Gadgets

Poco X8 Pro Max Review | Powerful performance and premium hardware

Starting at 42,999, the phone makes a strong case for its Pro Max branding with a massive battery, a premium design, and powerful performance

Texas Instruments made a new flagship graphing calculator: the TI-84 Evo

Texas Instruments graphing calculators have helped many a student with algebra, pre-calculus and upside-down anatomical slang. Now, the company is back with an upgrade for the modern world, the TI-84 Evo . The new device lets you get your math on with a faster processor, a new icon-based home screen and a redesigned keypad. TI is marketing it as something akin to the Light Phone of calculators. Unlike calculator apps on phones or computers, the distraction-free TI-84 Evo is a single-purpose device designed to do one thing exceptionally well math. Without notifications, social media apps or even Wi-Fi, there's less to draw your focus away from the math problems at hand. (However, there will always be the sidesplittingly funny 58008 to relieve your boredom.) Texas Instruments The new model's processor is three times faster than its predecessor. It also adds 50 percent more graphing space, a simplified keypad and USB-C charging. There's also a new feature that lets you trace along a graph to find points of interest. The TI-84 Evo is available now. Individual customers will pay $160 . (School districts can contact the company for bulk pricing.) The calculator ships in a modern array of colors: white (the standard model), mint, pink, purple, teal, raspberry and silver. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/texas-instruments-made-a-new-flagship-graphing-calculator-the-ti-84-evo-201903438.html?src=rss

iOS 27 will reportedly come with new AI-powered photo editing tools

Apple reportedly plans to fix bugs and expand the capabilities of Apple Intelligence with the release of iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 year, and it seems like tweaks to the company's AI could go beyond a more functional version of its Siri assistant. Bloomberg reports that this year's software updates will also include new AI-powered photo editing tools that will let users change things like the background and framing of images, too. You can currently use the Photos app across Apple's operating systems to adjust things like saturation and contrast, apply filters, crop photos or use AI to remove objects with the Clean Up tool . Clean Up will apparently be one of several Apple Intelligence Tools after these new updates roll out, Bloomberg writes. Along with Clean Up, users will be able to use Extend to expand the background of the photo with generative AI, Enhance to automatically improve things like lighting and image quality and Reframe to shift the perspective of a photo after it's taken, primarily for Apple's spatial photos. The new features, if released, will bring Apple's photo-editing tools more in line with competitors like Google and Samsung, though both companies still lap Apple in their willingness to create entirely generated images. Google's Magic Editor feature , which debuted in 2023, still takes the cake in terms of giving users leeway to radically add to and change their photos. Other than new photo tools, Apple is reportedly also debuting its new version of Siri powered by Google's Gemini models, a standalone Siri app and AI-powered search inside its apps. Apple will likely introduce many of these new features during its WWDC keynote on June 8 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/ios-27-will-reportedly-come-with-new-ai-powered-photo-editing-tools-194119562.html?src=rss

NVIDIA starts offering a 12GB version of the 5070 for laptops

NVIDIA is releasing a new variant of its 5070 GPU for laptops. Nestled in a blog post about the latest version of its Game Ready Drivers, the company notes its partners will soon start selling 5070 laptops with 12GB of VRAM, alongside the 8GB model that NVIDIA has offered since the launch of the 50-series. Demand for GeForce RTX remains strong, and memory supply is contrastrained. In order to maximize memory availability, we are releasing the GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 12GB configuration with 24Gb G7 memory. This gives our partners access to an additional pool of memory to complement the 16Gb G7 supply that currently ships with most GeForce GPUs, NVIDIA said. The first 12GB 5070-equipped laptops are slated to start shipping sometime in June, with manufacturers like ASUS, Lenovo and MSI likely to offer the video card as an option in some of their models. NVIDIA has yet to confirm pricing, but outlets like NotebookCheck are reporting that 12GB 5070 laptops could cost as much as their 5070 Ti counterparts. Right now, a 5070 Ti-equipped PC like the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI can set you back as much $2,650 , depending on the amount of RAM on offer. New 12GB 5070 laptops likely won't cost as much, given manufacturers will probably configure them with less RAM. NVIDIA has yet to share the full spec list for the 12GB 5070, but as the company notes, its using 24Gb G7 memory, instead of 16GB G7 memory, for the new model. The two memory types are made using different manufacturing processes. The former uses 3GB memory modules, while the latter uses 2GB ones. Either way the company is tapping into a different supply of memory that, in recent months, Samsung and Micron have managed to produce more consistently at scale. That said, unless NVIDIA has redesigned the 5070 to equip it with a wider 192-bit bus interface, which seems unlikely in this case, the new model won't be able to access that additional memory as fast as the 5070 Ti and other models above it in NVIDIA's stack. For most games that shouldn't matter too much, but it does mean the new model isn't quite the upgrade it seems if you just look at the amount of raw VRAM. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/nvidia-starts-offering-a-12gb-version-of-the-5070-for-laptops-180057515.html?src=rss

Games Done Quick will host its first ever event in Europe

Games Done Quick, the charity video game speedrunning series, is making its European debut in a live event at Germanys Gamescom this summer. GDQs marathon event will run for the duration of the three-day show in Cologne, starting August 28-30, and will feature popular runners and an on-site live audience. The event will be broadcast on Twitch and YouTube, with programming kicking off at 4am ET (one for all you early risers) daily and running until 2pm. Were thrilled to expand Games Done Quick globally and to bring a live event to gamescom in Germany, an opportunity thats incredibly meaningful to our team, said Ashley Farkas, Games Done Quicks Owner and Business Director. This partnership not only supports an amazing initiative, but also creates space for more runners to participate, especially those who havent previously had the opportunity to travel to the US. Games Done Quick was established in 2010 and has since raised more than $60 million for charities worldwide. Its first event of this year took place back in January, and featured live speedruns of Super Mario Sunshine , Hades II and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , to name a few. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/games-done-quick-will-host-its-first-ever-event-in-europe-170637194.html?src=rss

Google Translate uses AI to help you practice pronunciation

Google is celebrating Translates 20th birthday by launching pronunciation practice, which the company says is one of the most requested features for the product. The feature is only rolling out on Android at the moment for English, Spanish and Hindi in the US and India. If its available for you, youll see a button at the bottom of the app that says Practice, which gives you the option to either pronounce what youve translated or to listen to how its actually pronounced by native speakers. If you choose the pronounce option, Translate will listen to you speak and then use artificial intelligence to analyze how you said the words to provide instance feedback. It will then show you a phonetic spelling of how specific words should be pronounced. In the example Google provided, for instance, the speaker pronounced the Spanish word for juice as jugo with the English j sound instead of with the Spanish j sound. So, Translate spells it out as HU-go in its pronunciation suggestion. Google said around third of users on mobile use Translate to practice speaking and listening in order to be able to hold real-world conversations, making this new feature a very useful addition. The company also revealed other stats about the app. Apparently, it now supports over 250 languages, including some endangered and indigenous ones, and has over 1 billion monthly user who have been translating over 1 trillion words every month. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-translate-uses-ai-to-help-you-practice-pronunciation-160000542.html?src=rss

The FTC says Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025

Americans lost at least $2.1 billion in 2025 to scams that originated on social media, according to the Federal Trade Commission . That figure marks an eightfold increase since 2020. The FTC said Americans reported losing $1.1 billion last year to investment scams that started on social media. These often began with a post or ad offering a program that claimed to help people learn how to invest. More than 40 percent of Americans who lost money through a social media scam last year blamed shopping-related ads, many of which took them to unfamiliar websites, the FTC said. The agency also highlighted the problem of romance scams that start on social media. Most of these scams started on Facebook, with WhatsApp and Instagram in a distant second and third, the FTC noted. A lawsuit filed against Meta, which owns all three platforms, last week claimed that it misled users about scam ads. In 2025, it was reported that Meta was making billions of dollars from ads promoting scams and illegal products. Of course, other types of internet scams are snaring regular folks. The FBI said earlier this month that Americans reported losing nearly $21 billion to internet-related crimes in 2025, more than half of which was to cryptocurrency scams. Artificial intelligence scams cost Americans around $893 million last year, the FBI said. And that's just what people have reported losing many victims won't file complaints to the FBI or FTC. The FTC offers some advice on how to protect yourself from social media scams, such as limiting the reach of your posts so scammers have less specific information to work with and to avoid letting someone you have met only on social media direct your investment decisions. The agency also suggests searching for a company's name along with scam or complaint before buying anything. As always, tread cautiously, do your own research and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be careful out there, folks. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/the-ftc-says-americans-lost-at-least-21-billion-to-social-media-scams-in-2025-152846798.html?src=rss

Ted Lassos fourth season starts August 5

It turns out you can go back again, especially if you win a pile of awards, mint a crop of stars and turn a potentially obscure sitcom into Apples biggest hit. The iPhone maker has today announced Ted Lasso season four will debut August 5, with new episodes arriving every Wednesday through October 7. This time out, Ted and Beard have returned to Richmond to take over coaching its womens team as it languishes in the second division. Ted Lasso wrapped up its initial three-season arc back in 2023 , wrapping up its storylines in a fairly definitive manner. Despite this, Apple wanted to maintain one of its earliest breakout hits and so quickly started making moves to get an additional run under way. Jason Sudekis, Brendan Hunt, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein and Jeremy Swift are all returning for the run. But, given the focus on the womens team, theres a whole new crop of cast members, including Sex Educations Tanya Reynolds and Andors Faye Marsay. There are changes behind the scenes too, especially given showrunner Bill Lawrences split focus on his current hot streak of shows. Consequently, Jack Burditt, who created Last Man Standing , is taking the role of executive producer - try not to worry, however, he also worked on Frasier, 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt . You should check out the teaser trailer below and wonder why Tracy Ullman, who is all over the footage, doesnt even get so much as a namecheck in Apple TVs press release. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/ted-lassos-fourth-season-starts-august-5-150337209.html?src=rss

Trump administration is paying more companies to abandon offshore wind projects

The Trump Administration has signed deals with two major energy companies to abandon their respective offshore wind farms, with both firms agreeing to invest in oil and gas projects instead. The separate agreements were detailed in a press release from the Interior Department, which named Bluepoint Wind and Golden State Wind as the companies that have voluntarily agreed to end their current leases for a combined $885 million. Both firms have also said they dont intend to pursue any new offshore wind projects in the US going forward. Bluepoint Wind is an early-stages wind farm located off the coast of New Jersey and New York, while Golden State Wind, which is similarly in its infancy, is off Californias central coast. The government will provide dollar-for-dollar reimbursements of what each lease cost when they were agreed under the Biden administration, which Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said were only viable when propped up by massive taxpayer subsidies. Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which co-owns Bluepoint Wind with Ocean Winds, will invest up to $765 million into a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in the US. Ocean Winds is also one half of the 50/50 partnership that owns Golden State Wind, which will recover approximately $120 million in lease fees after investing in further oil and gas projects along the Gulf Coast. The deals are similar in structure to the one the Trump administration agreed last month with French energy giant TotalEnergies, reaffirming the governments seemingly unwavering commitment to outright rejecting clean energy in favor of doubling down on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the accuracy of President Trumps claims about climate change and the cost of renewable energy continues to be challenged. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/trump-administration-is-paying-more-companies-to-abandon-offshore-wind-projects-150216769.html?src=rss

Traeger debuts the Irontop, a more affordable gas-powered griddle

Traegers first non-pellet grills debuted in 2023. Jumping into the griddle craze, the company introduced the Flatrock series in a three-burner model later adding the smaller, two-burner option . Now Traeger is back with two new griddles, the two- and four-burner Irontop, which actually offer more cooking area than their predecessors. Plus, these new griddles are more affordable, too. Traeger promises the Irontop models will offer fast preheating, precise temperature control, edge-to-edge heating and a durable construction. The cooking area has a food-safe, rust-resistant coating the company says only requires simple seasoning and care. Traeger says the consistent heating across the cooktop is the same level of performance as the more expensive Flatrock series of griddles. The Irontop griddles also have integrated wind guards to insure reliable heating in windy conditions. The Irontop griddles sit atop carts with four casters. Each model also has two side shelves and a larger shelf underneath for storage. The side shelves can accommodate some of Traegers Pop-And-Lock accessories, like the storage bin and roll rack. Those shelves also have three hooks on each side, where you can hang spatulas and other griddle tools. The two- and four-burner Irontop griddles starting May 15 from various retailers for $500 and $600 respectively. Traeger also recently added two sizes of the new Westwood smart pellet grill to its list of more affordable options, starting at $700. Update, April 18, 2026, 11:30AM ET: This post has been updated with more detailed availability info from Traeger. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/traeger-debuts-the-irontop-a-more-affordable-gas-powered-griddle-150000759.html?src=rss

Amazon brings dark mode to Kindle Colorsoft and Scribe Colorsoft

Amazon has today announced a software update for both the Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft which will bring dark mode to both e-readers. Even better, users will be able to toggle the settings for specific menus on both devices, so if they want their library dark and their notebook light, they can. Given the option is available on plenty of other Kindle devices, its omission here always felt like something Amazon was just getting around to addressing. In addition, the update brings Smart Shapes to notebooks, enabling users to add pre-drawn lines, arrows, circles, triangles and rectangles from the toolbar. In addition, a hold-to-snap tool lets you draw a shape freehand, after which point itll pull itself into a nice tidy design. Both should help folks who want to add some graphical zing to their note taking who cant do all those fancy journal designs on their own. The update is rolling out across the ecosystem across the next few days, further empowering would-be journal scribes using these tablets. For tablets like the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft , its clear Amazon needs to build out the Scribe half of the equation, which looks like a poor relative compared to its competition. As Cherlynn Low wrote in her review, its a fine e-reader, but one thats sorely lacking in many areas. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/amazon-brings-dark-mode-to-kindle-colorsoft-and-scribe-colorsoft-130054573.html?src=rss

ASUS' dual-screen ROG Zephyrus Duo is now on pre-order starting at $4,500

ASUS is often best when it's weird, and this year at CES 2026 the company decided to resurrect one of its weirdest laptops ever: the ROG Zephyrus Duo . Unlike the last model from 2023 that had a smallish, tilting second screen, the 2026 model rocks massive dual 16-inch OLED displays that should make it an ideal content creation and gaming machine. ASUS has now opened up pre-orders for the Zephyrus Duo and revealed that pricing will start at a breathtaking $4,500. The Zephyrus Duo is the world's first 16-inch dual-screen gaming laptop, according to ASUS. It boasts a pair of 3K HDR OLED touchscreens that offer a combined 21 inches of diagonal screen space. They're DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certified, and can each hit 1,100 nits of peak HDR brightness. Both offer a 120Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time, though only the main screen supports NVIDIA G-Sync. ASUS Another important piece is the detachable magnetic Bluetooth keyboard. Despite the thin 5.1mm profile, it offers a generous 1.7mm of key travel and ultra-large touchpad. With the two hinging touch displays and the keyboard, it offers five dedicated operation modes. Dual Screen mode removes the keyboard altogether, Laptop mode provides a standard 16-inch screen and keyboard setup, Sharing mode sets the Duo flat at 180 degrees, Book mode sets both screens in a portrait orientation, and Tent mode has the hinge forming an A-frame. There's a lot of power under the hood, with a 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or RTX 5090 laptop GPU with a max TGP of 135 watts. The latter is NVIDIA's flagship mobile GPU with the latest AI and gaming features including DLSS 4, frame generation and fourth-gen ray-tracing cores. It also comes with a redesigned motherboard and larger vapor chamber, along with dual fans to keep things cool. All of that is housed in a CNC-milled aluminum chassis with a new Stellar Grey colorway and Slash lighting array with 35 discrete zones. The Zyphyrus Duo is now available for pre-order from ASUS or partners including Newegg starting at $4,500 for the RTX 5070Ti version or (brace for it) $5,500 for the RTX 5090 version . Both models come with 32GB of memory and 1TB of PCIe 5.0 storage. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/asus-dual-screen-rog-zephyrus-duo-is-now-on-pre-order-starting-at-4500-130041463.html?src=rss

DJI Mic Mini 2 review: The tiny wireless mic is colorful and much cheaper

Not long ago, high-quality wireless mic systems cost over $500 and required a bulky transmitter and lav mic wire tucked under the subjects shirt. DJIs Mic Mini showed how unnecessary all of that was, combining mic and transmitter into a 0.35-ounce device that delivered high quality sound for under $100. Now, DJI has released the Mic Mini 2 (around $100) as a mild update to the original at a much lower price. Its more fashion forward thanks to the colorful new magnetic covers and offers an audio upgrade via new voice tone presets. Those changes make it the best budget wireless mic for new buyers, but its not worth the upgrade if you already have a Mic Mini and DJIs flagship Mic 3 is better if you can afford it. However, beware that the Mic Mini 2 isnt currently on sale in the US as it hasnt yet been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Design and features The Mic Mini 2 now comes in two packages for smartphone and camera users. One includes a receiver with a 3.5mm mic output for mirrorless cameras, while the other offers a mobile receiver with a USB-C port for smartphones. Both kits include a charging case, one or two transmitters (mics) and a receiver. You also get a magnetic mount, clip mount, black and white magnetic front covers and a windscreen for each mic. The camera kit includes a smartphone adapter as well. The camera kit contains 10 mic covers in a rainbow of hues that look like they were borrowed from 90s iMacs, letting you match a subjects clothing or add a pop of color. They all have a huge, distracting DJI logo, though, so many creators may want to cover it with a piece of tape. DJI also has optional designer front covers with four very 90s looking abstract patterns in several pastel shades, available for around $45. Steve Dent for Engadget DJI has changed the transmitter design slightly from the previous model's faceted shape to a flatter design to better accommodate the new magnetic covers. The mic portion also weighs slightly more at 0.39 ounces. Though tiny, each mic is rated to run up to 11.5 hours on a charge, and the receiver is supposed to go for about 10.5 hours with noise cancellation disabled. In my own testing (recording continuously with a looped video as an audio source), I was even able to slightly exceed these times, so you could easily use it for a full shooting day. This is better than nearly all rivals including the Rode Wireless Go III, which is rated for seven hours on a charge. Another wireless mic in this price range, the Hollyland Lark M2, has a stated runtime of 10 hours between charges. As before, the transmitters and receiver snap into the charging case magnetically. The mobile charging case is small enough to slide into a pants pocket, while the larger camera version fits into a jacket pocket or a bag. On top of being a convenient way to store the transmitters and receiver, they can charge the mics and receiver 3.6 times, giving you 48 hours of use even without a wall plug in sight. It took me about two hours to charge all three devices in the camera case and about an hour to charge the smaller receiver and single transmitter with the mobile case. The Mic Mini 2 transmitters can be paired directly with smartphones via Bluetooth or you can connect them to DJI cameras like the Osmo Action 6, Osmo 360 and Osmo Pocket 4 via DJIs OsmoAudio system. Audio quality To use the Mic Mini 2, just affix the mics (transmitters) to your subject, either via the clip or magnetic attachment, and turn them on. Then, power up the receiver and connect it to your camera via a 3.5mm cable or plug it into your smartphones USB-C port. Everything pairs automatically, and the final step is to adjust the level between -12 db and +12 db using the dial on the side (camera receiver only). Noise reduction is set via a switch on the mobile receiver, or the Mimo app for the camera receiver. There are a few major differences between DJIs Mic Mini 2 and the more expensive flagship Mic 3 when it comes to audio specs. The biggest is that the Mic 3 supports 32-bit float internal recording (with 32GB of storage) that eliminates clipping in most situations, even if your levels are too high. It also comes with dynamic gain control to balance volume if your subject tends to lower or raise their voice a lot. Steve Dent for Engadget In comparison, the Mic Mini 2 only offers automatic limiting, which does prevent clipping but can reduce audio quality. It also offers no internal recording so you wont have a backup if your camera or smartphone recording fails. The Mic Mini 2 also lacks an audio level display like the Mic 3. Despite those limitations, the 48Khz, 24-bit audio quality on the Mic Mini 2 is excellent. I recorded my voice using all three voice tone presets, and found that I could use the rich mode (which emphasizes low tones) without the need to do equalization in post. The regular setting offers neutral and balanced sound, while the bright mode adds clarity in noisy situations. If you prefer doing EQ yourself, the regular mode is best. A good test of a microphone is to record your voice and then max out EQ levels in a narrow band across a range of frequencies. A mediocre mic will distort audio in more than one range, reducing sound quality. DJIs Mic Mini 2 performed well here, showing minor distortion for my voice only at one frequency. When I reduced the gain at that range, my voiceovers sounded clear and full. Another key feature is noise cancellation. DJIs Mic Mini 2 offers two levels of AI-powered cancellation depending on the amount of background noise. At the low setting, it reduced background noise but produced some distortion. However, the high level noise cancellation distorts audio considerably, so you should only use it in a pinch when noise is excessive. I also tested the Mic Mini 2s wireless range and was able to record audio at 450 yards away from the receiver as DJI claims, though the device disconnected once at that distance. The Mic Mini 2 retains other functions from the original Mini like automatic limiting to prevent clipping. It supports two mics at once, and when used in Stereo mode, lets you capture each mic to a separate channel so you can mix them later on. To set those functions, you need to use DJIs Mimo smartphone app. Wrap-up Steve Dent for Engadget The Mic Mini 2 is now available in Europe and elsewhere but not yet the US due to lack of certification. It costs almost half as much as the Mic Mini did at launch, just 89/89 for the camera kit with two transmitters and a receiver, or 49/54 for the mobile kit with one transmitter and a receiver. Given the features and price, the Mic Mini 2 doesnt have a lot of competition. One of its main rivals is the Rode Wireless Go III, but that model is double the price and lacks noise cancellation. It does have slightly better audio quality, though. Other options in the same price range from Hollyland, Boya and others either cant connect to both a camera and smartphone or dont stack up in terms of sound quality and features. Overall the Mic Mini 2 offers a great combination of range, audio quality and noise cancellation. Its not worth an upgrade from the Mic Mini, but if youre buying your first wireless mic and dont want to spend a bundle, its a great option. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/dji-mic-mini-2-review-the-tiny-wireless-mic-is-colorful-and-much-cheaper-120046171.html?src=rss

Magic: The Gathering Arena developers intend to form a union with the CWA

Magic: The Gathering Arena developers at Hasbro subsidiary Wizards of the Coast are set to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the union announced . The CWA says it has secured a supermajority among workers in favor of unionization for the chapter, called United Wizards of the Coast (UWOTC-CWA). The CWA has filed for a formal election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), but that will be withdrawn if Hasbro voluntarily recognizes the union by May 1st. At Wizards, were organizing for a say in layoffs, accountability that runs up and down the chain, and a living wage that actually lets people build a life, said UWOTC-CWA member and senior software engineer Damien Wilson. Im hopeful about what we can build here and being clear-eyed about why its necessary. Workers have outlined several areas of concern including protections over layoffs and remote work, generative AI guardrails and mandatory crunch time, along with increased transparency and equity in the workplace. This isnt just something that affects Wizards of the Coast; its how most American workplaces are set up, Wilson added. Unions are the missing counterweight to protect our craft. The push to unionize was triggered back in 2023 following mass Hasbro layoffs that affected nearly 2,000 workers, software engineers told Kotaku . Developers were also concerned about issues like remote work, saying that Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast decisions have not aligned with the values of their employees. The CWA has been involved in recent unionization drives across the games industry, with workers from Blizzard and ID Software , along with indie devs from publishers including Heart Machine recently joining. Over 4,000 workers have organized across the industry as part of CWA's CODE (Campaign to Organize Digital Employees), according to the union. Every worker deserves job security, fair compensation, and a seat at the table, said CWA District 7 VP Susie McAllister. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/magic-the-gathering-arena-developers-intend-to-form-a-union-with-the-cwa-104438341.html?src=rss

YouTube is testing an AI search mode that 'feels more like a conversation'

Google is determined to impose AI search onto as many of its products as possible, and the latest, er, victim is YouTube. A new feature called Ask YouTube will let you pose complex questions and receive comprehensive results that include video and text, then ask follow ups to dive deeper, Google explained on its YouTube Labs page . The experimental feature is available starting today until June 8 for Premium US subscribers 18 and older. To use it, first, enable the feature in your account. Then, click on the new Ask YouTube button in the search bar and you'll see prompt suggestions, or you can enter your own, like plan a 3-day road trip between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. After getting the results, you can try follow-up questions or choose from suggested prompts to explore in more detail. As shown in The Verge 's quick test , the prompt short history of Apollo 11 moon landing brought up a summary of the mission, along with videos and time stamps for relevant information. Follow-up questions yielded similar results, but some queries just showed a list of videos like you'd see in a classic YouTube search. As happens with AI, one of the searches (around a Steam Controller) yielded factually inaccurate information, according to The Verge 's Jay Peters. Tech companies love AI a lot more than the public, and YouTube users are particularly passionate about hating AI-generated slop. YouTube's AI search function may fare better with subscribers, but only if it helps them find quality content more quickly. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/youtube-is-testing-an-ai-search-mode-that-feels-more-like-a-conversation-075057461.html?src=rss

The G512 X is Logitechs most advanced and customizable gaming keyboard yet

Thanks to the adoption of features like rapid triggers, analog switches and TMR sensors, the tech in fancy gaming keyboards has changed surprisingly quickly in the past few years. So to keep up with the pace of development, Logitech is putting a bunch of advanced components in its latest flagship offering the G512 X to create what may be its most configurable keyboard to date. Available in both 75 and 98 percent layouts, the G512 X is based on a novel design that supports both mechanical and analog switches. Out of the box, every key features PBT keycaps and uses one of Logitech's MX mechanical switches. However, for important buttons like WASD, users can swap in up to nine bundled Gateron KS-20 magnetic analog switches. This means that when combined with the keyboard's 39 tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) switch beds, users can enable support for customizable rapid triggers and multipoint actuation, complete with five bundled second actuation pressure point (SAPP) rings in case you need even more control over every keystroke. The one potential downside is that Logitech only added TMR switch beds to the left side of the keyboard, so if you prefer more unusual keybinds, you won't have quite as many configuration options. The 39 TMR sensors on the left of the keyboard are the ones that support the included TMR switches. Logitech Meanwhile, to meet the demands of competitive gamers who need lightning-fast response times, Logitech added an 8K polling rate. This includes both 8K reporting and processing to deliver input times of just 0.125 milliseconds. Elsewhere, the G512 X comes with dual dials, a large RGB lightbar and game mode presets all of which can be tweaked in Logitech's G Hub app. However, the coolest thing about the G512 X might be all the handy little details scattered across the keyboard. For example, its adjustable feet serve double duty as keycap and switch pullers, so when you want to adjust your layout, you won't need to go searching elsewhere for the right tool. On top of that, there is built-in storage for the nine included magnetic analog switches and five SAPP rings, so you'll always have them on hand if you want to make changes. Finally, while it is an optional accessory, Logitech created a transparent palm rest with a laser-etched surface that will enhance the G512 X's onboard RGB lighting. Logitech's optional palm rest really boosts the output of the Logitech G512 X's front-mounted RGB lightbar. Logitech Unfortunately, at $180 for the 75 percent layout or $200 for the 98 percent model, the G512 X is a bit pricey. And unlike some other members of Logitech's G5 family, there's no option for a wireless variant. But if you want a keyboard with practically all the latest tech and a ton of customizability (including the ability to select linear, tactile or clicky switches), the G512 X is a very intriguing option for demanding gamers. The G512 X is available directly from Logitech today, with wider availability slated for May 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-g512-x-is-logitechs-most-advanced-and-customizable-gaming-keyboard-yet-070100610.html?src=rss

Images of Samsung's rumored smart glasses have leaked

Images and details about Samsung's upcoming smart glasses have leaked, according to a report by Android Headlines . We knew these were coming at some point , but we now have what could be actual photos and they look pretty nifty. The glasses are reportedly being developed under the codename Jinju and could cost anywhere from $380 to $500. These are the first smart glasses from Samsung and look to offer a similar feature set to stuff like Meta Ray-Bans and the forthcoming Google Gemini glasses . Samsung's specs will run on the Android XR wearables platform and will likely feature heavy integration with the Google Gemini chatbot. It has been reported that these glasses will not feature a display, but that's likely coming with another pair in 2027. The second release is being developed under the codename Haean and will reportedly include a micro-LED display, allowing for similar functionality to something like the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses . These could cost anywhere from $600 to $900. We don't know when the Jinju glasses will launch, but later this year is a safe bet. Samsung has a major Unpacked event scheduled for July . We could get some official details at that point, though it's unlikely the smart glasses will launch alongside stuff like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Galaxy Watch 9. It's far more likely we'll get a tease at that event, with a launch later in the year. This is what Samsung did with its Galaxy XR virtual reality headset last year. It's also been reported that the Jinju glasses will include a 12MP camera, a Snapdragon AR1 chip and directional speakers with bone-conduction tech. These specs are, of course, subject to change before launch. It's also highly possible the price will tick up beyond the aforementioned range, thanks to global economic uncertainty and the rising costs of RAM and storage . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/images-of-samsungs-rumored-smart-glasses-have-leaked-184129483.html?src=rss

Joby Aviation is demoing 10-minute air taxi flights from JFK to Manhattan for a week

Joby Aviation is kicking off 10 days of electric air taxi demo flights in New York City. Before you try to book one to bypass the city's awful traffic, Joby's aircrafts aren't taking customers yet. Instead, the company is trialing the air taxis in eal flight routes and real environments, as indicated in its press release . With the first point-to-point flight of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed, Joby said that one of its electric air taxis made it from John F. Kennedy International Airport to NYC's heliports in Lower Manhattan and Midtown in less than 10 minutes. Unlike helicopters, Joby's CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, said this quiet, zero operating emissions air taxi service will better serve New Yorkers. These demo flights are part of Joby's participation in the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program , the Federal Aviation Administration's program to fast-track the commercial rollout of air taxis. Joby said it's still in the final stages of securing FAA certification, but this latest campaign in NYC should propel its process forward, especially after having completed piloted demos in the San Francisco Bay Area in March. Joby was previously targeting to launch its air taxi service in 2025, but that goal has since been pushed back. The company's CEO said that Joby is planning to start passenger flights in New York, Texas and Florida as soon as the second half of 2026, according to Bloomberg . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/joby-aviation-is-demoing-10-minute-air-taxi-flights-from-jfk-to-manhattan-for-a-week-180247411.html?src=rss

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns for its penultimate season on July 23

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns for its fourth season via Paramount Plus on July 23. The ten episodes air weekly until September 24. This is actually the second-to-last batch of episodes, as the show was recently renewed for a fifth and final season . The streamer has dropped a trailer for season four and it looks promising. The tone looks slightly darker when compared to season three, which was maligned for being a bit too silly and uneven . The trailer is narrated by Anson Mount's Captain Christopher Pike, who discusses the terror of space as a planet explodes. This is still Strange New Worlds , so it won't be all doom and gloom. The trailer shows us a screeching alien dinosaur, which is pretty fun. There have also been reports that season four will feature a puppet episode with involvement from Jim Henson's Creature Shop. This new batch of episodes will lean even heavier into connections to the original Star Trek show from the 1960s. Paul Wesley's version of Captain Kirk features prominently in several scenes, with one looking like a direct callback to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan . A younger Scotty also makes an appearance. For the uninitiated, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a prequel to the first show and starts several years before Kirk takes over as captain of the Enterprise. It's been said that the series will end with Kirk taking the big chair. It's also primarily an episodic series, with no real serialized season-long arcs. It's pretty good ! It's also ending in the near future. Season five will presumably premiere next year and will include just six episodes. As a matter of fact, it looks like the modern incarnation of Star Trek is ending in totality. Sets are being taken down and there are currently no new shows in production for the first time in a decade. This is a bummer, even if I didn't always love some of the newer content. The upcoming second season of Starfleet Academy will be its last, which is exceptionally sad because it was really beginning to fire on all cylinders . It was 12 years between the final episode of Star Trek: Enterprise and the first episode of Star Trek: Discovery , which kicked off the modern era. Who knows how long we'll have to wait this time. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-returns-for-its-penultimate-season-on-july-23-170946603.html?src=rss

Valve's Steam Controller costs $99 and arrives May 4

Valve's Steam Controller will hit the market on Monday, May 4, for a going price of $99 in the United States. The Steam Controller does precisely what it says: It communicates with anything running Steam or the Steam Link app, so this includes PCs, Macs, mobile devices and the Steam Deck. Eventually, the Steam Controller will connect to the new Steam Machine console and Steam Frame VR headset, but neither of these products have solid release dates just yet. They were originally slated to come out in early 2026 alongside the Steam Controller, but we're nearly five months into the year and only a third of that promise is poised to be fulfilled. Valve in March said it hopes to ship in 2026 , dropping the early bit. As noted in our review , the Steam Controller is a solid gamepad, especially for the price. It feels and looks a lot like a Steam Deck, complete with two trackpads beneath a pair of TMR thumbsticks and a standard face array. It's reactive, ergonomic, and comes with a cute little charging and connection puck that snaps onto the bottom of the gamepad. Just note that the Steam Controller is not a PC controller: It works with Steam, and only Steam. You'll have to add games with their own launchers like Overwatch , Valorant , Minecraft or Fortnite to your Steam library before playing them with Valve's proprietary controller. How convenient for Valve, at least. Valve Worldwide, Steam Controller prices are as follows: US: $99 Canada: $149 CAD EU: 99 UK: 85 AUD: 149 PLN: 419 This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/valves-steam-controller-costs-99-and-arrives-may-4-170058529.html?src=rss

Valve Steam Controller review: A gamepad in search of a console

Dont mistake the Steam Controller for a PC controller. Even though its main function is to play PC games, Valves new gamepad communicates with Steam, and only Steam. This is not a general controller for your PC, Android or iOS devices, and its certainly not compatible with any console on the market today, unless you count the handheld Steam Deck. In order to play a game with the Steam Controller, you have to boot it up through Steam. (More on this later). Valves end goal for the Steam Controller is compatibility with the Steam Machine , a console that doesnt yet have a public release date or price point. The Steam Machine will support 4K gaming at 60 fps with FSR, itll come with 512GB or 2TB of SSD storage, and itll work with the Steam Frame VR headset, as will the Controller. The new Steam Machine was supposed to drop early this year, fulfilling a long-promised dream of PC gaming by moving your entire Steam library to the couch in a compact but powerful box. Due to the memory shortages plaguing the tech industry , the Machine and Frame aren't here yet, so the Steam Controller is the first step in Valves hardware takeover of living room territory. Its due to come out on May 4, priced at $99 . The Steam Controller represents roughly 13 years of R&D, from its first iteration announced in 2013 to the debut of the Steam Deck in 2022, and the refinement period clearly paid off. The Steam Controller is a tidy chonker of a gamepad with a broad, Duke-like face holding two square trackpads beneath the standard analog sticks and face buttons. Despite its extra girth, the Steam Controller feels light, slim and balanced, even in my smaller-than-average hands. The grips are slender and have four circular rear buttons, two per side, that are super satisfying to click even when they dont do anything in-game. The bumpers, triggers, D-pad and face buttons are shiny black plastic, and all of the controllers edges are rounded, allowing for a smooth glide between the bumpers and triggers especially. The trackpads dont get in the way when you dont need them, but in-use, theyre incredibly sensitive and kind of mesmerizing. They look and feel just like the trackpads on the Steam Deck, following the trails of your thumbs with miniature popping bubbles. The Steam Controller uses tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks, which are a leveled-up version of Hall effect sticks, offering ultimate precision and long-term stability with no chance of drift. After a few days of use across a range of game genres, including competitive first-person shooters, theyve proven to be reliable and accurate. In terms of stick precision and feel, I find the Steam Controller is comparable to the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro , my PC gamepad of choice. I otherwise much prefer the swappability, rubberized microswitches and crisp clickiness of Razers gamepad but the Wolverine also costs about $100 more and doesnt come with trackpad capabilities, so well call it a wash. Sam Rutherford for Engadget One of the neatest aspects of the Steam Controller is its charging and connection puck, which plugs into your PC or Steam Deck through a USB cable and enables stable wireless play. The puck snaps onto the belly of the controller for charging, and when you hover the gamepads connection point over it, it jumps up and latches on like a cute little sucker fish. I dont know if this behavior is an intentional selling point, but it certainly is for me. The Steam Controller also connects to devices via Bluetooth or with a cable, and in all configurations its performed without issue for me. Of course, Bluetooth mode has the highest latency, so thats mainly for phones and Steam Link play. The puck can support two Steam Controllers at once. Swapping between Puck and Bluetooth mode is a simple matter of holding the right bumper and A or B, respectively, when you turn the controller on. Pressing the power button with the Steam logo wakes up the gamepad, and pressing it twice when youre connected to a PC launches Steam in Big Picture mode. The Steam Controller feels like a natural extension of Valves storefront, and with its matte black finish and bubbled edges, itll be familiar to anyone whos fallen in love with a Steam Deck these past few years. I tested out the controller on my PC with Steam games and non-Steam games (added to my Steam library first, of course seriously, more on that later), and in my living room with my Steam Deck acting as a makeshift, low-powered Steam Machine. On PC I played The Seance of Blake Manor , Creature Kitchen and Overwatch , and on Steam Deck I played Blake Manor , Demonschool and Balatro . Whether connected with Bluetooth, the puck or USB, the Steam Controller provided seamless play and no noticeable latency. The distance from my couch to the puck nestled behind my Steam Deck is about eight feet, and I didnt feel a frame drop while cosplaying as a Steam Machine owner. I also never ran into battery issues, but thats not shocking considering Valves claim that the gamepad has more than 35 hours on a single charge. In my testing, the battery barely registered a drop after multiple hours of playtime, and I was happy to snap on the charging puck whenever I wanted to set the controller down. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Valve notes the battery life may be lower if playing with the Steam Frame. The Steam Controller has infrared LEDs for tracking, which will obviously drain the battery a little faster. Some VR games may have you waving your controller, as there are gyroscopic sensors in there as well. As the Steam Frame isnt out, I wasnt able to test some of the controllers more interesting features. Even against players using a keyboard and mouse in competitive Overwatch matches, I won games and earned awards, passing my personal ultimate test of a controllers capabilities. When it comes to Overwatch , Im mostly comparing the Steam Controller to Sonys DualSense, and it feels surprisingly similar. I enjoy the Steam Controllers smooth slide between the bumpers and triggers, though its haptic feedback is more subtle than the DualSenses, lacking in the analog sticks particularly. Much like with the Steam Deck, I havent found a consistent use case for the trackpads on the Steam Controller, but I appreciate their inclusion, the accessibility factor, and the fact that they arent otherwise intrusive. Now, just add a Playdate crank and Im really sold. The Steam Controller is a clear and unmistakable signal that Valve is joining the console wars, and perhaps by patient and diligent design, its appearing at a vulnerable time. Xbox is fumbling the current generation and attempting to redefine its place in the console market amid a significant leadership shakeup , while Sony and Nintendo are carrying on with standard hardware upgrade cycles in a landscape thats based less on platform exclusivity every day. Right now theres room for a robust PC-based storefront to stake its claim on couch gaming, and voila , heres Valve with the Steam Machine and Steam Controller. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Similarly to the way Valve used Half-Life 2 to get people to download Steam in 2004, the Steam Controller pushes players to fully consolidate their PC libraries in its own ecosystem. Youll have to add games with their own launchers like Overwatch , Valorant , Minecraft and Fortnite to your Steam library before you can play them using Valves controller. This is a small inconvenience, since it takes just a few clicks to add a non-Steam game to your profile. (Welcome to later). However, I dont enjoy doing it. As I was browsing through files to add Overwatch to my Steam library, I couldnt help thinking that it would have been pretty easy for Valve to add a switch that would let the Steam Controller communicate with any PC game. Maybe it's a touch of oppositional defiant disorder, but I despise being coerced into behaviors that are designed to serve a corporations market control over my own workflow, especially in my personal spaces. Now more than ever, I value my ability to choose which businesses I work with, where I store my software, how I play and the Steam launcher requirement is another small expansion of Valves incredible power in the PC games industry. Its too easy to say, most of my games are already on Steam, no big deal , and use the Controller as an excuse to consolidate them all on Valves launcher. Suddenly, Steam is where you begin and end every gaming session, rather than just most. Obviously and especially with the coming rollout of the Steam Machine, this is the reality that Valve wants: a rich industry utterly reliant on its platform of DRM , shitty revenue splits and random opaque censorship . Its the situation that Microsoft, Apple or Epic also want for themselves, but the main difference is that this future is actually in reach for Valve, and the Steam Controller is a tiny part of the plan. If willing and unforced support of a monopoly makes you bristle as well, feel free to stick with 8BitDo. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Truly though, I get it. The Steam Controller doesnt come with a PC switch because its not a PC controller. Its for controlling Steam, a service thats become synonymous with PC and handheld gaming, and is now creeping onto the living-room scene. The Steam Controller is designed to follow you everywhere Steam is, for all your gaming needs across every screen forever and always and there is something soothing about that idea in a Brave New World Soma kind of way. A PC controller? Thats far too limited, from Valves perspective. Encroaching corporate dystopia aside, the Steam Controller is a sturdy and sleek gamepad that stands up to the competition. Its for Valve diehards, trackpad fanatics and anyone whose main gaming hub is Steam. Which, to be clear, is a massive market thats only poised to grow. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/valve-steam-controller-review-a-gamepad-in-search-of-a-console-170054068.html?src=rss

Spotify is now a fitness app too

In its quest to become an all-in-one app, Spotify is now breaking into the fitness app world by offering guided workout experiences and on-demand Peloton classes. Premium subscribers will get access to Peloton 's library of more than 1,400 classes in the app, while both Free and Premium can browse curated playlists (they're listed under the genre fitness.) Spotify Spotify said the classes are primarily in English, but there are some options in Spanish and German. Like music and podcasts, Spotify lets you bounce between different devices for its fitness media, so you can start a video workout on your TV and switch to an audio-only version on your phone or smart speaker. Users can even download the classes for offline use. The fitness category may feel like a sharp turn for Spotify, but the company said that nearly 70 percent of its Premium subscribers work out monthly and that fitness and workout content was one of the top use cases for its Prompted Playlist feature. Spotify has long been expanding its offerings outside of music, with its latest efforts giving users a way to buy physical books or create group chats . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/spotify-is-now-a-fitness-app-too-144037057.html?src=rss

The sequel to the iconic emulator ZSNES is called Super ZSNES, of course

Somehow, ZSNES has returned after laying dormant for 20 years. The developers of the iconic Super Nintendo emulator, which originally debuted in 1997 for DOS (something I distinctly remember trying to install on my ancient Intel 486 Packard Bell), are back with a sequel release dubbed Super ZSNES . And really, what else would they call it? Developers zsKnight and Demo say that Super ZSNES has been rewritten from scratch with a focus on a GPU-powered Super Enhancement Engine, which allows for high resolution playback, overclocking (which could help with games notorious for slowdown), widescreen support, uncompressed audio and 3D height maps for Mode 7 graphics. Purists, of course, can turn all of these extra features off if they want. Super ZSNES is built on far more accurate CPU and Audio cores than the original emulator, according to the developers, as well as the usual fast forward/rewind save states and a higher-resolution version of the original ZSNES UI. And as a cherry on top, they promise theres No Vibe Coding. Theres no shortage of SNES emulators out there today, but it warms my gaming heart to see ZSNES completely revived. And while I still need to play with its enhancement features to truly judge them, the early footage from Modern Vintage Gamer looks very sharp without losing the SNES charm. Theres no replacement for playing the original console on a CRT, but the GPU upgrades in Super ZSNES seem to do a great job of modernizing classic games like Super Mario World for modern displays. Super ZSNES is currently available as an early build for Windows, Mac and Android. An iOS release is coming soon, according to the emulators website. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-sequel-to-the-iconic-emulator-zsnes-is-called-super-zsnes-of-course-135203417.html?src=rss

Ford's Mustang Cobra Jet sets a new EV quarter mile record at 6.87 seconds

Ford Racing's Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 just ran a quarter mile in 6.87 seconds at 221 mph at an NHRA event in Charlotte, setting a new world record for an EV. The run smashed Ford's own previous EV record of 7.62 seconds, set by the Cobra Jet 1800 last September, by an impressive 0.75 seconds. As the name suggests, Ford's Cobra Jet 2200 puts a massive 2,200 horsepower to the wheels thanks to a newly designed electric motor and inverter combo. Ford elected to use two motors and inverters instead of four of each as before to reduce complexity and boost efficiency to 98 percent. Overall power is up by 600 horsepower, but the motors and inverters weigh half as much as before. Everything runs on a 900-volt architecture and 32 kWh battery that charges in 20 minutes, easily enough for the NHRA's 45-minute turnaround rule. It's official: The Ford Racing Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 has clocked a new record time of 6.87 at 221 mph - now the quickest electric car on the planet. #FordRacing pic.twitter.com/drmvH2XRp6 Ford Racing (@FordRacing) April 25, 2026 The car has some unusual features for an EV like a clutch that lets the driver dump all the power to the road instantly for maximum acceleration. It also uses a multi-speed transmission that allows the car to run in its ideal power band through the duration of the run reducing the quarter-mile time by up to a second, according to Ford. The battery design also allowed the team to tune weight distribution for optimal traction. Another racing touch is a pyrotechnic circuit breaker that can instantly break the high-voltage connection via a small explosive charge to align with NHRA safety rules. Some of this tech, like the high-efficiency motors and 900 volt system, could conceivably trickle down to consumer vehicles. Unfortunately, Ford and other US automakers have significantly reduced their investment in BEV technology of late. Ford recently announced that it would reboot the F-150 Lightning as an EREV with a gas generator, while last week GM delayed its next-gen full-size EV pickups and SUVs all in the face of rapidly rising gasoline prices. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/fords-mustang-cobra-jet-sets-a-new-ev-quarter-mile-record-at-687-seconds-112259793.html?src=rss

Forced Windows updates can now be paused forever

No more getting caught by a forced Windows 11 update while you're in the middle of a meeting or a match. Microsoft announced some major changes coming to Windows Update on its blog , including the ability to indefinitely pause Windows updates, 35 days at a time. To give users more control, Windows Update introduced the option to extend update pauses as much as users want. Once you opted to pause updates for Windows 11, you won't be disturbed for 35 days at a time, but you can now reset this 35-day limit for as long as you want. You should eventually install these updates, as most of them are usually related to security upgrades and only sometimes require emergency fixes , but Microsoft is letting users decide when to do so. Microsoft's Aria Hanson wrote in the blog that these changes were a result of feedback that consistently mentioned disruption caused by untimely updates and not enough control over when updates happen. Beyond the update pauses, Microsoft is ensuring Windows 11 users always have the option to shut down or restart their devices without updating. These quality-of-life upgrades build on another recent change that allowed users to skip updates while setting up their new Windows devices . According to Microsoft, the latest Windows Updates features are currently rolling out to those enrolled in the Windows Insider program, specifically users in the Dev and Experimental Channels. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/forced-windows-updates-can-now-be-paused-forever-200338487.html?src=rss

Canadian premier wants to ban social media and AI chatbots for kids in Manitoba

Manitoba could be the first province in Canada to establish a social media ban for kids, but the proposal's details aren't very clear yet. The province's premier, Wab Kinew, announced during a fundraiser event on Saturday and on X that Manitoba would put in place a ban for social media and AI chatbots for its youth. They're doing these very awful things to kids all in the name of a few likes, all in the name of more engagement, and all in the name of money, Kinew said at the event. Our kids will never be for sale and their attention and their childhoods should never be profited from. Kinew didn't elaborate on the ban's crucial details, like the specific age restriction, when it will be introduced nor how it will be enforced. CBC reported that Kinew didn't speak to reporters after his remarks at the fundraiser. Besides Manitoba, the Liberal Party of Canada recently voted in favor of proposals to restrict both social media and AI chatbot use for anyone under 16 during the party's national convention in Montreal. There are several efforts to restrict social media across Canada. One even seeks to limit those under 14 from accessing these platforms, an even younger cutoff than the ban recently enacted in Australia. However, a recent poll from the Molly Rose Foundation has cast some doubt on the effectiveness of such laws, which other countries have also adopted or are currently considering. The poll showed that a majority of teens still have accounts on banned social media platforms, or have found ways around the ban. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/canadian-premier-wants-to-ban-social-media-and-ai-chatbots-for-kids-in-manitoba-182120933.html?src=rss

Trump has terminated several members of the independent National Science Board

As reported by several outlets , the Trump administration dismissed members of the National Science Board (NSB), which is tasked with establishing policies for the National Science Foundation. It's not clear how many members have been dismissed. According to screenshots shared with The Washington Post, board members received a message that their position was erminated, effective immediately. The NSB establishes policies for the National Science Foundation (NSF), the independent US agency responsible for apportioning about 25 percent of federal support towards research conducted by the country's colleges and universities. The foundation has existed for over 75 years and has contributed to the development of MRIs and cellphones, among other breakthroughs. Up to 25 active members can head the NSB, however, the current board only has 22 members; the NSF's former director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, abruptly resigned last year . In response, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren called the latest decision a eal bozo the clown move in a statement. This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation, Lofgren, who also serves as the Ranking Member of the House's Science, Space and Technology Committee, added in the statement. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. It's unclear if the NSB's next scheduled board meeting for May 5 will take place. We've reached out to NSB for additional details and will update if we hear back. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/trump-has-terminated-several-members-of-the-independent-national-science-board-170405205.html?src=rss

BYD's next all-electric hypercar is a convertible that's coming to Europe first

BYD may be known for its affordable all-electric cars , but that doesn't mean it won't dabble in the occasional hypercar under one of its subsidiary brands. Through its Denza subbrand, BYD unveiled the Denza Z, a hypercar that can push out more than 1,000 horsepower with an all-electric motor, at the Beijing Auto Show. According to CarNewsChina , the Denza A can hit 0 to 60 mph in less than two seconds, rivaling the likes of the Rimac Nivera . BYD first showed off the Denza Z as a concept during the Shanghai Auto Show in 2025. A year later, the Chinese EV maker confirmed its latest hypercar as a four-seater that will come in hard-top, convertible and rack configurations. BYD hasn't revealed the Denza Z's full specs yet, so we're not sure what differentiates the track edition. So far, the company has shared that it would use the company's intelligent suspension system called DiSus-M, which is similar to Chevrolet Corvette's Magnetic Ride Control , and its Flash Charging system. BYD also told AutoExpress that the Denza Z will have some of the features seen with the BYD's YangWang U9, like autonomous driving and tank turning . Surprisingly, BYD is planning to release the Denza Z to Europe first, with an inaugural ride at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK in July. The automaker hasn't revealed pricing yet, but it should be more available than BYD's other hypercar under its YangWang subsidiary that's limited to 30 units. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/byds-next-all-electric-hypercar-is-a-convertible-thats-coming-to-europe-first-233050130.html?src=rss

OpenAI's Sam Altman apologizes for not reporting ChatGPT account of Tumbler Ridge suspect to police

Two months following the deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, OpenAI's Sam Altman has formally apologized for not informing police of the alarming ChatGPT conversations seen with the suspect's account. Before the incident, OpenAI banned the account belonging to the alleged shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, for violating its usage policy due to potential for real-world violence. I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June, Altman wrote in the letter. While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered. Altman noted in the letter, which was published in full by Tumbler RidgeLines , that he spoke with both Darryl Krakowa, Tumbler Ridge's mayor, and David Eby, the British Columbia premier, and agreed that a public apology was necessary, but that time was also needed to respect the community as you grieved. Eby, who also highlighted Altman's letter in his post on X , agreed that the apology is necessary, but added that it was grossly insufficient for the devastation done to the families of Tumbler Ridge. Moving ahead, Altman reaffirmed in the letter that OpenAI would find ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future and work with all levels of government to prevent something like this from happening again. Altman's latest commitment builds on the previous letter from OpenAI's vice president of global policy Ann OLeary, who said the company would notify authorities if it finds imminent and credible threats in ChatGPT conversations. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-sam-altman-apologizes-for-not-reporting-chatgpt-account-of-tumbler-ridge-suspect-to-police-221400813.html?src=rss

NASA's initial takeaways from the Artemis II mission, and more science stories

Now that Artemis II is all wrapped up , NASA has begun its post-game performance analyses of all the systems that worked together to get four astronauts safely to the moon and back earlier this month. In addition to taking humans farther than ever before, Artemis II served as a crucial test flight for upcoming crewed missions that are planned for as soon as 2027 and 2028, the latter being NASA's ambitious target for landing astronauts on the lunar surface. So far, the Orion spacecraft and the SLS rocket seem to have fared pretty well. NASA says its initial assessments of the crew capsule show its heat shield performed as expected, with no unusual conditions identified, and it didn't exhibit as much char loss as seen in the uncrewed Artemis I test. (Navy divers snapped some really cool pictures of the heat shield underwater after splashdown, as seen below). Splashdown went according to plan, with Orion landing 2.9 miles from its targeted landing site, according to NASA, and its entry interface velocity was within one mile-per-hour of predictions. US Navy NASA says the SLS rocket performed well, too. It still has tests to run, but, At main engine cutoff, when the core stages RS-25 liquid engines shutdown, the spacecraft was traveling at over 18,000 miles per hour, achieving its insertion velocity for orbit, and executing a precise bullseye for its intended location, the space agency noted in a blog post. One thing that we know did cause some issues, though, was the toilet system. Shortly after launch, the astronauts reported problems with the urine vent line , which mission specialist Christina Koch was able to troubleshoot with help from the ground crew. But, everyone would like to avoid that on the next mission, so NASA now has teams checking out the hardware and data to identify what went wrong and how to prevent it. Watch the Earthset The Artemis II astronauts have continued to share glimpses into their journey around the moon, and this week, the mission's commander, Reid Wiseman posted an incredible video of the Earth setting behind the moon, as seen from the Orion spacecraft. Humans haven't seen that phenomenon firsthand in over 50 years, since the last Apollo mission. Read more about that here . Only one chance in this lifetime Like watching sunset at the beach from the most foreign seat in the cosmos, I couldnt resist a cell phone video of Earthset. You can hear the shutter on the Nikon as @Astro_Christina is hammering away on 3-shot brackets and capturing those pic.twitter.com/8aWnaFJ69c Reid Wiseman (@astro_reid) April 19, 2026 While ten days might not seem like that long of a time to be in space, it still does things to the body, and returning to Earth has been a bit of an adjustment for the crew. Astronaut Koch last week posted a video of herself struggling through a tandem walk exercise with her eyes closed, taken after her return to Earth. When people live in microgravity, the systems in our body that have evolved to tell our brains how were moving, the vestibular organs, dont work correctly, she explained in the caption . Our brains learn to ignore those signals and so when we first get back to gravity, we are heavily reliant on our eyes to orient ourselves visually. View this post on Instagram Before you go, be sure to check these stories out too: Apple, Amazon join push for looser greenhouse emissions reporting NASA targets a September launch for its next big space telescope NASA's Curiosity Rover found promising organic chemicals on Mars Blue Origin landed its recycled New Glenn booster but failed to put payload in orbit This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/nasas-initial-takeaways-from-the-artemis-ii-mission-and-more-science-stories-160000808.html?src=rss

Tesla is giving away one year free Supercharging with Model 3 Premium and Performance purchases

Tesla completely ended its free lifetime Supercharging offer way back in 2018, but it has given customers the perk for certain promotions since then. It brought back free Supercharging for Model S and X a couple of times in 2019, for instance. The automakers latest offer is for new purchases for a Model 3 Premium or Performance vehicle in North America. On its website, Tesla has announced that its including one year of free supercharging with a Model 3 Premium or Performance, though the offer is subject to change or end at any time. As Electrek notes, this is a nice freebie to have but most likely not a deciding factor for people who charge at home. For those who dont have access to a home charger, however, this could represent significant savings. The free Supercharging offer starts at delivery and cannot be postponed or redeemed for cash. Owners will also still have to pay certain fees, such as congestions fees that the automaker adds if a vehicle remains plugged into a Supercharger after its battery reaches 80 percent when a site is busy. The offer doesnt apply to vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as ridesharing, taxi and delivery services, as well. As for those who traded in their gas vehicles to get the 2,000-mile Supercharging incentive, they can enjoy this freebie first and redeem those miles after their first year of ownership. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-is-giving-away-one-year-free-supercharging-with-model-3-premium-and-performance-purchases-144431817.html?src=rss

Engadget review recap: DJI Osmo Pocket 4, Recteq X-Fire Pro and Alienware 27 QD-OLED

Engadgets hottest review roundup truly has it all this week: a new pocket cam, a 2-in-1 smart grill, a pair of drones and a pricey skinny vac. And thats before we even get to the highly capable gaming display that will only set you back $350. Read on to catch up on the reviews you mightve missed over the last two weeks as we prepare for another slate of big events next month. DJI Osmo Pocket 4 DJIs Osmo Pocket cameras have become a staple of Engadgets live event coverage over the last few years. Theyre convenient, compact and product high-quality footage when speed matters. Contributing review reporter James Trew recently put the new Osmo Pocket 4 through its paces, concluding that youre getting better image quality that will pay you back over time. Recteq X-Fire Pro 825 With the X-Fire Pro , Recteq set out to make a pellet grill that would appeal to fans of gas grills. The company has done just that, offering a dual-mode device that imparts wood flavor you dont inherently get from propane or natural gas. Recteq has successfully combined the best aspects of pellet grills with a dedicated high-heat mode and separate controls that will be familiar to gas grillers, I said. This model offers robust build quality, reliable performance and Wi-Fi connectivity for extended smoking sessions. Alienware 27 QD-OLED monitor Can a $350 gaming monitor offer enough to get the job done? If youre talking about the Alienware 27 QD-OLED display, that answer is a resounding yes. The AW2726DM might not have all the fancy features you get on more expensive monitors, but its an excellent example of a no frills gadget done right, senior reporter Sam Rutherford said. You get just enough ports, a straightforward design and a beautiful QD-OLED panel with a solid resolution and refresh rate all for just $350. DJI Lito drones and a Dyson PencilVac Like the Osmo Pocket 4, DJIs latest Drones are unlikely to make it to the US. However, if you live elsewhere, theres a lot of performance available for under $400. The Lito series shows that DJI is intent on dominating every drone price range and category, including the bottom end, contributing reporter Steve Dent said. Despite their low prices, the new drones dont skimp on features, offering full obstacle protection, ActiveTrack subject tracking, relatively high speeds and sharp 4K video quality just like models that cost a lot more. If your spring cleaning could still use a jump start, perhaps a fancy, skinny vacuum could do the trick for light duty. With its minimalist form factor, the PencilVac is still an engineering marvel, UK bureau chief Mat Smith said. Its high degree of mobility makes it easy to clean in tight corners and between furniture. I just wish it were slightly more powerful. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-dji-osmo-pocket-4-recteq-x-fire-pro-and-alienware-27-qd-oled-120000428.html?src=rss

Vampire Crawlers, Peter Molyneux's return and other new indie games worth checking out

Welcome to our latest roundup of what's going on in the indie game space. If you're looking for something new to play this weekend, we've got a bunch of options for you. We've also got some interesting upcoming games to tell you about as well. In a press release announcing that Playdate Season 3 is coming later this year, Panic included a line that I've been thinking about a lot this week. Panic is currently relieved and happy that people can make amazing games for Playdate with just 16 megabytes of RAM, it said, a nod toward the ongoing RAM crisis . The Playdate doesn't exactly have a lot of technical oomph, and I'm frequently delighted by what developers are able to do within its limitations. Restrictions foster creativity many folks had to get pretty inventive on Twitter back when they only had 140 characters to play with. Here, Panic offered a welcome reminder that you don't necessarily need an ultra-powerful rig or console to have access to more great games than you'll ever actually be able to play. For instance, my favorite game of the year so far, Titanium Court , works on Macs that are capable of running macOS 11 (the 2020 version of the operating system) or later. On PC, you'll need a graphics card that's compatible with OpenGL or DirectX 9, the latter of which was released in 2002. For what it's worth, the game would also fit on a CD-ROM. There are tons of other great indie games new and old that'll run just fine on lower-powered machines. Bear that in mind the next time a current-gen console or other gaming system gets a price increase because of the RAM shortage. The DLSS 5 debacle aside, you probably don't need a 50-series NVIDIA GPU either. Maybe just pick up a Playdate instead. New releases While many of the weapons, characters and enemies are the same, Vampire Crawlers is a fresh spin on Vampire Survivors . It's a turn-based roguelite deckbuilder. Instead of automatically firing whatever weapons you have at nearby enemies, you'll play cards to conquer the mob that you face in each fight. You can still modify and evolve your weapons and abilities. Each card has a casting cost, so youll need to consider which ones to play in a given moment and the order in which you do so. As such, its a slower-paced, more strategic take on the original game, albeit with a similar level of visual chaos should you put together a particularly powerful build. I've played a ton of Vampire Survivors and the Vampire Crawlers demo lured me in too. Its approach to turn-based battles is working for me. I've only played a little of the full game so far, but there's every chance I could lose days of my life to it. Vampire Crawlers from Survivors creator Poncle and co-developer Nosebleed Interactive is available now on Steam (for PC and Mac), Xbox for PC, Xbox Series X/S , PS5 and Nintendo Switch for $10. It's included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Fable creator Peter Molyneux and his studio 22cans are back with another god game. In Masters of Albion , you can construct and modify settlements as a literal hand of god. You'll design buildings (which are immediately constructed and usable) and manage workers. You can also assume control of a human or animal in the world to take on quests and hunt for treasure. There's a tower defense element to this as well. You'll need to prepare your towns from nighttime attacks from various creatures. You can fend off these foes as the god or battle them on the ground as a hero. There's a lot going on here, but perhaps my favorite part is this apparent warning in the mature content description section of the Steam page: Players are also able to use crude, adult hand gestures at will in the game. Yes, that means you can flip the bird while playing as the god hand. Yes, I am very mature. Masters of Albion is now available in early access on Steam . It typically costs $25, but there's a 10 percent discount until April 29. Snap & Grab caught our attention at last summer's edition of the Day of the Devs showcase. This is a cartoonish heist game in which you'll carry out your robberies in two parts. You play as Nifty, a famous fashion photographer. In the setup phase, you'll take advantage of your position to take snaps of loot, threats and opportunities and then use those to construct a plan. With the help of some henchman, you'll then try to execute the heist. The games developer No Goblin is taking an episodic approach to Snap & Grab as it's releasing the game in five parts over the course of this year. The first episode is available now on Steam (usually $8, though there's a 10 percent discount until May 1). Snow Day Software's follow-up to Indoor Kickball is Indoor Baseball . It's an arcade game in which you play baseball inside buildings, funnily enough. You'll play 1v1 matches against the CPU or a friend in local multiplayer. You can also dive into a 14-game season or check out the story mode, in which you'll try to play your way back onto your school's baseball team (and maybe do some chores to make up for smashing too many things at home). There are several different levels, each of which has a variety of ways for you to make a home run, from smashing a window to landing the ball in a toilet. It seems light and fun and as a burgeoning baseball guy , I dig the idea of this one. Indoor Baseball is available now on Steam , Xbox for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and Nintendo Switch. It costs $15. Upcoming I love Another Crab's Treasure very much and so I'll always be interested in whatever Aggro Crab is up to. Given that the studio also co-developed the smash hit Peak (alongside Landfall), I imagine many other folks feel the same way. Crashout Crew is another multiplayer game from Aggro Crab. This one adopts the chaotic co-op formula of games like Overcooked . As a team of forklift drivers, you and your buds will work together to fill orders in warehouses while dealing with obstacles like blackouts, cacti, fire and bees. It's coming to Steam , Xbox on PC and Xbox Series X/S on May 28. It'll be available on Game Pass on day one. I'm very much here for slice-of-life games based around soccer (I still need to play Despelote !). Kick is another such title. This is a side-scrolling, anime-inspired game from solo developer nospacelost and publisher Shoreline Games, in which you dribble a ball as you make your way to school. There are 23 levels with people to dodge and obstacles to overcome. You'll need to avoid damaging anything as you try to pull off tricks by kicking the ball at the correct angle, all while making sure you get to class on time (you can switch off the timer for a more relaxed experience). It looks pretty, and it never hurts a game's prospects to have a pup accompanying the main character. No release date for Kick has been announced. It's coming to Steam at some point. Elfie: A Sand Plan is a cozy sandcastle building game from Pressed Elephant and Sol's Atelier. There are more than 180 levels in which you'll build sand sculptures to match what Elfie, a small elephant, has in mind. There are three difficulty levels too. It looks cute and I adore elephants (oops, I just started fostering another one), so I'm interested in checking it out. Elfie: A Sand Plan is coming to Steam for PC and Mac on May 12. It'll cost $7, and there'll be a 10 percent launch discount. It took the team at Realmsoft 14 years to bring Clockwork Ambrosia to fruition and if this latest trailer is any indication, that long development cycle could have well been worthwhile. This is a side-scrolling action platformer in which you can customize half a dozen weapons using more than 150 modifiers. You play as an airship engineer who tries to survive on a steampunk island full of aggressive robots and creatures following a crash. I really dig the art direction here, which features lush hand-drawn pixel art and lovely animations. Realmsoft made the game using a custom engine the team built from scratch. I'm looking forward to checking out Clockwork Ambrosia . It's coming to Steam on May 12. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/vampire-crawlers-peter-molyneuxs-return-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110000340.html?src=rss

A third of our sales happen in non-metro cities, DailyObjects CEO says

The company started with smartphone cases and then went deeper into charging solutions, power banks, cables, and bags