Apple Black Friday deals include a four-pack of AirTags for $65
Good deals on Apple products are generally harder to come by throughout the year than with other brands, but sale events are usually the best time to look around. And sure enough, for Black Friday , Apples AirTags are cheaper than ever. You can pick up a four-pack of these handy Bluetooth trackers for $65, a record low price, at Amazon and Walmart . Bear in mind that this deal brings the price per AirTag down to $16 if you were to buy them individually, and when not on sale they usually cost $29. If you use Apple devices and are prone to losing stuff, AirTags are the obvious choice of Bluetooth tracker to buy. Adding one to your account requires little more than a single tap, and with Apples Find My network offering such extensive coverage these days, its never been easier to find missing belongings. Tracking down a still nearby misplaced item is as easy as using your iPhone to trigger a sound from the AirTags built-in speaker, or alternatively you can use Precision Finding to pinpoint its location through Find My. You just follow the instructions on your iPhones screen, paying attention to its vibrations as you get closer. If you only need a single AirTag, theyre also on sale right now for $18, another record low. It works out a bit better as a deal if you purchase the four-pack, but if you just want to attach one to your keys or backpack, $65 might seem like a stretch. Just remember that AirTags cant be attached to items right out of the box. Youll need to add an accessory in order to turn one into a keyring, or even attach it to your pets collar. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-black-friday-deals-include-a-four-pack-of-airtags-for-65-161756634.html?src=rss
Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are cheaper than ever for Black Friday
Sonys still excellent WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are down to $248 for Black Friday. Thats $152 off the list price and equal to the all-time low (give or take a single cent) we saw on Prime Day. They may no longer be Sonys flagship noise-canceling headphones, but if the WH-1000XM6 are out of your price range, these former Engadget favorites are well worth considering at this heavily reduced price. We awarded the WH-1000XM5 a score of 95 in our 2022 review , praising the supremely comfortable redesign, sound quality and powerful ANC. Battery life is also very respectable at 30 hours. We found the punchy bass an improvement over their predecessors, and the overall sound deeper and more immersive than the M4 headphones. As for noise-canceling, Sonys decision to double the number of microphones and processors used for ANC means an improvement in blocking higher frequency sounds, such as human voices. They arent entirely baby scream-proof, but then few headphones are. Naturally, the WH-1000XM6 that this year replaced the M5 as Sonys flagship model offers even better sound quality and noise cancellation, while remaining extremely comfortable throughout long listening sessions. But theyre also a lot more expensive at $450 they're on sale now for $398 for Black Friday, so you have the option to upgrade to the latest flagship if you're willing to spend a bit more. However, we still think the XM5 deal is the best value for most people here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonys-wh-1000xm5-headphones-are-cheaper-than-ever-for-black-friday-124434516.html?src=rss
This Apple TV+ Black Friday deal gives you six months of access for only $36
Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday . The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo , The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. Its a short-term offer, so youll want to grab it while its available. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service. Apple TV+ continues to build one of the strongest lineups in streaming. Its library includes standout originals like Ted Lasso , Severance , Slow Horses , For All Mankind , Foundation and Silo , along with newer releases such as The Studio and Dope Thief . On the film side, youll find the 2022 Best Picture winner CODA , plus Killers of the Flower Moon , Blitz and Tetris . Apples streaming service has earned plenty of recognition since launch. Apple TV+ shows picked up 10 Emmy Awards in 2024 , including a win for Slow Horses for outstanding writing in a drama series. Apple TV+ also offers a polished streaming experience. All content is ad-free and available in up to 4K HDR, with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support where available. The app works on nearly every device, from iPhone and iPad to smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox and Roku. You can also download episodes and movies to watch offline, which is handy for travel or long commutes. If youre already invested in Apples ecosystem, the integration is seamless. You can share your subscription with up to five other people through Family Sharing, and playback syncs across devices so you can start a show on your iPhone and finish it on your TV. Apple TV+ is also part of the Apple One bundle if you prefer to manage multiple Apple services under a single plan. This deal is available to new and qualified returning subscribers, meaning those who havent had an active subscription in the past 30 days. Youll need to sign up directly through Apple rather than a third-party service or carrier. Once the three-month period ends, the plan renews at the standard $13 per month, so be sure to cancel before the renewal date if you dont want to continue. With a growing slate of original series, award-winning films and a slick interface, Apple TV+ has turned into one of the best streaming services for premium content. And with this limited-time deal, you can catch up on its biggest hits without paying full price. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-apple-tv-black-friday-deal-gives-you-six-months-of-access-for-only-36-203322846.html?src=rss
The 11 best gifts under $25 for 2025
So you want to give someone a gift but you dont have a ton of cash to spare. Dont fret because first, youre not alone, and second, there are tons of options to choose from. Especially if youre looking in the tech space, it can feel especially daunting to find a gadget thats affordable but also worth gifting in other words, not a piece of junk that will eventually take up residence at the bottom of a drawer. But you dont have to drain your wallet to get someone a cool gadget that will both be useful and make their lives easier. Weve collected our favorite pieces of tech under $25 that make great gifts and help you to stick to a budget. Best gifts under $25 Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-11-best-gifts-under-25-for-2025-140042203.html?src=rss
DoJ agrees to settle with RealPage in rent collusion software case
Last year, the Department of Justice filed an antitrust suit against software company RealPage, accusing it of manipulating the rental housing market and driving up prices. Now, the DoJ has announced a proposed settlement that would put limits on RealPage's ability to collect and use sensitive information gathered from landlords. Under the terms, though, RealPage would pay no damages and admit to no wrongdoing. Texas-based RealPages software is said to manage over 24 million rental units globally. The DOJs original complaint accused the company of working with landlords who agree to share nonpublic, competitively sensitive information about rental rates and other lease terms. RealPage then uses that data to train algorithms for its YieldStar software, which generate pricing and other recommendations based on their and their rivals competitively sensitive information, according to the DOJ. If approved by the court, the settlement would require RealPage to only used landlord data that's 12 months or older in its algorithm. RealPage would also need to remove or redesign features that discourage landlords from lowering prices or prompt them to match competitors' prices. Its software would not be allowed to offer hyperlocalized pricing information that can manipulate rents block-by-block, according to the DoJ's assist attorney general, Abigail Slater. Competing companies must make independent pricing decisions, and with the rise of algorithmic and artificial intelligence tools, we will remain at the forefront of vigorous antitrust enforcement, Slater said in a statement. However, as the dedicated real estate site Propmodo put it, the outcome looks much closer to a reset than a punishment, adding that the government will likely focus enforcement on tools that steer collective behavior. Algorithms will continue to shape pricing strategies, but with clearer boundaries. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/doj-agrees-to-settle-with-realpage-in-rent-collusion-software-case-130002364.html?src=rss
The Morning After: The best early Black Friday 2025 deals
Yes, its Tuesday, but the Black Friday sale bonanza continues to start earlier (wielded by even more retailers) each year. Our team was, is and will be curating the best Black Friday tech deals for this years retail push and with less than a week to go, plenty of the best offers are already live. One surprise: PlayStation 5 discounts, with $100 off all the versions of the console . That brings the PS5 Digital Edition down to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the new PS5 Pro to $649. Its also a good year for home tech, whether youre looking for an air fryer upgrade or even a Dyson robot vacuum with $600 off . Its not the right season for it, but Ninjas ice cream maker is down to $180 too. In recent years, Black Friday sales have included even the most premium recent models, though the discounts are a little less remarkable. For example, the AirPods Pro 3 are currently on sale with a $29 discount on Amazon . Sadly, no discount for the iPhone Pocket. Mat Smith The biggest stories on Engadget.com The best Black Friday 2025 deals I didnt already mention Apple Black Friday deals on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches and AirTags Samsungs Beverage Center is the best fridge feature competitors cant copy The OnePlus 15R smartphone is budget-friendly, durable and coming next month Black Friday streaming deals include one year of HBO Max for $36 Get the ad-supported plan for $3 per month for one year. HBO Max has rolled out a limited-time one-year subscription for $3 per month, a total cost of $36 for a year. The deals Basic With Ads plan, which allows full HD streaming on two devices, costs $11 a month at full price. The MasterClass Black Friday deal has up to 50 percent off subscriptions. Annual plans cost $120 to $240, so its a notable discount and it works for returning users too. Meanwhile, Audible is offering three months for $3, with access to Audibles enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals. Sadly, itll then revert to the usual $15 a month. More Black Friday deals on subscription services. Meta allegedly buried research showing its products are harming users Deactivating Facebook may lessen depression, anxiety and loneliness. Meta allegedly suspended internal research into the mental health effects of its products after it showed that people who stopped using Facebook experienced less depression, anxiety and loneliness. This comes from unredacted court filings in a lawsuit filed by multiple US school districts against major social media companies. According to Reuters, the filings also showed internal research staff expressing the findings had merit. One compared the findings to the tobacco industry doing research and knowing cigs were bad and then keeping that info to themselves. Yesterday, Malaysia announced it plans to ban social media for young people, like Denmark and Australia. Continue reading. Dell 16 Premium laptop review Stylish to a fault. Dell 16 TMA Engadget Dells 16 Premium looks as beautiful as ever, but the companys usability issues from the XPS lineup remain. Its kept the invisible trackpad, and the keyboards function keys disappear under sunlight. Its gorgeous and fast, but as a premium device, we want more functionality, more battery life, more ports. Just more. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-the-best-early-black-friday-2025-deals-121500600.html?src=rss
Samsung Black Friday deals: Get up to $350 off gaming monitors and more
Samsungs Odyssey G8 OLED monitor is now down to $950 for Black Friday , saving you $350. Its one of Samsungs best 32-inch displays, offering a crisp 4K resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate and vivid OLED contrast that makes games and movies look incredible. The 32-inch Odyssey G8 has earned high marks for its blend of image quality and gaming performance. Its 4K OLED panel produces deep blacks and bright highlights, with 99 percent DCI-P3 color coverage for vibrant visuals. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time deliver exceptional smoothness in fast-paced games, while AMD FreeSync Premium Pro keeps everything tear-free. Design-wise, its sleek and minimal, with a slim metal frame that looks just as good in a work setup as it does in a gaming room. The monitor supports DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, plus USB-C connectivity for charging and data transfer. Built-in speakers and Smart TV features let you stream directly from apps like Netflix or Prime Video without connecting to a PC or console. You also get Samsungs SmartThings integration, so the Odyssey G8 can double as a smart home hub, controlling compatible IoT devices from lights to thermostats. It even supports cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce Now, meaning you can play high-end titles without extra hardware. The combination of OLED contrast, motion clarity and built-in streaming makes it one of the most versatile monitors in Samsungs lineup. If you want something even larger, the Odyssey G9 is also discounted by $300, bringing the 49-inch curved DQHD model down to $700. It offers a wide field of view and 144Hz refresh rate, making it a great pick for simulation and racing fans. The Odyssey G7 is another strong choice, now $600 after a $300 discount. This 37-inch 4K display runs at 165Hz with a curved design and supports both HDR and AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay. Finally, Samsungs Smart Monitor M9 is available for $1,300, $300 off its regular price. It combines 4K OLED visuals with built-in streaming and AI-powered vision tools, making it a good all-rounder for work and entertainment. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/samsung-black-friday-deals-get-up-to-350-off-gaming-monitors-and-more-103000276.html?src=rss
The best digital frames for 2025
Making a good digital picture frame should be easy. All you need is a good screen and an uncomplicated way to get your favorite photos onto the device. Combine that with an inoffensive, frame-like design and you're good to go. Despite that, I can tell you that many digital photo frames are awful. Amazon is positively littered with scads of digital frames and it's basically the 2020s version of what we saw with knock-off iPods back in the 2000s. There are loads of options that draw you in with a low price but deliver a totally subpar experience that will prompt you to shove the thing in a drawer and forget about it. The good news is that you only need to find one smart photo frame that works. From there, you can have a pretty delightful experience. If you're anything like me, you have thousands of photos on your phone of friends, family photos, pets, vacation spots, perhaps some lattes or plates of pasta and much more. Too often, those photos stay siloed on our phones, not shared with others or enjoyed on a larger scale. And sure, I can look at my photos on my laptop or an iPad, but there's something enjoyable about having a dedicated place for these things. After all, there's a reason photo frames exist in the first place, right? A great frame can help you send photos to loved ones and share cherished memories with friends and family effortlessly. I tested out seven smart photo frames to weed through the junk and find the top picks for the best digital frames worth buying. Best digital picture frames for 2025 What to look for in digital picture frames While a digital photo frame feels like a simple piece of tech, there are a number of things I considered when trying to find one worth displaying in my home. First and foremost was screen resolution and size. I was surprised to learn that most digital photo frames have a resolution around 1,200 x 800, which feels positively pixelated. (That's for frames with screen sizes in the nine- to ten-inch range, which is primarily what I considered for this guide.) But after trying a bunch of frames, I realized that screen resolution is not the most important factor; my favorite photos looked best on frames that excelled in reflectivity, brightness, viewing angles and color temperature. A lot of these digital photo frames were lacking in one or more of these factors; they often didn't deal with reflections well or had poor viewing angles. A lot of frames I tested felt cheap and looked ugly as well, which isnt something you want in a smart device that sits openly in your home. That includes lousy stands, overly glossy plastic parts and design decisions I can only describe as strange, particularly for items that are meant to just blend into your home. The best digital photo frames don't call attention to themselves and look like an actual dumb frame, so much so that those that arent so tech-savvy might mistake them for one. Perhaps the most important thing outside of the display, though, is the software. Let me be blunt: a number of frames I tested had absolutely atrocious companion apps and software experiences that I would not wish on anyone. One that I tried did not have a touchscreen, but did have an IR remote (yes, like the one you controlled your TV with 30 years ago). Trying to use that with a Wi-Fi connection was painful, and when I tried instead to use a QR code, I was linked to a Google search for random numbers instead of an actual app or website. I gave up on that frame, the $140 PixStar, on the spot. Other things were more forgivable. A lot of the frames out there are basically Android tablets with a bit of custom software slapped on the top, which worked fine but wasn't terribly elegant. And having to interact with the photo frame via touch wasn't great because you end up with fingerprints all over the display. The best frames I tried were smart about what features you could control on the frame itself vs. through an app, the latter of which is my preferred method. Another important software note: many frames I tried require subscriptions for features that absolutely should be included out of the box. For example, one frame would only let me upload 10 photos at a time without a subscription. Others would let you link a Google Photos account, but you could only sync a single album without paying up. Yet another option didn't let you create albums to organize the photos that were on the frame it was just a giant scroll of photos with no way to give them order. While some premium frames offer perks like unlimited photos or cloud storage, they often come at a cost. I can understand why certain things might go under a subscription, like if you're getting a large amount of cloud storage, for example. But these subscriptions feel like ways for companies to make recurring revenue from a product made so cheaply they can't make any money on the frame itself. I'd urge you to make sure your chosen frame doesn't require a subscription (neither of the frames I recommend in this guide need a subscription for any of their features), especially if you plan on giving this device as a gift to loved ones. How much should you spend on a digital picture frame For a frame with a nine- or ten-inch display, expect to spend at least $100. Our budget recommendation is $99, and all of the options I tried that were cheaper were not nearly good enough to recommend. Spending $150 to $180 will get you a significantly nicer experience in all facets, from functionality to design to screen quality. Digital frames FAQs Are digital photo frames a good idea? Yes, as long as you know what to expect. A digital picture frame makes it easy to enjoy your favorite shots without printing them. Theyre especially nice for families who want to display new photos quickly. The key is understanding the limitations. Some frames have lower resolution displays or need a constant Wi-Fi connection to work properly, so theyre not a perfect replacement for a high-quality print on the wall. But if you want a simple way to keep memories on display and up to date, theyre a solid choice. Can you upload photos to a digital frame from anywhere? Most modern digital frames let you do this, but it depends on the model. Many connect to Wi-Fi and use apps, cloud storage or email uploads, so you can add photos from your phone no matter where you are. Some even let family members share directly, which is great for keeping grandparents updated with new pictures. That said, a few budget models only work with USB drives or memory cards, so check how the frame handles uploads before buying. Georgie Peru contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-digital-frame-120046051.html?src=rss
Streaming deals come and go throughout the year, but they are most abundant around Black Friday. Its been a testy year for streaming services to say the least, and one big manifestation of that has been continuously rising prices. Disney+ and HBO Max were just a couple of the streaming services that bumped up prices, which means its more important than ever to subscribe if and when you can get a discount. These are the best Black Friday streaming deals you can get this year; just note, though, that most require you to be either a new subscriber to get the deal, or a returning subscriber who hasnt been a paid customer in a hot minute. Best Black Friday streaming deals Apple TV+ 6 months for $36: Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday , which comes out to a discounted price of $6 per month for the six-month period. The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo , The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service. HBO Max one year for $36: HBO Max's Black Friday deal gives subscribers one year streaming for $36 through December 1. This Black Friday streaming deal is on the ad-supported option, which normally goes for $11 per month. With this discount, you're getting it for $3 per month for one year. You can sign up via HBO Max's website or, if you're a Prime Video subscriber already, via that service as an add-on . Sling TV Orange day pass for only $1: Sling TV launched Day Passes earlier this year, giving users one-day access to a variety of its packages. This deal cuts $4 off the normal price of a day pass for Sling Orange. With that, you get unlimited access for 24 hours to Orange's more than 30 channels that includes ESPN, CNN, TBS and others. MasterClass up to 50 percent off annual subscriptions: The MasterClass Black Friday deal discounts most subscription tiers by 50 percent when you pay for one year upfront. The Premium tier, the most expensive option, usually costs $20 per month but now only sets you back $10 per month for one year. That gives you access to the entire MasterClass content library, offline viewing and up to six simultaneous streams. Audible three months for $3 + $20 Audible credit : For literally $1 per month , you can get access to Audible's enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live performances). It's only three months, after which you'll have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but an audiobibliophile can cram a lot of listening into 90 days. Plex lifetime pass for $150 : Plex offers personal media servers you can use to organize your digital collection imagine your own curated Netflix homepage that nothing ever vanishes from. It's also a streaming platform in its own right, with movies and TV from all genres and eras. Plex did just raise its prices , so now's your chance to get a lifetime pass for close to what it used to cost. Fubo TV up to $30 off your first month: Fubo is arguably the best live TV streaming service for sports, and now new subscribers can save up to $30 on their first month. You'll get that discount if you subscribe to the Elite plan, which normally costs $95 per month and provides access to 325 channels including ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox, and it includes ESPN Unlimited as well. If you're looking for a more affordable plan, the News + Sports tier has a $10 discount for new subscribers. Starz one year for $24: Pay upfront for one year and you can get more than $40 off a Stars annual subscription. There's a month-to-month option too, which costs $3 per month for the first three months if you don't want to commit to the full year. Either option gives you access to the entire Starz TV and movie library with offline viewing and no ads. DirecTV starting at $50/month for one month: All of DirecTV's signature packages are up to $45 off right now for your first month when you sign up. If you opt for the base Entertainment package, you'll spend $50 for the first month and get access to over 90 channels, including many local stations as well as ESPN, ESPN 2 and Fox Sports 1. You'll also be able to watch on the go with the DirecTV mobile app. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-black-friday-streaming-deals-for-2025-one-year-of-the-disney-hulu-bundle-for-60-plus-save-on-apple-tv-hbo-max-and-more-094257206.html?src=rss
Get the Disney+ and Hulu bundle for $60 for one year in this Black Friday streaming deal
The Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) bundle is officially on sale for $5 per month for one year (for a total of $60) through December 1, giving new and returning subscribers a full year of both streaming platforms for less than the cost of a few movie tickets. The bundle includes Disney+ and Hulus basic plans with ads, so if youve been waiting for a sign to catch up on Only Murders in the Building or dive into the Star Wars universe , this is it. Disney+ and Hulu make one of the most balanced streaming pairs available, blending family-friendly favorites with acclaimed originals and network TV staples. Disney+ brings a vast library of animated classics, blockbuster franchises and exclusive content from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic. Its the place to stream nearly every Star Wars film and series, plus the full Marvel Cinematic Universe lineup and Disneys most recent theatrical releases. For families, it doubles as a reliable destination for animated favorites, from Encanto to Inside Out 2 , and its kid-friendly interface makes it simple to hand over the remote without worrying about whats queued next. Hulu balances things out with a more adult-oriented lineup of current TV shows, next-day network episodes and a growing roster of award-winning originals. The platform hosts series like The Bear, The Handmaids Tale and Only Murders in the Building , alongside comedies, thrillers and documentaries that regularly feature in awards conversations. Its also the home for next-day streaming of ABC and FX shows, making it especially useful if youve already cut the cable cord but still want to keep up with primetime TV. The Duo Basic bundle ties these two services together under a single subscription, offering a simple way to expand your library without juggling multiple accounts. This tier includes ads on both platforms, but the trade-off is significant savings compared with paying for each service separately. For many households, thats an acceptable compromise when it means access to such a wide range of content. Both platforms also integrate smoothly across devices. Disney+ is available on nearly every smart TV and streaming stick and Hulus interface is built around customizable profiles, so everyone in the household can keep separate watch lists. The bundle login works seamlessly between the two, and since theyre both owned by Disney, its easy to switch from a Marvel marathon to a new episode of The Great or Abbott Elementary without leaving the ecosystem. If you prefer a more premium experience, you can upgrade to the Duo Premium bundle for ad-free viewing, but the Basic plan remains the best value for most users. Its an especially practical pick if youre looking to consolidate your streaming subscriptions without losing access to major franchises or hit series. If youre still comparing options or thinking about how to simplify your lineup, our guide to the best streaming services outlines how Disney+, Hulu and others stack up. But for those already invested in Disneys worlds or Hulus critically acclaimed originals, this annual Duo Basic deal offers one of the easiest and most affordable ways to keep it all in one place. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-the-disney-and-hulu-bundle-for-60-for-one-year-in-this-black-friday-streaming-deal-094131027.html?src=rss
EcoFlow Black Friday deals: Get up to 52 percent off power stations
The EcoFlow Black Friday sale is in full swing, knocking thousands of dollars off portable power stations and their accessories. One of the best discounts at the moment is on the Delta Pro 3 , which is 43 percent off and down to $2,099. That's the lowest we've seen it and, considering it typically costs $3,699, it's a great deal. Amazon's matching the sale price as well. The Delta Pro 3 topped Yahoo's list of the best portable power stations , and for very good reason. This thing is a beast. It boasts a 4,096Wh capacity, so it can power an average 500-watt refrigerator for over 24 hours. That's with continuous use. It can be stretched out to two or three days by only running the appliance during daylight hours. There's even a discounted bundle that includes an extra battery for $3,279 . It includes four standard 120V AC outlets and a single 240V outlet. It could potentially be a temporary hub of a whole-home battery backup. There are numerous charging options here, including a standard AC outlet, solar panels and, interestingly, a cigarette lighter. The only potential downside here is the Delta Pro 3 really pushes the boundaries of what can be considered portable. It weighs 113 pounds, though it does have wheels and a telescoping handle. The Delta Pro 3 is just one of the products on sale right now. Another Yahoo top pick, the Delta 2 Max , is $1,000 off and down to $899. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ecoflow-black-friday-deals-get-up-to-52-percent-off-power-stations-130041611.html?src=rss
Audible Black Friday deal: Three months of access drops to only $3
Black Friday is a great time to take a look at what subscriptions you may be able to save on. From video streaming services to budgeting apps, many services will have some Black Friday promotion you may be able to take advantage of. One of the best we're tracking is for Audible . You can sign up and get your first three months for just $3 in total, plus get a $20 Audible credit on top of that. This breaks down to $1 per month for the first three months, which is a boon for audiobook fans. Just make sure to cancel before the 90 days are up, as the subscription will auto-renew at $15 per month. That's not the worst deal in the world, given the vast number of titles available on the platform, but still. Audible has a diverse catalog that goes beyond audiobooks . It also hosts podcasts and Audible Originals. Subscribers get to choose one audiobook each month to keep in their collection for free, including best-sellers or new releases. Users also get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which houses thousands of audiobooks. Finally, active members get discounts on many audiobooks when looking to purchase. Winter is coming and this is a good way to make sure you have plenty to listen to throughout the next three months. This deal does have a time limit. It expires on December 16. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/audible-black-friday-deal-three-months-of-access-drops-to-only-3-140010733.html?src=rss
The best soundbars to boost your TV audio in 2025
The best soundbars can completely transform your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into something that actually sounds cinematic. Whether you're watching blockbuster movies, listening to music or gaming, a good soundbar delivers clearer vocals, deep bass and better overall playback than most built-in TV speakers ever could. In 2025, theres a soundbar for every kind of home entertainment setup from compact all-in-one units to full surround systems with subwoofers and rear speakers. Some prioritize simplicity and sleek design, while others are packed with immersive features like Dolby Atmos and smart voice controls. No matter your budget or your space, weve picked the best soundbars you can buy right now to help elevate your audio experience. Table of contents The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025 Best soundbars for 2025 What to look for in a soundbar Other soundbars we tested Best soundbar FAQs The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025 I typically come out of CES with a pretty clear understanding of the new soundbars that are coming for the year, but that wasnt exactly the case in 2025. LG decided to carry over its most premium soundbars from 2024 , but it will add the compact S20A this year. The company only previewed the model at CES, so full specs are still forthcoming. Samsung will once again keep the same overall design and features for its top-end Q990 soundbar. However, the company is adding a few new tools and it drastically reduced the size of the wireless subwoofer that comes in the box. Samsung does have one new model for 2025, the QS700F , thats designed to sit on a table or automatically adjust to being mounted flat on a wall. Details are scarce on that soundbar for now and I anticipate a full spec sheet when the company is really to sell it. Of the big three TV companies, Sony is the only one that didnt announce any home theater gear at CES. The company has decided to focus mainly on its automotive efforts at the show recently, leaving TV and audio announcements for later in the year. The company debuted multiple soundbar options in 2024 and a four-speaker setup for the living room in the Bravia Quad . That said, it wouldnt surprise me if Sony released new soundbars later in the year since its most recent models were only announced last April. One company I would keep an eye on is Sennheiser. The original Ambeo model is nearly six years old and could use a refresh. The company has added medium and mini options to the Ambeo lineup since then, but it would be nice to see a refined version of the largest model too. The original Ambeo soundbar is huge, so no matter how good it sounds, it will always be a tough sell for some people. Although I think its less likely, its also possible that Sonos has new soundbars this year. While the companys next device will likely be the rumored set-top streaming box, the Sound Motion tech inside the Arc Ultra would offer a big improvement to bass performance in compact models like the Beam and Ray . The company may bring Sound Motion to standalone speakers first, but its destined for those smaller soundbars eventually . The best soundbars for 2025 What to look for in a soundbar Features When it comes to features, the more you pay the more you're going to get in your new audio system. Most affordable options ($150 or less) will improve your television's audio quality, but that's about it. Step into the $300 to $400 range and you'll find all-in-one soundbars with things like built-in voice control, wireless connectivity, Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and even Android TV. They're all helpful when you want to avoid looking for the remote control, but the best playback quality is usually only in the top tier and the formats those premium soundbar systems support. Im talking about things like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and other high-resolution audio standards essentials if youre building a truly cinematic home entertainment setup. And not all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you'll need to look at the finer details carefully before you break into the savings account. If you're looking for one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, size, channels and subwoofer options will be important factors to consider. Some models even include a dedicated subwoofer to enhance bass performance, bringing an extra punch to action scenes and soundtracks. Ports This is a big one. A lot of the more affordable soundbars are limited when it comes to connectivity options. They either offer an optical port or one HDMI jack and, if you're lucky, both. Things get slightly better in the mid-range section, but that's not always the case. The Sonos Beam, for example, is $449, but only has a single HDMI port. Even at the higher-end, the $899 Sonos Arc still only has one HDMI port. If you plan to connect multiple devices like a set-top box, gaming laptop or console directly to your soundbar for the best audio experience, youll want an option with at least two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are critical for supporting Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital audio formats, as well as high-res passthrough for HDR and 8K/4K content. Channels Another big thing youll want to pay attention to when looking for the best soundbar is channels. Thats the 2.1, 7.1.2 or other decimal number that companies include in product descriptions. The first figure corresponds to the number of channels. A two would just be left and right while a more robust Atmos system, especially one with rear surround speakers, could be five or seven (left, right, center and upward). The second number refers to the dedicated subwoofer, so if your new soundbar comes with one or has them built in, youll see one here. The third numeral is up-firing speakers, important for the immersive effect of Dolby Atmos. Not all Atmos-enabled units have them, but if they do, the third number will tell you how many are in play and how they contribute to the overall soundstage. Wireless Most soundbars these days offer either Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or both. When it comes to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice control (either built-in or with a separate device), Chromecast, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2. Depending on your preferences, you might be able to live without some of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are essentials, but the rest I can live without. Those two give me the ability to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps without having to settle for or struggle with a Bluetooth connection. For instance, Sonos speakers often offer seamless integration with iOS devices, making it easy to connect and stream music wirelessly. If youre looking for a wireless speaker that can enhance your TV setup while also offering flexibility for audio throughout the house, it's worth considering a multi-room system. Size This one might seem obvious but humor me for a minute. Nothing is more soul-crushing than getting a pricey soundbar in your living room only to discover you have to rearrange everything to find a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Yes, that speaker is absurdly large (and heavy), and most soundbars aren't nearly as big. I learned a valuable lesson: Make sure the space where you want to put a soundbar will accommodate the thing you're about to spend hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on. Basically, it all comes down to the TV you have (or are planning to get) and what the primary goal is for your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Do you want the best possible sound from a single speaker or speaker/sub combo? Do you just want to be able to actually hear your TV better? Or do you want a full home entertainment experience with crisp vocals, thunderous deep bass, and immersive surround system audio? By paying attention to each of those areas, you should have a good idea of what to look for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo, Dolby Digital system or a more robust setup. With that said, we've put numerous products through their paces at Engadget and have a few favorites for best soundbar at various price points to get you started. Other soundbars we tested Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 Theres a lot to like about the Bravia Theater Bar 6 , Sonys new midrange option in its soundbar lineup. Sound quality is the speakers best attribute, even though its limited by its 3.1.2-channel configuration. The biggest two issues with this model are the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity which means no AirPlay, Chromecast or Spotify Connect and the need to use your computer and a thumb drive to install firmware updates. Neither of those should be things you have to consider on a $650 soundbar in 2025. Sonos Arc Theres no doubt that the Arc is Sonos best-sounding soundbar, but its also the companys most expensive. With a new model based on the Arc rumored to be on the way , its difficult to recommend this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works well as both a soundbar and a speaker, and the device will fit in nicely with other Sonos gear you might already have for a multiroom setup. It only has one HDMI port though, where much of the competition allows you to connect streaming and gaming devices directly to their soundbars. Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus I dont think Sennheisers medium-sized model offers enough to stand out from the more powerful Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini . The Mini is more affordable and does a solid job with immersive audio in its own right. Like the rest of the Ambeo lineup, theres no option for satellite speakers as you can only add a subwoofer to the soundbars. However, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA input, so you can use it with a turntable if youre into vinyl. Best soundbar FAQs Is a soundbar better than speakers? It really depends on what youre after. A soundbar is definitely a simpler, more compact solution compared to a full speaker setup. If you want better sound than your TVs built-in setup but dont want to deal with multiple speakers and wires everywhere, a soundbar is probably the way to go. Some soundbars can even deliver impressive surround sound effects, thanks to features like Dolby Atmos and virtual audio technology. However, if youre an audiophile or want true surround sound for an at-home theater experience, a multi-speaker setup with a receiver, surround speakers and subwoofer will give you a richer soundstage and more control over your experience. What connection do I need for a soundbar? Most modern soundbars connect to your TV via HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the easiest and best option for achieving high-quality audio. If your TV supports this, all you need is an HDMI cable, and youll get not only great sound but also some extra features like controlling the soundbar with your TV remote. If HDMI ARC isnt an option on your TV, you can use an optical cable, which also delivers solid audio quality. Some soundbars even offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and a few still have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older devices. Do all soundbars come with subwoofers? Not all soundbars come with subwoofers, but many do or at least offer one as an optional add-on that you can purchase separately. A subwoofer is what gives you that deep, booming bass, so if you like action movies or want a fuller sound for music, having one can make a big difference. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, but these generally dont provide the same punch as a separate one. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/best-soundbars-143041791.html?src=rss
Get up to 75 percent off Proton VPN two-year plans in these Black Friday VPN deals
Now is arguably the best time of year to sign up for a VPN, or gift a subscription to someone. Black Friday VPN deals are already available, with one of the best being on our favorite VPN overall. Proton VPN is offering two years of access to its VPN Plus tier for $59.76, which works out to $2.49 per month. That's a discount of 75 percent compared with the regular price of $10 per month. Overall, you'd save $180. Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN overall because it checks all of the boxes it needs to. There is a free plan with unlimited data, but with that you can only connect to servers in a few countries and the connection might not be fast enough for you to watch anything from your preferred streaming service's library in that locale. The VPN Plus tier unlocks a lot more options, such as the ability to connect to 15,000 servers across more than 120 countries and simultaneous protection for up to 15 devices. The apps are well-designed Proton has clients for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android and it's easy to find a feature or setting you're looking for. In our testing, Proton VPN Plus had a relatively small impact on browsing speeds. Our download speeds dropped by 12 percent and uploads by 4 percent, while the global average ping remained below 300 ms (which is especially impressive if you're connecting to a server on the other side of the planet). Perhaps, most importantly, though, it's Proton's commitment to privacy that helps make its VPN an easy recommendation. There's a no-logs policy, meaning it does not log user activity or any identifiable characteristics of devices that connect to the VPN. Proton's servers use full-disk encryption to bolster privacy as well. Proton VPN is not the only service to offer a Black Friday VPN deal this year, of course. There are plenty of others available on services we like. Here are the best of the bunch if you're looking for an alternative to Proton VPN. Surfshark One (24 months + 3 free months) for $59.13 (88 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware) and Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach), plus Surfshark Search and Alternative ID from the tier below. This extra-low deal gives you 88 percent off all those features. NordVPN Plus (24 months + 3 free months) for $105.03 (74 percent off): NordVPN has taken 74 percent off its Plus subscription for Black Friday. For only a little more, you get a powerful ad and tracker blocker that can also catch malware downloads, plus access to the NordPass password manager. A Plus plan also adds a data breach scanner that checks the dark web for your sensitive information. CyberGhost (24 months + 4 free months) for $56.94 (84 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Private Internet Access (36 months + 4 free months) for $79.20 (83 percent off): Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 40 months of PIA for just under $2 per month an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA has plenty of features, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-up-to-75-percent-off-proton-vpn-two-year-plans-in-these-black-friday-vpn-deals-153737126.html?src=rss
Trump's Genesis Mission aims to build a centralized AI platform to power scientific breakthroughs
President Donald Trump has issued a new Executive Order that launches the Genesis Mission , an AI-focused initiative that will be led by the Department of Energy. It will harness the current AI and advanced computing revolution to double the productivity and impact of American science and engineering within a decade, the DOE explained . One of the missions main goals is to build a centralized platform that will house a huge collection of datasets collected over decades of federal investments, as well as datasets from academic institutions and partners from the private sector. Those datasets will then be used to train scientific foundation models and to create AI agents, automate research workflows and accelerate scientific breakthroughs, the administration said in its announcement. The platform will connect the worlds best supercomputers, AI systems, and next-generation quantum systems with the most advanced scientific instruments in the nation, the Energy department said. Based on that statement, the platform will be linked to the two sovereign AI supercomputers the agency is building at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, its famous research and development center. The machines, to be built by Hewlett Packard Enterprises, are meant to be the Trump AI Action Plans flagship supercomputers. The DOE previously revealed that the machines will be powered by AMD chips and will help tackle the biggest challenges in energy, medicine, health and national security. The Genesis Mission marks a defining moment for the next era of American science. We are linking the nations most advanced facilities, data, and computing into one closed-loop system to create a scientific instrument for the ages, an engine for discovery that doubles R&D productivity and solves challenges once thought impossible, said Dr. Daro Gil, the Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Director. In the next four months, the Energy department must identify its initial set of data and model assets for the Genesis platform. The department must be able to demonstrate an initial operating capability of the platform for at least one of the national science and technology challenges the government has identified within nine months. While the list of challenges is pretty long, the Genesis Mission will focus on addressing three key challenges overall. First, it aims to accelerate nuclear and fusion energy, as well as to modernize the energy grid using AI. It also aims to power scientific discoveries for decades to come. Finally, it aims to create advanced AI technologies for the purpose of national security, such as systems that can ensure the reliability of Americas nuclear weapons and can accelerate the development of materials for defense. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/trumps-genesis-mission-aims-to-build-a-centralized-ai-platform-to-power-scientific-breakthroughs-043506089.html?src=rss
OpenAI can't use the term 'Cameo' in Sora following temporary injunction
Cameo, the app that allows people to buy short videos from celebrities, has won an important victory in its legal battle against OpenAI . On Monday, a federal judge granted the company a temporary restraining order against OpenAI, CNBC reports . Until December 22, the startup is not allowed to use the word cameo in relation to any features inside of Sora, its TikTok-like app for creating AI-generated videos. The order covers similar words like Kameo and CameoVideo. We are gratified by the courts decision, which recognizes the need to protect consumers from the confusion that OpenAI has created by using the Cameo trademark, Cameo CEO Steven Galanis told CNBC . While the courts order is temporary, we hope that OpenAI will agree to stop using our mark permanently to avoid any further harm to the public or Cameo. OpenAI did not immediately respond to Engadgets comment request. Cameo sued OpenAI in October, claiming the companys use of the term was likely to confuse consumers and dilute its brand. Before filing the suit, Galanis said Cameo tried to resolve the dispute amicably, but claims OpenAI refused to stop using the name. Soras cameo feature allows users to upload their likeness to the app, which other people can then use in their own videos. US District Judge Eumi K. Lee, who granted Cameo the temporary junction, has scheduled a hearing for December 19 to determine if the order should be made permanent. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-cant-use-the-term-cameo-in-sora-following-temporary-injunction-213431626.html?src=rss
Alexa Home Theater surround sound for Echo speakers is rolling out now
One of the more intriguing prospects Amazon revealed at its devices and services event back in September was Alexa Home Theater , a surround sound mode for select Echo speakers. Amazon has now confirmed to Engadget that it's rolling out Alexa Home Theater broadly starting today . This could make Echo speakers a more budget-friendly, entry-level alternative to a Sonos setup in some consumers' eyes though a good soundbar may be actually a better bet for those just starting to put together a home theater system. You can connect up to five of the company's new Echo Studio or Echo Dot Max speakers plus a subwoofer to a Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max (the original Echo Studio isn't compatible). Amazon said that, after you plug in several Echo devices in the same room as your TV and link them to the same Wi-Fi network, the Alexa app can walk you through the setup process. Alexa will automatically tune the speakers for your space. As it happens, the latest Echo Studio and the Echo Dot Max are both on sale for Black Friday, along with other Amazon devices . The Echo Studio is $30 off at $190 and the Echo Dot Max has dropped by $10 to $90. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/alexa-home-theater-surround-sound-for-echo-speakers-is-rolling-out-now-204557932.html?src=rss
In the last few years, pizza ovens have become as much of a backyard staple as a grill. There are many options for making restaurant-quality pies at home in a range of styles. Whats more, many models allow you to change up the fuel type, and some even allow you to do more than simply fire off pizzas. Ive compiled a list of the best pizza ovens that you can buy right now, with selections for multi-fuel ovens, compact designs and indoor pizza parties. Ive also included some buying advice on what to consider before you commit and how to get the most out of your at-home pizza making experience. Table of contents Best outdoor pizza ovens for 2025 Best indoor pizza ovens in 2025 What to look for in a pizza oven How to prepare before outdoor cooking Upcoming pizza oven reviews The best pizza accessories for the oven you already have Best outdoor pizza ovens for 2025 Best indoor pizza ovens in 2025 Let me preface this section by saying you probably already have an indoor option that you can use to make some great pizza. Whether thats the main oven in your kitchen or a multi-function countertop unit, with some affordable accessories, you can easily up your game without spending $1,000 on a dedicated appliance. For example, my Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer has a convection pizza setting that automatically adjusts cook time based on the size, oven temperature and whether the pie is fresh or frozen. A key consideration here is size. These things are massive, about the size of a large microwave, so you likely wont want to keep them out all the time unless you have a huge kitchen. What to look for in a pizza oven When shopping for a home oven or dedicated pizza oven, youll first want to consider what types of pies you plan to make. Most portable pizza ovens from the likes of Ooni, Solo Stove and others use wood burning fuel and are primarily designed for the high-heat cooking required for light and airy Neapolitan-style pizzas. Were talking high temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. These units can certainly cook different styles of pizza at cooler temperatures, but the learning curve is easiest when youre running them wide open with a full load of wood. You'll also want to consider alternate fuel types. If you purchase a propane or natural gas burner, you can adjust temperatures easily by turning a knob. For this reason, I recommend you spend the extra $100 or so on that accessory. This dual-fuel option makes your pizza oven a lot more versatile and gives you the option to still have a freshly fired pie when you dont feel like messing with wood or charcoal. If you only want to cook with gas, there are models available that only use propane or natural gas. The other key consideration for aspiring pizza makers is size. Most companies make ovens that fit 12-inch pizzas, a perfect size for a personal pan pizza. Theyre also great for pizza parties, since people can customize their own without having to pick off toppings they dont like. If you want to make larger pizzas or plan to use your oven for other things (pans, etc), consider a larger version that can accommodate more than just small pies. The interior dimensions or at the very least the pizza stone size will be listed on most product pages. How to prepare before outdoor cooking Making good pizza at home requires a considerable amount of counter or table space. Youll need room to stretch and prep your pizza dough, lay out your mozzarella, other cheeses and toppings and load pies onto a peel. Of course, some folks will be comfortable working in the tight confines of a small kitchen, but Ive found it much easier to use extra space to make sure Im not constantly moving things around during the various steps in the process. Its also less hassle to set up your pizza-making station in close proximity to your oven. As a pizza-baking beginner, I did the running back and forth from the kitchen to the back porch. Its far from ideal. Its difficult to maintain your fire (if using wood or charcoal) when youre unable to watch it closely. The good news is a patio table can be easily converted into a pizza station with a large cutting board. This also gets your oven off the ground so its easier to access. Ooni sells tables for its ovens that also offer shelving and storage for peels and other accessories. Solo Stove has a rolling stand for its Pi oven too, with small side shelves and a spot for your propane tank underneath. Of course, you can find other tables and stands to suit your needs, just make sure they can withstand any heat that may radiate from the bottom of the oven while cooking. Most ovens are either well insulated or dont project too much excess heat toward the table, but you can never be too careful. For that reason, a stainless steel or metal surface is a good choice to set up an outdoor model. Most of these ovens heat up quickly and cook at high temperatures, especially if youre making Neapolitan pizza. Having everything you need nearby so you can keep tabs on the oven and quickly make the next pie especially the first pizza will ease a lot of unnecessary headaches. When your cook time is two minutes or less, you dont want to venture too far. The best pizza accessories for the oven you already have If you want to make a good pizza that rivals that of your favorite pizzeria (and without spending hundreds of dollars on a dedicated oven), you can definitely do it with the home oven you already have in your kitchen. With a few gadgets, you can improve your game without splurging on a Breville, Ooni or Solo Stove. First, Id recommend a high quality baking steel or stone. Baking stones are great for getting better browning on the bottom of your pies than a pizza or sheet pan. You can also use them for bread, cookies and other items. The stone absorbs heat to cook pizza quickly, and youll get that charred crust like a brick oven provides. Theyre also more affordable compared to baking steels . Those metal slabs do have one key advantage: higher heat conductivity. This means a steel will cook your pizzas faster since it can absorb more heat from your oven. While baking steels can be used as griddles on your stovetop and for other types of baking, theyre not ideal for some leavened breads. The second item youll want is a pizza peel . These come in all shapes and sizes, made out of a variety of materials. I typically use a bamboo or wooden peel when topping and launching my pizzas and then a metal one for retrieving them. Ive found that dough doesnt stick as easily to bamboo during prep and the metal resists the high heat of the oven when turning or retrieving a finished pizza (bamboo will burn). There are also perforated peels which allow both steam and excess flour to escape. A peel is a great tool for loading and turning pizzas, getting them in the back of the oven, and since youll typically be cooking them with your oven at 500 degrees or hotter, using something like parchment paper to move them around wont work. And if youre going for a New York style pizza, just make sure your dough recipe and ingredients are geared toward that thinner, crispy crust the right accessories alone wont be enough. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/best-pizza-oven-141550352.html?src=rss
Skate Story grinds its way to PlayStation Plus on December 8
It's been a long road to get here , but the surreal skateboarding sim Skate Story will actually be available to play on December 8. The title will also be a day-one Game Catalog release for PlayStation Plus subscribers , which is a great perk for Sony fans. It'll be available on other platforms, like Steam and Nintendo Switch, but those versions cost $20. The PS5 version is free for PS Plus subscribers and it's not currently coming to Xbox. For the uninitiated, Skate Story can only be described as a Lynchian take on skateboarding. Players control a glass avatar and they perform tricks to, well, swallow the moon and defeat the devil. It was announced all the way back in 2020. We got to play it last year and came away impressed. The game was made by Sam Eng, who was behind the indie shooter Zarvot . It's also being published by Devolver Digital, a company that knows its way around unique gameplay concepts. It published the utterly sublime Cult of the Lamb and one of our recent favorites , Ball x Pit . The former lets you feed poop to cult followers, which makes performing kickflips as a glass-bodied demon seem downright normal. Looking to see what all of the fuss is about? There's a demo right now on Steam . The game's also available for purchase on the PS5, for those who don't wanna pony up for a PS Plus subscription. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/skate-story-grinds-its-way-to-playstation-plus-on-december-8-193034939.html?src=rss
Anthropic's Opus 4.5 model is here to conquer Microsoft Excel
Hot on the heels of Google's Gemini 3 Pro release , Anthropic has announced an update for its flagship Opus model. Now at version 4.5 , the new system offers state-of-the-art performance in coding, computer use and office tasks. No surprise there, those have been some of Claude's greatest strengths for a while. The good news is Anthropic is rolling out a handful of existing tools more broadly alongside Opus 4.5. It's also releasing one new feature. To start, the company's Chrome extension, Claude for Chrome, is now available to all Max users . Anthropic is also introducing a feature called infinite chat. Provided you pay to use Claude, the chatbot won't fall to context window errors, allowing it to maintain consistency across files and chats. According to Anthropic, infinite chat was one of the most requested features from its users. Then there's Claude for Excel , which brings the chatbot to a sidebar inside of Microsoft's app. The tool is now broadly available to all Max, Team and Enterprise users, with support for pivot tables, charts and file uploads built-in. A table comparing Opus 4.5's efforts in various benchmarks. Anthropic On the subject of Excel, Anthropic says early testers saw a 20 percent accuracy improvement on their internal evaluations and a 15 percent improvement in efficiency gains. As a complete Excel noob, I'm excited to for the company to trickle down that expertise to its more consumer-oriented models, Claude Sonnet and Haiku. Elsewhere, Opus 4.5 also delivers improvements in agentic workflows, with the new model excelling at refining its own processes. More importantly, Anthropic is calling Opus 4.5 its safest model yet. Its better at rejecting prompt injection style attacks, outpacing even Gemini 3 Pro, according to Anthropics own evaluations. If you want to try Opus 4.5 for yourself, its available today through all of Anthropics apps and the companys API. For developers, pricing for the new model starts at $5 per million tokens. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropics-opus-45-model-is-here-to-conquer-microsoft-excel-190000905.html?src=rss
Theres no denying Apples massive reputation in the tech world. And it appears its not just hype our reviews put an Apple product at the top of our buying guides to tablets , smartwatches , smartphones and laptops . But Apple devices arent cheap. Thats why its a good idea to wait for Apple Black Friday deals. You wont find pure discounts at Apples site, but retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and more are happy to discount iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, and AirPods and weve rounded up the best sales right here. Check out the best Black Friday Apple deals below. Apple Black Friday deals: AirPods AirPods 4 (with ANC) for $100 ($79 off) at Amazon : If you just need moderate noise cancellation and prefer an open-wear fit (where nothing goes in your ear canal), you may prefer the new AirPods 4. They dont have heart rate sensing or the hearing features the Pro models have. But we found the sound quality to be pretty good and appreciated Pro-level features like live translation. Also at Walmart and $140 at Best Buy . AirPods 4 (no ANC) for $80 ($50 off) at Amazon : You miss out on a few more features on the base-model AirPods 4: no live translation, no noise cancellation and no heart rate sensing, but you do get Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, like on the pricer models. We gave the entry-level buds an 88 in our review . The previous low price was $89. Also available at Walmart and Target . AirPods Max for $430 ($120 off) at Walmart : These cans have been around for quite some time now, only getting the slightest upgrade with a new USB-C port in 2024. The hardware is otherwise the same as it was when the over-ear headphones debuted in 2020. Still, theyre comfortable, have good sound quality and the on-board controls are unique but good. Also at Amazon . EarPods for $13 ($6 off) at Amazon : For those who prefer a cord, here is the only Apple-branded wired earphone option. This is a dollar more than the all-time low. Also at Walmart . Apple Black Friday deals: iPads iPad Air (M3, 11-inch, 128GB) for $449 ($151 off) at Amazon : The Air is the Goldilocks Apple tablet. It strikes the perfect balance between price and performance, making it our overall pick for the best iPad you can buy . The build is lovely; it feels premium and the display is a big improvement over Apples base-model slate. The M3 chip is plenty fast for everyday use and can handle an average day of productivity no problem, particularly with its improved multi-tasking abilities. This matches the lowest price we've tracked. Also on sale at Target and Best Buy . iPad Air (M3, 13-inch, 128GB) for $649 ($150 off) at Amazon : A larger screen will make watching shows and playing games more expansive. And if you use your iPad more like a personal computer, youll appreciate the extra real estate for spreading out your work. Like the 11-inch Air, this has a powerful M3 chip and an excellent screen, as well as support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence . This matches the lowest price we've tracked. Also at Target , Best Buy and it's $749 at B&H . iPad mini (A17 Pro, 8-inch, 128GB) for $399 ($100 off) at Amazon : The smallest Apple iPad is really meant for those who put a priority on the portability and palm-ability of an 8-inch tablet. It uses the A17 chip, which enables support for Apple Intelligence, unlike the base model iPad. We gave it an 83 in our review, praising the fact that you get the full iPad experience, just in a more compact package. We found it particularly suited to messaging, reading, watching video and playing lots of Balatro . It went as low as $379 in October. Also at Best Buy . iPad Pro (M5, 11-inch, 256GB) for $900 ($100 off) at Amazon : While we think this is an amazing piece of computing machinery, we admit that its overkill for most people. It's got one of the best displays youll find on a tablet, the most recent M5 chip (the same that powers the base-level Apple MacBook Pro) and an almost impossibly thin and light build. We gave it an 85 in our review and had very few complaints aside from the near-prohibitive price tag. Hopefully this Black Friday discount helps. This $100 discount is a new all-time low. It's $927 at Walmart . Apple Black Friday deals: Apple Watch Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS only) for $200 ($49 off) at Amazon : After a couple years, Apple finally updated its budget-model smart watch. And we were pretty happy with the results, awarding the new wearable a review score of 90 . Its got a smaller screen and thicker bezels than the Series 11 and lacks a few of the more advanced health monitoring features. Its also made from slightly less-robust materials. But it has nearly everything that makes Apple Watches great for a lot less particularly now. This is the lowest price we've seen since the watch came out in September. Also at Walmart and Target . Apple Black Friday deals: MacBooks and Macs Apple MacBook Air (M4, 15-inch, 256GB) for $949 ($250 off) at Amazon : The M4 chip is quite powerful, to take advantage of all the productivity it enables, you might want a little more room on your screen. When Apple first made a 15-inch option for the MacBook Air a couple generations ago, we were surprised at the difference it made . Also at Best Buy and it's $100 off at B&H . Apple MacBook Pro (M5, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,441 ($157 off) at Amazon : Apples most recent M-series chip is the M5, and only comes equipped on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro. When the M5 MacBook Pro M5 came out last month, we promptly reviewed it and awarded it a 92. That new chip gives the laptop an impressive graphics upgrade that helps make it more suited to gaming an area where Apple still lags behind PCs. Other than the chip upgrade, its mostly the same, which is a good thing. Its sturdy, powerful and has an impressively long battery life we clocked 34 hours in a video run-down test. Also at Walmart , Best Buy and B&H . Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,749 ($250 off) at Amazon : The M5 chip isnt yet available in the Pro and Max variants. If Apple follows the same six-month gap that separated the M4 from the M4 Pro and Max chips, we may see the M5 Pro/Max in spring of next year. For now, however, those higher-specced chips can only be found in the M4-series lineup. The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is on sale and its our recommendation for creative professionals who need an obscene amount of processing power. Also at Walmart , Best Buy and B&H . Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro, 16-inch, 256GB) for $2,189 ($310 off) at Amazon : You sacrifice a little portability for the larger 16-inch screen, as it adds about a pound and a quarter to the weight. But you might appreciate the extra space for your work on the display. Also at Walmart and B&H . Apple 2024 iMac (M4, 24-inch) for $1,149 ($150 off) at Amazon : Apple just has one model of an all-in-one desktop computer and it has the M4 chip inside. We called the iMac more cost effective than ever , now that it comes with a minimum of 16GB of RAM. The M4 chip makes it capable for content creation, productivity and gaming. Mac mini (M4) for $479 ($120 off) at Amazon : Apples compact desktop computer got a rave review from us. We called it shockingly small [and] incredibly powerful . It also benefits from a bump to a minimum of 16GB of internal memory. It can play modern games at reasonable resolutions and handle most productivity tasks you throw at it. Apple TV Black Friday deal Apple Black Friday deals: Accessories Apple Pencil Pro for $99 ($30 off) at Amazon : The Apple Pencil situation is a little messy , so youll want to double check which model is compatible with your particular iPad. The Pencil Pro is the most fully featured in the lineup with haptic feedback, barrel roll and squeeze capabilities, and a hover preview feature. Itll work with the two most recent models of the Air and Pro iPads, as well as the latest iPad mini. Also at Walmart and Best Buy . Apple Pencil USB-C for $69 ($10 off) at Amazon : If you have the new base-model iPad with the A16 chip, this is the pencil that will work for you. Itll also work with current as well as slightly older models of the Air and Pro iPads. Apple AirTag (4-pack) for $65 ($34 off) at Amazon : Even though they havent been updated in a few years, Apples AirTags are still the gold standard of Bluetooth trackers, and what most people think of when they think of trackers. We may get a new version soon, but they arent likely to be this cheap. Also at Walmart . A single AirTag is on sale too. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-black-friday-deals-we-found-the-biggest-savings-on-airpods-ipads-macbooks-apple-watches-and-airtags-161346169.html?src=rss
ChatGPT now offers a dedicated shopping assistant
With Black Friday around the corner, OpenAI is upgrading ChatGPT's shopping capabilities just in time to make spending your money even easier. Starting today, the company has begun rolling out shopping research, a new feature inside of ChatGPT designed to simplify the process of comparing different products. The tool is available to all ChatGPT users, including those with free accounts, with the company offering nearly unlimited usage through the holidays. As long as you're logged into your OpenAI account, you can try out the new experience by selecting Shopping research from the + menu. ChatGPT will also automatically route prompts it determines would be best served by the new model OpenAI has trained to answer commerce-related questions. For instance, if you type, find the quietest cordless stick vacuum for a small apartment, ChatGPT will know what to do. As it works to find products that fit your criteria, ChatGPT will ask clarifying questions. OpenAI In addition to comparative shopping, the new experience can help users track down deals, shop for gifts and even find lookalike products. For example, you can snap a photo of a dress and ask ChatGPT to find you something similar that costs less than $250. As you use the tool, ChatGPT will ask clarifying questions to help it narrow down its recommendations. For ChatGPT Pulse users , the tool will even be proactive, generating cards that offer personalized buying guides based on past conversations. The feature is powered by a variant of GPT-5 mini designed to excel specifically at shopping-related tasks. We trained it to read trusted sites, cite reliable sources and synthesize information across many sources to produce high-quality product research, said OpenAI. In practice, the shopping assistant should be better at accurately citing product details relative to the company's other systems, including more powerful general-purpose models like GPT-5 Thinking. Still, OpenAI warns the tool isn't perfect. Shopping research might make mistakes about product details like price and availability, and we encourage you to visit the merchant site for the most accurate details, the company said. Additionally, OpenAI notes the tool tends to do best in categories like electronics, beauty and home appliances where there are many details and specs the model can compare to generate comprehensive answers. It's no surprise to see OpenAI expand ChatGPT's shopping capabilities. The company already offers the option to buy items from Etsy from its chatbot , and competitors like Google have been aggressively adding AI shopping features in recent months. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/chatgpt-now-offers-a-dedicated-shopping-assistant-180000034.html?src=rss
These days, Black Friday is the longest day of the year. We're a week out from the big day, but amazing deals are already popping up for some of our favorite subscription services. This is a great time to lock in a long-term deal on a streaming platform like Apple TV or HBO Max, but there's even more to explore beyond that, from a big discount on MasterClass (to pick up a new hobby with all the money you're saving) and one of the best offers I've ever seen for DeleteMe (which cleans your personal data off the internet while you kick back with your new Amazon Prime Video subscription. We'll update this list for the rest of the month as new deals go live. Best Black Friday subscription deals Quicken Simplifi (one year) for $36 (50 percent off) : We named Quicken Simplifi the best budgeting app this year largely because it lives up to its name. This is the cleanest budgeting app on the market, with an interface designed to welcome newcomers and no key information more than a scroll away. It's also cheap, especially with this Black Friday deal , and very good at detecting and categorizing your important transactions. Monarch Money (one year) for $50 (50 percent off with code MONARCHVIP) : Monarch Money, our other favorite budgeting app, is giving new users half off for Black Friday . It's a little more complex than Quicken Simplifi, but it also gives you finer-grained control, including detailed reporting, balance sheets and instant graphs. The standout goals feature lets you establish savings and wealth baselines that feel amazing when you hit them. Rosetta Stone Lifetime Unlimited subscription for $149 (60 percent off) : Rosetta Stone was pioneering visual language courses back when software still came in boxes, and it's still one of the best language learning apps . Today, its method works as well as ever, with patient learning based on pictures, terms and recordings. This deal gets you a full lifetime subscription with access to all 25 languages in the library. Audible (three months) for $3 (80 percent off) : For literally $1 per month , you can get access to Audible's enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live performances). It's only three months, after which you'll have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but an audiobibliophile can cram a lot of listening into 90 days. Headspace (one year) for $35 (50 percent off) : Out of all the meditation apps available, Headspace is our favorite . It doesn't just help you relax and de-stress, but also teaches you to practice meditation as a skill, with sessions building on each other in organized courses. There's a massive library of standalone guided meditations with all kinds of instructors, and it's easy to search for the ones that work best for you. This deal gives you half off a full year . Calm Premium (one year) for $40 (50 percent off) : Once you've finished your Headspace meditation, head over to Calm for every other stress-relieving activity you can think of. This packed subscription gives you a huge library of relaxing content, from music and restful soundscapes to its popular sleep stories with celebrity narrators telling bedtime stories for children and adults alike. If you've ever wanted to be lulled to sleep by Harry Styles, Matthew McConaughey or Idris Elba, this app is for you. 1Password (one year) for $24 (50 percent off) : Using a password manager is one of the most important cybersecurity steps you can take right now . 1Password generates strong, unique passwords for every account, then saves them to autofill when you need them. We named it the best password manager in honor of its well-designed user interface and cross-platform compatibility. DeleteMe (all services) for 30 percent off with code BFCM30OFF25 : DeleteMe scrubs your information from people search sites and other public-facing data brokers, dramatically reducing your online presence. It's a time-saving and user-friendly automation of a Since using it monthly, we've noticed a sharp decrease in the amount of spam emails, texts and calls to our personal addresses. Adobe Creative Cloud (one year) for $389 (50 percent off) : Adobe Creative Cloud is half off for one year right now, coming out to $389 for one year when you pay upfront. (There's a discounted $35 monthly rate as well, working out to $420 for the year.) Creative Cloud is Adobe's most comprehensive design package, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere and over 20 other apps. Whip up a website with Dreamweaver, paint on a digital canvas with Fresco or edit photos in Lightroom. It's a pretty steep cost for an individual, but puts a one-year subscription well within reach of a creative business. Best Black Friday streaming deals Apple TV+ (6 months) for $36 ($42 off): Apple TV+ is offering a six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday , which comes out to only $6 per month. The deal is live now for new and returning subscribers. Through December 1, you've got a great chance to stream shows like Severance , The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less just remember the deal only applies if you subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service. Fubo Pro (first month) for $55 (35 percent off): Fubo is the live TV service that helps sports lovers cut the cord . When you sign up, it asks you your favorite teams, then automatically records every game they play. Fubo Pro includes 249 channels, covering everything from your local NFL and NBA networks to real ESPN8 (The Ocho) content like PowerSports World. There are even plenty of non-sports channels, and with 10 allowed screens per subscription, your whole family can enjoy the selection at once. Sling TV Orange Day Pass for $1 (80 percent off) : Sling TV is one of the best live streaming services , and has one of streaming TV's most unique deals: a commitment-free day pass that lets you stream whatever you want for 24 hours, including cable channels and exclusive sports. Normally, a day pass costs $5, but this Black Friday deal knocks that all the way down to $1. Plex (lifetime pass) for $150 (40 percent off) : Plex offers personal media servers you can use to organize your digital collection imagine your own curated Netflix homepage that nothing ever vanishes from. It's also a streaming platform in its own right, with movies and TV from all genres and eras. Plex did just raise its prices , so now's your chance to get a lifetime pass for close to what it used to cost. Walmart+ (one year) for $49 (50 percent off) : No, Walmart hasn't started its own streaming platform, but it would probably have some pretty great drama. What you do get with Walmart+ is free shipping on carts over $35, exclusive deals, drone delivery in some cities and more. And if you did come here for streaming, Walmart+ also comes with your choice of Peacock Premium of Paramount+ Essential (we recommend Peacock Premium because it's more expensive on its own). Best VPN deals for Black Friday ExpressVPN Basic (15 months) for $52.39 (73 percent off) : ExpressVPN may be the most user-friendly VPN for sale right now, with fast download speeds (only 7 percent losses in our last test), quick connections and apps designed to stay out of your way. It's not the most feature-rich, but it excels at any bread-and-butter VPN task, staying leak-free and unblocking Netflix everywhere. You also get access to server locations in 105 countries. Surfshark Starter (27 months) for $53.73 (87 percent off) : According to the tests we ran for our latest review , Surfshark is the fastest VPN right now, with its download speeds, upload speeds and latencies all beating out competitors. It has more to offer beyond speed, too, as it's able to constantly rotate your IP address and generate double VPN paths between any two servers you choose. NordVPN Basic (27 months) for $80.73 (74 percent off) : NordVPN got very positive marks in our last review , where we called out its fast internet speeds, wide network of server locations and selection of exclusive features. It comes with a range of dedicated servers for obfuscation, onion routing, torrenting and more. Plus, it's one of the first VPNs getting a jump on post-quantum encryption. CyberGhost VPN (28 months) for $56.84 (84 percent off) : CyberGhost is always cheap in fact, we named it the best budget VPN but it's never behaved like an economy option. Its Smart Rules automation controls are the deepest in the industry, and its server network reaches 100 countries. Speeds are also quite good, though connections occasionally take a moment to establish. Private Internet Access VPN (40 months) for $79.20 (83 percent off) : Although we weren't wholly positive about Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) in our recent review , we can't deny it's a worthwhile choice for an affordable VPN. Although speeds can fluctuate, it comes with lots of desirable features on all platforms, like port forwarding (which makes torrents more stable) and two kinds of split tunneling. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-subscription-deals-include-discounts-on-hbo-max-apple-tv-masterclass-rosetta-stone-and-more-180000748.html?src=rss
Pocket Casts rolls out playlists, so users can sequence episodes of their favorite shows
There are millions upon millions of podcast episodes out there and it can be tough to figure out what to listen to and when. The popular podcast service Pocket Casts is rolling out a playlists feature to help users make sense of it all. This is being advertised as a new way for listeners to organize, sequence and customize episodes across all their favorite shows. The idea of a playlist isn't new by any stretch, but it's not typically an option on podcast apps. As a matter of fact, Pocket Casts says this was one of its most-requested features. The platform says this tool is great for building a morning news lineup, curating interviews to study a topic or creating a queue for a long flight. There's a manual option but also an automatic Smart Playlists feature that gathers episodes together based on pre-determined rules. Pocket Casts For instance, episodes can be collected and sorted by release date, duration and other factors. This replaces the pre-existing filters tool. I can absolutely see this being useful on a road trip when you don't really wanna fiddle with a phone and would rather just let the podcast episodes flow into one another to create a Conan O'Brien-induced driving zen state. The playlists tool is available right now. This is just the latest move by Pocket Casts. The service recently added a free tier for accessing its web player and desktop app. We love it when things get cheaper, don't we folks? This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/pocket-casts-rolls-out-playlists-so-users-can-sequence-episodes-of-their-favorite-shows-170046666.html?src=rss
Walmart Black Friday deals include the AirPods Pro 2 for their lowest price yet
Apple updated its flagship earbuds this year with the new AirPods Pro 3, but the AirPods Pro 2 were our top picks for the best wireless earbuds for Apple users for many years before that. They're a bit hard to find at this point, but Walmart Black Friday deals have come for them (in addition to a bunch of other Apple products). Walmart has the AirPods Pro 2 for $139, which is the lowest price we've ever seen them and more than $100 off their standard $249 price tag. During Black Friday last year, they dropped to around $155. At this price, the AirPods Pro 2 are a good option for anyone who wants most of the conveniences and features of the Pro 3s without spending nearly $100 more. They have excellent active noise cancellation and great sound quality, and thanks to a firmware update, they do support Apple's new Live Translation feature. Using the buds in tandem with the Translate app on iPhones running iOS 26 or later, you can translate foreign languages in conversation in real time, hearing other languages being spoken to you in your preferred language. Sound quality remains great on the Pro 2 and battery life hits at around six hours of use on a single charge with ANC enabled. The wireless charging case that comes with the Pro 2 actually offers more total hours of listening time than the Pro 3 30 hours in total, in comparison to the Pro 3's 24 hours. You also get most of Apple's health tracking capabilities along with all the conveniences of the H2 chipset, which includes quick pairing and switching, plus hands-free Siri. What you won't get here is built-in heart rate tracking and improved sound quality and ANC, all of which are stand-out features of the new Pro 3. In addition to the AirPods Pro 2, other AirPods are on sale for Black Friday. AirPods 4, both with and without ANC , are down to record-low or near-record low prices. Plus, the new AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for their best price since their launch in September. We'll update this post as more Walmart Black Friday tech deals come in. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/walmart-black-friday-deals-include-the-airpods-pro-2-for-their-lowest-price-yet-170032969.html?src=rss
Some people shop Black Friday sales for discounts on shoes and socket wrenches, duvet covers and blow up mattresses none of those things are on this list. Here youll find only the best electronics for less than $50 a pop. These are all gadgets and accessories weve tested for our buying guides , recommended in our gift guides or reviewed for, well, our reviews . For less than $50, you can pick up Engadget-approved gear like earbuds, smart speakers, streaming sticks, power banks, smart plugs, Bluetooth trackers and more. So if you need accessories to support your bigger devices, or want a few clever gadgets to smarten up your space, check out these Black Friday tech deals for under $50. Engadget's top picks under $50 Anker Nano 3 Charger Block (30W, 1-port) for $12 ($8 off) at Amazon : Black and white are such boring colors for charming accessories, but alas, those basic colors happen to be the ones getting the bigger discount in this deal (the pretty purple, blue and green colors are $1 more). This compact block is our pick for a great iPhone accessory . Its 30 watts of power will reup your handset stat. Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Charger (10K mAh, 30W) for $30 ($15 off) at Amazon : I love this sleek little box. First and foremost, its a 10K mAh power bank (enough to refill a phone 1.5 to two times). But it also has a built-in USB-C cable (so youll never be without one) and flip-up wall prongs so it can refill directly from the wall (it even supports pass-through charging). Also available directly from Anker . Tofu Press by Tofuture for $19 ($4 off with on-page coupon) at Amazon : There are plenty of tofu presses out there. But this one won us over with its simplicity, cute looks and clever design that handily clears out the water from any standard tofu brick. It makes a great gift for anyone who likes to cook . Also at Tofuture with code K0Q33KF6FC01. Spigen for iPhone 17 Case for $13 ($3 off with Prime) at Amazon : It seems a shame to cover up the pretty colors of the new iPhones. But leaving your handset naked is just panic-inducing. We recommend this clear case from Spigen in our accessories guide . I have one on my iPhone 16 and it has kept it safe through many a fumble. UGreen Uno Nexode Charger Block (65W, 3-Port) for $33 ($17 off with Prime) at Amazon : There are other ways to charge your devices, but few are this cute. Thats why we named it one of the best stocking stuffers you can buy. You get three ports in its head and outlet prongs hidden in its removable magnetic feet. Its 65 watts are enough to charge multiple devices at once. Also available directly from UGreen and at Walmart . Best Black Friday deals under $25 Audible, 3 months and a $20 credit for $3 ($42 off) at Amazon : As it does each Black Friday (and at a few points besides), Amazon is offering a near-free intro deal for its audiobook subscription. The plan auto-renews at a dollar per month for three months, then defaults to the standard $15 monthly. So set a reminder to cancel before then if you dont want to pay full-price. Anker USB-C Cable (10FT, 100W) for $9 ($3 off) at Amazon : If you just need a reliable and long charger for your phone, pick this one up while its just $9. It can shuttle 100 watts to your handset and, in our experience, Anker cables are plenty durable plus its red! This can handle data transfers in a pinch, but is limited to 480 Mbps. Anker SD memory Card Reader (USB-C, SD and microSD) for $9 ($9 off) : This might be an ideal representative of an Anker product : A simple, moderately-priced solution that just works. I needed an SD card reader with a USB-C connection. I bought this one. It works. Im happy. Anker USB-C Cable (240W, 10ft) for $12 ($5 off) at Amazon : If youre sick of the sub-par, half-broken, super-short cables occupying your junk drawer, just grab a couple of these. With the max power delivery possible for USB-C at 240W, itll always be ready to charge anything. Just note, this is better for charging as its data transfer rates max out at 480 Mbps. Also available directly from Anker . Anker Nano 3 Charger Block (30W, 1-port) for $12 ($8 off) at Amazon : Black and white are such boring colors for charming accessories, but alas, those basic colors happen to be the ones getting the bigger discount in this deal (the pretty purple, blue and green colors are $1 more). This compact block is our pick for a great iPhone accessory . Its 30 watts of power will reup your handset stat. Philips Fabric Shaver for $13 ($7 off) at Amazon : Did you know you needed a fabric shaver? You need a fabric shaver . Our editor grabbed this one (at full price) and loves it. It keeps blankets, sweaters and joggers pill free and looking fresh for just $13. Anker Nano 3 Charger (30W, 1-port) for $13 ($5 off) at Amazon : This tiny and colorful block is one of our favorite fast chargers for 2025 . Itll send up to 30 watts of power to whatever you plug into it. Thats more than enough to fast-charge any smartphone and plenty of juice for your tablets. Also available directly from Anker and at Walmart . Amazon Smart Plug for $13 ($12 off) at Amazon : If you have an Alexa speaker and a lamp this plug will make the two best of friends. We found the plug easy to set up and it reliably maintains its connections. Just remember it only works with Alexa (either via a speaker or the app on your phone). Belkin Secure Holder for Apple AirTag for $14 ($6 off) : This is one of our recommendations in our guide to AirTag accessories . The braided wire attachment makes it extra strong and secure. We think its an ideal way to create a luggage tag for your AirTag. A four-pack is on sale too.8 Spigen for iPhone 17 Case for $13 ($3 off with Prime) at Amazon : It seems a shame to cover up the pretty colors of the new iPhones. But leaving your handset naked is just panic-inducing. We recommend this clear case from Spigen in our accessories guide . I have one on my iPhone 16 and it has kept it safe through many a fumble. Lego Creator 3 in 1 Retro Camera Toy for $16 ($4 off) at Amazon : This three-in-one set builds a retro camera complete with pressable buttons, a wrist strap and loadable (Lego) film. It can also be built as a retro TV set or a camcorder. For ages eight and up. Glocusent Tri-head Clip On Book Light for $16 ($10 off) at Glocusent : My family vies for this handy device each night. Its ideal for reading a book in bed with a light that lets you adjust the warmth, angle and spread of the beam. Its also great for shining some light on a desk as you can use its clip like a stand. Roku Streaming Stick HD for $16 ($14 off) at Roku : After testing most of the smart TV interfaces out there, Rokus is still my favorite. I like the colorful Roku City that shows up after a long pause and the navigation is intuitive. This stick will grant streaming abilities to a basic TV. Theres no 4K or other fancy video support, but if all you need is a way to stream, this will do. Also at Amazon . Samsung SmartTags 2 Bluetooth tracker for $17 ($12 off) at Amazon : If youve got a Samsung phone, the brands own trackers will serve you well. Theyre one of the best-looking fobs we tested . It hooks up with Samsungs own finding network, which is surprisingly robust, and was able to locate lost stuff nearly as quickly as AirTags in our tests. LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants for $18 ($5 off) at Amazon : Heres an ideal Secret Santa gift everyone loves Legos and these cheery little guys will keep your giftee company at their desk or on their windowsill, and are the lowest-maintenance plants around. Also at Target and Walmart . Apple AirTag Bluetooth tracker for $18 ($11 off) at Walmart : An updated version of Apples little finding discs is almost certainly on the horizon. For now, an AirTag is our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users. Its a little quieter than third party tags like Chipolo, but when it comes to trackers, this is what most people think of. Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for $18 ($17 off) at Amazon : If you just want the Amazon Fire TV experience for the fewest dollars possible, here you go. The HD stick is the best budget option in our opinion and could be all you need if your TV doesnt support 4K content anyway. Blink Mini 2 indoor security camera for $18 ($22 off) at Amazon : Do you wonder what the dog and cat do when youre gone? (The answer is sleep.) An indoor camera lets you keep an eye on your home while youre gone or just in the other room. We named the Blink Mini 2 the best budget pick in our guide to security cameras for 2025 . The tiny squares are easy to set up, work well (and only) with Alexa and deliver suitable (but not ultra high quality) images. Anker Nano fast charger block (45W, 1 port) for $18 ($17 off) at Amazon : This is just about the max power you can get out of a tiny block like this. Ankers 45-watt charger is more than enough oomph for phones and tablets, and can even handle a laptop refill in a pinch. The little plug prongs fold down and it even comes with a six-foot USB-C cable. Tofu Press by Tofuture for $19 ($4 off with on-page coupon) at Amazon : There are plenty of tofu presses out there. But this one won us over with its simplicity, cute looks and clever design that handily clears out the water from any standard tofu brick. It makes a great gift for anyone who likes to cook . Also at Tofuture with code K0Q33KF6FC01. Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (dual socket) for $19 ($8 off) at Amazon : Tired of turning off your outdoor holiday lights manually each night? Get one of these and schedule the controls. Or better yet, let Alexa, Siri or the Google Assistant turn them off with just a command. This is the one we recommend in our guide to smart plugs and the one that faithfully controlled my Halloween lights last month. Its gone as low as $17 in the past. Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus for $20 ($20 off) at Roku : I called this streaming stick perfect for travel in my review. It powers itself from your TV so you dont have to hunt for a wall outlet in your hotel room. Plus you can bring all your streaming subscriptions with you or just enjoy Rokus dizzying amount of free content. Also at Amazon . Baseus Picogo MagSafe Power Bank (5K mAh, 10W) for $19 ($8 off with Prime) at Amazon : We tested a newer version of this MagSafe bank for our battery guide . Its Qi-certified (not Qi2) so you wont get top charging speeds out of it. But if you need a partial refill for a phone, $20 is hard to beat. TP-Link AC1200 WiFi extender for $19 (37 percent off) at Amazon : If youve got some dead spots in your homes internet coverage and arent quite ready for a mesh setup, a Wi-Fi extender can help. This is our favorite budget option in our guide to these plug-in devices thanks to its easy setup and user-friendly app. Amazon Echo Pop Alexa Smart Speaker for $22 ($18 off) at Amazon : Amazons smallest smart speaker isnt focused so much on sound quality as it is on putting Alexa+ wherever you may need the assistants help. Use the little half sphere to control your connected lights, give you the weather or just have an interesting conversation. Last Black Friday it dropped as low as $18. Kasa Smart Plug Matter Compatible KP125M (2-pack) for $23 ($12 off) at Amazon : If you want to control your lamps, humidifiers and other simple appliances just by talking to your home assistant of choice, a smart plug will let you do so. We deemed this the top pick for a Matter-enabled plug in our smart plug guide . Set-up is seamless and it supports Siri, Alexa, the Google Assistant and more. LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Retro Telephone for kids for $24 ($6 off) at Amazon : One of our top picks for the best tech toys for kids is on sale for Black Friday. This cute as a button retro telephone is rated for kids eight and older and is a three-in-one set that can be rebuilt into three different configurations: A rotary phone, cordless phone and an early-days cell phone/flip phone combo. Chipolo Pop Bluetooth tracker for $23 ($6 off) at Amazon : Quit losing your keys (or jacket or backpack) by attaching this colorful tracker to it. The Pop is our overall favorite in Engadgets guide to Bluetooth trackers as its loud, feature-rich and taps into Apples Find My or Googles Find Hub networks. Also available directly from Chipolo . Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for $25 ($25 off) at Amazon : We dont know why Amazon needs so many streaming sticks in its lineup, but here we are. The 4K Plus is very similar to the 4K Max except it has a little less storage at 8GB and no Wi-Fi 6E (just Wi-Fi 6). You also dont get the Ambient experience that turns your TV into art. If you can swing the extra bucks, go for the Max , but if those features dont matter to you, this saves you $10 right now. Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $25 ($25 off) at Roku : The difference between this streamer and the newer 4K Plus is that one doesnt have Dolby vision or an extended Wi-Fi range this one does. So if you need that extra range and/or have a TV that supports Dolby Vision, this is the Roku stick to get. Meross WiFi Dual Smart Plug (2-pack) for $25 ($8 off) at Amazon : The difference between this one and other smart plugs is the dual outlet a surprising rarity. Merosss dual plug works with home systems from Apple, Amazon, Google and Samsung and lets you control each of the two outlets independently. Best Black Friday deals under $50 Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Audio Transmitter for $26 ($14 off) at Amazon : If you (or someone on your gift list) travels by plane a lot, they might appreciate this dongle. It adds a Bluetooth connection to any 3.5mm aux audio jack so they can use their AirPods or other wireless buds to watch in-flight entertainment. $26 isnt the lowest price weve seen (it went as low as $16 earlier this year). Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $28 ($17 off) at Amazon with Prime : Share your good taste in music with Ankers portable sound box. Its Bluetooth connected, goes for 24 hours on a charge and can handle a dunk in water with no ill effects to its 12 watts of sound. Soundcore makes a few of the picks on our list of the best speakers this is a more affordable model. Also available directly from Anker and at Best Buy . EarFun Free 2S Wireless Earbuds for $28 ($12 off) at Amazon : These are the ultra-budget pick in our guide to budget earbuds . They dont have ANC, but the sound is lively and the fit is comfortable. You arent getting the highest sound quality here, but if you need a knock around pair, these will do. Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Charger (10K mAh, 30W) for $30 ($15 off) at Amazon : I love this sleek little box. First and foremost, its a 10K mAh power bank (enough to refill a phone 1.5 to two times). But it also has a built-in USB-C cable (so youll never be without one) and flip-up wall prongs so it can refill directly from the wall (it even supports pass-through charging). Also available directly from Anker . Twelve South PowerBug Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charger (35W) for $40 ($10 off) at Amazon : - This is one of our top picks for the best iPhone accessories . It turns any outlet into an iPhone (12 or later) holder. Our editor uses it in the kitchen to better see cooking videos. Also available directly from Twelve South . JBL Go 3 Mini Bluetooth Speaker for $30 ($10 off) at Amazon : For about two dollars more than the all-time low, you can grab this pocket-sized speaker from JBL. Its the previous model of a pick from our guide to Bluetooth speakers. It goes for 5 hours on a charge and is $10 cheaper than the Go 4. Govee Smart LED Light Bars for $30 ($20 off with Prime) at Amazon : Another of our stocking stuffer picks are these smart LED light bars from Govee. They can stand up or lie flat so they can go just about anywhere and are infinitely adjustable via the app. You can even set them to light up in sync with your music. Alexa and the Google Assistant will let you control them with just your voice (and a smart speaker). Baseus Picogo magnetic portable charger with stand (5K mAh, Qi2 15W) for $30 ($20 off) at Amazon : This little guy gave a solid 43 percent bump to our tester iPhone 15 in 42 minutes, ultimately charging it to 91 percent. It earned a mention in our guide to MagSafe batteries thanks to those speeds, its compact size and the handy (and sturdy) little stand on the back. Amazon Echo Dot Alexa smart speaker for $32 ($18 off) at Amazon : This is Amazons most popular Echo device and its the one my family uses most. The new Alexa+ is more conversational and can remember conversations and apply context. Its still a work in progress , but can set timers, tell you the weather and control your smart home like a champ. It sold for as low as $23 last Black Friday. UGreen Uno Nexode Charger Block (65W, 3-Port) for $33 ($17 off with Prime) at Amazon : There are other ways to charge your devices, but few are this cute. Thats why we named it one of the best stocking stuffers you can buy. You get three ports in its head and outlet prongs hidden in its removable magnetic feet. Its 65 watts are enough to charge multiple devices at once. Also available directly from UGreen and at Walmart . Anker Nano Charger Block (70W, 3-port) for $35 ($15 off) at Amazon : This specific model isnt in our guides, but weve seen other Anker Nano chargers prove themselves, so were comfortable recommending it. This one has two USB-C ports for fast charging devices, plus a Type-A outlet for devices that need it. Zagg Glass Elite Screen Protector for iPhone 17 for $35 ($5 off) at Amazon : Youre thinking of saying yes to the new iPhone 17. You probably wont be disappointed . Just make sure you protect it. We like Zaggs shields and said so in our guide to iPhone accessories . Also available at Best Buy . UGreen Revodok Pro 109 USB C Hub for $34 ($20 off with Prime) at Amazon : I tested a bunch of USB-C hubs and deemed this one the best. Plug in the generously long cable into your tablet or laptop and youll be able to read memory cards, use USB-A peripherals, connect a 4K monitor via HDMI and use Ethernet. The lowest price we tracked on this guy yet is $30. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 ($25 off) at Amazon : We recently wondered why Amazon needs so many streaming devices (Google just has one and its our favorite ). But in the battle among the Fire TV streamers, we think this one is the best. It can display 4K resolution and Dolby Video, supports the more future-proof Wi-Fi 6E, has more memory than the other sticks and lets you use the Ambient Experience that displays art on your screen when youre not watching The Expanse . Anker Prime GaN wall charger (67W, 3-port) for $35 ($15 off) at Amazon : Travelers, take note. This is what we recommend to those on a journey in our guide to fast chargers . It has three ports, and can detect which plugged-in device is in most need of a refill. The 67-watt rating is all you need for phones and tablets and will even top off most laptops if needed. Also available directly from Anker . Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) for $36 ($14 off) at Amazon : This was almost our top pick for the best USB-C hub, but a UGreen model edged it out. But the 555 is still great with ports that include HDMI, Ethernet, two USB Type A, a power delivery USB-C and a USB-C 3.2. That should be enough to keep any tablet or laptop suitably connected. Also available directly from Anker and at Walmart . Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber for $36 ($34 off with Prime) at Amazon : Shower scrubbing is no ones favorite activity (Im assuming here, but Im pretty sure Im right). This makes the job so very much easier. Discovered by our editor who abhors the task , the Leebein runs on a USB-C rechargeable battery and has swappable brushes. The course brush combined with the higher speed is no match for any shower scum. Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP25 (4-pack) for $37 ($13 off) at Amazon : In my house, we call these the good plugs. The connection is fast and fuss-free and itll work with Alexa, Siri, OK Google and via the Kasa app so if youre a smart home mad scientist with multiple home assistants you can ask one to turn on the lamp and another helper to turn it off. This is the best smart plug we tested . The four-pack went as low as $30 is the lowest price weve tracked. Also at B&H Photo . Anker Nano Ultra Slim power bank (5K mAh, Qi2 15W) for $38 ($17 off) at Amazon : This super slim bank pairs nicely with an iPhone Air, or any MagSafe-compatible iPhone for that matter. Its more affordable than Apples version and a top pick in our MagSafe battery guide . JBL Go 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for $40 ($10 off) at Amazon : Our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers ranks the Go 4 as one of the winners. Its super compact at less than half a pound so dont expect top-end sound but it outputs good volume for its size and even has a handy carry loop. Also available directly from JBL and at Walmart . Sharge AeroMag Power Bank Ultra Slim (5K mAh, Qi2 15W) at Amazon : To recharge a dying iPhone (12 and later) in the most unobtrusive way possible, go for a MagSafe power bank. Its not as fast as a wired connection, but super convenient. After testing Sharges AeroMag, it earned a runner-up spot in our guide . Sharge AeroMag Magsafe Power Bank (Qi2 15W, 5K mAh) for $40 ($24 off) at Amazon : To recharge a dying iPhone (12 and later) in the most unobtrusive way possible, go for a MagSafe power bank. Its not as fast as a wired connection, but super convenient. After testing Sharges AeroMag, it earned a runner-up spot in our guide . Blink Outdoor 4 XR for $42 ($78 off) at Amazon : Heres the extended range model of the Blink Outdoor cameras that we named among the best . That means you can stick it farther from your house and still see the goings on your property. Like most security cameras, youll get more out of it with a subscription (smart motion detections, cloud storage, and longer live views). Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds for $42 ($38 off) at Amazon : Heres our top pick for affordable earbuds in our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds . They have a warm, pleasant sound and surprisingly good noise cancellation for the price. Also available directly from Anker and at Walmart . Anker Prime GaN Charger (100W, 3-port) for $42 ($28 off) at Anker : Heres a variant of the top pick for travel in our fast charger guide . This higher-wattage Prime charger can charge three devices at once (two via USB-C and one via Type A). Plus the prongs fold down. Perfect for keeping everything topped off on the road. Note that the discount comes courtesy of an auto-applied code. Ugreen Nexode Pro GaN slim wall charger (65W 3-port) for $42 ($14 off) at Amazon : In the battle for fast charger supremacy , UGreens flatish block got a nod for being pretty good at its job. It has three USB outputs, including one Type-A for your more retro electronics and can pump out up to 65W for phones and tablets, or even laptops if needed. Just note the flat-but-wide design could block other outlets. Also available directly from UGreen and at Best Buy . Nestout Waterproof Power Bank (15K mAh 32W) for $48 ($19 off) at Amazon : This is our favorite outdoor-ready portable battery from our guide to power banks . If you make sure the caps are on properly, the thing is waterproof (we stuck it in a bucket of water). Plus it can accommodate a slew of accessories like a light and stand. Ring Battery Doorbell for $50 ($50 off) at Amazon : We havent officially tested doorbell cameras just yet (its on the list). But Ring is one of the best-known and most popular brands you can buy. This one runs on batteries so you dont have to mess with doorbell wires and it supports two-way talk, live view and smart alerts. Just note that many features are tied to a Ring subscription ($5 to $20 per month). Ring Outdoor Cam (Stick Up Cam) for $50 ($50 off) at Amazon : This weather-resistant outdoor cam has a removable and rechargeable battery that can go for a few months on a charge. We didnt test this exact model for our security cam guide , but other Ring cameras worked well for us. Here you get live views, color night vision, two-way talk and motion alerts. Just note that it only works with Alexa and some features require a subscription. Amazon Echo Spot for $50 ($30 off) at Amazon : This is the most giftable of the Alexa speakers. I got one for my mom. It has a small screen to display the time, weather and what song is playing, while the Alexa+ smarts inside keep track of timers and reminders, answers questions and controls connected smart home devices with a fairly high level of competence. Ultimate Ears Miniroll Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for $50 ($30 off) at Amazon : Ultimate Ears makes some of our favorite Bluetooth speakers . This is the smallest of the UE portable speakers and fits in the palm of your hand or clips to your handlebars (with its hookable strap). It'll go for 12 hours on a charge and supports a 40-meter Bluetooth range. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-deals-under-50-available-now-apple-airtags-legos-ugreen-chargers-blink-cameras-and-more-173833684.html?src=rss
Our favorite action camera is cheaper than ever for Black Friday
Action cams make great gifts, or if you're a photographer, a solid addition to your kit. Black Friday deals usually mean you can pick up new cameras and accessories for less, and this year is no different. One of the best deals we've found is on the GoPro Hero 13 Black action cam, which is down to $310 for Black Friday. That's a discount of 23 percent or $90. This model topped our list of the best action cameras , and for good reason. It's a fantastic device with all kinds of bells and whistles . It's the most versatile Hero camera that GoPro has ever made. There's a new family of modular lenses and it can shoot up to 5.3K and handle 2X optical zoom. The battery is bigger than ever before and offers around 90 minutes of continuous shooting in 4K/30FPS. The camera is waterproof up to 10 millimeters, so don't worry about puddles. The full-color front screen is vivid and makes it easy to review footage without getting a computer involved. There's no internal storage here, but it accepts microSD cards. There's a camera bundle on sale right now that includes a 64GB microSD, three batteries, a dual charger and a case. That pack costs $349 , which is a discount of 30 percent . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-action-camera-is-cheaper-than-ever-for-black-friday-160154648.html?src=rss
Black Friday streaming deals include one year of HBO Max for $36
HBO Max has launched its latest offer, giving new subscribers one year of streaming for $36 through December 1. This Black Friday streaming deal is on the ad-supported option, which normally goes for $11 per month. With this discount, you're getting it for $3 per month for one year. Its a rare opportunity to explore HBO Maxs mix of originals, Warner Bros. films and live sports while paying less than usual. You can sign up via HBO Max's website or, if you're a Prime Video subscriber already, via that service as an add-on . HBO Max has one of the best libraries of content in the streaming market, combining HBOs acclaimed originals with Warner Bros. theatrical releases, Discovery content and live sports. The service now runs across three main plans. The Basic With Ads plan, the one included in this deal, allows streaming on two devices in full HD and costs $11 a month at full price. The Standard plan adds offline downloads, more live sports coverage and better device flexibility for $18.49 per month. The Premium plan increases quality to 4K with Dolby Atmos sound (where available), four simultaneous streams and up to 100 downloadable titles for $23 monthly. While the feature differences matter, the real appeal of HBO Max is its library. Subscribers get access to the full catalog of HBO originals, including House of the Dragon , The White Lotus , The Last of Us and Euphoria, alongside recent Warner Bros. theatrical hits like Dune: Part Two and Barbie . The addition of Discovery content brings in reality favorites such as Fixer Upper: The Hotel and 90 Day Fianc , while sports coverage through TNT and TBS channels includes NHL, NASCAR, college football and more. Its worth noting that live sports are still limited to certain tiers and regions and 4K availability varies by title. But compared with other premium services that have recently raised prices or limited simultaneous streams, HBO Maxs current setup offers strong flexibility across its plans. If youre considering which streaming platform gives the best range of new shows, live events and cinema releases, our guide to the best streaming services compares HBO Max with other major options. For now, this one-year subscription offer provides a straightforward way to explore HBOs latest hits and a wide catalog of content at a lower upfront cost. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-streaming-deals-include-one-year-of-hbo-max-for-36-163017424.html?src=rss
The OnePlus 15R smartphone is budget-friendly, durable and coming next month
OnePlus just revealed a trio of products, including the long-anticipated 15R smartphone . This is a redesign of the OnePlus 15, which is a device we rather enjoyed . The 15R will presumably be a budget-friendly version of the flagship 15, based on past releases , but we don't have a price just yet. It is, however, being referred to as the ultimate value high quality flagship device. The company hasn't dropped any real specs just yet, but we do know that this handset prioritizes durability. As a matter of fact, OnePlus says the 15R has the industry's most complete durability ratings of IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K. This phone should take a licking and keep on ticking. OnePlus It'll be available in two colors. There's a black one and a mint green design. The phone launches on December 17, which doesn't leave OnePlus a lot of time to provide specs and pricing information. Only customers in Europe, India and North America will be able to buy the handset at first. OnePlus OnePlus also just revealed the Pad Go 2, which looks like a decent enough mid-range tablet. It boasts an anti-glare finish and is available in both black and purple. This will be the first tablet from the company to offer 5G connectivity. It comes with an integrated stylus, which has been designed to enhance productivity and precision for note-taking and creative work. It also drops on December 17 in Europe, India and North America. OnePlus The OnePlus Watch Lite is a budget-friendly version of its flagship smartwatch , offering top-tier health and fitness features to an even more accessible price point. We don't have that price point just yet. This will only be available in a silver finish and also drops on December 17, but just in Europe. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-oneplus-15r-smartphone-is-budget-friendly-durable-and-coming-next-month-163000244.html?src=rss
Amazon Black Friday deals: The Fire TV Stick 4K Max drops to $35
Amazon Black Friday deals almost always include discounts on Fire TV devices and Fire TV sets. This year is no different, and some of the best discounts bring Fire TV streaming dongles down to near record-low prices. Case in point: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is 41 percent off and down to only $35. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of Engadget's favorite streaming devices . The stick supports a solid mix of advanced technologies for its price: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K and HDR10+. As long as the rest of your entertainment setup can handle it, you'll get a high-quality picture and sound. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E , enabling better, faster connectivity with compatible routers. The 4K Max has the fastest processor of any Amazon Fire TV Stick, so expect zippy navigation. It also supports Amazon's Ambient Experience. This mode displays art (like on Samsung's The Frame ) while the device is in standby. It's also a solid choice for gaming: It supports Xbox cloud streaming and works well as a retro game emulator , too. The UI is where Amazon appears to be subsidizing the device's low cost. Expect to see loads of Prime Video content promos, along with other ads. But for $35 (compared to its MSRP of $60), you may find it easier to justify that tradeoff. Also on sale is Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD , our pick for the best budget streaming stick. This model doesn't support 4K; instead, it limits you to 1080p at 60 fps. At $18 for Black Friday, it's certainly cheap. But if you have a 4K TV (or plan to soon), you may want to consider the slightly more expensive model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-black-friday-deals-the-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-drops-to-35-132100017.html?src=rss
The PlayStation 5 is getting a major Black Friday discount, with $100 off all models. That brings the PS5 Digital Edition down to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the new PS5 Pro to $649. If youve been holding out for the right time to upgrade or buy your first console, this is the deal to beat. You'll find the deals direct at Sony and from other retailers including Amazon and Walmart . Sonys flagship console remains one of the most popular gaming systems available, and this Black Friday discount makes it even easier to jump in if you havent already. The standard PS5 and the slimmer PS5 Digital Edition both offer fast load times, smooth frame rates and crisp visuals powered by the custom AMD Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 GPU. The difference between them comes down to the disc drive the standard model includes one, while the Digital Edition relies entirely on digital downloads. For those who want top-tier performance, the PS5 Pro is also getting a rare $100 discount. It features upgraded specs and enhanced ray tracing for sharper graphics, along with improved cooling to handle more demanding titles. Whether you play cinematic single-player hits or fast-paced competitive games, the PS5 lineup remains one of the strongest options on the market for next-gen gaming. Each console supports 4K output, 3D audio and access to PlayStation Plus , which unlocks online multiplayer and a rotating library of free games. The DualSense controller remains a highlight, with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that make everything from racing to combat feel more immersive. If youre already set with a console, there are also a few solid accessory deals to consider for Black Friday. The DualSense Wireless Controller is down to $55, a $25 discount available in multiple colors. The premium DualSense Edge controller , which adds customizable buttons and replaceable stick modules, drops to $169 during Black Friday. Meanwhile, the PlayStation Portal Sonys portable Remote Player that lets you stream games from your PS5 gets discounted to $179. You'll find a ton of PlayStation Black Friday deals across the web right now, and they also include some game sales. Those include Astro Bot for $40 and Horizon Forbidden West for $20. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-ps5-deals-sony-takes-100-off-consoles-plus-discounts-on-other-playstation-games-and-accessories-145622522.html?src=rss
When it comes to holiday video game gifts, Nintendo gear is often at the top of the list for kids and adults like. This year likely more so than ever thanks to the launch of the Switch 2 back in the spring. But fi you were hoping to save money on the console with Black Friday deals , you may be disappointed. The Nintendo Black Friday sale was announced , and unsurprisingly, there are a scant few real deals to be had. This is typical of Nintendo, though actual Nintendo Black Friday deals are few and far between. However, there are ways to at least get the best value for your money if you're going to pick up a Switch 2 before this year is over. As has been the case for many years, the marquee Nintendo deals for the holidays come in the form of console bundles. When the Switch 2 launched earlier this year, it was available as just the console only for $449 or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499 . Both options are still available now, but there's a new bundle to consider as well the console with the new Pokmon Legends: Z-A game , which also costs $499. Considering the games by themselves cost $70 each, you do save a bit by picking up a console bundle. you can pick up the console and its bundles at most retailers including Amazon , Walmart , Best Buy and others. Nintendo Switch game deals When it comes to deals on Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Nintendo eShop will have Cyber Deals starting on November 20, running through December 3. The shop will feature holiday offers on select games, so it appears we'll all just have to go to the online store on November 20 to see the games on offer. Starting on November 23, select retailers will have discounts on some physical Switch games including Princess Peach: Showtime! , The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom , Luigis Mansion 3 and Kirbys Return to Dream Land Deluxe . Those will each be $40, while other games like Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo Switch Sports , Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Splatoon 3 will be $30. Nintendo Switch accessory deals Switch 2 accessories were conspicuously absent from the announced deals, but there's always a chance they'll receive discounts from third-party retailers like Amazon , Walmart and Best Buy . A handful of official Nintendo accessories made it onto our best Switch 2 accessories list, but you can find plenty of good ones from other manufacturers as well. If you're keen on getting a first-party accessory, though, for yourself or as a gift for someone else, here's where you can find some of the most popular ones. Joy-Con 2 bundle Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 Camera Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Nintendo Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera Amazon Best Buy Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2) Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Nintendo More Nintendo Black Friday deals Even if you can't get huge discounts on Nintendo consoles or new games this year, that doesn't mean you can't find decent deals on other Nintendo gear. There are plenty of great ideas for gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life , and Engadget's Sam Rutherford got to see a bunch of them in person when he attended Nintendo's holiday showcase. From collectibles to clothing to plushies and holiday decor, there's really a ton to choose from but you may want to pace yourself if you're also a Nintendo fan finding things that you want to pick up for yourself in the process of looking for good gifts. Here are just some of the best Nintendo gift ideas that you can look out for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/nintendo-black-friday-deals-are-live-switch-2-bundles-plus-save-on-switch-games-and-accessories-for-the-holiday-shopping-season-155223308.html?src=rss
The Xreal One Pro smart glasses drop to a record-low price for Black Friday
Some Xreal smart glasses have been discounted as part of a Black Friday promotion. This includes the recently-released Xreal One Pro glasses. The smart specs are down to $599 , which is $50 off. The sale applies to both sizes. These glasses are the real deal . We praised them in our official review , saying they offer similar functionality to the Apple Vision Pro, but at a much friendlier price point. Wearing these glasses allows access to a massive 222-inch virtual display that can be used for just about anything. The glasses connect to laptops, gaming consoles and smartphones, among other gadgets. The 1080p Micro-OLED screens are surprisingly bright and sharp, which makes this device great for both work and consuming content. The frames even darken to give the illusion of wearing sunglasses. The glasses are light and comfortable, especially when compared to the Vision Pro. However, the comfort does come at a price. These oversized glasses are not as immersive as Apple's product, because they don't completely block out light and cover the entire face. They offer a 57-degree field of view. This is squarely an augmented reality product and not a virtual reality product. The company has also discounted its Xreal One AR glasses to $399 , which is a discount of around $100. These offer smaller virtual screens than the Pro, with a 50-degree field of view. Elsewhere in the smart glasses space, the Meta Ray Ban Gen 1 glasses are 20 percent off for Black Friday as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-xreal-one-pro-smart-glasses-drop-to-a-record-low-price-for-black-friday-113032728.html?src=rss
One of our favorite Ninja air fryers is cheaper than ever for Black Friday
Black Friday is arguably the best time of the year to pick up small kitchen appliances like blenders, toaster ovens and air fryers. In the latter category, one of our favorites is on sale right now for a great price. The Ninja DZ401 dual-zone air fryer is down to $130, which is 43 percent off its normal price. And the DZ401 is the perfect air fryer for the holiday season, owing to its trademark dual baskets, which allow you to cook up two completely different foods simultaneously. It takes up a fair amount of space, but its worth it if you have a lot of hungry mouths to feed. This 10-quart fryer includes a smart cook thermometer and six cooking modes, including air broil, roast and dehydrate alongside the default air fry mode. The spacious baskets are quick and easy to clean, and youre safe to throw the plates into the dishwasher if theyre particularly messy after cooking up chicken wings or some brownies for dessert. The Ninja DZ401 has had the title of best dual-zone air fryer in our buying guide for a long time for a reason. An air fryer like this isnt for everyone, especially those with smaller kitchens, but for a Thanksgiving dinner youll struggle to find better. A number of other Ninja devices are on sale for Black Friday right now. If you don't need quite as big of a machine, the Ninja Crispi glass air fryer/multicooker could be a better option. It's down to $160 right now. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-ninja-air-fryers-is-cheaper-than-ever-for-black-friday-170959757.html?src=rss
The Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for $75 this Black Friday
If you'd rather not spend the money on a brand new TV this year, you can make an old set feel new again with a streaming device. Our favorite streaming device is on sale right now for Black Friday: you can grab the Google TV Streamer 4K for only $75, which is the lowest price we've seen so far. The Google TV Streamer is our top pick for an all-in-one streaming device . It has a faster processor than Google's previous streaming devices (22 percent faster, according to the company), so you can switch between apps and different media without lagging. It also has more storage and memory, at 32GB and 4GB, respectively. Google TV streamer has an intuitive interface and keeps all of your favorite content from different streaming apps organized in one menu. It also seamlessly integrates Google Home, allowing you to control your smart home devices from a slideout panel on the TV. The 4K streamer comes in a set-top wedge design, rather than the dongle of Chromecasts past, but you'll have to pick up an HDMI cable separately if you don't already have one you can use. It comes with a small remote that you can ping by pressing a button on the streamer for when you inevitably misplace it. In her review of the device , Engadget's Amy Skorheim called the Google TV streamer a full-featured, competent device with an interface thats better than most at pulling together all the disparate threads of a streaming experience. One of its only downsides is the relatively high cost at $100, so don't let this deal go to waste. In addition to the streaming device, Google has a bunch of other tech on sale for Black Friday . The entry-level Nest thermostat is on sale for $85 right now, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E router has dropped to $120 for a single-pack; that's 40 percent off. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-google-tv-streamer-4k-is-on-sale-for-75-this-black-friday-173858745.html?src=rss
Malaysia takes steps to ban social media for children under 16
Malaysia is the latest country with plans to limit social media use by age. On Sunday, the country's cabinet approved a ban on social media accounts for anyone under the age of 16, The Associated Press reports . It comes as concerns around social media's negative impact on children has grown globally. The ban will reportedly go into affect in 2026. I believe that if the government, regulatory bodies, and parents all play their roles, we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread and affordable but most importantly, safe, especially for children and families, Malaysian communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said in a statement reported by The Associated Press . The country already requires social media and messaging platforms with more than eight million local users to have a license. These companies must take steps like age verification and safety measures. The Malaysian government is looking at countries like Australia to see the success of electronic ID verification checks. On December 10, Australia will enact the world's first blanket social media ban for anyone under 16-years-old. Social media companies will have to ensure compliance or face a fine of up to $49.5 million AUD ($32 million USD). Platforms impacted by the ban include X, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, YouTube and Twitch. Earlier this month, Denmark announced that it was taking steps toward a social media ban for anyone under the age of 15. Children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships where adults are not always present, Denmark's Digitalization Ministry stated. In the US, some states have tried to enact their own restrictions. In Utah , teens now require parental consent to make a social media account. In Texas , a bill that would have banned social media for anyone under 18-year-old failed to pass, while a Florida law to require consent for under 16s and banning under 14s passed but is held up in court. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/malaysia-takes-steps-to-ban-social-media-for-children-under-16-142643494.html?src=rss
Black Friday Apple deals include $120 off the Mac mini M4
While there are lots of great Black Friday sales on cheaper devices, it's the big ticket items that really make a world of difference. Take Apple's 2024 Mac mini M4 , which has dropped to $479 from $599 as part of early Black Friday deals . The 20 percent discount brings Apple's mini desktop computer with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD to only $10 more than its all-time low. We gave the Mac mini M4 a 90 in our review , in part, because it packs an incredible amount of power into such a small design. It also has front facing USB-C and headphone ports, a first for the Mac mini lineup. Plus, it starts with 16GB of RAM, an upgrade from its predecessors. However, if you want more memory or storage, the other Mac Mini M4 models are also on sale. You can get 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD for $719, down from $799. Then there's the option for 24GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD at $889, down from $999. Plus, if you want to bundle in three years of AppleCare+, each model ends up being about $100 cheaper than normal. If you're looking to build a desktop setup from scratch, there's a small but notable discount on Apple's Magic Trackpad as well. It's down to $120, which is only seven percent off its usual price but it's the cheapest we've seen it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-apple-deals-include-120-off-the-mac-mini-m4-150749332.html?src=rss
One of our favorite Shark robot vacuums is 58 percent off for Black Friday
Our pick for the best robot vacuum (or at least one of its many variants) is on sale. Amazon's Black Friday deals include the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum . This model has a list price of $599, but you can snag one for $250. That's 58 percent off and a record low. One of this model's standout features is its bagless design. Like many robovacs, it has an auto-empty station. But here, you can remove part of the base, dump its contents in the garbage, and lock it back in place. The base holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris, and you'll never need to order bag refills. The Shark AI Ultra has strong suction and decent obstacle avoidance (via LiDAR). The robovac cleans in a matrix grid. It auto-maps your home and supports Google Assistant and Alexa for voice control. The vacuum has a runtime of about 120 minutes. (If it needs to stop and charge, it will auto-resume afterward.) Also note that this is a vacuum-only model: no mopping here. But Shark has other Black Friday deals if you're interested in a robovac that also mops, or even a cordless stick vacuum instead. The Shark Stratos 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is 55 percent off and down to $450 right now, while the Power Detect Pet Plus cordless vacuum with self-emptying base is down to $400. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-shark-robot-vacuums-is-58-percent-off-for-black-friday-100013478.html?src=rss
You need a fabric shaver my favorite is only $13 for Black Friday
If you, like me a few months ago, didn't know fabric shavers existed, I'm willing to bet you're not alone. Not too long ago, I went looking for something, anything, that could help get rid of the pilling on some of my most loved pieces of clothing. I stumbled upon the Philips Fabric Shaver in my search and was pleasantly surprised to learn such a device existed and in such a cute, compact form. I decided to give it a shot and now it's an essential piece of tech in my house. Thanks to Black Friday deals, you don't have to pay as much as I did for it now that it's on sale for only $13. Sure, it may not seem revolutionary especially if you already knew of the wonders of such devices but it was for me. I have a lot of T-shirts, joggers, sweaters and more that I've had for at least three years and wear regularly. We also have a bunch of throw blankets around the house, partially because I love a good throw, and partially because my cat demands soft spots on which to sleep. All of those well-worn, well-loved fabrics have pilled over time, and I was tired of picking at the pills myself. This Philips Fabric Shaver makes it so I never have to do that anymore. It runs on two AA batteries, has a simple on-off switch and a shaving head with three sized holes that, as you glide it over your sweater or blanket, catches the pills and shaves them right off. It's literally as simple as that; after I tried it the first time on a pair of joggers, I spent far too much time running around my house and through my closet de-pilling as many things as I could. All the little fabric bits collect in a removable chamber that you simply empty as often as you need into the trash. If you're like me and try to make the most of the wardrobe you have and not buy new clothing all the time, this little gadget will keep the pieces in your closet looking fresh. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/you-need-a-fabric-shaver--my-favorite-is-only-13-for-black-friday-163402899.html?src=rss
Sonos Black Friday deals include the Era 300 speaker for $100 off
Sonos Black Friday deals present good opportunities to upgrade your home audio setup. A number of Sonos speakers and soundbars are on sale right now, including the Era 300 speaker , which is $100 off and down to $379. Engadget's Nathan Ingraham called it a great speaker, whether or not it is playing songs in Dolby Atmos. That Dolby reference points to the Era 300's core novelty. It produces spatial audio without requiring additional speakers. (You can use Apple Music or Amazon Music to stream compatible tracks.) Expect those Dolby Atmos tracks to sound better with newer music than older songs remixed for Dolby's tech. Even if you don't bother with its spatial tricks, the Era 300 is a terrific-sounding speaker. It delivers rich, detailed and balanced audio that can hang with just about anything else Sonos offers. The speaker supports voice control via Alexa or Sonos Voice Control. It also offers Trueplay tuning, which listens to how your room shapes the sound and adjusts accordingly. In this model, you don't need to use your phone: Its built-in mics scan your room for you. That's especially handy for Android users, since phone-based Trueplay (from other models) is iOS-only. If the Era 300 is a bit out of your budget, Sonos has loads of other products on sale for Black Friday. You can get the smaller but still mighty Era 100 for $169 (23 percent off). The portable Move 2 is down to $399 (20 percent off). Even the company's headphones, Sonos Ace , are on sale for $279 (30 percent off). Sonos home theater products are discounted, too. You can get the Arc Ultra soundbar for $879 (20 percent off), or the Sub 4 subwoofer for $719 (also 20 percent off). Or, if you're in the market for both and have the budget, save even more on a bundle: Get the Arc Ultra and Sub 4 for $1,499 (25 percent off). This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonos-black-friday-deals-include-the-era-300-speaker-for-100-off-120048569.html?src=rss
Black Friday Kindle deals include Amazon's Kindle Colorsoft for a record-low price
Amazon is hosting a Black Friday sale that covers many of its ereaders. This includes the Kindle Colorsoft, which has been discounted to $170 . This thing usually costs $250, so this is one heck of a deal and a record low price. The model came out earlier this year and we gave it a glowing review , calling it the missing link in Amazon's ereader lineup. It's the first Kindle ereader in color, which makes this thing one of the best ways to read comic books and graphic novels. The pinch-to-zoom feature lets you get closer to details, to make each panel really pop. This is also a high-end ereader, color or not. We found the load times to be exceptionally fast and the same goes for turning pages. There's an auto-adjusting front light, which comes in handy. There are also no lock screen ads by default and a single charge lasts eight full weeks of regular use. The major downside here is the price. It's tough to truly recommend any ereader at $250, or the original launch price of $280. It's a lot easier to recommend at $170. Amazon is also selling similar products at a discount, some of which made our list of the best ereaders . The base Kindle is down to $80 , which is another record low. The Paperwhite is on sale for $125 , yet another record low price. And keeping with the theme, the current-gen Kindle Scribe is on sale for as low as $280, the cheapest we've seen it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-kindle-deals-include-amazons-kindle-colorsoft-for-a-record-low-price-110037265.html?src=rss
Apple Black Friday deals: Pick up the iPad A16 while it's down to an all-time low
The iPad A16 is now on sale for $279 for Black Friday , giving you a chance to pick up Apples newest entry-level tablet at a discount. Its the most affordable iPad in the current lineup, offering quick performance, strong battery life and all the essentials for everyday use. Apples latest 11-inch iPad uses the A16 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15, delivering fast and reliable performance for most tasks. Whether youre watching videos, editing documents or using creative apps, it feels responsive and capable. The A16 chip also helps future-proof the device, ensuring it stays compatible with new iPadOS updates for years. The tablets 11-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640) offers sharp detail and vivid color at up to 500 nits of brightness. While it doesnt have the ultra-bright XDR panel of the iPad Pro, its more than crisp enough for streaming or sketching with the Apple Pencil. The design follows Apples familiar flat-edge style, with slim bezels and an aluminum build that keeps it light and durable. The iPad includes a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP front-facing Center Stage camera, which automatically adjusts to keep you in frame during video calls. The front camera is positioned along the longer landscape edge, which gives a more natural angle for calls or recordings. You also get Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C for charging and data transfer, plus Touch ID built into the top button. Battery life runs up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi, which is consistent with Apples other models. Accessory support covers the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the first-generation Apple Pencil with the USB-C adapter, along with the Magic Keyboard Folio. It doesnt work with the Apple Pencil Pro, but for casual drawing, note-taking or quick document markup, these accessories add plenty of flexibility. The A16 iPad sits at the entry point of Apples lineup, but it shares a lot of what makes its pricier siblings appealing. You get a polished display, dependable performance and the familiarity of iPadOS without the premium cost. Its an ideal choice for students, casual users or anyone who wants a reliable tablet for daily use. If youre still deciding which model fits you best, check out our guide to the best iPads to compare the A16 against the Air and Pro models. At $279, this iPad deal offers excellent value for Apples newest entry-level tablet. Also on sale for Black Friday is the 11-inch iPad Air M3 , which is down to $449. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-black-friday-deals-pick-up-the-ipad-a16-while-its-down-to-an-all-time-low-125224221.html?src=rss
AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for a record-low price for Black Friday
Apples new AirPods Pro 3 are already shaping up to be one of the most sought-after tech gifts this season, and now you can grab them at a lower price. Theyre on sale for $220, down from the regular $249. Previously, the lowest weve seen the AirPods Pro 3 discounted to is $239. If youve been holding off on upgrading your earbuds, this is the deal worth grabbing. Apple didnt reinvent its flagship earbuds with the AirPods Pro 3, but it made smart refinements that elevate nearly every part of the listening experience. We praised these earbuds in our AirPods Pro 3 review for delivering noticeably richer audio and more effective active noise cancellation while keeping the same pocketable form factor that made earlier models so popular. The standout upgrade here is Apples Live Translation feature, which was an unexpected but welcome surprise, announced at the iPhone 17 event. Leveraging Apples H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 3 combines Voice Isolation, ANC and beamforming mics to kick Live Translation into action. Siris translation filters seamlessly through the earbuds, but if environmental noise gets too intrusive, you can view a real-time transcription in the iOS Translate app, which is a useful feature for international travel and business calls. Battery life has improved, too. You get up to eight hours on a single charge with ANC on, and the case adds another 24 hours of playback. The MagSafe charging case, with its new U2 chip, now supports an increased distance for Precision Find My, so its easier to locate if misplaced. Since were talking about earbuds, audio quality plays a key role in deciding whether to purchase the AirPods Pro 3 or upgrade from a previous model. Although improvements have been made to sound quality through new drivers and transducers, Apples decision to increase air flow inside the earbuds has been the most noticeable update. You can expect the AirPods Pro 3 to deliver deeper bass, crisper highs, and an expanded soundstage that makes everything from podcasts to orchestral tracks feel more dynamic. Theres not much to fault here beyond the familiar Apple premium price, but thats why this AirPods Pro 3 deal is such good news. The AirPods Pro 3 remain the best wireless earbuds for iPhone users who want seamless connectivity, top-tier ANC and reliable comfort. But if you were hoping to spend a little less, the AirPods 4 with ANC are on sale for $100 right now as well, and the standard AirPods 4 are down to $80. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/airpods-pro-3-are-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-for-black-friday-124617621.html?src=rss
The 10 best gadgets for your pets
We're a pet-loving staff here at Engadget, with diverse distribution of cat people, dog people, other-small-fuzzy-creature people, bird feeder enjoyers and so on (at press time, I'm unsure if we have a rat person, but I'd be surprised if we didn't). And, of course, we love getting new gadgets of all sorts for our pets as much as for ourselves. This list, with gifts as low-tech as a blanket and as high-tech as the best $30 two-way camera you'll ever use, is for the pet lover in your life whether that's you or another favorite human. Every entry comes waggingly approved by at least one fuzzy friend. Best gadgets for your pets Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/the-10-best-gadgets-for-your-pets-150714288.html?src=rss
Dell 16 Premium review: Stylish to a fault
We've had less than a year to mourn the loss of Dell's iconic XPS laptop brand , and frankly, I'm still not over it. But time moves on. Engadget has already reviewed the Dell 14 Premium , formerly the XPS 14, and now I've finally had a chance to put the larger Dell 16 Premium through its paces. My conclusion? It's still as beautiful as the last XPS 16 , but I also think Dell seriously needs to rethink its ultramodern design strategy. With its minimalist design (look Ma, no visible trackpad!), smooth metal case and clean lines, the Dell 16 Premium looks like a work of art. It's the sort of thing I'd imagine someone creating as a prop for a sci-fi movie in the '90s, when we could barely imagine real notebooks moving beyond chunky grey bricks. But those good looks come at a cost both in terms of price (it starts at $2,000) and basic functionality. If you've read my reviews of the XPS 16 and XPS 13 Plus , Dell's first models to use this aesthetic, you might think I'm just beating a dead horse. But it's worth pointing out again , more than three years after I first chastised Dell for chasing style over function, that the company seemingly hasn't learned anything. Sure, it's a bit faster than before, thanks to Intel's Core Ultra chips and NVIDIA's RTX 50-series GPUs, but that's not saying much. I still have trouble using the 16 Premium's borderless trackpad because it's tough to tell where the clickable zones are. I still hate the capacitive function row, both because it becomes miraculously invisible in bright light and it's tough to build muscle memory for specific keys (like changing the brightness or volume). And honestly, I still don't know how Dell can justify offering only USB-C ports and a microSD card slot on a laptop meant for serious work. Even Apple realized that it had to include a wider variety of ports for professionals, and that's also something other PC makers like ASUS and Acer offer. Did Dell miss the memo? Worst of all, the 16 Premium's 4K OLED screen seriously hampers its battery life. It only lasted six hours and five minutes during a basic video rundown, whereas the previous XPS 16 lasted eight and a half hours in the much more demanding PCMark 10 battery test. (For some reason, that benchmark didn't run properly on my review 16 Premium review unit.) Larger laptops often stuff in bigger batteries than smaller models, but the 16 Premium can't even manage that. At least it's faster than before. The Dell 16 Premium I reviewed was equipped with Intel's Core Ultra 7 255H chip and a low-wattage version of NVIDIA's RTX 5070 GPU. It scored around 10 percent higher than last year's XPS 16 in PCMark 10, and it was notably faster in the Geekbench AI benchmark thanks to Intel's revamped NPU. I was even able to play Cyberpunk 2077 in 4K at 84 fps thanks to the 5070, though I had to enable DLSS 4 frame generation to do so. For some reason though, the system would slow to an absolute crawl whenever I enabled ray tracing features. At best, I only saw around 60 fps in 1080p while using the low ray tracing settings. The Dell 16 Premium from the rear. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget Sure, it's not a gaming laptop, so I can't directly compare it to something like the Razer Blade 16. But it's strange to see one of NVIDIA's latest GPUs handle ray tracing so poorly. As you'd expect, the Dell 16 Premium also got pretty loud whenever its fans spun up. At least they managed to keep the system relatively cool though: Its CPU and GPU sat at 68C and 70C, respectively, under load. The more I looked at the Dell 16 Premium's beautiful facade, the more I wanted something... more. It needs more usable ports, like HDMI and a full-sized SD card reader. It needs more useful function keys that are visible in bright light and also stay in one place so I can touch type more easily. And for the love of god, just give up on the invisible trackpad. It's a parlor trick that just makes it harder to tell left and right mouse clicks apart, despite the impressively large trackpad area. The 16 Premium's invisible trackpad blends seamlessly into its wrist rest, while the keyboard lays perfectly flat and a row of capacitive function keys sits above. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget Given its premium positioning, I also expected more from the laptop's speakers. They sound fine compared to most Windows laptops, but they can't hold a candle to the audio sorcery Apple accomplishes with the 16-inch MacBook Pro. When playing music, the 16 Premium doesn't have much dynamic range or low-end tone, whereas Apple's speakers often surprise me with their depth and enveloping sound. During late night writing sessions, I often find myself playing music straight through the 16-inch MacBook Pro, rather than casting it off to my Sonos speakers like the 16 Premium forces me to do. To avoid being entirely negative, I'll reiterate that I genuinely enjoy looking at the Dell 16 Premium. I love the way its keyboard and large key caps lay perfectly flat along the notebook's lower half. And I'll admit, the 16-inch OLED screen looks lusciously colorful when it needs to. I'm just asking for Dell's designers to consider a better balance of style and functionality for their next stab at a premium 16-inch laptop. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/dell-16-premium-review-stylish-to-a-fault-130000463.html?src=rss
Uber One subscribers can now share free deliveries and other perks with their family
Uber is apparently feeling generous this holiday season. The company is launching family sharing for Uber One members , allowing individuals to add another adult to their account for free. They can also include an unlimited number of teens. Anyone added to the membership can access all of the same benefits, including free delivery. They will also earn unique credits for rides. You can attach someone to your membership by clicking Account and then Uber One . From there, you can tap manage membership and then family sharing. Uber Uber is also giving members additional perks, like prioritized complimentary upgrades. The company claims that it will upgrade over one million rides for members between December 2 and 25. Plus, members traveling between today and Thursday for Thanksgiving should get 10 percent off if booking an Uber Black to or from an airport. Tech lovers with an Uber One subscription will be happy to hear that you can get early access to $25 off if you spend $75 or more at Best Buy through Uber Eats , of course. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/uber-one-subscribers-can-now-share-free-deliveries-and-other-perks-with-their-family-120004629.html?src=rss
The best laptop power banks for 2025
Laptop power banks hit a happy medium between capacity and portability. Capacity is usually below 100-watt hours to comply with TSA requirements for carry-on luggage. Since most batteries are listed in milliamp hours, that works out to around 27,000mAh or less but not too much less. Anything below 20,000mAh wont be able to give any meaningful charge to a laptops battery. Other than that, these larger portable chargers dont differ all that much from any other battery and there are thousands of options out there with varying degrees of value, utility and function. We tested dozens to help you pick out the best laptop battery for your next trip away from an outlet. Table of contents Best laptop power banks for 2025 What to look for in a laptop power bank How we test portable laptop chargers Other laptop power banks we tested Laptop power bank FAQs Recent updates Best laptop power banks for 2025 What to look for in a laptop power bank Flying with a laptop power bank Most portable batteries top out at around 27,000mAh so you can fly with them. The TSA currently limits the capacity carry-on batteries to 100Wh, which works out to around 27,500mAh for 3.6 volt lithium-ion batteries. Note that youre not allowed to pack any batteries in your checked luggage, regardless of capacity. The TSA rules are intended to limit fire danger and some airlines are implementing further restrictions due to recent on-board incidents. In March 2025, a Hong Kong flight was grounded after a battery pack caught fire in an overhead bin. A similar situation happened in July on a domestic Delta flight, and again in August on a transatlantic KLM flight . As a result, some airlines, including Emirates , Southwest and others have announced further restrictions on flying with battery packs. Rules include limiting the number of allowed portable chargers and requiring flyers to keep power banks in clear view when using them to recharge a device. If the battery pack isnt actively in use, however, most rules allow them to stay in your carry-on bag in the overhead bin. Before flying, its wise to check your airlines policies. Capacity If you just need to keep a smartphone from dying before you can make it home, just about any of the best power banks will do . But if you need to revive multiple devices or the substantial battery of a laptop, youll want something with a high milliamp-hour (mAh) capacity. A power bank capable of delivering enough power to a laptop will have a capacity between 20,000 and 27,000 mAh. If you want something even bigger than a laptop power bank, and dont need to fly with it, youll likely want to look into portable power stations. These can be the size of a car battery or larger and can potentially fuel an entire weekend away. Another thing to keep in mind is that the capacity listed in a power bank's specs is not what will be delivered to your devices. As I mentioned, the capacity of these banks is around 25,000mAh. Even the huge battery on a 16-inch MacBook Pro or a Dell XPS 16 has a mAh rating of around 5,000 - 6,000mAh, so you might think youd get five full charges but in reality, you only get about a single 70-percent charge. The voltage is different (typically 3.7V for the power bank and 11.4V for a laptop) which makes the watt-hours, or the amount of energy each battery can hold, different (working out to 92Wh for the battery and 72Wh for the built-in laptop batteries). On top of that, in order to feed a charge from a power bank to a laptop, a voltage conversion takes place and that dissipates a decent amount of energy. Without turning this into a physics lesson, this all means that a power bank with a 25,000mAh (or 92Wh) capacity will typically fill a 5,000mAh (or 72Wh) laptop battery to about 75 percent. In my tests, I averaged about a 60-percent efficiency rate between a power banks listed capacity and the actual charge delivered. Ports Every large power bank Ive tested has at least three USB ports, with a mix of USB-C and USB-A, which should cover nearly any portable device you need to recharge earbuds, phones, tablets, laptops, you name it. In addition to the different plug formats, some ports supply power at different wattages. For example, one built-in USB-C port might be rated for 60 watts, while the one next to it is rated for 100 watts. So if youve got a device thats capable of 70W fast charging, such as the new MacBook Air, youd want to opt for the 100W port to get the best charging speeds possible. Note that devices with a smaller wattage draw wont be negatively affected by connecting to ports with high ratings. For example, a Galaxy S24 Ultra, capable of 45W super fast charging, is perfectly compatible with the 100W port. A device will only draw what it can take, regardless of what a port can supply. Just remember that the port, device and charging cable need to be at or above the desired wattage rating to achieve maximum charging rates. Some of these larger batteries also have AC ports. It might seem like a natural fit to plug in your laptops power adapter for a recharge. But really, the AC port should only be for devices that cant use USB such as a lamp or a printer. Plugging a power adapter into the AC port only wastes energy through conversion. First, the battery converts its DC power to supply the port with AC power, then the power adapter converts that AC power back to DC so your laptop can take it in. And as youll remember from physics class, each time energy is converted, some is lost to heat and other dissipations. Better to cut out the middleman and just send that DC power straight from the battery to the device. Also, you can use more than one port at a time with these devices; just remember that the speed of whatever youre charging will likely go down, and of course, the battery is going to drain proportionally to what youre refilling. Wireless charging Just in the last year and a half that Ive been testing portable power banks, wireless charging capabilities have noticeably improved. The first few I tried were painfully slow and not worth recommending. Now the wireless pads built into power banks are impressively fast particularly, in my experience, when charging Samsung Galaxy phones (though the lack of a stabilizing magnetic connection like Apples MagSafe means they only work when rested flat on a pad). Most wireless charging connections can be used while other ports are also being employed, making them convenient for some mobile battlestation setups. Of course, wireless charging is always less efficient than wired, and recharging from an external battery is less efficient in general. If you want to waste as little energy as possible, youre better off sticking to wired connections. Design All power banks are designed to be portable, but theres a big difference between a pocket-friendly 5,000mAh battery and one of these laptop-compatible bruisers. Most of the latter weigh between a pound and a half to two pounds, which is a considerable addition to a backpack. Many of the options listed here have a display to tell you how much charge remains in the battery, which is helpful when youre trying to judiciously meet out charges to your devices. If a bank has a wireless connection, the pad is usually on the flat top and any available AC connection is usually at one end. Both may require you to engage those charging methods. Dont be like me and grumble loudly that you got a bum unit without pressing (and sometimes double pressing) all the buttons first. How we test portable laptop chargers For the past two years, Ive been testing and using dozens of portable batteries for our other battery guide. Some of those batteries include the higher-capacity power banks you see here. I also got a hold of a few extra banks just for this guide to make sure we covered whats available. I went for brands Im already familiar with, as well as battery packs from well-received manufacturers I hadnt tried before (like UGREEN and Lion Energy). I only considered banks with at least a 20,000mAh capacity and mostly stuck with those that rated 25,000mAh and higher. Heres everything we tested: Zendure Supertank Pro Mophie Powerstation Pro XL Mophie Powerstation Pro AC Lion Energy Eclipse Mag Lion Energy Trek Baseus Blade Laptop Anker Prime 27,650mAh Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC Anker Retractable Cable Laptop Bank HyperJuice 245W I tested each power bank with an Apple phone (iPhone 15), an Android phone (Galaxy S23 Ultra), a tablet (M1 iPad Air) and a laptop (16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip). Even though these banks can charge multiple devices at once, I refilled one at a time, to make side-by-side comparisons more straightforward. I drained the batteries of the phones and tablets to between zero and five percent and then didnt use any device as it refilled. For the MacBook, I let it run down to 10 percent before plugging in the power bank. That's when most laptops give display a connect to power warning, as draining any battery to empty will compromise the battery life. I then used it as one might in a mobile office, with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, while connected to Wi-Fi and a VPN. For each test, I noted how long a completely charged battery took to get a device back to full and how much of the batterys capacity was used up in one charge. I also noted things like portability, apparent durability, helpful features and overall design. For reference, here are the battery capacities of the devices I used: iPhone 15: 3,349mAh Galaxy S23 Ultra: 4,855mAh iPad Air (5th gen): 7,729mAh 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro: 27,027mAh Other laptop power banks we tested HyperJuice 245W Hypers HyperJuice 245W brick looks great and has a hefty 27,000mAh capacity. The four USB-C ports can combine to output 245W of power and it got my MacBook Pro from nearly dead to 75 percent before depleting itself. When testing it with a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the handset got back up to a full charge in just over an hour. The screen tells you what each port is doing as well as displaying the amount of charge remaining in the pack itself. But the lack of port variety makes it feel less versatile than other picks on this list the price is higher than our other options, too. Laptop power bank FAQs How do laptop power banks differ from phone power banks? The main difference is size. Phone power banks tend to have a capacity ranging from 5,000mAh to 20,000mAh and laptop powerbanks are typically rated between 20,000mAh and 27,000mAh. Theres no official definition, however. Laptop batteries are simply larger and need a bigger supply of power to give them a meaningful charge. How do you fast charge a power bank? You can charge a power bank exactly as fast as the power banks internal mechanisms will allow. Most batteries are limited in how quickly they can accept and deliver a charge to avoid dangerously overheating. But to make sure youre charging a bank as quickly as possible, make sure the wall adapter and the USB-C cable you are using have a high wattage rating using a 5W power brick and a 10W cable will take a lot longer to refill your bank than a 65W wall charger and a 100W cord. What size power bank do I need for a laptop? Look for a power bank with a rating of at least 20,000mAh. Slightly smaller batteries may work, but they wont deliver a significant charge laptops. How many mAh to charge a laptop? A milliamp hour (mAh) is how much a battery can hold, and most portable batteries list their capacity using mAh. If you get a battery rated at 20,000mAh or above, it should be able to charge your laptop. Using mAh to discuss laptop batteries can be confusing. Due to differing voltages, you cant directly compare the mAh ratings of a power bank battery to a laptop battery. Using watt-hours is a better gauge, as that calculation takes voltage into account. Recent updates August 2025 : Changed our runner up travel pick for a new Anker battery. Updated information about flying with power banks. Added a section about other batteries we tested. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-laptop-power-bank-120040388.html?src=rss
The DJI Neo drone drops to $159 in this Black Friday deal
Black Friday has brought a solid discount to one of DJIs most accessible drones. The DJI Neo is now $159 for Prime members, which is 20 percent off its typical $200 price and a strong pickup for first-time flyers. The DJI Neo was recently pushed off our list of the best drones in favor of the newer Neo 2 , but the original is still a fantastic, budget-friendly option. We called it the best $200 drone ever made in our official review , and with good reason. It's quick, ultra-maneuverable and beginner-friendly. The learning curve here isn't that steep. It boasts four propeller guards, for safety, and the built-in 4K camera certainly gets the job done. It's extremely light, weighing just 135 grams. This makes it easy to transport, sure, but also means that the Neo is exempt from drone license requirements. This version doesn't ship with a dedicated controller, though there is a combo pack for that, but that doesn't really matter here. The Neo can be maneuvered by hand gestures, human voice, mobile app or standard RC controller. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-dji-neo-drone-drops-to-159-in-this-black-friday-deal-155647918.html?src=rss
The Meta Quest 3S VR headset is on sale for an all-time-low price for Black Friday
Black Friday has brought a solid deal on Metas entry-level Quest 3S headset. The 128GB model is down to $250, a 17 percent cut from the usual $300, and it includes a free copy of Gorilla Tag . If you need more space, the 256GB version is also discounted to $330 from its regular $400 price. The Meta Quest 3S is an impressive VR headset for the price, and scored a 90 in Engadget's review , landing it among our picks for the best VR headsets around right now. It's comfortable to wear, gets over two hours of battery life before needing to be recharged and offers a 96-degree field of view. While its 1,830 by 1,920 pixel per eye screen doesn't quite achieve the sharpness of the Quest 3, it does have the same chip the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 as the pricier model, making for fast performance. It also comes with 8GB of RAM. The Quest 3S also comes with the Touch Plus controllers, which have button and joystick controls as well as motion controls. It can also connect to gaming PCs and stream gameplay to Chromecast and AirPlay devices. Despite being relatively inexpensive, the 3S offers a great experience. In his review, Engadget's Devindra Hardawar said the 3S is the best $300 standalone VR headset we've ever seen. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-meta-quest-3s-vr-headset-is-on-sale-for-an-all-time-low-price-for-black-friday-180911736.html?src=rss
AirPods 4 earbuds are on sale for their lowest price ever in this Black Friday deal
Apples AirPods 4 have hit their record low price again thanks to a Black Friday deal on Amazon. The non-ANC model is down to $80, which is 34 percent off the usual $130 and a solid pick if you want the newest AirPods without paying full price. The Apple AirPods 4 are the best budget AirPods you can get in 2025, with Apple's H2 audio chip to support some of the more advanced audio features from more expensive models. They offer Voice Isolation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and more. If you get the model without active noise cancellation, you won't have features like Transparency Mode and Conversation Awareness, or Apple's hearing health tools. But, the entry-level model still offers great sound quality for the price. This model also features the redesigned shape, which makes for a more comfortable and secure fit so you don't have to worry about them falling out of your ears. A force sensor on the stem allows for basic touch controls, including play and pause, play next track, previous track and answer a call. You can also summon Siri by pressing and holding the stem. You can expect to get up to 5 hours of battery life on a charge with the non-ANC model, and up to 30 hours using the USB-C charging case. Elsewhere when it comes to Black Friday AirPods deals, you can pick up the AirPods 4 with ANC for only $100, and the new AirPods Pro 3 for $220. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/airpods-4-earbuds-are-on-sale-for-their-lowest-price-ever-in-this-black-friday-deal-162917182.html?src=rss
Amazon Black Friday deals: Get the Amazon Smart Plug for only $13
If youre browsing the best Black Friday deals under $50 , the Amazon Smart Plug is one of the standouts. Its dropped to $13, which is nearly 50 percent off its normal price and a solid pickup for anyone expanding a smart home. To that end, this product made our list of the best smart plugs . It's the perfect accessory for those who rely on Alexa to control aspects of the smart home. These plugs are really easy to set up via the Alexa app. You don't have to pop in a Wi-Fi password or anything. It's basically plug-and-play. Once connected, you'll be able to use any device with Alexa to control whatever it's plugged into. For instance, you can group multiple plugs together as lights and then just say Alexa, turn all the lights off and it'll do just that. They are compatible with just about any household device with a physical on/off switch, including lamps and coffee makers. While these are the perfect smart plugs for Alexa households, they are only for Alexa households. The plugs don't integrate with any other digital assistant. They are still the best choice for those tied into the ecosystem. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-black-friday-deals-get-the-amazon-smart-plug-for-only-13-093033926.html?src=rss
MacBook Air Black Friday deal: Get Apple's M4-powered laptop for a record-low price
The Apple MacBook Air M4 laptop just hit a new low at Amazon. The base model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is now on sale for $749 , dropping below its usual $799 sale price and hitting its best discount since launch. The higher-capacity 512GB version is also seeing a major cut at $949 , down from its $1,199 Apple Store price. The MacBook Air M4 continues Apples streak of refining whats already its most popular laptop. It runs on the new M4 chip with a 10-core GPU, offering fast performance for everyday work, creative apps and light gaming. The upgrade from the M3 model is noticeable in both speed and efficiency, making it ideal for multitasking or editing photos and videos on the go. Despite the power boost, it keeps the same slim profile that helped define the MacBook Air line. The unibody design is still one of the thinnest and lightest in its class, weighing just under three pounds, with a durable aluminum chassis available in four colors midnight, starlight, silver and space gray. The fanless build keeps it completely silent during use, even when running intensive tasks. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports the P3 wide color gamut and reaches up to 500 nits of brightness, making text and images look crisp and vibrant whether youre working indoors or near a window. You also get a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a three-mic array for clear video calls and a four-speaker setup with Spatial Audio support. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 charging port and a headphone jack. Battery life remains one of its standout features, with Apple rating it at up to 18 hours on a single charge. That easily covers a full day of work or travel without reaching for the charger. There are a few small limitations, like the lack of a high refresh rate display and the fact that both USB-C ports sit on the same side. Still, for most users, the MacBook Air M4 strikes the best balance between power, portability and price. If you want a larger screen, Apples 15-inch MacBook Air M4 offers the same specs with more workspace, but the 13-inch remains the best pick for portability. You can read more about how it compares to other Apple laptops in our guide to the best MacBooks . This MacBook Air M4 deal makes one of Apples best laptops an even smarter buy. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/macbook-air-black-friday-deal-get-apples-m4-powered-laptop-for-a-record-low-price-183808352.html?src=rss
DJI's popular Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera gets a hefty Black Friday discount
DJI's hyper-popular vlogging camera, the Osmo Pocket 3, is on sale at a near-record low at Amazon. You can pick one up now for $520 and save 35 percent ($279) off the regular price. This is likely the best deal you're going to see for the Pocket 3 any time soon, given US tariffs that recently forced DJI to jack up the price . When DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 came out I said was maybe the only vlogging camera you need. To start with, it has a big one-inch sensor that boosts image quality considerably, particularly in low light. You also get a large swiveling touchscreen that makes it easier to switch between horizontal and vertical video. What really makes it great for vlogging, though, are the follow modes combined with face tracking. When working solo, you can simply set it up and itll rotate and tilt to follow you around so you dont have to worry about focus or even pointing the camera at yourself. While theres very little not to like about the Osmo Pocket 3, its not ideal for photos and is also quite expensive. But with the Black Friday deal and DJI's Osmo Pocket 4 rumored to be arriving in December, it's a great time to buy one just act quickly as stocks are bound to run out. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/djis-popular-osmo-pocket-3-vlogging-camera-gets-a-hefty-black-friday-discount-092339471.html?src=rss
Best Secret Santa gift ideas for 2025: Affordable gifts from Lego, Apple, Yeti and more
Secret Santa gift exchanges are supposed to be fun, but its easy to overthink it. You want a gift that feels thoughtful without being awkward, useful without being boring, and most importantly, affordable. The sweet spot is under $50, which is plenty to find something that fits your recipients personality. Whether youre buying for a co-worker you only chat with at the coffee machine, a friend who already has everything or a cousin who never gives you ideas, there are clever options that will make them smile. These picks prove you dont need to spend big to win at Secret Santa. Best Secret Santa gift ideas Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-secret-santa-gift-ideas-for-2025-affordable-gifts-from-lego-apple-yeti-and-more-130014437.html?src=rss
Black Friday streaming deal: MasterClass subscriptions are up to 50 percent off
MasterClass is running a limited-time offer that cuts 50 percent off all annual subscriptions for Black Friday . The deal gives you access to hundreds of lessons taught by experts and well-known names across nearly every field, from cooking and business to film and design. MasterClass has built a reputation as one of the best streaming platforms for learning new skills and creative hobbies. The service features courses led by industry leaders who share practical insights drawn from their own careers. Whether you want to cook with Gordon Ramsay, explore storytelling with Neil Gaiman or study filmmaking with Martin Scorsese, the range of topics is broad enough to appeal to almost any interest. Classes are organized into short, easy-to-follow video lessons, making it simple to fit learning into a busy schedule. Each one comes with supplemental materials like downloadable workbooks, assignments or behind-the-scenes notes that add extra depth. New classes are added regularly, so subscribers have a steady flow of fresh content throughout the year. Subscriptions are structured around annual plans that unlock the full catalog. You can watch classes on most devices, including smartphones, tablets and smart TVs, and your progress syncs across platforms. Offline viewing is supported too, so you can download lessons to study during travel or commutes. Beyond creative skills, MasterClass has expanded into professional growth and wellness topics, with courses covering leadership, communication and mindfulness. Its not just about inspiration; the platforms focus on actionable advice makes it a practical choice for anyone who wants to pick up new skills or refresh existing ones. Normally, annual plans cost anywhere from $120 to $240 per year, so up to a 50-percent discount represents significant savings for new or returning subscribers. If youve been thinking about joining or gifting a membership, this promotion is one of the best times to do it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-streaming-deal-masterclass-subscriptions-are-up-to-50-percent-off-154509704.html?src=rss
The 6 best air fryers for 2025, tested and reviewed
Air fryers have earned their spot on countless countertops for good reason. They make it easy to whip up crispy fries, roasted vegetables and even baked treats without dealing with a pot of hot oil or larger, slower appliances. These compact machines use rapid hot air circulation to deliver crunch and flavor with less mess, making them a practical upgrade for busy cooks or anyone looking to simplify weeknight meals. Theres now an air fryer for almost every kitchen setup, from small baskets that handle quick snacks to larger multi-function models that can roast, reheat and dehydrate. After testing a range of options, our current top pick is the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer. It offers a balance of power, ease of use and consistent results, making it a standout choice for most households. In this guide, weve rounded up the best air fryers available right now, covering a range of sizes and features. Whether youre upgrading from an older model or buying your first, these picks can help you cook crisp, golden meals without the extra oil or hassle. Table of contents What does an air fryer do? Best air fryers for 2025 Buying guide for air fryers Air fryer pros and cons Best air fryer accessories How to clean an air fryer How to find air fryer recipes How we test air fryers What does an air fryer do? Lets clear one thing up first: its not frying. Not really. Air fryers are more like smaller convection bake ovens, ones that are often pod-shaped. Most work by combining a heating element and fan, which means the hot air can usually better crisp the outside of food than other methods. They often reach higher top temperatures than toaster ovens which is part of the appeal. For most recipes, a thin layer of oil (usually sprayed) helps to replicate that fried look and feel better. However, it will rarely taste precisely like the deep-fried or pan frying version when it comes out of the air fryer basket. Dont let that put you off, though, because the air fryer, in its many forms, combines some of the best parts of other cooking processes and brings them together into an energy-efficient way of air fryer cooking dinner. Or breakfast. Or lunch. Read more: Weve also rounded up the best pizza ovens and the best sous vide machines . Best air fryers for 2025 Buying guide for air fryers Convection ovens You can separate most of these machines into two types of air fryers, and each has different pros and cons. Convection ovens are usually ovens with air fryer functions and features. They might have higher temperature settings to ensure that food crisps and cooks more like actually fried food. Most convection ovens are larger than dedicated air fryers, defeating some of the purpose of those looking to shrink cooking appliance surface area. Still, they are often more versatile with multiple cooking functions, and most have finer controls for temperatures, timings and even fan speed. You may never need a built-in oven if you have a decent convection oven. They often have the volume to handle roasts, entire chickens or tray bakes, and simply cook more, capacity-wise, making them more versatile than the pod-shaped competition. The flip side of that is that youll need counter space in the kitchen to house them. It also means you can use traditional oven accessories, like baking trays or cake tins, that you might already own. Pod-shaped air fryers Pod-shaped air fryers are what you imagine when you think air fryer. They look like a cool, space-age kitchen gadget, bigger than a kettle but smaller than a toaster oven. Many use a drawer to hold ingredients while cooking, usually a mesh sheet or a more solid, non-stick tray with holes to allow the hot air to circulate. With a few exceptions, most require you to open the drawer while things cook and flip or shake half-cooked items to ensure the even distribution of heat and airflow to everything. Thats one of a few caveats. This type of air fryer typically doesn't have a window to see how things are cooking (with only a few exceptions), so youll need to closely scrutinize things as they cook, opening the device to check progress. Basket-style air fryers also generally use less energy theres less space to heat and many have parts that can be put directly into a dishwasher. Some of the larger pod-shaped air fryers offer two separate compartments, which is especially useful for anyone planning to cook an entire meal with the appliance. You could cook a couple of tasty chicken wings or tenders while simultaneously rustling up enough frozen fries or veggies for everyone. Naturally, those options take up more space, and theyre usually heavy enough to stop you from storing them in cupboards or shelves elsewhere. As mentioned earlier, you might have to buy extra things to make these pod fryers work the way you want them to. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Philips and Ninja, offer convenient additions, but youll have to pay for them. Air fryer pros and cons Beyond the strengths and weaknesses of individual models, air fryers are pretty easy to use from the outset. Most models come with a convenient cooking time booklet covering most of the major foods youll be air frying, so even beginners can master these machines. One of the early selling points is the ability to cook fries, wings, frozen foods and other delights with less fat than other methods like deep frying, which gets foods the crispiest. As air fryers work by circulating heated air, the trays and cooking plates have holes that can also let oil and fat drain out of meats, meaning less fat and crisper food when you finally plate things up. For most cooking situations, you will likely need to lightly spray food with vegetable oil. If you dont, theres the chance that things will burn or char. The oil will keep things moist on the surface, and we advise refreshing things with a dash of oil spray when you turn items during cooking. Most air fryers are easy to clean especially in comparison to a shallow or deep fryer. Well get into cleaning guidance a little later. With a smaller space to heat, air fryers are generally more energy-efficient for cooking food than larger appliances like ovens. And if you dont have an oven, air fryers are much more affordable especially the pod options. There are, however, some drawbacks. While air fryers are easy enough to use, they take time to master. You will adjust cooking times for even the simplest types of food like chicken nuggets, frozen French fries or brussels sprouts. If youre the kind of person that loves to find inspiration from the internet, in our experience, you can pretty much throw their timings out of the window. There are a lot of air fryer options, and factors like how fast they heat and how well distributed that heat is can and will affect cooking. Theres also a space limitation to air fryers. This is not a TARDIS theres simply less space than most traditional ovens and many deep fat fryers. If you have a bigger family, youll probably want to go for a large capacity air fryer possibly one that has multiple cooking areas. You also might want to consider a different kitchen appliance, like a multicooker, sous vide or slow cooker to meet your specific cooking needs. You may also struggle to cook many items through as the heat settings will cook the surface of dishes long before its cooked right through. If youre planning to cook a whole chicken or a roast, please get a meat thermometer! Best air fryer accessories Beyond official accessories from the manufacturer, try to pick up silicone-tipped tools. Tongs are ideal, as is a silicon spatula to gently loosen food that might get stuck on the sides of the air fryer. These silicone mats will also help stop things from sticking to the wire racks on some air fryers. They have holes to ensure the heated air is still able to circulate around the food. Silicone trivets are also useful for resting any cooked food on while you sort out the rest of the meal. And if you find yourself needing oil spray, but dont feel like repeatedly buying tiny bottles, you can decant your favorite vegetable oil into a permanent mister like this. How to clean an air fryer Were keeping clean up simple here. Yes, you could use power cleaners from the grocery store, they could damage the surface of your air fryer. Likewise, metal scourers or brushes could strip away the non-stick coating. Remember to unplug the device and let it cool completely. Remove the trays, baskets and everything else from inside. If the manufacturer says the parts are dishwasher safe and you have a dishwasher the job is pretty much done. Otherwise, hand wash each part in a mixture of warm water, with a splash of Dawn or another strong dish soap. Use a soft-bristled brush to pull away any crumbs, greasy deposits or bits of food stuck to any surfaces. Remember to rinse everything. Otherwise, your next batch of wings could have a mild Dawn aftertaste. Trust us. Take a microfiber cloth and tackle the outer parts and handles that might also get a little messy after repeated uses. This is especially useful for oven-style air fryers use the cloth to wipe down the inner sides. If Dawn isnt shifting oily stains, try mixing a small amount of baking soda with enough water to make a paste, and apply that so that it doesnt seep into any electrical parts or the heating element. Leave it to work for a few seconds before using a damp cloth to pull any greasy spots away. Rinse out the cloth and wipe everything down again, and you should be ready for the next time you need to air fry. How to find air fryer recipes Beyond fries, nuggets and a revelation frozen gyoza, there are a few ways to find recipes for air-fried foods. First, we found that the air fryer instruction manuals often have cooking guides and recipe suggestions for you to test out in your new kitchen gadget. The good thing with these is that they were made for your air fryer model, meaning success should be all but guaranteed. They are often a little unimaginative, however. Many of the top recipe sites and portals have no shortage of air fryer recipes, and theres no harm in googling your favorite cuisine and adding the words air fryer on the end of the search string. Weve picked up some reliable options from Delish , which also has a handy air fryer time converter for changing oven and traditional fryer recipes. BBC Good Food is also worth browsing for some simple ideas, as is NYT Cooking , with the ability to directly search for air fryer suggestions. Aside from that, you can also grab plenty of cookbooks from your local bookshop with lots of recipes that you can use in your favorite air fryer. And if you have a killer recipe or unique use for your air fryer, let us know in the comments. Whats the air fryer equivalent of the Instant Pot cheesecake? Were ready to try it. How we test air fryers We put each air fryer we test through its paces by cooking a variety of foods in it including raw proteins like fish and chicken, raw vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower and frozen snacks like mozzarella sticks. We attempt to use each cooking method that the machine has pre-programmed, and when possible, follow a couple of recipes in any provided recipe booklets that come with the air fryer. We also clean the cooking basket and all other removable components as many times as possible, and will put those components into a dishwasher if they claim to be dishwasher-safe. We also make note of how loud the machine is when using different cooking settings and how warm the surrounding area becomes. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/best-air-fryers-133047180.html?src=rss
Get one year of Peacock for $49 for Black Friday with this hack
Walmart is offering its Walmart+ subscription at half off for new sign-ups, and it includes a choice of either Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essential. The deal for new subscribers is just $49 for the first year, marked down from $98. The real value is in selecting Peacock Premium, which would normally run you $110 per year on its own. With the current discount on a Walmart+ subscription you are essentially getting half off on your streaming subscription for that year. Just about every major streaming service has raised its prices in the last year, including HBO Max , Disney+ , Netflix , Apple TV and YouTube TV , so saving some money on one of them just might be worth the effort. Cord cutting is not nearly as affordable as it used to be, so finding a deal like this is pretty helpful. Walmart+ itself offers myriad additional benefits like early access to Black Friday deals, free shipping on orders over $35, discounts on gas, free online veterinary care and more. Earlier this year, Walmart+ subscribers got first dibs on the Nintendo Switch 2 at the retailer. You can also use that free shipping to take advantage of Walmart's drone delivery program in a handful of select cities. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-one-year-of-peacock-for-49-for-black-friday-with-this-hack-192739785.html?src=rss
One year of Headspace drops to $35 for Black Friday
Meditation app Headspace is bringing back one of its biggest annual deals this Black Friday. Through December 4, youll be able to get 50 percent off the regular annual subscription price, bringing a full year of guided meditations, sleep sounds and mindfulness tools down to $35 per year. If youve been looking to build a better daily routine, this discount makes it easier to start. Headspace has become one of the most recognizable names in digital mindfulness. The app blends practical meditation guidance with structured courses and calming soundscapes designed to make everyday stress easier to manage. Its programs cover everything from beginner-friendly introductions to mindfulness to focused content on topics like anxiety, productivity and sleep. Subscribers get access to hundreds of guided sessions led by the Headspace team, including short daily practices that can be completed in a few spare minutes, plus longer courses that help build consistency. The apps Sleepcasts and soundscapes are unique, designed to create a steady nighttime routine that promotes better rest. For mornings, there are breathing exercises and motivational mini-sessions that can help set focus for the day ahead. Headspace also includes personalized progress tracking, mood check-ins and optional reminders that make it easier to stay consistent with your new mindfulness habits. For anyone new to meditation, the apps clear structure is a major strength. You dont have to know where to start, since it suggests sessions based on your goals or current mood. This annual deal is ideal for users who want to stick with mindfulness practice over time, or anyone interested in incorporating a new habit into their lives. Paying for the year upfront typically saves money compared with the monthly plan, and the discount brings that cost down even further. Whether youre learning the basics of meditation or refining an existing routine, the full library provides enough variety to keep things engaging throughout the year. If youre still comparing wellness apps, check out our guide to the best meditation apps to see how Headspace stacks up against other options. But for those ready to commit to a calmer routine, this annual offer is one of the simplest ways to start the habit at a lower cost. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-year-of-headspace-drops-to-35-for-black-friday-163051394.html?src=rss
This entry-level Roomba robot vacuum is only $150 for Black Friday
Robot vacuums can be a huge help, keeping your floors clean regularly without much extra work on your part. Black Friday deals often include some of our favorite robovacs, and this year is shaping up to be no different. iRobot's entry-level Roomba 104 Vac robot vacuum is available for 40 percent off right now, bringing it down to a record low of $150. A number of other Roombas are on sale for Black Friday , too. In iRobot's lineup of robot vacuums, the Roomba 104 sits on the low end, adept at vacuuming up dust and hair, but without the mopping ability of its more expensive Max, Plus or Combo counterparts. The Roomba 104 Vac makes for a great first robot vacuum all the same, though, because of its four levels of powerful suction, and easy-to-use app. Like iRobot's other vacuums, the Roomba 104 maps and navigates your home with LiDAR, which helps it avoid obstacles. And using the Roomba Home app, you can schedule it to clean specific rooms, and even spot-clean particularly dirty spots. An earlier version of the Roomba Vac is Engadget's favorite budget robot vacuum , and you'll get the same great performance out of the newer Roomba 104 Vac. That includes a specialized brush for cleaning the hard-to-reach corners of your home, and also a charging dock that the vacuum can automatically return to once it's down charging. This sale on Roomba vacuums comes at an admittedly difficult time for iRobot at large, with the company dealing with a serious financial shortfall as of its last earning statement . Regardless of what happens to iRobot, though, the Roomba 104 Vac's offline mode should mean that it can clean your home and charge itself without the need of an app or an internet connection. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/this-entry-level-roomba-robot-vacuum-is-only-150-for-black-friday-191506987.html?src=rss
reMarkable Black Friday deals include up to $70 off E Ink tablet bundles
reMarkable makes some of our favorite E Ink tablets, and the company is running a Black Friday promotion that discounts bundles by up to $70. The bundles come with the tablet of your choosing, plus a folio case and a Marker stylus. Both the reMarkable 2 and the reMarkable Paper Pro are on our list of the best E ink tablets . The reMarkable 2 in particular offers a great reading and writing experience, with support for Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox. It's easy to use and the screen looks great. The battery lasts around two weeks, which is one of the benefits of this type of display. It supports Wi-Fi and can integrate both PDFs and ePub files. It's also easy to create your own notebooks that keep track of handwritten notes. To that end, there are eight brush types here to mark up documents and take notes. The only major downside of the reMarkable 2 is that it doesn't ship with the company's newest Marker Plus stylus. However, this sale lessens that concern. A bundle with the tablet, the Marker Plus and the most simple case costs around $458, whereas the tablet by itself typically costs $399. There's a similar discounted bundle available for the Paper Pro tablet. This knocks $50 off the asking price. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/remarkable-black-friday-deals-include-up-to-70-off-e-ink-tablet-bundles-125523385.html?src=rss
The most popular social media platform among US adults isn't Instagram or TikTok
Social media is an overwhelming part of our lives these days, but the Pew Research Center provided an in-depth look at just how much we rely on these platforms. In a 2025 report that looks at social media usage with American adults, the data-driven think tank revealed some nitty-gritty details like year-to-year changes, age gaps and most importantly, frequency of use. At the number one spot, YouTube holds a dominant position, with 84 percent of the 5,022 adults surveyed saying they use Alphabet's video-sharing platform. Meta earns silver and bronze medals since 71 percent of adults said they use Facebook, while 50 percent responded positively when it comes to Instagram use. However, not all of Meta's social media outlets are doing well. Threads may have hit 400 million monthly active users this summer, but only eight percent of adults surveyed said they use it. Rounding out the bottom of the list, only 21 percent of adults surveyed said they use X, while four percent of adults said they're on Bluesky and three percent are on Truth Social. Besides popularity, the Pew Research Center also explored the frequency with which American adults use their preferred social media platforms. In a separate survey with 5,123 adults, the report uncovered that 52 percent of adults go on Facebook daily, with 37 percent of them logging on several times a day. Nearly as frequently, 48 percent of adults use YouTube daily, including 33 percent of that demographic watching videos on the platform several times a day. When looking at frequency through the lens of age gaps, the starkest difference is found with 47 percent of adults between 18 and 29 using TikTok at least once a day, while only five percent of those aged 65 or older use the ByteDance-owned app every day. When looking at annual trends, YouTube and Facebook have largely maintained stable usage and even some growth since 2021. Even though it may feel like Facebook has begun to stagnate, the report shows that it has a loyal user base that's still growing at a consistent rate. On top of that, Meta is still continuing to update the social media platform, including recently revamping Facebook Marketplace . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/the-most-popular-social-media-platform-among-us-adults-isnt-instagram-or-tiktok-195823871.html?src=rss
Oura Black Friday deals: Get up to 30 percent off smart rings right now
Smart rings are becoming more ubiquitous and a more subtle way to track your everyday activity than fitness trackers or smartwatches. For Black Friday, you can save on Oura ring models. Arguably the most noteworthy deal is on the Oura Ring 4 , the latest model, which is down to $249. The Ring 4 actually topped our list of the best smart rings , and with good reason . It's comfortable to wear for long periods of time, which is always nice. It's a visually striking ring. We also appreciated the size options, as it fits fingers from size 4 to 15. As for functionality, this smart ring tracks a number of health and fitness metrics. The affiliated app will send out notifications when it thinks you need a rest or to remind you to exercise. It keeps an eye on sleep, heart rate, stress, body temperature, menstrual cycle and a whole lot more. The battery lasts around a week, which is always nice when taking a quick vacation. The only downside here, and this applies to all Oura rings, is that many features are locked behind a subscription paywall. This costs $6 a month or $70 per year. The company is also selling the gold version of the Ring 4 for $349, which is a discount of $50. The water-resistant Stealth Oura Ring 4 is down to $299, which is a discount of $100. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/oura-black-friday-deals-get-up-to-30-percent-off-smart-rings-right-now-123010434.html?src=rss
Amazon Black Friday deals: Get the Echo Spot smart alarm clock for only $50
Amazon is selling the Echo Spot smart speaker for just $50 as part of a Black Friday promotion . The sale applies to multiple colorways and represents a discount of $30. This isn't a record low price , but it's extremely close. For the uninitiated, the Echo Spot is a diminutive little speaker/alarm clock hybrid unit. It's a cute little doodad and looks great on a nightstand. The screen is customizable, so it doesn't have to display a clock. It can show song titles, smart home control dashboards, the weather and a lot more. Of course, there are numerous clock faces to choose from. The Spot not only integrates with Amazon's smart assistant Alexa, but it provides access to the newfangled Alexa+ . This is a smarter and more conversational version of the iconic smart assistant. Like most modern AI products, it's still working out some bugs . The underlying tech, however, is promising. The speaker is decent enough for the size, though you won't be using it to fuel any house parties. It's a great tool for bedroom-based listening. This version doesn't have a camera, which is actually great news for the privacy conscious. In addition to the Echo Spot, you'll even find Black Friday deals on some of the latest Echo devices that just came out last month. The Echo Dot Max is on sale for $90, the new Echo Studio has dropped to $190 and the latest Echo Show 8 has been discounted to $160. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-black-friday-deals-get-the-echo-spot-smart-alarm-clock-for-only-50-130550383.html?src=rss
iOS 27 will reportedly focus on performance improvements and AI upgrades
After years of introducing major changes with its annual iOS releases, Apple may be altering its approach next time around, instead focusing on refinement over a bevy of flashy new features. According to Mark Gurman in this week's Power On newsletter, for iOS 27, Apple is focused on improving the softwares quality and underlying performance. That, and beefing up its AI offerings. On the heels of iOS 26, which brought the Liquid Glass design overhaul, and the trickle of underbaked AI features that have arrived since the rollout of Apple Intelligence last year, Apple is reportedly honing in to improve the experience. Gurman writes that engineering teams are now combing through Apples operating systems, hunting for bloat to cut, bugs to eliminate, and any opportunity to meaningfully boost performance and overall quality. Gurman compares the strategy to 2009's Snow Leopard release for Mac, which focused on bug fixes, decluttering and efficiency. Catching up on AI is a major priority as well, the report notes. The company is working on an AI web search tool and an Apple Intelligence overhaul, alongside plans to integrate its AI into more apps . We still have yet to see the smarter, more personal AI-powered Siri the company has been talking about since 2024, but that's expected to arrive before iOS 27 possibly with iOS 26.4 this coming spring, according to Gurman. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ios-27-will-reportedly-focus-on-performance-improvements-and-ai-upgrades-175700261.html?src=rss
Samsung Black Friday deals: Odyssey gaming monitors are up to $350 off
If youve been waiting to upgrade your gaming setup, nows the time. Samsungs Odyssey G8 monitor is on sale for $950 for Black Friday , a $350 discount off its regular price. Its one of the best 32-inch gaming monitors on the market, combining stunning picture quality with ultra-smooth performance. The 32-inch Odyssey G8 has earned high marks for its blend of image quality and gaming performance. Its 4K OLED panel produces deep blacks and bright highlights, with 99 percent DCI-P3 color coverage for vibrant visuals. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time deliver exceptional smoothness in fast-paced games, while AMD FreeSync Premium Pro keeps everything tear-free. Design-wise, its sleek and minimal, with a slim metal frame that looks just as good in a work setup as it does in a gaming room. The monitor supports DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, plus USB-C connectivity for charging and data transfer. Built-in speakers and Smart TV features let you stream directly from apps like Netflix or Prime Video without connecting to a PC or console. You also get Samsungs SmartThings integration, so the Odyssey G8 can double as a smart home hub, controlling compatible IoT devices from lights to thermostats. It even supports cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce Now, meaning you can play high-end titles without extra hardware. The combination of OLED contrast, motion clarity and built-in streaming makes it one of the most versatile monitors in Samsungs lineup. If you want something even larger, the Odyssey G9 is also discounted by $300, bringing the 49-inch curved DQHD model down to $700. It offers a wide field of view and 144Hz refresh rate, making it a great pick for simulation and racing fans. The Odyssey G7 is another strong choice, now $600 after a $300 discount. This 37-inch 4K display runs at 165Hz with a curved design and supports both HDR and AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay. Finally, Samsungs Smart Monitor M9 is available for $1,300, $300 off its regular price. It combines 4K OLED visuals with built-in streaming and AI-powered vision tools, making it a good all-rounder for work and entertainment. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/samsung-black-friday-deals-odyssey-gaming-monitors-are-up-to-350-off-103000543.html?src=rss
Black Friday streaming deals include six months of Apple TV+ for only $36
Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday . The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo , The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. Its a short-term offer, so youll want to grab it while its available. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service. Apple TV+ continues to build one of the strongest lineups in streaming. Its library includes standout originals like Ted Lasso , Severance , Slow Horses , For All Mankind , Foundation and Silo , along with newer releases such as The Studio and Dope Thief . On the film side, youll find the 2022 Best Picture winner CODA , plus Killers of the Flower Moon , Blitz and Tetris . Apples streaming service has earned plenty of recognition since launch. Apple TV+ shows picked up 10 Emmy Awards in 2024 , including a win for Slow Horses for outstanding writing in a drama series. Apple TV+ also offers a polished streaming experience. All content is ad-free and available in up to 4K HDR, with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support where available. The app works on nearly every device, from iPhone and iPad to smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox and Roku. You can also download episodes and movies to watch offline, which is handy for travel or long commutes. If youre already invested in Apples ecosystem, the integration is seamless. You can share your subscription with up to five other people through Family Sharing, and playback syncs across devices so you can start a show on your iPhone and finish it on your TV. Apple TV+ is also part of the Apple One bundle if you prefer to manage multiple Apple services under a single plan. This deal is available to new and qualified returning subscribers, meaning those who havent had an active subscription in the past 30 days. Youll need to sign up directly through Apple rather than a third-party service or carrier. Once the three-month period ends, the plan renews at the standard $13 per month, so be sure to cancel before the renewal date if you dont want to continue. With a growing slate of original series, award-winning films and a slick interface, Apple TV+ has turned into one of the best streaming services for premium content. And with this limited-time deal, you can catch up on its biggest hits without paying full price. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-streaming-deals-include-six-months-of-apple-tv-for-only-36-203322835.html?src=rss
Snapdragon devices will soon be able to transfer files to iPhones via Quick Share
Building on Google's recent announcement that Android's Quick Share will work with iOS' AirDrop for Pixel 10 smartphones, Qualcomm revealed in a post on X that the cross-platform file-sharing feature will be available on devices powered by its Snapdragon chips. In the post, Qualcomm said that it can't wait for people to use this once enabled on Snapdragon in the near future. It's not a complete surprise since Google mentioned in its announcement that Quick Share to AirDrop would come to more Android devices. However, the Snapdragon confirmation acknowledged that this new compatibility wouldn't be limited to Pixel smartphones or devices running Google Tensor chips. Soon, we could have the ability to share files with iPhone users, even if it's with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, a OnePlus device or even Nothing phones. Qualcomm didn't specify exactly when or which smartphones will get this Quick Share to AirDrop feature, but we might see it come to more devices than just smartphones, like tablets or laptops. Along with this latest file-sharing feature, Apple's announcement of iOS 18 getting RCS compatibility has reduced the longstanding friction between smartphone operating systems. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/snapdragon-devices-will-soon-be-able-to-transfer-files-to-iphones-via-quick-share-164835065.html?src=rss
Generally speaking, there are two ideal periods to buy a TV: the late spring stretch when new models are announced and last years sets are heavily discounted to clear out inventory, and the holiday shopping season, right around Black Friday . Were firmly in the latter right now, so if youve been thinking about making that big living room upgrade, its safe to take the plunge. To help you out, weve sorted through the many sales floating around the web and picked out the best Black Friday TV deals we could find below. The current selection covers several well-reviewed sets from Samsung, LG, Hisense and other popular brands, but well update this post as more noteworthy deals pop up. Best Black Friday TV deals: Under $500 Hisense U65QF (55-inch) for $428 at Amazon ($372 off MSRP) : The U65QF is another entry-level LED TV with generally positive reviews . Most feedback around the web suggests that it cant match the QM6K in terms of contrast, gaming features and overall accuracy, so TCLs model should be a better buy for most. This iteration also uses Amazons Fire TV platform instead of the cleaner Google TV . It can achieve a higher peak brightness, however, so its worth considering if you get particularly bad glare in your living room. This is the lowest price weve seen for the 55-inch model, but the 65-inch ( $548 ), 75-inch ( $748 ) and 85-inch ( $998 ) models are also at all-time lows. Also at Best Buy . Best Black Friday TV deals: Between $500 and $1,000 TCL QM7K (65-inch) for $798 at Amazon ($202 off) : The TCL QM7K is a fairly sizable step up over the QM6K, with noticeably improved contrast, brightness and color volume. It has a 144Hz refresh rate with 288Hz@1080p support as well, though like the budget model its limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports. And like most LED TVs, it cant compete with a good OLED set when it comes to colors and viewing angles. This deal matches the all-time low for the 65-inch model. The 55-inch version is $30 above its previous best at $598. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . LG B5 (55-inch) for $897 at Amazon ($100 off) : The B5 is LGs entry-level OLED TV for 2025. It gets you the core benefits of any OLED TV excellent contrast, wide viewing angles, smooth motion and so on but it cant get as bright as the higher-end LG C5 , so it doesnt look as colorful. (The C5 isnt significantly discounted as of this writing.) Its technically limited to a 120Hz refresh rate instead of 144Hz, too, though that isnt a big deal unless you plan to play PC games on your TV. While not huge discount, this matches the lowest price weve seen for the 55-inch model. Also at Best Buy and LG . Hisense U75QG (55-inch) for $528 at Amazon ($386 off) : The Hisense U75QG is a close competitor to the QM7K. Its main advantage is that it can get much brighter than TCLs model, which can make HDR content look more dynamic. This set also comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports instead of two, which is nice for those with multiple game consoles and a soundbar. That said, some reviews say its contrast falls short of the QM7K and that it can make HDR content too bright to be fully accurate. It also suffers from more noticeable motion blur, which means it's not the best choice for fast-paced games. So you may only want to grab it if youre determined to stay in this price range and have your TV in an especially bright room. Nevertheless, this is the best price weve seen for the 55-inch set. The same goes for the 65-inch ( $748 ) and 75-inch ( $998 ) models. Also at Best Buy . Best Black Friday TV deals: $1,000 and up Samsung S95F (65-inch) for $2,298 at Amazon ($700 off) : The S95F is a premium model that's received almost universally stellar reviews for being especially bright among OLED TVs while keeping the bold colors and contrast expected from a QD-OLED panel. That brightness, combined with the displays matte finish, means its uniquely adept at fending off glare. It also has four HDMI 2.1 ports and a native 165Hz refresh rate for gaming. That said, theres still no Dolby Vision HDR, and the matte coating means that black tones wont look as deep in a bright room. It's not cheap, but this is the lowest price weve seen for the 65-inch model. Also at Samsung and Best Buy . LG G5 (65-inch) for $1,997 at Amazon ($400 off) : The LG G5 is the S95Fs chief rival at the top of the OLED TV market. Most reviews say it can get even brighter, it does support Dolby Vision and its glossy finish means it wont lose those inky blacks under ambient light. Its more susceptible to glare, however, and while its picture is a level above most WOLED TVs, its still a step behind QD-OLED sets like the S95F when it comes to color volume. But if youre mostly going to watch things away from direct light, this might be the better buy. This deal has technically been live for a few weeks, but it matches the lowest price weve seen for the 65-inch model. Also at Best Buy and LG . Best Black Friday streaming device deals Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $25 at Amazon ($25 off) : The Streaming Stick 4K is worth considering if you want a cheaper stick-style streamer that plugs directly into your TV, or if you just prefer Rokus app-based UI, which many find simpler to navigate than the alternatives from Google and Amazon. Performance is fine, if not super-fast, and the device supports Apple AirPlay as well. Just expect to see some ads and know theres no Twitch app. This deal matches the sticks all-time low. Also at Best Buy and B&H . Roku Streaming Stick Plus for $19 at Amazon ($21 off) : The Streaming Stick Plus is a cheaper version of the Streaming Stick 4K with no Dolby Vision support and no long-range Wi-Fi extender included. It may be less reliable with choppier internet connections as a result, but it can typically be powered straight from a TVs USB port, it can still stream up to 4K, and the software experience is identical. Most people should probably just spend the extra $5 for the Streaming Stick 4K, but if youre really looking to save, the Plus is a decent value. This deal is a new all-time low. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . Roku Ultra for $69 at Amazon ($31 off) : The Ultra might be worth it if you want the Roku experience in a set-top box design with built-in Ethernet and USB ports. Unlike the streaming sticks, it comes bundled with a rechargeable remote that supports voice controls, a lost remote finding tool and backlit buttons. (Though you can buy that separately .) This latest model also has a faster processor and Wi-Fi 6 support, though its not as snappy as other boxes like the Google TV Streamer 4K or Apple TV 4K. This deal ties the best price weve tracked. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for $25 at Amazon ($25 off) : If you'd prefer one of Amazon's media streamers, the newly rebranded Fire TV Stick 4K Plus offers the same core experience as the pricier Fire TV Stick 4K Max, only it has a slightly slower processor, half the storage space (8GB) and Wi-Fi 6 support instead of Wi-Fi 6E. For most people who just want to stream casually, those shouldnt be huge losses. Just keep in mind that its Fire OS interface is still fairly ad-heavy and prioritizes Amazons own apps over everything else. This deal is $3 more than the devices all-time low but ties the best price weve seen in the past year. Also at Best Buy . Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 at Amazon ($25 off) : If you want the best Amazon streaming stick possible, the 4K Max gets you faster hardware than the Plus model and may be worthwhile if you have a Wi-Fi 6E router at home. This deal isnt an all-time low, but it matches the best price weve seen over the past year. Also at Best Buy and Target . Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for $18 at Amazon ($17 off) : The Fire TV Stick HD is the budget pick in our guide to the best streaming devices . It only streams up to 1080p and runs a bit choppier than Amazons 4K models since it has a slower chip and a meager 1GB of RAM. The usual complaints with Fire OS still apply, too. But if you want to stick with Amazon and just need to add streaming apps to an old TV for as little as possible, itll work well enough. This discount matches the best price weve tracked. Also at Best Buy and Target . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-black-friday-tv-deals-from-samsung-lg-roku-tcl-and-others-include-some-of-this-years-lowest-prices-181143931.html?src=rss
The best Black Friday deals on SSDs, microSD cards and other storage devices we could find for 2025
If youre looking to grab a new SSD for a PC, PS5 , gaming handheld or any other gadget, Black Friday is typically a good time to take the plunge. To help you separate the fake discounts from the stuff worth your time, weve picked through the many sales going on now and rounded up the best Black Friday SSD deals and other storage discounts we could find below. The offers include a handful of well-reviewed SSDs , external drives , microSD cards and more, but well update this post as new standouts pop up. Best Black Friday microSD card deals Lexar Play Pro (256GB) microSD Express card for $49 at Amazon ($11 off MSRP) : The only reason to buy a super-fast (but pricey) microSD Express card is to expand the storage of a Nintendo Switch 2 , which requires the newer format. In our guide to the best Switch 2 microSD cards , we found each model we tested to perform similarly in actual games, so your best bet is to buy whichever one you can find in stock at the lowest price. Nintendo has already announced that Samsungs 256GB Express card will be available for $20 off MSRP on November 30, which should bring it down to $40. If you can wait to pounce on that offer, you should. But if you cant for some reason, or if that discount quickly sells out, this is only $2 more than the best price weve seen for Lexars equivalent model. Samsung P9 Express (512GB) microSD Express Card for $75 at Amazon ($25 off) : If you want more space for a Switch 2, the 512GB version of Samsungs P9 Express microSD Express card is also on sale for a new low of $75. Full disclosure: Samsung launched this card a couple of weeks ago, and we only just got it in for testing. But given the trend of similar Switch 2 performance weve seen with other Express cards thus far, and the fact that this is easily the cheapest 512GB model we can find in stock as of this writing, we figure its worth noting. Also at Samsung and B&H . SanDisk microSD Express Card (256GB) for $60 at Amazon ($8 off) : Like the offers above, this discount matches the best price weve seen for SanDisks 256GB microSD Express card. Again, there isnt much point in grabbing it as long as cheaper options are in stock, though this is technically the fastest all-around model weve tested when it comes to transferring games to and from the Switch 2s built-in storage. (Within games, however, the difference is still minimal.) Well note it here just in case the other Express models completely sell out. Best Black Friday internal SSD deals SK Hynix Platinum P51 (1TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD for $110 at Newegg ($60 off) : Most people dont have to pay extra for the top-tier performance of a PCIe 5.0 SSD like the Platinum P51, but if you need something for more intense workloads or just want comfort of owning a more futureproof SSD, reviews around the web suggest this is one of the better options available. Just make sure you have a compatible motherboard and CPU first. This offer ties the lowest price yet for the 1TB model. Use the code BFEFE96 to get the full discount at checkout. Crucial T710 (2TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD for $180 at Best Buy ($120 off) : The T710 is Crucials successor to the T705. Most reviews suggest it isnt a massive leap over the older version in real-world performance, but its generally quicker, and its a more noticeable improvement in terms of power efficiency. If youre willing to spend a little bit extra, this discount is still within $10 of the best price weve seen for the 2TB variant. Its usually retailed for $230 over the last couple of months. Also at Amazon and B&H . Crucial P310 (2TB) M.2 2230 SSD for $130 at Amazon ($110 off) : The P310 is a small-size SSD you can slot in certain thin and light notebooks or gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck . It uses cheaper QLC memory, not the faster and more durable TLC, but most reviews say it performs well for what it is. This discount is a few bucks above the largest drop to date for the 2TB model, but its still about $20 off the drives usual street price. Also at B&H . Best Black Friday portable SSD deals Crucial X10 (1TB) portable SSD for $85 at Amazon ($13 off) : The X10 is a newer iteration of the Crucial X10 Pro, which itself is a variant of the Crucial X9 Pro, the top pick in our guide to the best portable SSDs . It uses the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, which few PCs and no Macs support, so most people wont see a difference between it and more traditional USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives like the X9 Pro. (Pricier USB4 and Thunderbolt models, meanwhile, are much faster and generally easier to utilize.) If the X10 is on sale for much less than the X9 Pro, however, theres little reason to not buy it instead. Thats the case as of this writing. Plus, like our top pick, the X10 is rugged, impressively compact and fast enough for most peoples needs, though it doesnt support hardware-based encryption. This deal is $3 more than the 1TB models all-time low but still $15 off its typical going rate. Other capacities are also on sale, including the extra spacious 8TB model for a new low of $385. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox (2TB) for $200 at Amazon ($30 off) : Annoying as it is, the only way to fully add storage to an Xbox Series X or Series S is to use a proprietary expansion card. Only two of those exist, and theyre both expensive compared to traditional SSDs. Still, theyre dead simple to set up, and this Seagate model holds up well compared to the consoles internal storage. White this deal for the 2TB version isnt an all-time low, its about $20 off the cards usual going rate over the last few months. The 4TB variant is also discounted at $380 thats a ton to spend on one of these things, but it does match the lowest price weve tracked for that particular model. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-black-friday-deals-on-ssds-microsd-cards-and-other-storage-devices-we-could-find-for-2025-175429908.html?src=rss
Pick up the 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller for only $40 for Black Friday
The holiday season is just about here and it's officially the time of year to ask: What presents am I going to get everyone? Thankfully, there are a ton of early Black Friday deals for the tech lover in your life. Take the 43 percent discount currently available on the 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and Charging Dock . It's a great option for the gamer in your life, and a steal down from $70 to $40 a new all-time low price. The controller comes with perks such as the charging dock, 22 hours of battery per charge and compatibility with everything from Steam Deck to Switch. The deal is only for the white model. Earlier this year, 8Bitdo released a new version of this $70 controller, aptly called the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth . We rated it as one of the best controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2 . While the upgraded model brings you features like more precise and sensitive joysticks, this sale brings the original Ultimate Controller back into view and our shopping carts. Plus, it also works well with the Nintendo Switch 2 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-the-8bitdo-ultimate-controller-for-only-40-for-black-friday-133023635.html?src=rss
Loads of Anker gear is on sale for Black Friday , and we rounded up the best deals we could find right here. We decided we like Anker so much, it deserves its own roundup. Afterall, the brand makes some of our favorite accessories for keeping phones, tablets and computers charged up and otherwise connected with excellent wireless chargers , MagSafe power banks , iPad accessories and more. Part of why we love this stuff is the affordability particularly for what you get but now these Anker Black Friday deals make these buys an even better value. Dont hesitate to stock up. Black Friday deals: Anker power banks Power banks revive dead phones, let you work longer while away from an outlet and allow you to play with your tablet/ereader/gamepad while it charges without being tethered to a wall. After testing out brands from a slew of different makers, our picks just keep coming back to Anker. The mix of value, capacity and clever features make Anker batteries just a little bit better than a lot of the brands out there. Anker makes the Laptop Power bank , which our reviewer (me) called the culmination of all the best battery features . The brand is also responsible for our top MagSafe battery pick (the MagGo Qi2 ) thanks to its clever stand, excellent charging speeds and generous capacity. We also think Anker's Ultra-Slim MagSafe bank is a better deal than Apple's Air MagSafe battery. Many of the other banks weve tested and tried are also on sale for Black Friday, so consider this your opportunity to make sure your phone never goes dead on you again. Black Friday deals: Anker wireless chargers A rats nest of cables on your desk is not the loveliest look. Now that phones, earbuds, smartwatches and even ereaders can refill on a charging coil, wireless chargers are a tidy solution . There are options thatll let you view your phone while it charges, as well as some that will charge three devices at once. Weve tested units from dozens of brands for our buying guides and keep putting Anker on our lists of winners. The brand makes some of the top picks in both our wireless charger guide and our list of the best multi-device chargers . Now, thanks to Black Friday, you can keep your devices topped off with quality accessories that are an even better value than usual. Black Friday deals: Anker power adapters While wireless charging is faster than its ever been, cords are still the fastest way to charge your phone. Bigger devices like your laptop will reup faster on a high-wattage brick than on a dinky 20-watt adapter and if you want to keep your outlets more streamlined, go for a multi-port power adapter that will let you charge multiple devices at once. Again, after testing many brands, some of our most reliable picks continue to be from Anker. It shows up three times in our guide to the best fast chargers and we recommend the brand in a number of our accessories guides . Now that Black Friday is here, a number of Anker power adapters are on sale so we rounded them all up here. Black Friday deals: Anker Soundcore audio We mostly think of Anker as a charging accessory brand. But theyve expanded their scope by getting into audio equipment and the effort was a success. You might not immediately pick up that these are Anker speakers Soundcore shows up on the products themselves, but its the same company. We recommend a couple Soundcore music makers in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers . They also make our overall favorite pair of budget earbuds, the Space A40 . With Black Friday deals in full effect, these are the best Anker Soundcore deals we could find. More Anker Black Friday deals My personal favorite USB-C cable is made by Anker . Its rated at 240 watts, has a durable build, plus its six-feet long and has a handy right angled connector at one end. Anker of course also makes plenty of other gear, from webcams to mice that show up in our guides to the best accessories again and again. Here are the best Black Friday deals on Anker gear that doesnt quite fit into the categories above. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-black-friday-deals-save-on-power-banks-wireless-chargers-power-adapters-and-other-accessories-164907229.html?src=rss
These Switch 2-compatible microSD Express cards are cheaper than ever for Black Friday
The SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card for the Switch 2 is down to $60 via Amazon , which is a record-low price. This model is also available in storage sizes of 128GB and 512GB. This particular model easily made our list of the best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 . It even made our list of the best Switch 2 accessories . It just gets the job done. We loved the speed on offer here. It was the fastest of all the cards we tested when transferring games and loading games. We also found that it performed admirably at just about every test we threw at it. The card was always consistently right near the top, thanks to outstanding sequential read and write performance. This was backed up by benchmark testing with PC tools like CrystalDiskMark. The Switch 2 only works with SD Express cards, so this covers that. Luckily, this card isn't just for Nintendo's latest console. It'll work with just about everything, if you ever find it outstays its usefulness as a storage container for Mario and friends. Elsewhere when it comes to microSD Express cards on sale: PNY's 256GB card is down to $50, as is Lexar's Play Pro 256GB card . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/these-switch-2-compatible-microsd-express-cards-are-cheaper-than-ever-for-black-friday-151331884.html?src=rss
Beats Studio Pro headphones are half off this Black Friday
Whether you need a new pair of headphones for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, Black Friday deals should save you some cash. Cans from a bunch of brands are on sale now, including Beats. One of the best deals from that brand is on the Beats Studio Pro , which is available for a whopping 51 percent off. Grab a pair while they're down to $170; this matches the cost we've seen for the Studio Pro headphones during other peak shopping times earlier this year. The Beats brand last updated this wireless over-ear headset in 2023 , but it's still a solid choice for a workhorse pair of headphones. The current model improved audio quality and added a useful Transparency mode, so that you can listen to your tunes and still be aware of the world around you, which is great for settings such as public transit and the gym. The other option is a more immersive active noise-canceling mode. Beats Studio Pro also support lossless audio when wired on a USB-C cable. The official specs say the battery life for the headphones lasts up to 40 hours, or 24 hours when the active noise canceling mode is engaged. If you need to eke more life out of these Beats, they do offer a fast-charging mode that promises four hours of activity from just ten minutes of recharge. There are several color options for the Beats Studio Pro, so if there's a particular hue you want to be sporting, this might be a deal to hop on quickly before the supplies run out or the deal expires. Also on sale in the Beats realm for Black Friday is the Beats Solo 4 , which is 35 percent off and down to $130. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/beats-studio-pro-headphones-are-half-off-this-black-friday-140335077.html?src=rss
Lego is cutting prices for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I'm a lifelong Lego lover, and my younger self would have squealed at some of the deals I'm seeing as I'm betting is true for many of you. Throughout the month, I'll be checking all the biggest online shopping centers in search of the biggest discounts on the best Lego sets available. We've already seen low prices on Disney and Harry Potter advent calendars your kids will love this December, plus beautiful botanicals and art pieces for yourself or the adults on your list. It's only likely to get better, so keep checking regularly. We always recommend using a price tracker to determine if a Lego deal is in fact a good one. You'll find Lego deals this holiday season at retailers like Amazon and Walmart , but don't overlook Lego's own site . If you join the free Lego Insiders program, you'll get special discounts and exclusive member gifts with each purchase, plus points you can redeem for your next set or bucket. We're still watching for a deal on the hottest Lego gift of the season, the Star Trek USS Enterprise set , which was just announced . With a titanic 3,600 pieces and mini-figures of the whole Next Generation crew (Guinan is a standout), it will be a must-have for any Star Trek fans. The set will be available for $400 starting November 28. Best Lego Black Friday deals LEGO Harry Potter Mandrake Figure & Pot Plant Toy 76433 for $41 (41 percent off) LEGO Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025 43273 for $31 (32 percent off) LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2025 76456 for $31 (31 percent off) LEGO Technic NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle LRV Building Set 42182 for $154 (30 percent off) LEGO Star Wars Brick-Built Star Wars Logo 75407 for $48 (20 percent off) LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Building Toy Set 75379 for $80 (20 percent off) LEGO Dreamzzz Izzie's Dream Animals Toys 71481 for $24 (40 percent off) LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Camera Toy 31147 for $16 (20 percent off) LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Magical Unicorn Toy 31140 for $7 (32 percent off) LEGO City Donut Truck Toy 60452 for $16 (20 percent off) LEGO Speed Champions 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) Race Car 76917 for $18 (28 percent off) LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants Building Toys 10349 for $18 (20 percent off) LEGO Botanicals Mini Orchid Building Set 10343 for $24 (20 percent off) LEGO Art Hokusai The Great Wave Framed Japanese Wall Art Building Set 31208 for $85 (15 percent off) LEGO Ideas Tuxedo Cat 21349 for $80 (20 percent off) LEGO NINJAGO Dragon Stone Shrine 71819 for $78 (35 percent off) LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 for $140 (18 percent off) LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Wild Animals: Majestic Rhino with Birds 31171 for $42 (30 percent off) LEGO Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Building Set 10373 for $45 (31 percent off) LEGO Friends Stargazing Camping Vehicle Adventure Toy 42603 for $21 (30 percent off) LEGO Friends Space Research Rover 42602 for $35 (27 percent off) LEGO Disney Simba The Lion King Cub Building Toy 43243 for $14 (30 percent off) LEGO Harry Potter Thestral Family Building Toy 76458 for $49 (30 percent off) LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding the Tantive IV Fantasy Toy 75387 for $38 (30 percent off) LEGO Classic Vibrant Creative Brick Box 11038 for $47 (22 percent off) LEGO Icons Blacktron Renegade 10355 for $64 (36 percent off) LEGO Icons Pac-Man Arcade Building Set for Adults 10323 for $236 (13 percent off) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/lego-black-friday-deals-get-up-to-41-percent-off-star-wars-disney-harry-potter-and-other-sets-ahead-of-the-holiday-sale-155007426.html?src=rss
A four-pack of AirTags drops to $65 for Black Friday
Whether you or someone on your gift list has trouble keeping track of their stuff, you can't go wrong by picking up an AirTag for assistance. For Black Friday , you can save on Apple's Bluetooth trackers a four-pack is on sale for $65 right now at Amazon and Walmart , which is just about the lowest price we've seen. Bear in mind that this deal brings the price per AirTag down to $16 if you were to buy them individually, and when not on sale they usually cost $29. If you use Apple devices and are prone to losing stuff, AirTags are the obvious choice of Bluetooth tracker to buy. Adding one to your account requires little more than a single tap, and with Apples Find My network offering such extensive coverage these days, its never been easier to find missing belongings. Tracking down a still nearby misplaced item is as easy as using your iPhone to trigger a sound from the AirTags built-in speaker, or alternatively you can use Precision Finding to pinpoint its location through Find My. You just follow the instructions on your iPhones screen, paying attention to its vibrations as you get closer. If you only need a single AirTag, theyre also on sale right now for $18, another record low. It works out a bit better as a deal if you purchase the four-pack, but if you just want to attach one to your keys or backpack, $65 might seem like a stretch. Just remember that AirTags cant be attached to items right out of the box. Youll need to add an accessory in order to turn one into a keyring, or even attach it to your pets collar. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/a-four-pack-of-airtags-drops-to-65-for-black-friday-161756950.html?src=rss
These noise-cancelling Sony headphones are cheaper than ever for Black Friday
Black Friday deals have come for Sony gear, and that means you can get some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market for less. The still-excellent WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are down to $250, which is the lowest price we've seen them. Yes, the latest model, the XM6 , have technically replaced these in Sony's lineup. But if the latest flagships are out of your price range, these former Engadget favorites are well worth considering at this heavily reduced price. We awarded the WH-1000XM5 a score of 95 in our 2022 review , praising the supremely comfortable redesign, sound quality and powerful ANC. Battery life is also very respectable at 30 hours. We found the punchy bass an improvement over their predecessors, and the overall sound deeper and more immersive than the M4 headphones. As for noise-canceling, Sonys decision to double the number of microphones and processors used for ANC means an improvement in blocking higher frequency sounds, such as human voices. They arent entirely baby scream-proof, but then few headphones are. Naturally, the WH-1000XM6 that this year replaced the M5 as Sonys flagship model offers even better sound quality and noise cancellation, while remaining extremely comfortable throughout long listening sessions. But theyre also a lot more expensive at $450 they're on sale now for $398 for Black Friday, so you have the option to upgrade to the latest flagship if you're willing to spend a bit more. However, we still think the XM5 deal is the best value for most people here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/these-noise-cancelling-sony-headphones-are-cheaper-than-ever-for-black-friday-124434578.html?src=rss
Pick up an Apple Watch SE 3 for only $200 with this Black Friday deal
The era of holiday shopping is here and there are a lot of great tech gift options for loved ones or as a treat for yourself. That includes the new Apple Watch SE 3 , which you can snag for only $200 right now at Amazon and Walmart . We consider this to be the best budget Apple Watch , and arguably the best smartwatch for folks who have never owned one before. The latest version runs on the same chipset found in the new flagship models, and it has most of the same fitness and workout tracking features you'll find in those more expensive devices as well. The SE 3 also now has an always-on display, making it easier to glance down throughout the day to check the time or see activity stats without moving your wrist, and fast-charging support makes it a more viable sleep tracker. Just plop it down on its charger for a bit at the end of the day and put it back on to monitor your sleep overnight. Also discounted is the flagship Apple Watch Series 11 , which is $50 off and down to $349. We consider it to be the best smartwatch , period, thanks to its longer battery life, thin and light design, comprehensive health and fitness tracking features and extra perks like gesture control. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-an-apple-watch-se-3-for-only-200-with-this-black-friday-deal-133057649.html?src=rss
One of our favorite ice cream makers is down to $180 for Black Friday
Ice cream might not be the first dessert that springs to mind in late fall, but theres no bad season for frozen treats, and our favorite ice cream maker is down to $180 for Black Friday. This kitchen gadget, which scored 90 in our review , is guaranteed to make you popular with guests during the holiday season, and at $50 off its regular price of $250 the lowest price weve seen this year for this particular model now is a great time to buy. While youll definitely need a bit of space to accommodate it, the Creami is a more compact ice cream machine than some of its rivals. It works similarly to a food processor, only here youll be using strictly frozen liquid ice cream as a base. Once you have that (youll need to give the base around 24 hours in the freezer for the desired consistency) you use Ninjas machine to blend in your chosen flavors. And if you make a mess (and lets face it, you probably will), rest assured that most of the components are dishwasher-safe. Its admittedly a fairly loud machine during use, but as long as youre willing to put up with the noise, you can choose between seven one-touch programs, including milkshake if youre in the mood for a cold drink. And if youre hosting people with allergies, they can be reassured that you have total control about whats going into and coming out of the machine, which is much harder to guarantee when youre buying dessert in a restaurant. This model also includes two pint containers with lids. If you want the latest and greatest, though, the Ninja Swirl is the ice-cream maker to get. It can make regular and soft-serve ice cream, plus a number of other frozen treats. Right now, QVC has it for the best price we've seen, from $350 to $280. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-ice-cream-makers-is-down-to-180-for-black-friday-133009181.html?src=rss
Audible Black Friday deal: Get three months of access for only $3
Amazon is selling three months of Audible for just $3 in honor of Black Friday. The company typically reserves this sale for Prime Day , so it's nice to see the deal make an unexpected return. This breaks down to $1 per month for the first three months, which is a boon for audiobook fans. Just make sure to cancel before the 90 days are up, as the subscription will auto-renew at $15 per month. That's not the worst deal in the world, given the vast number of titles available on the platform, but still. Audible has a diverse catalog that goes beyond audiobooks . It also hosts podcasts and Audible Originals. Subscribers get to choose one audiobook each month to keep in their collection for free, including best-sellers or new releases. Users also get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which houses thousands of audiobooks. Finally, active members get discounts on many audiobooks when looking to purchase. Winter is coming and this is a good way to make sure you have plenty to listen to throughout the next three months. This deal does have a time limit. It expires on December 16. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/audible-black-friday-deal-get-three-months-of-access-for-only-3-140010926.html?src=rss
Black Friday VPN deals: Get up to 75 percent off Proton VPN two-year plans
A VPN subscription can make for a good holiday gift. Everyone could do with having a VPN to help protect their online activity from prying eyes (and, perhaps, access more things to watch from their favorite streaming services). It's something useful that a gift recipient may have never realized they needed. Of course, you may be looking for a great deal on a VPN yourself, and the Black Friday discount for Proton VPN is nothing to sniff at. You can get two years of access to the VPN Plus tier of the service for $59.76, which works out to $2.49 per month. That's a discount of 75 percent compared with the regular price of $10 per month. Overall, you'd save $180. Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN overall because it checks all of the boxes it needs to. There is a free plan with unlimited data, but with that you can only connect to servers in a few countries and the connection might not be fast enough for you to watch anything from your preferred streaming service's library in that locale. The VPN Plus tier unlocks a lot more options, such as the ability to connect to 15,000 servers across more than 120 countries and simultaneous protection for up to 15 devices. The apps are well-designed Proton has clients for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android and it's easy to find a feature or setting you're looking for. In our testing, Proton VPN Plus had a relatively small impact on browsing speeds. Our download speeds dropped by 12 percent and uploads by 4 percent, while the global average ping remained below 300 ms (which is especially impressive if you're connecting to a server on the other side of the planet). Perhaps, most importantly, though, it's Proton's commitment to privacy that helps make its VPN an easy recommendation. There's a no-logs policy, meaning it does not log user activity or any identifiable characteristics of devices that connect to the VPN. Proton's servers use full-disk encryption to bolster privacy as well. Proton VPN is not the only service to offer a Black Friday VPN deal this year, of course. There are plenty of others available on services we like. Here are the best of the bunch if you're looking for an alternative to Proton VPN. Surfshark One (24 months + 3 free months) for $59.13 (88 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware) and Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach), plus Surfshark Search and Alternative ID from the tier below. This extra-low deal gives you 88 percent off all those features. NordVPN Plus (24 months + 3 free months) for $105.03 (74 percent off): NordVPN has taken 74 percent off its Plus subscription for Black Friday. For only a little more, you get a powerful ad and tracker blocker that can also catch malware downloads, plus access to the NordPass password manager. A Plus plan also adds a data breach scanner that checks the dark web for your sensitive information. CyberGhost (24 months + 4 free months) for $56.94 (84 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Private Internet Access (36 months + 4 free months) for $79.20 (83 percent off): Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 40 months of PIA for just under $2 per month an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA has plenty of features, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-vpn-deals-get-up-to-75-percent-off-proton-vpn-two-year-plans-153737542.html?src=rss
EcoFlow Black Friday deals include up to 52 percent off portable power stations
EcoFlow is hosting a Black Friday sale on portable power stations. This drops prices by up to 42 percent on many of its well-regarded products. For instance, the Delta Pro 3 is on sale for $2,099 . This is a discount of 43 percent, as the typical cost is $3,699. That's a significant drop in price. Amazon's matching the sale price as well. The Delta Pro 3 topped Yahoo's list of the best portable power stations , and for very good reason. This thing is a beast. It boasts a 4,096Wh capacity, so it can power an average 500-watt refrigerator for over 24 hours. That's with continuous use. It can be stretched out to two or three days by only running the appliance during daylight hours. There's even a discounted bundle that includes an extra battery for $3,279 . It includes four standard 120V AC outlets and a single 240V outlet. It could potentially be a temporary hub of a whole-home battery backup. There are numerous charging options here, including a standard AC outlet, solar panels and, interestingly, a cigarette lighter. The only potential downside here is the Delta Pro 3 really pushes the boundaries of what can be considered portable. It weighs 113 pounds, though it does have wheels and a telescoping handle. The Delta Pro 3 is just one of the products on sale right now. Another Yahoo top pick, the Delta 2 Max , is $1,000 off and down to $899. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ecoflow-black-friday-deals-include-up-to-52-percent-off-portable-power-stations-130041488.html?src=rss
Ooni Black Friday deals: Get 20 percent off pizza ovens for the holiday season
Ooni Black Friday deals are here, and they'll be tempting for anyone who loves homemade pizza. The company has discounted most of its pizza ovens including the Karu 2 pizza oven, which is on sale for $359 . That's 20 percent off the regular $449 price tag. The Karu 2 didn't make our list of the best pizza ovens , but most of the list is populated by Ooni products. The company makes good stuff. The Ooni Karu 16 topped our list and the Karu 2 is basically a smaller version of that one. This is a 12-inch multi-fuel model that can cook with wood or gas. It's intended for outdoor use and it's on the lighter side, at 33 pounds. This should make it easy when moving it around the backyard or when taking it to a friend's house for an impromptu pizza party. To that end, the company sells a luggage-like cover for the oven. The interior reaches temperatures up to 950F. This can cook a pizza in around a minute. The only downside here? This is an oven that's only for outdoor use and, well, winter is coming. Ooni has discounted plenty of its other models for Black Friday, but not the indoor Volt 2 pizza oven . These deals last until December 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ooni-black-friday-deals-get-20-percent-off-pizza-ovens-for-the-holiday-season-130544485.html?src=rss
Our favorite budgeting app has 50 percent off subscriptions right now for Black Friday
Now's the time of year you might be reconsidering how you budget your finances, or establishing a plan if you don't have one already. While it's possible to do it all yourself, budgeting apps can automate some processes and make it easier to see where your money is going and patterns, both good and bad, that might be occurring. For Black Friday , you can get 50 percent off our favorite budgeting app , Quicken Simplifi. The Quicken Simplifi app is down to $3 monthly from $6 monthly, adding up to $36 for the year. Quicken Classic , the company's original desktop software for experienced investors is also half off at $6 monthly, down from $12 monthly. The sale starts today and is available until Wednesday, December 3. One of the many things that sets Quicken Simplifi apart from its competitors is its sleek, easy to use interface. The setup is pretty straightforward and it allows for your spouse or financial advisor to act as co-manager of the account. It also clearly shows figures like net worth, recent spending, upcoming recurring payments and more. Plus, there's an option to say if you're expecting a refund. Quicken Simplifi unfortunately doesn't offer a free trial so testing it out with a discount means less money invested if it's not for you. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-budgeting-app-has-50-percent-off-subscriptions-right-now-for-black-friday-160025119.html?src=rss
This page is your go-to resource for Black Friday subscription deals. From now through the end of November and beyond, we'll be scouring the internet to find the steepest discounts and cheapest offers for all the best subscription services. The top streaming platforms are all giving out subscriptions like they were leftover turkey, but we've also found great deals on VPNs you can use to coax even more out of your streaming subscriptions. There are great learning apps, too, like Rosetta Stone and MasterClass, plus even more deals on services like DeleteMe and Quicken. Check back here daily we're always adding exciting new deals to the list. Best Black Friday subscription deals Quicken Simplifi (one year) for $36 (50 percent off) : We named Quicken Simplifi the best budgeting app this year largely because it lives up to its name. This is the cleanest budgeting app on the market, with an interface designed to welcome newcomers and no key information more than a scroll away. It's also cheap, especially with this Black Friday deal , and very good at detecting and categorizing your important transactions. Monarch Money (one year) for $50 (50 percent off with code MONARCHVIP) : Monarch Money, our other favorite budgeting app, is giving new users half off for Black Friday . It's a little more complex than Quicken Simplifi, but it also gives you finer-grained control, including detailed reporting, balance sheets and instant graphs. The standout goals feature lets you establish savings and wealth baselines that feel amazing when you hit them. Rosetta Stone Lifetime Unlimited subscription for $149 (60 percent off) : Rosetta Stone was pioneering visual language courses back when software still came in boxes, and it's still one of the best language learning apps . Today, its method works as well as ever, with patient learning based on pictures, terms and recordings. This deal gets you a full lifetime subscription with access to all 25 languages in the library. Audible (three months) for $3 (80 percent off) : For literally $1 per month , you can get access to Audible's enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live performances). It's only three months, after which you'll have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but an audiobibliophile can cram a lot of listening into 90 days. Headspace (one year) for $35 (50 percent off) : Out of all the meditation apps available, Headspace is our favorite . It doesn't just help you relax and de-stress, but also teaches you to practice meditation as a skill, with sessions building on each other in organized courses. There's a massive library of standalone guided meditations with all kinds of instructors, and it's easy to search for the ones that work best for you. This deal gives you half off a full year . Calm Premium (one year) for $40 (50 percent off) : Once you've finished your Headspace meditation, head over to Calm for every other stress-relieving activity you can think of. This packed subscription gives you a huge library of relaxing content, from music and restful soundscapes to its popular sleep stories with celebrity narrators telling bedtime stories for children and adults alike. If you've ever wanted to be lulled to sleep by Harry Styles, Matthew McConaughey or Idris Elba, this app is for you. 1Password (one year) for $24 (50 percent off) : Using a password manager is one of the most important cybersecurity steps you can take right now . 1Password generates strong, unique passwords for every account, then saves them to autofill when you need them. We named it the best password manager in honor of its well-designed user interface and cross-platform compatibility. DeleteMe (all services) for 30 percent off with code BFCM30OFF25 : DeleteMe scrubs your information from people search sites and other public-facing data brokers, dramatically reducing your online presence. It's a time-saving and user-friendly automation of a Since using it monthly, we've noticed a sharp decrease in the amount of spam emails, texts and calls to our personal addresses. Adobe Creative Cloud (one year) for $420 (50 percent off) : Creative Cloud is Adobe's most comprehensive design package, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere and over 20 other apps. Whip up a website with Dreamweaver, paint on a digital canvas with Fresco or edit photos in Lightroom. It's a pretty steep cost for an individual, but puts a one-year subscription well within reach of a creative business. Best Black Friday streaming deals Apple TV+ (6 months) for $36 ($42 off): Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday , which comes out to a discounted price of $6 per month for the six-month period. The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo , The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service. Sling TV Orange Day Pass for $1 (80 percent off) : Sling TV is one of the best live streaming services , and has one of streaming TV's most unique deals: a commitment-free day pass that lets you stream whatever you want for 24 hours, including cable channels and exclusive sports. Normally, a day pass costs $5, but this Black Friday deal knocks that all the way down to $1. Plex (lifetime pass) for $150 (40 percent off) : Plex offers personal media servers you can use to organize your digital collection imagine your own curated Netflix homepage that nothing ever vanishes from. It's also a streaming platform in its own right, with movies and TV from all genres and eras. Plex did just raise its prices , so now's your chance to get a lifetime pass for close to what it used to cost. Walmart+ (one year) for $49 (50 percent off) : No, Walmart hasn't started its own streaming platform, but it would probably have some pretty great drama. What you do get with Walmart+ is free shipping on carts over $35, exclusive deals, drone delivery in some cities and more. And if you did come here for streaming, Walmart+ also comes with your choice of Peacock Premium of Paramount+ Essential (we recommend Peacock Premium because it's more expensive on its own). Best VPN deals for Black Friday ExpressVPN Basic (15 months) for $52.39 (73 percent off) : ExpressVPN may be the most user-friendly VPN for sale right now, with fast download speeds (only 7 percent losses in our last test), quick connections and apps designed to stay out of your way. It's not the most feature-rich, but it excels at any bread-and-butter VPN task, staying leak-free and unblocking Netflix everywhere. You also get access to server locations in 105 countries. Surfshark Starter (27 months) for $53.73 (87 percent off) : According to the tests we ran for our latest review , Surfshark is the fastest VPN right now, with its download speeds, upload speeds and latencies all beating out competitors. It has more to offer beyond speed, too, as it's able to constantly rotate your IP address and generate double VPN paths between any two servers you choose. NordVPN Basic (27 months) for $80.73 (74 percent off) : NordVPN got very positive marks in our last review , where we called out its fast internet speeds, wide network of server locations and selection of exclusive features. It comes with a range of dedicated servers for obfuscation, onion routing, torrenting and more. Plus, it's one of the first VPNs getting a jump on post-quantum encryption. CyberGhost VPN (28 months) for $56.84 (84 percent off) : CyberGhost is always cheap in fact, we named it the best budget VPN but it's never behaved like an economy option. Its Smart Rules automation controls are the deepest in the industry, and its server network reaches 100 countries. Speeds are also quite good, though connections occasionally take a moment to establish. Private Internet Access VPN (40 months) for $79.20 (83 percent off) : Although we weren't wholly positive about Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) in our recent review , we can't deny it's a worthwhile choice for an affordable VPN. Although speeds can fluctuate, it comes with lots of desirable features on all platforms, like port forwarding (which makes torrents more stable) and two kinds of split tunneling. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-subscription-deals-2025-early-sales-on-apple-tv-masterclass-fubo-rosetta-stone-and-more-180000334.html?src=rss
A decision about breaking up Google's adtech monopoly is on the horizon
Google made its final arguments in a longstanding case against the US Department of Justice on whether it has to split up its ad tech practices. However, the judge presiding over the case may be looking to wrap up the case before Google has a chance to appeal, according to a report from Reuters . On Friday, both sides made their closing statements in the lawsuit where the Justice Department accused the tech giant of illegally monopolizing the ad tech market. While the US District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled in April that Google held a monopoly in the online adtech space, the judge recently asked the Justice Department how quickly an anticompetitive measure could go into effect, adding that time is of the essence. Google's attorney, Karen Dunn, argued that forcing Google to sell its advertising tech subsidiary would be extreme and hurt customers in the process, according to the report. Google is also reportedly planning to appeal the latest decision. According to Reuters , Brinkema noted that any sort of remedy most likely would not be as easily enforceable while an appeal is pending, meaning that Google could delay the forced sale until the appeal is concluded. At the same time, Google is facing a $3.5 billion fine for violating the European Union's antitrust laws within the adtech industry. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/a-decision-about-breaking-up-googles-adtech-monopoly-is-on-the-horizon-184409011.html?src=rss
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max drops to $35 for Black Friday
Amazon has Black Friday savings on its most potent streaming stick. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is 41 percent off, bringing it close to its record low. You can get it now for $35. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of Engadget's favorite streaming devices . The stick supports a solid mix of advanced technologies for its price: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K and HDR10+. As long as the rest of your entertainment setup can handle it, you'll get a high-quality picture and sound. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E , enabling better, faster connectivity with compatible routers. The 4K Max has the fastest processor of any Amazon Fire TV Stick, so expect zippy navigation. It also supports Amazon's Ambient Experience. This mode displays art (like on Samsung's The Frame ) while the device is in standby. It's also a solid choice for gaming: It supports Xbox cloud streaming and works well as a retro game emulator , too. The UI is where Amazon appears to be subsidizing the device's low cost. Expect to see loads of Prime Video content promos, along with other ads. But for $35 (compared to its MSRP of $60), you may find it easier to justify that tradeoff. Also on sale is Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD , our pick for the best budget streaming stick. This model doesn't support 4K; instead, it limits you to 1080p at 60 fps. At $18 for Black Friday, it's certainly cheap. But if you have a 4K TV (or plan to soon), you may want to consider the slightly more expensive model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-drops-to-35-for-black-friday-132100886.html?src=rss
Black Friday deal: Get $50 off the Xreal One Pro smart glasses
If you've been thinking about jumping on the smart glasses bandwagon, Black Friday deals could help you do so for less. Xreal has discounted its One Pro smart glasses by $50 for Black Friday, bringing them down to $599. The sale applies to both sizes. These glasses are the real deal . We praised them in our official review , saying they offer similar functionality to the Apple Vision Pro, but at a much friendlier price point. Wearing these glasses allows access to a massive 222-inch virtual display that can be used for just about anything. The glasses connect to laptops, gaming consoles and smartphones, among other gadgets. The 1080p Micro-OLED screens are surprisingly bright and sharp, which makes this device great for both work and consuming content. The frames even darken to give the illusion of wearing sunglasses. The glasses are light and comfortable, especially when compared to the Vision Pro. However, the comfort does come at a price. These oversized glasses are not as immersive as Apple's product, because they don't completely block out light and cover the entire face. They offer a 57-degree field of view. This is squarely an augmented reality product and not a virtual reality product. The company has also discounted its Xreal One AR glasses to $399 , which is a discount of around $100. These offer smaller virtual screens than the Pro, with a 50-degree field of view. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-deal-get-50-off-the-xreal-one-pro-smart-glasses-113032924.html?src=rss
Microsoft isn't releasing a diversity report for 2025
Microsoft will not release a diversity and inclusion report for 2025 like it has been doing every year since 2019 , Stephen Totilo from Game File has reported . Totilo asked the company if it was skipping this year after it failed to publish a report from October to early November like it had done so the previous years. We are not doing a traditional report this year as weve evolved beyond that to formats that are more dynamic and accessible stories, videos, and insights that show inclusion in action, said Microsofts chief communications officer, Frank Shaw, in a statement. Our mission and commitment to our culture and values remain unchanged: empowering every person and organization to achieve more. As Totilo notes, the Trump administration made it very clear early on that it was against government and corporate diversity, equality and inclusion programs. Trump signed executive orders directing government agencies to roll back DEI initiatives and encouraged the private sector to do the same. Meta reportedly ended its DEI programs earlier this year, while Google reportedly announced that it will no longer set hiring targets to improve representation in its workforce. Totilo previously reported that Microsoft didnt mention anything about its diversity programs in two shareholder reports for 2025, signifying that the company wasnt highlighting its DEI initiatives anymore like it did the previous years. Based on its statement, Microsoft isnt completely dropping its DEI efforts. Without a report, however, we cant keep an eye on its progress when it comes to things like pay equality and workforce diversity. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/microsoft-isnt-releasing-a-diversity-report-for-2025-180000401.html?src=rss
Get $120 off Apple's Mac mini M4 for Black Friday
It's a good idea to look for Black Friday Apple deals this time of year if you're thinking about upgrading an aging laptop or picking up a pair of AirPods or an Apple Watch as a gift. One of the best discounts we're tracking at the moment is on the M4-powered Mac Mini desktop it's $120 off right now, down from $599 to $479. That applies to the 16GB of RAM/256GB SSD model, and it's pretty close to its all-time-low price. We gave the Mac mini M4 a 90 in our review , in part, because it packs an incredible amount of power into such a small design. It also has front facing USB-C and headphone ports, a first for the Mac mini lineup. Plus, it starts with 16GB of RAM, an upgrade from its predecessors. However, if you want more memory or storage, the other Mac Mini M4 models are also on sale. You can get 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD for $719, down from $799. Then there's the option for 24GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD at $889, down from $999. Plus, if you want to bundle in three years of AppleCare+, each model ends up being about $100 cheaper than normal. If you're looking to build a desktop setup from scratch, there's a small but notable discount on Apple's Magic Trackpad as well. It's down to $120, which is only seven percent off its usual price but it's the cheapest we've seen it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-120-off-apples-mac-mini-m4-for-black-friday-150749316.html?src=rss
Pick up the Google TV Streamer 4K for only $75 this Black Friday
One of the best streaming devices you can get today is deeply discounted on Amazon ahead of Black Friday. The Google TV Streamer is going for just $75 right now the lowest price we've seen it hit yet. The device normally costs $100. The Google TV Streamer is our top pick for an all-in-one streaming device . It has a faster processor than Google's previous streaming devices (22 percent faster, according to the company), so you can switch between apps and different media without lagging. It also has more storage and memory, at 32GB and 4GB, respectively. Google TV streamer has an intuitive interface and keeps all of your favorite content from different streaming apps organized in one menu. It also seamlessly integrates Google Home, allowing you to control your smart home devices from a slideout panel on the TV. The 4K streamer comes in a set-top wedge design, rather than the dongle of Chromecasts past, but you'll have to pick up an HDMI cable separately if you don't already have one you can use. It comes with a small remote that you can ping by pressing a button on the streamer for when you inevitably misplace it. In her review of the device , Engadget's Amy Skorheim called the Google TV streamer a full-featured, competent device with an interface thats better than most at pulling together all the disparate threads of a streaming experience. One of its only downsides is the relatively high cost at $100, so don't let this deal go to waste. In addition to the streaming device, Google has a bunch of other tech on sale for Black Friday . The entry-level Nest thermostat is on sale for $85 right now, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E router has dropped to $120 for a single-pack; that's 40 percent off. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-the-google-tv-streamer-4k-for-only-75-this-black-friday-173858497.html?src=rss
