Star Wars Jedi: Survivor pre-orders available following reveal trailer drop at The Game Awards

The official reveal trailer for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was released during The Game Awards last night and were now taking a closer look at whats to come. We previously reported on some leaked details for this upcoming release, including its March 16, 2023 launch date which is confirmed in this trailer. Continuing the well-beloved Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, this new game will further the story with Cal as he is one of the last remaining Jedi in the galaxy. Keep reading below the fold to learn more. more The post Star Wars Jedi: Survivor pre-orders available following reveal trailer drop at The Game Awards appeared first on 9to5Toys .

DeepMind created an AI tool that can help generate rough film and stage scripts

Have you ever thought up an idea for a movie or play that you just know will be a smash hit, but haven't gotten around to writing the script? Alphabet's DeepMind has built an AI tool that can help get you started. Dramatron is a so-called co-writing tool that can generate character descriptions, plot points, location descriptions and dialogue. The idea is that human writers will be able to compile, edit and rewrite what Dramatron comes up with into a proper script. Think of it like ChatGPT , but with output that you can edit into a blockbuster movie script. To get started, you'll need an OpenAI API key and, if you want to reduce the risk of Dramatron outputting offensive text, a Perspective API key . To test out Dramatron, I fed in the log line for a movie idea I had when I was around 15 that definitely would have been a hit if Kick-Ass didn't beat me to the punch. Dramatron quickly whipped up a title that made sense, and character, scene and setting descriptions. The dialogue that the AI generated was logical but trite and on the nose. Otherwise, it was almost as if Dramatron pulled the descriptions straight out of my head, including one for a scene that I didn't touch on in the log line. Playwrights seemed to agree, according to a paper that the team behind Dramatron presented today . To test the tool, the researchers brought in 15 playwrights and screenwriters to co-write scripts. According to the paper, playwrights said they wouldn't use the tool to craft a complete play and found that the AI's output can be formulaic. However, they suggested Dramatron would be useful for world building or to help them explore other approaches in terms of changing plot elements or characters. They noted that the AI could be handy for creative idea generation too. We interviewed 15 industry experts including playwrights, screenwriters and actors who produced work using Dramatron. Canadian company @TheatreSports edited co-written theatre scripts and performed them on stage in Plays By Bots to positive reviews. https://t.co/FlGzIdCuqX pic.twitter.com/6gqnB8e1L9 DeepMind (@DeepMind) December 9, 2022 That said, a playwright staged four plays that used heavily edited and rewritten scripts they wrote with the help of Dramatron. DeepMind said that in the performance, experienced actors with improv skills gave meaning to Dramatron scripts through acting and interpretation. Use of the AI tool may raise questions about authorship and who (or what) should get the credit for a script. Last year, a UK appeals court ruled that artificial intelligence cant be legally credited as an inventor on a patent. DeepMind notes that Dramatron can output fragments of text that were used to train the language model, which, if used in a script that was produced, could lead to accusations of plagiarism. One possible mitigation is for the human co-writer to search for substrings from outputs to help to identify plagiarism, DeepMind said.

Nixplays popular digital photo frames make perfect gifts, now 25% off with our exclusive code

Ahead of the holidays, Nixplay is helping the gift giving cause by offering 9to5Toys readers an exclusive sale across nearly its entire lineup of digital photo frames . Arriving before Christmas, you can now take 25% off everything on this landing page when you apply our code 9to5Toys25 at checkout. That undercuts the existing holiday sale by an extra 5% and delivers some of the best discounts yet across the brands latest pieces of smart home decor. Weve gone hands-on with many Nixplay frames in the past, and have always walked away impressed in our reviews. You can shop everything here , or just check out the highlights below the fold. more The post Nixplays popular digital photo frames make perfect gifts, now 25% off with our exclusive code appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Elevation Labs waterproof pet collar AirTag holder with lifetime guarantee at $15 (25% off)

The Ghost edition see-through titanium variant is now up for sale, but the official Elevation Lab Amazon storefront is also now offering its TagVault Pet AirTag holder for $14.95 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $25. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon . Regularly $20, this is 25% off the going rate, $1 under the Black Friday discount we tracked, and the best price we can find. Designed specifically for dog/pet collars, this is the brands rugged, waterproof AirTag holder with a design that uses self-piercing screws to easily go through any collar up to 0.20/5mm the dogs can even with it on. The CNC machined screws and unbreakable ballistic Nylon6 polyamide backplate can really take a beating as well Elevation Lab backs this one with a lifetime guarantee. More details below. more The post Elevation Labs waterproof pet collar AirTag holder with lifetime guarantee at $15 (25% off) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Self-driving electric tractor promises eco-friendly, hands-off farming

The autonomous tractor world is heating up, apparently. CNH Industrial has unveiled what it says is the first electric light tractor prototype with self-driving features, the New Holland T4 Electric Power. The machine promises zero emissions, quieter operation than diesel models and (according to CNH) lower running costs while reducing the amount of time farmers spend behind the wheel. Sensors and cameras on the roof help the vehicle complete tasks, dodge obstacles and work in harmony with other equipment. You can even activate it from your phone. The T4 Electric Power's 120HP motor produces a 25MPH top speed comparable to regular tractors. The battery is large enough to handle a day's work depending on the mission profile, CNH says. That suggests the tractor might need a mid-day top-up, but that might not necessarily be a problem when the T4 can reach a full battery in an hour using off-the-shelf fast chargers. Like Ford's F-150 Lightning , this tractor can serve as a power pack on wheels. It has outlets to plug in common tools like drills, and it serves as a backup power source for emergencies. You can attach hydraulic, mechanical and Power Take Off implements. Production of the completed T4 Electric Power is expected at the end of 2023, with more models on the way. CNH Industrial There's also an environmentally conscious option for farmers who prefer the familiarity of fuel. An equally new T7 Methane Power LNG (shown at middle) is billed as the world's first liquid natural gas tractor. It can run on biomethane sourced from livestock manure instead of letting methane slip directly into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change, farmers can put the chemical to work powering their equipment. The CO2 emissions reduction for a 120-cow farm is supposedly equivalent to that of 100 western households without sacrificing diesel-like performance. The T7 LNG doesn't have a launch date, and is only characterized as a pre-production prototype. Prices aren't available, and they may be important when farmers often have to work with tight budgets. However, CNH is betting that its technology will ultimately save money. The T4 Electric reportedly cuts operating costs by up to 90 percent thanks to the zero-fuel design and lower maintenance, and its hushed powerplant lets it work both at night and nearer to animals. The T7 LNG, meanwhile, lets farms make their own fuel, fertilizer and sellable excess electricity. Food growers could recoup at least some of their investment even as they reduce their impact on the planet.

Save up to 50% on Samsungs ANC Galaxy Buds Pro earphones at $100 shipped today

Joining todays all-time low on its Galaxy Tab S6 Lite , Amazon is now offering Samsungs Galaxy Buds Pro for $99.99 shipped. Regularly $200 at Best Buy where they are now matched, these earbuds have more recently been selling for $150 at Amazon and have now returned to the all-time low there. Alongside the active noise cancellation, youll also find four levels of Ambient sound options to let just the right amount of outside noise through. Joining voice detection when flipping over to answer calls, there are 11mm woofers and 6.5mm tweeters built-in to each earbud as well as spatial audio support, 28 hours of playback with the charging case, and an IPX7 rating to protect against sweat and the elements. Hit up our our hands-on review for a closer look and head below for additional details. more The post Save up to 50% on Samsungs ANC Galaxy Buds Pro earphones at $100 shipped today appeared first on 9to5Toys .

9to5Toys Gift Guide: Rikkas must-have smart home upgrades for any budget from $25

If youre still looking to cross a few names off the holiday shopping list, today were taking a look at some of our favorite smart home accessories that would make perfect gifts come Christmas. Headlined by mainstays in the world of Siri, Alexa, and Assistant-enabled tech like Nanoleaf, Philips Hue, Wemo, and other brands, were wrapping up all of the best smart home buys in our latest gift guide. more The post 9to5Toys Gift Guide: Rikkas must-have smart home upgrades for any budget from $25 appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Android app deals of the day: Defense Zone 3, Solar 2, Atom RPG, Swapperoo, and more

Friday has arrived and with it we have a new collection of Android game and app deals to head into the weekend with. Joining todays software deals, we are tracking notable discounts on iOtties Made for Google iON Wireless Duo 15W charger as well as Googles latest Nest Thermostat and a new all-time low on Samsungs refreshed Galaxy Tab S6 Lite at $215 . The highlight app discounts include titles like Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD, Phone Booster Pro, Solar 2, Atom RPG, Swapperoo, Hexologic, and much more. Head below for a complete look at todays best Android app deals. more The post Android app deals of the day: Defense Zone 3, Solar 2, Atom RPG, Swapperoo, and more appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Mount Renogys 100W flexible solar panel to your RV for $139 in New Green Deals

If your RV, car, truck, or even shed doesnt have a flat roof, then traditional solar panels wont be easy to mount. Instead, pick up one of Renogys 100W 12V LTLW flexible panels that are perfect for the task. On sale today for $139 , this is the second-best price that weve seen all-time, and the lowest its been since July, making now a great time to pick it up. We also have a wide selection of Tesla and e-bike discounts in todays New Green Deals, so you wont want to miss that either. Head below for other New Green Deals that weve found today and of course Electreks best EV buying and leasing deals . Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories . more The post Mount Renogys 100W flexible solar panel to your RV for $139 in New Green Deals appeared first on 9to5Toys .

ASUS TUF 32-inch Curved 1080p 165Hz Gaming Monitor falls to new low of $229, more from $152

Amazon is now offering the ASUS TUF 32-inch Curved 1080p 165Hz Gaming Monitor for $229 shipped. Normally going for $259, this 12% discount, or $30 price drop, marks a new all-time low price weve seen for this monitor. The 1500R curve of this monitor coupled with the 165Hz refresh rate will help increase your gameplay immersion while also reducing eyestrain. AMD FreeSync Premium support is present as well to eliminate screen tearing and have fluid visuals. In terms of connectivity, you will have an HDMI 2.0 alongside a D-SUB input so you can connect multiple devices without having to swap cables. Head below to check out other monitor deals weve found. more The post ASUS TUF 32-inch Curved 1080p 165Hz Gaming Monitor falls to new low of $229, more from $152 appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Sam Bankman-Fried says he'll testify next week about FTX Collapse

Embattled FTX co-founder and former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried said today that he will testify before Congress next week. After a Twitter back-and-forth with committee chair Rep. Maxine Waters, he agreed to testify about the crypto exchanges sudden collapse. I still do not have access to much of my data professional or personal. So there is a limit to what I will be able to say, and I wont be as helpful as Id like, he tweeted this morning. But as the committee still thinks it would be useful, I am willing to testify on the 13th. The House Committee on Financial Services will hold a hearing on Tuesday investigating FTX. His agreement to testify is an about-face from last week when he tweeted that he only would appear after he finished learning and reviewing what led to the companys rapid downfall. Waters replied, Based on your role as CEO and your media interviews over the past few weeks, its clear to us that the information you have thus far is sufficient for testimony. He testimony for the House Committee will likely be remote, according to The Wall Street Journal . Leaders of the Senate Banking Committee, holding a separate FTX hearing next week, have threatened to subpoena him if he doesnt also agree to appear in front of their panel. But that may be tough to enforce since he lives in the Bahamas. Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images His testimony could include a public showdown with John J. Ray III, FTXs current CEO overseeing bankruptcy proceedings, who is also testifying Tuesday. Ray hasnt minced words about Bankman-Frieds erratic and misleading public statements about FTX. Never in my career have I seen such a complete failure of corporate controls and such a complete absence of trustworthy financial information as occurred here. Bankman-Fried resigned last month after Binance backed out of a deal to buy FTX, citing concerns discovered while conducting due diligence. FTX then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, capping off the collapse. The company currently faces more than 100,000 creditors , but that number could expand to over one million. Hollywood, never an industry to turn down a high-profile downfall story, quickly pounced. Amazon has already greenlit a limited series about FTX helmed by the Russo brothers.

Philips Hue launches up to 25% off mix and match holiday HomeKit lighting bundle sale

With plenty of time until the big celebration at the end of the month, Philips Hue is making it a bit more affordable to deck out your smart home setup with festive multicolor lighting. Launching a new mix and match sale to end the week, the company is offering some notable bundle offers across its catalog of smart lights, lamps, and accessories with free shipping across the board. Delivering at least 15% in savings when you buy two of the products on this landing page , those who score three will save 20% and then if one of those items includes a required Hue Bridge , youll save the maximum 25% . The sale delivers some of the best prices of the year across nearly everything and includes standard color light bulbs to portable lamps, bias lighting for behind the TV and more, all of which work over Bluetooth or Zigbee for HomeKit, Alexa, and Assistant support. Head below for all of the highlights. more The post Philips Hue launches up to 25% off mix and match holiday HomeKit lighting bundle sale appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Crash Bandicoot goes team-based with cross-platform multi-player Crash Team Rumble

Are you a Crash Bandicoot fan? Well, the next installment in the series launches in 2023 and brings team-based online multiplayer to the franchise. Crash Team Rumble is a four versus four competitive showdown based in the vibrant and zany universe of Crash Bandicoot. Its set to launch in 2023, and we have all the details for you down below. more The post Crash Bandicoot goes team-based with cross-platform multi-player Crash Team Rumble appeared first on 9to5Toys .

The Game Awards delivered dazzling trailers, but winners played second-fiddle

This years Game Awards knocked it out of the park when it came to reveals. The actual awards were another story.

Embers 14-Oz. Temperature Control Smart Mug back to best price of the season at $100 ($50 off)

Best Buy is now offering the latest Ember 14-ounce Temperature Control Smart Mug at $99.95 shipped . Also matched via the Best Buy eBay store . Regularly $150, this is $50 off the going rate and what you would pay on Amazon right now. Todays deal is also matching the pre-Black Friday offer we spotted on the smaller 10-ounce variant and $5 under the Cyber Week price. For those unfamiliar here, this is a smart mug connected to a companion iOS or Android app where users can maintain an ideal temperature (between 120 and 145 degrees) for coffee, tea, and beverages of that sort. The built-in battery lasts for up to 80 minutes, but the included wireless charging coaster provides all day battery life alongside a hand-washable design. You can even choose a custom LED color from within the app if you wish. Head below for more. more The post Embers 14-Oz. Temperature Control Smart Mug back to best price of the season at $100 ($50 off) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Linux-ready Launch Heavy is a $300 mechanical keyboard for number crunchers

System76's $300 Launch Heavy has open source hardware and software, plus a USB hub.

Trashed lithium-ion batteries caused three garbage truck fires in California

Do batteries really cause garbage fires? Only three times in one month.

You no longer need a PS VR2 invite to pre-order direct from Sony

If you missed out on securing a pre-order for Sony's PlayStation VR2 headset, you're in luck. The PlayStation Direct store no longer requires an invitation to place a PS VR2 pre-order. You won't necessarily have to wait for months to get your hands on the next-gen PS5 headset either, as The Verge points out. As things stand, Sony expects to deliver the device between its February 22nd launch date and February 28th. The initial wave of pre-orders required would-be PS VR2 owners to register their interest and hope they got an invitation from Sony. Now, you can reserve one and at least give yourself the option picking up the headset in February, especially given that it's unclear how much stock Sony will have at launch. You could always cancel a pre-order if you change your mind. You'll have to dig deep into your pocket to actually buy a PS VR2. The headset costs $550 and you'll need a PS5 to actually use the thing. Games from the original PS VR aren't compatible with the latest model either, so you'll need to build a fresh library of games or hope developers offer free PS VR2 upgrades. Polyarc just confirmed that it's bringing Moss and Moss: Book II to PS VR2, while Sony's positioning Guerrilla Games' Horizon Call of the Mountain , a Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West VR spin-off, as the flagship launch title.

How to get the Shiny Charm in Pokmon Scarlet and Violet

It's no easy feat to get it, but before you go trying to catch all the shiny Pokmon, here's how you can get the Shiny Charm to make your life a bit easier.

Pokmon Scarlet and Violet gym rematch guide: teams, weaknesses, and more

Want to battle again? Every gym leader is stronger the second time around, so here's how you can best prepare for your rematch in Pokmon Scarlet and Violet.

CASETiFY launches new custom plant-based EcoShock 10th-gen iPad case at up to 25% off

New CASETiFY iPad cases have arrived . CASETiFY has now unleashed its range of cases for Apples latest model 10th-gen iPad featuring some of the new technology we saw introduced in this years iPhone 14 case collection. Its new Ultra Impact Case for the 10th-gen iPad is also available in the multitude of colorways, designs, and patterns that has made the brand one of the most successful in the space for several years now. Head below for a closer look at the new CASETiFY iPad cases. more The post CASETiFY launches new custom plant-based EcoShock 10th-gen iPad case at up to 25% off appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Chevy's first hybrid Corvette leaks ahead of summer 2023 arrival

Chevrolet has inadvertently offered a peek at its first electrified Corvette . Fans on CorvetteBlogger , Corvette Forum and elsewhere discovered that GM briefly made the 2024 Corvette E-Ray hybrid available through Chevy's online visualizer tool. The design mates the wide body of the C8 Z06 with the regular model's exhaust pipes, and introduces minor cosmetic tweaks like new colors (Cacti green, anyone?) and model-specific wheels. The biggest changes, as you might guess, sit inside. Images of the engine bay suggest the E-Ray will use the regular C8 Corvette's LT2 V8 engine. As Jalopnik explains , past reports have suggested this Vette will use an electric motor on the front axle to provide all-wheel drive. It might offer a combined 605HP. The absence of a charging port suggests this is a conventional hybrid rather than a plug-in, although a glimpse of the interior shows a button to control regenerative braking. You'd also see adaptive cruise control in the lineup for the first time. C8 Corvette E-Ray, a new hybrid version with an expected total of 605 combined hp (490 engine, 115 electric) expected to be released in the next few months.. thoughts? pic.twitter.com/8l4Wnxwgq3 Aaron (@aaron_g04xx) December 9, 2022 The slip-up hasn't revealed much about options. A ZER Performance Package will add Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, underside strakes and possibly carbon-ceramic brakes. You'll have your choices of aluminum and carbon fiber wheels, at least. Chevy briefly confirmed the E-Ray's existence to CorvetteBlogger , noting in a statement that the holidays came early and asking enthusiasts to stay tuned. There's no mention of pricing, but the visualizer said the hybrid would arrive in summer 2023. The brand previously said to expect the semi-electric Corvette next year, but didn't narrow the timeframe. This is just the start of Chevy's plans to electrify its iconic sports car. A full Corvette EV is in development, and future hybrids are rumored to include the 800HP ZR1 in 2024 and 1,000HP Zora in 2025. Like it or not, the American status symbol won't be exclusively piston-powered for much longer not that GM has much choice when numerous states plan to ban gas car sales by 2035.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset sees first price drop to new low of $270

Adorama is now offering the latest SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset for $269.99 shipped with an $80 instant coupon applied in the cart. Normally going for $350, this 23% discount marks the first major price drop weve tracked for this headset. Working across multiple platforms such as Xbox and PlayStation, you will have ultimate clarity and sound quality with the Premium High Fidelity Drivers. You can even experience 360 spatial audio with support for Tempest 3D audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound on PC and Xbox. The 4-mic hybrid system used here powers the active noise cancellation system so you can focus on your games. There is Multi-System Connect functionality which allows for two audio streams to be switched between at the press of a button. Be sure to check out our launch coverage and hands-on review to learn more and keep reading below. more The post SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset sees first price drop to new low of $270 appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Fisker offers a peek at its long-range, four-door Ronin convertible EV

Fisker has offered a new look at the upcoming Ronin, which it claims will have the longest range of any production electric vehicle. A render of the four-door convertible has popped up on the company's website . The image shows the Ronin from a front corner view. It has a light strip that wraps around the front. As Autoblog points out, there's no grille, but it appears as though the front bumper has some air intakes. The Ronin has a low profile and large wheels, along with dihedral front doors that are open in the render, but there's no indication as to how the rear doors open just yet. Henrik Fisker, the founder of the automaker, said earlier this year that the Ronin will have a 660-mile range under the WLTP testing standard used in Europe. The EPA range is likely to be lower, but all going to plan, Ronin drivers should be able to travel quite a distance before needing to recharge the EV. As things stand, Fisker plans to show off a near-production-ready Ronin concept in August, with production slated to get underway in 2024. Fisker is said to be keeping the starting price under $200,000. At the other end of the scale, Fisker started taking reservations earlier this year for the five-passenger Pear, which starts at $29,900 before incentives. The company expects to start building that EV in 2024 as well. Last month, Fisker began production of the Ocean SUV. It will ramp up production slowly, but it expects to build approximately 42,400 units next year.

Apple's iPad Air drops to $500, plus the rest of the week's best tech deals

We're in the thick of the holiday season, so we're still seeing good deals on a number of gadgets and tech gear we recommend. Apple's iPad Air , for instance, is down to its second-lowest price to date at $500, while Amazon's Fire HD 8 is down to an all-time low of $55. The Xbox Series S is still $60 off, and a range of Tile Bluetooth trackers and Samsung storage gear are on sale as well. There are plenty more discounts of note beyond that, so here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today. Apple iPad Air Nathan Ingraham / Engadget Apple's iPad Air is on sale for $500, which is the lowest price we've seen outside of a very brief drop to $479 in August. Typically, the 10.9-inch tablet has retailed closer to $550 in recent months. We gave the iPad Air a review score of 90 earlier this year, and we named it the best iPad for most people in a recent buying guide. It's not cheap, but it represents a noticeable upgrade over the entry-level iPad, providing many of the iPad Pro's best features at a lower price. If you want a more affordable model, though, the 10.2-inch iPad is down to $280 and still a more complete package than most tablets around that price. The newer 10th-generation iPad is also on sale for $399; that's a decent option with a more conveniently placed webcam, though compared to the Air it lacks second-gen Apple Pencil support, a laminated display and a faster M1 chip. Buy iPad Air at Amazon - $500 Buy iPad (10th gen) at Amazon - $399 Buy iPad (9th gen) at Amazon - $280 Xbox Wireless Controller Aaron Souppouris / Engadget If you need a spare gamepad for your Xbox or PC, Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S controller is still discounted to $40, extending the deal we saw on Black Friday. While this isn't the lowest price we've ever tracked, it's still roughly $10 lower than its usual street price. Just note that, while comfortable, this controller uses a pair of AA batteries by default, not a rechargeable unit. Buy Xbox Wireless Controller at Microsoft - $40 Buy Xbox Wireless Controller at Target - $40 Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Ubisoft Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is one of the higher-profile Nintendo Switch exclusives of the year, a charming and well-reviewed turn-based strategy game starring Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Ubisoft's cutesy Rabbids mascots. The game only released in late October, but Amazon is holding a one-day sale on Friday that brings it all the way down to $32, which is a $28 discount. If stock runs dry there, note that it's also available for $40 at Walmart. Over on Steam, meanwhile, the seminal puzzle game Portal is down to just $1. And if you're looking for a new tabletop game instead, the classic strategy game Catan is on sale for $25, while the accessible train-themed game Ticket to Ride is available for $24. Neither board game deal is an all-time low, but they both represent the best prices we've seen this year. Buy Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope at Amazon - $32 Samsung storage device sale Samsung Numerous Samsung storage devices are on sale at Amazon, bringing a handful of recommended SSDs and microSD cards down to their lowest prices to date. We recapped this sale earlier this week, but the highlights include the 1TB 980 Pro SSD for $100 and the 128GB Evo Select microSD card for $14. Shop Samsung storage device sale at Amazon $100 Apple Gift Card + $10 Amazon credit Apple If you spend $100 on an Apple gift card at Amazon, you can get a $10 store credit to spend on future purchases at no extra cost. This offer applies to both digital and physical gift cards. If you buy the former, use the code APPLEGC at checkout to redeem the offer. If you use the latter, use the code APPLEPGC instead. Best Buy is running a similar promotion , too, if you'd rather shop there. As a reminder, you can use an Apple gift card for App Store credit, subscription services like Apple Music or iCloud, and/or purchases made at a physical Apple store. Buy $100 Apple Gift Card + $10 bonus credit at Amazon Amazon Echo Show bundles Engadget Amazon is running a couple of notable bundle deals for its Echo Show smart displays. First, a bundle that includes the 5.5-inch Echo Show 5 and a Blink Mini indoor security camera is on sale for $50, which is about $15 less than what those devices would cost individually. (The display alone is still available for $35.) Second, the 8-inch Echo Show 8 is still discounted to an all-time low of $70, and you can grab a Kids version of the Echo Show 5 alongside it for no extra cost. It's also available with a Blink Mini for $85. We gave the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 review scores of 87 and 85 , respectively, last year. The former is a better option for most, as it's generally faster and has a superior camera for video calls, though the latter can be useful if you're looking to use the display as a sort of smart alarm clock. Either way, you'll get the most out of an Echo Show if you already own other Amazon gear and use Alexa often. Buy Echo Show 5 + Blink Mini at Amazon - $50 Buy Echo Show 8 + Echo Show 5 Kids at Amazon - $70 Amazon Fire HD 8 Amazon Amazon's newest Fire HD 8 tablet is back on sale from $55, which matches the all-time low we saw over Black Friday. This is far from a premium device, and you'll have to put up with Amazon promoting its own services all over the OS. Still, it's competent enough at the basics if you merely want a tablet for casual web browsing, e-book reading and video streaming every now and then. For a step up, consider the Fire HD 10 for $90. That's not an all-time low, but it's still a decent price for a device with a bigger display and smoother performance. Buy Fire HD 8 at Amazon - $55 Logitech and Razer gaming mice Will Lipman Photography for Engadget Logitech's G305 Lightspeed is a wireless gaming mouse we've recommended to those on a budget, offering a compact yet comfortable shape, consistent sensor performance and up to 250 hours of battery life through a single AA battery. It's currently on sale for $28.49 at Amazon when you clip an on-page coupon, matching the lowest price we've tracked. Note that the offer only applies to the black model of the mouse, though, not the lilac version pictured above. If you're willing to pay a bit extra for a lighter and faster gaming mouse, Razer's Viper Ultimate is worth a shout, and it's currently on sale for $60 with an RGB charging dock. This is an ambidextrous mouse with shortcut buttons on either side, though its shape is a bit larger and flatter than the G305. On its own, it normally retails around $70; with the dock, it usually costs closer to $85. Buy Logitech G305 Lightspeed at Amazon - $28 Buy Razer Viper Ultimate + charging dock at Amazon - $60 HyperX Cloud Alpha Rozette Rago/Wirecutter HyperX's Cloud Alpha gaming headset is on sale for $55, which isn't an all-time low but still comes in about $15 lower than its usual street price. Though you can find better sounding headphones for the price, the Cloud Alpha's profile is still decently well-balanced, its included boom mic should yield few complaints and its design is both sturdy and comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Buy HyperX Cloud Alpha at Amazon - $55 Buy HyperX Cloud Alpha at HP - $55 Tile tracker sale Tile Amazon is running a sale on various Tile Bluetooth trackers . The offers include the Tile Mate for an all-time low of $18 and the diminutive Tile Sticker down within a dollar of its best-ever price at $19.60. The Tile Pro is back at its all-time low of $25, while a dual-pack that includes a Mate and a wallet-friendly Tile Slim is $10 off its usual street price at $40. To be clear, if you own an iPhone, Apple's AirTags remain a more powerful and precise option for keeping tabs on your wallet, keys or other frequently misplaced items. If you use Android, though, Tile's trackers are generally the best alternative, with the next largest crowd-finding network and a wider range of designs. Just be aware that only the Tile Pro includes a replaceable battery. Shop Tile tracker sale at Amazon Samsung Smart Monitor M8 Samsung Samsung's 32-inch Smart Monitor M8 is down to a new low of $400, beating its average street price over the last few months by roughly $200. The 4K, 60 Hz, VA panel here isn't the most accurate thing you can buy out of the box, but it's solid for this deal price. The M8's main selling point, though, is that it doubles as a small smart TV (albeit without a tuner). It uses Samsung's Tizen interface, allowing it to stream Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video and similar apps even when it's not hooked up to a computer. It comes with a webcam, remote, microphone and built-in speakers, and it can double as a SmartThings hub for compatible smart home gear. You have to actually use this smart TV functionality for the M8 to be worth it, but if so, it's one of the more versatile monitors on the market. Buy Samsung Smart Monitor M8 at Amazon - $400 Buy Samsung Smart Monitor M8 at Samsung - $400 Apple Magic Keyboard Chris Velazco/Engadget If you want to use an iPad Air or 11-inch iPad Pro more like a laptop, Apple's Magic Keyboard case provides a relatively comfortable typing experience, a smooth trackpad, good weight distribution and an extra USB-C port for charging your tablet. We gave it a review score of 84 back in 2020. The main downside is that it's wildly expensive, but right now it's a bit more affordable at $210. That's not an all-time low, but it's still about $75 less than its typical street price over the last few months. If you use a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, meanwhile, the Magic Keyboard for that tablet is on sale for $249 at Walmart, which is within $10 of its all-time low. Buy Apple Magic Keyboard (11-inch) at Amazon - $210 Sony WH-1000XM5 Billy Steele/Engadget We've seen this deal for past few weeks, but Sony's noise-canceling WH-1000XM5 headphones are down to $348, which is a $50 discount and tied for the lowest price we've seen. We gave the XM5 a review score of 95 in May for its comfortable fit, powerful ANC, 30-hour battery life and pleasing (yet customizable) sound. Right now, it's the top pick in our best wireless headphones guide . Buy Sony WH-1000XM5 at Amazon - $348 Apple MacBook Air M2 Devindra Hardawar/Engadget The entry-level version of Apple's M2 MacBook Air is back down to $1,049. We've seen this deal a few times in recent months, but it still matches the lowest price we've seen and beats Apple's MSRP by $150. The latest Air is the top pick in our guide to the best laptops , and we gave it a review score of 96 in July. Note that this configuration has slower storage performance than pricier SKUs, but that shouldn't be a major issue on a day-to-day basis unless you're doing more involved work like editing high-res video and photos. If you need more storage, though, a 512GB model is down to a low of $1,300 at Best Buy. If you want a more affordable entry into macOS, note that the older MacBook Air that runs on Apple's M1 chip is still on sale for $800, matching its all-time low. This model has a more dated design than the M2-based Air, but it remains a fantastic value when it's discounted to this extent. Buy MacBook Air M2 at Amazon - $1,049 Buy MacBook Air M1 at Amazon - $800 Apple MagSafe Charger Chris Velazco/Engadget Apple's MagSafe Charger is on sale for $30, which is within $3 of the best price we've tracked and roughly $7 off its usual street price. There are certainly cheaper wireless chargers, but this one aligns easily with any recent iPhone and can supply up to a 15 W charge, which is a smidge more than non-MagSafe alternatives. You can still use it to charge AirPods and other Qi-compatible devices, too. Buy Apple MagSafe Charger at Amazon - $30 Buy Apple MagSafe Charger at Walmart - $30 LG C2 OLED TV 65-inch LG The 65-inch version of LG's C2 OLED TV is available for $1,442 at eBay from authorized reseller BuyDig. That's a new low, but you have to use the code JOLLY15 at checkout to see the discount. Typically, this TV has gone between $1,700 and $1,800 in recent months. The C2 can't get as bright as a competitor like Samsung's S95B OLED TV , so it's best suited in darker or moderately-lit rooms, but it still provides the deep black levels, high contrast and wide viewing angles you'd expect from a high-end OLED display. Buy LG C2 65-inch at eBay - $1,442 Xbox Series S Aaron Souppouris / Engadget If you're buying for a non-4K TV, the Xbox Series S is worth highlighting at its current sale price of $240. We saw a few gift card deals on Black Friday that effectively dropped the compact console lower, but this is still $60 off Microsoft's MSRP. We gave the Series S a review score of 85 at launch: It's a clear step behind the Xbox Series X (and PS5) in terms of power, it lacks a disc drive, and its 512GB of built-in storage isn't much, but it's still capable of playing all the same games as its pricier sibling. Buy Xbox Series S at Amazon - $240 Meta Quest 2 bundle Devindra Hardawar/Engadget The chief Black Friday deal we saw for Meta's Quest 2 VR headset, which pairs a 128GB model with the popular rhythm game Beat Saber and the classic horror game Resident Evil 4 for $349, is still available at multiple retailers. Normally, the Quest 2 alone retails for $399. It's worth remembering that Meta jacked up the price of the Quest 2 by $100 earlier this year, but this is the best offer we've seen in the time since, and the headset itself remains the best option for most people interested in VR even after the price hike. We gave the device formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2 a review score of 89 back in 2020. Buy Meta Quest 2 bundle at Walmart - $349 Buy Meta Quest 2 bundle at Best Buy - $349 Google Nest Thermostat Google Google's Nest Thermostat is on sale for $90, which is about $25 off its typical street price and within a few dollars of the lowest price we've seen. This is Google's entry-level smart thermostat it doesn't have the nicer dial control or remote sensor support of the Nest Learning Thermostat, but for smaller homes, it offers similar energy-saving and HVAC monitoring features at a lower cost. It'll also support the new Matter smart home standard , something Google hasn't committed to with the Learning Thermostat. Buy Google Nest Thermostat at Amazon - $90 Fitbit Charge 5 Valentina Palladino / Engadget This is another deal we've seen for much of the holiday season, but you can still get Fitbit's Charge 5 for $100, which is within a dollar of the wearable's all-time low and about $20 less than its usual street price. The Charge 5 is the top recommendation in our guide to the best fitness trackers , and we gave it a review score of 82 last year due to its reliable activity tracking, built-in GPS and full-color OLED display. Buy Fitbit Charge 5 at Amazon - $100 Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Lenovo A configuration of Lenovo's IdeaPad Flex 5i with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is on sale for $300. That's $30 more than the all-time low we saw on Black Friday, but still about $70 off this config's typical street price in recent months. This is the top pick in our guide to the best Chromebooks : The specs here are enough to run Chrome OS smoothly, and in general the notebook's backlit keyboard, port variety, bright 1080p touchscreen and eight-hour battery life impress for the price. Buy Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i at Amazon - $300 Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

SanDisks 128GB USB-C flash drive is a great stocking stuffer at $16 (Matching Amazon low)

Amazon is now offering the SanDisk 128GB Ultra Dual Luxe USB-C flash drive for $15.99 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $25. Regularly $20 at Amazon for most of this year, it started to drop slightly in the fall before hitting the same $16 Amazon all-time we are seeing today for Black Friday. Making for a wonderful stocking stuffer just about anyone will get some use out of, this is also one of those nice all-metal models that delivers both USB-C and USB-A connectivity to work alongside modern MacBooks and a plethora of other gear out there with no adapters needed. It provides 128GB of storage space and a keychain-ready design as well. Head below for even more stocking stuffer-worthy flash drive deals. more The post SanDisks 128GB USB-C flash drive is a great stocking stuffer at $16 (Matching Amazon low) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Hurry Best Buy is having a 3-day sale on must-have holiday gifts

Best Buy's three-day sale is offering discounts on various gift ideas, including the Fitbit Sense 2, the Xbox Series S, and the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Sonys regularly $598 HT-G700 3.1-Ch. Soundbar System returns to all-time low of $398 (Save 33%)

Amazon is currently offering the Sony HT-G700 3.1-Channel Soundbar System for $398 shipped. Normally going for $598, this 33% discount, or a solid $200 price drop marks a return to the all-time low price weve tracked. Coming with a soundbar and wireless subwoofer, this 3.1-Channel sound system is the perfect addition to any living room. You will have access to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Vertical Surround Engine to complement this system and have more realistic sounds. eARC is also supported with this soundbar alongside 4K HDR video passthrough to your TV so you get the highest quality of both audio and video. You can also play your own audio through this system with its Bluetooth connection. This sound system doesnt tend to stay down at the all-time low price for long, so be sure to take advantage of this deal before its gone. Head below for more. more The post Sonys regularly $598 HT-G700 3.1-Ch. Soundbar System returns to all-time low of $398 (Save 33%) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Razers ultra-lightweight Viper V2 Pro wireless gaming mouse falls to new all-time low at $111

Amazon is offering the latest Razer Viper V2 Pro HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Mouse for $111.31 shipped. Down from $150, todays deal beats our last mention by $14 to mark a new all-time low that weve tracked at Amazon. Weighing in at just 59g, this ultra-lightweight mouse is perfect for playing your favorite esports titles. This is one of the lightest esports mice ever created according to Razer, but it still packs a punch in the feature department. Theres a Focus Pro 30K optical sensor, gen 3 optical switches, and HyperSpeed wireless connectivity with your PC. The battery will last for up to 80 hours on a single charge, and theres even on-mouse DPI controls so you can toggle between five different stages without needing to use the software. Check out our hands-on review to learn more and then keep reading for additional information. more The post Razers ultra-lightweight Viper V2 Pro wireless gaming mouse falls to new all-time low at $111 appeared first on 9to5Toys .

The best trailers from The Game Awards 2022: Judas, Death Stranding 2, and more

Judas, Death Stranding 2, Armored Core VI: Fire of Rubicon, and more stand out as having the best trailers at The Game Awards 2022.

Caudabe launches new holiday sale with 15% off sitewide or 25% off iPhone 14 case bundles

Caudabe is one of those Apple gear accessory makers that lands in our best of list every year , but its gear doesnt go on sale all that often. While we did see some holiday offers throughout 2022 and a Black Friday sale, it has now launched a holiday event to give folks one last shot at landing some of its products at a discount. Youll find its entire range of iPhone 14 cases on tap here as well as its 2022 model AirTag cases and wall chargers eligible for the sale with a new 15% off sitewide promo code, but the deals get even deeper when you start to bundle. Head below for the details. more The post Caudabe launches new holiday sale with 15% off sitewide or 25% off iPhone 14 case bundles appeared first on 9to5Toys .

9to5Toys Daily: December 9, 2022 Save on iPhone 13 Pro/Max, iPhone 14 cases, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts , Google Play , or through our dedicated RSS feed .New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available. Amazon discounts in-house refurb iPhone 13 Pro/Max starting at $746 (Save $253+) Apples official iPhone 14 series cases see rare discounts starting at $37.50 (Reg. $49+) Apples Smart Keyboard Folio complements its latest 10.2-inch iPad at $80 (Reg. $159) more The post 9to5Toys Daily: December 9, 2022 Save on iPhone 13 Pro/Max, iPhone 14 cases, more appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Smartphone Accessories: UGREEN AceCube 30W USB-C Charger $15 (25% off), more

UGREENs official Amazon storefront is offering itsAceCube 30W USB-C Charger for$14.99 once you clip the on-page coupon. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25.Normally $20 at Amazon, todays deal saves 25% and comes within $1 of our last mention from back in September. With this adapter, youre able to ditch older, lower-powered bricks for this 30W model which has the ability to charge the M2 MacBook Pro/Air at full speed, as well as your iPhone 14 Pro Max, Pixel 7 Pro, or any other device that utilizes USB-C. The wall prongs fold into the unit so that way you can easily store it away in a purse, laptop bag, or even pocket. More smartphone accessories: Apples official iPhone 14 series cases see rare discounts starting at $37.50 (Reg. $49+) AINOPE CD Slot Smartphone Car Mount: $17 (Reg. $20) | Amazon Apple Watch SE 2 lands at new all-time low of $210 ahead of the holidays (Reg. $249) TORRAS iPhone 14 Plus Case: $20 (Reg. $24) | Amazon Bose Portable Smart Speaker delivers AirPlay 2 at new 2022 low of $320 (Reg. $399) 2-pack Aioneus MFi USB-C to Lightning Cables: $7 (Reg. $13) | Amazon iOtties Made for Google iON Wireless Duo 15W charger falls to $35 (All-time low, Reg. $50) HiTune T3 ANC True Wireless Earbuds: $26 (Reg. $36) | Amazon OtterBoxs iPhone 14 power bank with MagSafe passthrough charging hits $35 (Reg. $70) Deals still live from yesterday: Google Pixel Buds A-Series return to all-time low of $64 for only second time (Reg. $99) AINOPE 2-pack USB-C Cables:$6(Reg. $12)| Amazon w/ code 50CCH3WD Tim Cook really wants you to buy Apples MagSafe chargers, now on sale from $30 UGREEN 7.5W MagSafe 2-in-1 Charging Stand:$39(Reg. $46)| Amazon Apples Find My Leather MagSafe Wallet delivers before the holidays at $45 Black Friday price 2-pack TALK WORKS MFi Lightning Cables:$12.50(Reg. $18)| Amazon Oontz Angle 3 Pro Bluetooth speaker delivers IPX7 waterproofing at new low of $41 (42% off) Amazon Basics 20W USB-C/A Car Charger:$12.50(Reg. $17)| Amazon Save on nearly all of Apples official iPhone 13 series cases from $25 at Amazon (Reg. $49+) JBL speakers now start from $25 for the holidays : Partybox $50 off, Go 3 40% off, more Spigens new 3-card vegan leather MagSafe wallet sees first price drop to $24 today more The post Smartphone Accessories: UGREEN AceCube 30W USB-C Charger $15 (25% off), more appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Amazon discounts in-house refurb iPhone 13 Pro/Max starting at $746 (Save $253+)

Amazon is now discounting Apples previous-generation unlocked iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max smartphones in Premium Renewed condition. Headlining is the iPhone 13 Pro starting at $746 shipped for the 128GB capacity. Originally fetching $999, youre looking at the lowest weve seen from a trusted brand at $253 off. Amazon has been selling refurbished models down at $899 as of late, beating those clearance prices by an extra $153 to mark a new all-time low, as well. All five colors are available, as well as elevated storage capacities with up to $437 in savings . The iPhone 13 series arrives as Apples now previous-generation smartphones powered by the A15 Bionic chip, with the 13 Pro marking as one of the most capable in the lineup. Alongside notably improved battery life, theres also that same squared-off design as last time around to pair with the Super Retina XDR display in one of four sizes and a smaller notch. Theres also an upgraded camera experience with its newer Cinematic mode and improved sensors, too. Dive into our coverage over at 9to5Mac for a closer look and then head below for a breakdown on the pricing. more The post Amazon discounts in-house refurb iPhone 13 Pro/Max starting at $746 (Save $253+) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Why Cameron Monaghan wanted a darker Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor star Cameron Monaghan told us what to expect from the sequels darker version of Cal Kestis.

The North Face takes up to 40% off ThermoBall collection, more from $15

The North Face takes up to 40% off its ThermoBall collection . Prices are as marked. Plus, save up to 50% off all sale items as well with new discounts just added with deals from $15. Customers receive free delivery on all orders. One of our top picks from this sale is the ThermoBall Eco Jacket 2.0 thats currently marked down to $138 and originally priced at $230. This waterproof jacket is highly packable, waterproof, and a great option for layering during cool weather. This is one of The North Faces best-selling styles and its available in multiple color options. Be sure to head below to find the rest of our top picks or you can shop the entire sale here . more The post The North Face takes up to 40% off ThermoBall collection, more from $15 appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Monopoly Star Wars, Marvel, and more from $5 in Amazons latest board game sale (Up to 58% off)

As part of its Epic Holiday deals, Amazon is now offering up to 58% off a range classic family board games with deals starting from just $5. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25. Whether youre looking to shore up your game night collection, something for friends and family to gather around over the holidays, or some easy gifts, theres wide selection of popular discounted options on tap right now. Alongside the Monopoly Deal Card Game, youll also find themed versions of the world-famous real estate tycoon game with official crossovers featuring Star Wars, Friends, Marvel, and other Disney IP. Thats all on top of classics like Clue, Sorry!, Battleship, and more. Head below for a closer look. more The post Monopoly Star Wars, Marvel, and more from $5 in Amazons latest board game sale (Up to 58% off) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

What we bought: Why I still use a $15 pair of wired Panasonic earbuds every day

My best headphones arent always the best headphones for every situation. When Im settling in to work for a few hours, then yeah, Ill grab my old Oppo PM-3s or trusty Koss KSC75s to make streaming music more of a pleasure. When Ive got a long plane or train ride ahead of me, Ill bring the AirPods Max to block out the world more comfortably. (I own too many headphones, to be clear.) But not every instance calls for something nice or, in the KSC75s case, fragile and I dont want to run the gear Ive paid good money for into the ground when I can avoid it. Thats when I turn to Panasonic's ErgoFit earphones (or, RP-PCM125 ErgoFit, to use their proper name.) This is a basic, $15 pair of earphones thats been around for the better part of a decade but continues to provide an unobtrusive fit, sturdy design and agreeable-enough sound. Put another way, theyre my preferred set of beater headphones. Even if you don't know that term, you can probably guess what it means. These are the headphones you use when putting on your good pair is more trouble than its worth. When you need to make a quick run to the store but only have a few minutes left in your podcast, you bring the beaters and finish it up. When you see an amusing video online but you arent sure if itll be appropriate to blare over your speakers, you use the beaters to be safe. If, like me, you need to listen to something in bed before drifting to sleep, the beaters are the headphones that wont get in the way but will survive your tossing and turning if you pass out with them still on. And if they dont, who cares? Theyre just your beaters. There are a million different headphones that could make for good beaters, but when most people talk about them, they think of in-ear headphones that are cheap and durable. You can toss them in a bag or (larger) pocket and know theyre likely to survive. You never have to be delicate or deliberate with them the way you would with a good set of over-ears. You dont want to accidentally step on them or leave them on the train, but it wont ruin your day if you do, because buying a new pair won't bite a hole in your paycheck. They dont sound as nice as your good headphones, but when you cant sit and listen for a long stretch or truly savor a recordings details, theyre there, and they work. Jeff Dunn/Engadget The ErgoFit earphones fit this description more or less exactly. Everyone takes to in-ear headphones differently, but the ErgoFits earpieces are small and noticeably lightweight, with soft silicone ear tips that, for me, dont grate over time. Panasonic includes three different sizes of tips in the box, and with the right fit they seal a decent if not amazing amount of noise. (Voices are still likely to get through if theyre loud enough, though.) They come in a variety of colors, if that matters to you. And while theres a bit of cable noise when they rustle against your chest which can be irritating Ive never had to worry about them coming loose, either. Unlike many earphones in this price range, theres also an in-line remote and mic for pausing tracks and taking calls. The quality of that mic isnt anything better than usable, but that its even there is a plus at this price. (If you dont need a mic, Panasonic sells a variant without one for $10.) These are simple wired earphones made at a time when 3.5mm jacks were still common, so you need a dongle to use them with most phones and tablets today. That is annoying, but for beater purposes, Ill take the trade-off of not worrying about battery life (and degradation) or having to take a beat to ensure everything's paired first. When my AirPods died on an eight-hour flight to Europe earlier this year, the ErgoFit slotted right in as backup. Most importantly, theyve lasted. Ive carried these earphones on my person constantly over the past four-ish years and straight up fallen asleep on them more times than I can count, but in that span Ive only had to outright replace them once due to a frayed wire. The plastic-heavy design looks and feels cheap, but its been enough to survive. These things are still old and $15, so I cant say they sound fantastic. You wont hear the sort of detail or treble sparkle that you can get from better-sounding earphones in the $30 to $50 range, and the sound profile might be a bit too boosted in the mid- and upper-bass range for some. This isnt a Koss KSC75 deal where the ErgoFit outperforms earphones five times their price. Still, what's here isn't bad. The low-end is emphasized but not overly boomy, and higher-frequency sounds arent piercing. The profile misses finer details, but it's usually smooth. With less intricate hip-hop and rock tracks, its fine. For $15 beater earphones, its good. Really, any cheap set of headphones you like could work as good set of beaters. The general sound quality of inexpensive earphones has risen over the years, with sub-$40 pairs like the Moondrop Chu and BLON BL-03 earning praise from reviewers as of late. But if you occasionally find yourself not wanting to put your good headphones at risk, the ErgoFit earphones have given me peace of mind as a competent, comfortable, and hard-to-kill backup plan. They're anything but modern, but their utility is timeless.

Score a FREE $50 Amazon credit with 2022 model Hisense 4K Fire TVs from $300 ($180 off)

Amazon is now offering the 2022 model Hisense 58-inch ULED U6 Series Quantum Dot LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV for $469.99 shipped. Plus, you can use code AB9ME9JX3SY4 at checkout to receive a FREE $50 Amazon credit when it ships towards future purchases you might even be able to score the credit ahead of Christmas if you order soon. Regularly $600 and currently sitting at the same price we tracked over Black Friday, this is up to $180 in savings and the lowest total we can find. Youll also find the same $50 credit offer available on the $299.99 shipped 50-inch model as well. These Quantum Dot color displays feature the Fire TV ecosystem for direct access to your streaming services as well as a range of other apps alongside Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+, HDMI 2.1 input, and Alexa voice command action. From there, youll find a metal stand, bezel-less design, Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi, and USB ports. Head below for more details. more The post Score a FREE $50 Amazon credit with 2022 model Hisense 4K Fire TVs from $300 ($180 off) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Bose Portable Smart Speaker delivers AirPlay 2 at new 2022 low of $320 (Reg. $399)

Amazon is now offering theBose Portable Smart AirPlay 2 Speaker for$319.99 shippedin both colorways.While you would more typically pay $399, todays offer is marking a new 2022 low at $79 off. This is also well below our previous $349 mention from earlier in the fall. The model with bundled charging cradle isalso $79 off , as well. Centered around a 360-degree internal audio array, the Bose Portable Speaker packs a portable design that can be carried around indoors or out onto the patio as the weather warms up. It packs 12-hour battery life to complement all of the built-in smart features like AirPlay 2 and Alexa, as well as an IPX4 water-resistance rating for some extra versatility. You can learn more in our announcement coverage , as well. more The post Bose Portable Smart Speaker delivers AirPlay 2 at new 2022 low of $320 (Reg. $399) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Another round of leaked M2 Max benchmarks still doesnt tell us much

After the first leaked CPU benchmark scores for the M2 Max processor arrived last week, another set of scores is making the rounds today and theyrefine. Entirely reasonable, in fact. If you were to look at the performance jump from the M1 to the M2, and apply that same relative to the M1 Max, youd be in the ballpark. First posted by @VNchocoTaco on Twitter , the alleged Geekbench 5 scores for a Mac14,6 product (such naming is common with unreleased hardware) are 1,853 for single-core and 13,855 for multi-core. The newer scores are a bit better, with a single-core score of 2,027 and a multi-core score of 14,888. That compares to scores of about 1,746 and 12,154, respectively, for a MacBook Pro with the M1 Max in the Geekbench 5 database . The rumored Geekbench 5 scores of the M2 Max dont seem far out of line. Geekbench In other words, the M2 Max looks to be about 10-15 percent faster in single-core and 15-20 percent faster in multi-core CPU performance. The gap between the M1 and M2 is similar..generally around 8-9 percent for single-core and 16-18 percent for multi-core, depending on which particular M1-based product youre looking at. Early scores like these are often not quite up to the speed of the final product, as Apple continues to tweak firmware, drivers, and cooling to deliver the best performance. For example, the newer benchmarks show a chip with a clock speed of 3.68 GHz versus 3.54 GHz for the first numbers, which could account for the difference. The newer benchmarks may be from a Mac Studio while the previous set was from a MacBook Pro, or they could be different versions of the chip in testing. The benchmark results show 96GB of RAM, a 50 percent increase over the 64GB maximum amount of RAM available with the M1 Max. Again, not a crazy number, especially if Apple aims to provide more memory bandwidth by moving to a wider memory bus (the M1 Max already uses LPDDR5). If theres a surprise here, its the claimed 12-processor cores. The M1 and M2 have the same arrangement of 8 processor cores (four high-performance and four high-efficiency). The M1 Max has 10 cores (eight high-performance and two high-efficiency), and we would expect the M2 Max to have the same arrangement. Apple increased the core count on the M1 but only on the graphics side. The CPU still has the same eight cores (four high-performance, four high-efficiency). So two extra CPU cores would represent a change. But a move to 12 means either two additional high-performance cores, or more likely, hanging on to four high-efficiency cores. The multi-core score of under 14,000 is a little bit disappointing if there are two additional cores, but then again, its not uncommon for early leaked benchmarks to come in lower than final, fully optimized products. The M2 Max processor will likely debut in the 14-inch MacBook Pro IDG A lot more to come Even if this is accurate, it doesnt tell us all that much about the M2 Max. After all, the processor gains were the least interesting thing about the M2. It was the boost in GPU performance, bandwidth, and video processing was a bigger deal. We dont know what Apple intends to do in those areas with the M2 Pro, Max, and Ultra, or if it has any surprises in store like a big boost to the Neural Engine. And of course, this Geekbench score says nothing about power efficiency and battery life, which are critical areas for Apples future Macbook Pro laptops. In fact, a rumor this week has suggested that those are two key areas for improvement. So while we think this leaked benchmark is possibly true, and a reasonable guess if not, wed remind you that its an incomplete picture of what to expect from the M2 Max and the products in which it will be found. Mac

Microsofts latest Surface Pro 9 with 120Hz display sees first discount to $1,899 ($201 off)

Amazon is offering the latest Surface Pro 9 i7/16GB/1TB Tablet for $1,899 shipped. This $201 discount marks the first real discount that weve seen on the Surface Pro 9 and consequentially is a new all-time low that weve tracked. Delivering a 13-inch 120Hz PixelSense touchscreen, youll find the Surface Pro 9 is great for handling your on-the-go work tasks. Theres a built-in kickstand so you can adjust the angle and the display spans nearly edge-to-edge. On top of that, theres Surface Slim Pen storage and charging built right into the optional keyboard to keep things always at the ready. For ports, Microsoft has finally joined the ranks of Thunderbolt 4-connected devices, meaning you can hook up eGPUs, docks, and more to the Surface Pro 9. Check out our announcement coverage to learn more and then head below for additional deals. more The post Microsofts latest Surface Pro 9 with 120Hz display sees first discount to $1,899 ($201 off) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Todays best Mac and iOS app deals: ATOM RPG, Tiny Tanks!, Interloper, NanoStudio 2, more

We have almost made it through another work week now so its time to detail Fridays best deals on Mac and iOS apps. Just be sure to score this Amazon promotion on Apple gift cards while you still can and then dive into the rare discounts we spotted this morning on Apples official iPhone 14 series cases . As for todays software offers, highlight titles include Tiny Tanks!, Smart Closet, ATOM RPG, Threema, Interloper, NanoStudio 2, and more. Head below for a complete look at todays best Mac and iOS app deals. more The post Todays best Mac and iOS app deals: ATOM RPG, Tiny Tanks!, Interloper, NanoStudio 2, more appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Count down to the holidays with LEGOs 2022 Advent Calendars: Day 9

A tradition of the holiday season here around 9to5Toys ; each December we dive in to see what the latest LEGO Advent Calendars have in store. And for 2022, theresso muchto be excited about. With 24 days of different creations on tap, well be taking a day-by-day look to highlight all of the miniature creations, minifigures, and other builds in the countdown to the end of the month. This year, were taking a look at whats included with the latest LEGO Star Wars and Marvel kits. So whether yourefollowing alongat homeor just checking out the builds to get in on the festivities, be sure to head below the fold to see how the 2022 Star Wars and Marvel LEGO Advent Calendars stack up. more The post Count down to the holidays with LEGOs 2022 Advent Calendars: Day 9 appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Buy a $100 Apple gift card and score a FREE $10 Amazon credit ahead of the holidays

Amazon today is offering a rare chance to save on Apple Gift Cards with a new promotion to add some extra credit into your holiday shopping routine. Right now, you can score a $100 gift card with an extra $10 Amazon credit with free email delivery when you apply code APPLEGC at checkout. Those who want a physical card to stuff a stocking with can lock-in the same promotion with code APPLEPGC . This is marking the second-best value weve seen this year and comes within $5 of our previous Target mention from over the Thanksgiving Week celebration. Deals on Apple gift cards have been hard to come by these days, so this promotion is a great option for locking in a discounted Apple Music subscription or knocking the price down on any other steaming service. Not to mention, being able to save on apps, games, and much more, or just spreading some holiday cheer come the end of the month. Head below for additional details. more The post Buy a $100 Apple gift card and score a FREE $10 Amazon credit ahead of the holidays appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Googles latest Nest Thermostat battles cold temps with Assistant at $90 (Save $40), more

Amazon is now offering the Google Nest Thermostat for $89.99 shipped in several styles. Down from the usual $130 price tag, todays $40 discount is delivering a match of the holiday pricing from last month. This is one of the lowest prices of the year and best in several months. Arriving as the latest in-house option for bringing voice control and scheduling to the climate control system, Google Nest Thermostat arrives with a refreshed form-factor thats centered around a frosted glass aesthetic with LED display. Ideal for keeping things comfortable without lifting a finger this winter, you can leverage Assistant to fight back against the cold with voice controlled or even automated heating. Get a closer look in our hands-on review and then head below for more. more The post Googles latest Nest Thermostat battles cold temps with Assistant at $90 (Save $40), more appeared first on 9to5Toys .

adidas Friends and Family Sale is back! Save up to 70% off sitewide: UltraBoosts, more

The adidas Friends and Family Event takes up to 70% off sitewide with code DECEMBER at checkout. adiClub Members ( free to sign-up ) receive complimentary delivery. During this sale you can easily update your running shoes, sneakers, apparel, accessories, and more. One of our top picks from this sale is the UltraBoost 1.0 DNA Running Shoes for men. These shoes are regularly priced at $190, and theyre currently marked down to $91 . This style is lightweight, cushioned, flexible, and great for everyday wear. You can also choose from an array of fun color options and it contains at least 50% recycled content throughout. Get your holiday shopping complete by heading below and be sure to check out our fashion guide for even more deals today. more The post adidas Friends and Family Sale is back! Save up to 70% off sitewide: UltraBoosts, more appeared first on 9to5Toys .

The Evercade EXP handheld brings key improvements but it's still a curious concept

When we tried the original Evercade handheld , it was a fun-but-curious concept. Old games on a new handheld with cartridges ? Nostalgia squared, basically. Whether you thought it was a good idea or not, there are now almost 40 collections available totalling hundreds of games. Theres also the VS home-console for playing against friends on the big screen. Now, theres the Evercade EXP ($130/150), a revamped handheld that improves on the original in some key ways. Evercades wacky idea, then, seems to be working. In a curious turn of events, and potential further proof of its popularity, it seems a literal truck-load of EXP consoles have been stolen . Blaze, the company behind Evercade, has stated that it's working to restart production to replace the missing handhelds, so if you preordered one, you might want to check the company website for more information. The EXP brings with it an improved, 800480 display - more than double the resolution of the original (480x272). Games look much sharper this time around, though its still 4.3-inches diagonally which feels a little undersized for really any type of handheld device in 2022. Though there literally is more actual power with a new 1.5Ghz processor and a larger battery thats good for about five hours of play. James Trew / Engadget The new all-white design gives the EXP a bit more of a grown up vibe than the original which looked a little toyish. The D-pad is particularly eye-catching, as its a large disc and almost looks like it protrudes from the casing a little too much. In use its fine, but something a little smaller and lower profile might add to the quality feel. The buttons, for example, are nice and clicky and are just the right height. Its a slightly mixed combo but functional though moves in fighting games can be a little tricky to pull off sometimes. One of the main perks with the EXP are the built-in games from Capcom. The console also comes with the Irem Arcade 1 collection which features six games (including R-Type ) but the real fun is among those Capcom classics such as Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting , Mega Man , Ghouls and Ghosts and Breath of Fire (among others). These are some solid titles that mean there are 24 games available to play right out of the box. If thats not enough for day one, theres also a way to expand this number even further to 29 thanks to a large banner on the home screen titled HIDDEN GAMES (its in all caps yep). This is a carry over from the VS that introduced a Secret menu option which, despite the name, is not hidden, its right there in the main menu and its literally called Secret. Here, you can enter some codes and unlock even more games. No spoilers here, but a bit of googling around might turn up some clues. Unfortunately, even though you can connect the EXP to a TV over HDMI and theres a USB-C port on the bottom, you cant connect a controller not even a VS controller to enjoy two player mode on the built-in games. This is a real shame with Street Fighter II sitting right there, begging to be played as nature intended. Blaze told Engadget that its something being explored but theres nothing immediate to share. Games on the VS console can all be played in 2-player mode, but the license with Capcom only really allowed the company to include the games on the EXP itself, not as cartridges. James Trew / Engadget The final main update on the EXP over the original is the inclusion of Tate mode. Many of those early arcade games were played in portrait, rather than landscape mode and the EXP has a pair of extra buttons beside the D-pad so you can flip the console 90-degrees and play these titles vertically just like back when quarters were required. Some of the included Capcom titles, such as 1942 and Commando , use this mode, as do many on the bundled Irem Arcade cartridge. Its nice to see these games with the option to play them in the right orientation and will be of particular appeal to fans of vertical scrolling shooters (of which there are plenty on the Evercade platform). Finally, the EXP sports a newer user interface than the original. In fact, its borrowed almost directly from the VS console. The original handheld was updated to bring a similar-looking interface, but its a little lacking compared to that on the VS and EXP. Its simple and easy to navigate but also has some useful added data in each games menu where you can see the how often and for how long youve played a game among other information. You can also set a coin limit here for truly re-creating that 90s arcade experience where you only had seven quarters and had to use them wisely. James Trew / Engadget Most of all, the EXP maintains the same authenticity and nods to the retro era that made the original and the VS more fun. Things like secret games and things to unlock were a mainstay of that era, so combined with the nostalgia of cartridges it all goes a long way to making the Evercade platform something beyond just another way to play old titles. Theres even a game of the month program that offers the chance to play forthcoming releases for a limited time free of charge. Its not all about vintage games, though. Evercade already has an indie collection of modern retro games, including the very recommendable Game Boy game Deadeus . Theres a second collection on the way, too. Old classics are one thing, but there are many ways to play them. Evercade provides a nice, legal option and one that compensates the rights owners appropriately, but its also well positioned to become a destination for modern retro and lighter indie titles. There are a lot of options for retro games, whether thats other handhelds, things like Nintendos virtual console/Switch online or the semi-recent trend of mini consoles. Evercades approach is unique but obviously requires a bit of a collectors itch or a penchant for the lesser-known gems for it to really make sense. One things for sure, theres already a community gathering around the platform and for them and the like, the EXP elevates the handheld experience nicely.

WWE 2K23: release date, trailers, gameplay, and more

We've gone ahead and taken all of the sources we could find, put them into submission, and squeezed out all the information there is to know about WWE 2K23.

Todays best game deals: Mario Sparks of Hope, Celeste, Tony Hawk, Hades, more

Holiday game deals continue with notable price drops on Nintendo Switch titles as well as a host of Xbox and PlayStation releases. Today only, as part of its Epic Holiday deals, Amazon is now offering the best price ever on the new Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope at $31.98 shipped . Regularly $60, this is 47% off the going rate and the lowest price we have tracked on the new release. Not only are you looking at a 2022 Game Awards winner check out the new Super Mario Bros. movie trailer that debuted during last nights show as well, but we also adored the experience in our hands-on review where we said it invigorates turn-based tacticswith open-world action . All-new boss battles, nine playable characters to add to your party, and a series of new wrinkles to the gameplay experience all highlight the games brand new story as players attempt to rescue the uncanny Sparks throughout the galaxy. Everything you need to know about it is right here . Head below for more. more The post Todays best game deals: Mario Sparks of Hope, Celeste, Tony Hawk, Hades, more appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Apples Smart Keyboard Folio complements its latest 10.2-inch iPad at $80 (Reg. $159)

If you just locked in the Black Friday discount on Apples latest 10.2-inch iPad , Amazon is now marking down a must-have companion accessory. The officialApple Smart Keyboard for 10.2-inch iPadis now on sale for the lowest price we have ever seenat $79.99 shipped . Normally fetching $159, todays offer stacks up to nearly 50% in savings and is well below our previous $114 mention from earlier in the fall. This is also $17 under the previously-set all-time low. Arriving with a folio style design, Apples in-houseSmart Keyboardturns its latest 10.2-inch iPad (as well as some other devices noted below) into more of a workstation thanks to the physical typing experience. Pairing to your tablet via Apples Smart Connector, theres no need to fuss with Bluetooth or recharging the accessory, either. Get a better idea of what to expect from our hands-on review of the iPad Pro version . Then head below for more. more The post Apples Smart Keyboard Folio complements its latest 10.2-inch iPad at $80 (Reg. $159) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Engadget Podcast: LensaAI selfies and ChatGPT dominated our socials this week

This week, many of us saw our social media feeds taken over by colorful, surreal pictures of people we follow, except they dont quite look like themselves. The images were generated by Lensa AI, and its the latest in what feels like a now-annual trend to use a new app to create mockups of your face in various scenarios. Alongside Lensa, some folks also saw blocks of text from another AI generator, ChatGPT. So on this episode of the podcast, Devindra and Cherlynn chat the appeal, implications and possible future of these types of AI, before being joined by Engadget editor-at-large James Trew for a check in on the state of action cameras. Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News ! Subscribe! iTunes Spotify Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Podcasts Topics Lensa AI magic avatars and ChatGPT 1:27 Whats the state of the GoPro-style action camera in 2022? 23:47 iPhone users can now share digital car keys with Pixel owners 43:02 iOS 16.2 includes time limits on AirDrop receiving 47:44 Carl Pei said Nothing wants to come to the US 53:40 Working on 1:08:02 Picks 1:10:51 Livestream Credits Hosts: Cherlynn Low and Devindra Hardawar Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien Livestream producers: Julio Barrientos Graphic artists: Luke Brooks and Brian Oh

Ninja Foodi Power Blender mixes dough and whips shakes at 2022 low of $90 (Reg. $150)

Amazon is now offering the Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender and Processor for $89.99 shipped. Regularly $150, this is 46% or $60 off the going rate matching the lowest Amazon price we have tracked all year, and the best we can find. Youre looking at an all-in-one blending and mixing solution it provides traditional blending action as well as doubling as both a food processor and dough mixer in a single unit. There are six auto IQ presets for one-touch smoothies, frozen drinks, bowls, spreads, chopping, and dough but also features variable speed controls for a more manual touch that supports its 1400-watt motor, and a dishwasher-safe 72-ounce pitcher. In other words it can handle most of your baking and protein shake needs as well as being a nice option for iced cocktails and the like next summer. More details below. more The post Ninja Foodi Power Blender mixes dough and whips shakes at 2022 low of $90 (Reg. $150) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

iOtties Made for Google iON Wireless Duo 15W charger falls to $35 (All-time low, Reg. $50)

Amazon currently offers theiOttie iON Wireless Duo 15W Qi Charging Stand for$34.95 shipped. Marking a return to the all-time low from the usual $50 price tag for the first time since the summer, this is $2 under our previous mention from Black Friday. Weve only seen it sell for this price three times in the past, too. iOtties latest charging stand arrives for Pixel 7/Pro owners thanks to its Made for Google certified design that can refuel two devices at once. Its main 15W upright Qi charging section can power up your smartphone in both portrait and landscape orientations, and a secondary 5W charger makes for a convenient way to top off Pixel buds and other earbuds. You can also get more insight on the whole experience in our hands-on review . more The post iOtties Made for Google iON Wireless Duo 15W charger falls to $35 (All-time low, Reg. $50) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Gift the indoor AeroGarden Sprout as pricing falls below Black Friday at $50, more up to $160 off

Amazon has launched a new AeroGarden sale to give folks what might be the last chance at landing one of the popular indoor gardens at a solid discount before the holidays. One particular stand out offer here has the AeroGarden Sprout at $49.99 shipped . Regularly $80 at Amazon, this deal undercuts the best offer we tracked during the Black Friday festivities to deliver one of the best prices we have tracked since release. The Sprout is the most compact model in the lineup, but can still grow three plants at the same time up to 10-inches tall for folks looking for a more affordable and casual indoor growing setup. Outside of that, youre looking at the same near effortless, soil-free process with the grow lights included, water notifications, and a three pod seed included (Genovese basil, curly parsley, and dill). Head below for more Amazon holiday AeroGarden deals. more The post Gift the indoor AeroGarden Sprout as pricing falls below Black Friday at $50, more up to $160 off appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Square Enix's 'Forspoken' demo is now available on PlayStation Network

You can now play Square Enix's action RPG Forspoken after several launch delays as a demo, that is. The developer and publisher has released a demo for the PS5 game on the PlayStation Store at this years Game Awards, where it also announced that Final Fantasy XVI will be available for Sony's current-gen console on June 22nd, 2023. Forspoken was originally supposed to be released in May, but it got pushed back to October 11th and then again to January 24th next year. It looks like Square Enix truly is gearing up for the game's release this time, now that we're just a bit over a month before its latest launch schedule. The game puts you in control of Frey Holland, a woman from New York City who's transported to another world called Athia, where she gains magical abilities. There, she must find her way home while battling monsters and the Tantas, who were once enevolent matriarchs [that] now rule the lands as evil and maddened sorceresses. Square Enix says the demo will give you a deeper look at the devastating effects of the Break, which is the powerful force responsible for corrupting everything it touches, the Tantas included. Forspoken will also be available on PC via Steam, Epic Games and the Microsoft Store, but the demo only seems to be available for the PS5. If you don't have access to the console, you can also watch the game's new trailer below:

DJI's Mini 3 drone is cheaper, but more limited than the Pro model it's based on

You'd think that after launching a ton of products in 2022, DJI would be finished for the year. However, that isn't quite the case, as it just announced the DJI Mini 3 drone aimed at the consumer market. It's a stripped down version of the Mini 3 Pro , with no forward or rear obstacle detection, no ActiveTrack and video that's limited to 4K 30p. Those compromises are reflected in the price, meaning you'll pay $469 for just the drone compared to $669 for the Mini 3 Pro. The company believes the Mini 3 Pro is ideal for first time users, in scenarios like suburban outings, holiday travel, and urban shooting/exploration with family and friends. In that sense, it's more a spiritual successor to the DJI Mini 2 than a Mini 3 Pro-lite. That said, it's nearly identical to the Mini 3 Pro, apart from the front sensors being removed and replaced with grills and smooth plastic where the rear sensors would be located on the Pro. The Mini 3 weighs less than 249 grams so it doesn't require a special permit to fly in many countries. It has the same Type 1/1.3 (9.6 x 7.2 mm) f/1.7 sensor as the Mini 3 Pro, so you can film in 4K HDR and take 12-megapixel photos. However, video is limited to 4K 30p, rather than 4K 60p on the more expensive model. It also offers rue vertical video and photo shooting, with the camera flips 90 degrees to allow for high quality social media content. DJI has ensured 2.7K and full HD captures max out at 60fps, so there's no 120fps as found on the Mini 3 Pro. You can shoot HDR at up to 30fps, and it has dual native ISO for decent low-light performance in a relatively small sensor. The Intelligent Flight Batteries provide long flight times, delivering up to 38 minutes with the standard and 51 minutes with the extended batteries (the latter are available in North America but not in Europe and other regions). Those times are under ideal conditions; you'll more likely see around 30-32 minutes. Still, that's excellent for this category and provides a cushion for beginners who may let the drone fly a bit too far away. Despite the small size it has obust power, DJI says, which helps it handle reasonably stiff winds as well. As with the Mini 3 Pro, you can get the Mini 3 with DJI's RC controller for an extra $230. That option is well worth it, because it's far more convenient than using a smartphone with the regular RC-N1 controller. It has a similar layout to DJI's other controllers, with the addition of photo and video triggers that automatically switch between those respective modes. The RC controller joysticks can be stowed underneath the controller chassis for travel and while the screen struggles a bit in bright sunlight, it is otherwise sharp and clear. Steve Dent/Engadget The Mini 3 has a key feature for social media users, namely DJI's QuickShots. That lets you take short and cute videos without the need to pilot, as the drone does all the work. Some of those include Dronie (starting tight on the subject and flying up and away to reveal the background) and Circle, where the camera moves around the subject. However, it lacks many of the AI features found on the Mini 3 Pro like ActiveTrack (following a subject), Timelapse and Mastershots. The fact that it can track a subject with QuickShots suggests that its capable of ActiveTrack, but that the functionality may simply be disabled. It has other intelligent functions to help beginners. Those include Auto Takeoff, Return to Home (RTH) including Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH and Failsafe RTH, instructing the aircraft to return to its starting point if the battery is low or signal drops. That brings us to one big issue with this drone. It does feature a downward vision system and infrared sensing for stable hovering, which is a big help for novice users. However, it lacks forward and rear obstacle detection sensors. That means a user can fly it directly into a tree or building more easily, and as it doesn't have DJI Avata-like propeller protection, you could end up with a broken drone. Even if you're careful, using the RTH function could be risky as the drone could automatically fly itself into an object when trying to navigate home. You'll also want to make sure the area is clear when doing a Dronie or other Quickshots maneuver. I received the Mini 3 from DJI, but it was a bit too late to do a video (we'll release a full review soon). However, my drone pilot friend and I had a day to test it, and we found it just as stable and easy to fly as the Mini 3 Pro. The footage quality looks sharp and clear with accurate colors, and I didn't really miss the 4K 60p, as I don't often use that mode anyway. We were acutely aware of the lack of obstacle sensors, though. We didn't dare wander too far away from base, as a loss of signal could be disastrous particularly in Europe where laws restrict the transmission distance significantly compared to the US. The lack of sensors also limit what you can shoot, as it would be foolhardy to get it too close to obstacles or fly in tight spaces. Steve Dent/Engadget Lastly, I'm wondering about the Mini 3's pricing. If you don't already have a DJI drone, you'll need to pay $559 with the RC-N1 controller, compared to $759 for the Mini 3 Pro. The Fly More Combo (two extra batteries, RC-N1 controller, three-battery charger) costs $718, compared to $948 for the Mini 3 Pro. The Fly More Combo with the RC controller is $858, while the same kit for the Pro model is $1,098. If you're just having fun or starting out and only need a battery, drone and controller, $559 might be a bit steep for many folks. For just a minor stepdown in capability, the Mini 2 is just $449 in the same configuration, for instance. And, if you want a more serious kit with more batteries and possibly the RC controller, it would make sense to cough up $240 more to get the Pro. That said, the Mini 3 Pro is perpetually out of stock, so this one will probably sell like hotcakes regardless of my misgivings. So far it looks like an easy-to-fly drone that takes better video than anything else in this price range just keep it it well away from obstacles.

Best VPN Deals Find a cheap VPN for your Mac, iPhone or iPad

VPN services can give you online privacy, unblock regional content on streaming services like Netflix, and allow you access websites or streaming services that arent available in your region. They are an essential tool if you have a MacBook and connect to open Wi-Fi networks in cafes, hotels, airports and other places. We can help you find the cheapest VPN to suit your needs. Choosing which VPN service to subscribe to can be difficult and this is compounded by the fact that there are so many offers and discounts. Thats where we come in. All of the services youll find below are ones wed use ourselves and we do on a daily basis. All these deals save a significant amount compared to paying for each of these services on a rolling monthly subscription. VPN providers tend to offer year-round discounts. One of the best discounts is 90% off Ivacy. Its for a five-year subscription, but for an up-front payment of $60/52 ($1/80p month) thats one of the cheapest deals weve seen. Another deal to take a look at is for FastestVPNs Lifetime plan which with 95% off makes it an absolute bargain as you pay once and have access to the VPN for life. Its $20 (approx 15). Read How to use a VPN on a Mac for more information, and if you still arent sure why you need a VPN read: Should I use a VPN on my Mac/iPhone? Best VPNs for Mac Youll find these services in our round up of the best VPNs for Mac , and there are more deals available currently from all the major VPN providers, which youll find below along with expert buying advice. Here are our top recommendations for Mac VPNs: Best all-rounder: Surfshark (has 84% off a two year subscription) Most features: NordVPN (64% off NordVPN with free anti-malware protection) Most premium: ExpressVPN (has 49% off a one year subscription and 3 free months additional free) Most countries: PureVPN (has 89% off a five year subscription) Most servers: Private Internet Access (has 86% off a two year subscription and four months free) Most VPNs cost less than $5/5 per month, with some less than $3/3. There are even some free VPNs, but these are usually very limited and could be collecting data about you. Best VPN for Mac, iPad & iPhone deals Now read on to find the best deals right now. Just note that many of these discounts are taken from the normal monthly price, but you still have to pay up front for the subscription. Thats why we list both the full and monthly price. Also note that the usual monthly price will kick in a year or so after you start your subscription. Top 10 VPN Deals FastestVPN Lifetime plan 1 From: FastestVPN Was: $600 Now: $20 (95% off) View Deal Unlike most VPN deals which are subscriptions for a set number of years, FastestVPNs is for a lifetime subscription. We asked the company exactly what that meant and were told we will never terminate their accounts. And for just $20 around 15 thats unbeatable. Plus, youll get a years cloud storage thrown in 2TB with Internxt and a password manager. FastestVPN isnt the best VPN service around, and its not the fastest either. It has far fewer locations and servers than most. When we tested it , speeds were good over IKEv2, but terrible over OpenVPN, which is what you need to use to unblock services such Netflix and Disney+ in the US. Ivacy five-year VPN subscription 2 From: Ivacy Was: $597 / 517.20 Now: $60 / 52.08 (90% off) View Deal Ivacys deal is one of the best around, knocking a whopping 90% off the usual monthly price. Its a five-year subscription that works out at $1 per month, or 80p if youre in the UK. The up-front payment of $60 / 52.08 is a real bargain, as thats what most VPN services charge for two years, or even one year. Ivacy offers a great service which supports P2P downloads, unblocks streaming services (including Netflix and Disney+) and, like any VPN service, gives you security when using public Wi-Fi and privacy when browsing the web. You can use it on up to 10 devices at the same time, but even if you use it only on one or two, its still one the cheapest VPN deals around. PureVPN two-year subscription 3 From: PureVPN Was: $657 ($10.95/mo) Now: $74.95 ($1.24/mo) (89% off) View Deal PureVPNs deal is for a five-year subscription that will cost you $74.95 (around 62). Thats $1.24 per month, which is a great price. As with all the deals here (and with all VPN subscriptions longer than a month), you pay for the full subscription up front not per month. Surfshark two-year subscription 4 From: Surfshark Was: $310.80 / 324 Now: $53.28 / 52.76 (84% off) View Deal Surfshark is offering 84% off its usual monthly price if you opt for its two-year subscription. Its a good deal overall, even if the two free months arent actually free at all. The UK price above includes VAT, which is why its higher than the price youll initially see on Surfsharks website. Buyers in the US will also have to pay local taxes. However, Surfshark is a top VPN service, which doesnt put a limit on the number of devices you can connect to the service at the same time. Just note that it doesnt unblock BBC iPlayer. Private Internet Access two-year subscription 5 From: Private Internet Access Was: $454.10 / 389.61 Now: $56.94 / 43.94 (81% off) View Deal Private Internet Access is offering four free months on top of its two-year subscription. The monthly price shown on PIAs site counts those extra free months not as free but as paid, though your subscription will last for 28 months instead of 24. Its just a cheeky way of making the monthly price look cheaper than it really is. But its a good deal overall for this trusted service: its one of few VPN services that have made the source code for its apps public so it can be scrutinised.Read our full PIA review for more details. CyberGhost two-year subscription 6 From: CyberGhost Was: $337.74 / 313.63 Now: $56.94 / 49.92 (84% off) View Deal CyberGhost is a great VPN service and is currently offering a two-year subscription with four months free at the end . As with its rivals here, it uses those extra months in its calculations to make the monthly price seem cheaper. Look past this, and its a good deal for a good VPN service. Also beware: the renewal price remains the same , but only lasts for a year, making it more than twice as expensive, so be sure to cancel before it renews. CyberGhost is great for unblocking streaming services, so if thats what you want a VPN for, it should be a tempting deal. The UK price is also more competitive for Black Friday. Youll find CyberGhost in our roundup of the best VPN services . NordVPN two-year subscription 7 From: NordVPN Was: $223.83 / 177.93 Now: $99.63 / 100.12 (inc VAT) (55% off) View Deal NordVPNs deal gets you two years and three months access to this top VPN service. It is by no means the cheapest (its still cheaper than ExpressVPN though!) but because it is one of the best all-round VPN services out there, its arguably worth paying more for. However, if youre happy to compromise on features and speeds, you can get a similar length subscription from several other VPN services here for less than half the price NordVPN charges. Thats why NordVPNs deal features fairly low down our list. The reason Nord VPNs discount appears lower than its rivals is not because its more expensive, but because it bases its discount off the renewal price, not the one-month subscription price. Hidden24 two-year subscription 8 From: Hidden24 Was: $72/119.76 Now: $59.88/78.96 (20% / 44% off) View Deal Hidden24 is a VPN service with a difference: it doesnt require an app. It will suit anyone wanting a VPN for absolute privacy as it logs precisely nothing. Your device will need to support a VPN connection natively, but Windows, Android, iOS and macOS all do. Hidden24 is also a great option if you dont want to sign up for a long time: its around half the cost of its rivals if you just need a VPN for a month. Express VPN one-year subscription (3 months free) 9 From: ExpressVPN Was: $194.20/148.18 ($12.95/9.88 a month) Now: $99.95/76.27 ($8.33/6.35 a month for 12 months) (49% off) View Deal Get 49% off ExpressVPN, which is one of our favourite VPNs . When you click through to the deal, the monthly cost you see is the average cost when spread over 15 months. But if you consider the final three months to be free (as per the offer), the actual monthly cost for the first 12 months is the price you see above. Like others here which play a similar trick, its a sneaky way of making the price look lower, but as youll see in our review , this is still a great VPN service. How to find the best VPN deal for Mac VPN subscriptions typically work out cheaper if you commit for a year or longer, which saves a lot of money. Prices rarely exceed $6/6 per month with multi-year subscriptions and are often closer to $2/2 or even less. Many major VPN providers offer discounts through the year, and sometimes even offer permanent discounts. These discounts can look impressive at first. Its not uncommon to see a countdown timer telling you when the deal ends but these are almost always to induce FOMO the fear of missing out in order to persuade you to sign up immediately. Large discounts are par for the course with VPN services, especially when youre subscribing for several years. This makes it all the more important to look into the various providers and what each has to offer, before jumping into a long-term commitment. All VPNs weve tested offer cross-device coverage too, so you can use them on your Mac, iPhone, iPad and more. Weve separately rounded up the best iPhone VPNs and iPad VPNs . Anti Malware, Personal Software

WD_BLACK officially-licensed 1TB PS5 heatsink SSD returns to Amazon low at $130

Amazon is now offering the officially-licensed WD_BLACK 1TB SN850 NVMe Solid-State Drive for PlayStation 5 at $129.99 shipped. Regularly $180 at Amazon and now listed at $158 directly from WD , this is matching both our previous mention and the best price we have tracked at Amazon. The 2TB variant is also marked down to $229.99 shipped, which is matching the all-time low outside of brief 1-day offer back in October. There are plenty of other PS5-compatible models out there, but this one is specifically licensed for Sonys current-generation home gaming consoles. It allows folks to both store and play titles directly from its internal storage capacity while clocking in at up to 7,000MB/s. The recommended built-in heatsink is in place here and included with your purchase alongside the compatible M.2 form-factor, both of which are joined by a PlayStation-themed blue LED. Head below for a closer look at the rest of this weeks best internal SSD deals. more The post WD_BLACK officially-licensed 1TB PS5 heatsink SSD returns to Amazon low at $130 appeared first on 9to5Toys .

New all-time low lands on Samsungs refreshed Galaxy Tab S6 Lite at $215 (Reg. $350)

Amazon is now offering the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Wi-Fi 64GB Android Tablet for $214.99 shipped . Typically fetcing $350, youre looking at a new all-time low with $135 in savings attached. This is $15 below our previous Black Friday mention, as well, and still one of the first chances to save. Not to be confused with the original model that launched back in 2020, this new iteration from Samsung was just updated with some new tricks up its sleeve. Everything is packed into largely the same form-factor as before, with the metal housing surrounding the 10.4-inch touchscreen display. The biggest change however for the Galaxy Tab S6 enters in the form of the new Snapdragon 720G processor that powers the experience. Shipping with Android 12 out of the box, other features like the included S Pen make this a more mid-range solution to Samsungs higher-end offerings. Head below for more. more The post New all-time low lands on Samsungs refreshed Galaxy Tab S6 Lite at $215 (Reg. $350) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

The Morning After: All the big news from The Game Awards, including Hades II and more sequels

The Game Awards gave us a busy night for gaming news. First up, Idris Elba will star in Cyberpunk 2077 s first big DLC. Phantom Liberty is a spy thriller introducing a new character, FIA agent Solomon Reed, played by Elba. The DLC also includes new missions and a new district in Night City, all of it culminating in an impossible mission of espionage and survival, according to developer CD Projekt RED. I wonder if hell bump into Keanu Reeves character. CD Projekt Red A Hades sequel might be the biggest reveal. While the game looks similar to the Supergiant hit, you can expect a new female protagonist, Melino, training with the witch goddess Hecate, and generally slaying beasts in the underworld. We also got release dates for Final Fantasy XVI (June 22nd), Street Fighter 6 (June 2nd) and Diablo IV (June 6th). In short, June 2023 is shaping up to be a busy month in gaming. Hideo Kojima was also ready to reveal his next project, Death Stranding 2 yes, another sequel. Both Norman Reedus and La Seydoux will reappear in the game, headed for PS5. Kojima added that his studio is also working on a second, completely new project with an experimental edge. So, not a sequel? Weve pulled together all the other big gaming headlines right here . But which game won? FromSoftwares Elden Ring , of course. It beat games like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West , Stray and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 to claim Game Of The Year. Mat Smith The Morning After isnt just a newsletter its also a daily podcast. Get our daily audio briefings, Monday through Friday, by subscribing right here . The biggest stories you might have missed Samsung Odyssey Ark monitor review: When bigger isn't always better Reddit's reveals r/AmItheAsshole was its most popular subreddit in 2022 Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Oracle will share the Pentagon's $9 billion cloud contract Twitter is reportedly raising Blue subscription's pricing on iOS to $11 'Season: A letter to the future' is a solo cycling adventure coming to PC and PlayStation January 31st McLaren Artura first drive: A hybrid supercar that adds EV torque to the mix iPhone AirDrop restriction first seen in China will roll out worldwide with iOS 16.2 Elon Musk says Twitter is developing a feature that shows if you've been shadowbanned IKEA's latest Sonos Symfonisk speaker is a $260 floor lamp Its the most expensive member of the Symfonisk lineup. IKEA IKEA and Sonos floor lamp collaboration, at $260, is the most expensive speaker in the Symfonisk lineup. Current models range from $120 for a bookshelf speaker (with less than stellar audio) to $250 for musical wall art. And your investment in the floor lamp could creep even higher if you want something other than the included bamboo shade. Itll launch in January 2023. Continue reading. Google merges its Maps and Waze teams But it says apps will remain separate. Google is planning to merge its Waze and Maps divisions, The Wall Street Journal has reported. The move aims at reducing duplicated work across the products, but Google said it will still keep the Waze and Maps apps separate. Waze and Maps have been sharing features ever since Google acquired Waze for $1.1 billion back in 2013. Google remains deeply committed to Wazes unique brand, its beloved app and its thriving community of volunteers and users, a spokesperson told the WSJ . Waze CEO Neha Parikh will leave her role after a transition period, but there will reportedly be no layoffs. Continue reading. Google says it's making Chrome less of a battery and memory hog Two new modes should help lighten the load on your desktop or laptop. With a new Memory Saver mode, Google says Chrome will reduce its memory usage by up to 30 percent on desktop. The mode frees up memory from open tabs you aren't using. Google says this will help to give you a smoother experience on active tabs. Chrome will reload inactive tabs when you switch back to them. The company has also revealed a Battery Saver mode, which Google says can kick in when you're using the browser and your device's battery level drops to 20 percent. Chrome will limit background activity, including tabs with videos and animations. Google says all users will have access to them in the coming weeks, and it's rolling out the build already. Continue reading. EU sets December 2024 deadline for USB-C wired charging on new phones Expect to see a USB-C iPhone by 2025 at the latest. The European Union has set a firm deadline for manufacturers to adopt USB-C charging for most electronic devices sold in the region. New phones, tablets, headphones, portable speakers and many other types of devices will need to adopt the standard for wired charging as of December 28th, 2024. Laptop makers will need to switch to USB-C by April 2026. Continue reading.

The best mobile games of 2022: 6 must-download titles from a shockingly great year

2022 was the best years for non-intrusive, engaging mobile games in a long time. These are the best mobile games of 2022.

Apples official iPhone 14 series cases see rare discounts starting at $37.50 (Reg. $49+)

After seeing Amazon clear out the previous-generation iPhone 13 covers , the retailer today is back to end the work week by marking down many of Apples new official iPhone 14 cases . Delivering all-time lows across the lineup, these accessories are now finally discounted for only the second time after launching back in September with free shipping across the board. Everything in the sale starts from $37.50 , and delivers discounts on all three styles of covers for Apples latest handsets all at 25% off. Spanning everything from a few premium leather models to the colorful silicone models in various styles and even clear covers, these are all detailed down below or just up for grabs on this page for the entire lot . more The post Apples official iPhone 14 series cases see rare discounts starting at $37.50 (Reg. $49+) appeared first on 9to5Toys .

Why does Apples latest music feature have such high system requirements?

Apple Music has a new feature called Sing that sounds pretty great. An expansion of the time-synced lyrics feature available in Apple Music, it animates lyrics so you can sing along with precision and lets you adjust the vocal level of the song with a slider depending on how confident you are in your singing. Its a very slick feature but not everyone will get to use it due to surprisingly high-end system requirements. Other than being an Apple Music subscriber, youll need a device from the last few years. Here are the devices that support the new feature: iPhone iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone SE (3rd generation and later) iPad iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5thgeneration and later) iPad Pro 11-inch (3rdgeneration and later) iPad Air (4thgeneration and later) iPad (9thgeneration and later) iPad mini (6thgeneration and later) Apple TV Apple TV 4K (2022) Based on that list, the Apple TV 4K from 2021, iPad Pro from 2020, and iPad Air from 2019 arent supported. Nor are any Macs. Based on the list, it appears the feature requires an A13 Bionic processor or newer and at least 4GB of RAM and the third-gen neural engine. That eliminates the 2nd-gen iPhone SE, which had an A13 processor but only 3GB of RAM. The Apple TV 4K that launched in 2021 only has an A12 chip. The strict requirements also seem to be related to the neural engine. Apple introduced the neural engine with the A11 chip with a dual-core design and the ability to process 600 billion operations per second. The A12 was a huge improvement with 8 cores and 5 trillion operations per second, while the A13 brought a third-gen engine with six times faster matrix multiplication that was 20 percent faster and consumed 15 percent less power than the A12 Bionic despite having the same 8-core design. To adjust the vocals in real time, Apple Music Sing likely requires some heavy lifting by the neural engine and requires the newer third-gen model. The feature will arrive as part of the iOS 16.2 and tvOS 16.2 updates that will likely hit devices next week. iPad, iPhone

The best video game narratives of 2022: 7 stories were still thinking about

If you value strong storytelling in video games, 2022 offered up some fantastic narratives. Here are 7 of our favorites.

5 reasons why youll want to update to iOS 16.2 right away

On Wednesday, December 7, Apple released the iOS 16.2 release candidate to beta testers. That means, unless something goes horribly wrong, iOS 16.2 will land on everyones phone next weeklikely on December 12 or 13. As soon as you see it available for your iPhone (go to Settings > General > Software Update ), youre going to want to hit that Download and Install button right away. In fact, youll want to update all your Apple devices to next weeks OS updates, including your Macs, Apple TV, and so on. This is a pretty big update, with a handful of major features you dont want to sleep on. End-to-end encryption for all your iCloud stuff Earlier this week, Apple introduced a few new security features in iOS 16.2 , with the most important being is the ability to end-to-end encrypt almost all your iCloud data. Naturally, Apple has to re-name everything, so it calls this feature Advanced Data Protection. Its not enabled by default but we recommend turning it on immediately. Open the Settings app, tap on your Apple ID at the top, then select iCloud. Scroll down the page until you see Advanced Data Protection and tap on that to get started. Youll have to jump through some hoops to get it all set up, whichis probably why its not enabled by default. For starters, all your Apple devices need to be updated to the latest OS (iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13.1). Then youll need to create some sort of way to recover your account access if you lose your device or passcode since Apple will no longer have the encryption keys to your datathat can be a trusted contact or a recovery key. Foundry Why go through all this trouble? Simply put, it takes the keys to your data out of Apples hands and puts them back in yours. Currently, Apple encrypts some data on your device with a key that you have but they dontsuch as Health, Passwords and Keychain, Payment info, and Apple Card transactions. But many important categories, including backups, are encrypted in transit and on Apples servers, using a key that Apple controls. That means if a hacker were to get into their servers, it could get at your data. If a government agency wants that data from Apple, it could decrypt it and give it to them. Advanced Data Protection adds end-to-end encryption (your keys on your devices only) to iCloud backups, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Voice Memos, Safari Bookmarks, and more. In fact, the only cloud data that is not encrypted with your own keys will be iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendars. Its worth taking the time to set it up! Free karaoke with Apple Music Sing If youre an Apple Music subscriber, youre getting a free karaoke upgrade in iOS 16.2. The feature is called Apple Music Sing , and all you have to do is open the song lyrics on any song, just as you used to, and look for a little microphone icon. If you see that, youll be able to adjust the level of the vocalsall the way down to instrumental if youd likeand follow along with the real-time lyrics just like with a real karaoke machine. Lyrics views are updated as well, with better animation to help you follow along. Not every song with lyrics supports Apple Music Sing, but a lot of them do, and the number will grow over time. Its powered by machine learning rather than playing back a separate track without vocals, so many updaters wont get itits limited to iPhone 11 and later, the newest Apple TV 4K, and iPads from the last couple of years. Apple Theres a whole new Home foundation You wont see this feature, but if you use any smart home stuff you will probably feel it. With iOS 16.2, Apple has rewritten the underlying architecture of the Home app and HomeKit to be faster and more reliable. If youve been frustrated by long delays in turning on or off lights, or automations that dont process on time, you might find this is just the fix youve been looking for. You may need to kick off the update yourselfand its a good idea to make sure everyone in your home and all your devices such as HomePods and Apple TVs are updated first. Open the Home app, tap the () button in the upper right, then choose Home Settings. Scroll down and select Software Update. You may see a banner at the top of the screen that says Home Upgrade Availablethats where you begin. Foundry Theres more cool stuff for your lock screen The customizable lock screen is one of iOS 16s best features. With iOS 16.2, you get a couple of useful new widgets to choose from: medications to remind you when to take your next dose, and sleep to help you see how much rest youre getting (when tracked with an Apple Watch or other accessory). If you have an iPhone 14 Pro, youre getting a huge change to the always-on display: the option to hide the wallpaper and/or notifications. Those will come in very handy, as they make it easier to tell when your phone is in its rest state, and easier to read. Follow live sports with Live Activities Live Activities are rich notifications that update themselves in real-time. So instead of getting a new notification every time the status of your food delivery updates or the score of the baseball game changes, you see a single widget-like notification that keeps you up to date. Those with an iPhone 14 Pro also get a new experience with the Dynamic Island, so they can keep tabs on something while using other apps. Sports fans have been waiting to follow their favorite teams using Live Activities since iOS 16 was released in September, and the feature finally arrives with iOS 16.2. Open the TV app, then tap the Watch Now tab, scroll down to the Sports row, then tap Live Sports . Scroll to the bottom, then tap Follow Your Teams . Pick your favorite teams there and youll see info about them automatically in News along with Live Activities score updates for the games they play. Foundry Other odds and ends Of course, there are a ton of other little things in iOS 16.2 that you may appreciate. In addition to the ever-present security updates, youve got improved search in Messages (you can find images by searching the content), the Freeform shared whiteboarding app, and relevant News articles in the Weather app. Plus Game Center finally gets SharePlay for multiplayer games and a new home screen widget to show your friends activity. iOS

Riot Games sues Chinese tech giant NetEase for making a 'copy' of Valorant

Riot Games has sued Chinese tech giant NetEase, calling its mobile game Hyper Front a copy of substantial parts of Valorant , Law360 has reported. On top of matching the format, NetEase also replicated parts of its character designs, game maps, weapon designs and more, Riot claims. It brought the case to the high court of England and Wales, but is also launching complaints in Germany, Brazil and Singapore, according to Polygon . Like Valorant , Hyper Front is a free-to-play first-person shooter that pits teams of five against each other in different modes. In its claim, Riot noted that Hyper Front began development shortly after it revealed an early of Valorant dubbed Project A in October of 2019. NetEase, meanwhile, showed off a beta version of Hyper Front under the code name Project M. The release of Hyper Front in Singapore and other countries prompted complaints from users that it was essentially a copy of Valorant . That led to NetEase making modifications to the games, but the level of infringement goes beyond that, Riot said. The modified version of Hyper Front is currently available on Android and iOS stores, boasting more than one million downloads and 48,000+ reviews on Google Play. NetEase is currently involved in a dispute with Korea's PUBG corp. over two NetEase mobile games. Earlier this year, two California judges said NetEase faced an uphill battle in challenging a settlement agreement with PUBG. Meanwhile, Riot Games recently settled a class-action gender discrimination lawsuit for $100 million.

SpaceX's first civilian lunar mission will take BIGBANG'S T.O.P and DJ Steve Aoki to the Moon

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has picked his companions for SpaceX's first all-civilian mission to the Moon over a year after he put out a call for potential private astronauts. He chose eight crew members and two backups from various backgrounds to be part of the mission called dearMoon, and while application was open to everyone, some of the names will likely stand out when you review the list. One of the people flying with Maezawa on SpaceX's Starship spacecraft is Choi Seung Hyun, better known as T.O.P. from the Korean boy band BIGBANG. DJ Steve Aoki is also part of the crew, as well as Tim Dodd, who's known for creating space-themed content as a photographer and host of YouTube channel Everyday Astronaut . The other crew members include Rhiannon Adam, a photographic artist from Ireland who now works in London and the US, and Yemi A.D., a designer, director, choreographer and non-profit org founder from the Czech Republic. Brendan Hall, a filmmaker who directed projects for National Geographic , Karim Iliya, a filmmaker who documents whales, birds and other threatened species, and Dev D. Joshi, an actor from India, round up the main crew list. Meanwhile, snowboarding Olympic gold medalist Kaitlyn Farrington and Japanese dancer Miyu were named as backup crew. Maezawa said the project received about a million applications from interested individuals around the world who went through a strict selection process. The inclusion of musicians and other creatives doesn't come as a surprise, since the billionaire originally intended to bring artists with him on the trip in hopes that it would inspire them to create something that promotes world peace. He didn't say why he chose T.O.P. specifically, but the rapper did don a spacesuit for one of BIGBANG's music videos. The dearMoon project was launched in 2018 after Maezawa purchased all the seats for a six-day trip to the Moon from SpaceX. It will fly a single circumlunar trajectory around Earth's faithful companion and is expected to take place sometime next year, though the actual date depends on Starship's development. To prepare for the dearMoon mission, Maezawa flew to the ISS last year and spent 12 days on the flying lab shooting videos about life in space.

How to export video from a HomeKit Secure Video camera

HomeKit Secure Video lets you use cameras that build in software designed by Apple to talk securely with a HomeKit hub and transfer video to iCloud storage. This video is protected by strong encryption using keys stored on your devices: it cant be decrypted by Apple or other parties, only viewed from one of your devices. iCloud+ stores an unlimited number of clips for the last 10 days. After that, the video is permanently deleted. While you cant download an archive of a day or a rolling 10 days, you can export clips that you can save in your Photos library or share with others. After selecting a clip, find the Next button (upper right) to proceed, then select how to export or save the clip. The process is not designed well, relying on small cues. Heres how to export video: In the Home app in iOS, iPadOS, or macOS (10.15.1 Catalina or later), select your camera and either use the slider at the bottom or the date navigation at the top to find the clip you want to export. Tap or click the Share icon. (To see the Share icon, you may have to tap on an iPhone or iPad or hover over the Home app in macOS.) In the upper-right corner of the Home app, a small Next button appears. Its particularly tiny on a Macs display. Tap or click it. Choose a destination, such as Save Video (iOS/iPadOS) or Save to Photos (macOS). You can also send to Messages, Notes, or other apps. Select additional clips, tapping or clicking Next to save them. Tap or click Cancel to finish. Ask Mac 911 Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com , including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we dont reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice. Mac

Customize your layout with half off this handy Mac manager

Were all pretty used to the default home screen for our Mac. Power up and youve got all those apps and icons lined up waiting for a click. At first, it may have been comforting to see every single tool at your disposal all at a single glance , but then they start to accumulate. And as your screen starts to fill up, it begins to look more and more like what it is: A mess. Theres really no other term for it when you have to sift through icons you barely ever use. Thats why if you want to clean house, there might be no better helper than Spaces Pro especially now that its on sale for more than half off the original price. Spaces is a desktop manager that lets you sweep all those icons off to the side, organizing them into spaces where you can find the things you want more rapidly. And it doesnt only do this for your app icons. With Spaces, you can sort your favorite websites and system settings into categories. You can even insert deep links that prompt spaces to open when you launch a specific app. Do you want to separate your work apps from the ones you use for gaming or media? Theres no limit to the different workspace types you can set up. Want to see how Spaces Pro can change the way you work and play? Right now, a lifetime license to the service is available for $9 , a discount of 52% off the MSRP. Spaces Pro for Mac: Lifetime License $9 See Deal Prices subject to change. Utilities

Elden Ring developers next game is Armored Core VI

During The Game Awards 2022, Elden Ring developer FromSoftware announced Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon.

FromSoftware's next game is 'Armored Core VI', arriving in 2023

Although The Game Awards didn't bring news of a major Elden Ring expansion, there was another juicy announcement for FromSoftware fans. The revered studio is bringing back the Armored Core series after a decade of dormancy. Best of all, you won't have to wait too long to get your hands on Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon . It's coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Steam in 2023. From and publisher Bandai Namco announced the game with a trailer that shows mechs emerging from the embers of an apocalyptic event. The clip doesn't offer a ton of story details, but it doesn't have to. The footage is gorgeously detailed and richly rendered enough that the plot can easily take a back seat for now. What we do know is that you'll be able to assemble your own mech and freely explore the environment, seemingly with slow, steady movements. According to the Japanese version of the trailer's YouTube description, you'll be able to utilize more dynamic movements, fire weapons and engage in close combat when you battle enemies. This will be the first mainline Armored Core game since 2012's Armored Core V (a standalone expansion followed in 2013). After the mammoth success of Elden Ring , From has set its standards extremely high. But if any studio can clear that bar, it's probably this one.

Idris Elba is coming to 'Cyberpunk 2077' in 2023

The first major bit of DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 unless you count a buttload of patches is due out in 2023 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Phantom Liberty is a spy thriller, and it introduces a new character, FIA agent Solomon Reed, who's played by Idris Elba. The DLC also includes new missions and a new district in Night City, all of it culminating in an impossible mission of espionage and survival, according to developer CD Projekt Red. Phantom Liberty will be the first batch of paid DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, though there's no word on exactly how much it will cost. Introducing Idris Elba as Solomon Reed, an FIA Agent for the NUSA. Team up and take on an impossible mission of espionage & survival in #PhantomLiberty , a spy-thriller expansion for #Cyberpunk2077 set in an all new district of Night City. Coming 2023 to PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S. pic.twitter.com/jjTuv5PDXA Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) December 9, 2022 Cyberpunk 2077 came out in December 2020 and was immediately lambasted as a glitchy, unpolished mess by many players and reviewers. CD Projekt Red released a series of fixes for the game and, over time, it's stabilized and players have found the fun that was hiding there all along . Elba joins fellow mainstream actor Keanu Reeves in the Cyberpunk universe, and this won't be the last we'll hear of the franchise. There's a fabulous Netflix anime based on the game and CD Projekt Red is already building a full-on sequel, codenamed Orion.

'Final Fantasy XVI' arrives on PlayStation 5 June 22nd

The next Final Fantasy game has a more tangible release date. Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XVI will come to PS5 on June 22nd, 2023. You'll have to be patient if you plan to play the action RPG on anything else the company warns that the game won't come to other platforms until December 31st. A new trailer accompanying the news offers only brief glimpses of gameplay, but does highlight the plot and the thread of vengeance running throughout. Humans (the Dominant) are waking up massive monsters, the Eikons, but it's safe to say there will be serious consequences. The flames of vengeance burn bright and beckon with ambitious hunger. Awaken the Eikons, but will you dominate them or will they dominate you? Final Fantasy XVI launches June 22nd, 2023. Head to our blog to check out more information: https://t.co/WnGN7cmzgU #FF16 #PS5 pic.twitter.com/xHOGfK20WG Square Enix (@SquareEnix) December 9, 2022 The game is the first in the core Final Fantasy series since XV from 2016, and has had a long, winding development history. It was unveiled in September 2020, but Square Enix revealed in December 2021 that the pandemic had pushed it back by half a year and clearly, it wasn't close to being ready at that point. The developers said they had a mountain of challenges in polishing the game at the time, and it's now clear they weren't joking.

'Crash Team Rumble' expands the Bandicootverse into team-based fruit collection

A new Crash Bandicoot online multiplayer game is on the way. The 4v4 team-based Crash Team Rumble launches on PS5 and PS4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. The game, which supports cross-platform play, will arrive in 2023. In the game, you team up with three other players to bank fruits into your drop-off zone while trying to defend the opposing teams goal. You can play in various arenas and choose from heroes like Crash and Tawna Bandicoot or villains Doctor Neo Cortex and Dingodile (among others). Each character has a distinct power, personality and playstyle. Activision owns the Crash Bandicoot IP after producer Universal Interactive became Vivendi Games before merging with Activision in 2007. Toys for Bob is developing the new multiplayer game after its work on the well-received Crash Bandicoot 4: Its About Time . Original developer Naughty Dog hasnt been involved with the series since its PlayStation-exclusive days in the late 1990s.

'Horizon Burning Shores' will take Aloy to a volcanic Los Angeles on April 19th

Just like its predecessor, Horizon Forbidden West is getting an expansion. As revealed at The Game Awards , the Burning Shores DLC will arrive on April 19th. The DLC will pick up from where the sprawling story of Forbidden West left off. It will see Aloy travel to what was once Los Angeles, a region that's now home to a volcanic archipelago. She'll be able to explore the area by water or on the back of a Sunwing, a flying mount. Guerrilla Games says you can expect to encounter new characters and adventures. Ultimately, Aloy will have to battle an enormous machine and use all of her skills and abilities to take it down. Unfortunately for fans who haven't been able to get their hands on a PS5, Burning Shores won't be coming to PS4. To achieve this grand vision technically and creatively, weve made the difficult decision to focus all our efforts on making an incredible experience exclusively for the PlayStation 5 console, Guerrilla said. The studio plans to reveal more details about the DLC in the coming months. Guerilla has at least one other Horizon project in the works. It will release Horizon Call of the Mountain as a PS VR2 launch title in February.

'Diablo IV' arrives June 6th, 2023

After more than a decade, the next desktop Diablo game is close at hand. Blizzard has confirmed that Diablo IV will be available on June 6th, 2023. That's not completely surprising when the public beta is due early next year, but it's worth noting if you've been looking forward to the click-fest action RPG for years. Diablo IV promises to be a revival of a franchise that some say went awry with the third game. You can expect the usual round of new classes and some familiar game mechanics (such as D2 's skill trees), but the open world title now has more tactical depth, more experimentation and, crucially, a narrative that has a proper chance to unfold. The new story centers around fighting the banished Lilith, Daughter of Hatred, as she returns to Sanctuary. All Hell breaks loose 6.6.23. Pre-purchase #DiabloIV and get Open Beta Early Access. https://t.co/iY1v4BhxGx pic.twitter.com/i7PbD0obSe Diablo (@Diablo) December 9, 2022 And yes, Blizzard has promised that there won't be pay-to-win microtransactions . You'll only pay for cosmetics and season passes that help you earn those visual upgrades faster. If you hated the D3 auction house, you'll be glad to know it isn't here. Equipment upgrades will come through gameplay, not spending real money.

Amazon Games will bring Bandai Namcos Blue Protocol to the west

At the Game Awards, Amazon Games announced it will be publishing Bandai Namcos forthcoming free-to-play online RPG, Blue Protocol in the west. A new teaser trailer offer views of the game's beautiful cel-shaded world, multiple character classes and weapons. It's an action RPG, with the ability to play both solo and cooperatively. Youll apparently be able to participate in raids with up to 30 other players. While the game will be coming to PC, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, Blue Protocol is designed to be played on controllers, with aim-assist support for people not using a mouse and keyboard. In fact, each class will have different sliders to adjust controls for smoother playstyles. Talking of style, youll apparently be able to customize your character deeply, across hairstyles, clothing accessories and even mounts yes youll have your own fantasy steed a little like Pokemon Legends Arceus . Youll be able to pick from five classes at launch. The Blade Warden uses both a sword and shield, a Twin Striker that excels at short-range damage with double axes and the Keen Strider is an agile class with bow-based long-range attacks and area effects. Rounding out the lineup, the Spell Weaver is your magic wielder, while Foe Breaker has a massive hammer and can even fire a short-range cannonball. Somehow . Its 2022, so while you will be able to play the whole story without spending, there will be cosmetic upgrades available to buy, as well as features that will apparently help play the game. I get the feeling theres more than a little inspiration gleaned from Genshin Impact , the free-to-play action RPG thats been extremely lucrative for its creators and a huge global hit. Itll be intriguing to see how Bandai Namcos new game compares. Its also an unusual team-up with Amazon Games. According to the press release, Blue Protocol will be the latest title in Amazon Games portfolio of high-quality live service games including New World, an MMORPG which makes some sense. Perhaps Amazon Games can offer some insight into ensuring Blue Protocol runs smoothly from a technical standpoint. The game is now set to launch in the second half of 2023, but expect a closed beta to run early next year. Youll be able to sign up for that soon, online.

Death Stranding sequel officially announced for PlayStation 5

During The Game Awards 2022, Kojima Productions revealed a sequel to Death Stranding with the working title DS2. The game has been confirmed to come to PS5.

'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor' is a direct sequel to 'Fallen Order' arriving March 17th

The Game Awards is often full of surprise announcements and reveals but one thing we knew going into this year's ceremony is that it would provide a first look at Star Wars Jedi: Survivor gameplay. The game takes place five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Fittingly, the trailer shows an older and more rugged Cal Kestis, who's now a Jedi Knight. You'll journey to new planets in the Star Wars galaxy, each of which has unique biomes and enemies. You'll have fresh gear, skills and abilities at your disposal to help you survive these worlds. For one thing, Cal will be able to wield two lightsabers at once. He'll also have an ascension cable for vertical traversal and the ability to tame and ride creatures. The trailer for the next entry in Respawn's Dark Souls -inspired series closed with a release date. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will arrive on current-gen systems on March 17th, adding another prominent title to what's shaping up to be a busy first quarter for major game releases. As long as we fight, hope survives. Experience the next chapter in Cal Kestis story. #StarWarsJediSurvivor is available March 17. Pre-orders will be available later tonight! pic.twitter.com/A79FYy1SLo Respawn (@Respawn) December 9, 2022

'Death Stranding 2' is Hideo Kojima's next game

Hideo Kojima's next project is Death Stranding 2 . The reveal trailer for the sequel shows Fragile, played by La Seydoux, and Sam, played by Norman Reedus, in a world still infested with lethal BTs. There's no word on a release date, but according to the trailer's YouTube description, it's heading to PlayStation 5. Kojima took the stage during The Game Awards to introduce Death Stranding 2 . Its cast is just as star-studded as the original, featuring Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna and Troy Baker alongside Reedus and Seydoux. Death Stranding came out in 2019 and it steadily became the industry's favorite walking simulator (despite the fact that it may have been a better movie than a video game ). By the end of 2022, more than 10 million people had played Death Stranding . Its primary gameplay innovation was an online system that allowed players to communicate with each other, even though it was a single-player experience. Death Stranding was the first title out of Kojima Productions, the studio Kojima himself founded after parting ways with his longtime employer, Konami. Ahead of The Game Awards on December 8th, Kojima tweeted some teases for the show, including an image that seemed to be Fragile from Death Stranding . The tweet included the text, How come? and Kojima added, 'WHO' 'WHERE' 'HOW' and now 'WHY'. We now know what Kojima was talking about not that he asked. Footage of what appeared to be Kojima's next project leaked online in early November in the form of a super strange video . It showed a character resembling Mama from Death Stranding traversing creepy corridors with a dark presence at her back, and ended with a title screen reading, Overdose. It also included the reflection of a lounging shirtless man recording the footage off-screen, but that's likely unrelated to any gameplay mechanics. Today at The Game Awards, Kojima said his studio is also working on a second, completely new project with an experimental edge, so there's still some hope for whatever this was.

'The Last of Us Part I' hits PC on March 3rd, 2023

The Last of Us Part I will officially hit PC on March 3rd, 2023. This follows the game's launch on PlayStation 5 earlier in 2022. Part I is a modern remake of the original The Last of Us , Naughty Dog's dramatic zombie-adjacent game that came out in 2013 and quickly became an industry darling. There's since been a sequel, an upgraded version of that game, a remastered version of the original title for PS4, and probably a few other iterations we're forgetting, plus an HBO series coming out in January. We found The Last of Us Part I on PS5 to be gorgeous yet achingly faithful to its source material. For fans of the series, that's not a terrible outcome, and soon PC players will have the chance to judge for themselves. The Last of Us is officially coming to PC on March 3rd! @TLOUVideoGame #TheGameAwards pic.twitter.com/STH3WVf4A1 The Game Awards (@thegameawards) December 9, 2022

Rocksteady's Suicide Squad game (hopefully) arrives May 26th, 2023

Rocksteady's long-in-the-making Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game finally has a firm release date. The studio has revealed that its villains-doing-good title will be available on May 26th, 2023. And, as the trailer below shows, it will be memorable for more than just gameplay. This is the curtain call for one of voice acting's best-known stars. The upcoming game will have the Suicide Squad take on Batman, voiced by none other than the late Kevin Conroy. This is his last turn as the iconic hero, and it's an interesting twist at that. Like Superman and other major DC Comics champions, Batman has gone bad enough so that he's breaking one of his cardinal rules. Naturally, it's up to Harley Quinn, Deadshot, King Shark and Captain Boomerang to deal with the Dark Knight. The game is headed to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It's too early to say if this will live up to the reputation Rocksteady made for itself with the Arkham Batman games. However, Suicide Squad will have been delayed three years by the time it (presumably) arrives. The developers are clearly willing to take their time, and this hopefully won't represent a repeat of the so-so Gotham Knights .

'Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon' drops March 2023

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon has premiered at The Game Awards , where a trailer also debuted for the franchise's upcoming spinoff. Like its name implies, Bayonetta Origins tells the story of Bayonetta when she was Cereza and has only just summoned her first demon Cheshire. The trailer gives us a glimpse at the story and about how Cereza explores a forest despite her mother's warnings. It also shows the game's storybook elements, as well as some bits of gameplay with and without Cheshire. Bayonetta Origins will be available on March 17th, 2023 for the Nintendo Switch only. You can pre-order a digital copy of the game from the eShop right after The Game Awards wraps up, but you can also purchase a physical copy when the title launches.

First Star Wars Jedi: Survivor trailer features dual-lightsaber combat, open-world teases

Cal Kestis returns in the stunning first trailer for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which teases a much grander sequel.

'Judas' is the first project from BioShock creator Ken Levine's Ghost Story Games

Ghost Story Games has revealed its first title nearly six years after BioShock creator Ken Levine founded the studio. A trailer for Judas debuted at The Game Awards and while it's not an actual BioShock game, it draws from that series' art style. It's also a first-person shooter in which it looks like you can wield elemental powers. You play as the titular Judas, a mysterious and troubled character who is stuck on a starship that's falling apart. According to a description on the game's Steam page , your only hope for survival is to make or break alliances with your worst enemies. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that the game had been stuck in development hell for several years amid multiple reboots and Levine changing the direction of the project multiple times. But Levine suggested back in 2015 that his next game would be a sci-fi first-person shooter, and Judas at least fits that bill. There's no release window as yet. Meanwhile, there is a BioShock game in development at a separate Take-Two studio. But this is not that. Judas is definitely not a BioShock game.

Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord' trailer shows off co-op VR gameplay

The Ghostbusters virtual reality game teased earlier this year now has a full trailer. Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord comes to Meta Quest 2 and PlayStation VR2 in 2023. The trailer shows four Quest 2 users donning their headsets to battle dark forces descending on San Francisco. The in-engine (pre-alpha) footage follows the players using an arsenal of PKE Meters, Proton Packs and traps to hunt down and ensnare a slippery phantom. Just as the players close their trap and breathe a sigh of relief, a gigantic, skull-faced specter we can only assume is the titular Ghost Lord emerges over the rooftop. Its exactly the gameplay youd expect from ghost-busting in VR. Publisher Sony Pictures Virtual Reality (SPVR) and developer nDreams (known for Far Cry VR: Dive Into Insanity ) are launching the title right as the Ghostbusters IP is enjoying a pop-culture resurgence. Although the latest movie received mixed reviews, it did well at the box office, ranking as the tenth highest-grossing movie last year. An animated Netflix series is also in the pipeline, and a 4v1 co-op game that lets you play as a ghost launched on PC and consoles this October.

'Hellboy: Web of Wyrd' is a stylish brawler that takes its cues from the comic

One of the least expected announcements at The Game Award creator Mike Mignola and Dark Horse helped pen the story, and the cel-shaded look is more than a little reminiscent of what you saw on paper. b of Wyrd , a roguelite (read: purposefully brutal and repetitive) brawler that revolves around everyone's favorite half-demon. You play Hellboy as he takes on a series of seemingly disconnected adventures that are ultimately linked to the mysterious Butterfly House with plenty of difficult one-on-one fights, of course. The comic book connection is more than superficial. Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Dark Horse helped pen the story, and the cel-shaded look is more than a little reminiscent of what you saw on paper. You can also expect some solid voice talent, as Lance Reddick (Charon in John Wick , Zavala in Destiny 2 ) plays the titular character. The game doesn't yet have a release date, but it's coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Switch. You'll have no problems finding a platform to play on, then.

'Hades II' promises witchy vibes and a new immortal protagonist

Supergiant Games is sticking with what works. Hades II is on its way, slinging more Greek god-ness and a new protagonist, the Princess of the Underworld. The game is heading to early access on PC first, with more details coming in 2023. The reveal trailer for Hades II shows the protagonist, Melino, training with the witch goddess Hecate, before diving into a familiar isometric landscape. Familiar, but perhaps with a few more gnarly trees. Like its predecessor, Hades II is a roguelike dungeon crawler. And if it's truly anything like the original Hades , it'll be fun as hell. Hades II is a direct sequel to Hades . Supergiant describes its story as, Chronos, the Titan of Time and the wicked father of Hades and his brothers, has escaped his imprisonment in the depths of the Underworld to wage war on Olympus. Can Time itself be stopped? Melino is the sister of Zagreus, the star of the original game, and she has her own magical abilities. The full game will eventually be available on consoles and PC, but early access will begin on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Supergiant revealed the sequel during The Game Awards.

'Dead Cells' is getting Castlevania crossover DLC in early 2023

Dead Cells developers Motion Twin and Evil Empire are getting a chance to pay tribute to Castlevania, the series that inspired their game, with the roguelike's next DLC. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania is said to be the game's biggest expansion to date, and it will be available on the PC and console versions in early 2023. An animated trailer that debuted at The Game Awards gave a sense of what's in store, though it didn't provide a look at any actual gameplay just yet. You'll be able to team up with Castlevania heroes Richter Belmont and Alucard as you battle throngs of monsters, including werewolves, in an attempt to reach the Dark Lord's throne room. The DLC includes 14 Castlevania weapons and items, including the Vampire Killer, Cross and Holy Water. They've all been reworked to fit in with the fast-paced combat of Dead Cells . The DLC includes two new biomes, including Dracula's Castle. You'll get to fight Death and Dracula as you make your way toward Dead Cells most epic and ambitious boss battle yet, according to a press release. On top of all that, the soundtrack features 51 original Castlevania tracks. Twelve of them are getting a Dead Cells -style makeover, including Vampire Killer, Bloody Tears and Divine Bloodlines.