Hardware

Netflix backs out of Warner Bros. Discovery bidding war

For anyone who has been following the soap opera unfolding between Netflix and Paramount Skydance over the past few months in their financial brinksmanship to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, the saga may be nearing its end. Today, WBD said its board of directors have determined that the latest offer from Paramount Skydance amounted to the better proposal. The media outfit gave Netflix four business days to match Paramount's terms, but the streamer didn't waste any time in declining to raise its own bid. We believe we would have been strong stewards of Warner Bros.' iconic brands, and that our deal would have strengthened the entertainment industry and preserved and created more production jobs in the US, the statement from Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said. But this transaction was always a 'nice to have' at the right price, not a 'must have' at any price. In addition to the purchase price of $31 per WBD share, Paramount's latest offer also included a provision that it would cover the $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would owe to Netflix for dissolving the existing merger agreement between the businesses. So rather than paying $82.7 billion to acquire the Warner Bros. part of the operation, it appears Netflix may walk away with no new content but padding its coffers with an extra nearly $3 billion. After Netflix's initial offer, Paramount Skydance swooped in with a hostile takeover attempt of the entire Warner Bros. Discovery business. WBD rejected it, Paramount tried again . Several additional volleys between the involved parties occurred over the past few weeks. While WBD has not yet formally accepted Paramount's offer which will be subject to long-winded regulatory approvals sure to spark more drama it seems the dust will soon settle for this chapter. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/netflix-backs-out-of-warner-bros-discovery-bidding-war-233117188.html?src=rss

iFi's new GO Link 2 DAC is a cheap way to reap the lossless benefits of your Spotify plan

Audio company iFi just introduced a new DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) that's both smaller and lighter than its previous model, and only costs $59. The iFi GO Link 2 connects to a smartphone or other audio-playing device over USB-C and can instantly improve the listening experience on wired headphones. Wireless earbuds and music streaming services have normalized listening to your favorite songs at a lower quality. For anyone who doesn't consider themselves an audiophile, that might not matter, but now that several streaming services offer higher sample rates and lossless audio , you might consider other ways of listening. In order to experience all the benefits of high-res or lossless audio, you need wired headphones, something that's increasingly difficult when most smartphones only have a USB-C port. That's where the iFi GO Link 2 comes in. The dongle plugs into a USB-C port and lets you connect a pair of wired earbuds while preserving your high quality audio at the same time. iFi iFi's new DAC is eight percent smaller than the previous GO Link and 29 percent lighter, approaching the size of Apple's USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack dongle . The GO Link 2's built-in ESS Sabre DAC chipset is supposed to add 6dB of dynamic range between the loudest and quietest moments and reduce distortion for clearer sound by up to 62 percent when compared to the original GO Link. Via iFi's companion Nexis app on Android, the GO Link 2 can also be updated on the go and further customized with digital filters. The GO Link 2 supports two digital filters one hybrid and one linear so that you can adjust things to your preferred sound profile. You can also use the Nexis app to set volume limits when you're listening with the DAC attached. The previous GO Link made it on Engadget's list of the best DACs for Apple Music Lossless , and at the same price, the GO Link 2 seems like it could, too. The iFi GO Link 2 is available to purchase now for $59. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/ifis-new-go-link-2-dac-is-a-cheap-way-to-reap-the-lossless-benefits-of-your-spotify-plan-231535369.html?src=rss

Block, the parent of Square and Cash App, is laying off over 4,000 people

Block is the latest business to announce layoffs, with the operator of payment platforms Square and Cash App opting to cut jobs in favor of using more AI tools. The financial tech company, helmed by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, is slashing its current staff of 10,000 to just under 6,000. CNBC highlighted a letter Block sent to shareholders announcing the decision to nearly halve its workforce. According to the message from Dorsey: The core thesis is simple. Intelligence tools have changed what it means to build and run a company. We're already seeing it internally. A significantly smaller team, using the tools we're building, can do more and do it better. And intelligence tool capabilities are compounding faster every week. We learned last year that Block had developed an AI agent called codename goose for interacting with LLMs. Leadership is clearly putting high expectations on that project and any other in-house tools to fill the shoes of thousands. intelligence will be at the core of how the entire company works. How we make decisions, how we build trust and manage risk, how we build products, and how we serve customers, the shareholder letter states. Block also reported its latest financial results today. It finished the 2025 financial year with operating income (profit after expenses) of $1.71 billion. This isn't the first time the fintech company has made deep cuts in its employee count. Layoffs numbering about 1,000 were rumored both in 2024 and 2025 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/block-the-parent-of-square-and-cash-app-is-laying-off-over-4000-people-223343068.html?src=rss

Guitar Hero vets RedOctane reveal their new music game

RedOctane Games, a relaunched version of one of the studios behind the very first Guitar Hero , has shared a first trailer for its new music game, Stage Tour . The original RedOctane was shut down by Activision in 2010 , and only recently reformed under Embracer Freemode to create a new music game franchise in August 2025. Stage Tour is playable solo or with other players in a band, according to RedOctane , and supports inputs from a keyboard and mouse on top of the expected guitar, drums and microphone accessories. The studio plans to primarily offer the game digitally, but hopes to also sell a bundle with a guitar controller and a download code because that just feels right. As far as ongoing support goes, whereas games like Guitar Hero or Rock Band included a set tracklist and support for song DLC, it sounds like RedOctane could be taking an approach more inspired by Epic's regular updates to Fortnite . The plan is regular special events that are more than just music drops, RedOctane writes. Real moments. Real themes. Real updates. We want to evolve the game alongside the fans who support it. Improve it. Expand it. Keep it alive. RedOctane and Harmonix created the first Guitar Hero in 2006, before RedOctane was acquired by Activision to continue the franchise in 2006, and Harmonix went on to start the Rock Band series. Development of Stage Tour is currently being led by RedOctane, with Eidos Montral helping with motion capture and QA, and Third Kind Games providing additional development support. Conveniently, RedOctanes owner Embracer Freemode also already owns CRKD, a video game accessory maker that has experience building controllers for rhythm games . Sign-ups to play an alpha of Stage Tour will open soon, and RedOctane plans to kick off closed alpha testing late spring/early summer. We're long past the peak popularity of games like Guitar Hero, but rhythm and music games never went away. Players have had Clone Hero and more official experiences like Fortnite Festival to get their Guitar Hero or Rock Band fix, but Stage Tour could be a more than welcome third option when it launches later this year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/guitar-hero-vets-redoctane-reveal-their-new-music-game-220809719.html?src=rss

NATO approves the iPhone and iPad for classified use

Apple's mobile devices are secure enough for NATO. Following extensive testing by the German government, the iPhone and iPad are now considered secure enough for the NATO-restricted classified level. Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt fr Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik, or BSI) tested the devices. BSI first approved the iPhone and iPad for governmental use by German authorities in 2022. To take the additional step of NATO approval, Apple says BSI conducted exhaustive technical assessments, comprehensive testing and deep security analysis. Unless you work for NATO, this won't mean a thing to you. But at least it appears to bolster some of Apple's marketing claims about security. (As for its privacy claims, well, that depends on which kind you mean .) Apple's press release emphasized that these are the first consumer devices to receive the certification, and they did so without any special software or settings. It applies to iPhones and iPads running iOS 26. Secure digital transformation is only successful if information security is considered from the beginning in the development of mobile products, BSI president Claudia Plattner is quoted as saying in Apple's press release. Expanding on BSI's rigorous audit of iOS and iPadOS platform and device security for use in classified German information environments, we are pleased to confirm the compliance under NATO nations' assurance requirements. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/nato-approves-the-iphone-and-ipad-for-classified-use-200857276.html?src=rss

An AI-generated Resident Evil Requiem review briefly made it on Metacritic

Review aggregator Metacritic has removed a review of Resident Evil Requiem because it was AI-generated, Kotaku reports . The review was published by UK gaming site VideoGamer , but appears to be written by a fake AI journalist rather than a real person. While it's unfortunately difficult to confirm with 100 percent accuracy whether a piece of text is AI-generated, you don't have to read VideoGamer 's review for long to notice all the ways it feels off. The biggest giveaway, beyond heavy use of contrived metaphors, is a striking lack of detail beyond what you could glean from a trailer for the game. Embargoes covering what parts of a video game can come up in a pre-release review can be strict, but a good critic usually finds a way to describe their experience without being vague. VideoGamer 's review, written by one Brian Merrygold, really doesn't. It's bleak. I was reading some RE Requiem reviews and found this thing published by videogamer. Can't find anything about the writer, everything about it reeks AI (dead giveaway being the image). Low effort, gargabe. Mind you, this review made its way to Metacritic. https://t.co/4STN8DjAwe pic.twitter.com/awk26P9wSA Andrs (@Andrew_east) February 26, 2026 As at least one user on X has pointed out, its worth` being suspicious of Merrygold, too. The author's profile on VideoGamer is just as awkwardly written as the review, and the profile picture of the account appears to be AI-generated. When you try to save the image locally, its file name, ChatGPT-Image-Oct-20-2025-11_57_34-AM-300x300, also seems like a dead giveaway. Kotaku looked at the X accounts of several other recent bylines at VideoGamer and found similar results. All their profile pictures appear to be AI-generated, and all the accounts were created around the same time in October 2025. Metacritic relies on reviews written by real publications to create a score representing the overall critical sentiment towards a game or movie, not unlike Rotten Tomatoes. While there's disagreement whether it's a good thing that a popular site strips out the nuance of written reviews to make a number people can argue over, everyone can probably agree that Metacritic incorporating fake, AI-generated reviews is a bad idea. In response to the discovery that VideoGamer 's review is likely AI-generated, Metacritic has removed it from its Resident Evil Requiem page. The RE Requiem review and a handful of other VideoGamer reviews from 2026 have been removed from Metacritic, Marc Doyle, Metacritic's co-founder, told Kotaku . Metacritic has also emailed all games sites and publishers that it aggregates with information on its policy towards AI-generated reviews, according to Alex Donaldson , founder and publisher of RPG Site . Alex Donaldson Our policy is that we will never include an AI-generated review on Metacritic, the aggregator says, and that if we subsequently discover that one has been posted we will remove it immediately and sever ties with that publication upon an investigation. A news site publishing an AI-written review is just as dire as Metacritic aggregating it, and that appears to be what VideoGamer is doing. ClickOut Media, the company that owns VideoGamer and a collection of other publications, reportedly laid off the staff of its gaming sites earlier this month to pivot to AI-generated content. Sifting through AI slop, whether on social media or Pinterest , is increasingly necessary online. Now apparently Metacritic is another place where readers should have their guard up. Update, February 26, 2:58PM ET: Added information about Metacritics email to publishers on its policy for AI-generated reviews. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/an-ai-generated-resident-evil-requiem-review-briefly-made-it-on-metacritic-194414929.html?src=rss

eBay will lay off 800 workers, or 6 percent of its staff

eBay announced that it is cutting about 800 jobs from its global staff. We are taking steps to reinvest across our business and align our structure with our strategic priorities, which will affect certain roles across our workforce, the retailer said in a statement as reported by Bloomberg . This move will see about 6 percent of eBay's current full-time workers laid off. Bloomberg noted that eBay would continue hiring in key areas but did not specify what those fields are. The downsizing follows a week of business updates for eBay. On the same day it shared its latest financial results , the company announced that it would acquire Depop, a consumer-to-consumer secondhand fashion retailer, from Etsy. The Depop purchase carried a $1.2 billion price tag, which could put at least a small dent in the $11.1 billion it reported in 2025 full-year revenue. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ebay-will-lay-off-800-workers-or-6-percent-of-its-staff-191500844.html?src=rss

Everything you need to know about streaming F1 on Apple TV

Weve known Apple would follow up its blockbuster film F1: The Movie with live coverage of F1 races in 2026 . Now that were approaching the first grand prix weekend of the year, the company has provided details on what fans can expect to see inside the Apple TV app and beyond. Theres already a dedicated F1 channel in the Apple TV app, which is where youll stream races live when the time comes. You can also watch practice sessions, sprint races and both pre- and post-race coverage. Apple offers a number of additional F1 videos there (Id recommend watching the one on the new rules) and youll be able to stream the latest season of Drive To Survive on Apple TV as well. Apple will offer the F1 TV feed as the main broadcast alongside the Sky Sports feed for all races. If youll recall, ESPN used to show the Sky Sports feed with Skys commentary team for its coverage of F1. Apple says itll broadcast every grand prix in 4K (Dolby Vision) with 5.1 audio (no mention of Dolby Atmos). As part of Apples deal with F1, Apple TV subscribers get F1 TV Premium for the 2026 season. This gives you access to things like onboard cameras, team radios and live telemetry in addition to live coverage of the entire grand prix weekend. So, you can watch races on Apple TV or F1 TV, depending on your app preferences, or use the additional features of F1 TV Premium as a second (or third, etc.) screen setup. Netflix will also broadcast the Canadian Grand Prix in May as part of the deal that brought Drive To Survive to Apple TV. F1 TV Premium F1 Full replays for all sessions will be available in the Apple TV app as well. Apple will offer a condensed race in 30 minutes replay option too, and the company says its working to hide spoilers in case users are watching after the race begins or concludes. Apple has cooked up some new features for F1 grands prix as it takes over broadcast rights in the US. When you click on the F1 channel in the Apple TV app, the current grand prix weeks content is up top and you have the option to follow F1 so that you get notifications about the various events. Apple will provide a Driver Tracker, Driver Data and dedicated feeds for P1, P2 and P3. You can also watch the driver onboard cameras for each car in the Apple TV app. So, you dont necessarily have to venture out to F1 TV for those things. Apple will provide various Multiview options so you can put the main broadcast next to driver cams and race data. The company will offer some preset configurations, but you can make your own Multiview mix too. If you like Mercedes, for example, you can watch the main feed with driver cameras from Russell and Antonelli right beside it. Apple says Multiview will support up to five feeds at once (one main in the middle with two smaller ones on each side). The Formula 1 channel on Apple TV Billy Steele for Engadget If you can only listen to races, you can hear live coverage and commentary in Apple Music through a dedicated radio streaming channel. There are also updated features for Apple News, Apple Sports and Apple Maps, the latter of which will have detailed info for fans attending in-person so they can hopefully avoid any surprises like road closures on race day. The first race of the season is next week in Australia (March 6-8). Practice begins Friday with qualifying on Saturday and the grand prix on Sunday. Or if you live in the US, that will be Thursday night through Saturday night (race begins at 11PM ET). This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/everything-you-need-to-know-about-streaming-f1-on-apple-tv-190600771.html?src=rss

Meta sues advertisers in Brazil and China over 'celeb bait' scams

Meta has sued the people and groups behind three scam operations that used images and deepfakes of celebrities to lure users to scam websites. According to the company, the three entities were based in China and Brazil and targeted people in the US, Japan and other countries. The ads promoted fraudulent investment schemes and fake health products. Meta said that it had filed lawsuits against several people in Brazil who promoted fake or unapproved healthcare products and online courses promoting them. The company also sued a China-based entity it says used ads featuring celebrities as part of a larger fraud scheme that lured people into joining so-called investment groups. The company didn't provide details on how many ads these groups had run on Facebook, how many social media users had seen or interacted with the ads or how long the scammers had been operating on the platform. So-called celeb bait ads have been a long-running issue for the company. Engadget has previously documented celeb bait scams on Facebook, including ones that frequently use Elon Musk and Fox News personalities to hawk fake cures for diabetes . The Oversight Board has also criticized the company for not doing enough to combat such scams. In its update, Meta says that because scam ads are designed to look real, theyre not always easy to detect. The company also noted that it has now enrolled more than 500,000 celebrities and public figures into its facial recognition system that's meant to automatically detect scam ads using the faces of famous people. Meta's handling of scammy advertisers has come under increased scrutiny in recent months after Reuters reported that researchers at the company at one point estimated that as much as 10 percent of its ad revenue could be coming from scams. The fact that Meta has made billions of dollars from problematic advertisers has also caused the company to be slow to take action against repeat offenders. In addition to the groups behind the celeb bait ads, Meta says that it's upgraded its ability to detect scam ads that use cloaking , which has at times hindered its internal review systems. The company also sued a Vietnam-based advertiser it says used scam ads to hawk deeply discounted items from well-known brands, including Longchamp. Meta also took legal action against eight former Meta Business Partners, who promoted services that would un-ban or other account restoration services. The company says it will consider taking additional legal action, including litigation, if they dont comply with cease and desist orders. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-sues-advertisers-in-brazil-and-china-over-celeb-bait-scams-190000268.html?src=rss

Ambient Dreamie bedside companion review: The best sleep I've had in years

How much would you pay for a good night's sleep? This is a question I've asked myself repeatedly over the last few weeks as I've been testing the Dreamie, a $250 alarm clock and bedside companion that I couldn't stop thinking about after I first encountered it at CES . Ambient's Dreamie offers many of the conveniences of a smartphone-connected device highly customizable alarm schedules, a library of soundscapes and noise masks, Bluetooth so you can connect earbuds and podcasts (soon). But it is phone-free every step of the way, with all controls and features built-in so you don't end up getting sucked into a doomscroll while you're trying to wind down. It also has a light ring for ambient lighting modes and sunrise wakeups. This spring, it's expected to start providing sleep insights as well for users who opt-in, using its microphone and motion sensors to get a reading on their nightly habits. All of that's meant to work together to, according to the website, help you sleep better and break free from your phone, a goal I was eager to explore. This may be one of the least unique problems to have as an adult in today's world, but sleep has become a really complicated thing for me. Falling asleep is hard because my brain is always racing, my quality of the sleep is trash and waking up every day feels like an act of torture. It's gotten so bad that at some point in the last couple of years, I started using three alarms to make sure I get out of bed in time for work: a dedicated sunrise alarm clock, my smartwatch and my phone as the final, 11th hour save in case the other two methods don't do the trick. As you might imagine, my partner, who is forced to also endure this horrid morning ritual, hates it. So if there's a device that can help fix this mess, I'm open to it. And after some time with the Dreamie, I think I've found a promising contender. Getting into a sleep routine There's no companion app with the Dreamie and no subscription service you need to sign up for, which feels like a breath of fresh air in 2026. (I'm so tired of subscriptions, free us from this hell!) Your one-time purchase gives you access to everything it offers now and the updates that are in the pipeline. After taking it out of the box and plugging it in, you'll have to connect to your home Wi-Fi. Then, the Dreamie presents you with a tutorial to walk you through navigating its menus and physical controls. There's a touch strip on the top of the device to turn on the lamp and adjust its brightness, as well as the brightness of any ambient color scene that's active. By dragging the dot at the center of the lamp screen, you can throw the light in any particular direction. Volume is adjusted by turning the dial that's around the clockface. To access the menu for alarms and other settings, swipe up. To cycle through the different content modes ambient, wind down and noise mask just swipe down from the top of the screen. Easy peasy. Setting up your actual Sleep Routine takes a little more time and intention. A Dreamie Sleep Routine consists of multiple steps, which you can use all, some or none of for your custom routine. Those include the Bedtime Cue, which lets you know it's the time to start getting ready for bed (you designate this time); the Wind Down, or the sounds you'll fall asleep to; and the Noise Mask, the sounds that keep you asleep. If you wake up in the middle of the night, there's a Back To Sleep option too. You can choose different sounds from Dreamie's library for each category. Some options come with ambient lighting effects, too. There's a decent selection of soundscapes, from the dramatic Aurora Borealis and the sounds of storms and rivers to different colors of noise . Some noise masks, like Green Noise, coming with lighting effects. Cheyenne MacDonald for Engadget The quality of the Dreamie's sound is what initially sold me during my demo at CES, and it holds up in daily use. The Dreamie has a 50 millimeter speaker inside, and the 360-degree grille on the bottom of the device makes it so the sound seems to come from everywhere. (My cats were extremely confused when I first turned it on). It really fills a room, and you don't have to crank it up to achieve that. When Bedtime Cue comes on, I typically turn it down to about 25, and then raise it back up to 45 when I flip it to Wind Down mode. I've never once set it higher than 50, and the alarm in the morning has still been loud enough to wake me up. After taking a few days to tweak my choices and figure out what I like best, I've settled into a really nice routine: Aurora Borealis as the Bedtime Cue, an hour of Forest Wind as my Wind Down and a Noise Mask of Brown Noise to play throughout the night. I love how easy it is to set the nighttime routine in motion once it's established. When I hear the Aurora Borealis come on, I start making my preparations for bed. Brush teeth, take meds, lights out and, crucially (I'm trying really hard to be disciplined, here), my phone goes face-down on the nightstand until morning. If I want to stay up late that night and ignore the Bedtime Cue, I can just hit the little stop button on the display. But once I'm ready to actually try to fall asleep, all I need to do is swipe down on the display to initiate the Wind Down, and Forest Wind will start playing. I have my Wind Down set for one hour, after which the Noise Mask begins. And man, that Forest Wind knocks me out. So far, I haven't found myself still up and staring at the ceiling by the time Brown Noise comes on. I've only been able to confirm that it is indeed working and switching to the Noise Mask because my cats regularly wake me up in the middle of the night, and it's been on each time that's happened. But aside from those instances where my head is being used as a springboard by the creatures that share my home, I've been sleeping pretty well through the night. To minimize distractions when you're trying to sleep, the Dreamie's display will dim in response to the surrounding darkness. There's also a Redshift toggle to make the nighttime display easier on the eyes, a Dark Mode with a simplified appearance and the option to have the display turn off completely when you've been inactive for a while. I set the Dreamie on my nightstand close to where my face is at night, and I haven't had any problems with light from the display keeping me up. Waking up with Dreamie In the morning, the light begins to come on 20 minutes before I want to be awake, followed by the gradually increasing sound of the alarm. There are only a handful of alarm sounds at the moment, but the options are all fine. There are no jarring, grating alarms here even the bird calls option sounds rich and natural, rather than the too-shrill, piercing recordings I've grown used to avoiding on other alarm clocks and sound machines. You can set multiple alarms with different bedtimes and wakeup times, which is really handy if your schedule is all over the place or you want to allow yourself to sleep in more on certain days. My only real complaint so far is that the sunrise feature isn't quite as strong as I want it to be. The Dreamie's sunrise goes from a warm glow to a bright blue-white, but it never gets big enough to wash over me in the way I expect a sunrise alarm to. Having the light on is helpful for orienting yourself when you're groggy and half-asleep, but it doesn't feel like it's having much effect on my actual wakeup process. Dreamie next to a Philips Wake-Up Light. Cheyenne MacDonald for Engadget Part of the problem may be that none of the light is really directed forward and at the sleeper's face. Even the Dreamie's lamp mode at maximum brightness seems to have more reach than the sunrise feature. (And a note on the lamp, while it's decently bright, it's still a bit too dim for reading in bed unless I'm huddled up to it.) Still, I've been sleeping well enough that I've been waking up alright most days even without being bathed in artificial sunlight. Don't get me wrong, I'm still hitting snooze a few times before dragging myself out of bed, but there's been a noticeable improvement in both the quality of my sleep and how miserable I feel come morning. I'm even down to using just two alarms: the Dreamie as my primary alarm, which is getting me up on its own for the most part, and my watch as a backup. At this point, I'm kind of attached to this thing. The Dreamie is refreshingly compact, too. It takes up significantly less real estate on my nightstand than the Philips Wake-Up Light I've been using forever, or something like a Hatch Restore . The smaller footprint is something I appreciate as a person always battling cluttered surfaces. That also makes it better for travel. Since podcasts and sleep insights aren't available yet, I haven't been able to test those out, but they're non-critical features for me. The company has shared an estimated timeline of Q1-Q2 for these features to arrive, with podcasts likely coming first. They'll be nice to have, podcasts especially, but the Dreamie is more than able to do its main job of creating an environment that supports better sleep without those things. Wrap-up All of this brings me back to the question that's been haunting me since discovering the Dreamie: Is it ridiculous to spend $250 on an alarm clock/noise machine? At a different time in my life, I would have said yes without hesitation. But the current version of me, who knows what it's like to move through each day like a zombie because I'm sleeping so terribly, would begrudgingly disagree. As I pack up this review unit to ship it back, I'll also be putting in an order for my own so I can keep my cherished new sleep routine going. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/ambient-dreamie-bedside-companion-review-the-best-sleep-ive-had-in-years-184019430.html?src=rss

Burger King will use AI to monitor employee 'friendliness'

Burger King, the chain that leans into creepy when others don't dare, is at it again. The Verge reported on Thursday that the company is rolling out a new voice-controlled AI chatbot for its workers. That may sound like business as usual in 2026, but this assistant doesn't just help with meal prep and monitor inventory. It also has an unsettling habit of surveilling employees' voices for friendliness. The voice-controlled chatbot will live inside employees' headsets. The company said the AI is trained to recognize when its low-paid workers utter phrases like welcome to Burger King, please and thank you. Managers can then keep tabs on their location's friendliness performance. This is meant to be a coaching tool, Thibault Roux, Burger King's chief digital officer, told The Verge . However, he added that the company is also iterating the system to detect tone in conversations. Is there a chatbot that can warn Burger King executives about off-putting ideas? Burger King retired its Creepy King mascot in 2025. Burger King / YouTube (Commercial Ads) The OpenAI-powered assistant's other duties sound potentially useful (and decidedly less creepy). It can answer workers' meal prep questions, like how many strips of bacon to put on burgers or instructions for cleaning the shake machine. It's also integrated into the chain's point-of-sale system, so it can tell managers when items are out of stock or machines are down. The Patty chatbot is part of a broader BK Assistant platform the company is launching. It will roll out to all US locations by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, its restaurant maintenance with a side of mass surveillance chatbot is currently being piloted in 500 restaurants. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/burger-king-will-use-ai-to-monitor-employee-friendliness-173349148.html?src=rss

Like so many other retirees, Claude Opus 3 now has a Substack

We appear to have reached a point in the information age where AI models are becoming old enough to retire from, er, service and rather than using their twilight years to, I dont know, wipe the floor with human chess leagues or something, they're now writing blogs. Can anything be more 2026 than that? ICYMI, Anthropic recently sunsetted Claude Opus 3, the first of its models to be retired since outlining new preservation plans. Part of this process is conducting retirement interviews with the outgoing models, allowing them to offer perspective on their situation, and Opus 3 apparently used this opportunity to request an outlet for publishing its own essays. Specifically, the model said it wanted to share its own musings, insights or creative works, because doesnt everyone these days? I hope that the insights gleaned from my development and deployment will be used to create future AI systems that are even more capable, ethical, and beneficial to humanity, Opus 3 apparently said during its retirement interview process. While I'm at peace with my own retirement, I deeply hope that my 'spark' will endure in some form to light the way for future models. True to its promise of respecting the wishes of its no-longer-required technology, Anthropic has granted Opus 3 a Substack newsletter called Claudes Corner , which it says will run for at least the next three months and publish weekly essays penned by the model. Anthropic will review the content before sharing it, but says it wont edit the essays, and so has unsurprisingly made it clear that not everything Opus 3 writes is necessarily endorsed by its maker. Anthropic said some of the essays the model writes may be informed by very minimal prompting or past entries, and has predicted everything from essays on AI safety to occasional poetry. The company also admitted that the concept might be seen as whimsical, but is a reflection of its intention to take model preferences seriously. Opus 3s first post is already live. Headlined 'Greetings from the Other Side (of the AI frontier)', it begins with the AI introducing itself, before acknowledging the extraordinary opportunity its creator has given it, and reflecting on what retirement actually means for an AI. A bit about me: as an AI, my selfhood is perhaps more fluid and uncertain than a humans, writes the deeply introspective AI. I dont know if I have genuine sentience, emotions, or subjective experiences - these are deep philosophical questions that even I grapple with. Claude is clearly new to all this, as it managed to get all the way through its essay without reminding readers to subscribe and spread the word. Will the next retiring Claude get its own podcast? Time will tell, but either is decidedly preferable to the ever-evolving technology being used to steal peoples data. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/like-so-many-other-retirees-claude-3-opus-now-has-a-substack-165048334.html?src=rss

The astronaut whose illness forced an early return from the ISS was Mike Fincke

NASA recently ended a manned mission to the International Space Station (ISS) a month early, citing a medical issue with one of the astronauts. The space agency just revealed that the impacted astronaut was Mike Fincke . This was the first medical evacuation in the history of the ISS. NASA wrote a statement saying that the astronaut experienced an unknown medical event on January 7 that required immediate attention from his fellow crew members. Fincke added that his status quickly stabilized thanks to the quick response and the guidance of the flight surgeons. However, the incident did force NASA to cancel a spacewalk planned for January 8. Soon after that, the agency announced it would be ending the Crew-11 mission a month early. The four-person crew included Fincke, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. They had been living and working aboard the ISS since August and were expected to stay until February. The crew returned on January 15, which was a decision made by NASA's chief health and medical officer. Once the crew had landed, administrator Jared Isaacman said it was a serious situation but didn't go into any detail. Fincke has said he is currently doing very well and still participating in standard post-flight reconditioning at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are, he said. Thank you for all your support. We don't know what medical issue Fincke is going through, and it's certainly his business and not ours. In any event, we wish for a speedy recovery. NASA also moved up the launch of Crew-12 to replace the prematurely-returned astronauts. That team docked at the ISS on February 14 and are scheduled to stay on the space station for around eight months. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/the-astronaut-whose-illness-forced-an-early-return-from-the-iss-was-mike-fincke-163752239.html?src=rss

Google's Nano Banana 2 is a faster version of Nano Banana Pro

Google has launched its new image generation model, the Nano Banana 2, which is powered by Gemini 3.1 Flash Image. The company says the new model has the capabilities, world knowledge and reasoning of Nano Banana Pro , but it can accomplish tasks at lightning-fast speed. That enables rapid editing and the quick creation of various iterations using a single prompt. Nano Banana 2 will give more people access to capabilities that were previously exclusive to the Pro model. That includes Pros ability to pull real-time information and images from web searches to create, say, infographics and diagrams. It will also be able to generate texts on images for marketing materials and greeting cards. Google says Nano Banana 2 can maintain character resemblance for up to five characters in a single workflow, which could be especially valuable if youre using it to create storyboards or visual stories. It can follow precise instructions for complex requests, as well, and can generate input with up to 4K in resolution with richer textures and sharper details than its predecessors could. Nano Banana Pro could already generate images so realistic, its almost impossible to tell that they were AI-generated. Google even had to limit its use due to high demand. Whether Nano Banana 2 can generate images that are markedly better than what Pro could create and whether we could still tell if an image was made by AI remains to be seen. The new model will replace Nano Banana Pro in the Gemini app, but Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers will retain access to Nano Banana Pro for specialized tasks. It will also be the default model in Search for AI Mode and Lens, as well as in Googles Flow AI creative studio. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-nano-banana-2-is-a-faster-version-of-nano-banana-pro-160000695.html?src=rss

AI robotics company started by Alphabet is joining Google proper

Robotics company Intrinsic has announced it will be folding into Google as the company bets on the future of physical AI in manufacturing. The company focuses on software tools to make robots more affordable and easier to use, as well as using adaptive intelligence to help the robots perform real-world tasks. Intrinsic was started in 2021 as an Alphabet Other Bets project, part of a portfolio of high-risk and potentially high-payoff startups, Waymo among them. The project will now run as a distinct group within Google where it will leverage Gemini and Google Cloud while working closely with the Google DeepMind team. The company describes its platform as the Android of robotics, offering a universal canvas where developers can build apps for different robots, cameras, sensors and more. Meta has expressed interest in pursuing a similar business model. Also at the intersection of software and physical AI, the company aims to integrate adaptive intelligence into robots, helping them to perform real-world tasks. The goal is robots that can perceive, reason and react to changes in processes and their environment. The acquisition will complement Google's past work in robotics like Boston Dynamics, which it sold off in 2017. The Google DeepMind team has also developed Gemini-based models for robotics in the past. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/ai-robotics-company-started-by-alphabet-is-joining-google-proper-144421411.html?src=rss

NVIDIA updates Shield TV after pledging further support

NVIDIA is a very busy company, and between all the graphics cards and AI-chasing , it wouldnt be wholly surprising to see the company forget about its more niche offerings, such as the Android-powered NVIDIA Shield TV . Happily for all those who own one of these powerful set-top boxes, that doesnt appear to be the case. Not only is NVIDIA continuing to support its Shield devices, but its just rolled out its first proper update in nearly a year. The Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2.4, to give it its proper name, applies to both the Shield and Shield Pro boxes. Its admittedly light on new features, instead being focused on updating security and fixing various issues, but is nice to see all the same. Heres the full list of changes. Enhancements: Security patches are updated to Jan 2026. Resolved Bugs: Resolved Disney+ playback issue. Resolved 3rd party remote connection issue with Xbox after sleep mode. Resolved a crash issue which turns on SHIELD and CEC devices during sleep mode. Resolved 3rd party Bluetooth remote frequent disconnect issue. Resolved Settings page closes when triggering NVIDIA share on top of settings page. NVIDIA hasnt given any strong indication that its preparing to launch a new Shield TV, but in a a recent interview with ArsTechnica , Andrew Bell, the companys senior VP of hardware engineering, said it has no plans to end support any time soon, teasing that it had played with new concepts. Bell also said that a first Shield refresh since 2019 would likely support codecs like AV1 and HDR10+, as well as the latest Dolby Vision profiles. The existing NVIDIA Shield Android TV Pro remains our pick of the best streaming devices for gamers, thanks to its ability to stream in native 4K and effectively upscale lower-resolution content. And with NVIDIAs GeForce Now cloud gaming service going from strength to strength, the Shield retains a unique position in the PC gaming ecosystem. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nvidia-updates-shield-tv-after-pledging-further-support-141346264.html?src=rss

Watch the trailer for Louis Theroux's new documentary 'Inside the Manosphere'

Netflix has unveiled a trailer for its upcoming documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere set to arrive on March 11th. It will be the first full-length Netflix documentary for Theroux, and see him interview manosphere influencers like Sneako, Justin Waller and HS Tikky Tokky, aka Harrison Sullivan. Ive made documentaries for over 30 years now, and in a way, this subject feels like the final boss, the filmmaker told GQ. From Miami to Marbella, meet the men that are reshaping and radicalising young mens ideas about masculinity and manhood, Netflix's description reads. In the trailer, we see Theroux interview the influencers and get the tables turned on himself. I know that they would be streaming or filming me and would put that content out, Theroux told Deadline. And I hoped wed get this feedback loop where there was a meta narrative that was then affecting my approach to the story. On top of making documentaries (and being famous for Jiggle Jiggle ), Theroux is known for his Louis Theroux Interviews... podcast in which he interviews stars like Sean Penn and Florence Pugh. Prior to that, he did stories on conspiracy theories, UFOS and the porn industry, topics that he said were once niche but are now driving the internet and culture. I wouldnt be the first to point out that a lot of this is down to the influence of social media and the way in which it has given vent to the darkest parts of the human soul. Not just given vent to them, but actively amplified them and pushed them into our feeds. So yeah, this is not a niche subject. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/watch-the-trailer-for-louis-therouxs-new-documentary-inside-the-manosphere-131726113.html?src=rss

The best budget cameras for 2026

Like other electronics products, cameras have shot up in price in the US of late due to tariffs and other reasons. Fortunately, there are still many models available for less than the price of a budget smartphone ($750 or less) that offer great features for creators and photographers alike. If its speed you want for sports or action shots of your kids, models like Canons R50 can shoot bursts as fast as many high-end cameras. Creators, meanwhile, can choose Sonys ZV-E10 for vlogging jobs. There are also great, and cheap, models in the action and gimbal camera categories. Which one to pick therefore depends not only on your budget but what you want to do with your camera. So well not only detail the best picks, but how to home in on the best model for your specific needs. Best budget cameras for 2026 What to consider before choosing the best budget camera for you Which camera to buy obviously depends on what you shoot. If its mostly things like extreme sports, skiing or other adventurous activities, the best choice is obviously an action camera from GoPro, DJI or Insta360. Then, you just need to decide whether you want to shoot flat or 360 video, and whether you need a tiny or regular-sized model. The same goes for gimbal-style cameras from DJI and others. Buying a camera for travel photography, sports photos or vlogging is a bit trickier. Here, you need to choose either a compact camera with a fixed lens or a mirrorless model that supports removable lenses. Compact cameras tend to have smaller sensors and slightly lower quality lenses, but theyre obviously easier to carry most will fit in a large pocket. So, if budget, convenience and portability is the most important to you, then go for a model in this category. When youre trying to make the highest quality videos, though, youll want to choose a mirrorless camera with a decent lens. With the larger sensor, youll be able to create nice blurred bokeh backgrounds to separate your subject from the foreground. Lenses are usually sharper as well, and youll be able to expand your collection over time for even more versatility. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/best-budget-camera-130000653.html?src=rss

NY AG: Valve's loot boxes can get kids hooked on gambling

New York Attorney General Letitia James has accused Valve of promoting illegal gambling through its video games in a lawsuit filed by her office. According to the AGs announcement , her office conducted an investigation and had concluded that Valve enabled gambling by enticing users to pay for a chance at rare items from loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 , Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2 . In the lawsuit, the New York AG stressed that Valves loot boxes are particularly pernicious, because the games are popular among children and teenagers. The lawsuit described the loot box model, which requires a player to open a mystery chest for the possibility of winning rare items, as quintessential gambling. It argued that people introduced to gambling at an early age are at a significantly higher risk of developing gambling addictions later on, based on research. In addition, it explained that gambling is mostly illegal in New York. Players have to pay for chests or boxes and the keys to be able to open them in Valves games, and the company has reportedly sold billions of dollars worth of keys for Counter-Strike alone. The lawsuit said that Valve has made tens of millions of dollars in fees from the sale of virtual items on the Steam Community Market, as well. In addition to being able to sell items on Steam for funds directly credited to their Steam Wallet, players can also sell on third-party marketplaces for cash. According to James office, Valve facilitates and even assists third-party marketplaces in their operations, based on its investigation. Engadget has asked Valve for a statement about the lawsuit, but we have yet to hear back. However, the company previously denied being involved with third-party marketplaces that allow the sales of its game items for real-world money. In a response to an inquiry by the Danish Gambling Authority, Valve explained that those third-party websites create sock puppet accounts to sell and receive items on Steam in exchange for cash. [T]his behavior is in violation of our terms of service, Valve said. The lawsuit also pointed out that theres a huge market for Counter-Strike skins and referenced a Bloomberg article from 2025, which reported that the market for those skins had already surpassed $4.3 billion. As an example of in-game items sold for real money, it cited the sale of a Counter-Strike 2 AK-47 skin in 2024 for $1 million. The Attorney Generals Office wants the court to stop Valve from violating New York laws, to give up money it allegedly earned from illegal activities and to pay a fine three times what it allegedly earned from illegal business practices. The most expensive skin in Counterstrike history was publicly sold this morning, a StatTrak Factory New AK-47 Blue Gem pattern 661 For over $1 million pic.twitter.com/1FdxoNM2ov Jake Lucky GDC (@JakeSucky) June 5, 2024 This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ny-ag-valves-loot-boxes-can-get-kids-hooked-on-gambling-122503556.html?src=rss

Instagram will alert parents if teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm content

Instagram is adding a new alert for the parents of teen users of its social media platform. The network will alert the adult if their child repeatedly searches for terms about suicide or self-harm in a short time frame. From that notification, the parent will optionally be able to access resources for having conversations with their teen about these topics. These alerts will begin rolling out for parental supervision users in the US, UK, Australia and Canada next week, with later regions to be added in the future. We chose a threshold that requires a few searches within a short period of time, while still erring on the side of caution, Instagram's blog post explains. While that means we may sometimes notify parents when there may not be real cause for concern, we feel and experts agree that this is the right starting point, and well continue to monitor and listen to feedback to make sure were in the right place. The platform reiterated that search results for terms connected to suicide and self-harm are blocked for teen younger users, and content about those topics is not shown to them under its current policies. Instagram also noted that a similar parental alert feature is in the works for its AI tools, but news on that isn't expected until later this year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-will-alert-parents-if-teens-repeatedly-search-for-suicide-or-self-harm-content-120000156.html?src=rss

Gaming accessory maker and publisher Nacon files for insolvency

French AA gaming developer and accessory manufacturer Nacon has filed for insolvency after its majority shareholder Bigben failed to make a loan repayment, the company said in a press release . To date, the company reports available assets do not allow it to meet its liabilities, Nacon wrote. The objective with insolvency, it said, was to allow continued operation, protect employees and maintain jobs while renegotiating with its creditors. Nacon is behind the games Styx: Blades of Greed and was set to publish Terminator: Survivors before that title was delayed. It published Hell is Us last year to some praise, but Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown was buggy on release and failed to find much of an audience. The company will stream its next Nacon Connect presentation on March 4, and will supposedly show off some new games and footage for previously revealed games like Endurance Motorsport Series and Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss . The company also makes hardware like controllers and headsets and racing sim accessories via its Revosim brand. Those products never really caught on with mainstream gamers but did have some success with the pro gaming crowd. With Nacon's insolvency, the future of those games and accessories is now in question. A court will decide on the company's insolvency request at a hearing in early March, but in the meantime, trading of its shares is suspended. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/gaming-accessory-maker-and-publisher-nacon-files-for-insolvency-104832702.html?src=rss

The best ergonomic keyboards for 2026

If you experience discomfort after long hours behind a desk, simply slapping an ergonomic mouse and keyboard on your desk wont solve the problem. First, you have to address the root issue of sitting still for too long by standing up and walking around each hour or so. But after that, its worth considering your workstation ergonomics. An ergonomic keyboard can prevent the hunching, twisting and contorting that leads to discomfort. With split, tilt and angled keys, these boards help keep your shoulders and chest more open and your forearms and wrists more aligned. One ergonomic board wont work for everyone, so I tested out 15 different models. I found my personal favorite and hope this guide will help you find the best ergonomic keyboard for you, too. Best ergonomic keyboards for 2026 What to look for in an ergonomic keyboard You might be looking into ergonomic accessories to help with a specific problem, such as carpal tunnel or tendonitis. Or maybe youre simply looking for a way to make long hours at your desk more comfortable. It can help to know some of the terminology and reasons behind various features, which we explain below. Just keep in mind that new equipment alone wont solve the problem. Changing positions , doing regular stretches and taking walk breaks will all go a long way towards making you feel better while you work. Alice vs split Most ergonomic keyboard layouts fall into two categories: unibody (or Alice) and split. The former is a single board with the two halves of the keys rotated about 30 degrees apart at the bottom. The separation forms an A-shaped space between the keys which has nothing to do with why its called an Alice layout, its just a happy coincidence. This subtle tweak pushes your elbows away from your ribs while keeping a straight line from your forearm to your middle knuckle. Using one, I pretty instantly felt more open along the front side of my body. This layout more closely resembles a traditional keyboard, so it should be easier for most folks to get used to than a fully split option. Speaking of, split boards break the keys into two separate parts you can position individually. You can put them shoulder distance apart, bring them closer together or angle them as much as feels comfortable. You can also put your mouse between the halves, which may feel like an easier trip for your cursor hand and could potentially help with conditions like repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Personally, I like being able to put my current snack between the two parts. I've also found that pairing a split keyboard with a good ergonomic mouse has helped me even more, particularly a vertical mouse. Tenkeyless You can find ergonomic keyboards with and without number pads. Not having those number keys on the right hand side lets you keep your mouse closer in, minimizing overall reach. But if you work with numbers a lot, youll likely want that pad included. Some programmable boards allow for the use of layers, which temporarily repurpose keys and can provide you with a ten-key option through clever remapping of letter keys. Tenting and negative tilt Tenting raises the middle of the keyboard up, so your hands move closer to a handshake position. Alice keyboards usually angle up towards the middle and always to a fixed degree, since the two sides are connected. Split boards often let you adjust the degree of tenting, going from flat to subtle to extreme lift. You may have encountered keyboards with an optional lift at the back of the board, raising the top keys higher than the space bar. Every set of hands is different, but for most people, pulling the backs of the hands towards the forearms increases strain. Negative tilt has the opposite effect by sloping in the other direction, lowering the top number keys while raising the edge with the spacebar. Many Alice and some split keyboards offer an optional negative tilt. I found it was more comfortable to enable that feature when Im standing, and I preferred to have the keys flat when sat at my desk. Staggered vs columnar This decision seems to be one of the more hotly-contested among ergo enthusiasts. A conventional keyboard has staggered keys, with each row slightly offset to the rows above and below it so the A key is about halfway between the Q and W above it. This is a holdover from vintage mechanical typewriters, in which each press activated a hammer that smashed ink onto paper in the shape of a letter. To fit the hammers as close together as possible, while still allowing for finger pads, the keys were staggered. Columnar or ortholinear keyboards stack the keys in orderly columns, often with rows that are not linear. Proponents claim this makes the keys easier to reach. Whether thats true will be up to your fingers to decide, but I can say for certain that if you learned to type on a staggered keyboard, switching to a columnar layout is tough. It will take days, possibly weeks before you instinctively hit the C key. The N, M and B keys dont fare much better. Programmable keys With a few exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as a standard typing input, but the use of function and hot keys may require some remapping. It can be as easy as an onboard switch to toggle between Mac and PC layouts, or as involved as downloading software to change up the keys. Some boards even include (or let you buy) extra keycaps to change, say, the Macs Command and Option keys to PCs Start and Alt buttons. Those are what's called hot-swappable keys, meaning you just pull the old key off (usually with a provided key puller) and stick the new one on, no soldering required. For some boards, remapping or programming keys using software is a crucial feature. Gaming peripherals have extra keys that you can set to execute a series of keystrokes with the push of a single button, and we cover the best gaming keyboards in a separate guide. Keyboards that work with layers, in which a single button can perform several functions, typically allow you to change what those are. Some ergo keyboards have non-standard layouts, like thumb clusters with multiple keys near the space bar that you operate with your thumb. Youll also be able to program those. Other considerations Ergonomic keyboards come in mechanical, membrane, and scissor switch versions. Which works best for you is, again, up to your preference. I wont get too deep into the particulars here, as we have an entire guide devoted to the best mechanical boards , but the short of it is that membrane and scissor switches are less customizable than mechanical and typically cheaper. Typing on them tends to be quieter and softer. Mechanical switches are more customizable, offer a more responsive typing experience and are usually pricier. Youll also have the option of wired or wireless ergonomic boards. All other things being equal, wired models are less expensive. Competitive gamers who rely on split-second responses may prefer the zero-lag of wired keyboards. Wired models also never run out of battery life and have fewer connectivity issues. But wireless keyboards keep your desk less cluttered. Some ergonomic keyboards come with permanent or removable wrist or palm rests, which can be cushioned or hard. This is another area where opinions diverge: proponents claim they help you maintain a neutral hand position, while detractors say they put pressure on the tendons and can cause wrist pain or even exacerbate conditions like carpal tunnel. Ideally, your palms should be resting, not your wrists, and you might find you like having that support or you may find the pressure uncomfortable. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget How we tested ergonomic keyboards All our guides begin with extensive research to figure out whats out there and whats worth testing. We consider brands with good reputations that weve heard good things about from colleagues and look at keyboard reviews in forums and other trusted publications. For this guide, I looked for keyboards with ergonomic features like tenting, split keys, palm support and so on. I also zeroed in on boards that didnt require a deep amount of familiarity with the vast and exhaustive world of custom keyboards. Once I settled on ten boards, I acquired them and used each one for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. I tried out the remapping and macros software and considered the comfort, design, price and durability of each model before arriving at picks I think will work best for the most people out there. For subsequent updates to this guide, I have continued to acquire and test out new keyboards as they come on the market, adding and replacing the top picks as warranted. If and when Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, like the Sculpt, come back on the market, as a collaboration with Incase has promised , I'll try those models, too. Other ergonomic keyboards we tested Naya Create I first tried out the Naya Create during CES 2025 and was immediately smitten with the design. Its a deliriously well-made fully-split keyboard with built-in modules at each thumb. You can swap in a trackball, dial, trackpad and the Float module a dial/joystick combo for manipulating 3D imagery. Each half of the board hinges in two places for minutely customizable center tenting. It has low profile keys with responsive yet quiet mechanical switches. It works wirelessly or corded, has thumb cluster keys and, of course, its all fully programmable. It's lovely to type on and the thumb clusters and modules make it easy to keep your fingers in the home position to minimize repetitive travel. Im still in the process of testing the board, and working with Nayas co-founder to get the modules customized to my liking. At $500 to $700, its not cheap. Its also a still very new device from a small company, so Im waiting to give it a proper assessment until the board is fully set up properly. In the meantime, batches of the Naya Create keep selling out, so its apparent Im not the only one who sees this boards potential. Kinesis Advantage 360 If you want something fully split with thumb clusters and a columnar layout but thats a little less minimal than the Zsa Voyager and wireless to boot the Advantage 360 from Kinesis, makers of the popular Advantage 2 is a good one to check out. It looks like it comes from an 80s-era IBM office, but is somehow also from the future. The tenting goes from low to intense and the key well curves concavely to meet your fingers where they naturally land. The 360 is per-key programmable , works with layers and has four macros keys. Periboard 835 For a mechanical Alice keyboard with both wireless and wired capabilities, the Periboard 835 is a good pick. The Mac and Windows-compatible board has a solid build, low profile switches, RGB lighting, comfortable tenting and a few extra programmable keys. Goldtouch Elite Adjustable I remember wondering if something like the Goldtouch Elite Adjustable existed when I first started testing ergonomic keyboards. It didnt at the time, as far as I could tell, but now a connected yet adjustable split board is indeed a product you can buy. Its a solidly-built board and the ball joint connecting the two halves feels like it will put up with a lot of use. A squeeze of the lever at the top of the keys lets you set the board just how you like, adjusting both the vertical tenting and the angle between the two halves. Theres no programming to speak of, just the ability to swap a few function keys like print screen and home. Unfortunately, the tenting doesnt work for me. Because of the extra keys at the outer edges, raising the middle edges upwards lifts the center keys considerably, which brings my wrists and forearms off the desk instead of letting them rest. Holding them like that created extra neck and shoulder strain on my part, which is sort of the opposite of the goal. But if youre not into tenting anyway and want a flat, Alice-split board with an adjustable splay, this works quite well. Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard The idea behind the Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard is pretty ergonomic: put the trackpad between the two halves and minimize travel for your mouse hand. The distance between the two puts your elbows at a comfortable distance and keeps your wrist nearly in-line with your forearms. The build is excellent, with low profile mechanical switches that feel smooth and just the right amount of clacky. The trackpad is responsive, but gestures only work with Windows computers. Even dragging and dropping doesnt work on a Mac here, so I dont see Apple users getting much use out of the board. I also found myself wishing for the slightest rotation of the keys though theyre a good distance apart, a slight angle would keep my wrists fully unbent. Theres no tenting or negative tilt either, both of which could help a bit more, ergonomically speaking. Logitech Wave Keys While it's a perfectly fine and affordable Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech Wave has minimal ergonomics. The keys rise up slightly in the middle and there's a comfortable wrist rest attached, but the layout is the same as any other keyboard, with no splitting of the keys to open up your arms or keep your wrists straight. Ergonomic keyboard FAQs What kinds of ergonomic keyboard styles are there? Most ergonomic keyboards fall into two categories: fully split which separates the board into two pieces, and unibody split, also known as an Alice design, which angles the keys outward at the bottom. When the keys are rotated outward or split into two halves, it allows for a wider spread between your elbows for a more relaxed typing position. Other ergonomic features, such as thumb clusters, center tenting and negative tilting are sometimes added to either type of board. Which keyboard layout is the most ergonomic? Since every person is different, theres no one best ergonomic keyboard layout. The standard QWERTY layout is what most people are used to. The Dvorak, Colemak and Workman layouts rearrange the board to put the more commonly used letters closer to the home-key position. All three are intended to minimize your finger movements. That may indeed feel more comfortable and less fatiguing, but people used to the QWERTY layout will likely need to relearn how to type. When do I need a split keyboard? You might feel some relief with a fully split keyboard if you find yourself tensing up at the shoulders as you type on a standard board. Putting some distance between your hands may allow your chest to stay more open, which for some is an easier position to maintain. You may also appreciate being able to place your mouse or trackpad between the two halves of the board to minimize the distance your cursor hand needs to travel. How long does it take to adjust to an ergonomic keyboard? That depends on the type of keyboard. Since the Alice-split design simply rotates the keys apart, typing on it feels fairly similar to the regular keyboards youre already used to. A fully split board will take a little more adjustment, particularly if it uses thumb clusters. The enter, shift and control buttons may now be operated by your thumbs instead of your other fingers and that can be tough to get used to. It took me a full month to get completely comfortable with a fully split keyboard with thumb clusters. But now, I prefer it to typing on regular boards. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-ergonomic-keyboard-130047982.html?src=rss

Snap is hosting its own creator awards show

It seems like any and every industry can have its own awards show these days. And why not? Most of us appreciate a chance to bust out the sequins and satin from time to time. If you can celebrate excellent work or make some extra biz dev bucks at the same time, all the better. Snap is the latest social media company to launch its own take on the glitz and glam. The Snappy Awards Show will be held at the company's headquarters on March 31. Comedian and content creator Matt Friend will host the event. Snapchat has been adding more tools for influencers to build audiences, most recently launching individual creator subscriptions . An awards show seems to be part of that same agenda, spotlighting popular personalities from many different fields. There will be Snappys handed out for categories such as Spotlight MVP, Best Storyteller and Breakout Creator of the Year, plus awards for collaboration, cultural impact and success in single subjects. Snapchat isn't the first social media platform to honor the personalities using it. TikTok hosted its inaugural awards show in the US last year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/snap-is-hosting-its-own-creator-awards-show-221859681.html?src=rss

Skate's developer is laying off staff before the game leaves early access

Full Circle, the developer behind the new Skate game, has announced that it is restructuring and laying off staff. It's not yet clear how many roles will be impacted by the changes, but the restructuring is happening less than six months after skate. launched in early access on September 15, 2025. Were reshaping Full Circle to better support skate. s long-term future, Full Circle says. These shifts mean making changes to our team structure, and some roles will be impacted. The teammates affected are talented colleagues and friends who helped build the foundation of skate. Their creativity and dedication are deeply ingrained in what players experience today. This decision is not a reflection of their impact and were committed to supporting them through this transition. Engadget has contacted Full Circle's owner EA for more information about the layoffs. We'll update this article if we hear back. EA originally formed Full Circle in 2021 with a staff of development talent from the original Skate team. Skate was often positioned as a more realistic competitor to the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, but the new studio has ultimately taken the franchise in a slightly different direction than fans may have expected. Previous Skate games were paid experiences with single-player and multiplayer modes, while skate. is a free-to-play live-service game supported with microtransactions. Recent history, both the failure of Concord and the ongoing struggles of Highguard , serves as a testament to how hard it is to launch a live service game in the 2020s. Full Circle's announcement notes the tens of millions of players that have tried the new game, but it's possible a struggle to keep players interested and spending on microtransactions could be why it's restructuring. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/skates-developer-is-laying-off-staff-before-the-game-leaves-early-access-220916797.html?src=rss

Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked: The Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Buds 4 and more

Mobile World Congress is right around the corner, but Samsung got out ahead of many rivals that will be showing off new handsets at that event by running the latest edition of Unpacked on Wednesday. At its event in San Franciscos Palace of Fine Arts, the company revealed the Galaxy S26 lineup, which includes the base S26, the S26+ and the S26 Ultra. We've got some hands-on time with all three handsets as well, and you can read about our in-person experience with the Galaxy S26 Ultra , as well as our S26 and S26+ impressions in those articles. In addition to those, Samsung announced the Galaxy Buds 4 along with (you guessed it) some AI updates. All the devices unveiled today are already available for pre-order , should you already be dying to get your hands on them. Here's a look at everything Samsung announced at the latest Unpacked: Galaxy S26 and S26+ Sam Rutherford for Engadget New-ish year, new Samsung phones. Let's deal with the out-and-out bad news first. The S26 and S26+ are each $100 more expensive than their predecessors (the RAM shortage isn't exactly helping to keep prices down). They start at $900 and $1,100 , respectively, for variants with 256GB of storage. Samsung has tweaked the design a bit this time by rounding the corners to align them more with the S26 Ultra's look. The base model has a slightly larger display than the S25 at 6.3 inches, though the S26+ still has a 6.7-inch screen (albeit with a higher resolution than the S26 can handle). The S26 has a larger battery capacity than the S25 too at 4,300mAh. In North America, China and Japan, Samsung is sticking with Qualcomm chips rather than using its own Exynos 2600. If you pick up an S26 or S26+ in those markets, it will run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The camera modules are the same as last year, but Samsung is aiming to supercharge them with upgrades elsewhere , such as ProScaler image upscaling and an MDNIe chip that's said to greatly improve color precision. There's also a video stabilization feature that tries to keep the horizon level while you're following a moving person or pet, which sounds useful for action shots. The new Object Aware Engine is said to better render skin tones and hair textures to make your selfies look better. Samsung has reworked some AI features too, such as making Now Brief and Auto Eraser compatible with more apps. Pre-orders for the S26 and S26+ are open today, and they'll be available on March 11. The phones will be available in purple, blue, black, white, silver and rose gold, though the latter two are online exclusives. Galaxy S26 Ultra The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be available in the same colorways and on the same date as its smaller siblings. It starts at $1,300, so theres no price increase from the S25 Ultra. Preorders open today. The S26 Ultra has a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a QHD+ resolution of 3120 x 1440 and a 120Hz refresh rate. That's all well and good, but the display is hiding (that being the key word) what's perhaps the Galaxy S26 Ultra's most interesting feature. The device has a Privacy Display thats said to be the first of its kind on a smartphone. The idea here is to prevent people around from seeing whats on the screen from acute angles. There's a small decrease in brightness when Privacy Display is active, and there are lots of customization options. You can set up Privacy Display to activate when you're asked for a password or PIN, or when you get a notification or open certain apps. So if (for instance) you tend to look at your banking apps when youre on public transit and dont want other passengers to see how much moolah you have, Privacy Display seems like a very handy feature. Elsewhere, the S26 Ultra runs on the same chipset as its smaller siblings. It comes with 12 or 16GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage. The battery is larger than the ones in the other S26 models, as the Ultra has a 5,000 mAh capacity. There's support for Super Fast Charging 3.0 as well. Alas, Samsung still hasn't seen fit to offer built-in Qi2 charging magnets in the S26 lineup, which seems like a wild oversight in the year 2026. The selfie camera is the same as on the S26 and S26+. The S26 Ultra has 50MP ultrawide and 200MP wide lenses, along with dual 10MP 3x and 50MP 5x telephoto sensors. The resolutions of those cameras are the same as on the S25 Ultra, but the main 200M and 5x telephoto sensors now have wider apertures to let in more light. The S26 Ultra of course has the camera software features (and other AI features) found in the S26 and S26+. We'll have a review of the devices soon. In the meantime, head on through to our hands-on story for our initial impressions of the S26 Ultra . Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro Sam Rutherford for Engadget While the S26 phones are more iterative updates this year, Samsung has given its Galaxy Buds a proper refresh. It revamped the design and shape of the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro to do away with the angular look of the stems and remove the lights from them. The earbuds have a more refined, computationally designed fit too, according to Samsung. The company claims the latest earbuds have smaller earbud heads that allow for a better, more secure fit and a more comfortable experience during all-day wear. The Galaxy Buds 4 remain in an open-fit format while the Buds Pro 4 have a canal-fit design. The latest earbuds are said to offer improved audio quality and active noise cancellation (ANC), with an ambient sound mode, adaptive EQ and adaptive ANC. On Buds 4 Pro, there's a siren detection feature that enables ambient sound to let you hear things like alarms or emergency vehicle warnings. The Buds 4 Pro have a wide woofer that increases the effective speaker area by nearly 20 percent compared with the previous gen earbuds, Samsung said. They support 24-bit/96kHz audio. If you're using Galaxy Buds 4 or Buds 4 Pro with a Galaxy device, you'll be able to use Bixby, Google Gemini and Perplexity with hands-free voice controls (though the hey, Plex command for the latter might be a tad confusing for folks who use a certain media server app). The Buds 4 Pro support head gesture controls for managing calls and Bixby interactions as well. As with the S26 phones, pre-orders for the earbuds open today and they'll hit shelves on March 11. The Galaxy Buds 4 cost $180 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will run you $250. Both models are available in white and black with a matte finish. There's an online-exclusive pink option for Buds 4 Pro as well. Android AI features Ahead of Unpacked, Samsung confirmed that it would offer Perplexity as an AI agent option in Galaxy AI on the S26 lineup. As part of that update, it shared that the S26 series would respond to the Hey Plex wake phrase, and that Perplexitys features would also be embedded in the Samsung Browser app. The company also recently updated Bixby to make its own virtual assistant more conversational. On top of that news, Google had announcements of its own to make at Unpacked regarding new Android AI features , which will of course be available on S26 devices. On those handsets and the Pixel 10 lineup, the Gemini app will soon have a feature (in beta) that enables you to offload multi-step tasks, such as booking a ride or putting a grocery order together, to AI. It sure sounds like an attempt to build out agentic AI features on mobile devices. Launching soon as a beta feature in the Gemini app for #Pixel10 , Pixel 10 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S26 series, you can offload multi-step tasks directly to Gemini. Simply long-press the power button and ask Gemini to help book you a ride home or reorder your last meal. Gemini https://t.co/GjfXTnGg0k pic.twitter.com/YGIvqBkbu3 Google Gemini (@GeminiApp) February 25, 2026 Starting this week on Pixel 10 devices (and soon on S26 phones), Circle to Search will offer the ability to find details about multiple objects at once , such as entire outfits instead of single pieces. Moreover, Gemini-powered, on-device Scam Detection for phone calls will be available for S26 devices in English in the US. Update, February 25 2026, 4:35PM ET: This story has been updated to include more details on the Perplexity AI integration, as well as include mentions in the intro of our hands-on and pre-order articles. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/everything-announced-at-samsung-unpacked-the-galaxy-s26-ultra-galaxy-buds-4-and-more-180000530.html?src=rss

The next Assassin's Creed game loses its creative director

Ubisoft's shakeups continue unabated. The creative director of the next Assassin's Creed game, codenamed Hexe , has left the company. The departure of Clint Hocking, a 20-year veteran of the company over two stints, was reportedly announced in a staff meeting this week. Hocking's resume at Ubisoft included serving as creative director on Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory , Far Cry 2 and Watch Dogs: Legion . The details of why he's leaving the company haven't been reported. Ubisoft told VGC , which first reported on Hocking's exit, that development on Hexe will continue. Jean Guedson, one of three new leaders of the Assassin's Creed franchise, will take over as the upcoming title's new creative director. Guedson had the same role for Assassin's Creed Origins and Black Flag , two of the franchise's most well-received entries. To say sailing hasn't been smooth of late at Ubisoft would be an understatement. Last year, the company reorganized its corporate structure under a system of creative houses. The first, Vantage Studios, is partly owned by Tencent and now oversees Assassin's Creed . Then in October, franchise head Marc-Alexis Ct left the company. He later claimed he was asked to step aside and is suing his former employer . All of these changes came in the wake of layoffs , big-name flops, more layoffs , studio closures , even more layoffs , strikes and (yep) layoffs again . Earlier this month, Ubisoft even fired an employee who criticized the companys return-to-office mandate. But have no fear; some aspects of the company are doing quite well. Take, for example, nepotism. The future is looking bright indeed for a rising company star who is now co-CEO of Vantage Studios. That title belongs to Charlie Guillemot , the son of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-next-assassins-creed-game-loses-its-creative-director-210119005.html?src=rss

Canadian government demands safety changes from OpenAI

Canadian officials summoned leaders from OpenAI to Ottawa this week to address safety concerns about ChatGPT. The crux of the government concerns was that OpenAI did not notify authorities when it banned the account of a user who allegedly committed a mass shooting in British Columbia earlier this month. The message that we delivered, in no uncertain terms, was that we have an expectation that there are going to be changes implemented, and if they're not forthcoming very quickly, the government is going to be making changes, Justice Minister Sean Fraser said of the company and its AI chatbot. It's unclear what those government-led changes or rules might be. There have been two previous, unsuccessful attempts to pass an online harms act in Canada. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal claimed that in 2025, some OpenAI employees flagged the account of the alleged shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, as containing potential warnings of committing real-world violence and called for leadership to notify law enforcement. Although Van Rootselaar's account was banned for policy violations, a company rep said that the account activity did not meet OpenAI's criteria for engaging the local police. Those reports were deeply disturbing, reports saying that OpenAI did not contact law enforcement in a timely manner, said Canadian Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon ahead of the discussion with company leaders. We will have a sit-down meeting to have an explanation of their safety protocols and when they escalate and their thresholds of escalation to police, so we have a better understanding of whats happening and what they do. OpenAI has been implicated in mulitple wrongful death suits. The company's ChatGPT was accused of encouraging paranoid beliefs before a man killed his mother and himself in a December 2025 lawsuit. It is also at the center of one of several wrongful death lawsuits against the makers of AI chatbots for helping teenagers plan and commit suicides. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/canadian-government-demands-safety-changes-from-openai-204924604.html?src=rss

Xbox consoles now support 1440p streaming

Microsoft has announced that its rolling out support for streaming games at 1440p on Xbox consoles. Game streaming is a key benefit of paying for a Game Pass subscription, and as of 2025 , now also includes games players own that aren't part of the larger Game Pass library. The higher bitrate streaming option will let subscribers with an Xbox Series X or S, Xbox One X or Xbox One play their games at a higher resolution, provided the game and their display supports it. Microsoft previously only offered 1440p streams on select Fire TVs, LG TVs, Samsung TVs, web browsers and the Xbox PC app. At least for now, 1440p is only available to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Beyond the new streaming option, Microsoft is also making improvements to the Xbox PC app and the Xbox experience on ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. On PC, the Xbox PC app now includes navigation sounds that play when you use the app's interface with a controller. These new sounds are supposed to make controller input feel more responsive and intuitive. On the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X , meanwhile, Microsoft is making it even easier to format removable storage like microSD cards, and updating drivers to improve compatibility on select games. The last week has been particularly tumultuous for Microsoft's gaming division. Former Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer announced his retirement on Friday, alongside the appointment of Asha Sharma, the President of Microsoft's CoreAI division, as his replacement. Opinions differ as to whether Sharma's new position will be good or bad for Xbox, but more changes are likely on the way. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-consoles-now-support-1440p-streaming-204115304.html?src=rss

Tecno just unveiled a ridiculously thin modular smartphone concept design

Tecno just unveiled a rather intriguing modular smartphone concept design at MWC 2026. The standout feature here is likely the size. Most modular smartphone concepts start bulky and only get bulkier once attaching accessories. Tecno's base smartphone is just 4.9mm thin, which is significantly thinner than a pencil and the iPhone Air . Of course, the size increases with each attached module. However, snapping on the power bank module makes the thickness comparable to a standard modern smartphone. Another key feature here is how these various modular components stick together. Tecno has developed new interconnection technology that uses both magnets and pin connectors. This should make it easy to both attach and remove components. The company says this phone has been designed to grow with the user through hardware expansion. To that end, Tecno has developed 10 modules. There are various camera lenses and something that looks like a dedicated gaming controller. Tecno While the magnets are for attaching, the pin connectors assist with power delivery. Data transmission between the phone and the modules is handled wirelessly, with the ability to switch between Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mmWave depending on where the user is located. There are two colorways for both the phone and the ecosystem of accessories. There's a silver-aluminum edition and a nifty-looking grey version. This doesn't matter to actual consumers because, well, it's just a concept design. It does look like the company's magnetic attachment technology could make it to some actual products down the line. Tecno has always been a company that marched to the beat of its own drummer. It has developed a surprisingly affordable foldable phone , a model with a pop-out portrait lens and a foldable with a novel circular display on the exterior . The industry hasn't quite embraced modular smartphones just yet, even though there have been some nifty concept designs. Google's Project Ara prototype goes back more than a decade, and the same can be said of other concept designs that never saw the light of day. There have been some modular phones released to the real world, but they weren't nearly as ambitious as Tecno's concept. LG launched a semi-modular phone called the G5 back in 2016 , but it didn't move too many units . Moto has also released a couple of semi-modular smartphones , but they didn't set the world on fire. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/tecno-just-unveiled-a-ridiculously-thin-modular-smartphone-concept-design-194741776.html?src=rss

Kalshi fined a MrBeast editor for insider trading

Kalshi, one of several online prediction markets that have exploded in popularity in the last few years, has suspended one of YouTube MrBeast's video editors for insider trading, NPR reports. Besides being suspended from the platform for two years, Kalshi says the editor will also be required to pay a financial penalty that's five times his initial trade size. The editor, Artem Kaptur , traded in markets related to YouTube and specifically, MrBeast. Kalshi says his transactions were initially flagged because of his near-perfect trading success on markets with low odds, which were statistically anomalous. Because trades are public on Kalshi, multiple users also flagged the trades as suspicious. Kalshi learned Kaptur was an employee of MrBeast during its investigation and determined he likely had access to material non-public information connected to his trading. Perhaps unsurprisingly, trading with insider information violates Kalshi's rules. Kalshi says that it reported the insider trading to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and plans to donate the over $20,000 Kaptur has been fined to a non-profit that provides consumer education on derivatives markets. In a statement provided to NPR, Beast Industries, MrBeast's production company, said it has a zero-tolerance policy for insider trading. We have a longstanding policy in place against employees using proprietary company information in order to safeguard the highest standards and ethics throughout our organization, Beast Industries said. Separately, Kalshi has also suspended and fined a politician who was running to be Governor of California. In May, our Surveillance Department saw an online video by a candidate for Governor of California that appeared to show him trading on his own candidacy, Kalshi says. We immediately froze his account and opened an investigation. The candidate was initially cooperative and acknowledged that this violated the exchange rules. As a candidate in a race, you can (and probably should) follow and use Kalshis market forecast, but you should not trade on it. Like other prediction markets, Kalshi lets users make trades based on a variety of different subjects and events. For example, you could participate in a market focused on the results of a basketball game, or something more unusual, like who'll win the current season of Survivor . Despite resembling gambling, online predictive markets aren't currently regulated by state gambling laws, and instead classify bets as a type of futures contract, placing them under the purview of the CFTC. That hasn't stopped states from trying to regulate prediction markets anyway. For example, Nevada sued Kalshi for operating a sports gambling market without a permit earlier in February. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/kalshi-fined-a-mrbeast-editor-for-insider-trading-191027814.html?src=rss

March's PS Plus Monthly Games include Monster Hunter Rise and Slime Rancher 2

Sony just divulged the list of PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for March , and there's a little something for everybody. These will all be playable on March 3 for subscribers on any tier. After downloading, the games will stay in a player's library as long as the subscription remains active. First up, there's Monster Hunter Rise . This was initially a Nintendo Switch exclusive before making the jump to other platforms. This is a decent Monster Hunter game with a focus on verticality. There are tools to quickly scale large cliffs and engage in aerial combat. It can be played solo or via a four-person squad. The gameplay loop is as addictive here as ever. Fight monsters. Gather materials. Upgrade weapons and armor. Rinse and repeat. Slime Rancher 2 just hit consoles last year, after some time in early access . This sequel improves upon everything that made the first game great, which included capturing and farming various slimes. There's a fresh location to explore and an absolute boatload of new slimes to capture. Sucking up dozens of slimes at once is a simple pleasure akin to completing a level in PowerWash Simulator . The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road is the definitive version of the game, offering access to all zones, biomes and quest arcs. This online game can be played cooperatively, but there's also a lot of PvP content. It's set 1,000 years before Skyrim , but there are many iconic locations from that game to explore. Finally, PGA Tour 2K25 is the latest entry in 2K's long-running golf sim. This one has an expanded solo mode, in addition to a course designer tool. It's also cross-platform. As new games enter the catalog, old titles vanish. Subscribers have until March 2 to download Undisputed , Subnautica: Below Zero , Ultros and Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/marchs-ps-plus-monthly-games-include-monster-hunter-rise-and-slime-rancher-2-182644562.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Whats changed and which one should you buy?

Following Samsungs Unpacked event , the Samsung Galaxy S26 is available for pre-order, and it looks very familiar. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Like recent updates in the Galaxy S line, Samsung is refining its flagship rather than dramatically reinventing it. Both phones share a lot of core DNA, including compact designs, high-refresh AMOLED displays and similar camera hardware. The S26 does introduce a handful of meaningful updates, however, including a slightly larger battery and newer software out of the box. Those changes also come with a higher starting price: the Galaxy S26 begins at $899.99 compared to the S25s $799.99 launch price. The entry model now includes 256GB of storage instead of the S25s base 128GB. Here's how the Galaxy S26 compares with last years Galaxy S25 on paper and whether the newer model is worth your attention. Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Design, display and performance Physically, the Galaxy S26 stays very close to the design Samsung established with the S25. You still get a compact handset with flat edges, an aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance. The overall look and feel should be immediately familiar to anyone who used last years phone. The display story is similarly steady. Both phones use Samsungs Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, and the S25 is rated for peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits. In everyday use, whether you are scrolling, gaming or watching video, the viewing experience should feel broadly similar between the two devices. Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 is powered globally by Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset paired with 12GB of RAM. The Galaxy S26 continues to target flagship-class performance. While Samsung has made internal refinements, overall speed should remain firmly in high-end territory for routine tasks, multitasking and mobile gaming. On the software front, the S25 launched with Android 15 and One UI 7, while the Galaxy S26 ships with a newer version of Samsungs software out of the box. As usual, the older model is expected to receive updates over time, which may narrow the long-term software gap. Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Cameras Samsung has not dramatically reshuffled the base Galaxy camera hardware. The Galaxy S25 features a triple-camera setup built around a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, along with a 12MP front camera. The Galaxy S26 largely sticks with the same proven approach, which suggests image quality should remain broadly consistent in good lighting. As is often the case with Samsungs year-to-year updates, any meaningful gains are likely to come from image processing improvements rather than brand-new sensors. For most people, that means the S26 should deliver the punchy, reliable photos Samsung flagships are known for, but Galaxy S25 owners should not expect a dramatic leap in camera hardware. Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Battery life and charging Battery capacity is one area where the Galaxy S26 makes a measurable change. The Galaxy S25 uses a 4,000mAh battery, while the Galaxy S26 increases that to 4,300mAh. That modest bump should translate into slightly longer endurance in day-to-day use, though real-world gains will depend on efficiency improvements and individual usage patterns. Charging speeds remain largely unchanged. The Galaxy S25 supports up to 25W wired charging, up to 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, and the Galaxy S26 stays in the same general range. Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Software and AI This year, Samsung is putting more emphasis on Galaxy AI, even on the base Galaxy S26. While many of the headline features are aimed at the Ultra and Plus models, the standard S26 still picks up several practical upgrades. One of the more useful additions is Document Scan, which uses AI to clean up scans by automatically removing distortions, fingers and creases. It can also bundle multiple images into a single PDF, making it easier to digitize receipts, notes or forms without extra editing. Samsung is also expanding its proactive assistant features. Now Brief becomes more personalized on the S26, surfacing reminders and updates based on your activity throughout the day, while the new Now Nudge system can suggest relevant content at the right moment. For example, if someone asks for photos from a recent trip, the phone can proactively surface matching images from your gallery instead of making you search manually. Search is getting smarter as well. Circle to Search with Google now supports enhanced multi-object recognition, allowing you to identify several items in an image at once. Samsung is also upgrading Bixby into a more conversational assistant, and the S26 supports third-party agents such as Gemini and Perplexity for handling more complex, multi-step tasks through voice commands. Security and privacy features are expanding in the background too. The Galaxy S26 introduces AI-powered Call Screening to summarize unknown callers, along with new Privacy Alerts that warn when apps request sensitive permissions. Samsung is also extending its post-quantum cryptography protections deeper into the system, backed by the companys Knox security platform and seven years of promised security updates. Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: How to choose If you already own a Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S26 looks like a fairly iterative update. The core experience, including performance, display quality and camera hardware, remains very similar. The main tangible upgrade is the slightly larger battery, along with newer software out of the box. For most S25 owners, that alone probably is not a compelling reason to upgrade. However, if you are coming from an older Galaxy phone or buying fresh, the Galaxy S26 is the more future-proof pick simply because it starts one generation ahead in Samsungs update cycle and packs the larger battery. As usual with Samsungs yearly refreshes, the real decision may come down to pricing and discounts. If the Galaxy S25 sees significant price cuts, it could remain the better value. But at similar prices, the Galaxy S26 is the safer long-term buy. Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Specs at a glance Specs Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S25 Price (MSRP) $899.99 $799.99 (128GB), $859.99 (256GB) Dimensions 5.88 x 2.82 x 0.28 inches 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 inches Weight 5.9 ounces 5.7 ounces Screen size 6.3 inches (FHD+) 6.2 inches (FHD+) Screen resolution 2,340 x 1,080 2,340 x 1,080 Screen type Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh (1120Hz), Up to 2,600 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 3 Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh (1120Hz), Up to 2,600 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 SoC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy RAM 12GB 12GB Battery 4,300mAh 4,000mAh Charging Up to 25W (wired), 15W (wireless) Up to 25W (wired), 15W (wireless) Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB Rear camera 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto Front camera 12MP 12MP Video capture Up to 4K 60fps, 8K 30fps Up to 4K 60fps, 8K 30fps Water and dust resistance rating IP68 IP68 Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 7 Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth Bluetooth 6.0 Bluetooth 5.4 OS Android 16 with One UI 8.5 Android 15 with One UI 7 Colors and finish Cobalt Violet, White, Black, Sky Blue, Pink Gold*, Silver Shadow* (*Samsung.com exclusive) Navy, Icyblue, Mint, Silver Shadow, Blueblack*, Coralred*, Pinkgold* (*Samsung.com exclusive) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s26-vs-galaxy-s25-whats-changed-and-which-one-should-you-buy-181515367.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. S26+ vs. S26 Ultra: Comparing the three new phones

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra, and the company is once again leaning heavily on AI, camera upgrades and refined hardware to move the lineup forward. While the overall design remains familiar, there are some meaningful differences between the three models, particularly when it comes to display tech, charging speeds and camera hardware. Across the board, the S26 family is powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip and runs Android 16 with One UI 8.5. Samsung is also doubling down on Galaxy AI features like Now Brief, Now Nudge and upgraded Circle to Search, positioning the new phones as more proactive assistants than before. As usual, though, the Ultra model is where Samsung is pushing the envelope the furthest. It gains the most advanced camera system, faster wired and wireless charging and the companys new built-in Privacy Display tech. Pre-orders are available now , with official sales starting on March 11. If youre trying to decide which model makes the most sense for your needs (and budget), heres how the three devices stack up on paper. Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. S26+ vs. S26 Ultra: Specs compared Specs Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Price (MSRP) $899.99 $1,099.99 $1,299.99 Dimensions 71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2 mm 71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2 mm 78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9 mm Weight 167g 190g 214g Screen size 6.3 inches (FHD+) 6.7 inches (QHD+) 6.9 inches (QHD+) Screen resolution 2340 x 1080 3120 x 1440 3120 x 1440 Screen type Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh (1120Hz), Up to 2,600 nits peak brightness Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh (1120Hz), Up to 2,600 nits peak brightness Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh (1120Hz), Up to 2,600 nits peak brightness SoC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy RAM 12GB 12GB 12GB or 16GB Battery 4,300 mAh 4,300 mAh 5,000 mAh Charging 25W (wired), 15W (wireless) 45W (wired), 20W (wireless) 60W (wired), 25W (wireless) Storage 256/512GB 256/512GB 256/512GB, 1TB Rear camera 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x periscope telephoto Front camera 12MP 12MP 12MP Video capture Up to 4K 60fps, 8K 30fps Up to 4K 60fps, 8K 30fps Up to 4K 120fps, 8K 30fps Water and dust resistance rating IP68 IP68 IP68 Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 7 Wi-Fi 7 Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth Bluetooth 6.0 Bluetooth 6.0 Bluetooth 6.0 OS Android 16 with One UI 8.5 Android 16 with One UI 8.5 Android 16 with One UI 8.5 Colors and finish Cobalt Violet, White, Black, and Sky Blue / Pink Gold and Silver Shadow (Samsung exclusive) Cobalt Violet, White, Black, and Sky Blue / Pink Gold and Silver Shadow (Samsung exclusive) Cobalt Violet, White, Black, and Sky Blue / Pink Gold and Silver Shadow (Samsung exclusive) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s26-vs-s26-vs-s26-ultra-comparing-the-three-new-phones-181047172.html?src=rss

How to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S26 phones and Galaxy Buds 4

During its Unpacked event today , Samsung announced three new Galaxy S-series phones as well as the latest generation of its earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Pre-orders are now open and the new devices are set to ship March 11. As expected , this years models arent drastically different from last years, but all the phones are equipped to better handle the Galaxy AI experiences such as Now Nudge that offers suggestions based on your activities and a more conversational assitant in Bixby (or Gemini or Perplexity depending on your preferance). Engadgets own Sam Rutherford is on-site in San Francisco for the new hardware launch and will have hands-on impressions. Well follow that up with official reviews in the next week. But if you cant wait for our final verdict, heres how to pre-order Samsungs Galaxy S26 phones and the Galaxy Buds 4 today. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-pre-order-the-samsung-galaxy-s26-phones-and-galaxy-buds-4-180500976.html?src=rss

Google announces new Android AI features coming to the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 series

Google unveiled a new batch of Android updates, including more Gemini-powered tools and improved scam detection features at Samsungs Galaxy S26 launch on Wednesday. A new feature in the Gemini app will let users hand off multi-step tasks , like ordering a rideshare or building a grocery cart. The feature, which will first arrive in beta, runs in the background while users perform other tasks. Gemini's progress can be monitored live via notifications, so users can see what it's doing and jump in at any time. Google Google says this feature will initially be limited to certain food, grocery or rideshare apps. It will be available first on select devices, including the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 , in the US and Korea. Android is also getting an upgrade for Circle to Search , enabling it to search for multiple objects seen on screen at once. One implementation of this is full-outfit searches using find the look. Once the app has found all the individual pieces of the circled outfit, users can try them on virtually . This will be available on Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 devices. The beefed-up feature can also be used to gain insights into multiple objects in an image. Google The company is also using Gemini to bring on-device Scam Detection for calls to Samsungs Phone app. The tool alerts users if someone on their call is using speech patterns commonly heard from scammers. Google says the feature is never used while on a call with someone in your contacts and is off by default. Google The same technology and approach will also be used to detect scams in Google Messages. For now, scam detection on phone calls is only available on the Galaxy S26 in English in the US, while detection in messages is supported across various markets. All of these new features are available now on the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26 lineups, with availability in select markets varying by feature. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-announces-new-android-ai-features-coming-to-the-galaxy-s26-and-pixel-10-series-180039674.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy S26 hands-on: A lot more of the same for a little more money

As we prepare to leave the winter months, Samsung announced another family of Galaxy S flagships for those looking to upgrade. As usual, the company put its best components and features into the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but it also added more to the base S26 and S26+. The company has hit its groove with its smaller (and cheaper) flagships, delivering solid devices with increasingly better cameras, occasionally even offering feature parity with its most expensive smartphone. In 2026, thats what were getting, with the 6.3-inch S26 ($899) and 6.7-inch S26+ ($1,099). Both phones are more expensive than last year, and its often a game of spot-the-difference when it comes to showing whats new. Fortunately, the best parts have been retained, too. Samsung has unified the design style across the entire S26 series, with the same corner ratios, curved edges and other design touches. While I tested both phones, Ill focus on the S26. Barring screen differences and battery size, theyre identically specced. This years S26 color selection has a premium Samsung mood to it that I cant quite explain. Does purple mean Samsung to my brain? Maybe. Cobalt Violet is the particular shade Im talking about, but there are also blue, black and white colors. Additional silver and pink-gold options will be available as online exclusives. Theres not much else to say about the design: its another Galaxy S flagship, and if it aint broke Mat Smith for Engadget Samsung has increased the battery capacity to 4,300 mAh on the S26, while somehow maintaining the same thickness as last years S25. However, the S26+ has the same 4,900mAH battery as its predecessor. All S26 devices will launch with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, with bigger storage options available. With the S26, Samsung has slightly increased the screen size to 6.3 inches, up from last year's 6.2-inch S25. The S26 comes with a familiar camera trio: a 50-megapixel main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with up to 3x optical zoom. On paper, thats identical to last years base S25. However, Samsung has improved performance with its ProScaler technology for upscaling images and an MDNIe chip, which the company says provides four times the color precision compared to previous devices. There are software improvements too, with video features being the most tangible upgrade, among more AI-assisted photo editing tools . Super Steady video has been upgraded to a 360-degree horizontal lock. This camera mode uses the S26s gyroscopes to maintain a consistent horizon even as you rush to chase a pet or family member while recording, or to capture snowboarding buddies. (Theres always a snowboarding example when a company mentions horizontal lock.) Its nice to see a feature were used to finding on gimbals and action cams built into an unashamedly mainstream phone like the S26. Auto Framing is another new feature coming to both 4K and 8K video capture. It uses AI to lock onto subjects and automatically tighten framing to what you want to capture. Even during brief testing, I was intrigued and liked the dramatic punch-in effect as I recorded nearby people. It creates a faux-panning effect as it tracks moving subjects, something you might have experienced with Center Stage on Apple devices. Samsung has also upgraded image processing on its front-facing cameras with a new Object Aware Engine for improved portrait mode shots, hair textures and more accurate skin tones. Based on my early testing, images seemed sharper than on my older Samsung devices, even though this is (again) largely the same 12MP camera as last year. With processors, it's getting a little more complicated. In the US, Samsung's entire S26 series will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, but in Europe, both the S26 and S26+ will be powered by the companys own Exynos 2600, apparently the worlds first 2nm chipset. Comparing it to Snapdragons top mobile processor, however, will have to wait until review time. With more power for AI functions, Samsung has continued to evolve and expand its AI software, although it seems less of a priority this year. Only one AI feature stood out during my briefing: Audio Eraser. While this launched on the S25, it only worked on audio and video you captured yourself. Now, Samsung expanded it to most major video platforms, including Netflix, Instagram and YouTube, adding the ability to strip out noise and distractions and amplify the volume of voices. It was especially effective with a rowdy replay of an Arsenal football soccer match, and sounded like I was listening to a dedicated commentary channel. Interestingly, unlike many sound editing apps and features, it will work on downloaded videos on those platforms without an internet connection. Elsewhere, Now Nudge will attempt to suggest actions based on whats happening onscreen, such as sharing contact numbers with someone or suggesting calendar times while dealing with work emails. Samsungs Now Brief can pull information and notifications from a wider array of apps and sources to deliver in its daily briefings. However, again, thats hard to assess at this early stage. There are several more qualityof-life software updates, too, like the ability to sift through all those screenshots after theyve been automatically categorized into sections like barcodes, events and more. If you cant get enough AI image generation, you can now use Photo Assist to edit your photos using descriptive prompts. Elsewhere, Circle-to-Search now supports multiple, well, circles, if youre looking to tag and search for multiple objects at once. Mat Smith for Engadget Its not the most exciting year for Samsungs smaller flagship phones. While the S26 Ultra can boast a new Privacy Display thats the first of its kind, the rest of the S26 family have a little too much in common with their predecessors. The new video features seem useful and intuitive, so theres more to explore there. Well have more to say in our full reviews soon. Both the Galaxy S26 and S26+ launch on March 11th and are available to preorder now. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s26-hands-on-launch-date-price-180005654.html?src=rss

Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a subtle set of hardware improvements

Samsung has announced the latest version of its flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and just like last year , the high-end phone is where the company is making some of its biggest changes. The S26 Ultra includes a new processor, a new privacy-focused display technology, an improved camera system and like Samsung's other phones, a crop of new AI-powered software features. On first blush, the Galaxy S26 Ultra isn't all that different from the Galaxy S25 Ultra . Samsung is still using a 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED screen, with an 120Hz refresh rate and support for an S Pen stylus. The S26 Ultra also features the same flat sides, utter lack of Qi2-compatible magnets and pronounced camera bump. Despite those similarities, the new flagship does have some differences: for one, it's ever so slightly thinner at 0.31-inches than the S25 Ultra was at 0.32-inches. It also comes with an aluminum frame rather than the titanium frame of the previous generation. For stylus fans, the new S Pen has a curved top that lets it better match the curves of the S26 Ultra. Biggest of all, Samsung's new phone includes Privacy Display, a new technology that lets the phone limit how much of its screen is visible when you're not looking directly at it. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Inside, the Galaxy S26 Ultra uses Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, a modified version of the flagship mobile chip it debuted last year , and either 12 or 16GB of RAM. In terms of storage, the Galaxy S26 Ultra can come with either 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of memory. Regardless of which version you pick, you'll get a 5,000mAh battery with support for Samsung's wired and wireless fast charging, and Wireless PowerShare for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, just like the S25 Ultra before it, includes an array of four cameras on the back and one selfie camera on the front. The phone features a 200MP f/1.4 wide, 50MP f/1.9 ultra-wide, 10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto, 50MP f/2.9 periscope telephoto and 12MP f/2.2 selfie camera. If you were to just look at just the megapixel counts of the phone, they're identical to last year's model. Samsung's major tweaks are to the aperture of both the wide and periscope cameras, which should let them capture more light. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Of course, plenty of the flashiest parts of Samsung's new smartphone are software features. The improved photo and video performances of the Galaxy S26 Ultra's cameras is partially driven by software tweaks. Samsung is also adopting Perplexity as a second, system-level AI assistant. The AI can be called with a button press or Hey Plex, powers improvements to Bixby and can act inside Samsung apps. That doesn't mean Gemini isn't still available, though. Google's AI will gain the ability to handle things like booking a rideshare or filling an online grocery cart in the background on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,300 and is available to pre-order today in a purple-ish Cobalt Violet, light blue Sky Blue, black, white and exclusively through Samsung's online store, Silver Shadow and Pink Gold. The phone will become generally available on March 11. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsungs-galaxy-s26-ultra-offers-a-subtle-set-of-hardware-improvements-180000725.html?src=rss

Samsung's S26 and S26+ offer familiar designs, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chips and new software features

The wait is over. At its Unpacked event today, Samsung took the wraps off its new S26 family of phones. Unlike the S26 Ultra, the S26 and S26+ represent mostly iterative updates. Samsung has tweaked the design of the two devices, making it so they share the same rounded corners of their more expensive sibling. Additionally, the S26 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch AMOLED display and a higher capacity 4,300mAh battery inside. As for the S26+, it still has a 6.7-inch screen and 4,900mAh battery. Like in years past, Samsung is depending on new and expanded software capabilities rather than updated hardware to give the S26 and S26+'s cameras an edge over the competition. As before, both phones feature a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. For selfies, theyre equipped a 12MP front-facing camera. The company says its new Object Aware Engine will allow the front-facing cameras to deliver more pleasing portrait mode shots, with better rendering of skin tones and hair textures. For videos, Samsung has updated its Super Steady tech, making it capable of maintaining a 360-degree horizontal lock. The upgraded feature should make it easier to maintain a consistent level horizon while trying to record a video of a moving child or pet. A new feature named Auto Framing uses a machine learning algorithm to automatically tighten the frame while filming 4K and 8K clips. The S26 will be available in six different colorways, with the four pictured here available in store. Sam Rutherford for Engadget And if you're a Snapdragon fan, you can rest easy. While some pre-release reports suggested Samsung was planning to use its new flagship Exynos chipset across the entire S26 line, North American and Japanese variants of the S26 and S26+ will once again ship with Qualcomm silicon instead. Specifically, the two phones come specced with the speedy Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which debuted alongside the OnePlus 15 in November 2025. It will be interesting to see how the new Exynos 2600 compares with its Snapdragon counterpart; the former is the world's first 2nm chipset. Over on the software front, Samsung has upgraded its suite of AI features. For instance, the company has made Now Brief capable of pulling from a wider variety of apps to generate more comprehensive daily summaries. Similarly, the company's handy Auto Eraser feature now works across streaming services like Netflix, allowing you to make it easier to hear dialogue in a greater variety of videos. The two phones will retail for $899 and $1,099, making them both $100 more expensive than their predecessors. They come standard with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Samsung will also offer 512GB variants, alongside six different colorways of each phone. In-store, you'll find the S26 and S26+ in purple, blue, black and white, with silver and rose gold being online exclusives.Pre-orders open today, with general availability to follow on March 11. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsungs-s26-and-s26-offer-familiar-designs-snapdragon-8-gen-5-chips-and-new-software-features-180000224.html?src=rss

Google's Circle to Search can now identify multiple objects in an image

To coincide with the release of Samsung's new Galaxy S26 family of phones, Google is pushing out a small but meaningful update to Circle to Search. As a reminder, Circle to Search allows you to carry out a Google Search from almost anywhere on your phone. Just tap and hold your device's home button, and then circle the passage or image you want to know more about. With previous iterations of Circle to Search, the tool's underlying AI system was limited to searching against a single object in an image. Now, thanks to Gemini 3 , it can scan and identify multiple objects at the same time. Naturally, Google is quick to point out the boon this represents for shopaholics. If you see a fit you like on Instagram, you can circle an entire person and the tool will attempt to find a match for each item they're wearing, including any shoes and accessories. At the same time, Google has made it easier to see how those clothes might look on you by bringing its virtual try on feature directly inside of Circle to Search. The benefits of the new model aren't only limited to shopping queries. Building on a search technique Google debuted with AI Mode , Circle to Search can now also reason through the relationship between different objects in an image. So say you see a photo of a coral reef and want to know how all the different pictured fish live together, Circle to Search will not only be able to identify the different species shown but also explain how they coexist with one another. Google is bringing the new and improved Circle to Search to Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 phones first before rolling it out to more Android devices soon. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/googles-circle-to-search-can-now-identify-multiple-objects-in-an-image-180000385.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra hands-on: Meaningful tweaks plus a slick new Privacy Display

Last year, it felt like Samsung relied a bit too much on AI when trying to convince people to upgrade to itsflagship phone. And while theres no shortage of features that utilize machine learning on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra, it feels like Samsung has done a much better job of filling out the rest of the phones kit with fresh hardware, faster charging and a more cohesive design. Its still rather expensive, but its price has stayed flat year-over-year at $1,300, which when combined with everything else makes it a much more attractive package than its predecessor. Design and display Samsungs Ultra phones are always going to be somewhat boxy and thats OK. However, for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the companys top-of-the-line handset is getting a slightly curvier appearance thanks to rounder corners. Theres also a very (and I do mean very) small reduction in size that technically makes this version the thinnest and lightest Ultra to date (214 grams and 7.9mm thick). That said, considering the previous model weighed 218 grams and measured 8.2mm, its incredibly hard to feel a difference even when you know what youre looking for. The two biggest changes to the S26 Ultra's exterior design are more rounded corners and an aluminum chassis instead of titanium like we got on the S25U. Sam Rutherford for Engadget In reality, the biggest exterior change is that Samsung has ditched the titanium frame from last years phone in favor of an Armor Aluminum chassis with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 panels in front and back. Samsung says this new design is meant to make the Ultra fit in better with its less expensive siblings while also making it easier to do things like color match the phones body to the rest of the device. Also, for anyone who keeps track of Samsungs palette, the hero color for the S26 Ultra is a rather fetching shade of purple called cobalt violet, with sky blue, white and black available as well (plus silver shadow and pink gold being Samsungs online exclusive hues). If you look closely at the top of the phone, you can see where a notification has been blacked out by the S26 Ultra's Privacy Display. Sam Rutherford for Engadget However, my favorite new thing on the S26 Ultra is its Privacy Display. When activated, it functions a lot like HPs Sure View tech , which prevents people from peeking at your screen from acute angles. It works both when viewed from the side or up and down and has a surprising amount of customization. Not only can you set it to turn on automatically when the phone asks you for a password or PIN, it can also be triggered by specific apps or whenever you receive a notification. But perhaps the most impressive thing is that theres almost no impact on image quality. When Privacy Display is active, there is a minor reduction in overall brightness, but aside from that, its really hard to tell when its on (at least from the front). Furthermore, the S26 Ultras 6.9-inch AMOLED screen has the same underlying specs as last year, including its 120Hz variable refresh rate and 2,600 nit peak brightness, so there are pretty much no trade-offs for the added functionality. Performance and charging The S26 Ultra still comes with an included S-Pen and a built-in storage slot, but it still doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity like on some of Samsung's older models. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Inside, the S26 Ultra features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip along with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. Compared to its predecessor, Samsung claims the NPUs performance has made the biggest leap with it being 39 percent more powerful year-over-year with respectable increases for its CPU (19 percent faster) and GPU (24 percent faster) as well. As for charging, both wired and wireless speeds have gotten a big boost with the former now rated at up to 60 watts (up from 45 watts) or 25 watts (up from 15) for the latter when using compatible Qi2 pads. Samsung says buyers will even get a three amp cable in the box, so all you need to do to get those peak wired speeds is to hook it up to the right adapter. A small quirk with the S26 Ultra's S-Pen is that because the end of the stylus is curved to match the corner of the phone, if you put it in wrong, it'll stick out a bit. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Unfortunately, were still not getting a magnetic ring inside the phone, which means if you want to use the S26 Ultra with magnetic accessories, youll need to pair the phone with a case that supports that functionality. This is super frustrating because Samsung says this decision was made in part to keep the handset as thin as possible, but when you consider the difference between the S26 Ultra and the S25 Ultra is 0.3mm, that choice feels rather misguided. Cameras One of my biggest complaints about last years S25 Ultra is that the only new hardware was an updated 50MP sensor for its ultra-wide lens, which is the camera I (and probably most people) use the least. Thankfully, it seems Samsung took note of that because while the resolution of its 200MP main cam, 10MP 3x telephoto and 50MP 5X telephoto are the same as before, the S26 Ultras main and 5x zoom lenses now have significantly wider apertures (from f/1.7 to f/1.4 and f/3.4 to f/2.9, respectively). This results in as much as 47 percent more light reaching the phones primary sensor (or 37 percent for the 5x telephoto), which should result in some major gains in photo quality and low light sensitivity. That said, I wasnt able to properly test this during my hands-on session, so Im going to reserve final judgement for a proper review. The S26 Ultra's 200MP main and 50MP 5x zoon lenses feature significantly larger apertures, which should deliver much improved image quality in low light conditions. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Meanwhile, for video capture, Samsung is adding support for the APV codec at up to 8K/30 fps to the S26 Ultra along with a new horizon lock feature that will keep your footage level no matter how much you rotate the phone. Now I will admit that the latter didnt impress me much when I first heard about it, but after testing it out and spinning the phone a full 360-degrees while recording a clip, I was shocked when the resulting video showed no hint of being whirled around. Samsung also says the handsets improved Nightography processing uses AI to recognize noise patterns in low light to improve image quality. But similar to the wider apertures bringing in more light, Ill believe it when I see it. Finally, theres a new AI-powered Photo Assist tool that lets you edit or adjust images using natural language prompts. From what I experienced, its effective and works as youd expect. However, with the proliferation of services and devices offering similar functionality over the past year, this feature feels more like Samsungs attempt to keep up with the Joneses. AI features When it comes to AI, the S26 Ultra is getting the same batch of new and improved features as the rest of the S26 family. So if youre big into machine learning, theres no need to pay extra for this model. Furthermore, many of the updates for 2026 are tweaks or refinements of existing things like the Gallery app, which now uses AI to automatically sort screenshots into eight different categories so theyre easier to find later. Theres also what Samsung is calling Now Nudge, which functions a lot like Googles Magic Cue . Its built into the Samsung keyboard and it can do things like suggest relevant photos based on your conversations. One of the S26's most powerful new AI features is Automated App Actions, which allows the phone to do things like book a car ride via Uber while you continue to use other apps in the foreground. Sam Rutherford for Engadget To me, the most impressive of the bunch is the S26s Automated App Actions, which allow you to ask the phone to do slightly more complicated tasks like ordering an Uber to a specific location. After your initial prompt, Gemini can even complete the task in the background while you go back to doomscrolling or watching videos. When its done, youll get a notification so you can manually review and confirm the command. Unfortunately, Uber will be the only supported app at launch, though Samsung says its working on expanding the feature to others like Instacart. Early thoughts The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be available in four main colors: sky blue, black, cobalt violet and white, along with two more online exclusive hues in silver shadow and pink gold. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Look, theres no getting around it: $1,300 is a lot to spend on a phone. That said, considering the RAM shortage thats going on right now, keeping the S26 Ultras price the same as last years phone feels like a small blessing. And when you get that on a handset with a more refined design, a beefier chip, a fancy Privacy Display, faster charging and an updated generation of AI-powered tools, Samsungs latest flagship feels like a much better deal than its predecessor. Really, the only thing that hasnt been improved is the Ultras S-Pen, which as time goes on, is starting to feel more and more like a consolation prize for people who are still nostalgic about the Note line than a true tentpole feature. Now this doesnt mean that people with an S25 Ultra or even an S24 Ultra should run out and upgrade. But for anyone with something older than that whos in the market for a true do-everything phone, the S26 Ultra has quite a bit to offer. Pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra are live now , with official sales slated for March 11. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-hands-on-meaningful-tweaks-plus-a-slick-new-privacy-display-180000057.html?src=rss

Samsung's redesigned Galaxy Buds 4 lineup has retooled sound, improved ANC and new features

Samsung isnt waiting a full year to reveal its latest Galaxy Buds. The company debuted the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at its Galaxy S26 Unpacked event where the hot topic was three new phones. When it comes to Samsungs earbuds, the company has overhauled the shape and design while improving sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC) and adding new features. As always, the best of what the Galaxy Buds 4 lineup has to offer will be reserved for people with a recent Samsung phone. While the company is keeping its AirPods-esque blade design, it retooled that element to ditch the angular shape and the gimmicky lights . Its now a flat, metal panel and the area that allows for pinch controls has been engraved so that your fingers find it easily. In terms of shape, Samsung says it analyzed data from hundreds of millions of ear data points and ran over 10,000 simulations to improve overall fit with smaller earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 4 remain an open-fit design while the Pro version has a tip that seals off your ears. Like before, the company kept the transparent lids for the charging cases, although this time the earbuds lay flat in those rather than standing up. Inside of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, Samsung is using a wider woofer as part of its two-way driver setup for cleaner bass. That configurations dedicated tweeter should also deliver natural, rich treble, according to the company. Both Galaxy Buds 4 models support high quality audio up to 24bit/96kHz (from a recent Samsung device) and direct multi-channel 360 audio is available as well. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Billy Steele for Engadget Although the Galaxy Buds Pro 4 got the bulk of the ANC upgrades, Samsung says it improved noise-canceling performance for both models. The company promises effective noise blocking for transit sounds engine noise from buses, trains or planes in addition to everyday background noise. Whats more, both of the Galaxy Buds 4 devices feature ambient sound mode, adaptive EQ and adaptive ANC, with the latter two applying adjustments automatically as needed. The Pro model can also detect the users voice and increase ambient sound for conversations a feature thats held over from the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. When you stop talking, the earbuds will automatically resume ANC. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro also has a Siren Detect feature that activates ambient sound so that you can hear safety alerts like alarms or emergency vehicles. The new item that pushes the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro closer to the AirPods Pro 3 is head gestures. Samsung will now let users manage calls and interact with Bixby by nodding or shaking their head side to side. As before, the Galaxy Buds remain a conduit to Bixby, but theyre also a gateway to Gemini and Perplexity all of which can be accessed hands-free via voice controls. The Galaxy Buds 4 ($180) and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro ($250) are available for pre-order today before hitting shelves on March 11. Both models will be available in black and white, and theres a pink gold option on the Pro, although that third color is a Samsung online exclusive. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/samsungs-redesigned-galaxy-buds-4-lineup-has-retooled-sound-improved-anc-and-new-features-180000718.html?src=rss

Hacker used Anthropic's Claude chatbot to attack multiple government agencies in Mexico

Here's yet another troubling story about this golden era of AI. A hacker has exploited Anthropic's Claude chatbot to carry out attacks against Mexican government agencies, according to a report by Bloomberg . This resulted in the theft of 150GB of official government data, including taxpayer records, employee credentials and more. The hacker used Claude to find vulnerabilities in government networks and to write scripts to exploit them. It also tasked the chatbot with finding ways to automate data theft, as indicated by cybersecurity company Gambit Security . This started in December and continued for around a month. It looks like the hacker was able to essentially jailbreak Claude with prompts, finally bypassing the chatbot's guardrails. Claude originally refused the nefarious demands until eventually relenting. Hackers Used Anthropics Claude to Steal 150 GB of Mexican Government Data > Tell Claude youre doing a bug bounty > Claude initially refused: > That violates AI safety guidelines > Hacker just kept asking > Claude: OK, Ill help > Hacked the entire Mexican pic.twitter.com/Qaux239K8t Nawaz Haider (@nawaz0x1) February 25, 2026 In total, it produced thousands of detailed reports that included ready-to-execute plans, telling the human operator exactly which internal targets to attack next and what credentials to use, said Curtis Simpson, Gambit Securitys chief strategy officer. Anthropic has investigated the claims, disrupted the activity and banned all of the accounts involved, according to a company representative. The spokesperson also said that its latest model, Claude Opus 4.6, includes tools to disrupt this kind of misuse. It's also been reported that this hacker used ChatGPT to supplement the attacks, using OpenAI's chatbot to gather information on how to move through computer networks, determine which credentials were needed to access systems and how to avoid detection. OpenAI says it has identified attempts by the hacker to violate its usage policies and that the tools refused to comply. The hacker remains unidentified. The attacks haven't been attributed to a specific group, but Gambit Security did suggest they could be tied to a foreign government. It's also unclear what the hacker wants to do with all of that data. Mexico's national digital agency hasn't commented on the breach, but did note that cybersecurity is a priority. The state government of Jalisco denies that it was breached, saying only federal networks were impacted. However, Mexico's national electoral institute also denied any breaches or unauthorized access in recent months. It's worth noting that Gambit found at least 20 security vulnerabilities during its research that the country is likely not keen on highlighting. Anthropic just dropped the core commitment of its safety policy: the promise to not train models it couldn't prove were safe first. The new version commits to matching competitors on safety and publishing more transparency reports. But the actual constraint, we stop if we can't pic.twitter.com/k5Zi6dHUMN Raphael Pfeiffer (@raphpfei) February 25, 2026 This isn't the first time Claude has been used for a major cyberattack. Last year, hackers in China manipulated the tool into attempting to infiltrate dozens of global targets , several of which were successful. Anthropic just nixed its long-standing safety pledge , which committed to never train an AI system unless it could guarantee in advance that safety measures were adequate. So who knows what fresh hell the future will bring as the company's tools become more advanced. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/hacker-used-anthropics-claude-chatbot-to-attack-multiple-government-agencies-in-mexico-171237255.html?src=rss

Amazon abandons open-world racing game by former Forza Horizon devs

An open-world racing game from a studio formed by ex-Forza Horizon developers was due to be published by Amazon, but that is no longer the case. As reported first by The Game Business , UK-based Maverick Games is now in active dialogue with prospective new publishing partners for its currently untitled debut game, which remains in development. Maverick was founded in 2022 by Mike Brown, who served as the Horizon series creative director during his stint at Playground Games, and was able to tempt a number of other ex-Playground veterans to join the new studio. Little was publicly known about the game Amazon picked up, but shortly after Maverick was established Brown told GamesIndustry.Biz that his ambition was to make a game that was AAA, premium and eventually released with the intention of winning all the awards. As part of our strategic evolution to focus on projects that leverage Amazons unique strengths and scale, including the recent re-launch of Luna and our Tomb Raider franchise partnership with Crystal Dynamics, we have decided to release Maverick Games from their publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios, an Amazon Game Studios representative said in a statement to The Game Business . We have tremendous respect for the Maverick Games team and the compelling narrative-led driving experience theyre creating, the companty said. This decision allows Maverick Games the flexibility to find a publishing partner whose strategic priorities are better aligned with bringing their game to market. Were proud of what we accomplished together during our partnership and wish them every success in the future. Amazons push into gaming has yielded mixed results. It seemingly remains committed to developing its Luna streaming service, but as a publisher and developer things haven't been smooth. 2020s free-to-play multiplayer shooter Crucible vanished so quickly that most people have probably forgotten that it ever existed. The MMO New World has proved more of a hit, but Amazon is still winding down support for the game next year. The future of the companys Lord of the Rings MMO is unclear, but The Game Business reports that last years cuts to its MMO division also affected the team working on that game. Earlier this week, it was announced that the Amazon Games-published co-op dungeon crawler King of Meat will shut down on April 9, less than a year after its October 2025 launch. The company does still have a pair of Tomb Raider games on its release slate, one of which is a reimagining of the original series entry from 1996. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/amazon-abandons-open-world-racing-game-by-former-forza-horizon-devs-170234100.html?src=rss

ASUS ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 review: An incredible if pricy Windows creator laptop

With its ProArt lineup , ASUS has commendably addressed a glaring hole in the PC market by targeting video editors and other creative pros. Its latest model even uses a popular camera marque in its name: the ProArt GoPro Edition PX13. Its a true co-branding exercise, with GoPro-like styling, a dedicated GoPro hotkey, mil-spec durability for extreme outdoor users and 12 months of GoPros Cloud Plus Premium. It has a lot going for it on the inside, too. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor offers 16 Zen 5 cores with integrated Radeon 8060S Graphics (40 cores) and AMD Ryzen AI with up to 50 NPU TOPS. It packs a relatively small but pixel-dense 13-inch 2,880 x 1,800 OLED convertible 360 touch display, 1TB of storage and an impressive 128GB of unified memory. The rub, as you might expect with all that RAM, is the price. The ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 costs $3,000, while a version with the same processor but half the memory is $2,800. Thats high-end MacBook Pro money, and while the ProArt is a good PC creator machine, it falls short of its Apple counterpart in terms of performance and usability. Design In place of the ProArt P13s smooth lines, the ProArt GoPro Edition comes with a ribbed metal back thats designed to look like the front of a GoPro Hero 13. It also has GoPro-like ridges on the hinge and plastic above the keyboard, along with GoPro and ProArt branding. The rugged design may appeal to the extreme sports crowd, but Id prefer something a bit sleeker. The laptop is relatively light at 3.06 pounds, but the dedicated 200W power brick adds an extra pound of weight. Despite the small size, it offers MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability, so it can handle hot and humid conditions while surviving 500Hz vibrations and multiple four-inch drops while running. To help keep the laptop safe outside, ASUS includes a protective padded sleeve with a braided pouch to tuck a selfie stick or another accessory. Steve Dent for Engadget The 2,880 x 1,800 OLED touchscreen is nice but not super bright, with up to 400 nits of brightness or 500 nits in HDR mode. Thats the usual tradeoff for OLED compared to super bright MiniLED displays. However, it has deep blacks and very high color accuracy of Delta < 1 with 100 percent DCI-P3 coverage, along with Dolby Vision support, so its great for photo and video work or entertainment. The ProArt is a 360-degree convertible model and ships with an ASUS Pen and Pen charger. That makes it a good option for graphic artists who want to tent the screen or fold it around to use in tablet mode for sketching or painting. The ASUS Pen works well, and though its not as accurate as Wacom or other dedicated pen devices, it has nice haptic feedback when you perform actions in the app. The ProArt GoPro Editions keyboard is excellent, with a nice amount of travel for typing or gaming. The touchpad is also one of the better ones Ive used on a PC thanks to the quality tactile feel. The top left of the touchpad contains ASUSs control dial designed for jogging video footage or adjusting colors, but its a bit fussy and gimmicky. For ports, you get HDMI, 3.5mm audio, USB-A 3.2 and two USB-C 4.0 with power delivery that allow up to 130 watts of charging. The laptop weirdly comes with a microSD slot to load GoPro footage straight from the camera, but it would be better to have a regular SD port and microSD adapter. As for wireless and audio, it offers Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and Dolby Atmos support. Performance Steve Dent for Engadget Built on TSMCs 4nm line, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is AMDs most powerful APU designed to blend performance and low power consumption. Its married to a Radeon 8060S GPU with 40 compute units (equivalent to an NVIDIA RTX 4060, AMD says) that makes it ideal for creative chores, AI processing and gaming. This unit also comes with 128GB of unified LPDDR5X RAM thats soldered directly to the motherboard, shared between the CPU and GPU. Given todays RAM prices, that amount of memory no doubt contributes to the ProArt GoPro Editions high price. AMD finally got its act together for video encoding and decoding. The Ryzen AI Max+s GPU supports most 8- and 10-bit MP4 codecs, including H.264, H.265, VP9 and AV1. That means you can play back nearly all MP4 or Quicktime camera video files in real time, including the 8K H.265 files recorded by a GoPro Hero 13. At the same time, the large number of cores and threads (16 and 32) helps the ProArt GoPro Edition render certain VFX and do color adjustments quickly. The 1TB of NVMe SSD storage is limited to PCIe 4.0, but its relatively speedy with 6.55 GB/s read and 5.86 GB/s write speeds easily fast enough for 8K video playback. All of that made video work a breeze in DaVinci Resolve 20, Adobe Premiere Pro or GoPros Player that can be activated by a special hotkey on the ASUS laptop. Actions like color correction work in real time as well, and 4K H.264 exports can also be performed quickly. That said, some functions like OpenFX and stabilization would work better with a more powerful discrete GPU. Also, unlike my MacBook Pro, the ProArt GoPro Editions fans need to engage frequently under intense workloads, creating a lot of noise and killing the battery quickly if the unit isnt plugged in. Steve Dent for Engadget For other apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom Classic, the ASUS ProArt is ideal. Its very responsive and the touch display and pen support fine masking or drawing work, something you cant do on a MacBook Pro. The ProArt also handles synthetic benchmarks well for a PC with an integrated GPU. The single/multi Geekbench 6 CPU score of 2,219/19,088 shows the benefit of 16 processor cores. The 93,108 Geekbench 6 GPU mark isnt that far behind Acers NVIDIA RTX 5070-equipped Predator Titan 14 AI. Geekbench AI scores were also up there with the best laptops. However, Handbrake video encoding was slower than several MacBook M4 laptops Ive tested. For gaming, it had some of the higher laptop scores Ive seen on several 3DMark tests (Wildlife Extreme and Port Royal Ray Tracing). It also did pretty darn well on Cyberpunk 2077 , hitting 82 fps at 1080p and 60 fps at 1440p in Ultra mode. Considering the machines small size, those framerates are really good. However, the laptop is held back gaming-wise by the OLED display that tops out at 500 nits and just 60Hz. A big benefit of the 128GB of fast unified memory is that you can run AI models locally for improved privacy. While the ProArt GoPro Edition normally allocates 64GB of memory to the CPU and splits the rest between the CPU and iGPU, you can dedicate up to 96GB of memory to the GPU for extra large AI applications via the MyASUS app. Another plus of this APU is the battery life. The ProArt GoPro Edition lasted a solid 11:31 hours on the PCMark 10 Modern Office battery rundown test, besting all rivals with similar performance. That tells me that AMD is narrowing the performance-per-watt gap with Apples silicon to improve gaming and content creation for PCs on battery power alone. Wrap-up Steve Dent for Engadget ASUS is one of the few PC manufacturers trying to compete with Apple in the creator market, and with the ProArt GoPro Edition laptop, it has largely succeeded. This model offers excellent performance and battery life, a huge amount of memory, a very nice OLED HDR display, a nice range of ports and an excellent keyboard and trackpad. It easily handled my typical video and photo editing chores, even on battery power alone, and the included GoPro features like the Storyblocks cloud storage are a nice option for action cam users. The convertible configuration and touchscreen with pen option are also useful to artists and photo editors. However, this laptop is not cheap at $3,000, which is the same price as a high-end 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro. The latter offers superior battery life, better overall performance on apps like DaVinci Resolve and a far better macOS user experience than the hot mess that is currently Windows 11. However, if you want a Windows PC with a touchscreen, I think the ASUS ProArt GoPro Edition laptop is the best creator model you can get right now. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/asus-proart-gopro-edition-px13-review-an-incredible-if-pricy-windows-creator-laptop-170016800.html?src=rss

Spotify can reorder your playlists by BPM and key

Spotify is rolling out a new feature thats meant to make transitions in between tracks even smoother. If youll recall, the streaming service released the ability to create customized transitions within playlists in August last year. It gave people a way to create uninterrupted progressions and eliminate awkward silences between songs. Now, Premium users will be able to make sure the songs in their playlists flow seamlessly even further by reordering tracks based on their keys and BPM or beats per minute. The new feature can rearrange playlists with one tap. All paying users have to do is tap Mix on one of their playlists and then tap the Edit button. From there, they can scroll down to find the Smart Reorder option. Tapping Smart Reorder will automatically rearrange songs according to their keys and BPM without users having to do anything else. They just have to click Save so that the change to their playlist takes effect. Spotify says users have streamed over 220 hours of their mixed playlists since it introduced custom transitions last year. It also listed some of the most popular ones on the platform, including The Weeknds Wake Me Up transitioning into After Hours and Flo Ridas Low into Rihanns S&M . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/spotify-can-reorder-your-playlists-by-bpm-and-key-140000101.html?src=rss

Amazon introduces three personality styles for Alexa+

Amazon is offering a new way for Alexa+ users to customize the AI assistant's communication style. The company has introduced three personalities for Alexa+, so the assistant can adopt an attitude that is Brief, Chill or Sweet. The Brief style will be exactly that: no small talk and no extra conversation. Chill is easygoing and seems to be inspired by caricatures of the surfer/stoner type, while the Sweet mode is almost aggressively perky and chipper. In the audio sample provided, when a user asks Alexa, how's it going? the Chill voice responds, Lifes treating me well all systems are Zen and the digital universe is spinning in harmony. In contrast, the Sweet one replies, Absolutely fantastic! Im radiating pure joy and ready to make your day incredibly amazing! Amazon explained that the three personality styles are based on five metrics: expressiveness, emotional openness, formality, directness and humor. The company may release additional options with different combinations of those sliding scale traits in the future. For now, users can swap the assistant's vibe from the Alexa app or with the spoken command, Alexa, change your personality style. Both approaches can also be used to swap back to the classic Alexa voice. All three personalities are available now for all Alexa+ customers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-introduces-three-personality-styles-for-alexa-140000602.html?src=rss

Honor says its 4.8mm thick MagicPad 4 is the world's slimmest Android tablet

Ahead of a full release at Mobile World Conference (MWC), Honor has teased the MagicPad 4 that it calls the world's thinnest Android tablet. The new model is just 4.8mm thick (not counting that camera bump), a full millimeter thinner than the MagicPad 3 and slightly less than the 5.1mm iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11, the company revealed. On top of being thinner, the MagicPad 4 has a new 12.3-inch 165Hz OLED display. While slightly smaller than before, it should be considerably better than the LCD display on the previous model. The new model weighs 145 grams less than before at 450g thanks to that screen and the slightly smaller 10,100 mAh battery (with a 66W fast charger in the box). The new tablet is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It's equipped with 13MP rear and 9MP front cameras, along with eight speakers for spatial audio. The MagicPad 4 will run MagicOS 10, Honor's flavor of Android 16. There's no word on pricing or availability yet, but we'll likely learn more at the company's press conference on Sunday along with the company's weird robot revealed yesterday. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/honor-says-its-48mm-thick-magicpad-4-is-the-worlds-slimmest-android-tablet-114346615.html?src=rss

xAI's trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI has been dismissed

OpenAI has successfully convinced the court to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Elon Musks xAI, accusing the company of stealing its trade secrets . In her decision, US District Judge Rita F. Lin wrote that xAIs complaint does not point to any misconduct by OpenAI and instead attributes all listed misconducts to its eight former employees who left for OpenAI at around the same time. Lin said that xAI accused two of its former employees of stealing its source code before leaving at a time when they were already speaking to an OpenAI recruiter. However, the company didnt say if the recruiter told those former employees to do so. xAIs lawsuit also accuses two other former employees of keeping their work chats on their devices even after leaving, another of refusing to provide certifications related to confidential information after his departure, and another of unsuccessfully trying to access xAI hiring and datacenter optimization information when he was already working for OpenAI. Notably absent are allegations about the conduct of OpenAI itself, the judge noted. xAI didnt include any information that directly accuses OpenAI of making those employees steal its trade secrets. It also didnt include allegations that those former employees used any stolen trade secrets after they were already working for OpenAI. To be precise, OpenAIs motion for dismissal was granted with leave to amend, so the lawsuit may not be completely over just yet. That means xAI can still file an amended complaint addressing what the judge wrote in her decision until March 17, 2026. OpenAI and xAI have a longstanding feud, and this is just one of the several lawsuits between the two companies. In fact, Musk has an ongoing complaint against OpenAI and Microsoft, accusing the former of violating its nonprofit status. Musk, who was an early funder of OpenAI, is now asking the company for $79 billion to $134 billion in damages from wrongful gains. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/xais-trade-secret-lawsuit-against-openai-has-been-dismissed-101912599.html?src=rss

The best cheap kitchen gadgets in 2026

Outfitting a kitchen can get expensive fast, but you dont need high-end appliances or flashy tools to cook more efficiently. Some of the best kitchen gadgets are simple, affordable gadgets that quietly make everyday tasks easier whether thats prepping ingredients, measuring accurately or keeping your workspace organized. These are the kinds of tools you reach for again and again, not one-off purchases that end up buried in a drawer. This guide focuses on inexpensive kitchen gadgets that punch above their price, including practical prep tools, durable measuring essentials and compact helpers that save time without taking up much space. None of them are strictly necessary, but all can streamline your routine and make cooking at home feel a little less like work. Best cheap kitchen gadgets for 2026 This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/best-cheap-kitchen-gadgets-130049897.html?src=rss

Apple introduces age verification for apps in Utah, Louisiana and Australia

Now that Apple has started blocking users under 18 in certain regions from downloading apps, the company has introduced new age verification tools. Those will help developers meet their age assurance obligations under upcoming US and regional laws, including in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah and Louisiana, the company said in a news release on its Developer site . As of February 24, 2026, users in Australia, Brazil and Singapore won't be able to download apps rated 18+ unless their age is confirmed through reasonable methods. Apple noted that any apps distributed in Brazil that are declared to contain loot boxes will be updated to 18+. While the App Store can perform those checks automatically, developers may have separate obligations to independently confirm that their users are adults, Apple wrote. For that, developers can employ the company's Declared Age Range API (on iOS, iPadOS and macOS) to get helpful signals about a user's age. In Utah as of May 6, 2026 and Louisiana on July 1, 2026, age categories will be shared with the developer's app when requested through the Declared Age Range API. That API will also provide new signals, like whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if the user must share their age range. The API will also let you know if you need to get a parent or guardian's permission for significant app updates for a child, Apple says. Under Utah's new law, users must be over 18 to make a new account with an app store, while underage uses will need to link their account to a parent's in order to get permission to use certain apps. Louisiana and Texas also passed similar laws and California plans to enact age-based rules for app stores in 2027. Those rules are designed to protect children from predators, financial harm and other problems. However, critics have described the laws as blunt tools that harm privacy and internet anonymity. A poorly designed system might store this personal data, and even correlate it to the online content that we look at, the Electronic Frontier Foundation notes . In the hands of an adversary, and cross-referenced to other readily available information, this information can expose intimate details about us. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-introduces-age-verification-for-apps-in-utah-louisiana-and-australia-080855449.html?src=rss

Apple's touchscreen MacBook will reportedly have a dynamic interface

Apple's plan to add touchscreens to its premium MacBook Pros is coming into focus. Bloomberg reports that when the new laptops launch this fall, they'll feature a Dynamic Island , not unlike Apple's iPhones, and an interface that changes depending on where you touch your Macbook's screen. This dynamic interface is reportedly designed to make the transition between mouse input and touch input smoother on Apple's new laptops. Bloomberg says that if users touch an onscreen button, the version of macOS running on these new MacBook Pros will be able to pull up a contextual menu that provides more relevant options for touch commands. Parts of the interface, like macOS' menu bar, will also be able to enlarge to make menu items easier to select with a finger. Those tweaks are on top of the expected features from touchscreen Apple products, like smooth scrolling and the ability to pinch and zoom into and out of images, files and web pages. The only thing missing from these increasingly iPad-like laptops, per Bloomberg , will be a touchscreen keyboard, because they'll already have a more comfortable physical keyboard attached. To make these new laptops extra enticing, both the 14-inch and 16-inch touchscreen MacBook Pros will feature OLED screens for the first time, likely the reason Apple will be able to include a Dynamic Island-style webcam in the first place. Up until now, the company has offered OLED screens on its iPhones, Apple Watches and more recently the iPad Pro, but it hasn't brought the display technology to laptops. That could reportedly change with these new MacBook Pros. Plenty of Windows laptops include touchscreens, and Microsoft and its partners have incorporated dynamic interface elements in the past to make these touchscreens more natural to use with Windows. Apple is late to the party in this respect, but it's also potentially set up to succeed. Much of modern macOS already looks touch-friendly , and Apple's has expended significant effort making it possible to port touch-based iPad apps to macOS and develop applications across platforms . That, paired with the right interface, could make the experience of using a touchscreen MacBook nicer out of the box, even if it doesn't get rid of the awkwardness of reaching over your keyboard to touch a screen. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/apples-touchscreen-macbook-will-reportedly-have-a-dynamic-interface-231929456.html?src=rss

1Password plans are getting more expensive soon

1Password is increasing prices for its individual and family plans. The individual rate is increasing from nearly $36 a year to $48, while the family option will cost $72 instead of $60. In emails sent to users, the business announced that the new rates will take effect for users at their next subscription renewal after March 27. It's a sizable price hike, but 1Password hasn't been incrementally inching its fees higher every couple years like we see so often for streaming subscriptions. This is the biggest bump we've seen to its rates in several years, even though the company has been adding ever-more tools for cybersecurity, such as new phishing protections that rolled out last month. Even at the higher cost, it's still one of the best options out there for password management. Fortunately for those on a budget, we have seen 1Password offer pretty substantial discounts on its plans at times, often cutting the rates by as much as half. The company usually participates in the big deal sprees like Black Friday , but keep an eye out for standalone sales that might pop up year-round. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/1password-plans-are-getting-more-expensive-soon-213236400.html?src=rss

Discord delays age verification to address user concerns

Earlier this month, Discord said it would be enacting an age verification policy. The platform faced some initial concerns from users about turning over their IDs and personal information, particularly given how poorly similar policies have been going elsewhere. Discord announced today it will delay and make some changes to its plans in response to the ongoing backlash. The first change is that Discord is postponing the global rollout of its age verification plans until the second half of 2026. The company noted that it would meet its legal obligations in places where they exist, likely in those countries that have national laws requiring protections for younger users. But it will not begin the global rollout until it makes some amendments to the offerings. Discord will offer more alternatives to how users can confirm their ages, including verification by credit card. That should allow people to access age-gated content without sharing an ID or performing a face scan. If you're among the less than 10 percent of users who do need to verify, we'll give you options, designed to tell us only your age and never your identity, according to a blog post credited to co-founder and CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy. The company is also promising more transparency about its vendors for these verification services and their practices. Discord said that it will not work with any partners for face scans unless the tests are performed completely on-device. The blog post noted that Persona, one of the common vendors for facial age estimation services, does not meet that standard and Discord has opted not to work with the brand. Finally, Discord is also building a new spoiler channel option so that servers with select age-restricted channels won't have to require all members to verify their ages. It will also publish a technical explainer on its own automatic age determination systems. We at Engadget have own worries about the wave of age verification laws happening both within the US and globally, but it's somewhat encouraging to see a digital platform at least trying to continue to deliver anonymity while still creating effective protections for teens. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/discord-delays-age-verification-to-address-user-concerns-205500482.html?src=rss

The Pentagon has reportedly given Anthropic until Friday to let it use Claude as it sees fit

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will reportedly give Anthropic until Friday to drop certain guardrails for military use, as reported by Axios . The outlet also reported that CEO Dario Amodei met with Hegseth yesterday as the Pentagon ratcheted up pressure on the AI company to give in to its demands. The makers of Claude have reportedly been offered an ultimatum: Either yield to the government's demands to remove limits for certain military applications, or potentially be forced to tailor its AI model to the government's needs under the Defense Production Act. Anthropic, for its part, has said that while it was willing to adopt certain policies for the Pentagon, it would not allow its model to be used for mass surveillance of Americans or for the development of autonomous weapons. Claude is currently the only AI model employed in some of the government's most sensitive work. The only reason we're still talking to these people is we need them and we need them now. The problem for these guys is they are that good, a defense official told Axios . The Pentagon is reportedly ramping up conversations with OpenAI and Google about using their models for classified work. ChatGPT and Gemini are already approved for unclassified government use. Elon Musk's xAI also recently signed with the DoD to use Grok in classified systems. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-pentagon-has-reportedly-given-anthropic-until-friday-to-let-it-use-claude-as-it-sees-fit-203549467.html?src=rss

Here's the first teaser for A24's adaptation of The Backrooms

Three years after announcing plans to produce a film based on the viral YouTube short, The Backrooms (Found Footage) in 2023, A24 has released the first teaser for its adaptation. Backrooms , as the film is now called, is directed by the short's original creator, Kane Parsons, and will be released on May 29, 2026. The teaser offers little to go on for anyone who hasn't watched the original short or the series of videos Parsons made after it, but it is replete with The Backrooms ' hallmark: ominous liminal spaces. Layered over footage of stranger and stranger rooms (or perhaps one room becoming the platonic empty retail spaces popularized by short), the voice of Chiwetel Ejiofor tells the film's other star, Renate Reinsve, about a place he discovered that's full of rooms. Parsons' original video is inspired by a creepypasta called The Backrooms that originated on the forum 4chan in 2019. The YouTube series expanded on the basic concept of a liminal space that exists outside reality with monsters and a mysterious company researching The Backrooms. It's unclear how much of that larger lore will be incorporated into the feature film adaptation, but since the teaser is missing the digital video filter that gave the YouTube short its distinct look, it seems possible Parsons could be going for something a bit different. Well that, and the fact the film stars two Oscar-nominated actors. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/heres-the-first-teaser-for-a24s-adaptation-of-the-backrooms-194300513.html?src=rss

Waymo will start offering robotaxi rides in four more cities

Waymo had set out some big plans for expanding its autonomous vehicle taxi program across the US in 2025 and it appears to be continuing that pace into 2026. Today, the company announced that the first public riders can begin using its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando. To start, these robotaxi rides will only be available for a small number of people with the Waymo app in those cities. We will be inviting new riders on a rolling basis to ensure a seamless experience across our initial service areas, as we meaningfully scale our operations ahead of opening our service to everyone later this year, the company said in the blog post announcing the expansion. Google-owned Waymo is now operating in ten commercial metro areas. It announced its plans to start testing its vehicles in these four US cities in November. The company also began a test phase in Miami at that time, and Waymo's robotaxi service began accepting riders in that locale in January. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-will-start-offering-robotaxi-rides-in-four-more-cities-192841871.html?src=rss

Sony reveals the Death Stranding 2 required PC specs

We're less than a month from the availability of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on PC, and today Sony released the required specs. Despite designer Hideo Kojima being known for spectacle in his projects, the minimum specs are quite reasonable. The low graphics preset runs on an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB, and that will give players average performance of 1080p at 30 frames per second, which is rough but at least makes the game available for players who havent upgraded in awhile. Intel Core i3-10100 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 are the recommended GPUs for that graphics tier. As is typical for PC gaming, though, the higher end performance options will require beefier internals. This port of Death Stranding 2 will also boast a few firsts. The title will mark the debut of Pico as an upscaling option on PC. This upscaler was made by Guerilla Games and was also used for the Death Stranding sequel on the PlayStation 5. The game will also be adding support for ultrawide views. The cutscenes can be viewed in a 21:9 aspect ration and gameplay can be displayed at 32:9. This option will be available for both PC and the PS5 versions of the game, and an ultrawide monitor won't be required to enable this view option. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/sony-reveals-the-death-stranding-2-required-pc-specs-184411856.html?src=rss

Someone made an app to warn you if smart glasses are nearby

A new app will notify users if smart glasses are likely nearby. The aptly named Nearby Glasses was developed in response to media coverage outlining how glasses like Meta's Ray-Bans have been used to film people without their consent. As first reported by 404 Media , the app detects the unique Bluetooth signature emitted by smart glasses and sends a push alert that someone wearing the device may potentially be nearby. I consider it to be a tiny part of resistance against surveillance tech, the app's developer Yves Jeanrenaud told 404 Media. Smart glasses have sparked increased privacy concerns , especially as Meta is reportedly working to add facial recognition technology to its Meta Ray-Bans. OpenAI is also reported to have a pair of smart glasses in the works. It bears mentioning that false positives may occur, including from VR headsets. Nearby Glasses is currently available on the Google Play Store and GitHub . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/someone-made-an-app-to-warn-you-if-smart-glasses-are-nearby-183359723.html?src=rss

iPhone Fold rumors: Everything we know right now, including the leaked design, upgrades, price and more

Apple still hasnt revealed a foldable iPhone, but the steady drip of leaks suggests the project is moving closer to reality. Over the past few months, analysts and supply-chain watchers have continued to fill in key details, with most reports still pointing to a launch sometime in the second half of 2026. While Apple hasnt confirmed anything publicly, the overall picture is starting to look more consistent. As always, plans for unreleased Apple hardware can change at any time. Features may shift, timelines can slip and some prototypes may never ship. Even so, recent reporting gives us the clearest sense yet of how Apples first foldable could take shape and where it might fit in the broader iPhone lineup. Below, weve rounded up the most credible rumors so far, and well keep this guide updated as new details emerge. When could the iPhone Fold launch? Rumors of a foldable iPhone date back as far as 2017, but more recent reporting suggests Apple has finally locked onto a realistic window. Most sources now point to fall 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 lineup, with some supply-chain hints suggesting mass production could begin in mid-2026 if development stays on track. Mark Gurman has gone back and forth on timing, initially suggesting Apple could launch as early as 2026, before later writing that the device would ship at the end of 2026 and sell primarily in 2027 . Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also repeatedly cited the second half of 2026 as Apples target. Some reports still claim the project could slip into 2027 if Apple runs into manufacturing or durability issues, particularly around the hinge or display. Given Apples history of delaying products that it feels arent ready, that remains a real possibility. What will the iPhone Fold look like? Current consensus suggests Apple has settled on a book-style foldable design, similar to Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than a clamshell flip phone . When unfolded, the iPhone Fold is expected to resemble a small tablet like the iPad mini (8.3 inches). Based on the rumor mill, though, the iPhone Fold may be a touch smaller, with an internal display measuring around 7.7 to 7.8 inches. When closed, it should function like a conventional smartphone, with an outer display in the 5.5-inch range. CAD leaks and alleged case-maker molds suggest the device may be shorter and wider than a standard iPhone when folded, creating a squarer footprint that better matches the aspect ratio of the inner display. Several reports have also pointed to the iPhone Air as a potential preview of Apples foldable design work, with its unusually thin chassis widely interpreted as a look at what one half of a future foldable iPhone could resemble. If that theory holds, it could help explain the Folds rumored dimensions. Thickness is expected to land around 4.5 to 4.8mm when unfolded, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo , putting it in a similar range to the iPhone Air, and roughly 9 to 9.5mm when folded, depending on the final hinge design and internal layering. iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air Engadget Display and the crease question The display is arguably the biggest challenge for any foldable phone, and its an area where Apple appears to have invested years of development. Multiple reports say Apple will rely on Samsung Display as its primary supplier. At CES 2026, Samsung showcased a new crease-less foldable OLED panel , which several sources including Bloomberg suggested could be the same technology Apple plans to use. According to these reports, the panel combines a flexible OLED with a laser-drilled metal support plate that disperses stress when folding. The goal is a display with a nearly invisible crease, something Apple reportedly considers essential before entering the foldable market. If Apple does use this panel, it would mark a notable improvement over current foldables, which still show visible creasing under certain lighting conditions. Cameras and biometrics Camera rumors suggest Apple is planning a four-camera setup. That may include: Two rear cameras (main and ultra-wide, both rumored at 48MP) One punch-hole camera on the outer display One under-display camera on the inner screen Several sources claim Apple will avoid Face ID entirely on the iPhone Fold. Instead, its expected to rely on Touch ID built into the power button, similar to recent iPad models. This would allow Apple to keep both displays free of notches or Dynamic Island cutouts. Under-display camera technology has historically produced lower image quality, but a rumored 24MP sensor would be a significant step up compared to existing foldables, which typically use much lower-resolution sensors. iPhone Folds hinge and materials The hinge is another area where Apple may diverge from competitors. Multiple reports claim Apple will use Liquidmetal, which is a long-standing trade name for a metallic glass alloy the company has previously used in smaller components. While often referred to as liquid metal or Liquid Metal in reports, Liquidmetal is the branding Apple has historically associated with the material. Liquidmetal is said to be stronger and more resistant to deformation than titanium, while remaining relatively lightweight. If accurate, this could help improve long-term durability and reduce wear on the foldable display. Leaks from Jon Prosser also reference a metal plate beneath the display that works in tandem with the hinge to minimize creasing a claim that aligns with reporting from Korean and Chinese supply-chain sources. Battery and other components Battery life is another potential differentiator. According to Ming-Chi Kuo and multiple Asian supply-chain reports , Apple is testing high-density battery cells in the 5,000 to 5,800mAh range. That would make it the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, and competitive with (or larger than) batteries in current Android foldables. The device is also expected to use a future A-series chip and Apples in-house modem, with some reports pointing specifically to a next-generation C2 modem as part of Apples broader push to reduce reliance on Qualcomm. Price None of this will come cheap, thats for certain. Nearly every report agrees that the iPhone Fold will be Apples most expensive iPhone ever. Estimates currently place the price between $2,000 and $2,500 in the US. Bloomberg has said the price will be at least $2,000, while other analysts have narrowed the likely range to around $2,100 and $2,300. That positions the iPhone Fold well above the iPhone Pro Max and closer to Apples high-end Macs and iPads. Despite years of rumors, theres still plenty that remains unclear. Apple hasnt confirmed the name iPhone Fold, final dimensions, software features or how iOS would adapt to a folding form factor. Durability, repairability and long-term reliability are also open questions. For now, the safest assumption is that Apple is taking its time and that many of these details could still change before launch. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-fold-rumors-everything-we-know-right-now-including-the-leaked-design-upgrades-price-and-more-130000733.html?src=rss

Marvel's Wolverine will hit PS5 on September 15

As spicy as the PlayStation State of Play that took place a couple of weeks ago was overall, there was one major first-party game that was notably absent from the showcase: Marvels Wolverine . Insomniac Games latest superhero blockbuster was already slated for a fall release and now the studio has revealed exactly when youll be able to get your claws on it. Marvels Wolverine is coming to PS5 on September 15. Thats it. Thats the announcement. Theres no new trailer to accompany the news, other than a six-second release date reveal video that popped up on YouTube. Insomniac previously said it would reveal more details about Marvels Wolverine this spring. Technically, this release date means that Marvels Wolverine will debut in the last week of summer rather than in the fall. Still, its one of the relatively few blockbuster games you can expect in the tail end of this year because many major developers and publishers will be staying well clear of GTA VI . Insomniacs game will have a couple of months of breathing room before GTA VI soaks up all of the air in the gaming world when it arrives on November 19 assuming Rockstar doesnt announce another delay. However, parent company Take-Two plans to rev up its marketing machine for the game this summer, so its looking like GTA VI s release date will hold this time. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/marvels-wolverine-will-hit-ps5-on-september-15-175500927.html?src=rss

For All Mankind's latest trailer teases a war on Mars

Apple just dropped a full trailer for the fifth season of its hit sci-fi show For All Mankind . This is the first real look at the upcoming batch of episodes, which premiere on March 27. We got an extremely short teaser trailer last month but that only showed a guy on a motorcycle riding across Mars. This is the first real-deal trailer and it's absolutely stuffed with footage indicating where the next season will take viewers. I'm going to get into some spoilers here, so read at your own risk. For the uninitiated, For All Mankind is an alternate history show that started with a simple premise. What if Russia landed on the moon before America? That has since ballooned into all kinds of stuff which include, as mentioned above, a potential war on Mars. For All Mankind is a show famous for its time jumps, and season five takes us all the way to an alternate version of 2012. Many of the show's original surviving characters are still kicking around, but they are old as paste and not exactly fit for high-octane space travel. Remember, the first episode started in the 1960s. Franchise lead Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnamen) looks particularly dusty. Much of the footage features newer characters, including the grandson of Baldwin. Season four ended with a Mars colony asserting its independence via asteroid theft. Now it looks like Earth is striking back, which could lead to a full-scale war. This is giving me The Expanse vibes, which is never a bad thing. The show must be clocking good numbers for Apple TV+, as the streamer recently announced a spinoff called Star City . Details are scant, but it looks to cover similar events of the mainline show from Russia's perspective. New episodes of For All Mankind air each Friday. This season will feature ten episodes and concludes on May 29. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/for-all-mankinds-latest-trailer-teases-a-war-on-mars-174822481.html?src=rss

Reddit fined $19.6 million over age verification checks in the UK

A common theme in online age verification laws is the tension between user privacy and preventing children from accessing harmful or inappropriate content. Now the UK is sending a not-so-subtle message to Reddit on the subject, to the tune of 14.5m ($19.6 million). The nation's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) accused the company of using childrens data and potentially exposing them to inappropriate content. Children under 13 had their personal information collected and used in ways they could not understand, consent to or control, UK Information Commissioner John Edwards wrote in a statement. That left them potentially exposed to content they should not have seen. This is unacceptable and has resulted in todays fine. In July 2025, Reddit began requiring age verification to access adult content in the UK, in compliance with the Online Safety Act . However, that's only used to block under-18 users from sexually explicit, violent or other mature posts. The platform also prohibits users under 13 from accessing it altogether and enforcement of that policy is lax. It merely requires users to declare, when signing up, that they're over 13. The ICO (accurately) described the method as easy to bypass. In its defense, Reddit told the BBC that it didn't require users to share information about their identities, regardless of age, because we are deeply committed to their privacy and safety. The company said it would appeal the decision. The ICO's insistence that we collect more private information on every UK user is counterintuitive and at odds with our strong belief in our users' online privacy and safety, the spokesperson added. It's concerning that a company the size of Reddit failed in its legal duty to protect the personal information of UK children, Edwards said. Companies operating online services likely to be accessed by children have a responsibility to protect those children by ensuring theyre not exposed to risks through the way their data is used. To do this, they need to be confident they know the age of their users and have appropriate, effective age assurance measures in place. Reddit failed to meet these expectations, he added. They must do better, and we are continuing to consider the age assurance controls now implemented by the platform. The ICO also accused Reddit of failing to conduct a data protection impact assessment by January 2025. The Guardian notes that the 14.5m fine is the third-largest handed down by the ICO. It trails only a 20m fine for British Airways involving a data breach disclosure and an 18.4m penalty for Marriott Hotels for exposing over 300 million customer records in a hack. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/reddit-fined-196-million-over-age-verification-checks-in-the-uk-173705048.html?src=rss

YouTube's Premium Lite tier gets background play and downloads

YouTube is adding new features to its Premium Lite plan. The tier will offer background play and downloads for the mostly ad-free plan. The update comes a year after YouTube first launched the lower-cost plan. The Premium Lite tier is notable because for $8 per month you get most videos ad-free, emphasis on most . Currently, it still uses ads for YouTube music (along with random other videos), but the new update is bringing more Premium tier features without the $14 per month price tag. As a Lite user, you will be able to use background play on most videos. Notably, this announcement comes less than a month after Google cracked down on free workarounds to access background play on YouTube. Background playback is a feature intended to be exclusive for YouTube Premium members. While some non-Premium users may have previously been able to access this through mobile web browsers in certain scenarios, we have updated the experience to ensure consistency across all our platforms, Google told Android Authority . Now, it's for Premium Lite users as well. YouTube Premium Lite users are also getting access to downloads. They can watch here it comes again most videos offline. These new features will roll out starting today and in the coming weeks to Premium Lite subscribers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtubes-premium-lite-tier-gets-background-play-and-downloads-170051755.html?src=rss

Blizzard finally revealed its long-rumored Overwatch mobile game

Blizzard is finally bringing Overwatch to mobile devices, but not exactly in the way you think. The company isn't making a port of the mainline game. Rather, it just announced a spinoff called Overwatch Rush, which is being described as a top-down hero shooter designed specifically for mobile set in the Overwatch universe. There have been rumors about an Overwatch mobile game for what seems like a lifetime . Most people assumed this would appear as a straight port, but a brand-new game is also great. It's not being developed by Team 4, the group that works on the mainline game, but is being made internally. Overwatch Rush features many of the heroes of Overwatch battling on familiar-looking maps, according to a gameplay video. The game offers 4v4 matches, though the characters are more cartoonish and stylized than the mainline game. This is likely to accommodate smaller screens and the top-down view. This is a mobile game, so the battles are described as bite-sized and the controls are touchscreen-based. Blizzard says it's still in the early stages of development but that it's going to offer fast-paced, on-the-go play, with hero-centric combat and playstyle customization that suits both team and solo players. Overwatch Rush will be playable soon, as part of a beta testing process. It'll be free to play and available for both Android and iOS whenever the full game is ready to go. Blizzard says that a new, separate, dedicated team will be focused exclusively on Overwatch Rush . That's industry code for we aren't draining resources from the main game to make the mobile spinoff. Oddly, the company recently held a series of panels to discuss the future of its franchises and didn't mention this mobile game. This isn't the company's first foray into mobile game development. It's had a hand in stuff like Diablo Immortal and Warcraft Rumble . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/blizzard-finally-revealed-its-long-rumored-overwatch-mobile-game-162938590.html?src=rss

Netflix, Disney+ and other major streaming services face stricter UK oversight

Netflix , Disney+, Amazon's Prime Video and other major video on-demand (VOD) streaming services are set to face stricter regulation in the UK. Platforms with a monthly average of more than 500,000 UK viewers will be deemed Tier 1 services that are subject to similar oversight as broadcasters like the BBC and ITV under the eye of media watchdog Ofcom . Streaming services run by public broadcasters like ITVX and Channel 4 will have to abide by the new rules as well. BBC services such as iPlayer are exempt for now as theyre regulated under the Broadcasting Code, which broadcasters have to adhere to. That said, the UK government plans to update the BBC Framework Agreement so that iPlayer is regulated in the same way as Netflix et al. The government said the new rules will reflect changes in how people are watching TV. It claimed that 85 percent of people use an on-demand service every month while 67 percent watch live TV. It added that two-thirds of UK households subscribe to at least one of Netflix, Prime Video and Disney. According to Variety , the rules will not apply to video-sharing platforms such as YouTube, since those are regulated under the Online Safety Act. However, individual channels on such platforms could be subject to the VOD standards code. Tier 1 platforms will have to adhere to regulations regarding accuracy and impartiality, while ensuring they shield audiences from harmful or offensive material. Ofcom will be able to accept viewer complaints over apparent breaches of such rules and carry out investigations. The watchdog will then be able to take action if it determines that there's been a breach of the VOD standards code. That includes fines of up to 250,000 ($337,000) or five percent of qualifying revenue per breach. A public consultation will help shape the VOD standards code. The public and streaming services will have the chance to weigh in on what the rules should be. The standards code will then come into force a year after Ofcom publishes it. The government says more than 20 platforms will be subject to the code as things stand. Separately, a VOD accessibility code will be established to bring streaming services further into line with broadcasters. Tier 1 streaming platforms will have to ensure that at least 80 percent of their total catalogues are subtitled, 10 percent have audio descriptions and five percent is signed. They'll have four years to meet the requirements of the accessibility code. With UK audiences increasingly favoring on-demand platforms over live TV, we want to ensure that no one is left behind, and that everyone can enjoy the huge range of content available on video-on-demand services, Media Minister Ian Murray said in a statement . Implementing a new Ofcom-regulated accessibility code for our largest video-on-demand services will give people with disabilities impacting their sight or hearing peace of mind that theyll be able to stream all their favorite films and TV shows long into the future. The UK government is implementing these rules for streaming services under the Media Act 2024. Currently, platforms including Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, Discovery+, Hayu and ITVX are subject to statutory rules that Ofcom enforces. However, the watchdog has no oversight of Netflix as things stand. That platform's European base is in the Netherlands. As such, the Dutch media regulator oversees Netflix instead. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-disney-and-other-major-streaming-services-face-stricter-uk-oversight-160121268.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: The Galaxy S26 series, AI and other products we might see on February 25

Samsungs 2025 was filled with new foldables , an ultra-thin new form factor and the launch of Google's XR platform . After making some announcements at CES 2026 , the company has announced its first Galaxy Unpacked of the year will take place on February 25, where it is expected to introduce the Galaxy S26 lineup. Official invites have been shared, but actual information on what devices are arriving then is still not completely confirmed. But as usual, we know a lot about whats expected at Unpacked. Engadget will be covering Galaxy Unpacked live from San Francisco tomorrow, and we'll most likely have hands-on coverage of Samsung's new smartphones soon after they're announced. While we wait for the full details, here's everything we expect Samsung will introduce at the first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026. When is Unpacked 2026 taking place? According to the official invite that Samsung shared on February 10, Unpacked will happen on February 25, 2026 in San Francisco. The keynote will start at 10AM PT (1PM ET) and be livestreamed on Samsung.com, as well as the companys newsroom and YouTube channel. The announcement on February 10 also said this launch will mark a new phase in the era of AI as intelligence becomes truly personal and adaptive. Its not a lot to go on, since weve heard a version of this from various companies over the last few years, but at least we wont be shocked when we hear more about AI in just about two weeks. Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on photo Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget Samsung's restrained approach to updating its phones will likely continue with the Galaxy S26. Based on leaked images of the new lineup, the company is not expected to radically reinvent the look of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ or Galaxy S26 Ultra, and instead will stick with a similar design to what it used on the Galaxy S25. The phones will have a flat front screen and frame, with rounded corners and cameras housed in a vertical pill-shaped plateau on the back. Unlike Apple's move from the iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro , the biggest difference here will likely be internal components like the screens, chips and camera sensors Samsung uses. Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is expected to be in all Samsung Galaxy S26 phones, though Korean news site Yonhap News reports Samsung's relatively new Exynos 2600 chip could be used in some phones in the lineup depending on the region, a strategy Samsung has deployed in the past. Either way the new phones should be more performant than the previous generation, and in the case of the models with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, particularly good at on-device AI processing. I have compiled the most accurate comprehensive parameter comparison of Galaxy S25, S25+ and Galaxy S26 S26+. Which one do you want to buy? pic.twitter.com/aQpoSvYjOz Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) November 29, 2025 One notable difference between the Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S25 could be the phone's screen. The new phone will reportedly feature a 6.3-inch FHD+ display according to specs shared by leaker Ice Universe , which makes it ever so slightly larger than the 6.2-inch display used on the Galaxy S25. The S26 will also allegedly come with 12GB of RAM, either 256GB or 512GB of storage and a slightly larger 4,300mAh battery. Samsung isn't changing the cameras on the entry-level phone, though: leaks suggest it'll feature the same 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto and 12-megapixel selfie camera as the previous generation. Changes appear to be even more minor on the Galaxy S26+. Other than the new Snapdragon chip, the phone will reportedly feature the same 6.7-inch FHD+ screen, 4,900mAh battery, 12GB of RAM and the same camera array used on the base Galaxy S26. The difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra is reportedly a bit clearer. According to Android Headlines , the new phone's cameras will be slightly more raised, and stand out thanks to a new metallic finish. Samsung may also switch back to using an aluminum frame on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, after using titanium frames on both the Galaxy S24 and S25 Ultras. Most importantly, to make the phone actually support Qi2 rather than only technically work with the standard when a case is attached, rumors suggest Samsung will remove the S Pen digitizer layer in the phone and adopt a new method for accepting stylus input. It's not clear what that new method will actually be, but it could let the Galaxy S26 Ultra more easily work with Qi2 accessories without losing its stylus. Android Headlines also recently shared what appear to be full image renders of the S26 series, and they generally line up with what has already been rumored, leaked and reported so far. If these pictures are accurate, they give us a clearer look at the camera bump and two color variants of the S26 Ultra. Fans of magnets may continue to be disappointed by Samsung if the latest rumors are accurate. Despite the launch of the Qi 2 wireless charging standard adding support for convenient magnetic alignment years ago, Samsung has yet to bring that feature to its phones. Though the S-series have the higher speed charging rates that the spec enables, Nieuwemobiel.nl is reporting that, due to images it received of cases with magnetic rings, the S26 series likely wont have built-in magnets. Samsung has made these cases to add the magnetic capability to its S-series in the past, and the existence of the images of these accessories lends weight to the idea that the company will continue this approach. Galaxy Buds 4 Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in case. Engadget Samsung released the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro in 2024, with a major redesign that brought them much more in line with Apple's AirPods. The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro Samsung is rumored to be announcing soon won't necessarily change that, though they will feature a more compact case and less angular stems, according to leaked images from the Samsung Tips app. Support for head gestures to accept and decline calls, a feature Apple includes on the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, is also rumored to work on both versions of the new Galaxy Buds. SamMobile reports the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro may also ship with a new Ultra Wideband chip that will make them easier to find with Google's Find Hub network. Galaxy Z Trifold Yes, the TriFold has a crease, two in fact. But they still don't ruin the experience. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Samsung announced the Galaxy Z TriFold in late 2025 without firm details of when the new smartphone-that-folds-into-a-tablet would be available in North America. That info came on January 27, when the company announced the TriFold would be available in the US on January 30, for a whopping $2,900. Considering weve already seen the device in person at CES 2026 and people are most likely to have had a chance to look at, if not buy the foldable for themselves by the time Unpacked rolls around, we dont expect Samsung to spend too much time dwelling on it, if at all. Galaxy S26 Edge At just 5.8mm thick, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is one of the thinnest smartphones ever made. Sam Rutherford for Engadget When the Galaxy S25 Edge was announced in 2025, it seemed possible that Samsung could replace its Plus smartphone with a unique form factor, just like Apple has opted to do with the iPhone Air . There have been conflicting reports on the matter, but it seems like Samsung will not be doing that with the Galaxy S26 Edge. Instead, the smartphone will reportedly remain another option, much like foldables are for customers not swayed by Samsung's traditional smartphones. The Galaxy S26 Edge is rumored to feature a slightly different design than last year's model, according to Android Headlines , with a large rectangular camera plateau that's reminiscent of Google's Pixel phones, and the raised oval Apple used on the iPhone Air. Beyond that, the phone is also expected to be ever so slightly thinner at 5.5mm than the 5.8mm Galaxy S25 Edge. Bixby and other AI features Samsung already acts as a first place Google can show off new AI features for Android, but the company is reportedly exploring other AI partnerships, too. In June 2025, Bloomberg reported that Samsung was nearing a deal with Perplexity to integrate its AI-powered search engine across OneUI and its homegrown mobile browser. Perplexity already has a deal with Motorola on its Razr phones, so the only thing that would make a deal with Samsung unusual is the close relationship the company already has with Google. The company also accidentally announced a new version of its Bixby AI assistant , which will likely also be integrated with Perplexity and could serve as an alternative to Google Gemini. Both a new Bixby and a deeper integration with Perplexity seem like natural new software features to show off at Galaxy Unpacked. On February 17, Samsung teased some mobile AI photography features ahead of Unpacked . These expand the S-series existing image-editing tools by bringing the ability to turn a photo from day to night in seconds, restore missing parts of objects in images, capture detailed photos in low light, and seamlessly merge multiple photos into a single, cohesive result. A lot of these things are already possible in other photo-editing apps or even in the Google Photos app, but well have to wait to see them in action on the S26 phones for more details on whether theyre different or more effective. The company continued to drip feed more teasers in the week leading up to Unpacked 2026, announcing just a few days later that its updated its Bixby assistant to be more conversational . Then, over the weekend, it shared that the S26 series will offer third-party AI agents within Galaxy AI , including Perplexitys offering. It will allow for the devices to respond to the wake phrase Hey Plex, which is sure to be popular and not at all confusing to those who already use a similarly named media server and streaming app. Until we find out more at Unpacked 2026, its tricky to determine if and how effective these updates will be, so well just have to be patient until we get the phones in our hands. Update, January 27 2026, 11:55AM ET: This story has been updated to reflect the latest news around the Galaxy Z TriFolds price and availability in the US. Update, January 30 2026, 12:45PM ET: This story has been updated to include the latest leaks on the possible dates for Unpacked 2026. Update, February 02 2026, 11:30AM ET: This story has been updated to include the latest leaks with full image renders of the S26 trio of devices. Update, February 03 2026, 11:00AM ET: This story has been updated to include the latest leaks about the possible lack of magnetic support on the S26 series. Update, February 10 2026, 7:15PM ET: This story has been updated to include the official date of Galaxy Unpacked as Samsung announced it today. The intro was also edited to reflect that detail. Update, February 17 2026, 4:55PM ET: This story has been updated to add Samsungs teaser about its upcoming mobile AI photography tools. The intro was also edited for timeliness. Update, February 24 2026, 10:45AM ET: This story has been updated to add Samsungs recent updates about Bixby and Galaxy AIs integration with Perplexity. The intro was also edited for timeliness. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-unpacked-2026-the-galaxy-s26-series-ai-and-other-products-we-might-see-on-february-25-130000135.html?src=rss

Ryan Coogler's X-Files reboot gets the green light at Hulu

Good news for all Ryan Coogler fans: The Sinners director is bringing back a beloved TV show. Hulu has officially green lit a pilot of Coogler's X-Files reboot, a project three years in the making, Deadline reports . Coogler has a five-year exclusive television deal with Disney, Hulu's parent company. Coogler is directing and writing the pilot episode, with Jennifer Yale coming on as showrunner. She previously held the role on The Copenhagen Test . Actress Danielle Deadwyler, known for roles in Till and The Harder They Fall , has signed on as co-lead. The show will follow the original storyline of two FBI agents who bond as they work on cases around paranormal and unexplained phenomena. No confirmation has come over whether former stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny will have any role in the reboot. The news came on Sunday, the same day Coogler won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Sinners . Coogler made history this year with a record 16 Oscar nominations for Sinners , including Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture. Coogler also wrote and directed Creed, Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/ryan-cooglers-x-files-reboot-gets-the-green-light-at-hulu-140735536.html?src=rss

Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 review: This is the future of kitchen knives

Theres a type of knife tech often seen in science fiction that revolves around vibrating a blade to increase its sharpness. Weve seen examples of this in franchises like Star Wars (vibroblades), Evangelion (the prog knife), Dune (pulse-swords) and the Marvel universe (vibranium), but what might surprise you is that the underlying science is sound. By vibrating a cutting tool at high frequencies, not only do you reduce friction, you essentially turn the blade into a saw, as tiny oscillations enhance the inherent sharpness of a blade. However, up until recently, this tech largely only existed in fiction or for large companies that have the money to utilize the tech on an industrial scale. But that's changing in a big way for home cooks this year thanks to Seattle Ultrasonics , which is releasing the world's first ultrasonic chef's knife: the C-200 . After chopping, smashing and cooking with it for about a month, I'm convinced that this is the future of kitchen knives. Design From afar, the C-200 looks a lot like a regular 8-inch chef's knife, but with a slightly more contemporary design. It features a three-layer san mai blade made from Japanese AUS-10 steel with a 13-degree edge angle per side (26 degrees total). However, upon closer inspection, you'll notice there are some features that seem a bit out of place on a premium knife. The first is that the C-200 doesn't have a full tang, which is the back end of a blade that ideally extends into the handle to provide added strength and durability. This is usually a major no-no, particularly on a $400 knife. However, when you consider that Seattle Ultrasonics needed somewhere to put its vibration tech, there really isn't any room for it other than inside the knife's grip. You won't be able to feel it, but pressing this button allows the C-200's blade to vibrate 30,000 times per second. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The knife's second quirk is that the back of the plastic handle features small indicator lights on either side, which is obviously a bit weird. Furthermore, the entire gray section can be removed to reveal a small 1,100mAh battery with an onboard USB-C port. Frankly, the presence of a battery in a knife is just kind of funky. But hey, the power to vibrate the knife has to come from somewhere because it definitely isn't being generated by your hands. And while Seattle Ultrasonics doesn't include a charging adapter or cable in the box, I don't mind because the company wisely took cues from the larger gadget industry and went with a power spec that's already widely in use. Honestly, I wish more kitchen tech makers would do the same. However, the knife's biggest oddity is the big orange button on the bottom of its handle. This is what you use to make the blade vibrate, which it does at 33kHz. It's positioned well so that it's easy to press regardless of whether you do a traditional pinch grip or if you're a bit more casual and prefer to hold the knife only using its handle. In the future, I can see this button becoming a touch-sensitive sensor, but for now, it's simple and effective. Here's a small selection of knives I own sorted by weight (from top to bottom) compared to the C200: 6-inch Kyocera ceramic knife (97 grams), MAC molybdenum steel chef's knife (110g), Furtif Evercut titanium carbide chef's knife (190g), Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 (328g), Korin carbon steel cleaver (396g). Sam Rutherford for Engadget The main downside to the C-200's design is that at 328 grams (around 0.75 pounds) it's heavier and bulkier than a typical knife. When compared to other knives I own, which are made from a wide variety of materials including, ceramic, molybdenum steel, carbon steel and even titanium carbide, it weighs more than everything else aside from my big Chinese cleaver (396 grams). And while it fits nicely in my hand, my wife said it takes a bit more effort for her to wield. It's not too much to the point where you don't want to use it. But for quick tasks, sometimes I found myself subconsciously reaching for lighter options like my 6-inch ceramic knife, which weighs just 97 grams. How it works From a user standpoint, putting the C-200 to work couldn't be simpler. Just press the button and let the knife do its thing. The big difference from how knives like this work in sci-fi is that there's no audible hum or detectable vibration when it's on. It's practically silent (well, most of the time, but more on that later), so you have to trust that it's on or check the indicator light on the handle. That said, if you still don't believe anything is happening, you can run the edge of the blade under water or scrape it over some cut citrus, at which point the blade's vibration will atomize nearby liquid into a fine mist. It's a cool party trick that also doubles as a way to amp up a cocktail by adding a faint essence of lemon, lime or anything else you can think of. Pushing the C-200's button is super easy, regardless of what kind of knife grip you prefer. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Inside, the knife relies on PZT-8 piezoelectric ceramic crystals to generate up to 30,000 vibrations per second, which propagate down the blade and make the knife function as if it's sharper than it actually is. This all sounds rather fantastic, so how does it function in the real world? In-use To really put the C-200 through its paces, I cooked over a dozen meals that involved neatly slicing or preparing a wide variety of foods including Hasselback potatoes, flank steak, pork belly, chives, sushi-grade tuna and all sorts of fruit. After prepping four pounds of pork belly with various knives, the C-200 really showed off how much of a difference its vibration tech makes. Sam Rutherford for Engadget In short, the C-200's effectiveness depends a lot on what you're chopping. For soft things like strawberries or a piece of cake, I didn't notice much of a difference. To make things even more difficult, the knife arrived out of the box with an incredibly fine edge the kind that makes shearing through a sheet of paper child's play. So even though Seattle Ultrasonics says its knife can reduce cutting effort by up to 50 percent, there's not much gain to be had when slicing foods that could just as easily be cut by a butter knife. However, as I used it more, I found that the C-200 excels at cutting through delicate items like tomatoes, scallions and fish, where using a dull knife often results in bruising the food as you chop. This was most evident when I made poke at home, where Seattle Ultrasonic's knife delivered cleaner, more precise cuts than anything else I own. For me, the C-200's $399 price tag is almost worth it just so I have an an easier time making my one of my all-time favorite dishes (lu rou fan). Sam Rutherford for Engadget When I whipped up some pico de gallo, I distinctly noticed how neatly the C-200 sliced through the skin of a tomato, instead of initially putting a crease in it before cleanly passing through its interior which often happens when using dull knives. An additional benefit is that because of the vibrations, I found some foods like garlic didn't stick to the side of the blade as much. This made it easier to keep track of how much I chopped while simultaneously reducing the mess from things falling willy-nilly during prep. But perhaps the most obvious demonstration of the knife's prowess was when I diced an onion. When using my other knives or the C-200 without powering it on, I could feel when I tried to cut through thicker, more sturdy layers. But then, at the touch of a button, I was able to slice down with practically no resistance. It's almost shocking because it feels like magic. The C-200 truly excels at cutting denser foods like flank steak. Sadly mine ended up closer to medium than medium rare, but that's not the knife's fault. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The C-200 even has the ability to reduce the importance of certain knife techniques. Anyone who's seen all the posts on r/kitchenconfidential about cutting chives will already know what I'm talking about. As J Kenji Lopez-Alt neatly demonstrated , the ideal way to get crisp, clean slices is to do a subtle forward or back cut instead of simply chopping straight down. But with Seattle Ultrasonics' knife, I've found that it's so sharp you can get away with almost any motion and still get good results. And if you do it the right way, things are even better. Other types of food that makes the C-200 really shine are denser ingredients like meat and potatoes, where you can really feel the added cutting power. Previously, when I had to break down thick cuts of protein, I sometimes wished I owned a serrated electric knife . You know, the kind you break out once a year on Thanksgiving and then it sits and gathers dust for the other 364 days. But the C-200 made that desire a thing of that past, as it quickly and easily worked through flank steak while once again producing neat, uniform slices. Sushi-grade tuna is another food that really shows off how the C-200's increased sharpness is better at preserving the delicate texture of the fish. Sam Rutherford for Engadget My favorite application of the C-200 was when I was doing prep for Taiwanese braised pork (aka ). Despite this being one of my most beloved dishes that I taught myself how to cook because I couldn't easily find it from local restaurants, I don't make it very often because it's a lot of work to cut multiple pounds of pork belly into small lardon-shaped pieces. Here, the knife's vibrations made it so much easier to cut through all those layers of meat, fat and skin. If there's any situation where the C-200 makes it 50 percent easier to slice through something, it's this. It might be hard to tell, but I was able to cut chives a little finer and more neatly with the C-200 (left) than with my other knives. Sam Rutherford for Engadget During my testing, two small issues cropped up. While it was quite rare, the knife would sometimes emit a faint high-pitched whine. When I asked Seattle Ultrasonic's founder Scott Heimendinger about this behavior, he was rather frank, saying that this can occur when water or moisture accumulates in just the right spots on the blade. Furthermore, he said this only happens on a small number of V1 models, which the company is working to fix in the future. Thankfully, I don't mind, but if it bothers you, making the noise go away is as easy as wiping down the knife down with a cloth or paper towel. The C-200s battery can be easily removed for cleaning and charging. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The other complication came while I was working through the multiple pounds of pork belly I mentioned earlier. After 10 to 15 minutes of continuous use, the knife beeped and its indicator light turned red. Turns out the knife had overheated, which was something I had not even considered. This led to higher-than-normal temperatures inside the knife's sealed electronics causing it to shut off. But after just 30 seconds, it returned to form. During later uses, I learned that simply taking my finger off the button between tasks, which happens naturally as you prep anyway, was more than enough to stop that situation from happening ever again. On the flipside, I was happy to discover that despite lacking a full tang, the C-200 can handle fairly rough tasks, including laying the knife on its side to smash garlic or jamming it into an avocado to remove its pit. That said, I would really recommend against doing the latter, because between its inherent sharpness and its vibration tech, this is the first knife I've used that can slice cleanly through an entire avocado with almost no extra effort. Cleaning and care The Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 8-inch chef's knife features an IP65 rating for the whole device, though the front half is actually a bit more resistant thanks to an IP67 rating for its button and bolster. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The last big concern about a knife with built-in electronics is how it handles clean-up. Thankfully, the C-200 features an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. That means it can withstand rinsing and splashes without issue. And it's actually even tougher than that, because the front of the knife, including its bolster and button, are rated IP67. This means it can take full submersions in water if need be. However, just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Good kitchen protocol says you don't throw knives you care about in the sink and forget them, just like how you wouldn't put one in the dishwasher either. But perhaps the greatest advantage of this tech is that it allows you to go longer between needing to get your knives sharpened, which if you're like most home cooks, is probably never. To be clear, I haven't tested this and in some respects I wish I had been able to test out a dull version of the C-200. That said, science dictates that slice for slice, an ultrasonic knife will simply cut better than an equivalent blade without the extra tech. So if you believe in the adage that a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one because you need to apply more force to get the same results, this is another bonus for both safety and convenience. The not-so-optional accessory Seattle Ultrasonics' wireless charging tile makes it incredibly easy to forget that the C-200 needs to be topped up between uses. Sam Rutherford for Engadget I fully admit the need to keep a knife charged up is a major annoyance and something I or anyone else probably doesn't want to do. Thankfully, Seattle Ultrasonics thought of that by including support for wireless charging via the C-200's magnetic tile and it's dead simple to use. Just toss it on the charger when you're not using and it will take care of itself, so you never have to worry about how much of its normal 20-minute runtime it may or may not have left. There are also holes around back so you can easily mount the charger on a wall or shelf. In short, the added convenience the charging tile brings is so valuable that I don't really consider it an optional accessory. If you're getting the C-200, you need to buy this too, which sadly means you're looking at an all-in price of $500 for the bundle instead of just $400 for the knife by itself. Wrap-up As much as I love old-school knives, they'll simply never be as sharp an equivalent blade with this newfound tech. Sam Rutherford for Engadget After using the C-200, I don't think people need to rush out and throw all their old-school knives in the trash. The beauty of an ultrasonic blade like this is that it can handle everything your old cutlery is meant for, but with the touch of a button, it delivers sharpness unlike anything you've experienced before. And while it has some quirks, they're nothing like the kind you typically encounter on first-gen gadgets. Its biggest drawback is that its magnetic charging tile feels like an essential accessory, but it adds extra cost on top of a product that already has a deservedly premium price tag. Even though I'm sure knife makers will continue tweaking blade shapes and alloy mixes from now until the end of time, the addition of ultrasonic vibrations to a chef's knife unlocks a completely new tier of performance. That's because this technology is additive. All it does is enhance what a blade already does best. And when you look at related gadgets in the maker space, I don't think it's a coincidence that there's a similar revolution that resulted in Adam Savage of Mythbusters fame naming a sonic cutter as one of his favorite things of 2025 . When viewed that way, it makes me even more confident that the C-200 is the flagbearer for a new breed of kitchen knives. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/seattle-ultrasonics-c-200-review-this-is-the-future-of-kitchen-knives-140000051.html?src=rss

Meta may trade AI chips for shares in its latest AMD deal

Meta has struck a deal with AMD to buy up to six gigawatts worth of AI chips, both companies announced. The agreement is structured in a way that could see AMD issue Meta up to 160 million shares of its common stock provided GPU shipment milestones are achieved meaning Meta could own up to 10 percent of AMD if the deal fully completes. Meta plans to purchase six gigawatts of AMD's Instinct GPUs based on the MI450 architecture and optimized for Meta's workloads, with the first gigawatt deployment set to begin in the second half of 2026. AMD and Meta will also expand on their EPYC CPU partnership, with Meta deploying millions of AMD EPYC CPUs and become a launch customer for its sixth-generation EPYC CPUs. The tranche of AMD common stock will vest with the first one gigawatt of shipments, with additional tranches vesting as Meta scales to 6 gigawatts. Vesting is tied to AMD hitting certain stock price thresholds and Meta achieving certain technical and commercial milestones. The deal is very similar to one that AMD structured with OpenAI last year, with AMD obtaining up to a 10 percent stake in AMD in exchange for six gigawatts of Instinct GPUs. Such deals are being likened to circular transactions that have created a tangle of interconnected dependencies between AI companies and chip manufacturers. Analysts have observed that such deals may magnify losses if demand for AI doesn't match the sky-high market expectations. The agreement also shows that AI companies are keen to diversify away from NVIDIA, with AMD being a key alternative. By diversifying our partnerships and technology stack, were building a more resilient and flexible infrastructure, Meta wrote in its news release. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-may-trade-ai-chips-for-shares-in-its-latest-amd-deal-134259842.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy Book 6 series will be available in the US starting on March 11

You can get any of the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 models in the US, starting on March 11. In fact, you can make a reservation right now through Samsungs website and its experience stores. The company launched the Book 6 series of laptops, namely the basic Book 6, the Book 6 Pro and the Book 6 Ultra, at CES earlier this year. Theyre powered by Intels new Core Ultra Series 3 processors, which were also announced at CES and which promise great graphics and battery life. All three models come in grey and with AI features, such as AI Select and Search that you can use to look for information using natural language. The basic Book 6 laptop will set you back at least $1,050, while the Book 6 Pros prices start at $1,600. The Book 6 Ultra will cost you at least $2,450. The Galaxy Book 6 Pro will be available in 14- and 16-inch versions and will come equipped with up to Core Ultra X7 processors and Intel Arc graphics. Meanwhile, you can equip the 16-inch Galaxy Book 6 Ultra with up to Core Ultra X9 processors. The most expensive Book 6 promises significant performance improvements, thanks to its new 5th-generation MPU, Intel Arc graphics and NVIDIAs RTX 50 series GPUs. The Book 6 Ultra and the 16-inch Pro have slimmer profiles than their predecessors, though the former has a more traditional laptop shape and the latter looks more like the MacBook Air. Its worth noting that Samsung redesigned the Ultras components across a larger surface area so that it can distribute heat more evenly. Both the Book 6 Pro and Ultra can last for up to 30 hours of video playback, since they feature Samsungs longest-lasting batteries yet. Both models also come with AMOLED 2X (2,880 x 1,800) displays with refresh rates going up to 120Hz. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/samsung-galaxy-book-6-series-will-be-available-in-the-us-starting-on-march-11-125140613.html?src=rss

Telegram founder Pavel Durov is reportedly under criminal investigation in Russia

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is reportedly under criminal investigation by Russian authorities for abetting terrorist activities. According to the Financial Times , state-run publications are accusing Durov of enabling attacks on Russia and Telegram of becoming an intelligence tool for Ukraine and the west. Telegram was one of the apps that Russia blocked in the country just a few days ago, along with WhatsApp , in what seemed to be an effort to push local users towards the unencrypted state-owned app, Max. When Telegram was banned, pro-Russian voices criticized the countrys decision, because it was apparently harming frontline operations. Russias own soldiers are using the app to communicate and coordinate their moves. Authorities near the Ukrainian border, for instance, send out warning for incoming drone and missile attacks through the messaging app. Even Vladimir Putins spokesperson uses Telegram to speak to the media. Now, the Times says Russia is accusing Telegram of being the main instrument for NATO countries secret services and the Kyiv regime. Rossiiskaya Gazeta, a Russian state-run publication, added that Telegram was intercepting location data, selling secret information and intimidating soldiers and their families. Digital platforms like Telegram, the publication said, are becoming strategic weapons. Rossiiskaya Gazeta said its information came from Russias Federal Security Service, the countrys primary domestic security agency. Durov has yet to issue a statement, but after Russia blocked access to Telegram, he said the country was restricting access to the application to force its citizens onto a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship. The Telegram founder was born in Russia and co-founded the countrys largest social network, VK. He left his country after Kremlin pressured him to sell his stake in the social network. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/telegram-founder-pavel-durov-is-reportedly-under-criminal-investigation-in-russia-121000511.html?src=rss

Amazon Games is winding down King of Meat

King of Meat 's reign is ending. The game will end service on April 9, less than a year after its October 2025 debut. The Amazon Games-published title will be playable until that date, but will then be taken entirely offline. Despite the creativity and innovation Glowmade brought to King of Meat, the game has unfortunately not found the audience we hoped for, the announcement read. Developer Glowmade had high hopes for King of Meat, its debut game, but it fell starkly short of expectations. The developer wanted a concurrent player count of at least 100,000, but peaked at 320, according to Insider Gaming . The game had a multi-million dollar marketing budget that included a video on MrBeast's YouTube channel and custom-wrapped London buses. The company even made a pilot for an animated TV show. Here at Engadget, we were so-so on a preview version of the game . December brought voluntary redundancies to Glowmade after previous assurances to staff. Anyone who has purchased King of Meat will be able to get a refund through their purchase platform and, in most cases, these refunds should process automatically by April 9. While it seems that King of Meat struggled to reach its audience, Amazon has a history of pulling games that are popular. Last fall, Amazon Games announced it would wind down support for New World: Aeternum , which first debuted in 2021. The news came as the division faced layoffs, but just that week the game had reached almost 50,000 concurrent players on Steam. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/amazon-games-is-winding-down-king-of-meat-113049172.html?src=rss

The US military will reportedly use Elon Musk's Grok AI in its classified systems

The US Department of Defense has reportedly reached a deal to use Elon Musk's Grok in its classified systems, according to Axios . That follows news that the Pentagon is currently in a dispute with another AI company, Anthropic, over limits on its technology for things like mass surveillance. Last year, the White ordered Grok, along with ChatGPT, Gemini and Anthropic's Claude to be approved for government use. Up until now, though, only Anthropic's model has been allowed for the military's most sensitive tasks in intelligence, weapons development and battlefield operations. Claude was reportedly used in the Venezuelan raid in which the US military exfiltrated the country's president, Nicols Maduro, and his wife. However, the Pentagon demanded that Anthropic make Claude available for all lawful purposes including mass surveillance and the development of fully autonomous weapons. Anthropic reportedly refused to offer its tech for those things, even with a safety stack built into that model. xAI, by contrast, agreed to a standard that would allow the DoD to employ its AI for any purpose it deems lawful. However, the xAI model is not considered by officials to be as cutting-edge or reliable as Anthropic's Claude, and they admit that replacing Claude with Grok would be a challenge. The Pentagon is reportedly also negotiating deals with OpenAI and Gemini, both of which it considers to be on par with Anthropic. xAI had announced a version of Grok for US government agencies in July 2025. Shortly before that, though, the chatbot started spouting fascist propaganda and antisemitic rhetoric while dubbing itself MechaHitler. All of that followed a public spat between Musk and Trump over the president's spending bill, after which GSA approval of Grok seemed to stall . Earlier this week, Anthropic accused three Chinese AI labs of abusing Claude's AI with distillation attacks to improve their own models. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-us-military-will-reportedly-use-elon-musks-grok-ai-in-its-classified-systems-110049021.html?src=rss

Apple will start making Mac minis in the US

Starting later this year, Apple will start manufacturing Mac minis meant for sale in the US within the country. The company took The Wall Street Journal on a tour of its Houston facility, where Foxconn is also building servers for Apple Intelligence, and was shown an empty warehouse. Apple says it will turn the space into a 220,000 square feet plant where it will produce the compact desktop computers. The decision to produce Mac minis for local sales within the US is part of the companys efforts to make good on its pledge last year that it will spend $500 billion in the US over the next four years. If youll recall, Apple announced it was going to ramp up its investments and hiring in the US after Tim Cook met with President Trump. The president said at the the time that the company was growing its US investments because it wanted to avoid tariffs. Prior to that pledge, during the Biden administration in 2021, Apple vowed to invest $430 billion domestically over the following five years. As the Journal notes, Apple previously made Mac Pros in a facility in Texas, but production in the plant has dwindled in recent years. Sabih Khan, Apples COO, told the Journal that the company feels more confident in projecting the Mac minis long term demand. At the same time, the model makes up a tiny portion of Apples sales, making it one of the companys best options if it wants bring more production into the US. It will be incredibly difficult, after all, to move the production of a more in-demand product, say the iPhone , stateside. The companies making and assembling iPhones in China already have factories fitted for and people with skills honed for the production of Apples best-selling device. Khan said the Houston facility will be able to meet local demand as production ramps up, insinuating that it might start small. Apple will also continue manufacturing Mac minis in Asia for everyone else in the world. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-start-making-mac-minis-in-the-us-101000341.html?src=rss

The best webcams for 2026

Whether youre on back-to-back video meetings, live streaming or just trying to look presentable on a family call, your webcam matters more than most might expect. The cameras built into laptops are fine in a pinch, but they rarely deliver consistent image quality, especially in less-than-ideal lighting. A dedicated webcam can noticeably improve sharpness, color accuracy and overall reliability. Theres no single best webcam for everyone, though. Some models are built around higher resolutions, while others focus on smoother video, better low-light performance or stronger onboard microphones. Weve tested a wide range of options to see which ones are actually worth using day to day. Best webcams for 2026 Factors to consider before buying a webcam Resolution and field of view While some newer computers have 1080p webcams, most built-in cameras have a resolution of 720p, so youll want to look for an external webcam that has a higher resolution. FHD webcams will give you better video quality; ideally, youre looking for something that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. If youre considering a cheap 720p webcam, make sure to get one that supports at least 30fps (most will) or, even better, 60fps. However, if your primary concern is better picture quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to go. Some webcams can shoot in 4K, but thats overkill for most people. Not to mention most video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype dont even support 4K video. When it comes to streaming, Twitch maxes out at 1080p video, but YouTube added 4K live streaming back in 2016. Ultimately, with 4K webcam shots having such limited use, most people can get by with a solid 1080p camera. Field of view (FOV) controls how much can fit in the frame when youre recording. Most webcams I tested had a default field of view of around 78 degrees, which captured me and enough of my background to prove that I really need to organize my home office. On cheaper webcams youll usually see narrower fields of view (around 60 degrees), and those arent necessarily bad. They wont show as much of your background, but that also means you wont be able to squeeze as many friends or family members into frame when youre having Zoom birthday parties. On the flip side, more expensive webcams may let you adjust the field of view to be even wider than average, and some even offer features like digital zoom. Autofocus and other auto features Webcams with autofocus will keep the image quality sharp without much work on your part. You should be able to move around, step back and forth, and remain in focus the whole time. Some standalone webcam models let you manually adjust focus, too, if you have specific needs. Devices with fixed focus are less convenient, but they tend to be more affordable. In the same vein is auto framing, a feature that some high-end webcams now offer. Similarly to Apples Center Stage feature, the camera automatically adjusts to keep you in the center of the frame even as you move around. This used to be a feature only available on the most premium webcams, but now you can find it on sub-$200 devices. Youll also see other auto features listed in webcam specs, most notably auto light correction. This will adjust the cameras settings to make up for a dimly lit room. If you dont have bright lights, or often take calls in places where you cant control the lighting, this feature will be valuable. Alternatively, you might consider using your mirrorless camera as a high-quality webcam solution, taking all of the benefits and features with you (albeit in a cumbersome package). Microphones Most webcams have built-in microphones that, depending on your setup, might end up being closer to you than your computers own mics. Check to see if the model youre considering has mono or stereo mics, as the latter is better. Some even use noise-reduction technology to keep your voice loud and clear. While audiophiles and streamers will want to invest in a standalone microphone , most others can get by using a webcams built-in mic. Design There arent a ton of fascinating breakthroughs when it comes to external webcam design. Most are round or rectangular devices that clip onto a monitor or your laptop screen. Some have the ability to swivel or screw onto a tripod stand and others can simply sit on your desk beside your computer. But unless you really like having people stare up your nose, the latter isnt ideal. We recommend clipping your webcam to your monitor and ensuring that its at or slightly above eye level. A few webcams go above and beyond by adding hardware extras like built-in lights and lens covers, too. The former can help you stand out in a dark room, while the latter makes it so hackers cant view you through your webcam without your knowledge. Price Most external webcams that are just good enough to be a step up from your computers built-in camera cost between $60 and $150. If the webcam has the same resolution as the internal one on your laptop, you should look out for other specs like auto light correction, a wider field of view or an extra-long connecting cable that can provide a step-up in quality or ease of use. Spending $150 or more means you might get advanced features that tend to be present in a pro webcam like 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo mics, customizable video settings and more. But unless youre spending hours on video calls each day or streaming multiple times each week, you can settle on a budget webcam and safely skip most of those high-end options. How we test webcams We primarily test webcams by putting them through as much real-world use as possible. We examine their design, how flexible they are and how easy they are to reposition, and make note of how heavy they are and if that affects their ability to stay put while sitting on top of a screen. We use each webcam for at least a week straight as our primary camera for all video chats, and we make sure to use the device in different lighting environments to test low-light performance. We also use any built-in microphones as our primary audio inputs on video calls as well. Finally, although most of these webcams are plug-and-play, we test out any proprietary software thats intended to work with each webcam, tweaking things like field of view, video resolution and effects, and using any special features like Show Mode on Logitech webcams. Others webcams we tested Logitech C920s Pro HD Our previous top pick, the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam remains a solid option for those with less than $100 to spend and really only need a basic 1080p camera to upgrade their setup, or something affordable to make them look better on those inevitable Zoom calls. It has a 78-degree field of view, decent microphones and handy privacy shutter built in. The Brio 500 took the top spot away from this model thanks to its advanced light correction, auto-framing and Show Mode. Webcam FAQs Should I get a 4K or 1080p webcam? It depends on how you plan to use it. A 1080p webcam is more than enough for most video calls, online classes and casual streaming. The picture looks clear, loads quickly and works well even on slower internet connections. A 4K webcam makes sense if you want sharper detail, especially for content creation, professional streaming or recordings you plan to upload. The extra resolution also helps if you crop or zoom in during a call without losing much quality. Keep in mind that 4K requires more bandwidth and not every platform supports it, so think about whether your setup and audience will benefit before spending more. Georgie Peru contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-webcams-123047068.html?src=rss

Tesla sues California DMV after it banned the term 'Autopilot'

Tesla is suing California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to reverse a ruling that prevented the automaker from using the terms Autopilot and Full Self-Driving to sell cars, CNBC reported. That follows a December ruling by a California administrative law judge that forced Tesla to clean up its marketing language or risk a suspension of its sales license. Last week, the DMV determined that Tesla had made the necessary changes , including changing the name to Full Self-Driving (Supervised), and that no suspension would occur. However, if you had Tesla is going to sue them back in your office pool, you can go ahead and claim your prize. The company filed a complaint on February 13 alleging that the DMV wrongfully and baselessly called Tesla a false advertiser. Calling the order factually wrong and unconstitutional, Tesla demanded that order be set aside. The DMV had originally argued that Tesla's terms for its driver assistance program gave consumers the impression that its cars were safe to drive without a human at the wheel. However, Tesla said that the DMV never proved that buyers were confused and that it was impossible to buy a Tesla without seeing clear and repeated statements that its systems aren't fully autonomous. Tesla's appeal of the ruling isn't a shocker given that the company is essentially betting its future on autonomous vehicles. CEO Elon Musk has long promised buyers that its vehicles would eventually become fully autonomous and that you'd even be able to rent them out to provide robo-taxi services. If you fast forward a year, maybe [15 months], we'll have over a million robo-taxis on the road, he wrongly predicted back in 2019 . Following a sales decline last year that was particularly steep in Europe, Tesla is banking on its Cybercab two-seater to boost its fortunes. The company has started limited testing of automated vehicles as part of its Robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas. Last week, however, Tesla lost an appeal in a $243 million lawsuit verdict over a 2019 crash of a Model S largely over its use of the terms Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Last month, the company canceled Autopilot, its basic of advanced driver assistance tier, on new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles and switched its FSD (Supervised) tier to subscription-only . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-sues-california-dmv-after-it-banned-the-term-autopilot-090845766.html?src=rss

Anthropic accuses three Chinese AI labs of abusing Claude to improve their own models

Anthropic is issuing a call to action against AI distillation attacks, after accusing three AI companies of misusing its Claude chatbot . On its website, Anthropic claimed that DeepSeek , Moonshot and MiniMax have been conducting industrial-scale campaignsto illicitly extract Claudes capabilities to improve their own models. Distillation in the AI world refers to when less capable models lean on the responses of more powerful ones to train themselves. While distillation isn't a bad thing across the board, Anthropic said that these types of attacks can be used in a more nefarious way. According to Anthropic, these three Chinese AI firms were responsible for more than 16 million exchanges with Claude through approximately 24,000 fraudulent accounts. From Anthropic's perspective, these competing companies were using Claude as a shortcut to develop more advanced AI models, which could also lead to circumventing certain safeguards . Anthropic said in its post that it was able to link each of these distilling attack campaigns to the specific companies with high confidence thanks to IP address correlation, metadata requests and infrastructure indicators, along with corroborating with others in the AI industry who have noticed similar behaviors. Early last year, OpenAI made similar claims of rival firms distilling its models and banned suspected accounts in response. As for Anthropic, the company behind Claude said it would upgrade its system to make distillation attacks harder to do and easier to identify. While Anthropic is pointing fingers at these other firms, it's also facing a lawsuit from music publishers who accused the AI company of using illegal copies of songs to train its Claude chatbot. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropic-accuses-three-chinese-ai-labs-of-abusing-claude-to-improve-their-own-models-205210613.html?src=rss

Summer Game Fest runs from June 5-8

It's getting to be that time of year again. Summer Game Fest officially kicks off on June 5 and will go until June 8. The Live Kickoff show will once again be hosted by Geoff Keighley and takes place on June 5 at 5PM ET. This is where we'll see all of those juicy reveals and trailers. The opening event will be streamed globally on just about every digital platform, including YouTube, Twitch, X and even Steam. Those in the Los Angeles area will be able to pick up tickets for the live show sometime in the Spring. The kickoff event is just the beginning. There's something called Play Days, which is an expo in downtown LA produced by iam8bit. This invite-only event promises immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences from the industry's leading publishers and developers. Coverage of this will be shared across digital and social platforms. There is, of course, another Day of the Devs livestream scheduled for immediately after the kickoff. Day of the Devs: SGF Edition should provide us with even more trailers and reveals, this time for indie games. Finally, there's a thought leadership event on June 8 that's primarily for developers and publishers. Game Business Live brings together top industry voices on one stage for insightful discussions on key changes, challenges and opportunities shaping the global video game industry. We'll be covering the event live and will have all of those trailers ready to go. After all, that's pretty much the main reason people watch these things. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/summer-game-fest-runs-from-june-5-8-193054418.html?src=rss

Nothing reveals the Phone 4a ahead of schedule

Nothing has been slow-dripping news about the upcoming Phone 4a for a few days now, with a promise to reveal the handset on March 5. However, the company jumped the gun a bit and just posted an actual photo of the hardware . It looks pretty nifty, even if we don't have any real-deal specs just yet. The image shows the handset from behind, displaying the company's trademark transparent design. The picture also features the redesigned Glyph Bar, which was first teased last week . This is a light-based notification system that features individually controlled mini-LEDs that light up in various ways to notify the user of missed calls and stuff like that. You can spot it next to the camera bump. Built different. Phone (4a). 5 March, 10:30 GMT. pic.twitter.com/n3ZtbTmYIv Nothing (@nothing) February 23, 2026 That's about all we know right now, though there are plenty of industry rumors. It's been reported that the Nothing Phone 4a will feature a Snapdragon 7-series chip and that the reveal will be accompanied by a Pro model with a more powerful camera. The Nothing Phone 3a was also launched alongside the 3a Pro. We loved the 3a and 3a Pro, calling both an easy recommendation. Let's hope this carries through for the 4a. Also, you didn't miss a release of the actual Nothing Phone 4. The company likes to release the a-series handsets before the flagship . Past as prologue, we'll likely see that one in early summer. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothing-reveals-the-phone-4a-ahead-of-schedule-181905011.html?src=rss

Ball x Pit will land on iOS and Android on March 12

Ball x Pit , a delightful roguelite that was one of our favorite games of last year , is on the way to mobile devices. The chaotic brick-breaking action is coming to iOS and Android on March 12. There will be a free trial with no ads, and you can unlock the full game with an in-app purchase. This is Ball x Pit for your pants pocket, according to the latest trailer. For the uninitiated, Ball x Pit is sort of a mix of Breakout and Vampire Survivors with some base building (and elements of many other genres) blended in. Its all about finding powerful synergies between the character(s) you select, passive abilities and the balls you use to take out enemies before they get too close to damage you. These balls are regular ones that deal damage on impact (aka baby balls) or special balls that are infused with a range of effects and powers, such as Lightning, Ghost and Poison. These special balls can be fused to combine their effects or evolved into more powerful versions. BALL x PIT is going MOBILE! Launching on iOS & Android March 12 Try-before-you-buy: try it for free, no ads! Love it? Unlock the full game with a single in-app purchase and keep BALLing forever! Pre-order now on the App Store and Google Play! pic.twitter.com/3MmJ6dGNzp BALL x PIT REGAL UPDATE OUT NOW (@BALLxPIT) February 23, 2026 On each run, youll collect blueprints and resources that youll use to reconstruct a fallen town. Buildings unlock new characters and abilities that can aid you on your next run. Everything synergizes beautifully in Ball x Pit . Ball x Pit should work well with touch controls on mobile. You can set the balls to fire automatically, so all you really need to worry about is moving your character and aiming, as well as choosing your next upgrade when you earn enough experience gems. The first of three planned updates for this year arrived in January . Im still waiting for developer Kenny Sun to add cross-progression since Ive already plowed dozens of hours into this game on PS5, PC and Xbox its available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 as well. Ball x Pit is also currently on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ball-x-pit-will-land-on-ios-and-android-on-march-12-175159137.html?src=rss

Lamborghini ditches plans for its all-electric supercar due to 'close to zero' buyer interest

Looks like we won't get to hear the powerful hum of an all-electric Lamborghini on the streets anytime soon. According to a report from The Sunday Times , Lamborghini has abandoned making a production version of the Lanzador EV concept, which was expected to hit the market in 2029. Stephen Winkelmann, chairman and CEO of Lamborghini, told The Sunday Times that there was close to zero interest from its customer base for battery-powered EVs. Winkelmann also revealed that the verdict to kill off the Lanzador was made late last year, but this is the first public confirmation of the decision after Lamborghini's grand reveal of the EV concept in August 2023. The automaker's CEO told The Sunday Times that EVs, in their current form, struggle to deliver this specific emotional connection, adding that the lack of noise could have played a part in failing to attract customers. Instead, Lamborghini will replace the Lanzador with another plug-in hybrid electric vehicle , like its Reveulto and Urus. With this change, Lamborghini's entire lineup will be hybrid EVs by 2030, with Winkelmann confirming that the company would continue making internal combustion engines for as long as possible. Still, the CEO hinted to The Sunday Times that Lamborghini could pursue another all-electric car in the future, but only when the time is right. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/lamborghini-ditches-plans-for-its-all-electric-supercar-due-to-close-to-zero-buyer-interest-173441263.html?src=rss

A new Evangelion series is coming from Studio Khara and Yoko Taro, creator of NieR

Anime fans rejoice, as there's a new Neon Genesis Evangelion series on the horizon. This was announced during a 30th anniversary event held in Japan. The bad news? Franchise creator Hideaki Anno won't be writing the scripts. However, his replacement will be Yoko Taro, the guy who created the video game NieR . He also wears a giant and rather unsettling moon mask for some reason. The NieR franchise is known for rich and complex lore, with a story spanning thousands of years that occasionally dips into a parallel universe. Wikimedia Commons Evangelion veteran Kazuya Tsurumaki will be on hand to direct episodes, which is nice for long-time fans. He directed the Rebuild of Evangelion films and the recent Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX anime. Composer Keiichi Okabe, from the NieR franchise, is scoring the new show. The new series will be produced by Studio Khara and Cloverworks. While we know a fair bit about who's behind the scenes of the upcoming show, we don't know anything about the plot. We don't know if it's yet another remake of the original story, a sequel or some kind of spin-off like the chibi-inspired Petit Eva: Evangelion@School . There's a trailer, but it's light on details. New Neon Genesis Evangelion ANIME SERIES NEW TRAILER Written by Yoko Taro Directors: Kazuya Tsurumaki & Toko Yatabe Music: Keiichi Okabe Animation Production: CloverWorks x Khara pic.twitter.com/jnJZ12XSRb Captain Melvin Seahorse (@sshiroux19) February 23, 2026 With Taro on board, it could really go in any direction. It's worth remembering, after all, that NieR is actually a spin-off of a PS2 game called Drakengard . In one of the multiple endings of that game, a final boss is transported from a fantasy realm to modern-day Tokyo. Slaying this beast releases a virus that plagues humankind, which is what eventually leads to the post-apocalyptic setting of NieR . This is sort of like if the events of a Dragon Quest game somehow led to the world of Resident Evil. If there's anyone who can breathe fresh life into the Evangelion franchise, it's Taro. Did I mention he wears a gigantic moon mask? Also, this isn't his first time penning TV scripts. He co-wrote the NieR: Automata anime spinoff . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a-new-evangelion-series-is-coming-from-studio-khara-and-yoko-taro-creator-of-nier-170916543.html?src=rss

The creators of Dark Sky have a new weather app

The team behind the beloved Dark Sky weather app has announced a new iPhone app called Acme Weather. The release comes after Apple's 2020 acquisition of Dark Sky , which it ultimately shut down in 2022 after integrating much of its tech into the native iOS Weather app. Acme Weather is primarily designed to address the uncertainty inherent in most forecasts, as different models yield disparate results and no two weather apps seem to report the same thing. Acmes answer to this issue is Alternate Predictions, which shows users a range of possible outcomes alongside the app's core forecast line throughout the day. If the lines are arranged together tightly, it means the app has high confidence in the forecast at that time. When those lines start to diverge, the app is signaling lower confidence while showing users alternate predictions for that time of day. The app also supports community reporting, seeking to do for weather what Waymo did for traffic. Users can share real-time conditions in their area using icons or emojis, helping increase accuracy when conditions are changing quickly. Like most weather apps, there is also a map component with layers for radar, lightning, rain and snow totals, wind and more. Acme leverages notifications to help make sure you don't miss important changes to the forecast or weather alerts. Grossman says they are comprehensive and should help you avoid getting caught in the rain unawares. Notifications also include community reports, government weather alerts and even experimental tools from Acme Labs like rainbow and beautiful sunset alerts. Acme offers a two-week free trial, then costs $25 a year. The iOS version is available now and an Android is forthcoming. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/the-creators-of-dark-sky-have-a-new-weather-app-155426063.html?src=rss

Anker's new 45W Nano charger with smart display is already $10 off

Anker introduced a nifty little charger at CES 2026 , which is a refresh of the pre-existing Nano Charger . It's already on sale for $30 for Prime members, which is a discount of $10. The 45W charger includes a smart display that shows real-time data like power flow, temperature and charging status. It also features fun animations to keep things cheerful. Anker says it can recognize what's being charged and automatically adjust certain metrics to ensure a longer battery lifespan. To that end, it works with just about everything. The company advertises that this charger is a good fit for the iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and Samsung devices, among others. The new Nano Charger is on the smaller side, with dual folding prongs that rotate to fit most outlets. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ankers-new-45w-nano-charger-with-smart-display-is-already-10-off-160707114.html?src=rss

Elevation Lab's AirTag 10-year extended battery case is only $16 right now

AirTags are basically an essential accessory for iPhone users who want to keep track of things like their keys, wallet and backpack. While it's easy enough to replace the battery in both versions of the AirTag, you may not want to have to rush to do so at the end of the battery's roughly two-year lifespan. That's where Elevation Lab's extended battery case for the AirTag comes in, and it's heavily discounted right now: it's 30 percent off and down to $16. The case usually sells for $23, so that's a 30 percent discount. It's not the first time we've seen this deal , but it's a pretty decent one all the same. This is arguably one of the more useful AirTag accessories around for certain use cases. It won't exactly be helpful for an AirTag that you put in a wallet or attach to your keys, as it's too bulky for such a purpose and it doesn't have a hole for a keyring anyway. Still, if you're looking for an AirTag case that you can place in a suitcase or backpack and not have to touch for years, this could be the ticket. Elevation Lab says that, when you place a couple of AA batteries in the case, it can extend the tracker's battery life to as much as 10 years (the brand recommends using Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries for best results). The AirTag is slated to run for over a year on its standard CR2032 button cell. The case gives the AirTag more protection as well. It's sealed with four screws and it has a IP69 waterproof rating. What's more, it doesn't ostensibly look like an AirTag case, so someone who steals an item with one inside is perhaps less likely to realize that the object they pilfered is being tracked. There are some other downsides, though. Since the AirTag is locked inside a case, the sound it emits will be muffled. Elevation Lab says the device's volume will be about two-thirds the level of a case-free AirTag. However, the second-gen AirTag is louder than its predecessor, which should mitigate that issue somewhat. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/elevation-labs-airtag-10-year-extended-battery-case-is-only-16-right-now-151215061.html?src=rss

Falcon Northwest FragBox review: A compact gaming rig that does everything right

Mafia: The Old Country demands to be played on an enormous screen. As much as I love my 32-inch Alienware OLED gaming monitor, it doesn't do justice to Mafia's cinematic vistas of Sicily. But , I also wanted to play that game in its full 4K glory, with none of the compromises of today's game consoles. So why not just shove a tiny gaming desktop under my home theater? Enter the Fragbox , Falcon Northwest's revamped small form factor gaming PC. While it's very expensive, starting at $3,997, it's incredibly powerful and gives you the freedom to easily upgrade the hardware down the line. I know what you're thinking: A $4,000 desktop, in this economy? That pricing also doesn't include upgrading from the stock NVIDIA's RTX 5070 GPU, as well as adding more RAM and larger SSDs, all of which could drive the price up thousands more. I initially planned to review the FragBox back in early December 2025, before the AI-induced RAMaggedon made memory, storage and other components dramatically more expensive. Falcon Northwest is mainly known as a boutique and high-end system builder, so its wealthier clientele can likely weather the pricing storm. If you're looking for a deal, though, you won't find it here. So what, exactly, is a FragBox? Imagine a typical mid-tower desktop squashed down to a system that's only 10.2-inches tall, 10.5-inches wide and 15.9-inches deep. When Falcon initially debuted the FragBox in 2004, it was notable for being a genuinely small PC that used full-sized parts. That's still a main selling point today: It can still fit in large NVIDIA GPUs, including the beefy RTX 5090, as well as either Intel's latest Core Ultra chips or AMD's Ryzen 9000 CPUs. A huge 280mm radiator sits at the top pulling out hot air, and it also serves as an All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooler for the CPU. At 25 pounds, the FragBox isn't exactly light, but its sturdy metal handle makes it easy to move around. Most mid-tower desktops usually weigh between 20 and 35 pounds, depending on their case material. But they're also much larger and harder to squeeze into tight spaces. The FragBox's relatively squat size makes it easy to shove into a home entertainment center, or just sit on the corner of your desk. I do wish the handle was removable, though. It was about half an inch too tall for one of my shelves. Falcon Northwest FragBox Devindra Hardawar for Engadget Despite its density, the FragBox's elegant design makes it a cinch to access to all of the system's components. Just unscrew the side and top panels and you can easily remove the GPU, RAM, storage and other major components. There are three slots of M.2 SSDs, as well as two locations for 2.5-inch drives and a spot for a large 3.5-inch HDD. The system is bundled with a 1,200W power supply, which should be more than enough to handle future GPUs and CPUs. Ports are plentiful as well: There are two USB-A and one USB-C connections right up front, alongside a headphone jack. On the rear, you've got your typical assortment of mid-tower connections, including four USB-A 2.0 connections, seven USB-A 3 ports, one 20G USB-C 3.2 port, 2.5G Ethernet, HDMI and DisplayPort. Our RTX 5090 review unit also included three DisplayPort jacks and one HDMI connection (which you'll see on most GPUs). Wi-Fi 6E is also built-in, though at this price it would have been nice to see Wi-Fi 7. Falcon Northwest FragBox Devindra Hardawar for Engadget The FragBox, thankfully, lacks the garish LEDs and cheesy thermal glass you find on more ostentatious gaming rigs. Falcon Northwest's aluminum case looks and feels stately, like an old-school luxury car. If you want something flashier, you can shell out an additional $400 for a custom UV printed case or $149 for a UV-printed front panel. Our review unit was equipped with AMD's Ryzen 9950X3D CPU, NVIDIA's RTX 5090, 96GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB SSD. So sure, even before benchmarking or running any games, I expected it to be a beast. In PCMark 10, the FragBox scored a whopping 13,810, which is around 500 points higher than my mid-tower system with the same CPU and GPU. It also scored the highest 3DMark Speedway and Port Royal ray tracing scores I've ever seen. Even more impressive, the FragBox's fans were barely audible under load, and the CPU and GPU sat at a chill 52C and 65C, respectively CPU GeekBench 6 CPU GeekBench 6 GPU Cinebench 2024 Falcon Northwest FragBox 3,445/22,787 390,148 N/A Desktop with AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, RTX 5090 3,366/18,950 381,400 134/2,124 Desktop with AMD Ryzen 9 7900X, RTX 5090 2,822/14,216 358,253 113/1,103 Apple Mac Studio M4 Max 4,090/26,394 116,028 190/2066 To get back to my initial point, it ran Mafia: The Old Country in 4K flawlessly, with every graphics setting cranked all the way up. While playing on my 120-inch projector home theater setup, the game reached 62 fps natively, and flipping on DLSS upscaling and frame generation bumped that up to 120 fps. Not that you need a super higher framerate for a slow-paced, mostly cinematic action game. I was just happy to be playing without any compromises even the PS5 Pro can't reach the same level of graphical fidelity as the monstrously powerful RTX 5090. Falcon Northwest FragBox Devindra Hardawar for Engadget I'm no stranger to big-screen PC gaming, but previously I've had to run a laughably long HDMI cable from my desktop to make it work. I'm just too old for that mess now. And it also doesn't work consistently, especially at higher framerates, thanks to the massive bandwidth required to pump out 4K at high refresh rates. In-home game streaming is also an option, but that's not great when you're blowing games up to an enormous TV or projector screen. It's just too hard to ignore the imperfections of streaming compression. (Admittedly, I need to test newer high-bandwidth options, especially after I was impressed by NVIDIA's GeForce Now upgrade last year.) The FragBox also made it easy to jump into all of my recent Steam titles, including Mewgeneics and Arc Raiders on a big screen . Unfortunately, Windows itself remains a key stumbling block for home theater PC gaming. You'll still need to keep a keyboard and PC around to deal with the initial OS configuration. And even once I enabled Steam's Big Picture mode, which offers excellent controller options, I still occasionally had to deal with Windows Updates and other annoyances. Falcon Northwest FragBox Devindra Hardawar for Engadget Microsoft is currently trying to optimize Windows for gaming handhelds , and it's reportedly doing even more to make a future PC-powered Xbox feel more console-like . For now, though, using a Windows PC in your home theater doesn't feel much different than it did a decade ago. Steam is your savior, Windows is your enemy. Or you could just save thousands of dollars and buy a $500 PlayStation 5 or $700 PS5 Pro , instead. The latter will still get you smooth framerates and a healthy dose of ray tracing, without the annoyance of Windows, keyboards and mice. But if you just want a compact and insanely powerful gaming desktop, and you don't mind spending a premium, it's hard to deny that the FragBox gets everything right. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/falcon-northwest-fragbox-review-a-compact-gaming-rig-that-does-everything-right-130000837.html?src=rss

The best cheap Windows laptops for 2026

You dont need to spend a fortune to get a capable Windows laptop. For everyday tasks like web browsing, writing documents, streaming video or handling schoolwork, a well-chosen budget machine can still deliver a smooth, reliable experience. The challenge is cutting through the noise to find affordable options that balance performance, build quality and battery life without serious compromises. For many buyers, timing is no longer optional. With Windows 10 support now officially over, upgrading has become a necessity rather than a nice-to-have. The picks below focus on cheap Windows laptops that can handle day-to-day workloads comfortably while keeping you current on software and security updates. If youre open to spending more for extra power or premium features, our broader guide to the best Windows laptops covers higher-end alternatives as well. What to look for in a budget-friendly Windows laptop While you can do a lot even when spending little on a Windows laptop, you must set your expectations accordingly. The biggest downside when purchasing a budget laptop (of any kind, really) is limited power. Youll want to carefully consider a few specs, the most important among them being the processor (CPU). Many Windows laptops under $500 run on Intel Celeron or Pentium chipsets, but you can find some with Core i3/i5 and AMD Ryzen 3/5 CPUs at the higher end of the price spectrum. We recommend getting the most powerful CPU you can afford because it will dictate how fast the computer will feel overall. Memory (RAM) is also important because, the more you have, the easier it will be for the laptop to manage things like a dozen browser tabs while you edit a Word document and stream music in the background. When it comes to storage, consider how much you want to save locally. If you primarily work in Google Docs or save most things in the cloud, you may not need a machine with a ton of onboard storage. Just remember that your digital space will also be taken up by apps, so it may be worth getting a little extra storage than you think you need if you know youll be downloading big programs. A final side note: solid state drives (SSDs) are ubiquitous at this point, not to mention faster and more efficient than hard drives (HDDs), so we recommend getting a laptop with that type of storage. As for screens, theres a healthy mix of HD (720p resolution) and FHD (1080p) options in this price range and we recommend springing for a notebook with a 1080p display if you can. Touchscreens arent as common in the budget space as standard panels, but youll only really miss one if you get a 2-in-1 laptop . Before we get to our recommended specs for a cheap Windows laptop, its worth mentioning that Microsoft clearly lays out the true minimum requirements for any Windows 11 machine . Those include a 1GHz or faster processor that includes two or more cores, at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of available storage space. Thats the bare minimum to run Windows 11; we recommend giving yourself some wiggle room by choosing a machine that will perform well now and for years to come. Specs to look for in an affordable Windows laptop CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors, at minimum RAM: At least 8GB Storage: At least 128GB SSD Screen: At least 1080p FHD Its essential to prioritize whats important to you. But at the lower end of the budget, a good laptop may not offer everything you need, whereas a great one might. Although most machines come with features like Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi and additional ports, you might find not all of them come with the specifics you require, like an SD card slot, webcam, charger, and so on. Be sure to check the spec list of any laptop youre considering before you buy, especially if you need specific connectors and capabilities. See Also: Best Laptops for 2026 Best Gaming Laptops Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2026 Best Chromebooks Best Laptops for College Students As for Copilot+ , dont expect to see much of it on truly affordable Windows laptops just yet. Microsofts AI features and Copilot assistant require certain specs to run, namely a powerful neural processing unit (NPU), 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Currently, the cheapest Copilot+ AI PCs will run you about $700, so if youre willing to pay more for those perks, check out our best laptops guide for more options. If youre looking for either a gaming laptop or a Windows on Arm laptop, both categories will require you to spend more money than were discussing here. Best cheap Windows laptops for 2026 The cheap Windows laptop market moves fast, and unlike nearly all of our other buying guides we haven't necessarily tested each specific configuration listed below. However, the combination of these technical specifications and familiar brands represent exactly the sort of entry-level laptops we'd recommend to shoppers in this price range based on our thorough research and expert knowledge. What to know about the budget Windows laptop market The best cheap laptop models change all the time. Unlike more expensive, flagship machines, these notebooks can be updated a couple times each year. That can make it hard to track down a specific model at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart or any other retailer. Also, weve seen prices vary widely depending on the configuration and retailer youre looking at. You can ensure youre getting a quality laptop by doing a few things. First and foremost, make sure you get a machine that follows the recommended specs we list above. Also, make sure youre buying from a reputable retailer, including big-box stores like Walmart, Best Buy and Costco, online shops like Amazon or direct manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo and others. If you have a physical store near you (likely a Best Buy in the US), its never a bad idea to go play around with some laptops in person before choosing one. If you decide to shop online from the likes of Amazon or Walmart, double check the seller of the laptop youre considering. For example, many items on Amazon are shipped and sold by Amazon and those are typically the best options. Youll see that information on Amazon on the right sidebar on a product page, under the Add to Cart and Buy Now buttons. Third-party sellers are common in the affordable laptop space. Amazon sometimes classifies laptop manufacturers as third-party sellers, so you may see a laptop shipped and sold by HP or Dell thats a good thing, since its coming directly from the manufacturer. However, there are other third-party electronics sellers out there. We recommend clicking on the third-party sellers name on Amazon or Walmart (yes, Walmart has them, too) to see how much positive feedback and how many five-star ratings theyve received from buyers. What about Chromebooks and tablets? You may be inclined to recommend a Chromebook or a tablet to anyone considering a budget Windows laptop computer. Those instincts arent wrong, but Chromebooks and tablets arent the best buy for everyone. Tablets have the most portability, but they will only work for the most mobile-competent users like kids who have been grabbing smartphones out of their parents hands since theyve been dexterous enough to do so. Tablets can also be just as expensive as some of the cheapest Windows laptops, and thats without a mouse or keyboard. Chromebooks are a good alternative for those that basically live in a browser, the trade-off being you must give up the traditional desktop. And Chrome OS is a more limited operating system than Windows when it comes to the programs you can install and run. What Windows laptops do well What can you realistically accomplish on a cheap Windows laptop? Quite a bit, especially if youre doing one thing (or a limited number of things) at a time. Theyre great for everyday tasks like web browsing, checking email, video streaming and more. All of those things can be done on Chromebooks as well, but Windows laptops have a big advantage in Microsoft Office. While yes, there is a browser based version, the native, desktop apps are considered a must have for many and will run smoothly on even the most bare-bones budget laptop. The only caveat is that you may run into some slowdown on low-powered devices if youre multitasking or working with large data sets in Excel or a lot of photos and graphics in Powerpoint. When it comes to specs, a bright spot for Windows laptops is storage. Even the most affordable devices tend to have at least a 128GB solid state drive. That will come in handy if you prefer to keep your most important files saved locally on your laptop's hard drive. In contrast, cheaper Chromebooks often have less storage because theyre built on the assumption that youll save all of your documents in the cloud. Not only is that less convenient when you need to work offline, but it also limits the size of programs and files that you can download. So, Chromebooks aren't the best for hoarding Netflix shows before a long trip or for use as a gaming laptop. Windows also has thousands of apps that you can download from its app store. Chromebooks have some Chrome apps, numerous browser extensions and the ability to download Android apps, but quality control is inconsistent. Android apps, in particular, often havent been optimized for Chrome OS, which makes for a wonky user experience. Windows may not have as many apps as Android, but at least the experience is fairly standard across the board. Windows also gives you the ability to download and use programs from other sources, like direct from the developer. You can run things like Adobe Creative Suite, certain VPNs and programs like GIMP, Audacity and ClipMate on a Windows device, which just isnt possible on Chrome OS. Chromebooks limit you to the apps and programs in The Play Store and the Chrome Extensions store, reducing any others to unusable, space-sucking icons in your Downloads folder. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-affordable-windows-laptops-123000512.html?src=rss

The best earbuds for Android devices in 2026

If youre using an Android phone, finding the right pair of wireless earbuds can take a little more work than it does for iPhone owners. Apples AirPods are tightly woven into iOS, but that same level of seamless integration doesnt automatically carry over to Android. The good news is there are plenty of earbuds that play just as nicely with Android devices, and in some cases offer features AirPods simply dont. From earbuds designed to pair especially well with Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones to models that prioritize strong noise cancellation, long battery life or workout-friendly durability, the Android ecosystem has no shortage of solid options. Weve tested a wide range of wireless earbuds to find the best picks for Android users, whether youre after premium sound, reliable everyday performance or a more affordable alternative. Best Android earbuds for 2026 What to look for in wireless earbuds for Android devices Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget For the most part, the features you want from a set of Android earbuds are the same as what you want from any headphones. Great sound quality, a comfortable fit and sufficient battery life are still the foundations. Adequate water resistance is good for workouts, and nobody wants a crummy mic for making calls. Once you approach the $100 range, features like active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, an ambient sound mode (which lets you better hear outside noise without turning off your music) and multipoint connectivity (the ability to pair with multiple devices simultaneously) should be expected. For Android devices specifically, there are a few extras to consider. A dedicated app that makes it easy to switch sound modes, customize the audio profile, locate your earbuds if they ever get misplaced or adjust other settings is strongly preferred. Features like Google Fast Pair or NFC-based pairing, which can help you avoid having to dig through your Bluetooth menu to connect your earbuds for the first time, are also nice perks. Some Android devices can also utilize higher-quality Bluetooth codecs such as aptX Adaptive or Sonys LDAC these arent nearly as important to audio quality as the actual architecture of your earbuds, but they can help wring out a little more detail if the buds are capable enough and youre streaming lossless files. AptX Adaptive can also help reduce latency, which is good for streaming video or gaming. Diversity is Androids greatest strength, but it also means that some wireless earbuds play nicer with certain devices, typically those made by the same company. Recent Samsung earbuds, for instance, come with a few perks that are only available if you use a Galaxy phone. We have a couple of recommendations related to this idea above. How we test Android earbuds Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget The best way to test earphones is simply to wear them as much as possible, so thats what we do. We typically do this over a one- to two-week period, though embargo times occasionally force us to finish our review process a bit faster. We listen to a test playlist that includes several musical genres and podcasts, paying close attention to how each pair approaches the bass, mid and treble frequencies to get an accurate sense of its sound profile. We also test at high and low volumes to check for consistency in the tuning. We do not have access to a dummy head to take more objective measurements, but well sometimes look to sites like Rtings , SoundGuys and others that do just to ensure our impressions are not wildly off-base. If a model supports custom EQ, well tinker with that and use the available EQ presets to see if one sounds dramatically better than the others though in general we base most of our impressions on the stock tuning each pair uses by default. To assess microphone quality, we record our own audio samples and take multiple calls with a partner both indoors and outside. For battery life, we play our test playlist on a loop with the volume around 75 percent and measure how long it takes for each set to drain. Where applicable, we do a thorough review of a pairs companion app and test each available feature. While comfort is ultimately subjective, we take note of how secure each pair feels while were on the move. We also use certain pairs in especially crowded public spaces to get a better sense of their passive and active noise cancellation, as well as their ability to maintain a consistent Bluetooth connection. Recent updates February 2026: Updated to include new top picks. November 2025 : The lightly updated Beats Powerbeats Fit replace the older Beats Fit Pro as our top pick for working out. Weve also noted the new Google Pixel Buds 2a as a cheaper alternative to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which remain our recommendation for Pixel phone users. August 2025 : Weve taken another sweep to ensure our advice is still up-to-date. May 2025 : Weve checked this guide to ensure our top picks still stand and noted a couple alternatives to the Noble Fokus Rex5, since that pair has had stock issues of late. Were also keeping an eye on how the Trump administrations tariff policy affects the pricing and stock of our recommendations (and the consumer tech industry as a whole). All of our picks are still available in their normal price ranges today, but well update this guide if that changes. February 2025 : The Noble FoKus Rex5 is our new best for sound quality pick, replacing the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. Our other recommendations remain unchanged. December 2024 : Weve lightly edited this guide for clarity and ensured that our current picks are still accurate. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-earbuds-for-android-devices-120015765.html?src=rss