Microsoft brings the Xbox Ally X's full screen experience to other handhelds

A major selling point of the Xbox Ally and Ally X is that they ship with a full screen version of Windows that plays nice with handheld PCs. As part of the company's recent Xbox Partner Showcase , Microsoft has announced that the Windows full screen experience or FSE is finally rolling out to all other Windows 11 handhelds starting November 21. For the most part, FSE lets you live inside a touch and controller-friendly version of the Xbox PC app, rather than the normal Windows desktop. The launcher collects games from a multitude of game marketplaces like Steam and the Epic Games Store, and gives you easy access to Game Pass, if you subscribe. As part of Microsoft's customizations, FSE also uses less resources, and offers simpler ways to switch between apps and setup Windows for the first time. All of these tweaks are supposed to make using Windows easier without a mouse and keyboard, and closer to what you'd get from a console. In comparison to SteamOS , which has gone through countless updates since Valve launched it alongside the Steam Deck in 2022, FSE still has a long way to go, but pushing the software to more devices could force Microsoft to iterate quickly. While PC handheld owners will reap the benefits of these improvements first, Microsoft's announcement also mentions the company plans to bring the experience to more Windows 11 PC form factors through the Xbox and Windows Insider programs soon. That could lend further credence to reports that the company plans to make the next Xbox an expensive PC rather than a traditional game console. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/microsoft-brings-the-xbox-ally-xs-full-screen-experience-to-other-handhelds-211500288.html?src=rss

ChatGPT group chats roll out to everyone

After what was apparently a successful testing period, OpenAI has announced that it is rolling out group chats in ChatGPT to all logged-in users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans globally over the coming days. The company first started testing a way to collaborate with peers directly inside ChatGPT around a week ago in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan. Once you start a chat in ChatGPT you can invite other people to join (up to 20 in a chat), either with their existing ChatGPT account, or one they make after clicking the invite link. Beyond being able to prompt ChatGPT together and react to each other's messages, the features of group chats appear to be deliberately limited. OpenAI says that the content of group chats aren't stored in ChatGPT's memory, and any person can be removed from a chat by any person, save for the creator. Group chats in ChatGPT are now rolling out globally. After a successful pilot with early testers, group chats will now be available to all logged-in users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans. pic.twitter.com/vOWddj3vGy OpenAI (@OpenAI) November 20, 2025 OpenAI was reportedly working on its own version of a text-based social media feed in April. That X competitor has yet to materialize, but the company has brushed up against social features in other ways. For example, the Sora app that OpenAI launched in September competes directly with TikTok in terms of form and its ability to provide passive entertainment. Group chats in ChatGPT might not replace an app like Messenger, but it does offer a similar AI messaging experience to what Meta's been playing with in Instagram , and its using a chatbot the average person likes a lot more. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/chatgpt-group-chats-roll-out-to-everyone-202038918.html?src=rss

Meta ordered to pay 479 million to Spanish media outlets

Stop me if you've heard this one before: Meta has been fined for unlawfully processing user data to gain a market advantage . On Thursday, Reuters reported that a Madrid court ordered the company to pay 479 million ($552 million) in damages to 87 Spanish media outlets. The fine stems from the company changing its legal grounds for harvesting personal data after new regulations took effect. The court found that Meta's data collection practices violated the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and, by extension, Spanish antitrust law. After the GDPR took effect in 2018, the company changed its legal grounds for collecting data on Facebook and Instagram from user consent to necessity for the performance of a contract. Regulators later ruled against that justification, and Meta reverted to user consent as its basis in 2023. But Spanish digital media outlets sued for damages, leading to today's fine. The court ruled that Meta gained a significant competitive advantage by processing user data that way. The court calculated the penalty as a percentage of the company's ad revenue over the five years it used the unlawful rationale. The illicit treatment of this enormous quantity of personal data meant Meta had an advantage that Spanish online media could not match, the Madrid court wrote in a statement (via The Associated Press ). Meta's actions harmed the online advertising revenues of Spanish digital media outlets. Meta contested the penalty and says it will appeal. This is a baseless claim that lacks any evidence of alleged harm and wilfully ignores how the online advertising industry works, the company wrote in a statement to Reuters . Meta complies with all applicable laws and has provided clear choices, transparent information and given users a range of tools to control their experience on our services. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/meta-ordered-to-pay-%E2%82%AC479-million-to-spanish-media-outlets-201000460.html?src=rss

The engrossing CloverPit suddenly lands on Xbox and Game Pass

CloverPit is one of my favorite games of the year so far , and it just arrived on Xbox without prior notice. As revealed during Thursdays Xbox partner showcase , Panik Arcades nightmarish take on the ills of capitalism and gambling is out now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. You can play CloverPit via the cloud or the Xbox PC app too, as its on Game Pass Ultimate and Premium as well as PC Game Pass. On the surface, the game is pretty simple. Youre locked in a rusty room that looks like something out of Silent Hill 2 . There are only two ways out: through the door or into a pit. Youll plummet into the latter if you fail to pay off your rapidly-increasing debt. Youll be using a slot machine to try to earn enough money to keep your run going. As you do with poker hands in Balatro , the whole idea is to bend the rules of the slot machine in your favor using an array of totems and other perks (the developers say they dont actually like gambling). There are more than 150 items to experiment with. As in many roguelites, finding synergy between them is key. CloverPit is a blast. Figuring out a great combination of items and swapping others in as needed is what the game is really all about. Theres nothing quite like going from getting a few coins on a single spin to millions in no time at all. Panik Arcade nailed the one-more-run feeling thats core to a good roguelite. Its not much of a surprise that the studio and publisher Future Friends Games have sold more than a million copies of the game on Steam in just a few months, and now console and cloud players can see what all the fuss is about. Panik Arcade also took the opportunity to tease a CloverPit expansion, which is coming soon on Xbox and Steam . Matteo Gonano, one of the games two developers wrote in an Xbox Wire post that the Unholy Fusion DLC will let players combine charms in wild, experimental ways to create brand-new synergies and chaotic new combos. Its both an expansion and an invitation to break the game all over again! I thought I had broken free from this dopamine generator. I thought Id have a lot more time to check out all of the other games I want to. But as soon as that DLC drops Ill be diving right back into CloverPit , ready to hear that lets go gambling! voice line many, many more times. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-engrossing-cloverpit-suddenly-lands-on-xbox-and-game-pass-200500902.html?src=rss

The 12 best retro gaming gifts for the 2025 holidays

As the future of physical media looks increasingly grim, it feels like more and more gaming enthusiasts are turning to the classics, back to a time when buying a game meant actually owning it, and the games themselves were more willing to be complete thoughts rather than endless services. If you know someone who has fallen down the old-games rabbit hole, weve rounded up a few retro-themed gift ideas that should delight this holiday season, from video upscalers to portable consoles to vintage wall art. Best retro gaming gifts FAQs Why do people buy retro games? Because theyre fun! Or because video game companies have generally had a spotty record of preserving their own history and (legally) saving art, even in a minuscule way, is important. Or because, deep down, collectors just want to stave off the ceaseless march of time and hang onto any way to relive their youth before it dissipates for good. Or because theyre jaded with modern game design and crave shorter, more distinct or altogether different experiences that arent being served by todays market. Or because they want to flip the games they collect for a quick buck on eBay. Or because well, you get the idea. J.D. Why is retro gaming so expensive? To put it simply: supply and demand. Companies arent making old games and consoles any more, yet a growing number of gaming enthusiasts want them. And as retro game collecting has grown more popular, sellers have become more acutely aware of how high they can price their goods. Not every retro game costs an arm and a leg, however: Popular games from relatively recent consoles are usually more affordable than lesser-selling titles for older hardware, and you can still find a good bargain every now and then by digging through local yard sales, individual eBay sellers and the like. J.D. Are retro games a good investment? It depends on how you define good. Is it a good idea to buy a bunch of old games in the hopes that their value will skyrocket and make you a tidy profit? No, theres little rhyme or reason to determining exactly which games will shoot up in value and by how much. There are much safer ways to invest if all you care about are financial returns. Is it a good idea to drop a bunch of cash on 40-year-old video games if you have pressing financial responsibilities? Probably not! But hey, its your life. If collecting retro games makes you happy, and you can budget for them within reason, thats a good thing. Have fun. J.D. What qualifies as a retro game? Theres no set definition for when a video game becomes retro. Personally, I think of it as any game thats at least 10 years old and was originally released on a console thats two or more generations old (or, for PC games, during that generation). But many others would stretch the timeline back farther, and the growing advent of live service games has complicated things. For instance, Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013, while World of Warcraft arrived in 2004 are those retro games when millions of people still play them today? Maybe not. With games from the 90s or earlier, though, the distinction is clearer. J.D. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-12-best-retro-gaming-gifts-for-the-2025-holidays-140016618.html?src=rss

Total Chaos, which started life as a Doom II mod, is now out for Xbox, PS5 and PC

The survival horror game Total Chaos has been in development for years and it's finally available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC . Incidentally, this a Game Pass release if you're hankering to spend $30 a month . The launch announcement was made during a recent Xbox Partner Showcase . This is an interesting title for a number of reasons. First of all, it's absolutely dripping with style. The art direction seems plucked right out of the Alan Wake universe. It also seems to have something akin to an insanity mechanic, which reminds me of recent games like Dredge and not-so-recent games like Eternal Darkness . It's a survival horror title set in a creepy old fort, so that tracks. The developer also made Turbo Overkill , which was a well-liked FPS with retro vibes . Total Chaos actually started its life as a Doom II mod, so releasing as a standalone title on gaming consoles is a legit flex. The soundtrack was composed by Akira Yamaoka, who made the music for many of the Silent Hill games. It's likely to include some terrifying bangers. The game is available on the Xbox Store, the Microsoft Store for PC, PlayStation and Steam. It costs $25, but there are some introductory sales right now. Again, it's also playable on Game Pass. Update, November 20, 4:20PM ET: This story was updated after publishing to include information on the games launch on PS5. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/total-chaos-which-started-life-as-a-doom-ii-mod-is-now-out-for-xbox-ps5-and-pc-194508861.html?src=rss

Reanimal will arrive just in time for a spooky Valentine's Day

Co-op horror game Reanimal will be released on February 13, 2026. If you simply can't wait until Valentine's Day to have an eerie experience with a fellow horror-loving person, you can check out a demo that dropped today. The announcement was part of the Xbox Partner Preview showcase, but you can also try the demo on PC and PlayStation 5. We got a first glimpse at the next creepy creation from Tarsier Games, which made the first two installments of the Little Nightmares games, last year during Gamescom Opening Night. With Reanimal, players will need to work together to navigate dangerous terrain and escape a very unpleasant-looking island. This team has a great sense for how to create dread from the clever use of scale and proportion, as the two tiny children try to survive whatever spooky situation they've been pushed into. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/reanimal-will-arrive-just-in-time-for-a-spooky-valentines-day-191523944.html?src=rss

Google's Nano Banana Pro image generator leverages Gemini 3 for improved visuals and text rendering

Google just unveiled its Nano Banana Pro image generation platform , which is also going by the name Gemini 3 Pro Image. The company promises this is an improvement over previous versions of the software in nearly every way. Google says it will turn your visions into studio-quality designs with unprecedented control, flawless text rendering and enhanced world knowledge. The text rendering portion seems to have gotten a big upgrade here, as Nano Banana Pro can create context-rich infographics and diagrams. The software can render legible text on top of a pre-existing image, making it a good option for generating posters and stuff like that. Google says that this feature is available in multiple languages. Google Google also says it can blend multiple elements into a single composition, with the ability to use up to 14 images at once. There are plenty of new editing controls. Users can select and edit any part of a created image. This can be used to adjust camera angles, change focus, adjust the color grade and even swap out the lighting from day to night. Images created with Nano Banana Pro will have C2PA metadata embedded. This should, in time, make it easier to spot generative AI or deepfakes out there in the world. We'll have to see how that plays out. TikTok recently announced it would be using this metadata to better label AI-generated content , of which it currently does a very bad job at . Nano Banana Pro is actually free to use. Free users are limited to a daily quota of images, with the number expanding for Google AI, Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers. Just open up the Gemini app and create an image, but be sure to use the Thinking model. It's also available in Search and NotebookLM for some subscribers. This is all part of the recently-launched Gemini 3 model . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-nano-banana-pro-image-generator-leverages-gemini-3-for-improved-visuals-and-text-rendering-185505073.html?src=rss

Perplexity's Comet AI browser is now on Android

Perplexity is continuing the rollout of its AI browser to more users. Comet is now available to download for Android mobile devices from the Google Play Store. Comet initially debuted this summer only to Perplexity's high-rolling subscribers on the $200-a-month Pro plan, but it expanded access to all users last month. It's free on Android as it now is on other platforms, and has many of the same features as the desktop version. The mobile option has access to Perplexity's AI assistant, and it can summarize searches or be interacted with by voice. Perplexity has been forthright about its goals of launching a browser as a way to collect customer data so it can more effectively target ads, and it's not the only artificial intelligence company or tech company trying to integrate AI into the browsing experience. These efforts have already drawn complaints from Amazon , particularly around AI in shopping, but they could yield big paydays for scammers . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/perplexitys-comet-ai-browser-is-now-on-android-184500885.html?src=rss

A Vampire Survivors roguelike deckbuilder spinoff is coming in 2026

Poncle has been pretty darn busy lately. Along with greenlighting a licensed Warhammer take on Vampire Survivors , bringing a VR version of the original game to the world and working on crossover expansions , the studio is making a brand-new game. Vampire Crawlers is a Vampire Survivors spinoff. Rather than running around the map to collect gems to level up and unlock or upgrade auto-firing weapons, Vampire Crawlers has a different format. Its a dungeon-crawling roguelike deckbuilder. Its set in the same world as Vampire Survivors and each of the playable characters is in the original game. Youll put together decks of attacks and other abilities to help you on your journeys through dungeons. Theres a card customization feature too. Development of Vampire Crawlers started soon after Vampire Survivors hit early access and blew up in 2021. Poncle founder and CEO Luca Galante told Xbox Wire that this is hopefully the first in a series of spinoffs in which the idea is to take some of the core pillars behind the development of VS and to apply them to existing genres. Galante hinted that a Vampire Survivors sequel is in the works too. Vampire Crawlers is expected to arrive in 2026. Itll be available on Steam, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS. The game will debut on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/a-vampire-survivors-roguelike-deckbuilder-spinoff-is-coming-in-2026-183841289.html?src=rss

Qualcomm promises better gaming performance with latest Windows on Snapdragon update

Remember way back in 2024, when Qualcomm said most x86 Windows games would run smoothly on its Arm chipsets ? Well, those promises were, shall we say, a bit premature. But with this week's launch of the Snapdragon Control Panel (along with other updates), the company says things are finally looking up for Snapdragon X Elite laptop owners. Alongside the launch of faster new chips, Qualcomm has made some quality-of-life improvements on the software end. Chief among them is this week's arrival of the Snapdragon Control Panel: the company's answer to NVIDIA and AMD's GPU tools. Like those apps, the Snapdragon software includes familiar features like automatic game detection, per-game settings and Adreno GPU driver updates. On that note, Qualcomm says its drivers have squashed bugs and boosted performance for over 100 games since last year. Qualcomm The crucial x86 emulation layer has also gotten some love. Microsoft's Prism Emulator now supports Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) x86 emulation on Qualcomm chips. Meanwhile, the more advanced AVX2 will be supported out of the box on upcoming Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops . (Expect to hear more about those at CES.) Current Snapdragon X Series devices will receive the update in the coming weeks. One Windows gaming obstacle Qualcomm acknowledged last year was kernel-level anti-cheat tech. At the time, multiplayer games that relied on it simply wouldn't work on its devices. But as part of its gaming announcements this week, Qualcomm highlighted Fortnite 's availability. That's thanks to Epic Online Services Anti-Cheat support. Qualcomm says it's also working with leading anti-cheat providers to add wider multiplayer support. That includes anti-cheat tech from Tencent, Roblox and more. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/qualcomm-promises-better-gaming-performance-with-latest-windows-on-snapdragon-update-183529616.html?src=rss

Android Quick Share now works with Apple's AirDrop feature on Pixel 10 phones

Count this as the latest unexpected detente between Apple and Google. Today, Google announced that the Pixel 10 series of phones can use Android Quick Share with the iPhones AirDrop feature, meaning itll be much easier to shoot files and photos between the two platforms. While this feature is currently limited to Pixel 10 series phones, Google says it is looking to expand the feature to other devices. Google dropped details on how it made this work from a privacy and security standpoint in its technical blog if you want to get into the nitty-gritty. But it certainly sounds as if Google did this on its own without any input from Apple. We accomplished this through our own implementation, Alex Moriconi from Google told Engadget. Our implementation was thoroughly vetted by our own privacy and security teams, and we also engaged a third party security firm to pentest the solution. But functionally, it sounds like this will work the same as Quick Share currently does. The receiving Apple device (this will work with iPads and Macs as well as iPhones) needs to set their Airdrop visibility preferences to anyone for 10 minutes. This means that people outside of your contact list will be able to initiate an AirDrop or Quick Share transfer. From there, the Pixel 10 user should be able to see the receiving Apple device when they go to share things via Quick Share as normal. Google also notes that Android devices can receive files from Apple devices that are using AirDrop. Theyll just need to make sure their Quick Share visibility settings are similarly set to everyone for 10 minutes or that theyre in receive mode on the Quick Share page. Its not clear if Apple was involved in making this new feature work or if Google did this all on its own. Apple hasnt released a corresponding post on its own newsroom. If Apple wasnt involved, the obvious question is whethere or not theyll treat this as a security breach and release a software update that undos Googles work. And if they do, its entirely possible that were going to head down another long road of the companys bickering about security versus openness. Weve reached out to Apple to get more details and will update this post if we learn anything. Update, November 20, 2025, 1:27PM ET: Added a statement from Google. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/android-quick-share-now-works-with-apples-airdrop-feature-on-pixel-10-phones-173646458.html?src=rss

Trump administration may use federal agencies to fight state-level AI regulation

The Trump administration has drafted an executive order that would effectively block states from enacting their own AI regulations. According to a draft document obtained by Politico , the effort would entail a multifaceted approach including an AI Litigation Task Force run by the DOJ. This indicates the president has not wavered in his desire to eschew federalism in favor of a more centralized power structure around artificial intelligence. This past summer, the administration released its AI Action Plan , which, among other things , recommends that the Federal government should not allow AI-related Federal funding to be directed toward states with burdensome AI regulations. While it also adds that the government should not interfere with states rights to pass prudent laws that are not unduly restrictive to innovation, this runs counter to some actions coming from the White House. Senator Ted Cruz, at the behest of the president, tried to add a 10-year moratorium on states AI regulation to the President's One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed this summer. This amendment was ultimately voted down by the Senate 99-1. The issue is heating up again as the president took to Truth Social to say that overregulation by the States would undermine the US economy and lead to Woke AI. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on X that no such moratorium should be put in place, and said states rights and federalism must be preserved. Politico reports that the administration is likely to try and insert a regulation moratorium again in the year-end annual defense bill. The administration seems convinced that a patchwork of varying regulations around the country would prove too onerous in the race for global AI dominance, and seeks to use every lever of federal power to prevent one. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/trump-administration-may-use-federal-agencies-to-fight-state-level-ai-regulation-182514317.html?src=rss

New Chromebooks now come with a year of priority GeForce Now access

The rise of cloud-based streaming for games has made it possible to play plenty of high-profile games on Chromebooks not natively, but when youre using a primarily web-based platform youll take what you can get. As of today, Googles making it easier for new Chromebook buyers to play games right out of the box. Anyone who buys a Chromebook will get 12 months of access to GeForce Now, NVIDIAs cloud-streaming service that lets you access games you own on platforms like Steam, Xbox and so forth. Its not just the standard GeForce Now access, either. Google says this new Fast Pass tier has no ads and lets Chromebook users skip the queues that free members have to wait in. Of course, there are some restrictions: this plan only provides 10 hours of gameplay a a month. Since GeForce Now already has a free tier, I presume that after the 10 hours is up youll just get dropped down to that experience, which removes priority queue access, has ads and limits you to one-hour sessions. Youre also capped at 1080p and 60 fps, but that should be fine for most Chromebooks. This is the latest attempt by Google to inject some gaming life into the Chromebook platform. A few years ago, some of Googles hardware partners released Chromebook models built with cloud-based gaming in mind , and Google also was working on bringing Steam to Chrome OS. Even though Steam worked pretty well, Google has reportedly decided to nix the project going forward. And I havent heard much about the Chromebooks for gaming initiative recently either but that matters less if any Chromebook with decent specs can take advantage of services like GeForce Now. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/new-chromebooks-now-come-with-a-year-of-priority-geforce-now-access-181708311.html?src=rss

Dave the Diver is now available on Xbox

Dave the Diver , the smash hit adventure RPG/management hybrid, is finally available on Xbox. The game, about an intrepid scuba diver named Dave who splits his time between underwater adventuring and serving sushi in a local restaurant, started as a PC exclusive in 2023, but has since made its way to Switch, Switch 2, PS4 and PS5. Only Xbox remained, but its here now, along with all DLC released to date. Since launch, developer Mintrocket has added to the lengthy base game campaign with a number of expansions, including a tie-in with fellow fishing game Dredge , and a Godzilla crossover. Ichiban Kasuga from the Like a Dragon series has also made an appearance in the Blue Hole, because why not? The upcoming 'Into the Jungle' DLC was delayed to early 2026 back in the summer, but Mintrocket has given us a sneak peek at what it promises is Dave the Diver s biggest expansion yet in a new trailer for the Xbox launch. The very meta trailer also shows Dave playing his own game on a ROG Xbox Ally X while at sea. (Technically he could already have done that via Steam but it's still a nice touch.) If you havent played Dave the Diver before, its almost impossible to do the game justice with a brief summary. The core loop sees you diving for fish during the day, which you obediently bring to the chef at the sushi joint you moonlight at for preparation. But thats barely scratching the surface. The eponymous diver also battles sea monsters, runs errands for a secret underwater civilization and eventually manages his own farm. Not content with simply being an RPG and a management sim, Dave the Diver is crammed with mini-games and genre diversions that consistently surprise you. Its frequently bonkers, but it works. Now its on Xbox which includes Xbox One as well as Xbox Series X|S you can play one of our best games of 2023 award-winners on virtually everything, so you no longer have any excuses. The PS5 and Switch 2 are also getting a physical release in 2026, which will include the latest DLC. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/dave-the-diver-is-now-available-on-xbox-180651483.html?src=rss

Black Friday subscription deals 2025: Early sales on Fubo, Rosetta Stone, Headspace and more

These days, Black Friday is the longest day of the year. We're only halfway through November, but amazing deals are already popping up for some of our favorite subscription services. This is a great time to lock in a long-term deal on a streaming platform, but there's even more to explore beyond that, from a big discount on Quicken (which you can use to chart all the money you're saving) and one of the best offers I've ever seen for DeleteMe (which cleans your personal data off the internet while you kick back with your new Amazon Prime Video subscription). We'll update this list for the rest of the month as new deals go live. Best Black Friday subscription deals Quicken Simplifi (one year) for $36 (50 percent off) : We named Quicken Simplifi the best budgeting app this year largely because it lives up to its name. This is the cleanest budgeting app on the market, with an interface designed to welcome newcomers and no key information more than a scroll away. It's also cheap, especially with this Black Friday deal , and very good at detecting and categorizing your important transactions. Monarch Money (one year) for $50 (50 percent off with code MONARCHVIP) : Monarch Money, our other favorite budgeting app, is giving new users half off for Black Friday . It's a little more complex than Quicken Simplifi, but it also gives you finer-grained control, including detailed reporting, balance sheets and instant graphs. The standout goals feature lets you establish savings and wealth baselines that feel amazing when you hit them. Rosetta Stone Lifetime Unlimited subscription for $149 (60 percent off) : Rosetta Stone was pioneering visual language courses back when software still came in boxes, and it's still one of the best language learning apps . Today, its method works as well as ever, with patient learning based on pictures, terms and recordings. This deal gets you a full lifetime subscription with access to all 25 languages in the library. Audible (three months) for $3 (80 percent off) : For literally $1 per month , you can get access to Audible's enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live performances). It's only three months, after which you'll have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but an audiobibliophile can cram a lot of listening into 90 days. Headspace (one year) for $35 (50 percent off) : Out of all the meditation apps available, Headspace is our favorite . It doesn't just help you relax and de-stress, but also teaches you to practice meditation as a skill, with sessions building on each other in organized courses. There's a massive library of standalone guided meditations with all kinds of instructors, and it's easy to search for the ones that work best for you. This deal gives you half off a full year . Calm Premium (one year) for $40 (50 percent off) : Once you've finished your Headspace meditation, head over to Calm for every other stress-relieving activity you can think of. This packed subscription gives you a huge library of relaxing content, from music and restful soundscapes to its popular sleep stories with celebrity narrators telling bedtime stories for children and adults alike. If you've ever wanted to be lulled to sleep by Harry Styles, Matthew McConaughey or Idris Elba, this app is for you. 1Password (one year) for $24 (50 percent off) : Using a password manager is one of the most important cybersecurity steps you can take right now . 1Password generates strong, unique passwords for every account, then saves them to autofill when you need them. We named it the best password manager in honor of its well-designed user interface and cross-platform compatibility. Adobe Creative Cloud (one year) for $420 (50 percent off) : Creative Cloud is Adobe's most comprehensive design package, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere and over 20 other apps. Whip up a website with Dreamweaver, paint on a digital canvas with Fresco or edit photos in Lightroom. It's a pretty steep cost for an individual, but puts a one-year subscription well within reach of a creative business. Best Black Friday streaming deals Plex (lifetime pass) for $150 (40 percent off) : Plex offers personal media servers you can use to organize your digital collection imagine your own curated Netflix homepage that nothing ever vanishes from. It's also a streaming platform in its own right, with movies and TV from all genres and eras. Plex did just raise its prices , so now's your chance to get a lifetime pass for close to what it used to cost. Sling TV Orange Day Pass for $1 (80 percent off) : Sling TV is one of the best live streaming services , and has one of streaming TV's most unique deals: a commitment-free day pass that lets you stream whatever you want for 24 hours, including cable channels and exclusive sports. Normally, a day pass costs $5, but this Black Friday deal knocks that all the way down to $1. Walmart+ (one year) for $49 (50 percent off) : No, Walmart hasn't started its own streaming platform, but it would probably have some pretty great drama. What you do get with Walmart+ is free shipping on carts over $35, exclusive deals, drone delivery in some cities and more. And if you did come here for streaming, Walmart+ also comes with your choice of Peacock Premium of Paramount+ Essential (we recommend Peacock Premium because it's more expensive on its own). Best VPN deals for Black Friday Surfshark Starter (27 months) for $53.73 (87 percent off) : According to the tests we ran for our latest review , Surfshark is the fastest VPN right now, with its download speeds, upload speeds and latencies all beating out competitors. It has more to offer beyond speed, too, as it's able to constantly rotate your IP address and generate double VPN paths between any two servers you choose. NordVPN Basic (27 months) for $80.73 (74 percent off) : NordVPN got very positive marks in our last review , where we called out its fast internet speeds, wide network of server locations and selection of exclusive features. It comes with a range of dedicated servers for obfuscation, onion routing, torrenting and more. Plus, it's one of the first VPNs getting a jump on post-quantum encryption. CyberGhost VPN (28 months) for $56.84 (84 percent off) : CyberGhost is always cheap in fact, we named it the best budget VPN but it's never behaved like an economy option. Its Smart Rules automation controls are the deepest in the industry, and its server network reaches 100 countries. Speeds are also quite good, though connections occasionally take a moment to establish. Private Internet Access VPN (40 months) for $79.20 (83 percent off) : Although we weren't wholly positive about Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) in our recent review , we can't deny it's a worthwhile choice for an affordable VPN. Although speeds can fluctuate, it comes with lots of desirable features on all platforms, like port forwarding (which makes torrents more stable) and two kinds of split tunneling. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-subscription-deals-2025-early-sales-on-fubo-rosetta-stone-headspace-and-more-180000874.html?src=rss

Spotify now includes a built-in tool for importing your playlists from other services

Spotify definitely wants you to only use Spotify for streaming music, but its willing to admit that you might have used another service in the past. Those people can now more easily import their playlists into the Spotify app, thanks to its latest integration with TuneMyMusic . Available through Spotify mobile users and rolling out globally from today, you can access the new feature through Your Library in the Spotify app. Scroll to the bottom and youll see an option to import your music by connecting to TuneMyMusic (it looks like it boots you into your browser at this stage) and choosing the service you want to transfer from. Apple Music already lets you do something similar directly from within your settings on an iPhone, iPad or Android device, or through the web. TuneMyMusic supports transfers into Spotify from a wide range of streaming platforms, including Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and Tidal. You wont lose your playlists in the source location. Itll just copy them over so they appear in your Spotify library. If you arent already aware, Spotify lets you customize playlists in a number of ways, from inviting friends to add their own songs, to designing the cover art yourself. So if youve been considering a jump from elsewhere, this new feature should make the transition a little easier. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/spotify-now-includes-a-built-in-tool-for-importing-your-playlists-from-other-services-175100343.html?src=rss

Black Friday Apple deals: AirPods 4 are on sale for their lowest price ever

Apple's AirPods 4 have dropped back down to a record low price in an Amazon Black Friday deal. If you aren't looking for active noise cancellation, the model without ANC is a steal at 34 percent off, bringing it down to just $85 from its usual price of $130. The Apple AirPods 4 are the best budget AirPods you can get in 2025, with Apple's H2 audio chip to support some of the more advanced audio features from more expensive models. They offer Voice Isolation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and more. If you get the model without active noise cancellation, you won't have features like Transparency Mode and Conversation Awareness, or Apple's hearing health tools. But, the entry-level model still offers great sound quality for the price. This model also features the redesigned shape, which makes for a more comfortable and secure fit so you don't have to worry about them falling out of your ears. A force sensor on the stem allows for basic touch controls, including play and pause, play next track, previous track and answer a call. You can also summon Siri by pressing and holding the stem. You can expect to get up to 5 hours of battery life on a charge with the non-ANC model, and up to 30 hours using the USB-C charging case. Elsewhere when it comes to Black Friday AirPods deals, you can pick up the AirPods 4 with ANC for only $110, and the new AirPods Pro 3 for $220. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-apple-deals-airpods-4-are-on-sale-for-their-lowest-price-ever-162917197.html?src=rss

Uber Eats will use Starship robots in the UK to make deliveries

Uber Eats has announced it'll soon start using Starship robots to complete food deliveries in certain parts of the UK, beginning in the Leeds and Sheffield areas. These little robo-couriers will only be able to handle deliveries from select merchants for the time being. The robots won't accept tips, for obvious reasons, but customers can still rate their experience via the app. We aren't sure what happens to a particular robot with enough bad ratings. Maybe it gets sent to a farm in the countryside somewhere. The service launches in December and the platform says it'll share more information at that date. Uber Eats also says it plans on expanding the operating territory in the near future. To that end, Starship robots are coming to additional European markets in 2026 and more US markets in 2027. This isn't Uber's first foray into robot deliveries. Uber Eats has used robots from Serve Robotics and Avride in the past to deliver food. As for Starship, these diminutive delivery robots have actually been around since 2018 . The company says there are currently around 3,000 robots in operation across the world in more than 270 different locations. They can be found at several college campuses, including Purdue University and George Mason . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/uber-eats-will-use-starship-robots-in-the-uk-to-make-deliveries-171928694.html?src=rss

WhatsApp is bringing back its very first feature

WhatsApp is going back to the past for its latest feature. In fact, its going all the way back, because its reviving the very first WhatsApp feature. You can think of About (the creators were really not very good at naming things, huh?) as a status update or WhatsApps version of an AIM away message. Its designed to let your contacts know at a glance what youve got going on, such as something thats keeping you busy and might make you slow to respond to messages. The About message appears on both your profile and at the top of one-on-one chats. By default, the About message will vanish after 24 hours, but you can set it to vanish earlier or stick around for longer. You can do this by going to the set about option in the WhatsApp settings. You also have control over who is able to see your About message you can restrict it to your contacts or allow anyone to view it from your profile. This is a handy little update that apes the notes feature in sibling apps Instagram and Facebook. WhatsApp is starting to roll About (back) out to all users on mobile devices this week. Illustration of the About feature in WhatsApp Meta This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/whatsapp-is-bringing-back-its-very-first-feature-170100513.html?src=rss

Gemini arrives on Android Auto

Google is gradually replacing the outgoing Assistant with Gemini in all of its apps, and now its the turn of Android Auto. In the next few months, any Android users who have made the jump to Gemini on their phones will be able to interact with the next-generation AI assistant while driving using natural language. The Gemini-ification of Google Maps has already happened, and its new features are also coming to Android Auto. You can do things like ask the AI about restaurants that serve a specific cuisine on your current route, and ask follow-up questions about the menu or its proximity to your destination. From there, Maps can guide you to the restaurant. Gemini lets you ask questions as you would when talking to another human, which theoretically means you can focus more on the road and less on how to construct a prompt that it will understand. The same applies to sending messages while driving. Where before, youd have to say exactly what you wanted to write. You can just give the AI the gist and it will use the relevant information, such as your ETA if youre meeting someone, and it can add extra details if requested without you needing to restart the message from scratch. Gemini will also summarize grouped messages. Gemini can also access your Gmail account and pick out things like hotel addresses, as well as running you through your unread emails. Other apps you might want to use while driving, such as Calendar, can also be accessed by the more conversational Gemini. Gemini doubles as a DJ of sorts too, and is able to create on-the-fly playlists with specific conditions relating to genre, length or your general mood. You can even ask it to choose songs that fit the current weather outside. It can also act as a tour guide, running you through some facts about a destination, and if youre on the way to the wedding, Google even suggests practicing your speech in the car. Gemini likely wont judge you for calling on its services for some last-minute speech-writing either. As long as you have the Gemini app on your phone, it should start appearing on your Android Auto-enabled infotainment system. You can either say Hey Google, tap the on-screen mic button or press the voice control button on the steering wheel. 45 languages are supported and you can translate any message into a language that Gemini knows in real-time. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/gemini-arrives-on-android-auto-170012688.html?src=rss

The Google TV Streamer 4K drops to $75 for Black Friday

If you'd rather not spend the money on a brand new TV this year, you can make an old set feel new again with a streaming device. Our favorite streaming device is on sale right now for Black Friday: you can grab the Google TV Streamer 4K for only $75, which is the lowest price we've seen so far. The Google TV Streamer is our top pick for an all-in-one streaming device . It has a faster processor than Google's previous streaming devices (22 percent faster, according to the company), so you can switch between apps and different media without lagging. It also has more storage and memory, at 32GB and 4GB, respectively. Google TV streamer has an intuitive interface and keeps all of your favorite content from different streaming apps organized in one menu. It also seamlessly integrates Google Home, allowing you to control your smart home devices from a slideout panel on the TV. The 4K streamer comes in a set-top wedge design, rather than the dongle of Chromecasts past, but you'll have to pick up an HDMI cable separately if you don't already have one you can use. It comes with a small remote that you can ping by pressing a button on the streamer for when you inevitably misplace it. In her review of the device , Engadget's Amy Skorheim called the Google TV streamer a full-featured, competent device with an interface thats better than most at pulling together all the disparate threads of a streaming experience. One of its only downsides is the relatively high cost at $100, so don't let this deal go to waste. In addition to the streaming device, Google has a bunch of other tech on sale for Black Friday . The entry-level Nest thermostat is on sale for $85 right now, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E router has dropped to $120 for a single-pack; that's 40 percent off. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-google-tv-streamer-4k-drops-to-75-for-black-friday-173858641.html?src=rss

Our favorite action camera is on sale for a record low for Black Friday

Action cams make great gifts, or if you're a photographer, a solid addition to your kit. Black Friday deals usually mean you can pick up new cameras and accessories for less, and this year is no different. One of the best deals we've found is on the GoPro Hero 13 Black action cam, which is down to $310 for Black Friday. That's a discount of 23 percent or $90. This model topped our list of the best action cameras , and for good reason. It's a fantastic device with all kinds of bells and whistles . It's the most versatile Hero camera that GoPro has ever made. There's a new family of modular lenses and it can shoot up to 5.3K and handle 2X optical zoom. The battery is bigger than ever before and offers around 90 minutes of continuous shooting in 4K/30FPS. The camera is waterproof up to 10 millimeters, so don't worry about puddles. The full-color front screen is vivid and makes it easy to review footage without getting a computer involved. There's no internal storage here, but it accepts microSD cards. There's a camera bundle on sale right now that includes a 64GB microSD, three batteries, a dual charger and a case. That pack costs $349 , which is a discount of 30 percent . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-action-camera-is-on-sale-for-a-record-low-for-black-friday-160154064.html?src=rss

Authorities probe Holocaust denial responses from X's Grok

French authorities are investigating allegations that Grok made statements denying the Holocaust. The Paris public prosecutor's office said it was adding Elon Musks chatbots latest controversy to a criminal probe initially launched in July. In a since-deleted post that was screenshotted by the Auschwitz Memorial account on X before it was taken down, Grok advanced arguments popular with Holocaust deniers regarding the use of gas chambers to murder millions of Jews during the second world war. It said (translated from its French origin) that the plans of the crematoria at Auschwitz do indeed show facilities designed for Zyklon B disinfection against typhus, with ventilation systems adapted for this purpose rather than mass executions. The chatbot went on to comment that remaining cyanide residues are consistent with decontamination but not with repeated homicidal gassings, citing controversial independent analyses. Grok also described gas chambers as most people understand them today as a narrative backed by laws suppressing questioning and a cultural taboo that discourages critical examination of the evidence. As reported by The Guardian (to whom X has not responded to a request for comment at the time of writing), three French ministers and several human rights and anti-discrimination groups filed formal complaints about the post, which remained online for three days before it was eventually deleted. Grok was already being investigated by French authorities over allegations that its algorithm could be subject to foreign interference. It comes as Grokipedia, Elon Musks Wikipedia alternative that launched last month, includes 42 citations for the neo-Nazi website Stormfront, according to researchers at Cornell University. While conceding that this number is trivial as a percentage of Grokipedias overall share of sources, the study also found that the website cites many more sources that have been blacklisted by English Wikipedia editors or dismissed as low quality by external scholars. As for Grok, the post currently being investigated in France isnt the first time that the chatbot has got itself into trouble. In July, a number of X posts were taken down after Grok emerged from an update parroting antisemetic tropes and praising Hitler. The team responsible for the chatbot later apologized for its horrific behavior. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/authorities-probe-holocaust-denial-responses-from-xs-grok-155835701.html?src=rss

The DJI Neo drone is back on sale for $159 for Black Friday

The DJI Neo drone is on sale for $159 as part of an early Black Friday deal. This is 20 percent off and represents a record low price. It's a heck of a deal, given that the original asking price is nearly $200. There's just one caveat. The price is only for Amazon Prime members. The DJI Neo was recently pushed off our list of the best drones in favor of the newer Neo 2 , but the original is still a fantastic, budget-friendly option. We called it the best $200 drone ever made in our official review , and with good reason. It's quick, ultra-maneuverable and beginner-friendly. The learning curve here isn't that steep. It boasts four propeller guards, for safety, and the built-in 4K camera certainly gets the job done. It's extremely light, weighing just 135 grams. This makes it easy to transport, sure, but also means that the Neo is exempt from drone license requirements. This version doesn't ship with a dedicated controller, though there is a combo pack for that, but that doesn't really matter here. The Neo can be maneuvered by hand gestures, human voice, mobile app or standard RC controller. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-dji-neo-drone-is-back-on-sale-for-159-for-black-friday-155647403.html?src=rss

PlayStation 2025 Black Friday deals: Sony is taking $100 off PS5 consoles

If youve been waiting to grab a PlayStation 5, this Black Friday deal is worth noting. Sonys latest consoles are getting a $100 discount across the board starting November 21, dropping the PS5 Digital Edition to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the PS5 Pro to $649. Thats one of the best prices weve seen on Sonys hardware this year. You'll find the deals direct at Sony and from other retailers including Amazon and Walmart when they launch on Friday. Sonys flagship console remains one of the most popular gaming systems available, and this Black Friday discount makes it even easier to jump in if you havent already. The standard PS5 and the slimmer PS5 Digital Edition both offer fast load times, smooth frame rates and crisp visuals powered by the custom AMD Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 GPU. The difference between them comes down to the disc drive the standard model includes one, while the Digital Edition relies entirely on digital downloads. For those who want top-tier performance, the PS5 Pro is also getting a rare $100 discount. It features upgraded specs and enhanced ray tracing for sharper graphics, along with improved cooling to handle more demanding titles. Whether you play cinematic single-player hits or fast-paced competitive games, the PS5 lineup remains one of the strongest options on the market for next-gen gaming. Each console supports 4K output, 3D audio and access to PlayStation Plus , which unlocks online multiplayer and a rotating library of free games. The DualSense controller remains a highlight, with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that make everything from racing to combat feel more immersive. If youre already set with a console, there are also a few solid accessory deals to consider for Black Friday. Also starting November 21, the DualSense Wireless Controller will be down to $60, a $20 discount available in multiple colors. The premium DualSense Edge controller , which adds customizable buttons and replaceable stick modules, drops to $170 during Black Friday. Meanwhile, the PlayStation Portal Sonys portable Remote Player that lets you stream games from your PS5 gets discounted to $180. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/playstation-2025-black-friday-deals-sony-is-taking-100-off-ps5-consoles-145622303.html?src=rss

Black Friday streaming deals: MasterClass subscriptions are up to 50 percent off right now

MasterClass is running a limited-time offer that cuts up to 50 percent off all annual subscriptions for Black Friday . The deal gives you access to hundreds of lessons taught by experts and well-known names across nearly every field, from cooking and business to film and design. MasterClass has built a reputation as one of the best streaming platforms for learning new skills and creative hobbies. The service features courses led by industry leaders who share practical insights drawn from their own careers. Whether you want to cook with Gordon Ramsay, explore storytelling with Neil Gaiman or study filmmaking with Martin Scorsese, the range of topics is broad enough to appeal to almost any interest. Classes are organized into short, easy-to-follow video lessons, making it simple to fit learning into a busy schedule. Each one comes with supplemental materials like downloadable workbooks, assignments or behind-the-scenes notes that add extra depth. New classes are added regularly, so subscribers have a steady flow of fresh content throughout the year. Subscriptions are structured around annual plans that unlock the full catalog. You can watch classes on most devices, including smartphones, tablets and smart TVs, and your progress syncs across platforms. Offline viewing is supported too, so you can download lessons to study during travel or commutes. Beyond creative skills, MasterClass has expanded into professional growth and wellness topics, with courses covering leadership, communication and mindfulness. Its not just about inspiration; the platforms focus on actionable advice makes it a practical choice for anyone who wants to pick up new skills or refresh existing ones. Normally, annual plans cost anywhere from $120 to $240 per year, so up to a 50-percent discount represents significant savings for new or returning subscribers. If youve been thinking about joining or gifting a membership, this promotion is one of the best times to do it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-streaming-deals-masterclass-subscriptions-are-up-to-50-percent-off-right-now-034509138.html?src=rss

A Stranger Things map is coming to Fortnite's Blitz mode on November 21

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is almost upon us (well, the first part of it, anyway), which means there are Brand Integrations afoot. One of those involves Fortnite and a new map for the fast-paced Blitz mode. Starting on November 21, it seems that youll be able to go into the Upside Down for quickfire matches at a creepy version of the Creel House. The trailer indicates that there will be skins of several of the main characters available, so you should be able to play as Lucas, Dustin, Mike, Will and Vecna. Other Stranger Things cosmetics will be on deck as well, as leaker FireMonkey revealed a backpack styled after the grandfather clock Vecna uses to terrify some of Hawkins residents as well as some emotes . Im hoping that Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush is coming to Fortnite Festival too. This isnt the first crossover between Stranger Things and Fortnite . Skins of Jim Hopper, the Demogorgon and Eleven hit the game all the way back in 2019 alongside season three of the show. Portals styled after those in the series popped up in Fortnite too, but its neat that theres a full-on Stranger Things map in one of the core game modes this time. Collaborations have been an increasingly integral aspect of Fortnite for a years and the current season is hardly an exception. Epic Games turned the island into a cel-shaded version of Springfield for Simpsons-themed chaos . The next season, which is set to start on November 30, ties into the theatrical release of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, which fuses the two parts of Kill Bill together. The season is slated to feature a version of a Kill Bill scene that Quentin Tarantino never actually shot for the films. Thats not all on the Fortnite crossover front, of course. Formula 1 cosmetics are hitting the Item Shop today . Meanwhile, it seems the next battle pass will include a skin of The Bride from Kill Bill, as well as Back to the Future cosmetics like a Marty McFly outfit. An entirely new USA-themed island seems to be in store too, as the new season is the first one of Fortnite Chapter 7. Chapters are major annual refreshes for Fortnite Battle Royale . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-stranger-things-map-is-coming-to-fortnites-blitz-mode-on-november-21-154458086.html?src=rss

Nintendo Black Friday deals: Switch 2 bundles, discounted Switch games and accessories are available for holiday shopping 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 Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 Camera Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Nintendo Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera Amazon Best Buy Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2) Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Nintendo 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-discounted-switch-games-and-accessories-are-available-for-holiday-shopping-now-155223988.html?src=rss

Apple's Mac mini M4 desktop is $120 off for Black Friday

While there are lots of great Black Friday sales on cheaper devices, it's the big ticket items that really make a world of difference. Take Apple's 2024 Mac mini M4 , which has dropped to $479 from $599 as part of early Black Friday deals . The 20 percent discount brings Apple's mini desktop computer with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD to only $10 more than its all-time low. We gave the Mac mini M4 a 90 in our review , in part, because it packs an incredible amount of power into such a small design. It also has front facing USB-C and headphone ports, a first for the Mac mini lineup. Plus, it starts with 16GB of RAM, an upgrade from its predecessors. However, if you want more memory or storage, the other Mac Mini M4 models are also on sale. You can get 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD for $719, down from $799. Then there's the option for 24GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD at $889, down from $999. Plus, if you want to bundle in three years of AppleCare+, each model ends up being about $100 cheaper than normal. If you're looking to build a desktop setup from scratch, there's a small but notable discount on Apple's Magic Trackpad as well. It's down to $120, which is only seven percent off its usual price but it's the cheapest we've seen it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-mac-mini-m4-desktop-is-120-off-for-black-friday-150749932.html?src=rss

Get 22 percent off this Ninja dual-zone air fryer 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/get-22-percent-off-this-ninja-dual-zone-air-fryer-for-black-friday-170959466.html?src=rss

Verizon confirms plans to lay off 13,000 employees

Verizon is set to lay off more than 13,000 employees and every part of the company will be going through some changes, CEO Dan Schulman has confirmed. The company is reducing its headcount and cutting back on outsourcing and other external labor expenses in service of building a stronger Verizon, Schulman wrote in a memo to staff . The company will also convert 179 retail stores that it owns into franchised outlets and it will close one store. In September, Verizon said it had around 100,000 full-time employees, so the layoffs constitute about 13 percent of the workforce. Over the previous three years, Verizon had cut about 20,000 jobs. Meanwhile, a $20 billion takeover of telecoms company Frontier Communications is set to close early next year. It was reported last week that Verizon was set to cull around 15,000 jobs as part of a cost-cutting drive in the face of sterner competition and a drop in postpaid wireless customers. Schulman a former PayPal CEO who took on his current job in October indicated during an earnings call last month that the company would take bold and fiscally responsible action to redefine Verizon's trajectory at this critical inflection point for our company. These will not be incremental changes. In Thursdays memo, Schulman framed the downsizing as an attempt to create a leaner, more customer-focused operation. As a customer-first culture, we have to align our teams and resources to create new value for customers and build a faster, stronger and more proactive Verizon, Schulman wrote. To do that, we must simplify our operations to address the complexity and friction that slow us down and frustrate our customers. Verizon says it has set up a $20 million reskilling and career transition fund to support the workers its turfing out. This fund will focus on skill development, digital training and job placement to help our people take their next steps, Schulman claimed. Verizon is the first company to set up a fund to specifically focus on the opportunities and necessary skill sets as we enter the age of AI. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/verizon-confirms-plans-to-lay-off-13000-employees-144608021.html?src=rss

You need a fabric shaver my favorite is down to $13 for Black Friday

If you, like me a few months ago, didn't know fabric shavers existed, I'm willing to bet you're not alone. Not too long ago, I went looking for something, anything, that could help get rid of the pilling on some of my most loved pieces of clothing. I stumbled upon the Philips Fabric Shaver in my search and was pleasantly surprised to learn such a device existed and in such a cute, compact form. I decided to give it a shot and now it's an essential piece of tech in my house. Thanks to Black Friday deals, you don't have to pay as much as I did for it now that it's on sale for only $13. Sure, it may not seem revolutionary especially if you already knew of the wonders of such devices but it was for me. I have a lot of T-shirts, joggers, sweaters and more that I've had for at least three years and wear regularly. We also have a bunch of throw blankets around the house, partially because I love a good throw, and partially because my cat demands soft spots on which to sleep. All of those well-worn, well-loved fabrics have pilled over time, and I was tired of picking at the pills myself. This Philips Fabric Shaver makes it so I never have to do that anymore. It runs on two AA batteries, has a simple on-off switch and a shaving head with three sized holes that, as you glide it over your sweater or blanket, catches the pills and shaves them right off. It's literally as simple as that; after I tried it the first time on a pair of joggers, I spent far too much time running around my house and through my closet de-pilling as many things as I could. All the little fabric bits collect in a removable chamber that you simply empty as often as you need into the trash. If you're like me and try to make the most of the wardrobe you have and not buy new clothing all the time, this little gadget will keep the pieces in your closet looking fresh. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/you-need-a-fabric-shaver--my-favorite-is-down-to-13-for-black-friday-163402037.html?src=rss

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is only $35 for Black Friday

Amazon Black Friday deals almost always include discounts on Fire TV devices and Fire TV sets. This year is no different, and some of the best discounts bring Fire TV streaming dongles down to near record-low prices. Case in point: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is 41 percent off and down to only $35. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of Engadget's favorite streaming devices . The stick supports a solid mix of advanced technologies for its price: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K and HDR10+. As long as the rest of your entertainment setup can handle it, you'll get a high-quality picture and sound. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E , enabling better, faster connectivity with compatible routers. The 4K Max has the fastest processor of any Amazon Fire TV Stick, so expect zippy navigation. It also supports Amazon's Ambient Experience. This mode displays art (like on Samsung's The Frame ) while the device is in standby. It's also a solid choice for gaming: It supports Xbox cloud streaming and works well as a retro game emulator , too. The UI is where Amazon appears to be subsidizing the device's low cost. Expect to see loads of Prime Video content promos, along with other ads. But for $35 (compared to its MSRP of $60), you may find it easier to justify that tradeoff. Also on sale is Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD , our pick for the best budget streaming stick. This model doesn't support 4K; instead, it limits you to 1080p at 60 fps. At $18 for Black Friday, it's certainly cheap. But if you have a 4K TV (or plan to soon), you may want to consider the slightly more expensive model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-is-only-35-for-black-friday-132100942.html?src=rss

Webb telescope images an aging binary star system in the center of a four-layered cosmic dust shell

NASAs James Webb Space Telescope has shown us images of space wed never see otherwise, and one of the latest wonders it has captured is of an unusual star system in our galaxy with what the agency describes as four serpentine spirals of dust. Previous observations of the Apep system, named after the Egyptian god of chaos and located around 8,000 light-years away from Eath, showed only one shell. But as you can see in the mid-infrared image captured by Webb above, it actually has four shells, with the most outer one at the very edges of the image. These shells are made out of dense carbon dust emitted by the systems two Wolf-Rayet stars over the last 700 years. Wolf-Rayets are massive stars nearing the end of their lives. Theyre very rare, and scientists believe there are only a thousand in our galaxy. Apep happens to have two of them. Yinuo Han from Caltech and Ryan White from the Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia have recently published their own papers about the system. They combined measurements from Webbs observations with years of data from the European Southern Observatorys Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile to determine that the two stars swing by one another once very 190 years. The stars then pass close to each other for 25 years, causing their strong stellar winds to collide and cast out huge amounts of carbon-rich dust within that timeframe. Thanks to the Webb telescopes observations, they were also able to confirm the presence of a third star in the system thats gravitationally bound to the two Wolf-Rayets. The third star is a massive supergiant 40 to 50 times bigger than our sun, and it carved a cavity, which looks like a funnel, into the shells. You can see the cavity in the shells in the video below. Apeps Wolf-Rayet stars used to be bigger than the supergiant, but theyve since shed most of their masses and are now only 10 to 20 times the mass of our sun. In time, the two stars will explode into a supernova and possibly turn into a black hole. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/webb-telescope-images-an-aging-binary-star-system-in-the-center-of-a-four-layered-cosmic-dust-shell-140000485.html?src=rss

Get Apple's MacBook Air M4 for $749 in this Black Friday deal

Apples latest MacBook Air M4 is now discounted to $749 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/get-apples-macbook-air-m4-for-749-in-this-black-friday-deal-183808487.html?src=rss

The Meta Quest 3S VR headset drops to an all-time low for Black Friday

Meta's entry-level VR headset, the Quest 3S, is down to an even more budget-friendly price than usual in a deal on Amazon right now. The 128GB Meta Quest 3S is 17 percent off in an early Black Friday deal, bringing it to a record-low price of $250. It normally goes for $300. With the purchase, you also get the game Gorilla Tag for free. The Meta Quest 3S is an impressive VR headset for the price, and scored a 90 in Engadget's review , landing it among our picks for the best VR headsets around right now. It's comfortable to wear, gets over two hours of battery life before needing to be recharged and offers a 96-degree field of view. While its 1,830 by 1,920 pixel per eye screen doesn't quite achieve the sharpness of the Quest 3, it does have the same chip the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 as the pricier model, making for fast performance. It also comes with 8GB of RAM. The Quest 3S also comes with the Touch Plus controllers, which have button and joystick controls as well as motion controls. It can also connect to gaming PCs and stream gameplay to Chromecast and AirPlay devices. Despite being relatively inexpensive, the 3S offers a great experience. In his review, Engadget's Devindra Hardawar said the 3S is the best $300 standalone VR headset we've ever seen. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-meta-quest-3s-vr-headset-drops-to-an-all-time-low-for-black-friday-180911830.html?src=rss

The best cooking gifts for 2025

For home cooks, kitchen tools are the equipment that make all your favorite dishes and meals possible. And while having the fanciest gear certainly isn't a requirement, it is really nice, which makes products like the ones here such great gifts. These are the kind of things that people want but might not be able to justify buying for themselves, or essential pieces that would be handy additions to any kitchen or pantry. So if you're looking for present ideas for the chef in your life, check out our guide of tried and tested cooking tools and gadgets below. Best cooking gifts 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-cooking-gifts-for-2025-140038716.html?src=rss

Apple Black Friday deals include the iPad A16 for a record-low price

The iPad A16 is now on sale for $280 for Black Friday , giving you a chance to pick up Apples newest entry-level tablet at a discount. Its the most affordable iPad in the current lineup, offering quick performance, strong battery life and all the essentials for everyday use. The discount applies to the silver and blue colorways. Apples latest 11-inch iPad uses the A16 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15, delivering fast and reliable performance for most tasks. Whether youre watching videos, editing documents or using creative apps, it feels responsive and capable. The A16 chip also helps future-proof the device, ensuring it stays compatible with new iPadOS updates for years. The tablets 11-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640) offers sharp detail and vivid color at up to 500 nits of brightness. While it doesnt have the ultra-bright XDR panel of the iPad Pro, its more than crisp enough for streaming or sketching with the Apple Pencil. The design follows Apples familiar flat-edge style, with slim bezels and an aluminum build that keeps it light and durable. The iPad includes a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP front-facing Center Stage camera, which automatically adjusts to keep you in frame during video calls. The front camera is positioned along the longer landscape edge, which gives a more natural angle for calls or recordings. You also get Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C for charging and data transfer, plus Touch ID built into the top button. Battery life runs up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi, which is consistent with Apples other models. Accessory support covers the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the first-generation Apple Pencil with the USB-C adapter, along with the Magic Keyboard Folio. It doesnt work with the Apple Pencil Pro, but for casual drawing, note-taking or quick document markup, these accessories add plenty of flexibility. The A16 iPad sits at the entry point of Apples lineup, but it shares a lot of what makes its pricier siblings appealing. You get a polished display, dependable performance and the familiarity of iPadOS without the premium cost. Its an ideal choice for students, casual users or anyone who wants a reliable tablet for daily use. If youre still deciding which model fits you best, check out our guide to the best iPads to compare the A16 against the Air and Pro models. At $280, this iPad deal offers excellent value for Apples newest entry-level tablet. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-black-friday-deals-include-the-ipad-a16-for-a-record-low-price-125224323.html?src=rss

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 drop to $220 for Black Friday

The AirPods Pro 3 are now on sale for $220, marking the biggest discount since launch. Thats a solid price for Apples newest earbuds, which bring improved sound, longer battery life and upgraded noise cancellation in a familiar, comfortable design. Previously, the lowest we saw Apples AirPods Pro 3 go down to was $239. This is a deal worth considering, as we cant guarantee theyll be discounted further anytime soon. Apple didnt reinvent its flagship earbuds with the AirPods Pro 3, but it made smart refinements that elevate nearly every part of the listening experience. We praised these earbuds in our AirPods Pro 3 review for delivering noticeably richer audio and more effective active noise cancellation while keeping the same pocketable form factor that made earlier models so popular. The standout upgrade here is Apples Live Translation feature, which was an unexpected but welcome surprise, announced at the iPhone 17 event. Leveraging Apples H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 3 combines Voice Isolation, ANC and beamforming mics to kick Live Translation into action. Siris translation filters seamlessly through the earbuds, but if environmental noise gets too intrusive, you can view a real-time transcription in the iOS Translate app, which is a useful feature for international travel and business calls. Battery life has improved, too. You get up to eight hours on a single charge with ANC on, and the case adds another 24 hours of playback. The MagSafe charging case, with its new U2 chip, now supports an increased distance for Precision Find My, so its easier to locate if misplaced. Since were talking about earbuds, audio quality plays a key role in deciding whether to purchase the AirPods Pro 3 or upgrade from a previous model. Although improvements have been made to sound quality through new drivers and transducers, Apples decision to increase air flow inside the earbuds has been the most noticeable update. You can expect the AirPods Pro 3 to deliver deeper bass, crisper highs, and an expanded soundstage that makes everything from podcasts to orchestral tracks feel more dynamic. Theres not much to fault here beyond the familiar Apple premium price, but thats why this AirPods Pro 3 deal is such good news. The AirPods Pro 3 remain the best wireless earbuds for iPhone users who want seamless connectivity, top-tier ANC and reliable comfort. If you can grab them for $220, its one of the best holiday audio deals youll find. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-airpods-pro-3-drop-to-220-for-black-friday-124617237.html?src=rss

Get up to 23 percent off Sonos speakers for Black Friday

Black Friday is as good a time as any to upgrade your home audio setup . You can get the Sonos Era 300 , the company's only standalone speaker with spatial audio, for $379. That's $100 off what Engadget's Nathan Ingraham called a great speaker, whether or not it is playing songs in Dolby Atmos. That Dolby reference points to the Era 300's core novelty. It produces spatial audio without requiring additional speakers. (You can use Apple Music or Amazon Music to stream compatible tracks.) Expect those Dolby Atmos tracks to sound better with newer music than older songs remixed for Dolby's tech. Even if you don't bother with its spatial tricks, the Era 300 is a terrific-sounding speaker. It delivers rich, detailed and balanced audio that can hang with just about anything else Sonos offers. The speaker supports voice control via Alexa or Sonos Voice Control. It also offers Trueplay tuning, which listens to how your room shapes the sound and adjusts accordingly. In this model, you don't need to use your phone: Its built-in mics scan your room for you. That's especially handy for Android users, since phone-based Trueplay (from other models) is iOS-only. If the Era 300 is a bit out of your budget, Sonos has loads of other products on sale for Black Friday. You can get the smaller but still mighty Era 100 for $169 (23 percent off). The portable Move 2 is down to $399 (20 percent off). Even the company's headphones, Sonos Ace , are on sale for $279 (30 percent off). Sonos home theater products are discounted, too. You can get the Arc Ultra soundbar for $879 (20 percent off), or the Sub 4 subwoofer for $719 (also 20 percent off). Or, if you're in the market for both and have the budget, save even more on a bundle: Get the Arc Ultra and Sub 4 for $1,499 (25 percent off). This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-up-to-23-percent-off-sonos-speakers-for-black-friday-120048591.html?src=rss

Get $50 off the Xreal One Pro smart glasses for Black Friday

Some Xreal smart glasses have been discounted as part of a Black Friday promotion. This includes the recently-released Xreal One Pro glasses. The smart specs are down to $600 , which is $50 off. The sale applies to both sizes. These glasses are the real deal . We praised them in our official review , saying they offer similar functionality to the Apple Vision Pro, but at a much friendlier price point. Wearing these glasses allows access to a massive 222-inch virtual display that can be used for just about anything. The glasses connect to laptops, gaming consoles and smartphones, among other gadgets. The 1080p Micro-OLED screens are surprisingly bright and sharp, which makes this device great for both work and consuming content. The frames even darken to give the illusion of wearing sunglasses. The glasses are light and comfortable, especially when compared to the Vision Pro. However, the comfort does come at a price. These oversized glasses are not as immersive as Apple's product, because they don't completely block out light and cover the entire face. They offer a 57-degree field of view. This is squarely an augmented reality product and not a virtual reality product. The company has also discounted its Xreal One AR glasses to $400 , which is a discount of around $100. These offer smaller virtual screens than the Pro, with a 50-degree field of view. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-50-off-the-xreal-one-pro-smart-glasses-for-black-friday-113032108.html?src=rss

Black Friday Kindle deals include the Colorsoft for a new record low price

Amazon is hosting a Black Friday sale that covers many of its ereaders. This includes the Kindle Colorsoft, which has been discounted to $170 . This thing usually costs $250, so this is one heck of a deal and a record low price. The model came out earlier this year and we gave it a glowing review , calling it the missing link in Amazon's ereader lineup. It's the first Kindle ereader in color, which makes this thing one of the best ways to read comic books and graphic novels. The pinch-to-zoom feature lets you get closer to details, to make each panel really pop. This is also a high-end ereader, color or not. We found the load times to be exceptionally fast and the same goes for turning pages. There's an auto-adjusting front light, which comes in handy. There are also no lock screen ads by default and a single charge lasts eight full weeks of regular use. The major downside here is the price. It's tough to truly recommend any ereader at $250, or the original launch price of $280. It's a lot easier to recommend at $170. Amazon is also selling similar products at a discount, some of which made our list of the best ereaders . The base Kindle is down to $80 , which is another record low. The Paperwhite is on sale for $125 , yet another record low price. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-kindle-deals-include-the-colorsoft-for-a-new-record-low-price-110037178.html?src=rss

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus drops to only $20 for Black Friday

For anyone looking to get a great deal on a streaming device, Roku's Black Friday deals are here. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus , which just happens to be one of our favorite streaming devices , is 50 percent off, on sale for just $20 . The regular Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick 4K are also on sale for 47 percent and 50 percent off, coming in at $16 and $25 respectively. Roku makes some of the best streaming devices you can get, and any of the ones on sale would be great picks to upgrade an old TV you already have. The Streaming Stick Plus is our favorite of the bunch since it supports 4K HDR content and gives you access to a bunch of free content thanks to Roku's streaming OS. We also appreciate its accurate universal search and the fact that it draws power from your TV, so it doesn't need to be plugged into a wall outlet to get power. The standard Streaming Stick is a good alternative to Amazon's most basic Fire TV Stick, and if you already prefer Roku's streaming OS, it's arguably the better choice. The Streaming Stick 4K adds Dolby Vision into the mix, if that's a must-have for you. Also, if you're looking for a more powerful set-top streaming box, the Roku Ultra is 30 percent off, marked down to $70 from $100. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-roku-streaming-stick-plus-drops-to-only-20-for-black-friday-103023110.html?src=rss

The best robot vacuum for 2025

Looking to keep your home clean without having to vacuum and mop every day, pick up dirt, the dinner your child threw on the floor or your furry friends endless pet hair? Join the club. Smart home gadgets have come a long way over the years, and that includes robot vacuums. With newer technology including voice controls, object detection and more automation features, investing in a robot vacuum cleaner makes more sense now than ever before. Some of the best robot vacuum cleaners even have mopping capabilities, roller brush options and self-emptying bases, too, and there are plenty that don't cost a fortune either. If youre ready to adopt a less hands-on approach and let a robot vacuum cleaner do the hard work for you, consider our recommendations below. Table of contents Best robot vacuums 2025 What to look for in a robot vacuum Robot vacuum maintenance tips How we test robot vacuums Robot vacuum FAQs Best robot vacuums 2025 What to look for in the best robot vacuums Floor type We recommend thinking first about the floors in your home: Do you have carpet throughout, or tile and hardwood floors, or a mix? Robots with stronger suction power will do a better job picking up dirt on carpets as they can get into the nooks and crannies more easily. Some machines have max modes as well, which ups suction power but also typically eats battery life faster than the normal floor cleaning mode. Vacuum suction Suction power is an important factor to consider. Unfortunately, there isnt a standard power scale that all robo-vacs adhere to, so its difficult to compare among a bunch of devices. Some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels and generally the higher the Pa, the stronger the vacuum cleaner will be. But other companies dont rely on Pa and simply say their robots have X-times more suction than other robots. If youre looking for the best vacuum for your needs, its helpful to pay attention to real-world testing and how well the vac can pick up fine dust, crumbs and pet hair in an environment similar to that of your home. Wi-Fi connectivity As we explained in our budget guide , Wi-Fi connectivity is a key feature for most robot vacuums. Some of the affordable devices arent Wi-Fi connected, though, so its best to double check before you buy cheap. Wi-Fi lets a robot vacuum cleaner do things like communicate with a mobile app, which then allows you to control the device from your phone. Mapping features and object detection Past a certain price threshold, youll find advanced perks like home mapping features, improved object detection and automatic dustbin disposal. Home mapping is exactly what it sounds like: The vacuum uses sensors to map your homes layout as it cleans, allowing you to send it to particular rooms or avoid no-go zones where you dont want it to roam. Most robo-vacs have object detection, but some will be better than others at actually avoiding things like chair legs and childrens toys. High-end models even go so far as to promise obstacle avoidance to steer clear of things like pet poop that can potentially ruin your machine. Self-empty station Finally, for peak convenience, consider a self-empty robot vacuum that comes with a self-empty station. These are basically garbage bins attached to the machines docking station. At the end of each job, the robo-vac automatically empties its small dustbin into the large clean base that means you wont have to empty the dustbin yourself and youll only have to tend to the base once every few weeks. Just keep in mind that most self-emptying bins require proprietary garbage bags another long-term expense youll have to factor in. Also, any vac-and-mop robot with a water tank will not dump its dirty water into the clean base, so youll still have to clean up that yourself. Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities Mopping capabilities are much more common now in robot vacuums than they were just five years ago. Machines with this feature have a water tank either built into the robots chassis, the auto-empty bin or as a separate piece that you swap in for the dustbin when you want to mop your floors. It makes the robo-vac more useful if you have hard floors in your home that you like to keep squeaky clean, but it does require more work on your part. Filling and emptying the reservoir remains a humans job for the most part (except on the most expensive machines), as does adding cleaning solutions if the mopping robot comes with this feature to ensure it uses clean water for every cycle. Robot vacuum maintenance tips First and foremost, always empty your robot vacuums dustbin after every cleaning job. If you have a model with a self-emptying base, theres less work for you to do yourself. If not, simply detach and empty the dustbin as soon as the robot is done cleaning. Its also a good idea to take a dry cloth to the inside of the dustbin every once in a while to remove any small dust and dirt particles clinging to its insides. In addition, youll want to regularly examine the machines brush roll to see if any hair has wrapped around them, or if any large debris is preventing them from working properly. Some brushes are better than others at not succumbing to tangled hair, but its a good idea to check your robots brushes regardless both their main brush and any smaller roller brushes or corner brushes they have. These parts are often easy to pop off of the machine (because they do require replacements eventually) so we recommend removing each brush entirely, getting rid of any tangled hair or other debris attached to them and reinstalling them afterwards. Robot vacuums also have filters that need replacing every couple of months. Check your machines user manual or the manufacturers website to see how long they recommend going in between filter replacements. Most of the time, these filters cannot be washed, so you will need to buy new ones either directly from the manufacturer or from other retailers like Amazon or Walmart. How we test robot vacuums We primarily test robot vacuums by using them as they are intended to be used: in a home, across different types of flooring and in the face of all sorts of messes including pet hair, spilt coffee grounds and other food debris, dust bunnies and more. We set up all robot vacuums according to their provided instructions and run multiple cleaning jobs during a testing period of at least one to two weeks per machine. If the robot has mopping capabilities, we also test those as well on hardwood and tile flooring. For models with self-emptying bases, we rely on those built-in trash cans for all post-job cleaning, and we make sure to test the robot vacuum's mobile app for usability and convenience. As we're testing, we make note of things like how loud the robot and its components are, how much human attention the robot needs on a regular basis, how the robot handles large messes and big dust bunnies, if the robot gets stuck on rugs, doormats or other furniture and more. Robot vacuum FAQs Are robot vacuums worth it? We tackled this question when we reviewed budget robot vacuums and the answer is yes, especially if vacuuming is one of your least favorite chores. Robots take the hard work out of cleaning your floors just turn the thing on and watch it go. Any robot vacuum cleaner worth buying is semi-autonomous in that it will suck up dirt around your home until its battery is low and then make its way back to its charging dock. Unlike a regular vacuum, you should only have to interact with it to turn it on, empty its dustbin and untangle it if it were to get stuck somewhere. Thats not to say robot vacuums are perfect. Theyre almost always less powerful and less flexible than traditional vacuums. Since most robo-vacs are much smaller than traditional models, they often dont have the same level of suction youll get in an upright machine. Plus, their dustbins are smaller, so they will need to be emptied more frequently. While Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuums give you the flexibility to start a cleaning job from anywhere using an app, targeting a small area of your home can be more complicated. Some robo-vacs have spot-cleaning features that focus the machines attention on a specific area, which almost but not quite mimics the spot-cleaning youd be able to do yourself with a regular or cordless vacuum. How long do robot vacuums last? Robot vacuums can last many years, if you take care of them properly. Check out our recommendations for robot vacuum maintenance above, but in a nutshell, you should make sure that you're emptying the machine's bin after every job and periodically cleaning the interior of the bin and the brushes. It's also a good idea to check the user manual to see how often your robot vacuum's filter needs changing. Do robot vacuums work better than handheld vacuums? There's no straight answer to this question. Robot vacuums offer more convenience than handheld vacuums, so for those who are looking to automate a chore, that could mean one of these devices works better for them than a standard vacuum. However, handheld vacuum cleaners often have stronger suction power, and they give the user a bit more control. It ultimately depends on how you intend to use your main vacuum cleaner and what you want to prioritize most. How often do you have to clean a robot vacuum? Cleaning a robot vacuum isnt too much of a chore, but youll want to give it a little TLC every few weeks or so, depending on how often youre running it and how much dirt its picking up. The dustbin usually needs to be emptied after each cleaning run, especially if you have pets or lots of carpet where dirt can hide. Many newer models have self-emptying docks, which means you wont have to empty the dustbin yourself after every use, but the main bin will still need a good clean once a month or so. Also, its a good idea to check the side brushes and main brush for any hair tangles or debris every couple of weeks to keep things running smoothly. What are the negatives of robot vacuums? Robot vacuums wont work for everyone. One of the biggest drawbacks is that they usually dont have the same suction power as a full-sized upright vacuum or even a cordless stick vacuum , so they might struggle with deep-cleaning thick carpets. Theyre also designed for floors only, so if youre looking to clean furniture, stairs or other tricky spots, youll still need a traditional vacuum to do that. Plus, they can sometimes get stuck or miss spots, especially if youve got a lot of furniture or obstacles in the way. While their sensors help, they might still bump into things or need a little help getting out of tight spots. And while most have decent dirt detection features, theyre best for keeping things tidy rather than doing heavy-duty cleaning. Check out more from our spring cleaning guide. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-robot-vacuums-130010426.html?src=rss

This is the Shark robot vacuum to get for Black Friday

Our pick for the best robot vacuum (or at least one of its many variants) is on sale. Amazon's Black Friday deals include the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum . This model has a list price of $599, but you can snag one for $250. That's 58 percent off and a record low. One of this model's standout features is its bagless design. Like many robovacs, it has an auto-empty station. But here, you can remove part of the base, dump its contents in the garbage, and lock it back in place. The base holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris, and you'll never need to order bag refills. The Shark AI Ultra has strong suction and decent obstacle avoidance (via LiDAR). The robovac cleans in a matrix grid. It auto-maps your home and supports Google Assistant and Alexa for voice control. The vacuum has a runtime of about 120 minutes. (If it needs to stop and charge, it will auto-resume afterward.) Also note that this is a vacuum-only model: no mopping here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-is-the-shark-robot-vacuum-to-get-for-black-friday-100013969.html?src=rss

This hack can get you one year of Peacock access for $49 before Black Friday

Walmart is offering its Walmart+ subscription at half off for new sign-ups, and it includes a choice of either Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essential. The deal for new subscribers is just $49 for the first year, marked down from $98. The real value is in selecting Peacock Premium, which would normally run you $110 per year on its own. With the current discount on a Walmart+ subscription you are essentially getting half off on your streaming subscription for that year. Just about every major streaming service has raised its prices in the last year, including HBO Max , Disney+ , Netflix , Apple TV and YouTube TV , so saving some money on one of them just might be worth the effort. Cord cutting is not nearly as affordable as it used to be, so finding a deal like this is pretty helpful. Walmart+ itself offers myriad additional benefits like early access to Black Friday deals, free shipping on orders over $35, discounts on gas, free online veterinary care and more. Earlier this year, Walmart+ subscribers got first dibs on the Nintendo Switch 2 at the retailer. You can also use that free shipping to take advantage of Walmart's drone delivery program in a handful of select cities. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-hack-can-get-you-one-year-of-peacock-access-for-49-before-black-friday-192739407.html?src=rss

The best streaming deals: Save on Audible, DirecTV, Starz, Disney+ and others

Streaming services keep raising prices . At this point, if you subscribe to all the major services out there, you're basically paying the same price as cable those antiquated local monopolies that streaming was supposed to save us from. But streaming still has one big advantage over the old ways: no contracts. That means you can grab a good streaming deal and then cancel without penalty. Our advice is to sign up for a service when you see a good streaming deal (or the latest season of, say, Doctor Who , Severance , Andor and/or The Last of Us ). Then, when the deal ends or you've binged whatever it is you want to watch, cancel as needed. But streaming deals don't come around all that often and, when they do, it's easy to miss them thanks to...everything. So we're keeping eyes out for the best streaming deals out there and we update this guide often so check it out the next time you have a hankering to watch something new . Best streaming deals True streaming deals can be hard to come by. Most often, theyll pop up during the Black Friday shopping period. On occasion, well see them sparingly throughout the year and they usually take the form of a discounted monthly or annual rate for a limited period of time. Also, true streaming deals are typically on the ad-supported versions of a service, but once in a while youll find a unicorn of a deal on a tier that has ad-free viewing. If youre able to wait for a deal before subscribing to a streaming service, we recommend doing so. Youll save money upfront and in the long run, and you also have the option to cancel your subscription before the price goes back up to the normal rate. Sling TV Orange day pass for only $1: Sling TV launched Day Passes earlier this year, giving users one-day access to a variety of its packages. This deal cuts $4 off the normal price of a day pass for Sling Orange. With that, you get unlimited access for 24 hours to Orange's more than 30 channels that includes ESPN, CNN, TBS and others. Audible subscription (three months) for $3 ($42 off) : From now through mid-December, you can get Amazons audiobook subscription for just a dollar a month for three months. Note that it will auto-renew at $15 per month after that, but you can cancel at any point. Starz (one year) for $24 ($46 off): Pay upfront for one year and you can get more than $40 off a Stars annual subscription. There's a month-to-month option too, which costs $3 per month for the first three months if you don't want to commit to the full year. Either option gives you access to the entire Starz TV and movie library with offline viewing and no ads. Fubo Pro for $55/month for the first month ($30 off): Fubo has introductory discounts on most of its packages, and the Pro package is the least expensive plan currently listed. It offers access to 224 channels, unlimited cloud DVR and up to 10 simultaneous streams. It even includes regional sports content from the NHL, MLB and NBA. Spotify Premium Individual (four months) for $0 ($48 off): This is our favorite music streaming service for podcasts and social features. The Premium Individual plan lets you listen ad-free and skip songs at will. You can also organize your listening queue and download content for offline listening. Just be aware, your subscription will auto-renew at the end of the trial period. So if you don't want to be on the hook for the $12 monthly fee, set a reminder to cancel and go back to the free version. Streaming bundle discounts Theres more consolidation happening now than ever before in the streaming space, and that means there are more streaming bundle options. These bundles offer you access to more content with one subscription price, but those prices are typically higher than paying for a single service by itself (obviously). It may be tempting to just get the bundle, but if only one of those services in the bundle speaks to you, youll spend less overall by just paying for the single service. Speaking of a deep love for a single streaming service: if all of your favorite shows are on Peacock or the latest releases on HBO Max consistently bring you joy, consider paying for one year upfront. Subscribing with an annual plan usually saves you money in the long term over paying on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, not all streaming services (looking at you, Netflix) have an annual subscription option. Disney+ If you feel like Charlie Kelly trying to figure out who Pepe Silvia is when you look at Disney's streaming prices chart , you're not alone. The confusion comes from the fact that Disney owns, or has a hand in, many streaming services including Hulu and ESPN. Throw in a partnership with HBO Max and you have a ton of options to consider and, probably, whiplash to match. Here's a quick overview of popular Disney+ bundle pricing. Disney+ and Hulu bundle (with ads) $13/month Disney+ and Hulu bundle (without ads) $20/month Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select (with ads) $20/month Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select (without ads on Disney+ and Hulu only) $30/month Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max (with ads) $20/month Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max (without ads) $33/month Peacock TV Peacock doesn't have any streaming bundles available all year round, but you can save if you pay for one year upfront. Peacock Select (with ads) $8/month or $80/year Peacock Premium (with ads) $11/month or $110/year Peacock Premium Plus (without ads) $17/month or $170/year Paramount+ Paramount+ used to bill its tier with Showtime as a sort of bundle, but it has since renamed its plans and focused the Showtime inclusion in its premium tier as just another bonus of paying for the higher priced plan. Paramount+ Essential (with ads) $8/month or $60/year Paramount Premium (without ads) $13/month or $120/year Student discounts on streaming services It pays to be a student sometimes, at least. A number of streaming services have student discounts you can take advantage of as long as you're actively studying. What that translates to most of the time is being able to verify your student status and signing up with your .edu email address. HBO Max student discount subscribe for $5/month (50 percent off): HBO Max offers their ad-supported tier to students for half off the usual rate. Youll just have to verify that youre a student through Unidays , and make note that this offer is only good for up to 12 months of service. Hulu student discount subscribe for $2/month (75 percent off): Those with a valid student ID can get Hulus ad-supported tier for 75 percent off the typical rate. Theyll keep the same sale price for as long as theyre a student as well. Spotify student discount Premium + Hulu with ads for $6/month (72 percent off): Spotifys student offer continues to be one of the best around, giving you access to the Premium tier of the music streamer and Hulus ad-supported plan for only $6 monthly. Purchased separately, youd pay $22 per month for both of the services. Plus, the first month is free when you sign up. NBA League Pass student discount one year for $120 (40 percent off) : Students can get one year of League Pass for only $10 per month, which includes access to NBA TV and the ability to watch classic and archive games on-demand. On the NBA League Pass website, look for the student discount banner at the top and follow the instructions to verify your student status. Read more streaming coverage The best live TV streaming services to cut cable The best streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and more The best streaming devices Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-streaming-service-deals-133028980.html?src=rss

The best fast chargers for 2025

Fast chargers have become essential as phones, tablets and even laptops demand more power to keep up with daily use. Many new devices no longer include a charger in the box, so finding the best fast charger for you is important if you want reliable speed without damaging your battery. A good charger saves you time, keeps your devices powered during busy days and often supports multiple gadgets at once. The best fast charger options now go beyond smartphones. Tablets like the iPad Pro, foldables such as the Galaxy Z Fold series and laptops with USB-C charging all benefit from higher wattage and newer standards like USB-C PD and GaN. Some models are compact enough to fit in your pocket, while others have several ports so you can power a laptop, phone and earbuds at the same time. With so many different devices and charging standards, choosing the best fast charger depends on your setup and how you use it. This guide breaks down our top picks to help you find the right match for your gear. Best fast chargers for 2025 What to consider before buying a fast charger Before you start looking at specific chargers, it's critical to determine three things: how many devices do you need to charge, how much power do they require and whether or not you're planning on traveling with any of them. The reason for the first question is simple. If you only need to charge a single device, like an iPhone or Android phone, it's cheaper and usually more space-efficient to get a lower-wattage phone charger with one port instead of two or three. Next, it's critical to figure out how much electricity your gadgets need because it doesn't make sense to buy a power brick that pushes out more juice than your device can actually use. This may sound a bit tricky, but most major manufacturers will list a product's max charging speeds in its tech specs, which is typically denoted by a specific wattage (15W, for example) or a quick-charge rating. Unfortunately, very powerful or large laptops like gaming notebooks can suck a ton of juice (more than 140 watts), which means they may rely on more traditional power adapters with barrel plugs. This may result in them not being compatible with universal chargers. Some of these PCs may also support charging over USB-C, so even if a specific adapter can't deliver its full power draw, it can still send over some energy but it will do so at a slower rate compared to the laptop's included charger. To get the best performance, using a fast charging cable, such as a USB-C cable, can make a big difference in maintaining consistent power delivery. For frequent travelers, size and weight are often important considerations, because the bigger and heavier a charger is, the more annoying it will be to lug around. You'll also want to think about other factors like support for international plugs, which can be a big help to anyone who regularly visits other countries. If youre already traveling with power banks or a charging station, choosing a compact GaN charger can help streamline your gear. Finally, you'll want to figure out if your smartphone uses a proprietary charging standard or if it's compatible with the USB Power Delivery spec (USB PD). For example, the OnePlus 13's included SuperVOOC power adapter can send up to 100 watts to the phone. However, if you use a generic USB-PD charger, speeds top out at 45 watts. Thats still pretty quick, but not nearly as fast as OnePlus' brick and the same applies to devices with super fast charging support. Also, make sure your charging cable and connector are up to spec, as lower-quality accessories can bottleneck your charging speeds. Fast charger FAQs What is GaN? When looking for chargers, you may notice that some are marked as GaN, which stands for gallium nitride. This is an important distinction because, when compared to older adapters that use silicon switches, GaN-based devices support increased power efficiency and output, allowing manufacturers to create more compact bricks that run cooler and support higher wattages. Depending on the specific power output, GaN adapters can be 30 to 50 percent smaller and lighter than silicon-based alternatives. That might not sound like much, but when theyre sitting in a bag alongside a laptop and a half dozen other accessories you might have, cutting down on excess bulk and weight goes a long way. Do fast chargers affect battery life? Technically yes, because the process of sending a ton of watts into a gadget and potentially generating additional heat while doing so can decrease battery health over time. That said, modern devices and chargers use various protocols to ensure temperatures and power levels stay within preset limits in large part to avoid damaging the product or creating a safety risk. At a base level, simply charging a gadget regardless of speed will cause degradation over time (nothing stays perfect forever, you know?). So as long as you use compatible chargers and cables, the impact of fast charging is generally quite negligible. What's the difference between a fast charger and a regular charger? There isn't a single generally accepted definition of fast charging. However, with power adapters capable of sending as little as five watts or less, it's important to know how much juice your device is getting, especially if you need to recharge something quickly. So depending on who you ask (particularly when it comes to smartphones), any charger that can push out more than 15 to 18 watts is generally considered to be fast. That said, with some phones capable of receiving more than 100 watts and up to 240 watts for some laptops, it's more important than ever to consider what devices you own before buying a new fast charger. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-fast-chargers-140011033.html?src=rss

Get one year of Headspace for only $35 thanks to Black Friday deals

Meditation app Headspace is bringing back one of its biggest annual deals this Black Friday. Through December 4, youll be able to get 50 percent off the regular annual subscription price, bringing a full year of guided meditations, sleep sounds and mindfulness tools down to $35 per year. If youve been looking to build a better daily routine, this discount makes it easier to start. Headspace has become one of the most recognizable names in digital mindfulness. The app blends practical meditation guidance with structured courses and calming soundscapes designed to make everyday stress easier to manage. Its programs cover everything from beginner-friendly introductions to mindfulness to focused content on topics like anxiety, productivity and sleep. Subscribers get access to hundreds of guided sessions led by the Headspace team, including short daily practices that can be completed in a few spare minutes, plus longer courses that help build consistency. The apps Sleepcasts and soundscapes are unique, designed to create a steady nighttime routine that promotes better rest. For mornings, there are breathing exercises and motivational mini-sessions that can help set focus for the day ahead. Headspace also includes personalized progress tracking, mood check-ins and optional reminders that make it easier to stay consistent with your new mindfulness habits. For anyone new to meditation, the apps clear structure is a major strength. You dont have to know where to start, since it suggests sessions based on your goals or current mood. This annual deal is ideal for users who want to stick with mindfulness practice over time, or anyone interested in incorporating a new habit into their lives. Paying for the year upfront typically saves money compared with the monthly plan, and the discount brings that cost down even further. Whether youre learning the basics of meditation or refining an existing routine, the full library provides enough variety to keep things engaging throughout the year. If youre still comparing wellness apps, check out our guide to the best meditation apps to see how Headspace stacks up against other options. But for those ready to commit to a calmer routine, this annual offer is one of the simplest ways to start the habit at a lower cost. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-one-year-of-headspace-for-only-35-thanks-to-black-friday-deals-163051921.html?src=rss

Black Friday deals include half off one of our favorite budgeting apps

Monarch Money is one of our favorite budgeting apps and, fittingly enough, there's a way for newcomers to save money on a subscription right now. If you use the code MONARCHVIP at checkout, you can get an annual plan for 50 percent off. It typically costs $100, but you can get 12 months of access for $50 with this code. There are some key caveats here. 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. 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/black-friday-deals-include-half-off-one-of-our-favorite-budgeting-apps-174011283.html?src=rss

Sling Orange Day Passes are only $1 right now for Black Friday

Sling TV offers multiple ways to stream cable channels without having to commit to a month of service, and for Black Friday it's offering its new $5 Day Passes for a healthy discount. You can get a Sling Orange Day Pass for just $1 through November 30, and get access to 34 channels, including ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN 3. Besides ESPN, the Sling Orange Day Pass includes access to TNT and TBS, which makes it a solid option if you're trying to watch the NBA, NFL or college sports. The pass also includes children's channels like Disney Channel and Nick Jr., CNN for news and HGTV and Food Network for purer forms of lean back entertainment. Sling TV is Engadget's pick for the best customizable live streaming service for a reason: You can add on extra premium channels when you buy a pass, and their price will be prorated for whatever length you choose. That way even if a dollar isn't getting you all the channels you need, you don't need to pay that much more to get them. It's worth noting, while this promotion runs during Thanksgiving in the US, a Sling Orange subscription won't get you access to the football games scheduled for that Thursday . To watch those, you'll need at least a Sling Blue subscription, which includes FS1 and NFL Network, but isn't available as a day-long pass. A Sling Blue subscription currently starts at $46 a month. Still, for your $1, around $4 off the price Sling TV normally charges, you're getting a deal. Dozens of popular channels, access to Sling TV's DVR feature, and the ability to use your subscription from a smartphone, tablet, the web or your TV. Plus, Sling TV's interface is easy to navigate, which is what you want when you're likely subscribing with one game or show in mind. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/sling-orange-day-passes-are-only-1-right-now-for-black-friday-231208163.html?src=rss

Onewheel team's Antic e-bike can pop eternal wheelies

Many e-bike brands focus their marketing on being a sustainable and environmentally friendly consumer choice. Future Motion has gone the other direction and emphasized how its new product can pop infinite wheelies, which sounds like either loads of fun or a quick way to an injury, depending on your worldview. After developing a line of single-wheel skateboards called Onewheel , Future Motion has released a new transportation option with an e-bike dubbed Antic. (Though I am deeply disappointed it isn't named Twowheel). The 70s-inspired design claims a top speed of 35 miles per hour, a range of 28 to 50 miles, and wide tires intended to handle many types of terrain. It also says that with its Wheelie Assist mode, the bike's gyroscopes and accelerometers can hold an endless single-wheel ride. The base model Antic has a list price of $2,500 but is currently discounted a few hundred bucks for the launch; longer-range options with more capable tires will run up to $2,900. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/onewheel-teams-antic-e-bike-can-pop-eternal-wheelies-230602296.html?src=rss

Meta's Chief AI Scientist is leaving the company after 12 years

One of Meta's top AI researchers, Yann LeCun, is leaving after 12 years with the company to found his own AI startup, he announced. LeCun, who is also a professor at New York University, joined the company in 2013 to lead Meta's Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) lab and later took on the role of Chief AI Scientist. LeCun said his new startup would continue the Advanced Machine Intelligence research program (AMI) I have been pursuing over the last several years with colleagues at FAIR, at NYU, and beyond and that it would partner with Meta. The goal of the startup is to bring about the next big revolution in AI: systems that understand the physical world, have persistent memory, can reason, and can plan complex action sequences, he wrote in an update on Threads. AMI will have far-ranging applications in many sectors of the economy, some of which overlap with Metas commercial interests, but many of which do not. Pursuing the goal of AMI in an independent entity is a way to maximize its broad impact. Speculation about LeCun's future at Meta has been mounting in recent months. Earlier this year, the company invested nearly $15 billion into Scale AI and made the 28-year-old CEO, Alexandr Wang, its Chief AI Officer. Meta also recruited Shengjia Zhao, who helped create GPT-4, making him Chief AI Scientist of its newly created Meta Superintelligence Labs unit. LeCun, on the other hand, has been openly skeptical of LLMs. We are not going to get to human-level AI by just scaling LLMs, he said during an appearance on the Big technology podcast earlier this year. And in a recent talk at a conference, he advised aspiring researchers to absolutely not work on LLMs, according to remarks reported by The Wall Street Journal. At the same time, Meta has been reshuffling its AI teams. The company cut several hundred jobs from its Superintelligence group, including from FAIR, last month . And LeCun has had difficulty getting resources for his projects at Meta as the company focused more intently on building models to compete with immediate threats from rivals including OpenAI, Alphabet Inc.s Google and Anthropic, Bloomberg reported . LeCun said he will stay on at Meta until the end of the year. I am extremely grateful to Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Bosworth (Boz), Chris Cox, and Mike Schroepfer for their support of FAIR, and for their support of the AMI program over the last few years, he wrote. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/metas-chief-ai-scientist-is-leaving-the-company-after-12-years-224325268.html?src=rss

Letterboxd will start renting movies in December

Letterboxd's foray into digital video rentals officially launches in December, the social film platform shared in a new blog post . Plans for a Letterboxd Video Store were first announced in March, but now Letterboxd has started to fill in some of the details of what kinds of movies its store will carry and where they'll be available to watch. The collection of films available through the Letterboxd Video Store will be curated around a few categories, according to the company. Those include films featured at film festivals that currently don't have distribution, titles that continue to hang around in users' watchlists, film restorations and limited-time drops of sneak peeks and unreleased gems. Letterboxd compared the process of narrowing down what films to try and offer like the employee picks shelf you might see at a local video store, only every Letterboxd user is an employee. Films rented through Letterboxd will be available to watch on the web, iOS, Android, Apple TV and Android TV, and can be streamed to screens that support Chromecast and AirPlay. Letterboxd hasn't shared what its rental terms or prices will be, but did note that rental availability and cost will vary depending on your location. The company also warns that some films will only be available for a limited amount of time. As an expansion on its core competencies of tracking what films you and your friends have watched and letting you review them, video rentals seem like a natural addition for Letterboxd. It's a bit like Amazon and Goodreads. Amazon acquired the book reviewing platform Goodreads in 2013, after establishing itself as a physical and digital bookseller. Letterboxd has defined itself as a trusted film reviewing platform, and now it's branching out into selling films. In the same way Goodreads can funnel readers back towards Amazon, Letterboxd can use movie fans to surface the best films to rent and keep them from heading somewhere else to watch them. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/letterboxd-will-start-renting-movies-in-december-214900026.html?src=rss

Warner signs AI music licensing deal with Udio

Warner Music Group (WMG) settled a lawsuit with an AI company in exchange for a piece of the action. The label announced on Wednesday that it had resolved a 2024 lawsuit against AI music creation platform Udio . As part of the deal, Udio gets to license Warner's catalog for an upcoming music creation service. This follows a similar settlement between Universal Music Group and Udio, announced last month. Udio's service will allow subscribers to create, listen to and discover AI-generated music trained on licensed work. Youll be able to generate new songs, remixes and covers using favorite artists' voices or compositions. The boundaries between human creation and an algorithm's approximation of it are about to grow murkier. Not in terms of artistic quality, but it will be based on what proliferates online. WMG is framing the deal as a win for artists, who will if they choose to opt in gain a new revenue stream. Ahead of the services launch, Udio will roll out expanded protections and other measures designed to safeguard the rights of artists and songwriters. So, the settlement does at least appear to reassert some control over artists work. What the normalization of robot-made music will do for society's collective tastes is another question. A neon sign on a wall, reading, You are what you listen to. Mohammad Metri / Unsplash The settlement echoes a warning Spotify sounded to musicians and labels last month . If the music industry doesn't lead in this moment, AI-powered innovation will happen elsewhere, without rights, consent or compensation, the company wrote. Spotify plans to launch artist-first AI music products in the future, a vague promise to be sure. However, given Udio's plans, it wouldn't be surprising to see the streaming service cooking up a similar licensed AI music-creation product. We're unwaveringly committed to the protection of the rights of our artists and songwriters, and Udio has taken meaningful steps to ensure that the music on its service will be authorized and licensed, Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl wrote in a press release. This collaboration aligns with our broader efforts to responsibly unlock AI's potential - fueling new creative and commercial possibilities while continuing to deliver innovative experiences for fans. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/warner-signs-ai-music-licensing-deal-with-udio-213433325.html?src=rss

Netflix lands a deal with MLB to air select live baseball games

Major League Baseball has entered a new broadcasting deal that will see Netflix hosting live games for the first time. Under this three-year agreement, Netflix will have the rights to air a new Opening Night game the evening ahead of the Opening Day matchups. It will also stream the T-Mobile Home Run Derby as well as select special events during the season, including the 2026 MLB at Field of Dreams Game and the previously announced World Baseball Classic in Japan. It's a limited amount of content, but aligns with Netflix's recent pushes into both live events and sports programming. Last year the streaming service inked deals to show a double-header of NFL games on Christmas Day and snagged exclusive US rights to two FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments . Netflix has previously gotten access to documentary content from the MLB, but 2026 will mark its first time showing live baseball. The MLB deal also included some shuffling on the broadcast side, moving certain matches between ESPN and NBCUniversal properties. Apple TV will still have the rights to the Friday night games going forward. So between the growing number of platforms grabbing slices of viewership and the MLB's existing blackout rules, in future seasons you'll need to undertake a thorough research assignment to figure out where you can watch each game. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-lands-a-deal-with-mlb-to-air-select-live-baseball-games-213336003.html?src=rss

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

Google Maps will use AI to predict if EV chargers will be available on arrival

Google is rolling out an update to Maps that brings some new tools to the table, including the ability to check on EV charger availability. The app already showed the location of EV chargers, but not if they were available or not. In other words, it was entirely possible to roll up to a charging station only to find a line of EVs waiting for juice. Google The updated tool will soon show how many chargers will likely be available upon your arrival. This uses a combination of AI wizardry and real-time charger availability to predict how many chargers are likely to be open and ready for use at a particular point in time. Google says this will help users avoid lines and save time. The charger tracker drops next week, but only via Android Auto and cars with Google built-in. The Explore tab has gotten a revamp, making it easier to find curated lists from local influencers and companies like OpenTable. All you have to do is swipe up to see trending and popular restaurants, activities and sights near you. The updated Explore tab rolls out this month globally on both Android and iOS. The company is also stuffing more Gemini into Maps because it's 2025 and that's the way things are done now . The AI chatbot will be able to whip up know before you go tips before visiting restaurants, hotels, concert venues and other locations of interest. Google says Gemini will be like having a knowledgeable guide show you the way. We'll have to see how that works out in real life. This AI-powered tips feature is already available for many users in the US on Android and iOS. Finally, reviewers can now change their display names when providing feedback to local businesses. Google says this can be used to review nearby shops with names like Eager Elf or Julia Loves Sweets. Despite the user name change, it'll still be your Google account making the remark, so keep things polite. This is just the latest update for Google Maps. The app is adding live lane guidance for Polestar 4 owners and is also coming to Garmin smartwatches . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-maps-will-use-ai-to-predict-if-ev-chargers-will-be-available-on-arrival-191808879.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

A four-pack of AirTags is on sale for $65 for Black Friday

Good deals on Apple products are generally harder to come by throughout the year than with other brands, but sale events are usually the best time to look around. And sure enough, ahead of Black Friday , Apples AirTags are cheaper than ever. You can pick up a four-pack of these handy Bluetooth trackers for $65, a record low price. Bear in mind that this deal brings the price per AirTag down to $16 if you were to buy them individually, and when not on sale they usually cost $29. If you use Apple devices and are prone to losing stuff, AirTags are the obvious choice of Bluetooth tracker to buy. Adding one to your account requires little more than a single tap, and with Apples Find My network offering such extensive coverage these days, its never been easier to find missing belongings. Tracking down a still nearby misplaced item is as easy as using your iPhone to trigger a sound from the AirTags built-in speaker, or alternatively you can use Precision Finding to pinpoint its location through Find My. You just follow the instructions on your iPhones screen, paying attention to its vibrations as you get closer. If you only need a single AirTag, theyre also on sale right now for $18, another record low. It works out a bit better as a deal if you purchase the four-pack, but if you just want to attach one to your keys or backpack, $65 might seem like a stretch. Just remember that AirTags cant be attached to items right out of the box. Youll need to add an accessory in order to turn one into a keyring, or even attach it to your pets collar. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/a-four-pack-of-airtags-is-on-sale-for-65-for-black-friday-161756146.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

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

A VPN subscription can make for a good holiday gift. Everyone could do with having a VPN to help protect their online activity from prying eyes (and, perhaps, access more things to watch from their favorite streaming services). It's something useful that a gift recipient may have never realized they needed. Of course, you may be looking for a great deal on a VPN yourself, and the Black Friday discount for Proton VPN is nothing to sniff at. You can get two years of access to the VPN Plus tier of the service for $59.76, which works out to $2.49 per month. That's a discount of 75 percent compared with the regular price of $10 per month. Overall, you'd save $180. Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN overall because it checks all of the boxes it needs to. There is a free plan with unlimited data, but with that you can only connect to servers in a few countries and the connection might not be fast enough for you to watch anything from your preferred streaming service's library in that locale. The VPN Plus tier unlocks a lot more options, such as the ability to connect to 15,000 servers across more than 120 countries and simultaneous protection for up to 15 devices. The apps are well-designed Proton has clients for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android and it's easy to find a feature or setting you're looking for. In our testing, Proton VPN Plus had a relatively small impact on browsing speeds. Our download speeds dropped by 12 percent and uploads by 4 percent, while the global average ping remained below 300 ms (which is especially impressive if you're connecting to a server on the other side of the planet). Perhaps, most importantly, though, it's Proton's commitment to privacy that helps make its VPN an easy recommendation. There's a no-logs policy, meaning it does not log user activity or any identifiable characteristics of devices that connect to the VPN. Proton's servers use full-disk encryption to bolster privacy as well. Proton VPN is not the only service to offer a Black Friday VPN deal this year, of course. There are plenty of others available on services we like. Here are the best of the bunch if you're looking for an alternative to Proton VPN. Surfshark One (24 months + 3 free months) for $59.13 (88 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware) and Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach), plus Surfshark Search and Alternative ID from the tier below. This extra-low deal gives you 88 percent off all those features. NordVPN Plus (24 months + 3 free months) for $105.03 (74 percent off): NordVPN has taken 74 percent off its Plus subscription for Black Friday. For only a little more, you get a powerful ad and tracker blocker that can also catch malware downloads, plus access to the NordPass password manager. A Plus plan also adds a data breach scanner that checks the dark web for your sensitive information. CyberGhost (24 months + 4 free months) for $56.94 (84 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Private Internet Access (36 months + 4 free months) for $79.20 (83 percent off): Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 40 months of PIA for just under $2 per month an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA has plenty of features, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-up-to-75-percent-off-proton-vpn-two-year-plans-with-these-black-friday-vpn-deals-153737058.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

The best robot vacuums on a budget for 2025

Robot vacuums have become ubiquitous over the past few years, in the sense that there are more options to choose from now than ever before. In their early years, you'd have to dish out $500 or more to get a decent robot vacuum, but that's not the case anymore. Sure, you could pick up a $1,000 cleaning behemoth with mopping features, but it would be incorrect to assume that you need to spend that much money to get a good machine. Now, you can get an autonomous dirt-sucker to do one of your least favorite chores (and do it pretty well) by spending $300, or less in some instances. But you get what you pay for in this space; dont expect affordable robot vacuum cleaners to have all of the bells and whistles that premium machines do, like self-emptying capabilities or advanced dirt detection. Engadget has tested dozens of robot vacuums at various price points over the years and we've narrowed down the best budget robot vacuums you can get right now. Table of contents Best budget robot vacuums for 2025 Are robot vacuums worth it? What to look for in a budget robot vacuum How we test robot vacuums Robot vacuum maintenance tips Budget robot vacuum FAQs Best budget robot vacuums for 2025 Are robot vacuums worth it? Since I've tested dozens of robot vacuums, I'm often asked if these gadgets are worth it and I'd say the answer is yes. The biggest thing they offer is convenience: just turn on a robot vacuum and walk away. The machine will take care of the rest. If vacuuming is one of your least favorite chores, or you just want to spend less time keeping your home tidy, semi-autonomous robotic vacuum is a great investment. Many models, albeit more expensive ones, even come with features like a self-empty station to further reduce maintenance. There are plenty of other good things about them, but before we dive in lets consider the biggest trade-offs: less power, less capacity and less flexibility. Those first two go hand in hand; robot vacuum cleaners are much smaller than upright vacuums, which leads to less powerful suction. They also hold less dirt because their built-in bins are a fraction of the size of a standard vacuum canister or bag. Fortunately, some models include features like an auto-empty station, which helps with dirt capacity, especially in homes with pet hair. When it comes to flexibility, robot vacuums do things differently than standard ones. You can control some with your smartphone, set cleaning schedules and more, but robo-vacs are primarily tasked with cleaning floors. On the flip side, their upright counterparts can come with various attachments that let you clean couches, stairs, light fixtures and other hard-to-reach places. What to look for in a budget robot vacuum When looking for the best cheap robot vacuum, one of the first things you should consider is the types of floors you have in your home. Do you have mostly carpet, tile, laminate, hardwood? Carpets demand vacuums with strong suction power that can pick up debris pushed down into nooks and crannies. Unfortunately, there isnt a universal metric by which suction is measured. Some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels and generally the higher the Pa, the stronger. But other companies dont rely on Pa levels and simply say their bots have X-times more suction power than other robot vacuums. So how can you ensure youre getting the best cheap robot vacuum to clean your floor type? Read the product description. Look for details about its ability to clean hard floors and carpets, and see if it has a max mode you can use to increase suction. If you are given a Pa measurement, look for around 2000Pa if you have mostly carpeted floors. Pay attention to the brush roll mechanism as well, especially if you're dealing with dog hair or other stubborn debris that can cause tangles. Many budget models use bristle brushes, while others offer tangle-free designs to minimize maintenance. You may find some budget robot vacuums also offer vacuum/mop combo capabilities. These bots feature a water tank, which means they can offer mopping functionality, enhancing debris pickup, and resulting in shiny floors. However, these are less common when youre shopping in the lower price range. Size is also important for two reasons: clearance and dirt storage. Check the specs for the robots height to see if it can get underneath the furniture you have in your home. Most robo-vacs wont be able to clean under a couch (unless its a very tall, very strange couch), but some can get under entryway tables, nightstands and the like. As for dirt storage, look out for the milliliter capacity of the robots dustbin the bigger the capacity, the more dirt the vacuum cleaner can collect before you have to empty it. You should also double check the Wi-Fi capabilities of the robo-vac youre eyeing. While you may think thats a given on all smart home devices, its not. Some of the most affordable models dont have the option to connect to your home Wi-Fi network. If you choose a robot vac like this, you wont be able to direct it with a smartphone app or with voice controls. Another feature thats typically reserved for Wi-Fi-connected robots is scheduling because most of them use a mobile app to set cleaning schedules. But Wi-Fi-incapable vacuums usually come with remote controls that have all the basic functions that companion mobile apps do, including start, stop and return to dock. And if youre concerned about the possibility of hacking, a robot vac with no access to your Wi-Fi network is the best option. Obstacle detection and cliff sensors are other key features to look out for. The former helps the robot vacuum navigate around furniture while it cleans, rather than mindlessly pushing its way into it. Many also offer no-go zones, letting you block off areas you dont want the robot to enter. Meanwhile, cliff sensors prevent robot vacuums from tumbling down the stairs, making them the best vacuum for multi-level homes. How we test robot vacuums When we consider which robot vacuums to test, we look at each machines specs and feature list, as well as online reviews to get a general idea of its capabilities. With each robot vacuum we review, we set it up as per the instructions and use it for as long as possible at minimum, well use each for one week, running cleaning cycles daily. We make sure to try out any physical buttons the machine has on it, and any app-power features like scheduling, robot mapping and more. Since we test robot vacuums in our own homes, there are obstacles already in the machines way like tables, chairs and other furniture this helps us understand how capable the machine is at avoiding obstacles, and well intentionally throw smaller items in their way like shoes, pet toys and more. With robot vacuums that include self-emptying bases, we assess how loud the machine is while emptying contents into the base and roughly how long it takes for us to fill up the bag (or bagless) base with debris. Robot vacuum maintenance tips First and foremost, always empty your robot vacuums dustbin after every cleaning job, or use a self-empty station if the model supports it. Simply detach and empty the dustbin as soon as the robot is done cleaning, and then reattach it so it's ready to go for the next time. Its also a good idea to take a dry cloth to the inside of the dustbin every once in a while to remove any small dust and dirt particles clinging to its insides. In addition, youll want to regularly examine the machines brushes to see if any human or pet hair has wrapped around them, or if any large debris is preventing them from working properly. Some brushes are better than others at not succumbing to tangled hair, but its a good idea to check your robots brushes regardless both their main brush and any smaller, side brushes or corner brushes they have. These parts are often easy to pop off of the machine (because they do require replacements eventually) so we recommend removing each brush entirely, getting rid of any tangles or other debris attached to them and reinstalling them afterwards. If you have a robot vacuum with mopping capabilities, youll need to wash the bots mop pads too, to avoid any unpleasant smells or tracking mess around your home. Similarly, if your robot vacuum has a water tank, its worth washing this out regularly to keep it clean. Robot vacuums also have filters that need replacing every couple of months. Check your machines user manual or the manufacturers website to see how long they recommend going in between filter replacements. Most of the time, these filters cannot be washed, so you will need to buy new ones either directly from the manufacturer or from other retailers like Amazon or Walmart . Budget robot vacuum FAQs Are budget robot vacuums good for pet hair? Yes, budget robot vacuums can be good for pet hair. Just keep in mind they generally tend to have lower suction power and smaller dustbins than more expensive (and larger) robot vacuums. If pet hair is your biggest concern, we recommend getting as expensive of a robot vacuum as your budget allows, or consider investing in a cordless vacuum since those tend to be more powerful overall. How long do budget robot vacuums last per charge? Budget robot vacuums typically last 40-60 minutes per charge, and the best ones will automatically return to their charging dock when they need more power. Do budget robot vacuums work on carpets and hardwood floors? Yes, budget robot vacuums work on both carpets and hardwood floors. Which budget robot vacuums have mapping features? Home mapping features are typically exclusive to more expensive robot vacuums. Check the product description of any robot vacuum you're thinking of buying and look for smart mapping or smart home mapping in the feature list if you want a device that supports it. Check out more from our spring cleaning guide. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-budget-robot-vacuums-133030847.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