of cables that you connect to your screen rather than eliminating cables entirely, though, a goal that still comes with tradeoffs based on the limitations of the Displace Hub. Displace hasn't announced a release date for the Displace Hub, but the company says that the mounting system will cost $1,900 at launch and will be available to pre-order during CES 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/the-displace-hub-can-make-your-normal-tv-wireless-193837460.html?src=rss

Apple is bringing even more ads to the App Store

Apple just announced it will be integrating more ads into the App Store because our poor eyeballs must be assaulted at all times. The company plans on littering search results with advertisements beginning next year . Currently, the App Store only has one ad spot. That's at the very top of search results. If you search for something like Instagram it's likely that top spot will be filled with an ad for a rival social media platform. The new ads will appear further down the actual search results. Apple says that advertisers won't have to alter their campaigns, as the ads will run in either the existing position at the top of search results or further down in search results. The company says that 65 percent of app downloads happen after a search, so this move will give advertisers more opportunities. Google began inundating the Play Store with more ads last year and, well, the results haven't been pretty . The general consensus is that the store has become more frustrating to use . We'll have to wait and see just how intrusive these App Store ads end up being. Recent reporting also indicates that Apple plans on bringing ads to the Maps app . This is reportedly scheduled for next year, though the company has yet to comment. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-is-bringing-even-more-ads-to-the-app-store-193416921.html?src=rss

Trump Mobile's T1 still doesn't exist, but the company is now selling refurbished phones

The T1 smartphone from Trump Mobile remains non-existent vaporware , but the company is still finding new ways to take people's money. Anyone who desperately wants to fund this sham can now buy a refurbished phone from the company. The business's website has listings for Renewed models of the Samsung S24 and S23 and the iPhone 15 and 14. Gizmodo noticed that Trump Mobile is selling these other brands' phones for the same cost, or sometimes more, than the same refurbs from other retailers.Seems pretty par for the course. NBC News opted to order one of the T1 phones in August to track its development. After confirming with the credit card company that the transaction was not fraudulent, NBC News received a confirmation email verifying the order, the publication said in a report last month. However, it has not received much communication from the company on why the phone still has not shipped. Neither Trump Mobile nor the Trump Organization responded to NBC News multiple requests for comment on when the phone would be released and why its delayed. In case you missed the previous acts of sketchiness from Trump Mobile, the company insisted at its debut that the phone was made in the US. That seemed like a dubious claim and the made in the USA language was quietly removed from the website shortly after. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/trump-mobiles-t1-still-doesnt-exist-but-the-company-is-now-selling-refurbished-phones-191740570.html?src=rss

Trump Media is merging with a Google-backed fusion energy company in a deal worth $6 billion

Trump media, the company behind the president's personal social media platform Truth Social, is inexplicably merging with a Google-backed fusion energy company called TAE Technologies. The deal is worth $6 billion, according to reporting by Financial Times . Why is an entity known for publishing frenzied hot takes by the president at 3AM combining with a fusion energy company? Who the heck really knows, but a statement says the two organizations will join together to build the world's first utility-scale fusion power plant. This would be huge, if true, as there are currently no operational commercial nuclear fusion power plants. TAE Technologies, a premier global fusion power company, to merge with Trump Media & Technology Group to create one of the worlds first publicly traded fusion companies. Join our joint investor call at 9 am ET today to learn more: https://t.co/3ccBmMY5qr Read more: pic.twitter.com/f7TYQS4jQp TAE Technologies (@TAE) December 18, 2025 We know what TAE would bring to the table in that scenario. The energy company has been around since the 1990s and has attracted interest from Google, Chevron and others. Trump Media would be a great partner when building a reactor powered by insults , but doesn't seem to offer much of anything else. The merger statement does mention that Trump Media would provide TAE with access to significant capital. The company lost $55 million last quarter , as there's only so much money in a social media platform primarily used by just one person. However, the president himself is likely the world's most renowned raiser of funds when it comes to personal pet projects . He knows how to get a roomful of billionaires to open up their wallets, provide copious compliments and even hand-deliver gold statues . The terms of the deal state that Trump Media will provide TAE with $300 million in capital as a bonus of sorts, though we don't know where that money is coming from as it represents over ten percent of the company's entire valuation. This is an all-stock deal and stocks aren't exactly immune from the manipulative whims of billionaires . To that end, shares in Trump Media have risen dramatically since this deal was announced. President Trump shifted his stake in the company to a revocable trust that he is the sole beneficiary of and is controlled by Donald Trump Jr. There's also the potential notion of using access to shore up federal support for grants, low-interest loans and permit approvals. That kind of thing seems particularly thorny and, to put it mildly, legally gray. Creating a power plant for large-scale nuclear fusion would be an incredible undertaking and it's something humanity has yet to figure out . TAE CEO Michl Binderbauer told CNN the newly-formed company will have it done in five-ish years. Most experts put that time frame in the 30-ish years category. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/trump-media-is-merging-with-a-google-backed-fusion-energy-company-in-a-deal-worth-6-billion-180910779.html?src=rss

Apple opens up iOS in Japan in response to new regulations

You can add Japan to the list of regions where Apple has been forced to do something it would rather not: open up the App Store. On Thursday, the company announced changes to iOS in Japan to comply with the nation's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). The tighter regulations for Apple and Google, which overlap with Europe's , took effect today. Users in the US and elsewhere won't see any of these changes. Apple's changes in iOS 26.2 in Japan revolve around alternative app stores, payments outside the App Store and browser choice. The company worked with Japanese regulators on new protections for increased security risks. The company calls this set of safeguards Notarization. It involves an authorization process for alternative app stores and child-safety protocols. Third-party marketplaces will need to undergo a baseline security review. This uses a combination of human and automated checks to block malware and other threats. Naturally, Apple cautions that Notarization is less comprehensive than the App Store's reviews. The App Store where every app is reviewed to meet the App Store's high bar for privacy and security remains the best place for iOS users in Japan to discover and download the apps they love, the company wrote. To state the obvious, the App Store is a booming business for the iPhone maker. In 2024, it generated $1.3 trillion in total sales. Opening it up poses a threat to one of the company's most reliable revenue streams. Big Tech seems to talk a lot about fewer rewards and more penalties for users when their own money trees are at risk. Apple CEO Tim Cook in Tokyo in October 2025 ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images iOS 26.2 in Japan also introduces new payment options. Developers can now use non-Apple payment processors within their apps or link to external websites for purchases. (Children's content is exempt from this.) Here, Apple again warns the user about the penalties for doing something that will hurt its bottom line. For apps that use alternative payment processing or link users to the web for transactions, Apple will not be able to issue refunds and will have less ability to support customers encountering issues, scams or fraud, the company cautioned. The last big change involves picking defaults within the operating system. Users in Japan will see new browser and search engine choice screens. They'll also find default controls for navigation apps and app stores. Finally, developers can now offer browsers that use alternative engines other than Apple's WebKit. Apple's announcement comes a day after Google detailed its compliance with the MSCA. Since Android is more open than iOS, Google's changes in response to the regulations are a bit less pronounced. Android users will find new browser / search choice screens, expanded billing options and side-by-side comparisons of external vs. Play Store payment options. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-opens-up-ios-in-japan-in-response-to-new-regulations-174854950.html?src=rss

Save on Crunchyroll annual subscriptions this holiday season

If you're struggling to find your next binge-watch, you can't go wrong with anime. For the holidays, you can save on a Crunchyroll subscription, giving you access to its vast library of anime series to watch. Through December 29, you can sign up for an annual Fan subscription for $67, down from the usual $80, or a Mega Fan subscription for $100, down from $120. While both the Fan and Mega Fan plans are ad-free, you do get some different benefits depending on which you decide to pay for. Fan subscribers get full access to Crunchyroll's library, new episodes shortly after they air in Japan and five percent off select purchases in the Crunchyroll Store. Mega Fan subscribers get all those benefits, plus the ability to stream on four devices at the same time, download HD quality episodes and movies to view offline, play games from the Crunchyroll Game Vault and receive 10 percent off select products in the Crunchyroll Store. Notably missing from either subscription is access to Crunchyroll's new Manga service , but unless you're specifically looking for reading material, you'll get plenty of entertainment out of Crunchyroll's video library. Outside of Netflix, which produces and licenses its own growing collection of anime, Crunchyroll is the de facto place to watch Japanese animation in the US. You'll find long-running series like One Piece and newer hits like Spy X Family , alongside hundreds of more niche series. Crunchyroll has its issues, of course. Since the streaming service was acquired by Sony , it's been particularly interested in using generative AI to subtitle shows, which has already produced poor results . It's hard to beat Crunchyroll's library, though, and for as little as $65, you'll get more than your money's worth. 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/save-on-crunchyroll-annual-subscriptions-this-holiday-season-194345431.html?src=rss

Alexa+ can now answer your Ring doorbell and talk to people

Amazon just introduced a new feature for Alexa+ called Greetings . This lets Alexa+ answer the doorbell and converse with visitors, which certainly sounds futuristic in a gated community as dystopia kind of way. There are several caveats here. First of all, it only works with certain newer Ring video doorbell models. Customers also have to pony up for a Ring Premium Plan and have access to the Alexa+ early access build. It's available in the US and Canada and only in English. If you meet those criteria, this could be a fairly useful little feature. Amazon says it transforms your Ring doorbell into an intelligent assistant capable of determining who's at your door, understanding what they need and responding conversationally. The company promises that the tool operates whether people or home or out doing errands. How does this work? It's an AI algorithm that determines who's there based on what they're wearing, holding or their actions. It will use visual context, any information the visitor shares and the instructions it's been given to help manage interactions on your behalf. Amazon says that it can, for instance, distinguish if a person is wearing a delivery uniform and tell them to leave the package at the back door. Most of my delivery drivers don't come to the door in full uniforms because it's winter and that would be ridiculous. I don't even expect that during the summer. In other words, this is modern AI and mistakes will happen. The company gives other examples of how this could be used, like gathering messages from friends who stop by and telling door-to-door salespeople to (politely) bug off. Amazon also says Alexa+ will be able to direct visitors to water and snacks that have previously been laid out. Finally, there's a way to avoid those pesky cute kids on Halloween while still providing them with treats. Everything can be reviewed later on via the Ring app, which should provide context as to who has been hanging around the porch. Alexa+ Greetings are rolling out today. For the uninitiated, Alexa+ is Amazon's updated chatbot . It's more conversational than the old Alexa, which could be useful or annoying depending on what you use it for. I use Alexa primarily as an alarm, so I don't necessarily want a gabfest. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/alexa-can-now-answer-your-ring-doorbell-and-talk-to-people-162712774.html?src=rss

Ultrahuman brings snoring detection and respiratory health tracking to the Ring Air

The Ultrahuman Ring Air now has the capacity to track snoring and general respiratory health. This is thanks to proprietary technology called Respiratory Health PowerPlug, which is basically a suite of audio analysis tools along with some advanced biomarker tracking and AI tomfoolery. All of this results in one of the most comprehensive consumer tools ever built for understanding nighttime respiratory stability. It details snoring sessions, of course, but also delivers a holistic and actionable sleep picture. The company says this reveals patterns, trends and changes in respiratory health over time. Ultrahuman To that end, it can also detect coughing and respiratory disturbances. This data is cross-referenced with movement patterns, sleep fragmentation patterns and resting heart rate to show exactly how breathing issues shape sleep quality. The company says this can be a good resource when experimenting with interventions, like switching to a new pillow or taping up the nose. More health data is never a bad thing, but this information isn't free. Ultrahuman is charging $4 per month for access to the tool, though folks can pick up an annual subscription for $40. The Ultrahuman Ring Air made our list of the best smart rings , and that was before the company introduced this new software. It tracks an impressive amount of data and integrates with third-party devices like glucose monitors. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/ultrahuman-brings-snoring-detection-and-respiratory-health-tracking-to-the-ring-air-130054901.html?src=rss

The FTC is reportedly investigating Instacart over its AI pricing tool

The Federal Trade Commission has sent Instacart a civil investigative demand, seeking information about its AI-powered pricing tool, according to Reuters . This comes after a recently published pricing experiment study showed that the online grocery delivery app gave different users different prices for the same items from the same store location at the exact same time. Some of the testers saw prices up to 23 percent higher than what the other testers saw, though the average difference for the same list of items was around 7 percent. Those higher prices could cost customers over $1,000 more in expenses for the year. The Federal Trade Commission has a longstanding policy of not commenting on any potential or ongoing investigations, the FTC told Reuters in a statement. But, like so many Americans, we are disturbed by what we have read in the press about Instacarts alleged pricing practices. When the study came out, Instacart told Engadget that the pricing variances were caused by some of its retail partners doing limited, short-term and randomized tests to better understand consumers. Those randomized pricing tests were enabled by Instacarts AI pricing tool called Eversight developed by a company it purchased in 2022. Instacart told CNBC that much of whats been reported has mischaracterized how pricing works on its platform. The spokesperson repeated that retailers conduct pricing tests on its app and said that prices on Instacart do not change in real time, arent based on supply or demand and that it never uses personal, demographic, or user-level behavioral data to set item prices. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/the-ftc-is-reportedly-investigating-instacart-over-its-ai-pricing-tool-130000472.html?src=rss

Sony settles with Tencent over 'slavish' Horizon clone

Earlier this year Sony sued Tencent for copyright infringement over its Light of Motiram game, calling it a slavish clone of Horizon Zero Dawn. Then, earlier this month, Tencent agreed to stop promoting and publicly testing the game. Now, the two companies have reached a confidential settlement and the case has been dismissed, according to court documents seen by The Verge . Light of Motiram has also disappeared from Steam and Epic's game stores. SIE and Tencent are pleased to have reached a confidential resolution and will have no further public comment on this matter, Tencent's spokesperson told The Verge. When Sony first filed its lawsuit in July 2025, it said that Tencent's game appeared to copy aspects of not just Horizon Zero Dawn , but other franchise games including Horizon Forbidden West and Lego Horizon Adventures . That included the post-apocalyptic setting with humans and machines coexisting, the visual appearance of characters and even the marketing materials something Engadget certainly noticed when Tencent first announced the game. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/sony-settles-with-tencent-over-slavish-horizon-clone-120042886.html?src=rss

The best AirPods for 2026

Apples AirPods have become the default choice for many people, whether you want simple wireless earbuds that work without fuss or premium options with features like noise cancellation and spatial audio. The lineup has grown over the years, so there is now a model for almost every type of listener. Some pairs are built for all-day comfort, others focus on isolation and richer sound, and Apples over-ear option offers a more immersive experience for movies and music. If you spend most of your time on an iPhone or iPad, all AirPods share one big advantage: they connect instantly and switch between Apple devices seamlessly. With new models always on the horizon and longtime favorites still holding up well, we rounded up the best AirPods to help you decide which ones match your listening style. Table of contents What you need to know about AirPods Best AirPods for 2026 Best AirPods specs comparison chart Other AirPods we tested What you need to know about AirPods When it comes to Apples earbuds and headphones, there are several things youll want to keep in mind before making your final decision. First, the standard AirPods are the open-design earbuds with no tip that allow some environmental noise to come into your ears at all times. The Apple AirPods Pro are the model with tips that completely close off your ear canal, which enables features like more powerful noise cancellation and the hearing test. Lastly, the Apple AirPods Max are the companys over-ear noise-canceling headphones preferred by audiophiles, and currently the companys only option for wireless headphones at all that arent made by Beats. There are a few features that are available across all models as theyve become inherent to the AirPods experience. First, you can expect connectivity perks like Automatic Switching between Apple devices that are synced with your iCloud account. This means that a pair of AirPods will automatically change to your phone when you get a call while youre listening to music on a MacBook or laptop, for example. Its functionally similar to multipoint Bluetooth, but the feature isnt limited to two devices like most earbuds and headphones. Second, hands-free access to Siri is the default, allowing you to ask the assistant for help without touching your AirPods. And lastly, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is available across the entire lineup, even on the most affordable version and the new AirPods, including AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation. If you dont think any of the AirPods options are right for you, consult our recommendations on the best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones for some alternatives. Best AirPods for 2026 Best AirPods specs comparison chart Spec AirPods 4 AirPods Pro 2 AirPods Max Price $129 $249 $549 Design In-ear In-ear Over-ear H2 chip Yes Yes Yes ANC No Yes Yes Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking Yes Yes Yes Hearing test No Yes No Rated battery life 5 hours 8 hours 20 hours Durability Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP54) Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP57) N/A Other AirPods we tested AirPods 4 with ANC The AirPods 4 with ANC represent the first time active noise cancellation has been available on the open-wear, regular AirPods. Design-wise, theyre the same as the non-ANC model, so the difference is entirely in the features list. This more expensive version adds Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness and a wireless charging case. The ANC isnt as powerful as the AirPods Pro 2, partially due to the fact that the AirPods 4 doesnt completely seal off your ears. The noise-canceling performance is definitely useful though, working best with constant, low-frequency annoyances like fans and white noise machines. Lastly, you wont get access to Apples hearing test and hearing aid features, partially due to the fact that the AirPods 4 with ANC doesnt seal off your ears, which would affect accuracy and effectiveness. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-airpods-100041810.html?src=rss

The best streaming deals: Get 50 percent off MasterClass subscriptions, plus save on Starz, Audible, Crunchyroll and others

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. ESPN Unlimited bundle $30/month with Disney+ and Hulu for free for one year: Sports fans can sign up for the new ESPB Unlimited bundle at the standard $30-per-month rate, but for a limited time, you can get Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) included in that price for free. The trio bundle would typically cost you $36 per month, so overall, you're saving $6 per month for one year, for a total of $72 in savings. Philo Core $25 for your first month ($8 off): Our pick for the best cheap live TV streaming service , Philo offers more than 70 channels in its Core tier, plus access to HBO Max (with ads), AMC+ and Discovery+. After your first month, the subscription will auto-renew at the standard $33-per-month rate. Audible three months for $3 : For literally $1 per month , you can get access to Audible's enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live performances). It's only three months, after which you'll have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but an audiobibliophile can cram a lot of listening into 90 days. Crunchyroll $67 for one year ($13 off): Anime fans can get one year of Crunchyroll access for less right now. The Fan tier is down to $67 for the year, while the Mega Fan tier is on sale for $100 for one year. Both tiers give you ad-free access to the streaming service, but you'll get offline access and up to four simultaneous streams with the Mega Fan option. Note that this deal does not include access to Crunchyroll Manga. Starz (one year) for $12 ($58 off): Pay upfront for one year and you can get more than $40 off a Stars annual subscription. There's a month-to-month option too, which costs $3 per month for the first three months if you don't want to commit to the full year. Either option gives you access to the entire Starz TV and movie library with offline viewing and no ads. Spotify Premium Individual four months for free ($48 off): This is our favorite music streaming service for podcasts and social features. 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. Amazon Music Unlimited three months for free ($36 off): Amazon's own music streaming service is now free for three months, for new subscribers only. With it, you get access to 100 million songs with no ads, many podcasts and some audiobooks from Audible as well. 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. DirecTV starting at $50/month for one month (up to $40 off): All of DirecTV's signature packages are up to $45 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. 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. Disney+ If you feel like Charlie Kelly trying to figure out who Pepe Silvia is when you look at Disney's streaming prices chart , you're not alone. The confusion comes from the fact that Disney owns, or has a hand in, many streaming services including Hulu and ESPN. Throw in a partnership with HBO Max and you have a ton of options to consider and, probably, whiplash to match. Here's a quick overview of popular Disney+ bundle pricing. Disney+ and Hulu bundle (with ads) $13/month Disney+ and Hulu bundle (without ads) $20/month Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select (with ads) $20/month Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select (without ads on Disney+ and Hulu only) $30/month Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max (with ads) $20/month Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max (without ads) $33/month Peacock TV Peacock doesn't have any streaming bundles available all year round, but you can save if you pay for one year upfront. Peacock Select (with ads) $8/month or $80/year Peacock Premium (with ads) $11/month or $110/year Peacock Premium Plus (without ads) $17/month or $170/year Paramount+ Paramount+ used to bill its tier with Showtime as a sort of bundle, but it has since renamed its plans and focused the Showtime inclusion in its premium tier as just another bonus of paying for the higher priced plan. Paramount+ Essential (with ads) $8/month or $60/year Paramount Premium (without ads) $13/month or $120/year Student discounts on streaming services It pays to be a student sometimes, at least. A number of streaming services have student discounts you can take advantage of as long as you're actively studying. What that translates to most of the time is being able to verify your student status and signing up with your .edu email address. 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. 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/the-best-streaming-deals-get-50-percent-off-masterclass-subscriptions-plus-save-on-starz-audible-crunchyroll-and-others-133028536.html?src=rss

The best multi-device wireless charging pads for 2026

Theres a good chance you own a couple of gadgets that support wireless charging now, be it your iPhone or Android phone, wireless earbuds or smartwatch. Multi-device wireless chargers can help power them all up in one place, without the need for a bunch of cords messing up your space. There are dozens of these accessories out there today, and weve tested a bunch of the most popular models. Youll find out top picks below for the best wireless charging pads, plus some advice on how to choose the right one for your needs. Table of contents Best wireless charging pads Do wireless charging pads work with any phone or device? How to pick the best wireless charging pad for your needs Wireless charging speed and performance Best wireless charging pads Do wireless charging pads work with any phone or device? The short answer is no, but the long and more detailed answer starts with it depends. Regular old wireless charging pucks should work with any device thats compatible with the same wireless charging standard that the charger supports. Smartphones and other mobile devices that support wireless charging nowadays are likely to support the Qi standard, so double check that your phone or gadget fits that bill and it should work with any Qi wireless charging pad (all of our top picks fall into this category). When it comes to multi-device chargers, things can get a little tricky. Rather than starting your search looking for the most universally adaptable accessory, consider the devices you have and aspire to own in the future. If youre an iPhone user with an Apple Watch, you may want to look for a wireless charger that has a Watch pad built in. Ditto if youre a Samsung phone owner and use a Galaxy Watch. Some earbuds support wireless charging, but youll only need an open pad or space on your multi-device charger where you can sit the earbuds in their case down for a power-up. Those with iPhone 12s and newer Apple smartphones can take advantage of MagSafe chargers, which magnetically attach to their handsets. Android devices dont support Apples proprietary MagSafe technology, but you can buy a magnetic adapter for pretty cheap that will allow your Samsung or Pixel phone to work with MagSafe multi-device chargers. Youll also need that to get full Qi2 goodness with newer Android phones like the Galaxy S25 series, which are Qi2 ready, but since they do not have magnets built in, arent precisely Qi2 compliant. How to pick the best wireless charging pad for your needs Even without a charging cable to worry about, youre probably buying a multi-device wireless charger with one location in mind. It might sit on your nightstand or on your desk. Not everyone buys a charger just for themselves, though; you might want to use one as a shared station for you and a partner. If the charger will sit on your nightstand, youll likely want a compact, stable unit that wont swallow all your free space or tumble to the floor (and if it does fall, one with enough durability to survive). Some may prefer a lay-flat design if your phone screen has a tendency to keep you awake at night. Others might use their phone as their alarm clock, in which case you may want a stand that keeps the screen within reach and eyeshot. This is also the preferred design if you use Standby Mode on iPhones. A vertical orientation may be best for a charger that lives on your desk so you can more easily check notifications throughout the day. Will the charger sit on a low table? Horizontal charger pads may make it easier to grab your devices in a hurry. Travel chargers should fold up or otherwise protect the pads while theyre in your bag. And, yes, aesthetics count. You may want something pretty if its likely to sit in a posh room where guests will see it. For vehicles, consider a wireless car charger if you frequently need to top off your device on the go. These chargers combine convenience with functionality, ensuring your phone stays powered while youre navigating and taking calls at the same time. We also heavily recommend a magnetic charger so theres less of a chance your phone will go flying into the passengers seat the next time you hit a pothole. Wireless charging speed and performance Its no secret that wireless charging is slower than wired, and powering multiple devices adds a new wrinkle. As these chargers often have to support a wide range of hardware, youll have to forget about the fastest, device-specific options from brands like Google, OnePlus and Samsung. Today, most wireless chargers come in at 15W for phones. The latest Qi2 standard can get you up to 25W of power with a compatible smartphone. These speeds are improving bit by bit, but they're still not quite as fast as wired charging. Its rare that youll find a truly slow-as-molasses example, mind you. Even some of the most affordable options weve seen will recharge your phone at a reasonable 7.5W or 10W, and the 5W for other devices like wireless earbuds is more than enough. If youre only docking overnight or while you work, speed wont make a huge difference. Just be sure that whatever you buy is powerful enough for a phone in a case. Some chargers may also include an AC adapter in the box. If not, make sure youre using one with the right power level to get the fastest charge. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-multi-device-wireless-charging-pads-120557582.html?src=rss

OnePlus 15R and OnePlus Pad Go 2 launch tonight: Confirmed features and price expectation

The OnePlus 15R will cater to the premium segment buyers in the country while the new Pad Go 2 will offer an affordable option to the budget audiences like students and young professionals

Realme launches Narzo 90 and Narzo 90x in India

Both the Narzo 90 series smartphones come with a 7,000 mAh battery along with a 60W in-box charger

Ai+ Smartphone to launch its first flip phone NovaFlip in Q1 2026

NovaFlip will run on NxtQuantum OS which the company said is designed to adapt intelligently across folded and open states

Motorola Edge 70 launched in India with 50 MP lenses: Price, features and sale

The mid segment phone comes with IP68 + IP69 rating for dust and water resistance. It is also being protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i

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

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

Vivo X300 Pro Review | The unbeatable camera phone of 2025

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

OnePlus 15R Ace Edition announced for December 17 launch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney nominates former Apple COO to its board

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

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

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

Lava launches Play Max smartphone with VC cooling in budget segment

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

Poco C85 5G launched in India for budget buyers

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

OnePlus Pad Go 2 processor, battery and display revealed

OnePlus Pad Go 2 will go on sale on December 18, and will be launched along with the OnePlus 15R on December 17

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

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

Trends that dominated YouTube in 2025

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

Meta Ray-Ban Gen 2 AI glasses launch in India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vivo X300 Pro and Vivo X300 running new OriginOS launched in India: Price, features and sale

Vivo will offer 5 OS and 7 years of security updates to the X300 series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

iQOO 15 Review | Stands out for what it does best

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

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

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

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

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

Nothing starts rolling out NOS 4.0 based on Android 16 to Indian users

Nothings new OS 4.0 will arrive to Phone 3 users first and later to other Nothing and CMF devices

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

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

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

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

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

They are likely to launch officially in November in India

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

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

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

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

Vivo and iQOO smartphones to shift to Origin OS 6

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

Meta expands AI glasses line in a bet on the future

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

Apples iPhone Air shines as AI remains in the shadows

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

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

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

Apple set to open retail store in Pune on September 4

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

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

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

Vivo V60 Review | For those who prefer design, durability and photography

Vivo V60 features an upgraded processor and enhanced camera prowess by adding a telephoto lens which was missing in the Vivo V50