The best VPN deals: Up to 88 percent off ProtonVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and more

With a good virtual private network (VPN) , you can stream TV shows and events from all over the world, protect your information from hackers and thwart those online trackers that watch you sleep and show you weird personalized ads. Although we strongly recommend using a VPN, you shouldn't jump on just any deal a bit of comparison shopping goes a long way in this market. The pricing you see on VPN websites is often not an accurate portrayal of what you'll actually pay. Even so, there are some great bargains on the table, especially as we approach Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the holiday season. VPN providers want to boost their subscriber numbers, so they give out steep discounts to customers who sign up for a year or more at once. This is a win for you as well while you pay more at the start, if you divide the cost by the months of service, it's significantly cheaper over time. Most of the deals we highlight below follow that pattern, so make sure you're comfortable with a longer commitment before you take the plunge. If you've been thinking about subscribing to a VPN service, read on for the best VPN deals we could find right now. Best VPN deals ExpressVPN Basic $97.72 for a two-year subscription with four months free (73 percent off): This is one of the best VPNs, especially for new users, who will find its apps and website headache-free on all platforms. In tests for my ExpressVPN review , it dropped my download speeds by less than 7 percent and successfully changed my virtual location 14 out of 15 times. In short, it's an all-around excellent service that only suffers from being a little overpriced which is why I'm so excited whenever I find it offering a decent deal. This deal, which gets you 28 months of ExpressVPN service, represents a 73 percent savings. ExpressVPN Advanced $125.72 for a two-year subscription with four months free (67 percent off): ExpressVPN recently split its pricing into multiple tiers , but they all still come with similar discounts for going long. In addition to top-tier VPN service, advanced users get two additional simultaneous connections (for a total of 12), the ExpressVPN Keys password manager, advanced ad and tracker blocking, ID protection features and a 50 percent discount on an AirCove router. NordVPN Basic $80.73 for a two-year subscription with three months free (74 percent off): NordVPN gets the most important parts of a VPN right. It's fast, it doesn't leak any of your data and it's great at changing your virtual location. I noted in my NordVPN review that it always connects quickly and includes a support page that makes it easy to get live help. Although I'm sad to see it shutting down Meshnet , NordVPN still includes a lot of cool features, like servers that instantly connect you to Tor. This early Black Friday deal gives you 74 percent off the two-year plan, which also comes with three extra months. NordVPN Plus $105.03 for a two-year subscription with three months free (74 percent off): In another early Black Friday discount, NordVPN has also taken 74 percent off its Plus subscription. 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. Surfshark Starter $53.73 for a two-year subscription with three months free (87 percent off): This is the asic level of Surfshark , but it includes the entire VPN; everything on Surfshark One is an extra perk. With this subscription, you'll get some of the most envelope-pushing features in the VPN world right now. Surfshark can rotate your IP constantly to help you evade detection it even lets you choose your own entry and exit nodes for a double-hop connection. That all comes with a near-invisible impact on download speeds. With this year-round deal, you can save 87 percent on 27 months of Surfshark. Surfshark One $59.13 for a two-year subscription with three months free (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. If you bump up to Surfshark One+, you'll also get data removal through Incogni, but the price jumps enough that it's not quite worthwhile in my eyes. CyberGhost $56.94 for a two-year subscription with two months free (83 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. Currently, you can get 26 months of CyberGhost for 83 percent off the usual price. hide.me $59.95 for a two-year subscription with five months free (79 percent off): Hide.me is an excellent free VPN in fact, it's my favorite on the market, even with EventVPN and the free version of Proton VPN as competition. If you do want to upgrade to its paid plan, though, the two-year subscription offers great savings. Hide.me works well as a no-frills beginner VPN, with apps and a server network it should frankly be charging more for. Private Internet Access $79.20 for a three-year subscription with four months free (83 percent off): This is the best available price on any VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 40 months of Private Internet Access (PIA) for a little bit over $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. What makes a good VPN deal Practically every VPN heavily discounts its long-term subscriptions year-round, with even sharper discounts around occasions like Black Friday/Cyber Monday. The only noteworthy exception is Mullvad, the Costco hot dog of VPNs (that's a compliment, to be clear). When there's constantly a huge discount going on, it can be hard to tell when you're actually getting a good deal. The best way to squeeze out more savings is to look for seasonal deals, student discounts or exclusive sales like Proton VPN's coupon for Engadget readers . One trick VPNs often use is to add extra months onto an introductory deal, pushing the average monthly price even lower. When it comes time to renew, you usually can't get these extra months again. You often can't even renew for the same basic period of time for example, you may only be able to renew a two-year subscription for one year. If you're planning to hold onto a VPN indefinitely, check the fine print to see how much it will cost per month after the first renewal, and ensure that fits into your budget. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-vpn-deals-up-to-88-percent-off-protonvpn-surfshark-expressvpn-nordvpn-and-more-120056445.html?src=rss

YouTube is once again trying to make DMs happen

YouTube has started a renewed effort to integrate direct messaging into its platform. According to a support page , the service has started testing DMs as a way for users to share and discuss videos. The test is for users aged 18 and up in Ireland and Poland. But while a DM usually comes with some expectation of privacy, Google noted that messages may be reviewed to ensure they follow our Community Guidelines. This isn't the video platform's first attempt to provide a messaging angle. YouTube added DMs to its app in 2017, then removed the feature in 2019 in order to emphasize public conversations in comments sections. The new test for sharing within YouTube's ecosystem won't mean any change to other ways you might send people videos. Re-introducing the same system six years after cutting it seems like an odd choice, but Google claims this is a top feature request, so maybe it'll get a broader adoption this time around. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-is-once-again-trying-to-make-dms-happen-205724221.html?src=rss

OpenAI made a free version of ChatGPT for teachers

It's well-documented that many students use ChatGPT to do their homework for them, and now OpenAI would like teachers to use it to write those student's homework, too. The company hopes to entice K-12 school employees to work with its AI models via the newly announced ChatGPT for Teachers , a version of the AI assistant that's secure enough to be used in a school environment and free until June 2027. OpenAI pitches this new ChatGPT as a way for educators to create material for the classroom, and get comfortable using AI on their own terms. ChatGPT for Teachers includes unlimited messages with GPT-5.1 Auto, connectors to other apps, file uploads, image generation and memory features, just like the consumer version of the AI. Where this version differs is in its compliance with the Family Education Rights Act, which governs how schools store student information, and in the ways OpenAI is pushing collaboration features. Besides being able to share a chat with colleagues, OpenAI says it'll also populate fresh chats with suggestions of ways other teachers have used ChatGPT. Before it began targeting teachers specifically, OpenAI made several passes at getting more students to use its AI models. The company's ChatGPT Edu gives institutions a way to offer ChatGPT access in the same way they do an email account. There's also Study Mode , a feature available in all versions of ChatGPT, that focuses the chatbot's answers on explaining things step-by-step. OpenAI isn't alone in trying to own the education market Google has offered aggressive discounts on Gemini for students but clearly it thinks appealing to teachers could help cement its position. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-made-a-free-version-of-chatgpt-for-teachers-202937994.html?src=rss

Stargate is coming back to TV, thanks to Prime Video

Disney+ has Star Wars and Paramount+ has Star Trek, so it's about time Amazon gets its own sci-fi franchise with star in the title. Prime Video has just greenlit a TV revival of the iconic Stargate franchise, according to a report by Deadline . This will be the fourth major TV show in the series, following the first movie. We don't know anything about the plot and where it fits into the decades-long mythology but we do know that the showrunner is Martin Gero. He's a veteran of the IP, having cut his teeth in the industry while working on Stargate: Atlantis back in the early 2000s. He also created the show Blindspot and was showrunner on the recent reboot of Quantum Leap , which was actually kind of nifty (RIP.) Franchise creators Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich are on board as executive producers, as are Brad Wright and Joe Mallozzi. That last duo were behind most of the Stargate TV projects, including the most recent live action show Stargate Universe . This makes a lot of sense for Prime Video. Amazon did recently buy MGM , after all, and the Stargate IP came along with that purchase. It's not the first time the platform will have dabbled with science fiction. Prime Video most famously saved The Expanse after it was originally cancelled by SyFy. There are three more books in that series that have yet to be adapted. Just saying. For the uninitiated, the Stargate franchise involves the titular Stargates. These are transportation devices created by ancient aliens that act as galaxy-spanning wormholes. It all started with a movie from 1994. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/stargate-is-coming-back-to-tv-thanks-to-prime-video-200049713.html?src=rss

The best board games to gift for the 2025 holiday season

It's become cliche to say that we live in a golden age of board games, but to paraphrase the great stoic philosopher Andy Bernard, it's great to know you're in the good old days before you've left them. Great titles are still coming out by the thousands every year, from crowd-pleasing party games to genre-bending, theme-heavy Euros. Whether the gamer in your life is looking for a mind-warping challenge, a fun evening with friends or something in-between, we've got new releases or old favorites they'll love. The best board games to gift (and play) Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-board-games-to-gift-for-the-2025-holiday-season-125529024.html?src=rss

Bluesky revamps its moderation and reporting tools with transparency in mind

Bluesky is looking to make its moderation and reporting systems more transparent as part of its efforts to forge a healthier social media ecosystem than some of the alternatives out there. The platform's userbase has doubled in size to 40 million over the past year, and with more users come more instances of toxicity and other types of harmful content. Bluesky is also subject to more regulatory requirements in certain jurisdictions . The team has been working to address those factors, and changes to the moderation system should help. The platform is revamping how it enforces and tracks violations of its policies. In the latest version of the Bluesky app, the system for reporting posts now includes more granular options with specific options to flag content related to things like false information about elections, human trafficking and bullying. This granularity helps our moderation systems and teams act faster and with greater precision, the Bluesky team wrote in a blog post . It also allows for more accurate tracking of trends and harms across the network. Rather than tracking community guidelines violations across individual policies as it did in the past, Bluesky will automatically track everything in a single system. As part of that, the platform will provide users clearer information about enforcement actions. Starting in the coming weeks, users whose accounts are actioned will learn which policy they violated, the severity level of their violation and how many times theyve broken the rules. They'll also be notified as to the length and end date of any suspension, as well as how close they are to more severe penalties being applied to their account for repeated violations. There are appeals processes for both post takedowns and account suspensions. Looking ahead, Bluesky plans to add a moderation inbox to the app rather than dealing with moderation decisions by email. The team says this will improve transparency and enable it to send a higher volume of notifications to users. These updates are part of our broader work on community health, the team wrote. Our goal is to ensure consistent, fair enforcement that holds repeat violators accountable while serving our growing community as we continue to scale. There are some other changes in the latest version of the app. The team says that a redesign makes the who can reply settings easier to use, including the option to save your selection as the default for future posts. There's also a dark mode app icon available. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/bluesky-revamps-its-moderation-and-reporting-tools-with-transparency-in-mind-193629692.html?src=rss

Amazon adds AI-generated video recaps for select Prime Video shows

If the idea of a custom-made previously on video for every show you watch is attractive to you, Amazon is taking steps to make it happen. The company has announced that it'll now include AI-generated Video Recaps for select series on Prime Video so it's easier to hop back into a show after taking a break. The feature expands on text-based X-Ray Recaps the company started experimenting with in 2024, and the Kindle Recaps it already offers for some series sold through the Kindle Store. Amazon's Video Recaps combine clips, synchronized narration, select dialogue, music and sound effects into a short video that refreshes you on the characters and plot of a show. You can access the recaps through a new Recaps button on a show's page. Clicking it will either pull up a text-based X-Ray Recap or a Video Recap, depending on what Amazon's generated. At least for now, if you're interested in seeing a Video Recap for yourself, Amazon says the feature is available in beta for Fallout , Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan , Upload , Bosch and The Rig . Recaps are essentially a repackaged version of the summarizing skill that companies have decided AI excels at. Amazon's Video Recaps are decidedly more complex than an email summary, but the basic premise is the same. Adding the feature to media apps and devices, as Amazon and Spotify have done, seems like low-hanging fruit that other companies will pursue. AI-generated recaps aren't without their detractors, though. Many indie authors were against Kindle Recaps because of their potential to misrepresent the plots and characters of books. The same possibility could theoretically exist for Video Recaps, as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-adds-ai-generated-video-recaps-for-select-prime-video-shows-190758346.html?src=rss

Black Friday TV deals from Samsung, LG, TCL and more include some of this year's lowest prices

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 now, so if youve been thinking about making that big living room upgrade, its OK to take the plunge. To help you out, weve sorted through the many sales already floating around the web and picked out the best Black Friday TV deals we could find below. The current selection includes several well-reviewed sets from Samsung, LG, TCL and Hisense, but well update this post through Black Friday itself as more 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 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 has 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 especially adept at fending off glare in a bright room. It also has a 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 . TCL QM8K (75-inch) for $1,398 at Amazon ($602 off) : If youre willing to pay an OLED-level price but want the increased brightness of a high-end LED TV, the TCL QM8K is worth a look. It wont be as good in a dark room as something like the Samsung S90F or LG C5, as its contrast isnt as deep and black tones arent as uniformly dark. Its viewing angles are clearly worse, too. But reviews say it still performs excellently compared to other LED sets, and since it gets way brighter than most OLED alternatives (especially with non-HDR content), it can better withstand glare. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate with support for 288Hz at 1080p, though it only comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, and its not available in a size smaller than 65 inches. This is the best price weve seen for the 75-inch variant. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . Best Black Friday streaming device deals Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for $25 at Amazon ($25 off) : The newly rebranded Fire TV Stick 4K Plus offers the same core experience as the more expensive 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 just want to add streaming apps to an aging TV for as little as possible, it'll 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/black-friday-tv-deals-from-samsung-lg-tcl-and-more-include-some-of-this-years-lowest-prices-181143676.html?src=rss

The best Black Friday deals on SSDs and other storage devices we can find

As with most tech products, Black Friday sales are usually a good time to pick up any storage gear youve been eyeing. If you have a PC, PS5 , gaming handheld or any other gadget that could use some extra space, were weeding out the junk and rounding up the best Black Friday SSD deals and other storage discounts we could already find. So far were seeing a handful of discounts on well-reviewed internal drives , portable SSDs and microSD cards , but we expect many more deals to pop up over the next few days, so we'll update this post as we find more offers that are worth your time. Best Black Friday microSD card deals PNY microSD Express Card (256GB) for $50 at Amazon ($10 off) : The only reason to buy a superfast microSD Express card right now 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 deal quickly sells out, this is the lowest price weve tracked for PNYs equivalent model. SanDisk microSD Express Card (256GB) for $60 at Amazon ($8 off) : Likewise, 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 first. This offer isnt technically a Black Friday deal, as it expires on Thursday, but it ties the lowest price weve seen for the 1TB model. Use the code BNE4643 to get the full discount at checkout. Crucial T710 (2TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD for $180 at Amazon ($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 faster, 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 Best Buy 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 weve seen 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. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-black-friday-deals-on-ssds-and-other-storage-devices-we-can-find-175429637.html?src=rss

Disney fails in initial bid to halt Sling TV's short-term streaming passes

Sling TV has won the first stage of a legal battle with Disney over the short-term passes that the streaming service introduced in August . The Dish Network-owned platform started offering daily ($5), weekend ($10) and weekly ($15) passes for its Sling Orange plan, which costs $46 on a monthly basis. Disney owns several channels that are offered through Sling TV platforms, including multiple ESPN channels and the Disney Channel. It did not take too kindly to the new offerings Disney promptly filed a lawsuit over the short-term live TV passes, as well as an emergency request to halt them. As reported by Cord Cutters , US District Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed the latter motion after determining Disney failed to demonstrate it would suffer irreparable harm without the court's immediate intervention. Disney hasnt shown it has lost customers due to the passes, Judge Subramanian wrote in an 11-page ruling , per The Verge . The networks are being distributed in the same platform, in the same manner, that they always have, but to a broader array of Sling customers. A viewer might not want to sign up to a streaming service for an entire month if they only want to watch a single game (say, a winner-take-all soccer match in which a team scores three utterly sensational goals to take their country to the mens World Cup for the first time in 28 years ). However, Disney asserted that, under its agreement with Sling TV, the platform can only offer access to its channels to traditional subscribers. Under Disney's interpretation, those are consumers who have recurring monthly subscriptions. Judge Subramanian disagreed, pointing out that the contract defines a subscriber as a person intentionally authorized by Dish to receive any level of video programming service or package of programming networks via the Sling Platform. The judge added that, as far as a subscriber goes, theres no minimum subscription length or other terms specified and the term refers to anyone who is entitled to receive any level of video programming service or package of programming networks. Judge Subramanian argued that this broad definition clearly covers users of the passes at issue in this case. Disney also claimed that the short-term passes would pull consumers away from its own standalone ESPN streaming service . The company offered up evidence to that end, but Judge Subramanian wrote that the documentation doesnt show that the passes siphon customers from ESPN Unlimited. The judge added that, if the passes do siphon customers from ESPN Unlimited, Disney hasnt shown that those losses would not be quantifiable. While the short-term passes remain in place for now (with Sling TV offering $1 per day passes until November 30 to celebrate this initial victory), the breach-of-contract lawsuit Disney has filed will move forward. Judge Subramanian also pointed out that the current agreement between the two sides runs out within the next 12 months and they're set to start renegotiating terms soon. So, if Disney wants to prohibit the short-term passes or have its networks excluded from them, it can try to hash that out in contract talks. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/disney-fails-in-initial-bid-to-halt-sling-tvs-short-term-streaming-passes-175000436.html?src=rss

AMD will preview its Redstone upscaling tech on December 10

The AI upscaling upgrade for AMD graphics cards is nearly here. On Tuesday, AMD said it will reveal FSR Redstone, its answer to NVIDIA's DLSS , on December 10. Upscaling tech has been a big sticking point in comparisons between NVIDIA and AMD GPUs . Despite big improvements in FSR 5, NVIDIA's DLSS still outperforms AMD's tech in most metrics. AMD hopes Redstone will close the gap. The company hasn't yet gone into great detail about the tech. But we know Redstone offers more than just better ML-powered upscaling. It also has improved AI frame generation, ray regeneration and radiance caching. ( PC Gamer notes that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 already has Redstones ray regeneration portion built in.) Naturally, AMD is marketing it as a selling point of its RDNA 4-series GPUs . The company's latest cards, like the Radeon RX 9070 series, are already the strongest the company has made in years . If AMD can master this tech, then its budget cards, like the already potent 9060 XT , could grow much more appealing. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/amd-will-preview-its-redstone-upscaling-tech-on-december-10-174507324.html?src=rss

Hypixel Studios shows off new Hytale footage the day after it brought the game back to life

Hypixel Studios just dropped a massive new gameplay video for the upcoming adventure Hytale , which features over 15 minutes of footage. This comes just a day after the company brought the game back to life by buying the rights back from Riot . In other words, this new footage is quite the flex. It's worth noting that this isn't a AAA-style trailer. It's barely edited live footage from the game that was recorded in a single morning and put together by Hypixel co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme. The developer says there are no bells and whistles included with this footage, as it features just the game as it is. The description goes on to call the video raw and broken, but still beautiful. Hypixel says that this footage uses the original legacy engine which dates back to 2018. It's also running on a four-year-old build. Collins-Laflamme wrote that it was important to release raw footage today so we can break the curse once and for all. As for that curse, Hytale was recently canceled by Riot Games after nearly a decade of development. Just a few months later, the company managed to purchase the rights and get the game back on track. It also rehired around 30 staffers. The developer says there's a long road ahead, but early access is coming soon. We don't have a date on that early access build, but we sure do like the word soon. For the uninitiated, Hytale is a fun-looking adventure game that looks like an open world take on Minecraft . Today's footage highlights some of the game's action and RPG mechanics, with a harrowing look at nighttime gameplay. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/hypixel-studios-shows-off-new-hytale-footage-the-day-after-it-brought-the-game-back-to-life-173159607.html?src=rss

European policymakers want to ease AI and privacy laws

European policymakers have proposed sweeping changes to the way the EU regulates the tech industry. In just the last few months, the likes of Meta and Google have questioned strict EU policies relating to privacy and AI expansion, but if the European Commissions new package of proposals are passed, a number of big tech roadblocks will be removed. Or at least lifted up a bit. Changes to rules around AI, cybersecurity and data will, according to policymakers, generate growth for European businesses, while promoting Europes highest standards of fundamental rights, data protection, safety and fairness. Among the proposals are amendments to the AI Act that Google has recently expressed concerns about, which would allow AI companies to access shared personal data for training models. It also wants to simplify paperwork for smaller companies, and to make AI literacy a requirement for member states. AI oversight would also be centralized into the AI Office where general-purpose AI models are being used, a move intended to reduce governance fragmentation. In addition, strict rules around the use of AI in areas deemed to be high-risk, which were expected to come in next summer, could be delayed until the Commission confirms that the needed standards and support tools are available to affected companies. The infamous (and admittedly very annoying) cookie banners that are foundational to the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will also be rethought under the Commissions proposals. If approved, people would see these banners pop up with less regularity, give their consent with one click, and save their cookie preferences so they presumably could be automatically applied within a browser. The European Commissions digital omnibus now goes to the European Parliament for approval, where it could face serious opposition. While the proposals are likely to be welcomed by the rapidly-growing AI industry, sceptics could argue that watered down privacy and AI legislation is evidence of Europe bowing to pressure from big tech and Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized the EUs digital regulation. This would represent a marked turnaround from the EUs long-standing reputation as the tech industrys most stubborn adversary. Back in September, it rejected calls from Apple to repeal its Digital Markets Act (DMA), a legal framework that Apple has repeatedly been accused of violating by the EU. In the summer, Meta refused to sign the EUs AI Code of Practice, with its global affairs officer, Joel Kaplan, calling the code an over-reach. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/european-policymakers-want-to-ease-ai-and-privacy-laws-171118149.html?src=rss

Lego Black Friday deals on Star Wars, Disney sets and more are up to 41 percent off ahead of the holiday sale

Lego sets make incredible gifts , at least according to our 12-year-old selves and as people who review software instead of getting real jobs, we're very in touch with our inner children around here. And those inner children are squealing at some of the Lego Black Friday toy deals we're already seeing, like Disney and Harry Potter advent calendars, detailed Star Wars models and Lego's own brands like Creator and Botanicals. More deals are appearing all the time, and we'll have them for you here as soon as they're live. We always recommend using a price tracker to determine if a Lego deal is in fact a good one. You'll find Lego deals across the board 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 the next time you buy. We haven't yet found a deal on the hottest Lego ticket of the season, the Star Trek USS Enterprise set , which was announced recently. 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 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 Friends Andrea's Modern Mansion Doll House 42639 for $140 (30 percent off) LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding the Tantive IV Fantasy Toy 75387 for $44 (20 percent off) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/lego-black-friday-deals-on-star-wars-disney-sets-and-more-are-up-to-41-percent-off-ahead-of-the-holiday-sale-155007645.html?src=rss

Porsche has electrified the Cayenne and it's a beast

Porsche just revealed the long-awaited Cayenne Electric luxury SUV , which is being called the most powerful production Porsche of all time. The specs back this up, as the new Cayenne seems like an absolute beast. It boasts up to 1,139hp of power, translating to 850kW. The vehicle can hit 162MPH and go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.4 seconds. The recently-released rear-wheel drive electric Taycan sedan takes 4.5 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour . Of course, these specs vary depending on several configuration options. The EV Cayenne does include the company's push to pass button, which provides a ten second power boost. This adds approximately 173hp to let you squeeze past a slowpoke on the highway. Porsche is also claiming that the Cayenne Electric is a towing powerhouse. The company says it can tow up to 3.5 tons, which works out to over 7,700 pounds, when properly equipped. That's an absolutely insane metric, as 3.5 tons is heavier than a modern pickup truck with all possible bells and whistles. This is an EV so we gotta get into charging. Porsche says it features up to 400kW of charging power under ideal conditions, which should let it go from 10 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes. It's also the first electric Porsche to support inductive charging. The vehicle will come equipped with a Tesla Supercharger/NACS fast-charging port on the driver side and a CCS/AC port on the passenger side. Porsche It's also the first EV SUV to get the company's Active Ride technology. This is the hydraulic suspension system found on the Taycan and Panamera. As for the interior, you can't miss the unique bending screen. This is called the Flow Display, and it's a vertically-installed screen in the center that curves toward the bottom. It's the largest display ever in a Porsche and will run on the company's brand-new OS. We don't have actual measurements for this display, but we do know that it's bookended by a separate 14.25-inch OLED instrument cluster. There's also an optional passenger display. Porsche The OS includes a new AI-powered voice assistant. Porsche says this system can understand complex instructions and take actions accordingly. We'll have to see how that works out in the real world. Porsche says the assistant can adjust climate controls, seat heating and ambient lighting, while also taking stuff like traffic and local points of interest into account. Now onto the bad news. This is a Porsche so the new Cayenne will absolutely demolish any and all bank accounts. The standard version starts at $111,000, while the Cayenne Turbo Electric starts at $165,350. Preorders are open right now, with customer deliveries expected in the summer. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/porsche-has-electrified-the-cayenne-and-its-a-beast-163443958.html?src=rss

Anker Black Friday deals to shop early include power banks, wireless chargers and webcams with more to come

We're expecting some pretty good deals on Anker gear for Black Friday , and decided to round up what we found so far right here. Anker deserves a little extra attention, after all. The brand makes some of our favorite accessories for keeping phones, tablets and computers charged up and connected. These devices earn high marks in our testing and we recommend them in our guides to wireless chargers , MagSafe power banks , iPad accessories and more. We've seen deals come and go over the past weeks as retailers get their pricing in line for the shopping holiday, so if you don't see what you want right now, check back closer to the actual date for the really good Anker Black Friday deals . Best Black Friday Anker deals This first deal, the Anker Laptop Power Bank, is one of my personal favorite Anker products and in my opinion , the best portable charger, period. One of our top wireless chargers is on sale, too, as well as our budget pick for a web cam . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-black-friday-deals-to-shop-early-include-power-banks-wireless-chargers-and-webcams--with-more-to-come-164907715.html?src=rss

Black Friday 2025 deals from Amazon, Apple, Lego, Ninja and more are ready to shop now ahead of the year's biggest sale

Black Friday has become the time to buy the hottest tech of the year. Whether you're shopping for yourself or stocking up on gifts for the holidays, Black Friday deals are sure to bring the best prices of the year to things like headphones, game consoles, robot vacuums, phone accessories and everything in between. You don't even have to wait until Black Friday proper to save a ton of money. Over the past few years, we've seen Black Friday tech deals start earlier and earlier to the point where the entire month of November is packed with discounts. If you're on the hunt for solid tech deals, Engadget has you covered. We've collected the best Black Friday deals on tech you can get right now, and we'll continue to update this post as we get closer to the big day at the end of November. Note that you probably have the best chance of snagging record-low prices when we get to about one week before Thanksgiving, but these deals available now are worth considering. Black Friday deals: Engadget's top picks Meta Quest 3S VR headset for $250 ($50 off): We consider this to be the best VR headset for newbies or those on a budget. It's comfortable to wear for long sessions, has solid performance, comes with excellent controllers and you'll have access to a large app library with it. Apple AirTags (four pack) for $65 (34 percent off): iPhone users who frequently misplace things should invest in a few AirTags. Slip them into your wallet, bag, jacket and other belongings to keep track of their locations in the Find My app. Just make sure that, if you're going to attach one to your keys, you also pick up an AirTag holder to go along with it. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 (42 percent off): One of our favorite streaming devices , the 4K Max dongle supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K and HDR10+ and it has Wi-Fi 6E for a speedier, more stable internet connection. It also supports the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which can display art on your TV when you're not actively using it. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $248 ($158 off): While the new XM6 headphones have replaced these as Sony's flagship cans, that doesn't mean the XM5 aren't worth buying. They were our top pick for the best wireless headphones for years before the XM6 came around, and they still have excellent ANC, great sound quality, long battery life, a comfortable fit and handy extra features like multipoint connectivity. LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon A New Hope 25th Anniversary Collectable 75375 for $68 (20 percent off): This is a set that any Star Wars fan will love to build and then love to display once it's complete. The 921-piece set features a fully-detailed Millennium Falcone, buildable stand and nameplate. It's one of many Lego Black Friday deals you can get right now. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for $499: Black Friday Nintendo sales were announced recently and, unsurprisingly, there won't be many true deals out there this year. There are no straight discounts on the Switch 2 console, so your best bet is to pick up a bundle that saves you some cash on a Switch 2 game. One of the best is the Mario Kart Wold bundle, but Pokmon fans should consider the Pokmon Legends: Z-A bundle , too. Black Friday deals under $50 Ring Video Doorbell for $50 (50 percent off): This is the most affordable Ring doorbell and it includes a battery that's rechargeable via USB-C. Once installed, it will send you alerts when motion is detected near your door, and you can use the Live View and two-way talk features to interact with visitors without opening your door. Blink Mini 2 (2 pack) for $28 (60 percent off): if you want to keep an eye on your home when you're away, it'll be hard to find a security camera as convenient and as affordable as a Blink Mini 2. Yes, the company just came out the with 2K+ version , but that will be overkill for most people. The Blink Mini 2 gets the job done by recording 1080p video, sending you motion alerts and supporting two-way talk in case you want to chat with your pets while you're out. Note that these are wired cameras, so they're more conveniently used indoors unless you pick up the necessary weather-resistant adapter for outdoor use. Philips fabric shaver for $13 (32 percent off): Consider this the Black Friday tech deal you didn't know you needed. If you have shirts, sweaters, pants, even blankets that have pilled over time, this handy little fabric shaver can get them looking more like new again. I bought this on a whim after wishing I could refresh some of my most-loved wardrobe staples without spending hours pulling pills off myself. Philips' fabric shaver has delivered and then some, and my clothes look much fresher than before. Jisulife Life 7 handheld fan for $25 (14 percent off): This handy little fan is a must-have if you life in a warm climate or have a tropical vacation planned anytime soon. It can be used as a table or handheld fan and even be worn around the neck so you don't have to hold it at all. Its 5,000 mAh battery allows it to last hours on a single charge, and the small display in the middle of the fan's blades show its remaining battery level. Leebin 2025 electric spin scrubber for $40 (43 percent off, Prime exclusive): This weird little scrubber makes cleaning my bathroom and shower much less of a pain. Just choose the brush head you need for your job and the rotating head takes care of most of the hard work. I love the adjustable handle, which extends from 12 to 50 inches so you can get into hard-to-reach places without breaking a sweat. Monarch Money budgeting app (one year) for $50 (50 percent off with code MONARCHVIP): One of our favorite budgeting apps , Monarch Money gives you a lot of control over the organization of your funds. There's a helpful goals feature for when you're planning out big purchases or financial milestones you want to hit, and we found the month-in-review recap it provides to be more thorough than other budgeting apps we tried. There's even Zillow integration for folks looking to buy a home. Black Friday Apple deals Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $749 ($250 off): Our top pick for the best laptop you can get, the M4 MacBook Air will be plenty of power for most people in a convenient, premium package. It's thin and light as ever, with an excellent keyboard and trackpad, plus enough battery life to get you through a whole day of work, video calls and more. Apple Watch SE 3 for $200 ($50 off): The SE has been our top pick for the best Apple Watch for those on a budget, and the latest model only solidifies that further. It has the same chipset found in the latest flagship Apple Watches, fast-charging capabilities, an always-on display and most of the same activity-tracking features you'll find in more expensive model. Apple Mac Mini M4 for $499 ($100 off): Desktop users looking for an upgrade should consider the latest Mac Mini, which runs on the M4 chip and 16GB of RAM as standard in the base configuration. This version has a smaller design that takes up less space, front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack, plus Thunderbolt 5 support. Black Friday gaming deals The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia for $22 (46 percent off): There is so much lore and history to the Zelda franchise that it was difficult to keep things straight. That is, up until a few years ago when this compendium came out and finally corrected the record and shed some light on some of the murkier events across one of the most storied game sagas of all time. SanDisk microSD Express card (256GB) for $60 (12 percent off): If you have a Switch 2, no regular microSD card will do if you want to expand the console's storage. You need a newer microSD Express card, and currently there are only a handful on the market. We did some testing to find the best microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and found that performance was, in general, very similar amongst all the readily available cards. We recommend getting whichever fits within your budget at the capacity you want. PowerA Mario Joy wireless controller for $27 (46 percent off): This controller would make an excellent gift for any Nintendo fan, even those who already have a Switch 2 since it's compatible with the new console. It runs on two AA batteries, which should last for 40 hours of playtime before they need to be replaced. Black Friday smart home and kitchen deals Cosori 9-in-1 air fryer for $90 (25 percent off): I personally have this air fryer, one of our top picks , in my house and I've used it for over a year with no issues. I love that it makes good use of vertical space so it doesn't take up too much space on my counter, and its rounded-square shape allows me to cook more food than you'd think in one go in the basket. It crisps all kinds of foods up well and generally takes a lot of the guess work (and time) out of making a good meal. Ninja Dual-Zone air fryer (10-quart) for $180 (22 percent off): If you cook for large crowds on Thanksgiving and other occasions, this is the air fryer to get. Not only is it a large, 10-quart capacity model, but it also has two separate cooking areas. You can crisp up potatoes on one side and brussel sprouts on the other with no issues. Use the Smart Finish feature to cook two separate foods in different ways and have them both be done at the same time, or Match Cook to copy the cooking method in both chambers. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for $300 ($100 off): One of the most versatile air fryers out there, this Breville machine not only air fries, but also bakes, roasts, toasts, dehydrates, reheats and more. It also has a large capacity that can cook a 14-pound turkey or a tray of muffins with ease. Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $400 ($600 off): This is one of the best robot vacuums you can get, period. It doesn't have a self-emptying base, but its superior suction power almost makes up for that. It's one of the strongest robot vacuums I've ever tested, and it has excellent obstacle avoidance. The latter means you will rarely, if ever, have to attend to it getting caught on the edge of a carpet or getting stuck under a piece of furniture. If a cordless stick vacuum is what you're looking for, don't forget to check out all of the other Dyson Black Friday deals . More Black Friday tech deals GoPro Hero 13 Black Extended Power Bundle for $349 ($150 off): This bundle gives you our favorite action cam plus three Enduro batteries, a dual battery charger, one adhesive mount, a 64GB SanDisk microSD card, two USB-C cables and more. It makes a great all-in-one gift for the budding videographer or aspiring influencer in your life, or a solid addition to your own camera kit. Also available at GoPro . Bose QuietComfort headphones for $200 (43 percent off): These noise-cancelling headphones have a comfortable (albeit a bit boring) design, an Aware mode that lets you hear more of your surroundings when you need to and up to 24 hours of battery life. Samsung 65-inch Frame Pro smart TV for $1,598 (24 percent off): The latest version of Samsung's art TV, the Frame Pro lets you show artwork on the screen when you're not watching a sports game or binge-watching your favorite show. It supports 4K content, VRR gaming at up to 4K 144Hz and runs on Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen3 processor. Also available at Best Buy . EcoFlow Black Friday deals get up to 80 percent off: Portable power stations are an investment, but they can be crucial pieces of tech during emergencies. The top pick from our friends at Yahoo Tech has been heavily discounted in this early Black Friday sale. You can pick up the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 for $1,400 off, down to $2,299, or the power station with an extra battery bundled in for $2,699 off, down to $3,599. Black Friday FAQs When is Black Friday 2025? Black Friday 2025 lands on November 28. Which stores have Black Friday deals? Many physical retail stores have Black Friday deals including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and others. Even more retailers have online Black Friday deals, including Amazon, GameStop, Costco and others. When do Black Friday sales start? Gone are the times when Black Friday sales were one-day-only affairs. Now, Black Friday deals are often available starting on Thanksgiving, or even earlier. Last year, we saw Black Friday deals online begin the week before Black Friday proper. When do Black Friday sales end? Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blended a lot over the past few years. Now, you can expect to see a good portion of Black Friday deals extend through the weekend and into Cyber Monday. It's not uncommon for Black Friday deals to expire at the end of Cyber Monday. Which retailers have the best Black Friday tech deals? The best Black Friday tech deals are typically available online at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target. It's also a good idea to check the store websites of the companies that make the products you want for example, if you're looking for a Sonos speaker, check the Sonos website on Black Friday. Most of the time, you'll find the best Black Friday tech deals are matched at multiple retailers. Does Apple have Black Friday sales? No, you will usually not find Black Friday sales at Apple stores or on Apple's website. However, you can find Black Friday deals on Apple devices elsewhere; we recommend checking Amazon, Best Buy and other big retailers for discounts on iPads, Apple Watches and more on Black Friday. Does Amazon have Black Friday sales? Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales. The online retailer's site will look similar to Prime Day on Black Friday, with discounts on all sorts of items from household essentials to fashion to tech. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-2025-deals-from-amazon-apple-lego-ninja-and-more-are-ready-to-shop-now-ahead-of-the-years-biggest-sale-100052033.html?src=rss

A Ghost of Ytei update will add a New Game+ mode, harder difficulties and more on November 24

Ghost of Ytei is a lengthy game with tons of activities to do. But if you've beaten it and are already itching to jump back in, it might be best to wait until at least November 24 to do so. That's when developer Sucker Punch will release an update that will introduce a bunch of new features to the PS5 title , including a New Game+ mode. That means you'll be able to experience Atsu's mission for revenge from the beginning again with all of the weapons, abilities and armor sets you unlocked from your first playthrough. Those early-game enemies are about to feel the wrath of many a flaming kusarigama. You'll need to finish the main story before you can unlock New Game+, which includes tougher difficulty options and a pair of new trophies to snag. The free update will introduce extra upgrades for existing weapons and armor sets, along with a new ghost flowers currency that you can swap for fresh armor sets, weapon dyes and charms while playing New Game+. There are a number of features coming to the base game as well (i.e. for all players, not just those who dip into New Game+). Directional button remapping is one of several new accessibility options. Photo Mode will gain new filters, a shutter speed tool and a composition grid. Also, after you've beaten the main story, you'll be able to replay missions and quests. With a new stats display, you'll be able to see how long it took you to win a given duel, for instance. Ghost of Ytei isn't getting an expansion quite yet. We're crossing our dual katana for an Iki Island-style DLC for the game . In any case, Sucker Punch has already confirmed that Ghost of Ytei Legends which will be akin to the multiplayer mode in Ghost of Tsushima is on the way in 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/a-ghost-of-yotei-update-will-add-a-new-game-mode-harder-difficulties-and-more-on-november-24-150750632.html?src=rss

These microSD Express cards for Switch 2 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, but neither version is on sale. 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. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/these-microsd-express-cards-for-switch-2-are-cheaper-than-ever-for-black-friday-151331479.html?src=rss

Black Friday deals include the 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller for 39 percent off

The holiday season is swiftly approaching and it's officially the time of year to ask: What presents am I going to get everyone? Thankfully, there are a ton of Black Friday deals for the tech lover in your life. Take the 39 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 $43 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/black-friday-deals-include-the-8bitdo-ultimate-controller-for-39-percent-off-133023970.html?src=rss

2025 Porsche Macan Electric review: The obvious choice when the budget allows

You have to give Porsche credit for going in early on EVs. The Taycan is a stellar sedan/wagon that's only gotten better. But even for a niche manufacturer like Porsche, it's not exactly a mass-market machine. To really move the needle on EVs, you need something more family friendly, and for the brand from Stuttgart, that's the Macan . Porsche's gas-powered crossover SUV is its best-selling machine in the US, so it's an absolutely vital piece of the company's success. It's also Porsche's second full-on, battery-powered machine to hit the market. The Macan Electric doesn't replace its internal combustion predecessor, rather living alongside it on the dealership floor, creating a brutal sibling rivalry and a potentially difficult choice for buyers: gas or electric? Actually, Porsche made it a pretty easy decision. This is the right one. Hardware tour The Macan Electric shares a silhouette and a segment with that other Macan, but from a technology standpoint, there's little the two agree upon. The Macan Electric is built on a new platform called PPE, which at one point was destined to be the underpinnings of a smorgasbord of electrified offerings from both Porsche and Audi , including the A6 E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron . For now, at least, Americans' increasingly fickle attitudes toward EVs have stymied some of those plans, meaning this Macan and the upcoming Cayenne Electric are the only two Porsches built from those bones. The Macan is the smaller of the two, powered by a variety of different configurations, starting with a single-motor, rear-drive configuration with 355 horsepower on the low end, up to the 630-hp, dual-motor Macan Turbo Electric on the high end. Buyers can also select the dual-motor Macan 4 Electric, speedier 4S Electric or quicker still GTS Electric. I tested a base Macan Electric, its rear-mounted, 355-hp motor enough to scoot this 5,004-pound SUV from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The top-shelf Macan Turbo Electric gets to 60 in 3.1 seconds, absolutely humiliating the quickest exhaust-spewing Macan GTS's 4.3-second time. At first glance, the electric Macan looks like a Tesla Model Y -- especially in dark blue. Tim Stevens for Engadget Of course, this is a Porsche, not a drag machine, and so cornering is key. Helping with the handling is an adaptive air suspension that not only lets you go from stiff to firm at the twist of a knob but also raises or lowers dynamically. When you're hunting for range or speed, the SUV gets down into an aerodynamic tuck low to the earth. If you're looking to head off-road, it'll hike itself up by 1.6 inches. While I wouldn't consider this an off-roader as such, the dual motor configurations should be competent in lower-grip situations. Open differentials at either end will keep your all-roading aspirations limited, but on some icy, slippery roads during the week I spent living with one, even the rear-drive Macan proved sure-footed and easy to handle, despite its summer-oriented Pilot Sport EV tires. At the heart of all that is a 100-kilowatt-hour battery, which offers the Macan Electric an EPA-rated range of up to 315 miles, depending on which trim you go with. In my testing, which included extended periods of driving with my foot flat to the floor, I managed 2.8 miles per kWh. That's a theoretical maximum range of 280 miles if you're driving like you stole it. Anyone doing the school run in a more sedate way will have no problem meeting or beating that EPA rating. User interface The Macan's interior is equipped with multiple displays. Tim Stevens for Engadget Beyond performance, the Macan Electric has another advantage over its internal combustion counterpart: it has a more modern interior. The highlight is the 12.6-inch, curved gauge cluster. Using buttons on the steering wheel, you can cycle through various views and telemetry elements to suit your desire for data or need to remain undisturbed. That's paired with a 10.9-inch touchscreen in the middle, and you can even opt for a third display embedded way over on the right side of the dashboard. This one allows you to access streaming services like YouTube. I've never seen the point in that, though, but that's only because I've yet to meet a passenger who wouldn't rather just use their smartphone. Porsche's PCM interface on that central touchscreen is simple and clean, with more than a passing iOS resemblance. Perhaps that's why the company has been an early adopter of CarPlay Ultra . For the Android faithful, wireless Android Auto is here too, and it works great, looking nearly native on the widescreen display. The Macan's gauge cluster is a curved 12.6-inch display. Tim Stevens for Engadget Through simple menus, you can do everything from track lap times to enable or disable the augmented digital engine tone, which Porsche calls Electronic Sport Sound. I confess the futuristic whirring and whooshing does make driving aggressively a bit more fun, but most of the time I prefer to have it off. Thankfully, not everything is controlled through the touchscreen. There's a separate, capacitive-touch panel just below it for climate-related functions, including toggling the prodigiously warm heated seats (which I'm enjoying as I write this). You'll find a physical volume knob there, too. The Macan seats five comfortably, though I'd stick to four for anything longer than a quick run to a team lunch. Front and rear seats are comfortable, and there's a tolerable amount of legroom in the back. Headroom back there, though, is limited. If you have tall co-workers, they'll be tripping over each other to call shotgun. Dynamics Despite it's size, the Macan is surprisingly agile, which is partly due to its unique suspension. Tim Stevens for Engadget In the grand spectrum of SUVs on the roads today, the 188.3-inch-long Macan Electric is on the smaller side. But, as an EV, it's heavy for a crossover. At just a tick over 5,000 pounds, it's a substantial 850 pounds heavier than a regular base Macan. Porsche's engineers addressed that as best they could with the aforementioned fancy suspension, plus larger, 20-inch wheels on each corner. The result is an SUV that is, in Sport or Sport Plus modes, remarkably fun to drive. Its steering is extremely quick for an SUV, which makes this thing feel lighter than it is. All the grip provided by those tires and suspension really gives you the confidence to push through the corners, too. And, when you push too hard, it breaks away quickly and predictably. I enjoyed romping on the throttle hard mid-corner to kick the tail out, the Macan giving me just enough time to grin and give a bit of a steering correction before everything was right and the tires were stuck again. It's not a sports car, no doubt about that, and it tends to wallow a bit on bumpy roads thanks to all that weight, but it is far more engaging and fun than just about anything else in this category. Even this base model is quick off the line, but its breakneck initial throttle response is tempered by a somewhat flat acceleration at higher speeds. It just doesn't have the kind of Autobahn-dominating top-end that Porsches are typically known for. The electric Macan's biggest flaw is the complete lack of lift-off regenerative braking. Tim Stevens for Engadget I suppose I'd have to cough up the extra $10,000 for the GTS, or a further $20,000 for the $109,000 Turbo if I really wanted that. Yes, these things get expensive quick. The base Macan Electric I drove started at $73,500, but carried enough options to drive its out-the-door price to $86,865. You are, at least, getting a machine that readily does double-duty. Despite its responsiveness and eager handling, the Macan Electric does a stellar job of settling down when you twist that Drive Mode knob on the steering wheel to the left, unwinding the suspension and relaxing the experience. The SUV manages excellent compliance over broken roads, flying over railroad tracks without complaint, and just generally being a calm and competent cruiser. But there's one, undeniable flaw that drove me absolutely nuts in the Macan Electric: a complete lack of lift-off regenerative braking. Porsche continues its adamant refusal to offer anything even approaching a one-pedal driving experience. That's a frustrating thing to me maybe not quite as frustrating as GM phasing out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay , but pretty close. Wrap-up The electric Macan commands (at least) a $10,000 premium over its gas-powered sibling. Tim Stevens for Engadget After driving a few different prototypes of the Macan Electric during its development phase, I very much enjoyed my time with a final, production version on some familiar roads around my home. It excelled in the dry and on slippery, early winter roads, made me smile when I was feeling rowdy, and then disappeared into the background when I just wanted to get home. It isn't a perfect machine. I'd hoped for a little more roominess inside, I lament the lack of one-pedal driving, and honestly, I wish Porsche's exterior designers had gone a little crazier. At a quick glance, it looks a lot like a first-gen Tesla Model Y , especially in Gentian Blue Metallic, which is a dead ringer for Tesla's Deep Blue Metallic. And there's also the significant premium that you'll have to pay to get into one: $10,000 over a base, gas-powered Macan. For that, you're getting a lot of extra performance, a dose of extra tech and all the joys and simplicities that come with living the EV lifestyle. That makes it well worth it in my book. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/2025-porsche-macan-electric-review-the-obvious-choice-when-the-budget-allows-140000851.html?src=rss

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are cheaper than ever in this Black Friday deal

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, and if youre deal-hunting this Black Friday, the WH-1000XM5 headphones are the ones to go for. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonys-wh-1000xm5-headphones-are-cheaper-than-ever-in-this-black-friday-deal-124434716.html?src=rss

The Apple Watch SE 3 hits a record-low price for Black Friday

Black Friday is almost here, but you can already save on some sought-after tech. Case in point: the new Apple Watch SE 3 . Apple's most affordable smartwatch is even cheaper right now, down to just $200. 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 $350. 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/the-apple-watch-se-3-hits-a-record-low-price-for-black-friday-133057844.html?src=rss

Amazon's Echo Spot smart speaker drops to $50 for Black Friday

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. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-echo-spot-smart-speaker-drops-to-50-for-black-friday-130550875.html?src=rss

The best gifts for gamers in 2025

The year may not be over, but 2025 is all but guaranteed to go down as one of the best 12 months in gaming history. Between releases like Hades 2 , Hollow Knight: Silksong and Ghost of Yotei , to name just a few, there was truly something for everyone in 2025. Of course, that abundance also means it can be tricky to find a gift for the gamers in your life, especially if you're not one yourself. Worry not Engadget is here to help. We guarantee this guide will help you find the perfect gift for your friend or loved one. Best gifts for gamers Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-best-gifts-for-gamers-in-2025-150008395.html?src=rss

Read AI is building a note-taking app that works nearly anywhere

You probably haven't heard of Read AI . The company has quietly been making a name for itself in the crowded AI space, signing up 50,000 customers daily in recent months. At first glance, Read AI resembles apps like Otter.ai . You can use the software to transcribe and summarize meetings, but it's also more ambitious than that. It's AI on standby, Read AI CEO David Shim explains, adding that the company's vision is to give people a tool that can record, transcribe and analyze nearly every professional conversation they have, no matter where those discussions take place and whether they occur online or in-person. Today, Read AI is taking a major step toward realizing that vision with the release of its new Operator agent (I'll admit, the company could have picked a more original name ), and new apps for Windows, macOS and Android. Between its own software, including an existing iOS app, and third-party integrations, Read AI users can now connect their accounts to more than 22 other platforms. Some of the more notable inclusions there are Gmail, Outlook, Slack, HubSpot and Notion . More importantly, with Read AI's mobile apps, you can record impromptu in-person meetings; the company has data showing that more than half of professional conversations occur outside of online spaces. In any case, no matter where you talk to your colleagues, Operator is there to generate notes and insights. We don't just look at meetings, Shim says. We look at topics that are interesting to you. To that end, Read AI has built a series of in-house multimodal models that look for context beyond what's said during any interaction you record. For example, the company's systems are designed to catch when you enthusiastically answer a question or look away in disinterest, and use that data to decide how the software goes about summarizing your meetings. That context is what enables us to identify what is valuable to you, and make that discoverable, says Shim. One way Read AI will surface those insights is through a feature the company calls Monday Brief. At the start of every week, you'll get a summary of all the calls and conversations you had over the last seven days, with suggestions for follow-up actions you can take. Now, you might be wondering, like I was, how Read AI hopes to compete in a market where a company like Microsoft is aggressively pushing Copilot on its users. If Shim is worried about the big players, he doesn't show it. There's a need for an independent third party, he says. There's always something new coming out. And that ability to be the independent third-party that plugs into different solutions is actually what consumers want and need. To his point, since the launch of Copilot two years ago, Read AI has seen a 20x increase in the daily number of people using its software alongside Microsoft Teams. We've seen the same thing along those lines for Zoom and Google Meet. He believes the company's approach to data privacy is another differentiator. By default, users are opted out of their data being used for training Read AI's future models. Shim also notes the company takes recording disclosure seriously. You need to notify people that you're [recording] a call, and we put that front and center every single time. If you want to try Read AI, the company offers a free plan that includes five meeting transcripts per month. Pricing for its paid subscriptions start at $19.75 per month. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/read-ai-is-building-a-note-taking-app-that-works-nearly-anywhere-130000235.html?src=rss

Get up to 52 percent off portable power stations with EcoFlow Black Friday deals

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 $2,299 . This is a discount of 37 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 $3,599 . 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/get-up-to-52-percent-off-portable-power-stations-with-ecoflow-black-friday-deals-130041993.html?src=rss

Dyson Black Friday deals: Get $600 off the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Dyson is holding its Black Friday sale on vacuums and related products. To that end, the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum is a whopping $600 off and down to $400 right now. That's $100 less than its previous all-time low and the cheapest we've seen it. Dyson was pretty late to the robot-vacuum party, but its entry was (and remains) one of the strongest in the category . It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles like a self-emptying base or mopping capabilities, but it makes up for that by having probably the best suction power of any robovac we've tested. All kinds of debris will fall in its path: dirt, dust, food crumbs, pet hair and more. It also has excellent obstacle avoidance, so you'll rarely if ever have to dislodge it from getting stuck on the edge of a carpet or wedged in between furniture. Dyson's mobile app is easy to use as well, so if you're looking for a robot vacuum that does its main job incredibly well and you don't mind skipping on some extras, the 360 Vis Nav is a great option. Cordless vacuums are also a part of the sale. Take the Dyson V9 Motorbar cordless vacuum on sale for just $270 at both Dyson and Amazon , which is a discount of $330. That's more than half off. Dyson devices are all over our list of the best cordless vacuums , and for good reason. The company makes effective products. The V9 Motorbar has been designed to clean all floor types, in addition to upholstery. It's also been engineered to squeeze into tight spots, which is great for hitting those oft-neglected parts of the home. The suction power is on point and the battery lasts for 40 minutes before requiring a charge. That's just enough time to vacuum a standard-sized home if you don't stop for too many breaks. The V9 is getting a bit long-in-the-tooth. If you want a newer model, the V11 Extra is on sale for $400 , which is a discount of $260. This one boosts the suction power and increases the battery life to 60 minutes. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/dyson-black-friday-deals-get-600-off-the-360-vis-nav-robot-vacuum-173533739.html?src=rss

Black Friday deal: Get half off our favorite budgeting app right now

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/black-friday-deal-get-half-off-our-favorite-budgeting-app-right-now-160025481.html?src=rss

Meta asks the Oversight Board to weigh in (a little) on Community Notes ahead of expansion

When Meta announced last year that it was ditching third-party fact checkers in favor of an X-style Community Notes system, the company was careful to note that it would only implement the changes within the United States to start. Now, nearly a year later, the social media company is getting ready to expand the crowd-sourced fact checks to more countries, and is asking the Oversight Board for advice on a potential rollout. The company has requested that board weigh in on factors we should consider when deciding which countries, if any, to omit from the international roll out of Community Notes. Notably, Meta isn't asking the Oversight Board to advise on the merits of replacing traditional fact-checking organizations. Instead, the company wants guidance on how to approach country-specific challenges and whether there should be any carveouts. We respectfully ask the Board to focus its examination on the country-level factors relevant to omitting countries from the international roll-out, and not on topics such as general product design or the operation of the Community Notes algorithm, the company wrote in its request shared by the board. Up to now, Meta has been experimenting with Community Notes on Facebook, Instagram and Threads in the United States only. People who want to be able to author notes still need to be approved, but the company allows anyone to rate notes. However, it seems that the feature so far hasn't gained as much traction for Meta as it has on X. In September, the company said that just 6 percent of the more than 15,000 notes that had been contributed had actually been published. In a statement from the Oversight Board, the group said it would consider issues like whether a crowd-sourced fact checking system would make sense in countries with low levels of freedom of expression or without a free press, as well as places with low levels of digital literacy. It also said it was hoping to hear public comments from researchers who have studied different approaches to countering misinformation. Unlike with a typical case from the Oversight Board, which deals with specific content moderation decisions, Meta has no obligation to implement any of the group's recommendations. But, the company has previously chosen to follow its suggestions in previous policy advisory opinions, including its decision to roll back COVID-19 misinformation rules following a recommendation from the board. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-asks-the-oversight-board-to-weigh-in-a-little-on-community-notes-ahead-of-expansion-110000208.html?src=rss

Get three months of Audible for only $3 for Black Friday

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/get-three-months-of-audible-for-only-3-for-black-friday-140010646.html?src=rss

The best budget gaming laptops for 2025

Even though just about everything is getting more expensive these days, its still possible to find a few cheaper gaming notebooks under $1,000. If youre just looking to hit 60 fps to 120 fps of performance, or you just want to play the latest games without cranking up your graphics settings, these are the notebooks to consider. Youll still find high refresh rate displays, as well as modern CPUs and GPUs. Just be prepared to live with slightly flimsier build quality, as well as plastic cases. Table of contents Best budget gaming laptops for 2025 What is a budget gaming laptop? Are cheap gaming laptops worth it? Best budget gaming laptops for 2025 What is a budget gaming laptop? To get a high-end gaming experience, you can easily spend $5,000 on a fully tricked-out notebook like the Razer Blade 18 . But when it comes to the best budget gaming laptops, we're focusing on the other end of the pricing spectrum: laptops under $1,000. Rising prices due to tariffs and a more chaotic economy has made it tougher to find these inexpensive gems, but theyre still around if you look hard enough. Stepping up a bit to systems between $1,400 and $2,000 puts you firmly in mid-range territory, which is beyond the scope of this guide. Still, it's worth keeping an eye out for sales that can push those higher-end models below $1,000. Be sure to check out our guide to the best gaming laptops for a general overview of what to look out for in these more expensive systems. Are cheap gaming laptops worth it? Cheap gaming laptops are definitely worth it if youre trying to save money and are being realistic about what you can get at this price range. You can expect to find Intel and AMD's latest (but not greatest) CPUs, as well as entry-level GPUs like NVIDIA's RTX 4050. Budget models are also typically paired with FHD (1080p) screens running at a respectably high refresh rate of 120Hz or beyond ensuring smooth frame rates in your favorite games. Youll occasionally see some 16-inch budget options, like Alienwares Aurora 16 when it dips below $1,000 on sale. Many cheap gaming laptops also skimp on specs like RAM and hard drive space. We'd recommend getting at least 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage at a minimum. Modern games need a decent chunk of memory to run, and they also tend to be large, so you wouldn't be able to fit much alongside Windows 11 on a 256B SSD. You might be tempted to jump on one of those dirt-cheap gaming laptop deals from Walmart or Best Buy, but it's just not worth it if you're stuck with 8GB of RAM or a tiny SSD. You cant upgrade those components down the line, which gives super-cheap laptops a short lifespan. As for build quality, expect to find more plastic than metal on budget gaming machines. Still, the best budget gaming laptops we're recommending should be sturdy enough to last a few years. Affordable systems will also be heavier and thicker than mid-range and higher-end models, and often dont have the best Wi-Fi or connectivity options. Battery life is another trade-off, though even the most expensive gaming laptops can struggle with longevity. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-budget-gaming-laptop-130004199.html?src=rss

TikTok will let users tone down the amount of AI content in their feed

TikTok is the latest social platform to hand users more control over the amount of AI-generated content they see. The app is experimenting with a new setting that will allow users to request to see less AI in their For You feed. The new toggle will be available in the coming weeks in the app's manage topics section that lets people personalize the types of videos more likely to appear in their feed. In a blog post, TikTok says the control is meant to help users dial things down if they want to see less AI content in their recommendations. The update follows a similar move from Pinterest , which has faced complaints about AI slop drowning out authentic images on the platform. TikTok, like most other platforms, has seen an influx of AI-generated content in recent years. The company, which requires users to label such creations, says that there are more than 1.3 billion videos with these labels. At the same time, the company notes that its existing methods for detecting AI content aren't perfect, Currently, TikTok relies on a widely-used watermarking system called Content Credentials that adds metadata to AI-generated content. But these signals can get harder to detect when images or videos are edited in other apps or copied and reshared to other sites, as often happens with viral content. To address this, TikTok says that it will also experiment with an additional invisible watermarking system that could help it identify and label AI content more reliably. 'Invisible watermarks' add another layer of safeguards with a robust technological 'watermark' that only we can read, making it harder for others to remove, the company explained. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktok-will-let-users-tone-down-the-amount-of-ai-content-in-their-feed-050100596.html?src=rss

TikTok now has an in-app 'affirmation journal' and sound machine

TikTok is replacing its screen time management page with a Time and Well-being space, which also comes with new wellness features. You can now find an affirmation journal, where you can set your intentions for the day using the 120-plus cards the app provides. You can, say, choose the grace card that reminds you to be free of the expectation of others. The card is downloadable on your device, and you can share it with others. Youll also find an in-app soothing sound generator that you can use to listen to relaxing audio, such as those featuring the sound of rain, waves and white noise. The sounds stop after a few minutes when the timer ends, so you can play them to induce sleep when you go to bed. TikTok says its users are 14 percent more likely to listen to music to help them relax or go to sleep than non-users. Youll also find different types of breathing exercises you can do in the new space. In addition, TikTok is rolling out new well-being missions, expanding the original set it launched in July . These missions, which are particularly designed for teens, will reward you with badges for completing challenges related to balanced digital habits. The new Sleep Hours Mission will award you with a badge if you stay off TikTok at night, while the daily screen time mission will earn you another if you set a screen time limit and manage to stick to it. Theres also a new weekly screen time mission that will prompt you to check your screen time report every week, as well as a well-being ambassador mission that will earn you badges if you invite others to do the missions. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktok-now-has-an-in-app-affirmation-journal-and-sound-machine-050100713.html?src=rss

The all-electric Jeep Recon gets official specs and launch price

Jeep says that the all-electric 2026 Jeep Recon will finally begin production early next year. This comes three years after the model's original announcement amid multiple delayed starts. Built on a dedicated EV architecture, the Recon will deliver 650 horsepower and 620 ft-lb of torque. Its 100kWh battery pack will have an estimated 250 miles of range on a full charge and accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.6 seconds. The Recon is billed as the first and only fully electric Trail Rated SUV in the industry. This means it meets Jeep's internal standards for the traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation and ground clearance necessary to earn the Trail Rated badge. Bolstered by its 4X4 capability and 33-inch tires, the Recon can tackle a wide range of terrains. The Jeep Recon was originally supposed to be available in 2024, though the closest we got to seeing it in action was spy photos of a possible prototype at the tail end of that year. Last month Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf told MotorTrend that the Recon was coming to showrooms next spring. The Jeep website , which may need some updates, still says coming late 2025. Jeep had previously introduced multiple hybrid models including a hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. Both models were subject to substantial recalls this year due to fire risks in their batteries, encompassing over 375,000 vehicles. This came after a similar recall for Jeep hybrids the year before 194,000 vehicles, also due to fire risks. The EV will have a starting MSRP of $65,000 and Jeep says production will take place at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/the-all-electric-jeep-recon-gets-official-specs-and-launch-price-000032015.html?src=rss

Polestar EVs can power your home in California

EV maker Polestar has announced that it's bringing bi-directional charging the ability for an electric car to be tapped as a battery for your home or the grid to Polestar 3 owners who live in California. The feature is one of several ways EV owners can save money with their electric car, by either using less energy overall, or receiving credits for providing their excess power to the grid. Polestar's bi-directional charging feature uses direct current, according to the company, and enables V2H functionality for Polestar 3 customers on the 400 Volt electrical architecture. Polestar is offering the feature in partnership with home energy company dcbel , who helps administer a California Energy Commission program for installing home energy stations that can manage multiple clean energy sources in residential homes, including EVs with bi-directional charging. Polestar claims that using dcbel's Ara system, customers can reduce charging costs by up to $1,300 per year and use their car as an energy backup during blackouts for up to 10 days. The ability to send excess charge from an EV battery back into your home was originally a major selling point of Ford's F-150 Lighting . Bi-directional charging has also shown up on GM's EV lineup and the third-generation Nissan Leaf . Polestar says it'll continue the development of the bi-directional charging capabilities of its cars and plans to introduce a wider offer in the future. While this partnership is the first time the EV maker is offering the charging feature in the US, Polestar already offers bi-directional charging to customers in Germany via a home charger it developed with Zaptec. If you live in California and own a Polestar 3, you can apply for rebates on a home energy station at dcbel's website so you can try the feature for yourself. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/polestar-evs-can-power-your-home-in-california-220215757.html?src=rss

The Google Sans Flex typeface is now available to download

Typography nerds and Android fans, rejoice: You can now download an official version of the next generation of Googles brand typeface. The company has released the Google Sans Flex font to the public for free. The variable sans-serif font is part of Google's Material 3 design language , which arrived in 2023. 9to5Google notes that it's since been integrated into many of the company's products, including in some corners of Pixel software. A 2024 Google Design blog post about variable typography highlights the font's flexibility, as seen in the image above. Casey Henry, a designer with the company, wrote that Google Sans Flex allows the font's letterforms to shape-shift at different scales. OpenType Font Variations is the standard Google uses for variable fonts. Meanwhile, a Reddit thread about the download dove deeper into typography nerdery. Interesting behaviour when you condense the width, u/hbpencil102 wrote . Instead of circles becoming ovals, they become more rectangular with rounded tops and bottoms, reminding me of DIN 1451. Amen to that. You can download Google Sans Flex from Google Fonts . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-google-sans-flex-typeface-is-now-available-to-download-214535934.html?src=rss

The best stocking stuffers you can get for $50 or less

The big ticket tech gifts may get the lion's share of attention during the holidays, but it's surprising how much people appreciate small and thoughtful accessories and gadgets. We picked out a dozen such stocking stuffers for under $50 perfect for a little something extra for a loved one or a welcome gift for a coworker. Just be sure to check the shipping windows to make sure these handy gizmos will arrive in time. Here are some of our favorite techie gift ideas that come in at $50 or less. Best stocking stuffers for $50 or less Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-best-stocking-stuffers-you-can-get-for-50-or-less-130049325.html?src=rss

Epic Games Store will finally let you gift games

There's finally a way to gift games purchased on the Epic Games Store. Epic has announced that it's now possible to gift digital games through the Epic Games Store, provided the person you're sending them to has an Epic Games account. On a game's store page, you'll now see a Gift button under the normal Buy Now button. Clicking it will prompt you to log in to your Epic account if you haven't done so already, and then ask you to enter the Epic account of whoever you're sending the game to, pick one message from a selection of pre-written messages and then select the date you want the gift to arrive. The menu that appears when you purchase a game as a gift. Ian Carlos Campbell for Engadget Epic says that if the person you're sending the game to already owns it, you'll be automatically refunded. If the other person chooses to reject the gift, you'll also receive your money back. Not every purchase on the Epic Games Store can be gifted, though. Free games, subscriptions, pre-purchase offers and in-game currency are excluded. Gifting is a basic feature of online stores, so on some level it's more surprising that the Epic Games Store didn't have the feature than it is that gifting is being added now. One reason why, could be that most of Epic's focus for its digital store has been on undercutting the fees of both Steam and the Apple App Store. For example, in May, the company announced that it wouldn't take a cut of the first $1,000,000 in revenue that an app makes, after which it would only take 12 percent. That undercuts both Apple and Valve's financial arrangements with developers. Epic also regularly offered free games through its game store to lure new users, something it plans to continue to do with its mobile app store . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/epic-games-store-will-finally-let-you-gift-games-191000946.html?src=rss

Meta has won the antitrust case that could have forced it to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp

Meta has successfully avoided what was once the biggest existential threats to its company. A federal judge has sided with the social media company in a landmark antitrust case, ruling on Tuesday that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had not proven that Meta is a monopoly. The FTC filed antitrust charges against Meta, then known as Facebook, in 2020 during President Donald Trump's first term. The government had argued that by acquiring its one-time rivals, Instagram and WhatsApp, the company had hurt US consumers by stifling competition in the social media industry. Meta had argued that those services were only able to grow to the 1 billion-user apps because of its investment and had cited the rise of TikTok as proof that it continues to face strong competition. On Tuesday, US District judge James Boasberg ruled in favor of Meta . Whether or not Meta enjoyed monopoly power in the past, though, the agency must show that it continues to hold such power now, he wrote. The Courts verdict today determines that the FTC has not done so. If the FTC had succeeded, it could have called for Meta to unwind its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram. The FTC could still appeal the ruling, though its not clear if it has plans to do so. Weve reached out to the agency for comment. The Court's decision today recognizes that Meta faces fierce competition, a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. Our products are beneficial for people and businesses and exemplify American innovation and economic growth. We look forward to continuing to partner with the Administration and to invest in America. A number of current and former high-profile executives, including Adam Mosseri, Sheryl Sandberg, Kevin Systrom and Mark Zuckerberg testified during the weeks-long trial earlier this year. In his testimony, Zuckerberg spoke about the immense pressure Meta felt from TikTok, saying that Meta's growth had slowed down dramatically as TikTok became more popular. It turns out that Meta's defense that TikTok and YouTube are major competitors to it helped sway Judge Boasberg. While the FTC's lawyers had tried to claim that Meta had a monopoly on personal social networking apps a narrow group it said included Snapchat and the decentralized app MeWe Boasberg was unable to ignore the dominance of TikTok and YouTube. PSN [personal social networking] apps may have been a market unto themselves when the FTC filed this case in 2020 or when it approved Facebooks acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp in 2012 and 2014, he wrote. That is no longer the case. The Court ultimately finds that YouTube and TikTok belong in the product market, and they prevent Meta from holding a monopoly. Even if YouTube is out, including TikTok alone defeats the FTCs case. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-has-won-the-antitrust-case-that-could-have-forced-it-to-spin-off-instagram-and-whatsapp-184320742.html?src=rss

Waymo is coming to five more cities

Waymo is launching in five new cities across Texas and Florida. Autonomous vehicles in Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando will begin accepting rides next year. The Alphabet-owned company said operations (sans passengers) will begin on Tuesday in Miami. The other cities will follow over the coming weeks. This phase is where the vehicles drive around town without anyone inside. That gives the company a chance to spot local quirks and adjust the driving algorithm accordingly. Waymo said this local adjustment phase requires fewer changes with each added city. This data feeds into a flywheel of continuous improvement, bolstered by rigorous validation through real-world driving and advanced simulation, then implemented through regular software releases, it wrote. The company claims its robotaxis are involved in 11 times fewer serious injury accidents than human drivers. Waymo's autonomous vehicles currently accept passengers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Atlanta and Austin. The list of up next cities is much longer, including a recently announced expansion into San Diego, Detroit and Las Vegas . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-is-coming-to-five-more-cities-190000992.html?src=rss

Hypixel Studios buys its IP from Riot, so Hytale is back in development

Hypixel Studios has officially purchased the license to Hytale from Riot Games, according to a report by Game Developer . This means that development will continue just months after Riot shut everything down and cancelled the project. The developer is also rehiring 30 staffers that were laid off as part of the cancellation. We write so often about layoffs in the industry , so it's always a distinct treat to cover the opposite. We did it. Hytale is saved. We have acquired Hytale from Riot Games. Simon (@Simon_Hypixel) November 17, 2025 Hypixel co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme calls this a new and exciting chapter for the game, which has been in development for nearly ten years. He says he is grateful to Riot Games for making this possible. Riot Games, which is owned by the conglomerate Tencent, purchased Hypixel Studios back in 2020 for an undisclosed sum. However, Hytale was riding high at that point. The game had attracted over 2.5 million signees for an upcoming beta and was supposed to be officially released in 2021. Years passed, and still no Hytale . This eventually led to Riot canning the project entirely. After years of pushing forward, adapting, and exploring every possible path, it became clear we couldnt bring Hytale to life in a way that truly delivered on its promise, an official post on the Hypixel website once read. The studio hasn't disclosed how it got funding for this move, but Collins-Laflamme said that the founders are personally committed to funding for the next 10 years. Here's to hoping the game is actually playable by that point. To that end, the company does plan on announcing an early access release date in the near future. Hytale has had a long and challenging journey. It's taken longer than anyone hoped, and it's changed a lot along the way, the company wrote. This is not going to be easy. This is not going to be fast. This is not going to be perfect. But it's going to be ours. Built together: one feature at a time, one bug fix at a time, one mod at a time. For the uninitiated, Hytale is a nifty-looking adventure game that can be described as an open world riff on Minecraft . It certainly looks like Minecraft , but it has a much bigger emphasis on action and RPG mechanics. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/hypixel-studios-buys-its-ip-from-riot-so-hytale-is-back-in-development-185040959.html?src=rss

The best Black Friday deals under $50 are already live: Anker chargers, Apple AirTags, Blink cameras, Legos and more

You dont have to spend a ton to get your hands on quality tech, thanks to Black Friday . Were already seeing lots of tech deals many for under $50 and some hitting the best prices weve seen all year. Many of the discounts apply to accessories the chargers, hubs, cables and drives that play supporting roles for smartphones and laptops but plenty of other small electronics are on sale, too. We rounded up smart speakers, portable speakers, streaming devices, smart plugs and Bluetooth trackers that are seeing notable discounts. It's all things Engadget recommends in our guides and elsewhere and we linked to our coverage so you can read up before you buy. Here are the best Black Friday tech deals we could find. 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. 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. 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. 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 Amazon : 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. Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (dual socket) for $20 ($7 off) at Amazon : Tired of turning off our 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. Samsung SmartTags 2 Bluetooth tracker for $20 ($10 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. Kasa Smart Plug Matter Compatible KP125M (2-pack) for $24 ($11 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 $25 ($4 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. Best Black Friday deals under $50 Meross WiFi Dual Smart Plug (2-pack) for $26 ($7 off) at Amazon : The difference between this one and others is the dual outlet a surprising rarity among smart plugs. Merosss dual plug works with home systems from Apple, Amazon, Google and Samsung and lets you control each of the two outlets independently. Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $30 ($15 off with Prime) at Amazon : 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. 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 . 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 . UGreen Uno Nexode Charger Block (65W, 3-Port) for $35 ($15 off with Primea) 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 . UGreen Revodok Pro 109 USB C Hub for $36 ($55 off) 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. Baseus Picogo magnetic portable charger with stand (5K mAh, Qi2 15W) for $37 ($13 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. 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 . 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 . Govee Smart LED Light Bars for $40 ($10 off) 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). Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber for $40 ($20 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. Anker Nano Charger Block (70W, 3-port) for $40 ($10 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. 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). Ugreen Nexode Pro GaN slim wall charger (65W 3-port) for $45 ($11 off with Prime) 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 . Sharge AeroMag Magsafe Power Bank (Qi2 15W, 5K mAh) for $50 ($20 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 . 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) and goes for 12 hours on a charge and supports a 40 meter Bluetooth range. 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. Anker Prime GaN Charger (100W, 3-port) for $50 ($20 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 an auto-applied code. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-black-friday-deals-under-50-are-already-live-anker-chargers-apple-airtags-blink-cameras-legos-and-more-173833576.html?src=rss

Microsoft and NVIDIA will invest up to $15 billion in Anthropic

Fresh off a reorganized deal with OpenAI, Microsoft is diversifying its AI investments. The company says it will invest up to $10 billion in Anthropic. Meanwhile, NVIDIA has pledged up to $5 billion in the Claude maker. The three-way partnership, which includes various other commitments, could be seen as further evidence that an AI bubble is about to burst. As part of the deal, Anthropic has committed to buy $30 billion of Microsoft Azure cloud computing capacity. Anthropic says it will also contract additional capacity, up to one gigawatt. In addition, Microsoft Foundry customers will gain access to several Claud models. These include Sonnet 4.5, Opus 4.1 and Haiku 4.5. Meanwhile, NVIDIA and Anthropic will work together to improve Anthropic's AI models for NVIDIA hardware. The pair will also optimize future NVIDIA architectures for Anthropic's needs. All of this is against the backdrop of Microsoft's recently renewed partnership with OpenAI , which loosens their exclusivity. It didnt take long to see the apparent fruit of that. Early this month, the ChatGPT maker signed a $38 billion cloud contract with Amazon . And last week, Anthropic said it will use AWS AI chips after Amazon invested an additional $4 billion in the Claude maker. The two Spider-Men meme: two versions of the web-slinger, pointing at each other. Marvel.com Dizzy yet? To borrow imagery from the two Spider-Men meme, the AI world increasingly looks like a big circle of web-slingers, all pointing at each other. Only in this case, each index finger is flinging billions of dollars to help prop up the other Spider-Men. (Pay no mind to the AI layoffs .) It's too early to say how this all plays out, but the circular nature here makes it easier to understand why some believe we're looking at a bubble . NVIDIA's earnings tomorrow could tell us more. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsoft-and-nvidia-will-invest-up-to-15-billion-in-anthropic-173432863.html?src=rss

Snapchats new Topic Chats feature makes it easier to comment publicly on things youre interested in

Snapchat has introduced a new feature called Topic Chats, which allows users of the social network to participate in public conversations about popular trends. By its own admission, Snapchat has previously focused on private conversations, but says the growth of its TikTok-like Spotlight feature made it clear that people want to comment publicly about topics theyre interested in. Topic Chats, which are coming to Canada, New Zealand and the US first, will appear in different areas of the Snapchat app in the shape of a big yellow button that says Join the Chat. Tap it and youll join that conversation, where you can also browse related Spotlight videos. The company used F1 and the reality show Below Deck as examples of topics that could feature. Snapchat will show you when your friends are in a particular chat, and any that you join will then appear at the top of your personalized Topic Chat page. Snap says it will moderate the new platform to ensure it remains safe, and told TechCrunch that it will use LLMs, among other measures, to ensure that topics being engaged with are of an appropriate nature. All profiles will remain private unless youre already friends, which Snap says will prevent unwanted friend requests or direct messages. Topic Chats are set to go live in the coming weeks, and will appear in Chat shortcuts and the Stories page, as well as when searching or viewing Spotlight videos. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/snapchats-new-topic-chats-feature-makes-it-easier-to-comment-publicly-on-things-youre-interested-in-171111409.html?src=rss

MacBook Air deal: Get Apple's M4-powered laptop for $750 for Black Friday

Apples latest MacBook Air M4 is now discounted to $750 for Black Friday . The deal applies to the entry-level 13-inch model, giving you the same sharp Liquid Retina display and impressive M4 performance that we praised in our review , now for less. 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-deal-get-apples-m4-powered-laptop-for-750-for-black-friday-183808919.html?src=rss

What is a VPN and what can you do with one?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool you can use to protect your identity online, change your virtual location, evade censorship, check out foreign streaming services and more. They mostly take the form of commercially available subscription apps, often so simple to operate that all you need to do is press a button to turn them on and off. While using a VPN is easy in practice, there's a lot going on under the hood. Knowing what's really happening can help you decide which VPN is right for you, then use it more effectively once you've got it. In this guide, I'm going to delve into what a VPN really is, how it works and what you might need one for. If this article convinces you that you need a VPN and I hope it does! I curate a collection of the best VPN deals that I update at least once a week. Head over there to get your VPN shopping started. What is a VPN? The name virtual private network comes from the initial use of the technology to access restricted networks from off-site if you work remotely, you probably still use a VPN this way. Those are corporate VPNs, though, from providers like Cisco. Here, we're talking about commercial VPNs sold for individual use. These services came about when people realized that if you connected to the public internet through a VPN, every server you contacted would see the VPN server instead of your personal computer. The VPN effectively becomes a mask that interacts with the web on your behalf. That's the simple principle underlying every commercial VPN you've seen advertised. Sam Chapman for Engadget VPNs like Proton VPN and ExpressVPN operate servers in various locations around the world. When you use their apps, you've got access to all the servers in their network. After you connect, communications between your device and your chosen server are encrypted so nobody can trace your activities back to you. This is called tunneling, and is the main difference between a full VPN and a simple proxy server. How does a VPN work? Questions like the above can get into the weeds fast, so I'll be oversimplifying here. VPNs handle encryption in two steps. First, they establish a secure tunnel to your computer or phone, then they send information through it. The first step establishing the connection is called a handshake. It uses asymmetric encryption, where each party has a public and a private key. In a handshake, two parties use public keys to confirm that they are who they say they are, then exchange the keys they'll use for simpler symmetric encryption. Sam Chapman for Engadget Once the handshake has confirmed the path between your device and the VPN server, the tunnel is complete. From then on until you disconnect, every packet of data you send will be encrypted before it leaves your device and not decrypted until it reaches the VPN. The same is true in the other direction. Website requests and other data sent between the VPN and your internet service provider (ISP) will not be encrypted, but that's OK without the information on the first step, it's impossible to identify you behind the VPN. This is a complicated process, but VPNs use sets of instructions called VPN protocols to run through it near-instantly. A VPN protocol covers encryption and transit using several sets of ciphers. The most common protocols these days are OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec, though many VPN services have their own proprietary protocols as selling points. What are the benefits of using a VPN? Although the above process happens mostly in the background, it does tax your internet connection a little. The best VPNs keep impacts to a minimum, but you may notice a drop in speed, plus higher latencies when connecting to servers far away. So, what benefits do you get in exchange for all that? Anonymity The first and biggest boon is near-total anonymity. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) put out a comprehensive report on everything your ISP knows about you confirming that nearly every ISP gets a second profit stream from selling information on your online activities. In essence, they're making you pay them for the right to hose your own privacy. But a VPN lets you strike back. Since you connect to the VPN server before your ISP ever clocks you (let alone your destination websites), your computer and modem broadcast no information about who you really are. Anyone can see what you're doing, but they'll only see the VPN server doing it. And hiding your IP address is vital lots of people (not just ISPs) can deduce a shocking amount about you with no other information, including your real location. Prevent ISP speed throttling Speed isn't normally one of the benefits of a VPN, but in some specific cases, you might get faster internet. ISPs occasionally throttle the speeds of certain users they perceive as using too much bandwidth. This can happen to you, whether or not the charge is accurate. Using a VPN can get around the slowdown, since the ISP can't identify you to throttle you. Just note you still can't go faster than your unprotected internet speed. Public Wi-Fi safety A VPN can also keep you safe when using public Wi-Fi. On an unsecured Wi-Fi network the sort you often find in cafes, hotel lobbies and other public buildings hackers can spy on you through various vulnerabilities, or even set up fake networks (called rogue hotspots) to capture your information. If your connection with the network is encrypted, the criminal's window of opportunity slams shut. Get around content blocks and firewalls The other most important thing a VPN can do is to change your virtual location. IP addresses are keyed to specific locations some to countries or regions, and some to networks as small as one building. Authorities can use this to restrict internet access on the networks they control. This can vary in scale, from your school or workplace blocking certain content, all the way up to the nation-level firewalls in China, Saudi Arabia and other countries. Remember, though, that your internet goes to the VPN before it goes anywhere else. If your school's internet blocks some sites, you could get on a VPN server and the school's firewall won't know you're connecting from inside. This even works with countries (though not always). By connecting to a server outside the sphere of oppression, you can organize activism online even when the government doesn't want you to. Sam Chapman for Engadget Of course, you can also use this trick for fun by checking out other countries' streaming libraries, viewing local exclusive events or protecting you while you download a torrent file. The key takeaway is that VPNs are versatile, and can be used for casual entertainment, life-and-death anonymity or both at once. Will a VPN keep me completely safe online? VPNs are a huge positive for individual privacy rights, but just having one doesn't mean you can ignore your online safety. It's better to think of VPNs as one part of a comprehensive strategy . A VPN keeps you anonymous, prevents you from being tracked and changes your location to bypass censorship. However, it can't directly protect you from downloading malware, falling for a phishing scam, oversharing information on social media, using an easily guessed password or getting your phone stolen in real life. There's one key difference between threats a VPN can prevent and those it can't: A VPN only protects you from being spied on without your consent. If all you're doing is browsing on a network, a VPN keeps you concealed. But today's malefactors have all sorts of tricks to get you to give your consent. Websites spam message windows until you click allow cookies. Hackers send phishing emails and make you click links that download malware. And so on. Can VPNs be trusted? There's also one other critical point. Even if a VPN keeps you completely anonymous, the VPN itself can still tie your identity to what you do online. That's why VPNs all claim to have strict no-logging policies or something similar they're promising not to abuse their access. Naturally, some do anyway. A VPN can be sued if it breaks its own privacy policy, but many escape liability by leaving just enough leeway that they technically aren't in violation. The best way to determine if you can trust a VPN is to look at its history. How long has it been operating? Has it ever mishandled or profited off customer data in that time? On the other hand, has it ever been raided by police who then found nothing, bolstering its claim to not keep logs? An excerpt from the privacy policy of Private Internet Access. Sam Chapman for Engadget Some of the most trustworthy VPNs take technical steps to guarantee that they aren't logging user activity. Many use RAM-only or diskless servers that automatically delete any logs. Proton VPN goes even farther, using full-disk encryption to render any logs unreadable (even if they did exist). These services back their claims up with independent audits from reliable firms. Bottom line: A VPN is no substitute for common sense, threat awareness and a suite of strong security tools. It'll work best alongside a password manager, virus scanner and two-factor authentication. Are VPNs legal? VPNs are legal in every free country on Earth. While the UK recently suggested that a VPN ban was on the table to enforce its age verification laws, and the US states of Wisconsin and Michigan are considering bans in various forms, no democracy has yet outlawed VPN usage. The countries that do ban VPNs are the ones you'd probably expect those with deep-rooted internet censorship regimes that VPN use might threaten. Belarus, Iraq, Myanmar, North Korea and Turkmenistan have made all VPNs illegal. In China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Uganda and Iran, only state-approved VPNs are permitted, and services that get approved tend to have government backdoors. Other countries heavily restrict VPNs without banning them altogether, including Turkey and Pakistan. In India, VPNs are legal, but the law requires them to keep logs of user activities. The law's passage in 2022 led many VPNs to pull their servers from India and replace them with virtual locations. Finally, there are countries like Egypt where using a VPN is legal, but you'll face extra penalties if you're caught using one to commit a crime. Also, it should go without saying, but VPNs don't make crime legal. If something is illegal without a VPN, it's illegal with a VPN, even if VPNs themselves are allowed in your state and country. Are VPNs free? Some of them are, but many of them are dangerous. If you've just been faced with a new threat to your online freedom like, say, the UK's new age restriction laws it can be tempting to jump to a free VPN to solve the problem quickly. But free VPNs are easy to hack together, and app stores rarely probe them for violations before listing them. I frequently see free VPNs that either don't work, track you for ad sales or even sneak malware onto your computer . Another big problem is that many of these shovelware VPNs are all secretly run by the same monolithic entities . Sam Chapman for Engadget The best free VPNs are free plans offered by paid services. With subscription fees supporting the free tier, you don't need to worry that the real money comes from selling your information to advertisers. Proton VPN, hide.me, Windscribe, TunnelBear and PrivadoVPN all fall into this category. None of them show you ads, but they're all restricted in other ways, whether by the amount you can use the VPN per month, the speeds you'll get or the servers you can access. Do I need a VPN? If you use the internet which you must, if you're reading this you'll benefit from a VPN. To determine what you'll need it for, though, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, think about subscribing to a VPN to address the problem in question. Do you feel strongly about whether your ISP and other third parties can see what you do online and use that information for profit? Do you live in a place where the law prevents you from freely using the internet and/or forbids certain platforms? Have online freedoms been temporarily suspended in your country because of unrest? Are you planning to travel to a country with restrictive internet laws? Do you normally use the internet on a network that restricts access to certain sites? Do you use the internet for any tasks that would risk your own safety or someone else's if exposed? Do you often get online through public Wi-Fi networks or networks without passwords? Are you concerned that your ISP is throttling your internet speeds? Do you want to watch TV shows and movies that aren't available in your country on the streaming services you're subscribed to? Do you want to watch events that are limited to specific regions, such as local sports? Do you enjoy looking in various regions for better deals on products you want? Are you an online gamer concerned about doxxing and/or DDoS attacks from sore losers? Different VPNs have features that make them better at various tasks from the lists above. However, the providers on my best VPN list are good at just about everything. Proton VPN is my favorite for its balance of speed, design and anonymity, but ExpressVPN is another excellent choice if you're willing to pay more for fantastic ease of use. Surfshark is the fastest VPN I've tested this year, while NordVPN has a great set of features. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/what-is-a-vpn-and-what-can-you-do-with-one-161549146.html?src=rss

Google's new Gemini 3 model arrives in AI Mode and the Gemini app

A few weeks short of Gemini 2's first birthday , Google has announced Gemini 3 Pro . Naturally, the company claims the new system is its most intelligent AI model yet, offering state-of-the-art reasoning, class-leading vibe coding performance and more. The good news is you can put those claims to the test today, with Google making Gemini 3 Pro available across many of its products and services. Google is highlighting a couple of benchmarks to tout Gemini 3 Pro's performance. In Humanity's Last Exam , widely considered one of the toughest tests AI labs can put their systems through, the model delivered a new top accuracy score of 37.5 percent, beating the previous leader, Grok 4 , by an impressive 12.1 percentage points. Notably, it achieved its score without turning to tools like web search. On LMArena , meanwhile, Gemini 3 Pro is now on top of the site's leaderboards with a score of 1,501 points. Okay, but what about the practical benefits of Gemini 3 Pro? In the Gemini app , the new model will translate to answers that are more concise and better formatted. It also enables a new feature Google calls Gemini Agent. The tool builds on Project Mariner , the web-surfing Chrome AI the company debuted at the end of last year. It allows users to ask Gemini to complete tasks for them. For example, say you want help managing your email inbox. In the past, Gemini would have offered some general tips. Now, it can do that work for you. To try Gemini 3 Pro inside of the Gemini app, select Thinking from the model picker. The new model is available to everyone, though AI Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers can use it more often before hitting their rate limit. To make the most of Gemini Agent, you'll need to grant the tool access to your Google apps. In Search , meanwhile, Gemini 3 Pro will debut inside of AI Mode , with availability of the new model first rolling out to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. Google will also bring the model to AI Overviews, where it will be used to answer the most difficult questions people ask of its search engine. In the coming weeks, Google plans to roll out a new routing algorithm for both AI Mode and AI Overviews that will know when to put questions through Gemini 3 Pro. In the meantime, subscribers can try the new model inside of AI Mode by selecting Thinking from the dropdown menu. Google In practice, Google says Gemini 3 Pro will result in AI Mode finding more credible and relevant content related to your questions. This is thanks to how the new model augments the fan-out technique that powers AI Mode. The tool will perform even more searches than before and with its new intelligence, Google suggests it may even uncover content previous models may have missed. At the same time, Gemini 3's better multi-modal understanding will translate to AI Mode generating more dynamic and interactive interfaces to answer your questions. For example, if you're researching mortgage loans, the tool can create a loan calculator directly inside of its response. For developers and its enterprise customers, Google is bringing Gemini 3 to all the usual places one can find its models, including inside of the Gemini API, AI Studio and Vertex AI. The company is also releasing a new agentic coding app called Antigravity. It can autonomously program while creating tasks for itself and providing progress reports. Alongside Gemini 3 Pro, Google is introducing Gemini 3 Deep Think. The enhanced reasoning mode will be available to safety testers before it rolls out to AI Ultra subscribers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-new-gemini-3-model-arrives-in-ai-mode-and-the-gemini-app-160054273.html?src=rss

Amazon Black Friday deals: The Fire TV Stick 4K Max drops to $35

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/amazon-black-friday-deals-the-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-drops-to-35-132100017.html?src=rss

Analogue 3D review: Modern processing can't fix vintage flaws

While there are countless ways to play old video games, endless emulators that eat up ROMs and spew out memories, the hardware offerings from Analogue have elevated the act of retro gaming to an art form . With an obsessive dedication to pixel-perfect reproductions of classic platforms, Analogue's various devices generally set the benchmark for consuming old games on new displays . The company's latest entry is an ode to the Nintendo 64 , and that poses a bit of a problem. While Analogue's other systems honored the golden age of 2D gaming, the pinnacle of pixel art in many ways, the N64 ushered gamers into the early, ugly days of 3D gaming. Nearly three decades after its initial release, most N64 games look pretty catastrophic by modern standards. Can the Analogue 3D ($250) treatment save them? Origin Story The early to mid-'90s were a heady time for console gaming. Sega and Nintendo had printed so much money in the 16-bit era that both were throwing everything they could at the wall to capture the fluorescent pink, velcro wallets of the gamers of the day. Wild controllers, endless system add-ons and even virtual reality were in the cards. But it would be the humble CD-ROM that really pushed things forward. Sega did its own multimedia add-on in-house, with the Sega CD. Nintendo decided to team up with Sony for the development of its own disc drive. When that project fell apart, Sony famously decided to continue on, releasing the original PlayStation in 1995. Almost overnight, the gaming world was all about three-dimensional gaming, a landscape that Sega's Saturn was ill-prepared for. Nintendo, though, went all-in for its next system, the Nintendo 64. It not only packed more polygons and colors than Sony's system, but Nintendo finally cracked the code of how to make a truly good three-dimensional platformer with Mario 64 . Mario 64 is not only a great game, it became the template for how player and camera controls worked, defining rules that still exist today. The N64 was also the first mainstream console to feature an analog controller out of the box, the first console since the Atari 5200 in the early '80s to have four controller ports and the first American console to offer haptic feedback in the form of 1997's Rumble Pak. Today it all sounds quaint, but it was a truly revolutionary machine back in the day. N64 redux The Analogue 3D has the look of a N64 console, right down to the four controller ports up front. Tim Stevens for Engadget The Analogue 3D is somewhat revolutionary as well, but for different reasons. At its core, it relies on a field programmable gate array, or FPGA, much like Analogue's previous devices (the Super Nt, Mega Sg, Pocket and Duo). An FPGA is effectively a processor full of virtual building blocks, called logic elements, which enable it to replicate any other system. It takes a massive amount of configuration, but the result is pure hardware emulation. Again, its the same concept as Analogue's previous devices, just on a massively larger scale. Where the Pocket used an Altera Cyclone V FPGA with 49,000 logic elements, this one uses an Intel Cyclone 10 GX FPGA clocking in at 220,000 logic elements. While Analogue never gave much in the way of explanation, it's likely that the extreme complexity that resulted in delay after annoying delay well, that and the complexities of running an international business in the tariff-laden minefield that is today's global trading landscape. Beyond that, the Analogue 3D very much follows the same aesthetic seen in the company's previous units: a minimalist take on the original hardware. It looks like a smaller and thinner N64 one that requires active cooling, by the way, so make sure you don't crowd this thing in among your other, lesser game consoles. It (virtually) supports all the N64's key accessories, like the Transfer Pak, the Expansion Pak and the Rumble Pak. It's USB-C powered and output comes via HDMI, and you'll find the requisite cables included in the box. There's also an SD card around the back for firmware updates and a pair of USB-A ports for good measure. Up front, you'll find four controller ports, with the distinctive circular style used by the N64. But you can connect controllers via USB or wirelessly too, if you prefer. Analogue opted for a another 8BitDo controller. Tim Stevens for Engadget The system's default controller is again provided by 8BitDo , which has created special designs for Analogue's other recent releases. For better or worse, the $39.99 8BitDo 64 controller doesn't imitate the three-pronged N64 style, but does offer all that system's buttons in a more traditional layout. It's perhaps too traditional, difficult to tell apart from Nintendo's own Switch Pro controller from a distance. I havent been a fan of 8BitDo controllers in the past. Given the premium Analogue charges for its systems, the 8BitDo controllers haven't risen to that level of polish. This new generation, though, is definitely a step up. The controller's buttons don't rattle when you shake it, the inputs have a good feel to them, the vibration isn't harsh and pairing is quick and easy. That said, I did run into latency issues if I was more than about 10 feet away from the system, or if I closed the door on the cabinet that held the Analogue 3D. That's a far cry from the connectivity of a Switch Pro controller, which I can readily use from another room if I'm ever so inclined. CRT vibes in an OLED era The Analogue 3D and the Nintendo 64. Tim Stevens for Engadget Analogue has made a name for itself by obsessing over striking the perfect blend of honoring original systems while making them great in a modern world. If I may insert one automotive reference, they are doing to game systems what Singer Vehicle Design does to Porsches. But where cars both old and reimagined look great on the same road, vintage consoles struggle with modern TVs. Plug an original N64 into your 4K HDTV via a tangle of adapters, and you'll get a blurry, blocky mess that will make you question everything your childhood self held dear. Even if you go the hardcore route with something like an Open Source Scan Converter or an HDMI mod kit to take vintage analog signals and turn them into modern digital ones, you're still probably not going to like the results. That's because it isn't all about getting crisp signals from console to display. These systems were designed for cathode rays, where one colored pixel bled into the next to create a seamless view to hide many of the N64's 320 x 240 flaws. The Analogue 3D goes to great lengths to replicate that look through a series of filters meant to replicate everything from a consumer-grade CRT to the sort of professional-grade monitor that cost as much as a new car did back in the '90s. Analogue has experimented with these filters in the past, but they're taken to a new level here, with options for specifying monitor type, quality and size. The results are quite impressive, still a bit grittier than a giant-sized CRT would be in real life, but looking miles better than the unfiltered view of the games. You can even tune and tweak those display settings on a per-game basis, if you're especially finicky. Unfortunately, you'll have to take my word for that. The 4K CRT effects don't really show up through a capture card, and as of now the Analogue 3D has no integrated screen capture functionality. That, I was told, is coming later. Back to the future of gaming Perfect Dark on the Analogue 3D. Tim Stevens for Engadget I started my testing with the game that, in the eyes of many, represents the high-water mark of the N64 experience: Perfect Dark . Rare's classic first-person shooter shares a lot of its concepts (and surely its code) with that other N64 icon, Goldeneye . But, in the three years between those games, developers learned plenty of tricks, resulting in a game that really pushed the hardware to its limits. Or past its limits, really. Perfect Dark was equally famous for its uneven frame rates. Expecting a one-to-one recreation of the original hardware, I was surprised to find the game running buttery smooth on the Analogue 3D. How? The system includes a series of tweaking and tuning options, including something of a baked-in overclocking function. By default, it's on Auto, which, at least in the case of Perfect Dark , dialed up the Analogue 3D's power to make up for the original system's polygon processing shortcomings. But the Analogue 3D is nothing if not tweakable, and with a few taps into the system's menu, I was able to turn that off. Now locked into Force Original Hardware mode, Perfect Dark played just like it did back in the day, a shaky and jittery testament to the overachieving aspirations of Rare's developers. And, thanks to more settings adjustments, I could enable the 16:9 mode in Perfect Dark and stretch the video output on the Analogue 3D, getting a proper widescreen effect even though the game doesn't output a full 16:9 grid of pixels. Super Robot Spirits on the Analogue 3D. Tim Stevens for Engadget Beyond Auto, you can set the game to run in Enhanced, Enhanced+ and Unleashed speeds. I switched over to another game notorious for its poor performance: Superman: The New Superman Adventures . I initially reviewed this game way back in 1999, and it has since become notorious as one of the worst of all time. It's no better today, but thanks to the Analogue 3D, it is at least more fluid. The game's choppiness is gone, replaced by a too-rapid pace to the uninspired ring-chasing gameplay. Sadly, the faster frame rate doesn't make up for the omnipresent green fog that makes Superman 64 feel so claustrophobic. Neither does it fix the crunchy, murky textures that surround you in Perfect Dark . It's not all bad, though. 1997's Super Robot Spirits , a giant robot fighting game released only in Japan, features untextured 3D models that use Gouraud shading to look a little less blocky. The result looks genuinely crisp and clean on the Analogue 3D.So too do games like Mario Kart 64 and Yoshi's Story , 3D games that rely heavily on 2D elements, which scale very nicely up to a modern, 65-inch 4K OLED, like the LG B7 I used for testing. Unfortunately, there were few games that really popped for me. Much of the time, I was stuck looking at blurry, blocky textures poking out of foggy landscapes that were far less breathtaking than I remembered them 25-plus years ago. Wrap-up The Analogue 3D and the Nintendo 64. Tim Stevens for Engadget Analogue's earlier systems take some of the greatest 2D games ever made and elevate them to crisply defined, high-resolution pixel art. They are gorgeous and charming to behold, which just makes them all the more engaging to play. Sadly, few of the games on the N64 stand up so well. Making these games look truly good would require pushing back the omnipresent fog and upscaling the ugly textures that plague many N64 games. That, it's safe to say, would go well past the point of faithful recreation that Analogue strives for. It's hard to fault the Analogue 3D itself for this. The hardware does a remarkable job of recreating that original experience. My N64 library has never looked better, and I am definitely enjoying digging into games I haven't played in decades, plus a few newly acquired gems that I missed back in the day. But, more often than not, I'm left shaking my head at just how bad these games looked, and no amount of 4K upscaling and CRT emulation can fix that. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/analogue-3d-review-modern-processing-cant-fix-vintage-flaws-160000410.html?src=rss

Intuit is integrating its tax and accounting products with ChatGPT

The financial software company Intuit has signed a nine-figure deal with OpenAI which will allow customers to use its various services within ChatGPT. Intuits apps include Intuit Turbo Tax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks and MailChimp, all of which will now be accessible when using OpenAIs chatbot for personalized financial advice and management. The partnership is driven by what Intuit calls the hundreds of millions of consumers and businesses that ask ChatGPT finance-related questions every week. Consumers will be able to use Intuits apps within ChatGPT to research credit cards and mortgages, with advice tailored to their spending. They can also permit the chatbot to access their financial data to estimate their tax refund amounts and schedule appointments with a live, AI-powered tax expert. On the business side, companies can use ChatGPT to get advice on how to increase their revenue based on their current performance. They can also create targeted campaigns to send out to prospective customers and use AI to generate invoice reminders. Intuit has been investing heavily in AI for the last 10 years, introducing its own AI assistant back in 2023 and building it into its products. Its $100 million contract with OpenAI will also see it widen its use of the latters models and their agentic capabilities across its platform. Generative AI allows Intuit customers to complete their financial tasks and ask questions about complex subjects using natural language prompts. OpenAI is seemingly committed to growing its reputation as a credible source of finance-related guidance and information. Last month it acquired a personal investing app called ROI, which uses a built-in chatbot to advise users on potential investments. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/intuit-is-integrating-its-tax-and-accounting-products-with-chatgpt-153809280.html?src=rss

Nintendo Black Friday deals: Switch 2 bundles, Switch game deals, discounted accessories and more offers available now

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 just 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. 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. 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 Nintendo Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Switch 2 Pro Controller Nintendo Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Switch 2 Camera Nintendo Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera Amazon Best Buy Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2) Nintendo Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy 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-switch-2-bundles-switch-game-deals-discounted-accessories-and-more-offers-available-now-155223616.html?src=rss

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now includes a Fortnite Crew subscription

Xbox has revealed the last batch of Game Pass additions for November along with a couple of titles that are coming to the service in December. Starting today, though, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have a Fortnite Crew subscription at no extra cost. That includes access to the current Fortnite battle pass, along with the OG pass, Lego pass, music pass and Rocket League s rocket pass premium. On top of that, Fortnite Crew puts 1,000 V-Bucks in subscribers wallets every month. Microsoft announced Fortnite Crew as a perk for Game Pass Premium in early October, when it jacked up the price of the service to $30 per month . Still, its a decent value add for Fortnite players, given that a Crew membership costs $12 per month by itself. Seems like as good a reason as any to check out the current Simpsons-themed season of Fortnite Battle Royale if you have an Ultimate subscription. As for the games that are joining the service over the next couple of weeks, there are two day-one additions to Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass. Action RPG title Moonlighted 2: The Endless Vault joins the lineup as a PC-only game preview on November 19. Then, on December 1, a game were pretty darn excited for joins the fray in the form of Marvel Cosmic Invasion . This is a sidescrolling beat-em-up from Tribute Games and publisher Dotemu, the same tandem that brought us the terrific Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge . You can choose from a roster of 15 fighters in Cosmic Invasion , including Iron Man, Phoenix/Jean Grey, Spider-Man and Wolverine. The demo is a blast, so here's hoping for more of that from the full game, which is also coming to Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS4 and PS5 on December 1. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a spiritual successor to Life is Strange from the creator of that series, Don't Nod. It debuted earlier this year and it's coming to Game Pass Ultimate and Premium, as well as PC Game Pass, for cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S on December 2. Don't Nod is also behind last year's action RPG Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden , which I enjoyed quite a bit. That's coming to the same Game Pass tiers on the same platforms on November 25. The other Game Pass additions for the next two weeks are: Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo (cloud, console and PC) November 19, arriving on Game Pass Premium Revenge of the Savage Planet (cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S) November 19, arriving on Game Pass Premium Monsters are Coming! Rock & Road ( handheld and PC) November 20 on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass The Crew Motorfest (cloud, console and PC) November 20 on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass Kill It With Fire! 2 (cloud, console, and PC) November 25 on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass As for the titles leaving Game Pass this month, Barbie Project Friendship, Lords of the Fallen, Octopath Traveler, Octopath Traveler II and SteamWorld Build (all for cloud, console and PC) will depart the service for the time being on November 30. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-game-pass-ultimate-now-includes-a-fortnite-crew-subscription-151826277.html?src=rss

Project Hail Mary keeps us intrigued in a second trailer

Amazon MGM has released another full-length trailer for Project Hail Mary and we are already at the theater seated. The three minute and four second trailer shows Ryan Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace, a school teacher and former biologist who wakes up on a spacecraft with no idea who he is or why he's there. The first trailer gave us a look at Dr. Grace's first moments after waking up and an overview of his mission: find the one star in the universe that's not dying and save the world no big deal. Today's trailer gives us a better idea of how he'll go about this and the alien he teams up with along the way. Check it out for yourself on Amazon MGM's YouTube channel here . Project Hail Mary is adapted from Andy Weir's novel of the same name. Weir also wrote The Martian , which was successfully turned into a 2015 film starring Matt Damon. This time around, Oscar-winning filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are directing with a screenplay by Drew Goddard the latter also wrote the adaptation of The Martian so we're in good hands. The movie also stars Sandra Hller as the head of the titular Project Hail Mary. You can see Project Hail Mary for yourself on March 20, 2026 in theaters and IMAX. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/project-hail-mary-keeps-us-intrigued-in-a-second-trailer-151108278.html?src=rss

GoPro's Hero 13 Black action camera drops to an all-time low for Black Friday

The GoPro Hero 13 Black action camera is down to $310 as part of an early Black Friday sale, which is a record low price. 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/gopros-hero-13-black-action-camera-drops-to-an-all-time-low-for-black-friday-160154416.html?src=rss

Mastodon's founder is no longer its CEO

Mastodon's founder Eugen Rochko has officially stepped down as CEO . The move comes ten months after the company announced it would transition into a nonprofit entity and that Rochko would leave his post. Rochko will take on an advisory role with the company. In a blog post about this decision, Rochko pointed to a desire for guardrails to avoid becoming another egotistical founder sabotaging thriving communities. He added, But it would be uncouth for me to pretend that there isnt some self-interest involved. Being in charge of a social media project is, turns out, quite the stressful endeavour, and I dont have the right personality for it. In his place, Felix Hlatky has taken on the role of executive director. Hlatky has worked at Mastodon since March 2020 and plans to focus on expanding the team, long-term financial stability and making it easier to run servers safely and efficiently. Currently, Mastodon is operating as a nonprofit in the US, but aims to set up a permanent home base as a nonprofit in Belgium, known as an AISBL. Mastodon previously held nonprofit status in Germany but lost that it last year. Mastodon has pursued outside funding since its announced transition to a nonprofit. It shared that Stock Exchange co-founder Jeff Atwood and his family gave the organization 2.2 million ($2.5 million). Part of that influx of cash has gone toward hiring new employees in its engineering, marketing, operations and product teams. Rochko also received a one-time 1 million ($1.2 million) compensation after ten years of taking less than a fair market salary. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/mastodons-founder-is-no-longer-its-ceo-143011438.html?src=rss

My favorite fabric shaver is on sale for only $13 in this Black Friday deal

If you clicked on this story because you don't know what a fabric shaver is, you're not alone. That was me not too long ago when I started searching for something that could get rid of the pilling on some of my most loved pieces of clothing. Blessedly, I stumbled upon the Philips Fabric Shaver , a type of device I didn't even know existed, and decided to give it a shot. It's now an essential piece of tech in my house, and you don't have to pay as much as I did for it thanks to this Black Friday deal that knocks it down to $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/my-favorite-fabric-shaver-is-on-sale-for-only-13-in-this-black-friday-deal-163402654.html?src=rss

This Ninja dual-zone air fryer is 22 percent off 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 $180, which is 22 percent off its normal price. Admittedly, we have seen this model a bit cheaper in the past, but if youre on cooking duty for Thanksgiving, you might not have the option of waiting until what could be a deeper discount on Black Friday . 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/this-ninja-dual-zone-air-fryer-is-22-percent-off-for-black-friday-170959965.html?src=rss

Black Friday deals include the Meta Quest 3S for a record-low price

Black Friday deals have come for VR headsets, and you can pick up our favorite budget set for less than usual. Meta's entry-level Quest 3S is 17 percent off and down to $250 for the 128GB version right now. Its normal price is $300, and with this version you get the game Gorilla Tag for free. There's also a 256GB option , which is on sale for $330, down from its usual price of $400. 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/black-friday-deals-include-the-meta-quest-3s-for-a-record-low-price-180911231.html?src=rss

The best gifts for coffee lovers in 2025

When it comes to making coffee at home, us coffee nerds are constantly evolving. Whether the person youre shopping for is newly indoctrinated into the world of small-batch roasters or obsessive over every possible aspect of every brewing process, weve compiled a list of the best coffee gear for any coffee geek this holiday season. For brewing, grinding and drinking, weve got multiple options at a range of prices to help expand any java geeks horizons. And if you think the coffee aficionado on your list already has everything they need, weve got a recommendation for them too. Best gifts for coffee lovers Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/the-best-gifts-for-coffee-lovers-in-2025-184515015.html?src=rss

Bose's second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are $50 off for Black Friday

Holiday travel is getting closer and that means a lot of babies, crowds and nosey seat neighbors to contend with through it. Fortunately, Black Friday comes first and, with it, sales on a bunch of tech products that can make your journey a lot more enjoyable. Take the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds , which are 17 percent off in an early Black Friday sale. Our choice of best noise-canceling earbuds for 2025 are currently available for $249, down from $299. The deal brings these new Bose Earbuds to a record-low price in all colors. We gave the second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds an 88 in our review when they launched in early fall. We called them the best option for blocking distractions and that Boses tweaks make its best earbuds even better. The earbuds have enhanced call quality and further improved ANC filters than their predecessors. They also offer improved comfort and a new guard designed to prevent wax build up something that all earbud users know is very important. However, the newer model offers the same six hours of battery life per charge four when using Immersive Audio as the originals. Plus, despite the improved comfort, they still have the bulkier design that's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. With that said, the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds are also down to an all-time low price. You can grab them for $199, down from $299 a 33 percent discount. Notably, this deal is only available in the White Smoke model. We also gave these earbuds an 88 when they debuted in 2023, so they're still a great option for $50 less than the second-gen model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/boses-second-generation-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-are-50-off-for-black-friday-130007879.html?src=rss

Get Apple's Mac mini M4 for $100 off ahead of 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 $100 off right now, down from $599 to $499. 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 $690, down from $799. Then there's the option for 24GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD at $890, 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-apples-mac-mini-m4-for-100-off-ahead-of-black-friday-150749716.html?src=rss

Use this hack to get a year of Peacock for $49 ahead of Black Friday

If you've wanted to check out The Paper or any other new NBC show on Peacock, you can do so now while spending less thanks to this hack. Walmart, believe it or not, comes into play here: the retailer is offering Walmart+ subscriptions for half off right now, bringing the cost down to $49 for your first year. Thanks to a streaming benefit for subscribers, you can then sign up for Peacock at no extra cost. Walmart+ subscribers are able to choose between a Peacock Premium or a Paramount+ Essential subscription. Considering Peacock premium would run you $110 for the year on its own, signing up for Walmart+ while this discount is available gets you access to the streaming service for less than half the normal cost. 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/use-this-hack-to-get-a-year-of-peacock-for-49-ahead-of-black-friday-192739357.html?src=rss

DJI's Osmo Action 6 is the first action cam with a variable aperture

DJI has released its third action cam in less than four months, the Osmo Action 6. The new GoPro rival offers something we've never seen in this type of camera: a variable aperture for more control over exposure. It also has a new, square sensor (like the one we saw on the Osmo 360 ) that makes it easier to crop video for social media-friendly aspect ratios. I've had the Osmo Action 6 for a few days and it looks impressive so far. Rather than a fixed f/2.8 setting as before, the Osmo Action 6 offers a variable f/2.0-4.0 aperture, which offers several benefits. When at f/2.0, it allows twice as much light as before. That in turn allows for higher shutter speeds in dim conditions, which reduces the motion blur that can hurt image quality and stabilization. It also delivers shallower depth of field to help separate the subject from the background. On sunny days, meanwhile, changing the aperture to f/4.0 lets you lower the shutter speed so video looks less staccato and more natural. Steve Dent for Engadget Oddly, DJI doesn't let you fully control the f-stop, however. You can either choose a fixed aperture at f/2.8, or Auto aperture with a range of ISOs, varying from f/2.0 - 4.0 up to f/2.8 - 4.0. That's unfortunate, as it would be nice to be able to select a fixed f/2.0 aperture, for example, to have a shallow depth of field for portraits. (Note that you can pick an f/4.0 fixed aperture as well to get a starburst pattern on bright parts of the image.) The Action 6 has a new, 1/1.1-inch square sensor (9.8 x 9.8mm), as well. It doesn't boost resolution as some people had hoped , but does allow for more aspect ratio choices. As with the Action 5, video can be shot at up to 4K 120 fps, or 4K at 60 fps in SuperNight Mode. However, it now offers a 4K Custom mode that lets you capture 3,840 x 3,840 square video at up to 60 fps, for cropping at full 4K resolution in both horizontal and vertical formats. It also supports 4:3 4K (3,840 x 2,880) at up to 120 fps for more cropping options when shooting slo-mo. Steve Dent for Engadget The new sensor is also considerably larger than the 1/1.3-inch sensor on the Osmo Action 5 and the 1/1.9-inch sensor on the GoPro 13. That allows for improved low-light performance, according to DJI, and the larger pixels also boost dynamic range to a claimed 13.5 stops. That, combined with DJI's D-LogM and 10-bit capability, should make footage from the Osmo Action 6 easy to adjust, even on high contrast sunny days. DJI has also taken a page from Fujifilm by introducing a Film Tone function to get six distinct looks straight out of the camera, including cool tones, classic negative film and pleasing skin tones. The Osmo Action 6 also offers a 2x lossless zoom (a digital zoom, effectively), portrait mode and subject centering and tracking. Finally, the new Natural Wide mode gives you a wider field of view without the usual ugly distortion at the corners. For closeup photography, the Action 6 is available with an optional macro lens, as well as an FOV Boost lens that increases the field of view from 155 to 182 degrees. Sample 34MP photo from DJI's Osmo Action 6 Steve Dent for Engadget From my tests so far, low-light video quality looks considerably cleaner and more color-accurate than the Action 5. In addition, the SuperNight Mode is more useful as shutter speeds are higher and thus stabilization in low light is improved over the Action 5. I'll have more information in my full review, coming soon. There are a number of other improvements as well. DJI has boosted the internal storage to 50GB from 47GB before, so you can largely shoot without a memory card, though a microSD slot is also available. As before, it's waterproof to 20 meters (66 feet) by itself, or nearly 200 feet with DJI's waterproof case. And on top of voice control, the Action 6 now supports gestures as well. With the same 1,950mAh Extreme Battery Plus as before, shooting time between charges is 4 hours at 1080p and 2 hours at 4K, both with Rocksteady 3.0 stabilization enabled and the screen off. DJI The Osmo Action 6 is compatible with DJI's increasingly generous accessory lineup, like selfie sticks, bike, helmet and body attachments, suction mounts and more. However, the company upgraded its Quick-Release Adapter Mount to a dual-latch system (first introduced on the Osmo Nano) that can be attached in either direction without mechanical limitations, the company said. That's a big quality-of-life improvement over the old mounts, which could only be attached one way. That said, the old mounts are still compatible with the new camera and vice-versa. So what about US availability? It looks like, as with the Osmo 360 and Osmo Nano, that DJI's Action 6 won't be available on the company's US store, but it will be sold at Amazon, B&H Photo Video and other third-party resellers, with pricing tba. In Europe, the Osmo Action 6 is now available at DJI's store and Amazon at 379 for the standard combo with one battery, or 479 in the Adventure Combo that includes three batteries and the Battery Case 3 charger. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/djis-osmo-action-6-is-the-first-action-cam-with-a-variable-aperture-120058873.html?src=rss

Roblox begins asking tens of millions of children to verify their age with a selfie

Roblox is starting to roll out the mandatory age checks that will require all of its users to submit an ID or scan their face in order to access the platform's chat features. The updated policy, which the company announced earlier this year, will be enforced first in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands and will expand to all other markets by early next year. The company also detailed a new age-based chat system, which will limit users' ability to interact with people outside of their age group. After verifying or estimating a user's age, Roblox will assign them to an age group ranging from 9 years and younger to 21 years and older (there are six total age groups). Teens and children will then be limited from connecting with people that aren't in or close to their estimated age group in in-game chats. Unlike most social media apps which have a minimum age of 13, Roblox permits much younger children to use its platform. Since most children and many teens don't have IDs, the company uses age estimation tech provided by identity company Persona. The checks, which use video selfies, are conducted within Roblox's app and the company says that images of users' faces are immediately deleted after completing the process. Roblox didn't provide details on how accurate its age estimation features are, but the company's Chief Safety Officer, Matt Kaufman, said that it was pretty accurate at guessing the approximate age of most of its users. What we find is that the algorithms between that 5 and 25 years old [range] are typically pretty accurate within one or two years of their age, he said during a briefing with reporters. All Roblox users can now voluntarily submit to a face scan or provide an ID to the company to ensure their access to its chat features isn't interrupted. The company says it will be enforcing age checks for all users by January and that people in the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand will need to comply beginning in early December. Next year, the company also plans to put age restrictions around users' ability to access links to outside social media sites and to participate in Roblox Studio. Roblox has repeatedly come under fire for alleged safety lapses even as it's released a flurry of child safety updates in recent years. The company is facing lawsuits from Texas , Louisiana and Kentucky amid accusations that it hasn't done enough to prevent adults from targeting teens and children on its service. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/roblox-begins-asking-tens-of-millions-of-children-to-verify-their-age-with-a-selfie-120000311.html?src=rss

One year of Headspace is only $35 with this Black Friday deal

Headspaces Black Friday deal is live, offering 50 percent off its annual subscription through December 4. That brings the cost of a full year down to $35, giving you access to guided meditations, courses and stress-management tools that can help you stay balanced heading into the new year. 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-is-only-35-with-this-black-friday-deal-163051774.html?src=rss

The best air purifier for 2025

Weve tested more than a dozen air purifiers that range from $120 to $1,200 but the most effective method for getting the green light from our air quality monitors is completely free: opening the windows. Of course, seasonal allergies, frightful weather and wildfires can all conspire to make open windows impossible. Air purifiers are your second best option. With sound-muffled fans and multi-layered filters, these simple machines can clear up odors, cooking emissions, dust particles, smoke, pet dander and more. We performed simple at-home tests to compare different models, mostly focusing on smart models with app control and auto modes. We compared the features, designs and prices to help you find the best air purifier for your home. Table of contents Best air purifiers for 2025 What an air purifier can and cant do What to look for in an air purifier Other air purifiers we tested How we test air purifiers Air purifier FAQs Best air purifiers for 2025 What an air purifier can and cant do There are three key categories of air pollution that adversely affect the quality of the air you breathe: volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon dioxide. VOCs are emitted gasses that can come from cleaners, off-gassing plastics, paint, solvents, fragrances, cooking food and, ironically, air fresheners. VOCs are most closely related to odors you can smell. High levels can irritate your breathing passages, cause headaches and may become cancer-causing over time. Air purifiers with activated charcoal components can help clean VOCs from the air. Particulate matter is usually discussed as PM2.5 and PM10, with the numbers indicating particle size in microns. This is dust, dirt, mold, smoke and, again, emissions from cooking food. Higher levels of PM can lead to respiratory irritation, allergy symptoms, respiratory infections and potentially lung cancer. Air purifiers that include a HEPA or particle filter can help remove airborne particles from your space. Carbon dioxide is what humans and pets breathe out. Elevated levels can cause dizziness and lethargy. But no air purifier can reduce CO2 levels because the molecules are so small. Plants can help to some extent, but really the only solution is opening a window or otherwise ventilating the space. There are no federal standards for air purifiers, but the state of California does require all air cleaners sold in the state to be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). All of our top picks here have met that certification. What to look for in an air purifier HEPA filters and other filter types An air purifier isnt an overly complicated device. Smart modes and app connectivity aside, theyre not much more than a filter and a fan, which you can certainly DIY . The fan pulls air through the filter to capture particulate matter and other unhealthy elements so you dont breathe them in. The type of fan can make some difference it should be powerful enough to pull in air quickly, but also quiet enough on its low speed so it can unobtrusively clean all day long. Filters, on the other hand, are more varied. Most have two or more layers, typically a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter and sometimes a particle or even a true HEPA filter. The pre-filter is made from a fine mesh that captures big stuff like pet hair and larger chunks of dust. Sometimes this part is separate from the more technical filters which means you can remove and clean it without needing to swap out the whole thing. For all-in-one filters, you can vacuum the outside of it to remove larger particles. An activated carbon or activated charcoal layer is extremely porous, tightly packed coal that presents a vast amount of microscopic surface area to the passing air. Gaseous chemicals, VOCs and other molecules become lodged in the crannys and stick. This is the layer that gets rid of odors. Nearly all types of air purifiers include a particle filter. Some of those can be called true HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters meaning they conform to the standards set out by the DOE . Particle filters are made up of pleated masses of ultrafine fibers that force air to take a convoluted path in order to pass through. This traps and absorbs tiny molecules of smoke and dust, allergens like dander and pollen, and some viruses and bacteria. Since all of these air filters physically trap particulates, theyll eventually fill up and become less effective. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter every six months, while others claim a year-long life span. Most smart air purifiers will let you know in the app when its time to replace. When youre considering a units cost, be sure to factor in the expense of replacement filters, which you may end up buying twice a year. Room size Air purifiers list their air filtration capabilities in terms of room size and frequency of air exchanges, sometimes listed as clean air delivery rate (CADR) or you may see a number for cubic feet per minute (CFM). A smaller unit might say it can exchange the air in a 500-square-foot room twice per hour. So that model should be able to pass all of the air in a 250-square-foot room through the filter every 15 minutes, but a 1,000-square-foot room would probably be outside its effective range. Of course, theres no standard for manufacturers to adhere to when it comes to these calculations, but typically, larger air purifiers can handle large rooms. Controls In our testing, we focused on Wi-Fi-connected smart air purifiers with companion apps that can monitor air quality and adjust the fan settings as needed. Within the apps, you can control auto-clean settings, set timers and schedules and check the health of the filter as well. Most will remind you when its time to get a replacement, and let you order one directly from the manufacturer through the app. You can also see the current and historical readings from the internal air quality (AQ) sensor. Most determine air quality through an optical particle meter, though some brands like Dyson and Molekule also include chemical sensors for VOC measurements. When levels of particulates become elevated, the fans switch up to high speed to move more air through until the quality improves. Most smart purifiers also work with voice assistants, so if asking Alexa to turn on your air purifier makes your life easier in some way, you can do so. If you dont want to talk to an AI or grab your phone to control your purifier, getting a unit with simple on-board controls is a good idea. These can be as basic as buttons with indicator lights or as elaborate as a touchscreen panel. At minimum, its good to have a way to control the fan speed and turn on or off auto mode on the device itself. Design As we mentioned, sticking the device as close to the middle of the room is helpful for getting the best performance. That means youll be looking at it a lot, so design considerations matter. Most purifiers are cylindrical towers with fan vents up top. Units meant for larger rooms are not small, weighing between 12 and 20 pounds and reaching two feet tall (or in the case of the Dyson Purifier Cool, three and a half feet). Some, like Coways Airmega IconS, take on more furniture-like designs to blend in. Others, like Dyson's, are conspicuously designed to stand out. How to set up an air purifier Even the best air purifier cant do much without airflow. So ideally, you wont shove your air purifier off in a corner right next to a wall. Most manufacturers recommend at least a foot of clearance between the machine and anything that could block circulation walls, couches, cabinets and the like. Most cylindrical models have intake vents all around the outside, but box models may have them on just one side, so make sure you point the vents outwards towards the center of the room. Smaller air purifiers work better if theyre up off the ground by a couple feet, such as on top of a stool or end table. And of course, make sure the cord isnt stretching across trafficked areas to avoid tripping. Before you plug your air purifier in, make sure to check that the filter isnt wrapped in plastic inside the machine. I probably dont need to tell you how I know this is a very important first step. The purifiers we recommend are smart home models, so the next step will usually involve downloading the manufacturers app to your phone and connecting the air purifier to the app as well as your homes Wi-Fi. Additional steps for clearing the air Air purifiers, as the name suggests, clean the air. Once dust, dander and smoke settle onto surfaces, there isnt much these machines can do to eradicate them. So vacuuming and good old-fashioned dusting are important steps to keep allergens and particulate matter at bay. If you have an HVAC system, changing or even upgrading your systems air filters can help keep bad air in check. The American Lung Association recommends filters with at least a MERV-13 rating. The association also recommends not burning candles in your home, foregoing air fresheners and opting for homemade cleaning supplies over chemical cleaners. When an air purifier just isnt enough The most striking bit of knowledge I picked up from testing air purifiers is how effective opening windows can be on indoor air quality. What took an air purifier a half hour to clear out took mere minutes when I opened my front door and a few windows. Every variable measured by the air quality sensors, including VOCs, PM, and particularly CO2 levels (which air purifiers cant alleviate), improved dramatically after exposure to fresh air significantly faster and better than any machine we tested. Letting in fresh air for just fifteen minutes each day can help, according to the Lung Association. On very cold days, do it midday. When its hot, open windows in the early morning when its coolest. When I did it in the middle of winter, my HVAC system had to work a little overtime afterwards, but venting a room was the most surefire way of getting air quality quickly back in the green. Of course, if the air outside is unhealthy from wildfire smoke or run-of-the-mill pollution, or if you're dealing with seasonal allergies, throwing open the windows wont work and an air purifier might be the best way to consistently clean things up. How we test air purifiers My living room is not a science lab; theres far too much pet hair for that to be the case. Still, I went beyond just turning stuff on and sniffing the air by acquiring two consumer-grade indoor air quality monitors that performed well in laboratory assessments , the Element from Awair and the uHoo Smart Air Monitor . I conducted burn tests in this medium-sized room by measuring the ambient air quality, then burned a brick of pion incense for twenty minutes and measured the air again. Then I ran one purifier at its highest speed for thirty minutes and recorded levels, then ran the unit on the lowest setting for a half hour and remeasured. I made note of the sound levels using a simple iPhone app to compare one machines noise level to the next. Over the course of a month, I used each unit in different scenarios (such as in the basements where the cat litter box is) and tried out each devices smart features, controls and auto modes. I also just lived with them and evaluated how they fit into everyday life. As new purifiers come on the market we continue to acquire units that seem worthy of inclusion. Most recently, we tested purifiers from Blueair, IQAir, Windmill and others, adding our findings to this guide. Other air purifiers we tested Blueair Mini Restful I appreciate a good multi-tasker. The Blueair Mini Restful combines a small-room air purifier with a sunrise alarm clock and night light. It reminds me of a grown up version of Levoits Sprout purifier, which is geared towards kids with its white noise and night light functions. The Mini Restful is definitely small enough to pop on a night stand so it would be pretty handy if it could replace your alarm clock up there. Unfortunately, those secondary functions feel a little incomplete. Theres no timer function for the night light, only manual control. The clock readout is on the top, making it impossible to view from bed if it's on your nightstand. The sunrise alarm clock will start lighting up at either 15 minutes or a half hour before the sound kicks in, but if the light happens to be enough to wake you, theres no way to stop the alarm from sounding without getting out your phone. It performed well enough in its primary function, and got a smoky bedroom back to breathable in around a half an hour of running on high. (Theres no built-in sensor, so you have to manually adjust the fan through the app or onboard controls.) Its also quiet enough to run all night on low Im fairly sensitive to noise and was able to sleep. IQAir HealthPro Plus SE The IQAir HealthPro Plus SE is a formidable piece of equipment. The boxy tower looks like something youd see in a hospital and weighs 35 pounds, making me appreciate the included wheels when I needed to move it around. Its designed and made in Sweden and each unit comes with an impressive certificate of performance. Im certain the testing processes IQAir employs are more scientific than my tests after all, the company is probably best known for its air quality monitors but I found the filtration efficiency to be on par with and, in one test, worse than that of other models I tested. I was also disappointed that a $1,000-plus air purifier from an air monitor device company was only capable of measuring particulate matter and not VOCs to trigger the auto-clean function. That said, setup was simple and the app can integrate data from public air quality sources as well as other AQ monitors you may have set up. Coways Airmega Icon S Coways Airmega Icon S was our previous pick for best design. It looks more like a tiny mid-century-modern credenza than an air purifier and the little shelf up top doubles as a wireless phone charger. The PM2.5 sensor reliably kicked in the auto mode as I used it and the three-speed fan is quiet, even on high, yet powerful. I had a little trouble getting the app to connect, but the onboard touch controls worked better anyway. Its expensive at $699, too, but it does have a washable pre-filter. Sensibo Pure At $229, and nearly always on sale for $130, I had the Sensibo Pure pegged as a contender for a budget pick. Unfortunately, replacement filters are $99 unless you subscribe to automatic shipments and many of the app features are behind a paywall as well. Its not certified by CARB and underperformed many of the other units in the burn test, though it did return the air back to a good rating according to the air monitors after 30 minutes. The design is inoffensive, its not overly loud and it does integrate with Sensibos smart AC devices, so if youre already happy with one of those, this may be a decent option. Dyson Purifier Cool Like all Dyson products, this air purifier is dripping with design. It looks like no other unit on the market and its up to you to decide whether you like that or not. I was indifferent to the looks, but appreciated the slick and informative app, which not only displays indoor air quality, it also shows what conditions are like outside, using a clever house graphic to differentiate the two sets of numbers. I also like that it detects VOCs as well as particulates and the auto mode seemed to read the room accurately. The air coming out of the fan did indeed feel cool, though at first had a strong plastic odor. Unfortunately, it was the lowest performing unit during two separate burn tests and had repeated connectivity issues. Molekule Air Pro The Molekule Air Pro comes from a brand that pays keen attention to aesthetics. It and the app have that Instagrammable, muted-modern look that countless clothing and bedsheet brands emulate these days. That style doesnt come cheap as the Air Pro costs over $1,000 and requires $140 filters. The company came under fire for and had to stop making many of its claims about its filtration system, which may have led to it filing for bankruptcy in 2023. Molekule is still able to tout its patented photoelectrochemical oxidation, which the company says destroys pollutants at a molecular level. In my tests, it performed almost as well as the others in improving VOC and PM2.5 levels. But its also very loud: When auto mode kicked the fan into high gear, it would make me tense. Also, I found the unit often indicated bad or very bad levels when my two monitors indicated the air quality was actually pretty good. Air purifier FAQs What settings should you run an air purifier on? There arent many settings to adjust on an air purifier. Most have low, medium and high fan speeds and possibly an auto-mode that detects impurities in the air and increases the fan speed on your behalf. Air circulates through a purifier faster at higher fan-speed settings so it cleans the air more efficiently. Higher speeds also make the air purifier louder. That means you typically want to find the balance between cleaning power and noise levels. Other settings like timers and dimming the LED lights make the unit more comfortable to live with, particularly if you use yours in your bedroom. For everyday cleaning of the air, youre probably best off leaving the air purifier running on low, only kicking it up to high at certain times when the air is murkier, like after you cook. What is a HEPA filter? A HEPA filter is a type of particle filter. Every air purifier has a particle filter, but not all are considered true HEPA filters. The specifications are determined by the US Department of Energy and require a minimum efficiency of 99.97 percent when filtering airborne particles of 0.3 microns. HEPA filters can remove dust, pollen, mold and bacteria. Check out more from our spring cleaning guide. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-air-purifier-120040002.html?src=rss

This budgeting app has half off annual subscriptions for Black Friday

Those looking for a better way to keep track of their finances should consider a budgeting app . There are dozens of them on the market now, and one of our favorites is running a discount for new subscribers. Monarch Money is offering 50 percent off annual plans right now when you use the code MONARCHVIP at checkout. With the typical yearly price being $100, this will save you $50. As mentioned before, the discount is only for new users and it can't be combined with other offers. The code only works when you sign up through the web as well. You can't redeem it through the Monarch mobile app. We feel that Monarch has a steeper learning curve than some other budget trackers and that certain aspects of the app are slightly more complex than they probably need to be. But it offers a great deal of customization and granularity , which outweighs our misgivings. On the main dashboard, you'll see your net worth along with your latest transactions, spending versus the previous month, your income so far for the month and details about upcoming bills, your investments and goals you've set. There's also a link to a month-in-review page, which offers an in-depth overview of what's been happening with your money that month. You'll also be able to take a peek at how your net worth has changed over time. Monarch can connect to your bank and track Apple Card, Apple Cash and Savings accounts. It can pull in your transactions and balance history automatically and detect your recurring expenses and income. The app can even keep your car valuation up to date. While it might take a little work to set up Monarch (and you might have to tweak things here and there), it's a detailed budgeting app that can help you keep better track of your income, expenditure and net worth. If you're a former Mint user (RIP), Monarch Money is a great alternative if you haven't yet found a Mint replacement . But it's worth mentioning that our favorite Mint replacement service, Quicken Simplifi , also has a sale going on right now. It's offering 50 percent off when you sign up for an annual subscription, billed at $3 per month with the discount. That comes out to $36 for the first year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-budgeting-app-has-half-off-annual-subscriptions-for-black-friday-174011264.html?src=rss

Google Calendar now lets you schedule tasks

Productivity setups are a personal thing. Some people swear by to-do lists and apps, some people like scheduling and planners. For those in the latter camp, Google has made a minor but valuable addition to the Workspace suite. Going forward, you'll be able to block off segments of time in Google Calendar for working on specific tasks. You can add descriptions and set your preferences for that task in regard to do not disturb and visibility settings. It's a nice step up from scheduling meetings with yourself when you have to focus on a particular assignment (which several of us at Engadget have been known to do). Google This option began appearing for Google's Rapid Release domains earlier in November, while standard release domains will see a gradual release beginning December 1. Once its fully rolled out, it will be available by default, whether you're a Google Workspaces customer or just using a personal Google account. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-calendar-now-lets-you-schedule-tasks-231026000.html?src=rss

Cities: Skylines II dev parts ways with publisher Paradox

Game publisher Paradox Interactive has split with Colossal Order, the studio behind Cities: Skylines II . Colossal Order, which also made the original Cities: Skylines back in 2015, will move on to something new after completing a few last updates. The intellectual property will remain with Paradox, which said today that work on Cities: Skylines II will be moved to Iceflake Studios. The Finland-based internal team will be responsible for all development, including future content updates and the long-awaited console version, starting in 2026. The move comes after about two years of trying to salvage the citybuilding sequel and the reputations of all parties. While the game was initially expected to debut in October 2023 on PC and consoles, the launch was limited to PC, with higher minimum specs than previously announced and with a lot of bugs. The ongoing issues caused tension and toxicity between Colossal Order and the Cities: Skylines audience. Although the game has reached a more stable state, new content has been slow to arrive and there is still no sign of a console launch as the studio exits their project. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/cities-skylines-ii-dev-parts-ways-with-publisher-paradox-210229692.html?src=rss

Lego Black Friday deals on Star Wars, Disney sets and more are already up to 41 percent off

Lego is cutting prices for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so now's the time to find sets that make fantastic gifts . 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 across the board 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 build up points with each purchase that you can redeem in the future, get special discounts and sometimes get exclusive gifts when you buy. While not a deal, arguably the hottest Lego for Black Friday will be the brand new Star Trek USS Enterprise set , which was announced recently. It has a whopping 3,600 pieces and will be a must-have for any Star Trek fans. The set will be available starting November 28 for $400. Best Lego Black Friday deals 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 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 Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 for $140 (18 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 Icons Fountain Garden Building Set 10359 for $70 (30 percent off) LEGO Dreamzzz Izzie's Dream Animals Toys 71481 for $24 (40 percent off) LEGO NINJAGO Dragon Stone Shrine 71819 for $79 (34 percent off) LEGO Harry Potter Mandrake Figure & Pot Plant Toy 76433 for $41 (41 percent off) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/lego-black-friday-deals-on-star-wars-disney-sets-and-more-are-already-up-to-50-percent-off-155007811.html?src=rss

Xbox is hosting a partner showcase on November 20 at 1PM ET

Xbox is hosting a partner showcase event on November 20 at 1PM ET. It'll be available for streaming on the platform's official YouTube page and Twitch page . We don't know how long this stream will run for, but previous Partner Preview events have lasted around 25 to 30 minutes . As indicated by the name, this stream will highlight third-party publishers. Xbox called out companies like THQ Nordic, Tencent and IO Interactive in the press release that announced the event. We do know some games that'll be getting the spotlight this week. Xbox has stated that we'll be seeing an exciting first look at content coming to the James Bond game, 007 First Light . IO Interactive is behind that one and it comes out on March 27 . We got to watch this title in action at Gamescom and called it Hitman meets action blockbuster. This is appropriate given that developer IO Interactive was behind many of the Hitman games. We'll also be getting an electrifying extended gameplay trailer for Tides of Annihilation . This is an upcoming fantasy adventure game made by the Chinese studio Eclipse Glow Games. The platform also promises a fresh look at Reanimal , which is a horror adventure from the folks behind Little Nightmares . Xbox has also promised some brand-new reveals and Game Pass announcements. Those Game Pass announcements had better be beefy, considering that recent price hike . We'll find out on Thursday. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-is-hosting-a-partner-showcase-on-november-20-at-1pm-et-191537266.html?src=rss

Tesla wins bid to decertify class action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination

Tesla has secured a ruling to strip a 2017 lawsuit claiming a racist work environment of its class-action status, as reported by Reuters . California Superior Court Judge Peter Borkon, appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021, ruled that the lawsuit could not proceed with class-action status because the plaintiffs' attorneys had failed to find 200 class members willing to testify. The judge said he could not assume that the experiences of a select group of workers could be applied to the entire class of would-be plaintiffs. The 2017 lawsuit began with a single employee who filed suit alleging Tesla's Fremont production floor was a hotbed for racist behavior, and that over 100 employees had experienced racial harassment. In 2024, a lower court judge ruled the case could move forward as a class action, a decision that Tesla had been appealing since. A trial in the case was scheduled to begin in April, though now that the case has lost its class-action status, each plaintiff would have to bring their case against Tesla separately. This is not the first time that Tesla has found itself in court over alleged racial misconduct. In 2023, the automaker was sued by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over allegations that Black employees were subjected to racial slurs and retaliation. Last year, Tesla reached a confidential settlement with a single employee who said he faced discrimination at the same California plant, reporting that his coworkers left drawings of swastikas and racist figures on his workspace. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-wins-bid-to-decertify-class-action-lawsuit-alleging-racial-discrimination-191256294.html?src=rss

The Game Awards 2025 nominees include Clair Obscur, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades 2

We won't have to wait too much longer to find out which game will follow the wonderful Astro Bot 's triumph at last year's edition of The Game Awards. The 2025 ceremony takes place on December 11 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. In between a cavalcade of video game trailers and announcements, the show will squeeze in some actual awards. We now know what the contenders for The Game Awards 2025 are after Monday's announcement of the nominees. Those vying for the top prize of game of the year are: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment Donkey Kong Bananza - Nintendo EPD/Nintendo Hades II - Supergiant Games Hollow Knight: Silksong - Team Cherry Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Warhorse Studios/Deep Silver Half of those are also up for game of the year at the Indie Game Awards .Those three games ( Clair Obscur, Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong ) are up for the best independent game award at this ceremony as well, alongside Absolum , Ball x Pit and Blue Prince . With 12 nods in total including three in the best performance category Clair Obscur isnt just the most-nominated game this year. Its the most-nominated game in the 12-year history of the ceremony. Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Ytei have eight nods each, Hades II has seven and Silksong has five. Sony Interactive Entertainment leads the way among publishers with 19 nominations. Here are the most nominated games at #TheGameAwards 2025. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the most nominated game in TGA history with 12 total nominations. pic.twitter.com/bn4KjSDuoP The Game Awards (@thegameawards) November 17, 2025 A whole bunch of high-profile games missed out on nominations for the main award. However, the likes of Arc Raiders, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Mario Kart World, Assassins Creed Shadows, Elden Ring: Nightreign, Battlefield 6, Split Fiction, Monster Hunter Wilds and Silent Hill f have picked up nods in other categories. Its neat to see games like Consume Me, Despelote , Rematch and Dispatch pick up nominations this year too. Meanwhile, Marvels Deadpool VR , a game that isnt even out until tomorrow, picked up a nod. Fan voting for this year's edition of The Game Awards starts today on the TGA website . Public ballots account for 10 percent of the final vote, with a jury comprising dozens of media outlets accounting for the remaining 90 percent. The nominees for the players voice award the only one determined entirely by fans will be announced on December 1. The Game Awards (which is under fire over its handling of the discontinued Future Class program) will be streaming across a wide variety of platforms, including Prime Video for the first time. As ever, we'll be on top of all of the big news from the event, so stay tuned to Engadget for all the juicy details. Place your bets now on what will be announced. Maybe, just maybe, we'll get a glimpse of Half-Life 3 ? This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-game-awards-2025-nominees-include-clair-obscur-hollow-knight-silksong-and-hades-2-173626649.html?src=rss

The best Black Friday TV deals we can find so far: Samsung, LG, TCL and more

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 now, so if youve been thinking about making that big living room upgrade, its OK to take the plunge. To help you out, weve sorted through the many sales already floating around the web and picked out the best Black Friday TV deals we could find below. The current selection includes several well-reviewed sets from Samsung, LG, TCL and Hisense, but well update this post through Black Friday itself as more 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 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 . TCL QM7K (65-inch) for $800 at Amazon ($200 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 . 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 has 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 especially adept at fending off glare in a bright room. It also has a 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 well-lit room. It's not cheap, but this is the lowest price weve seen for the 65-inch model. Also at Samsung and Best Buy . TCL QM8K (75-inch) for $1,400 at Amazon ($600 off) : If youre willing to pay an OLED-level price but want the increased brightness of a high-end LED TV, the TCL QM8K is worth a look. It wont be as good in a dark room as something like the Samsung S90F or LG C5, as its contrast isnt as deep and black tones arent as uniformly dark. Its viewing angles are clearly worse, too. But reviews say it still performs excellently compared to other LED sets, and since it gets way brighter than most OLED alternatives (especially with non-HDR content), it can better withstand glare. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate with support for 288Hz at 1080p, though it only comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, and its not available in a size smaller than 65 inches. This is the best price weve seen for the 75-inch variant. Also at Walmart . Best Black Friday streaming device deals Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for $25 at Amazon ($25 off) : The newly rebranded Fire TV Stick 4K Plus offers the same core experience as the more expensive 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. 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 just want to add streaming apps to an aging TV for as little as possible, it'll 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-we-can-find-so-far-samsung-lg-tcl-and-more-181143919.html?src=rss

DeepMind releases a new weather forecasting model for more accurate predictions

Google's DeepMind just released WeatherNext 2 , a new version of its AI weather prediction model. The company promises that it delivers more efficient, more accurate and higher-resolution global weather predictions. To that end, it should be able to provide accurate forecasts up to two weeks out, including information on temperature, pressure and wind. It should also be able to better predict tropical storm tracks, according to researchers. This means that predictions of a hurricane's path should be accurate up to three days out. The previous model only predicted things up to two days ahead of the storm. The model also brings hourly forecasts into the mix. All told, Google says this new model is eight times faster than the previous iteration. This should help businesses like energy traders make more precise decisions, according to a report by Bloomberg . It gives you a more granular forecast, DeepMind AI researcher Akib Uddin said. Many other industries are quite interested in these one-hour steps. It helps them make more precise decisions. Their goal is, how can they make their business more resilient to weather? Google The improvements here stem from a new approach to weather models, as explained in this recently-published research paper . Older methods demanded the use of machine learning models that were built for image and video generation. This required repeated processing to ensure an accurate result. The new model only requires a single processing step, which also reduces reliance on costly AI computing systems. AI may not be great at everything , despite what proponents want you to believe, but it is great at predicting the weather . Newer models typically outperform traditional prediction methods , even those that rely on supercomputers. These models aren't perfect, however, as even Google has acknowledged that WeatherNext 2 will likely struggle to predict outlier rain and snow events. This is due to gaps in the training data. Its one limitation of our forecast, but one that we are working on improving, DeepMind research scientist Ferran Alet told Bloomberg . AI weather prediction is becoming a crowded field. Companies like NVIDIA , Microsoft, AccuWeather and Huawei are all throwing their hats in the ring in one way or another. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/deepmind-releases-a-new-weather-forecasting-model-for-more-accurate-predictions-175451228.html?src=rss

The 22 best gift ideas for the remote worker in your life

Its 2025, so chances are you have at least one person who works remotely on your gift list. While the work-from-home life has its perks nobody likes a long commute it certainly comes with its own set of challenges, from missing out on pro-level equipment to dealing with annoyances around the house. If youre looking to buy a gift for someone who spends much of their time in their home office, weve rounded up a few techy ideas that should make their days a little more delightful or at least easier to manage. Best gifts for remote workers Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-22-best-gift-ideas-for-the-remote-worker-in-your-life-140037336.html?src=rss

Black Friday VPN deals: Get up to 75 percent off Proton VPN two-year plans

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/black-friday-vpn-deals-get-up-to-75-percent-off-proton-vpn-two-year-plans-153737542.html?src=rss

Anker Black Friday deals are here early: Power banks, wireless chargers and other tech accessories

If smartphones and tablets are the stars of the tech world, Anker is the faithful costar. Were big fans of the brands charging gear and accessories Anker has earned kudos in a number of our buying guides, from power banks to wireless chargers . Now for Black Friday , a whole slew of the companys gear is on sale, and some are hitting the best prices weve seen this year. So if youre looking for dependable sidekicks and supporting players to keep your heavy hitters in business, check out the best Anker Black Friday deals we could find. Just note that some of the deals from Amazon require you to be a Prime member. Others are open to anyone. Best Black Friday Anker deals: Power banks Power banks revive dead phones, let you work longer while away from an outlet and let you play with your tablet/ereader/gamepad while it charges without being tethered to the wall. Anker power banks are among the best. 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 most 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. 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. Best Black Friday Anker deals: 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. Best Black Friday Anker deals: 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, some of our favorite Anker power adapters are on sale so we rounded them all up here. Best Black Friday Anker deals: 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 . With Black Friday deals, 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 long enough and has a handy right angled connector at one end. Anker of course also makes plenty of other gear, from webcams to mice that continually show up in our guides to the best accessories. Here are the best Black Friday deals on Anker gear that don't quite fit into the categories above. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-black-friday-deals-are-here-early-power-banks-wireless-chargers-and-other-tech-accessories-164907851.html?src=rss

Meta and Google delay undersea cables over security concerns

Meta and Google are facing delays with long-promised undersea cable projects, according to a report by Bloomberg . A Meta spokesperson blames the delays on a range of operational factors, regulatory concerns and geopolitical risk. Meta's 2Africa subsea cable system is supposed to wrap around the African continent to deliver fiber internet to the region. It's also intended to connect Europe with Asia and Africa. The 28,000-mile project was first announced all the way back in 2020. Interesting: Meta is one of the largest investors in 2Africa, the largest subsea fibre optic cable system ever: https://t.co/sNWd8SoYUZ Metas subsea cable investments are expected to contribute over half a trillion dollars to Asia-Pacific and European economies by 2025. pic.twitter.com/gVuuztqhd7 Jack Prescott (@JackPrescottX) October 5, 2024 However, the company has experienced issues when running cable through the southern portion of the Red Sea. A whole section has yet to be built due to regional conflicts and difficulty obtaining certain permits from local governments. The Google-backed Blue-Raman intercontinental cable system has also been delayed in the region, after first being announced in 2021. This system was originally supposed to go live in 2024, connecting countries like France, Italy, India, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The company has not provided an updated timetable. These are just two examples, as plenty of other fiber internet cables have yet to go live in the Red Sea. Builders have experienced repeated missile attacks, allegedly by the Iran-backed Houthis, which forced them on lengthy detours and disrupted work. They are not only unable to monetize their investments by sending data over these cables, but they are forced to purchase capacity on alternative cables to meet their near-term requirements, said Alan Mauldin, research director at telecommunications firm Telegeography. New from Meta: Project #Waterworth . connecting US to 3 BRICS countries Once complete, the project will reach five major continents and span over 50,000 km (longer than the Earths circumference), making it the worlds longest subsea cable project... https://t.co/jcR74wyHfY pic.twitter.com/BQ6oaGbEmv Juan Ortiz-Freuler (@juanof9) February 14, 2025 It's worth noting that these delays shouldn't impact two previously announced undersea fiber projects by Google and Meta. Google is building a cable to connect Togo to Europe , which will wrap around the Atlantic side. Meta is building a gigantic cable system that looks to connect five continents, which isn't crossing the Red Sea. Undersea cables are a great way to give the various regions of the world fiber internet, but there are some downsides. We've already covered geopolitical concerns when it comes to building, but the installed cables can tear and break. This is typically caused by natural disasters, extreme weather and human activities like fishing. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/meta-and-google-delay-undersea-cables-over-security-concerns-163508037.html?src=rss

We found the best Black Friday 2025 deals on tech from Amazon, Apple, Lego, Ninja and more ahead of the big sale

Black Friday has become the time to buy the hottest tech of the year. Whether you're shopping for yourself or stocking up on gifts for the holidays, Black Friday deals next week are sure to bring the best prices of the year to things like headphones, game consoles, robot vacuums, phone accessories and everything in between. You don't even have to wait until Black Friday proper to save a ton of money. Over the past few years, we've seen Black Friday tech deals start earlier and earlier to the point where the entire month of November is packed with discounts. If you're on the hunt for solid tech deals, Engadget has you covered. We've collected the best Black Friday deals on tech you can get right now, and we'll continue to update this post as we get closer to the big day at the end of November. Note that you probably have the best chance of snagging record-low prices when we get to about one week before Thanksgiving, but these deals available now are worth considering. Table of contents Black Friday deals: Engadget's top picks Black Friday deals under $50 Black Friday Apple deals Black Friday smart home and kitchen deals More Black Friday tech deals Black Friday deals: Engadget's top picks Apple AirPods 4 for $85 (34 percent off): These are the most affordable AirPods you can get, and the latest model has been substantially improved over the previous. They have a better fit and noticeably better sound quality than their predecessor, plus some advanced features previously only found on pricer models. Apple AirTags (four pack) for $65 (34 percent off): iPhone users who frequently misplace things should invest in a few AirTags. Slip them into your wallet, bag, jacket and other belongings to keep track of their locations in the Find My app. Just make sure that, if you're going to attach one to your keys, you also pick up an AirTag holder to go along with it. LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon A New Hope 25th Anniversary Collectable 75375 for $68 (20 percent off): This is a set that any Star Wars fan will love to build and then love to display once it's complete. The 921-piece set features a fully-detailed Millennium Falcone, buildable stand and nameplate. It's one of many Lego Black Friday deals you can get right now. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $248 ($158 off): While the new XM6 headphones have replaced these as Sony's flagship cans, that doesn't mean the XM5 aren't worth buying. They were our top pick for the best wireless headphones for years before the XM6 came around, and they still have excellent ANC, great sound quality, long battery life, a comfortable fit and handy extra features like multipoint connectivity. Bose QuietComfort headphones for $170 (51 percent off): These noise-cancelling headphones have a comfortable (albeit a bit boring) design, an Aware mode that lets you hear more of your surroundings when you need to and up to 24 hours of battery life. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for $499: Black Friday Nintendo sales were announced recently and, unsurprisingly, there won't be many true deals out there this year. There are no straight discounts on the Switch 2 console, so your best bet is to pick up a bundle that saves you some cash on a Switch 2 game. One of the best is the Mario Kart Wold bundle, but Pokmon fans should consider the Pokmon Legends: Z-A bundle , too. Black Friday deals under $50 Blink Mini 2 (2 pack) for $28 (60 percent off): if you want to keep an eye on your home when you're away, it'll be hard to find a security camera as convenient and as affordable as a Blink Mini 2. Yes, the company just came out the with 2K+ version , but that will be overkill for most people. The Blink Mini 2 gets the job done by recording 1080p video, sending you motion alerts and supporting two-way talk in case you want to chat with your pets while you're out. Note that these are wired cameras, so they're more conveniently used indoors unless you pick up the necessary weather-resistant adapter for outdoor use. Philips fabric shaver for $13 (32 percent off): Consider this the Black Friday tech deal you didn't know you needed. If you have shirts, sweaters, pants, even blankets that have pilled over time, this handy little fabric shaver can get them looking more like new again. I bought this on a whim after wishing I could refresh some of my most-loved wardrobe staples without spending hours pulling pills off myself. Philips' fabric shaver has delivered and then some, and my clothes look much fresher than before. Jisulife Life 7 handheld fan for $25 (14 percent off): This handy little fan is a must-have if you life in a warm climate or have a tropical vacation planned anytime soon. It can be used as a table or handheld fan and even be worn around the neck so you don't have to hold it at all. Its 5,000 mAh battery allows it to last hours on a single charge, and the small display in the middle of the fan's blades show its remaining battery level. Leebin 2025 electric spin scrubber for $40 (43 percent off, Prime exclusive): This weird little scrubber makes cleaning my bathroom and shower much less of a pain. Just choose the brush head you need for your job and the rotating head takes care of most of the hard work. I love the adjustable handle, which extends from 12 to 50 inches so you can get into hard-to-reach places without breaking a sweat. Ring Video Doorbell for $50 (50 percent off): This is the most affordable Ring doorbell and it includes a battery that's rechargeable via USB-C. Once installed, it will send you alerts when motion is detected near your door, and you can use the Live View and two-way talk features to interact with visitors without opening your door. Monarch Money budgeting app (one year) for $50 (50 percent off with code MONARCHVIP): One of our favorite budgeting apps , Monarch Money gives you a lot of control over the organization of your funds. There's a helpful goals feature for when you're planning out big purchases or financial milestones you want to hit, and we found the month-in-review recap it provides to be more thorough than other budgeting apps we tried. There's even Zillow integration for folks looking to buy a home. Black Friday Apple deals Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $749 ($250 off): Our top pick for the best laptop you can get, the M4 MacBook Air will be plenty of power for most people in a convenient, premium package. It's thin and light as ever, with an excellent keyboard and trackpad, plus enough battery life to get you through a whole day of work, video calls and more. Apple Watch SE 3 for $200 ($50 off): The SE has been our top pick for the best Apple Watch for those on a budget, and the latest model only solidifies that further. It has the same chipset found in the latest flagship Apple Watches, fast-charging capabilities, an always-on display and most of the same activity-tracking features you'll find in more expensive model. Apple Mac Mini M4 for $499 ($100 off): Desktop users looking for an upgrade should consider the latest Mac Mini, which runs on the M4 chip and 16GB of RAM as standard in the base configuration. This version has a smaller design that takes up less space, front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack, plus Thunderbolt 5 support. Black Friday smart home and kitchen deals iRobot Roomba 104 Vac Robot Vacuum for $150 (40 percent off): This is an updated version of our favorite budget robot vacuum and it will make an excellent choice for anyone who has never used one of these devices before, or a gift for a new homeowner. Not only is the iRobot mobile app super easy to use, but this machine has strong suction power and good battery life, plus it will automatically return to its docking station when it needs a power-up. Ninja Dual-Zone air fryer (10-quart) for $180 (22 percent off): If you cook for large crowds on Thanksgiving and other occasions, this is the air fryer to get. Not only is it a large, 10-quart capacity model, but it also has two separate cooking areas. You can crisp up potatoes on one side and brussel sprouts on the other with no issues. Use the Smart Finish feature to cook two separate foods in different ways and have them both be done at the same time, or Match Cook to copy the cooking method in both chambers. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for $300 ($100 off): One of the most versatile air fryers out there, this Breville machine not only air fries, but also bakes, roasts, toasts, dehydrates, reheats and more. It also has a large capacity that can cook a 14-pound turkey or a tray of muffins with ease. Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $400 ($600 off): This is one of the best robot vacuums you can get, period. It doesn't have a self-emptying base, but its superior suction power almost makes up for that. It's one of the strongest robot vacuums I've ever tested, and it has excellent obstacle avoidance. The latter means you will rarely, if ever, have to attend to it getting caught on the edge of a carpet or getting stuck under a piece of furniture. If a cordless stick vacuum is what you're looking for, don't forget to check out all of the other Dyson Black Friday deals . Samsung 65-inch Frame Pro smart TV for $1,598 (24 percent off): The latest version of Samsung's art TV, the Frame Pro lets you show artwork on the screen when you're not watching a sports game or binge-watching your favorite show. It supports 4K content, VRR gaming at up to 4K 144Hz and runs on Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen3 processor. Also available at Best Buy . EcoFlow Black Friday deals get up to 80 percent off: Portable power stations are an investment, but they can be crucial pieces of tech during emergencies. The top pick from our friends at Yahoo Tech has been heavily discounted in this early Black Friday sale. You can pick up the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 for $1,400 off, down to $2,299, or the power station with an extra battery bundled in for $2,699 off, down to $3,599. More Black Friday tech deals Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 100W) for $92 (32 percent off): A top pick in our guide to the best power banks , this Anker brick is kind of a one-and-done device. It has enough capacity to charge all sorts of devices from smartphones to laptops to handheld gaming consoles, and it has two built-in USB-C cables so you don't even have to remember to bring your own to use it. Also available at Anker . SanDisk microSD Express card (256GB) for $60 (12 percent off): If you have a Switch 2, no regular microSD card will do if you want to expand the console's storage. You need a newer microSD Express card, and currently there are only a handful on the market. We did some testing to find the best microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and found that performance was, in general, very similar amongst all the readily available cards. We recommend getting whichever fits within your budget at the capacity you want. Meta Quest 3S VR headset for $250 ($50 off): We consider this to be the best VR headset for newbies or those on a budget. It's comfortable to wear for long sessions, has solid performance, comes with excellent controllers and you'll have access to a large app library with it. GoPro Hero 13 Black Extended Power Bundle for $349 ($150 off): This bundle gives you our favorite action cam plus three Enduro batteries, a dual battery charger, one adhesive mount, a 64GB SanDisk microSD card, two USB-C cables and more. It makes a great all-in-one gift for the budding videographer or aspiring influencer in your life, or a solid addition to your own camera kit. Also available at GoPro . Black Friday FAQs When is Black Friday 2025? Black Friday 2025 lands on November 28. Which stores have Black Friday deals? Many physical retail stores have Black Friday deals including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and others. Even more retailers have online Black Friday deals, including Amazon, GameStop, Costco and others. When do Black Friday sales start? Gone are the times when Black Friday sales were one-day-only affairs. Now, Black Friday deals are often available starting on Thanksgiving, or even earlier. Last year, we saw Black Friday deals online begin the week before Black Friday proper. When do Black Friday sales end? Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blended a lot over the past few years. Now, you can expect to see a good portion of Black Friday deals extend through the weekend and into Cyber Monday. It's not uncommon for Black Friday deals to expire at the end of Cyber Monday. Which retailers have the best Black Friday tech deals? The best Black Friday tech deals are typically available online at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target. It's also a good idea to check the store websites of the companies that make the products you want for example, if you're looking for a Sonos speaker, check the Sonos website on Black Friday. Most of the time, you'll find the best Black Friday tech deals are matched at multiple retailers. Does Apple have Black Friday sales? No, you will usually not find Black Friday sales at Apple stores or on Apple's website. However, you can find Black Friday deals on Apple devices elsewhere; we recommend checking Amazon, Best Buy and other big retailers for discounts on iPads, Apple Watches and more on Black Friday. Does Amazon have Black Friday sales? Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales. The online retailer's site will look similar to Prime Day on Black Friday, with discounts on all sorts of items from household essentials to fashion to tech. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/we-found-the-best-black-friday-2025-deals-on-tech-from-amazon-apple-lego-ninja-and-more-ahead-of-the-big-sale-100052689.html?src=rss

Amazon Autos now sells pre-owned Ford vehicles

Amazon Autos is offering a wider array of options starting today, as you can buy a pre-owned Ford vehicle through the platform. Folks in Los Angeles, Seattle and Dallas (and more markets in the future) can see whats available at a local dealer through Amazon's website, take care of most of the paperwork there and then pick a time to collect the automobile. Financing options are available too. Certified pre-owned vehicles that Ford dealers sell through Amazon Autos include a money-back guarantee. You can return the vehicle within 14 days or before you've driven it for 1,000 miles whichever of the two you'd reach first. There's a certification program for these pre-owned vehicles too. The gold certification process is for Ford vehicles that are less than six years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles on the clock. These are given a 172-point inspection and have a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. There's a separate program for Ford EVs with the same benchmarks, though electric vehicles undergo a 127-point inspection. The blue certified program is for Ford vehicles (and ones from other brands) that are less than a decade old and have driven fewer than 150,000 miles. These undergo a 139-point inspection and have a 90-day/4,000-mile warranty. Amazon Autos started offering used and certified pre-owned cars in August . The platform has been around for less than a year, as it debuted in December 2024 with Hyundai vehicles. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/amazon-autos-now-sells-pre-owned-ford-vehicles-153410092.html?src=rss

Pick up this entry-level Roomba robot vacuum for only $150 for Black Friday

You can already get a solid deal on a Roomba robot vacuum before Black Friday kicks off in earnest. iRobot's entry-level Roomba 104 Vac robot vacuum is available for 40 percent off right now, taking its normal $250 price 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/pick-up-this-entry-level-roomba-robot-vacuum-for-only-150-for-black-friday-191506087.html?src=rss

The first images from The Legend of Zelda movie are here

Over the weekend, unofficial videos from filming of Nintendos The Legend of Zelda film hit the internet , and now were getting our first proper look at Link and Zelda. Nintendo released three images in its Nintendo Today app today as part of a little teaser indicating that filming has officially commenced. One photo shows Link and Zelda with the lush backdrop of New Zealand behind them, while the others are close-ups on the characters themselves. There wasnt anything else to go with these photos besides the note that the film arrives on May 7, 2027 as previously announced. Link is played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, while while Bo Bragason stars as Zelda. Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. Nintendo Despite the minimal details, there are a few things worth noting here. One, Link is in his signature green tunic rather than the blue garb he primarily wears in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Zelda, on the other hand, is rocking the blue. So good luck figuring out what era of the game were in. In all likelihood, the movie wont stick to any one particular timeline or story but instead mash everything up to create a new entry that stands on its own. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. Nintendo Even more exciting is the fact that Zelda is armed with a bow, giving me hope that shell be more than just a damsel in distress. Its 2025, after all, and the titular character certainly deserves to smack down some moblins. Im sure were all eager for more details but given that filming has just started, were probably going to be waiting a while for a proper trailer. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-first-images-from-the-legend-of-zelda-movie-are-here-150309616.html?src=rss

SanDisk's microSD Express card for Switch 2 is cheaper than ever with this Black Friday deal

If you already picked up a Switch 2, you're probably looking for deals that can help you kit out your new console without spending too much money. While maybe not the most exciting thing, a microSD Express card will be a key component for long-term gaming bliss. SanDisk's 256GB microSD Express Card for the Switch 2 is on sale for the first time ahead of Black Friday, down to $60 right now. This model is also available in storage sizes of 128GB and 512GB, but at the moment, only the 256GB model has a discount. 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 128GB card is down to $40. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sandisks-microsd-express-card-for-switch-2-is-cheaper-than-ever-with-this-black-friday-deal-151331711.html?src=rss

The 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller is 39 percent off for Black Friday

Black Friday deals are starting to flood the internet. If you're starting to think about the gifts you have to pick up for everyone in your life, you may be able to save already on some of them including tech. One of the standout deals we've found so far is on the 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and Charging Dock . It's 39 percent off right now and down to $43 a new record-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/the-8bitdo-ultimate-controller-is-39-percent-off-for-black-friday-133023602.html?src=rss

The new Apple Watch SE 3 drops to a record-low price for Black Friday

The era of holiday shopping is coming 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. 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 high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3 , which you can snag for $100 off. The sale model comes with 64GB of storage, a 49mm screen and GPS and cellular service. Notably, it's also only available with the one size, adjustable band and in two colors: a Black titanium case with Black Ocean band and a natural titanium Case with Anchor Blue Ocean band. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 came out in early September and is one of the first smartwatches to support satellite communications . This feature means you can call, send messages or share your location with emergency services through the watch even if you don't have a connection. The new Ultra 3 also has a larger screen thanks to thinner bezels and a battery that can last for up to 42 hours. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-new-apple-watch-se-3-drops-to-a-record-low-price-for-black-friday-133057044.html?src=rss

Dyson Black Friday deals include $600 off the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Black Friday deals are starting to pop up across the web, and a great one to check out is at Dyson . While we still think you have the best shot to get the steepest discounts the closer to Black Friday we get, some of the discounts on Dyson's site right now are some of the best we've seen. One of those is $600 off the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum , which is down to a record low of $400. Dyson was pretty late to the robot-vacuum party, but its entry was (and remains) one of the strongest in the category . It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles like a self-emptying base or mopping capabilities, but it makes up for that by having probably the best suction power of any robovac we've tested. All kinds of debris will fall in its path: dirt, dust, food crumbs, pet hair and more. It also has excellent obstacle avoidance, so you'll rarely if ever have to dislodge it from getting stuck on the edge of a carpet or wedged in between furniture. Dyson's mobile app is easy to use as well, so if you're looking for a robot vacuum that does its main job incredibly well and you don't mind skipping on some extras, the 360 Vis Nav is a great option. Cordless vacuums are also a part of the sale. Take the Dyson V9 Motorbar cordless vacuum on sale for just $270 at both Dyson and Amazon , which is a discount of $330. That's more than half off. Dyson devices are all over our list of the best cordless vacuums , and for good reason. The company makes effective products. The V9 Motorbar has been designed to clean all floor types, in addition to upholstery. It's also been engineered to squeeze into tight spots, which is great for hitting those oft-neglected parts of the home. The suction power is on point and the battery lasts for 40 minutes before requiring a charge. That's just enough time to vacuum a standard-sized home if you don't stop for too many breaks. The V9 is getting a bit long-in-the-tooth. If you want a newer model, the V11 Extra is on sale for $400 , which is a discount of $260. This one boosts the suction power and increases the battery life to 60 minutes. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/dyson-black-friday-deals-include-600-off-the-360-vis-nav-robot-vacuum-173533374.html?src=rss

The best travel gifts for 2025

For as long as humans have traveled, they've carried gear with them to make long journeys easier. Airplanes may have made travel faster, but crossing states and countries can still be exhausting. If you have a friend or family member who loves exploring the world, they'll appreciate things that will save them stress when they're far from home. So let Engadget help you find the perfect gift for the person in your life with wanderlust. Best travel gifts Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-travel-gifts-for-2025-141009086.html?src=rss

For the Steam Machine to change PC gaming, Valve must solve Linux's anti-cheat problem

Following months of rumors, Valve finally announced the new Steam Machine earlier this week. And while I might question the company's decision to ship a system with only 8GB of VRAM in 2026, I believe the Gabecube will do more for PC gaming than anything Microsoft has done in the last decade. With SteamOS and Linux, Valve has polished away many of the things that make PC gaming unapproachable to some people. Want to set a frame limit to extend your Steam Deck's battery life? It's an easy-to-find option in the Performance overlay, not something you need to dig through multiple menus to find. Want to suspend a game? That's possible on SteamOS. And now with the Steam Machine, Valve is poised to bring the fun of PC gaming to an entirely new audience: home console gamers. Even though I don't plan to buy one, selfishly I hope it's a runaway success. Like a lot of PC gamers I imagine, I'm ready to leave Windows behind. Over the last few years, Microsoft has proven to be a poor steward of the platform. The company seems more interested in pushing AI features few care for , rather than solving the issues that have plagued Windows for years. After all, it was only recently that Microsoft said it would tackle shader stutter , a problem that has plagued many recent AAA games . Worse yet, that solution may take years to fully implement . I want the Steam Machine to be the revolution that brings SteamOS to desktop PCs, but before that can happen, Valve must solve Linux's cheating problem. Right now, the Steam Deck covers two of the three pillars of PC gaming: indies and singleplayer AAA games. For some people, that's enough, but it leaves out a huge section of the PC market. Nearly four years after its release, you can't play some of the most popular competitive games, and it's all because of how easy it is to make cheating software for Linux-based operating systems. In a 2024 interview with The Verge , Riot's Phillip Koskinas summarized the issue concisely. You can freely manipulate the kernel, and theres no user mode calls to attest that its even genuine, he told the outlet. You could make a Linux distribution thats purpose-built for cheating and wed be smoked. When Valve released the Steam Deck at the start of 2022, there was some hope games like Fortnite and Rainbow Six Siege would eventually be playable on the handheld, and for a while things looked positive. Toward the end of 2021, Valve announced Proton compatibility with BattlEye. A few months later, the company did the same for Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat . There's also Valve's in-house solution, VAC, which is fully supported and means the company's own games, including Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, are playable on Steam Deck. However, despite Valve's support for some of the most popular anti-cheat solutions on the market, many studios chose not to bring their competitive games to SteamOS, citing cheating concerns. Some notable examples include Fortnite , Valorant and PUBG . Those games have never been playable on Steam Deck. In fact, last fall EA withdrew Linux and Steam Deck support for Apex Legends , one of the few competitive shooters you could play on Valve's handheld. In our efforts to combat cheating in Apex , weve identified Linux OS as being a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats. As a result, weve decided to block Linux OS access to the game, the company said at the time. We believe the decision will meaningfully reduce instances of cheating in our game. For EA, Riot, Epic and developers of other popular competitive games, the issue is two-fold: Cheating software is harder to detect when it's used on Linux. More importantly, for many of them there aren't enough Linux players to justify the resources needed to secure their games for every Linux distribution. For example, when Riot made its Vanguard software a requirement to play League of Legends in 2024 , the studio said there were just over 800 daily users playing the game on Linux. For context, millions of people League every day. Put another way, it's a chicken and egg problem. The Steam Machine represents an opportunity for Valve. According to Are We Anti-Cheat Yet , a crowd-sourced database listing games that require anti-cheat software and whether they work through Linux or Valve's Proton compatibility layer, 682 games don't work for one reason or another. That means more than half of the 1,136 games that require anti-cheat software can't be played on SteamOS. With the nature of Linux being what it is, it's unlikely Valve could make even the most popular kernel-level anti-cheat apps work across every Linux distribution, and based on the company's approach, it doesn't have an interest in doing that. However, if Valve made a better sandbox for developers to secure their games, we could absolutely see a SteamOS version of Valorant , for instance. Studios will go where their players are. The Steam Deck has proven that. And if the Steam Machine becomes popular enough to warrant companies like EA to bring their games to SteamOS and Linux, the PC gaming landscape will suddenly be very different. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/for-the-steam-machine-to-change-pc-gaming-valve-must-solve-linuxs-anti-cheat-problem-130000088.html?src=rss