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

If youve been waiting for the right moment to try MasterClass , nows a great time to sign up. The online learning platform is offering 50 percent off all annual plans for a limited time with its Black Friday sale. With hundreds of classes across topics like cooking, writing and music, its one of the best deals weve seen from MasterClass this year. 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-get-up-to-50-percent-off-masterclass-subscriptions-right-now-154509110.html?src=rss

Use this hack to get one year of Peacock access for $49 for Black Friday

If you've wanted to check out The Paper or any other new NBC show on Peacock, you can do so now while spending less thanks to this hack. Walmart, believe it or not, comes into play here: the retailer is offering Walmart+ subscriptions for half off right now, bringing the cost down to $49 for your first year. Thanks to a streaming benefit for subscribers, you can then sign up for Peacock at no extra cost. Walmart+ subscribers are able to choose between a Peacock Premium or a Paramount+ Essential subscription. Considering Peacock premium would run you $110 for the year on its own, signing up for Walmart+ while this discount is available gets you access to the streaming service for less than half the normal cost. Just about every major streaming service has raised its prices in the last year, including HBO Max , Disney+ , Netflix , Apple TV and YouTube TV , so saving some money on one of them just might be worth the effort. Cord cutting is not nearly as affordable as it used to be, so finding a deal like this is pretty helpful. Walmart+ itself offers myriad additional benefits like early access to Black Friday deals, free shipping on orders over $35, discounts on gas, free online veterinary care and more. Earlier this year, Walmart+ subscribers got first dibs on the Nintendo Switch 2 at the retailer. You can also use that free shipping to take advantage of Walmart's drone delivery program in a handful of select cities. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/use-this-hack-to-get-one-year-of-peacock-access-for-49-for-black-friday-192739670.html?src=rss

Get half off one of our favorite budgeting apps for Black Friday

Those looking for a better way to keep track of their finances should consider a budgeting app . There are dozens of them on the market now, and one of our favorites is running a discount for new subscribers. Monarch Money is offering 50 percent off annual plans right now when you use the code MONARCHVIP at checkout. With the typical yearly price being $100, this will save you $50. As mentioned before, the discount is only for new users and it can't be combined with other offers. The code only works when you sign up through the web as well. You can't redeem it through the Monarch mobile app. We feel that Monarch has a steeper learning curve than some other budget trackers and that certain aspects of the app are slightly more complex than they probably need to be. But it offers a great deal of customization and granularity , which outweighs our misgivings. On the main dashboard, you'll see your net worth along with your latest transactions, spending versus the previous month, your income so far for the month and details about upcoming bills, your investments and goals you've set. There's also a link to a month-in-review page, which offers an in-depth overview of what's been happening with your money that month. You'll also be able to take a peek at how your net worth has changed over time. Monarch can connect to your bank and track Apple Card, Apple Cash and Savings accounts. It can pull in your transactions and balance history automatically and detect your recurring expenses and income. The app can even keep your car valuation up to date. While it might take a little work to set up Monarch (and you might have to tweak things here and there), it's a detailed budgeting app that can help you keep better track of your income, expenditure and net worth. If you're a former Mint user (RIP), Monarch Money is a great alternative if you haven't yet found a Mint replacement . But it's worth mentioning that our favorite Mint replacement service, Quicken Simplifi , also has a sale going on right now. It's offering 50 percent off when you sign up for an annual subscription, billed at $3 per month with the discount. That comes out to $36 for the first year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-half-off-one-of-our-favorite-budgeting-apps-for-black-friday-174011169.html?src=rss

X's handle marketplace is open and there are some... interesting names if you're willing to pay

After previewing its plans to open a marketplace to redistribute dormant handles last month , X has made the feature available to all Premium+ subscribers on the platform. The feature allows subscribers to request new handles that up to now have been unavailable because they belonged to accounts that have since become inactive. The marketplace offers two types of handles: priority and rare. For priority handles, X has suggested the goal is to give people the chance to have a handle that more closely reflects their name. In practice, though, it's not at all clear how X is determining what's considered a priority versus a rare handle. I signed up for a $40/month subscription and searched for both @kbell and @karissa only to be told that both are considered rare and thus not available to me. I was able to register my interest in the names, and include a brief description of why I wanted the handles. My first initial and last name is, apparently, rare. X The company says that rare handles are the most valuable names and are often words, slang, or containing few characters. Some options that may one day be available, according to my searching, include @memelord, @phone, @gr0k and @AIchat. The exact process for acquiring one of these, though, isn't exactly clear. X says that handles on your watchlist may be released in a public drop where you, and others can apply to receive the handle for free via a merit based application system. The company has also said that it will make some especially sought-after handles available for purchase on an invitation-only basis, with prices anywhere from $2,500 to over seven figures. There's some good meme potential here, if you can get it. X After a bit of perusing, I did find that there were a few entertaining options that are theoretically available now as priority handles, including @six_seven, @elonfarts, @grokfacts and @kbchat. Honestly, all of these were at least a little tempting, though I'm not at all confident X would approve @elonfarts or @grokfacts. You also have to consider these requests at least a little carefully because X is only giving users the ability to request one priority handle during the entire lifetime of their account. There are also some significant strings attached to the whole process. In addition to being required to maintain a $40/month or $395/year Premium+ subscription, X has a rather strict set of rules for maintaining your handle. These include: -Create content regularly. If an account is active but the associated handle remains largely dormant for example, where little or no original or engaging content is published X may reclaim the handle. -Use the handle in a way that reflects the spirit of participation and expression on X. That means active involvement in platform activities (replying, reposting, discussing topics) that help build a vibrant community for sharing ideas and expressions. Xs intent is to ensure that handles remain available for active voices and creators who help advance the mission of the platform, not for speculation or inactivity. -Ensure regular activity on the platform, with a minimum of 1 device login within a 30 day period. For details, see our Inactive Account Policy . The terms also state that X owns and can reclaim any handle, which is more than theoretical. The company has a long history of commandeering desirable handles from users that were actively using them including, infamously, @X . Given all that, I still have yet to follow through on requesting any of the available priority handles I've found. I might just stick with the same handle (@karissabe) I've been using for the last 16 years. It's only two letters off from the supposed rare variation of my first name only, and it won't cost anything extra to keep. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/xs-handle-marketplace-is-open-and-there-are-some-interesting-names-if-youre-willing-to-pay-000020665.html?src=rss

Meta is bringing usernames to Facebook Groups

Meta has long required Facebook users to post under their real names (with some exceptions ), but at least for Facebook Groups, the company is now offering new options. Members of Facebook Groups will now be able to participate under a custom nickname and avatar, rather than being forced to use their real name or post anonymously. You can set a custom nickname via the same toggle that lets you create an anonymous post, Meta says . Nicknames have to be enabled by a group's administrators, and in some cases individually approved, but once they are, you can switch between posting under your real name or a nickname freely. The only other limitation is that the nickname needs to comply with Meta's existing Community Standards and Terms of Service. While you set your new nickname, you can also pick from a selection of custom avatars, which seem to mostly be pictures of cute animals wearing sunglasses. Groups are one of several areas of Facebook that Meta has continually tried to tweak in the last few years to bring back users. In 2024, the company introduced a tab that highlighted local events shared in Facebook groups. More recently, it added tools for admins to convert private groups into public ones to try and draw in new members. No single change can make Facebook the center of young people's lives in the way it was in the early 2000s, but letting people use what amounts to a username might encourage Facebook users to explore new groups and post more freely. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-bringing-usernames-to-facebook-groups-231405698.html?src=rss

Hytale will only cost $20 because it isn't good yet, its developer says

Hytale , a more action-packed take on Minecraft , will be available for $20 when it relaunches in early access, Hypixel Studios announced on X . The developer shared that it planned to relaunch Hytale earlier this week after successfully reacquiring the rights to the game from Riot Games. Alongside its $20 Standard edition, Hypixel also plans to offer $35 Supporter and $70 Cursebreaker editions of Hytale with additional in-game cosmetics. Pricing the game at $20 is an acknowledgement of how unfinished it is, according to Hypixel Studios co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme. I'm pricing Hytale as aggressively low as possible, Collins-Laflamme said in an X post. The game is unfinished and runs on a build from over four years ago. Charging more didn't feel right. I don't think the game is good yet. Im pricing Hytale as aggressively low as possible. Im taking on a considerable personal risk after repurchasing the game and getting it ready for early access for a growing team of now 50 talented individuals. I said I was all in, and I am delivering on that promise. The game https://t.co/KxBmOLxMQN Simon (@Simon_Hypixel) November 21, 2025 Hypixel Studios shared footage of Hytale the day after it announced its deal with Riot Games. The game was originally cancelled by Riot in June 2025, after five years of development and a major reboot of the game engine, Hypixel CEO Aaron Donaghey said at the time. Riot Games bought Hypixel Studios during a period of expansion that included the launch of the company's publishing label Riot Forge, which was responsible for League of Legends spinoffs like Ruined King: A League of Legends Story . Riot eventually decided to sunset Riot Forge in 2024, alongside mass layoffs at the studio. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hytale-will-only-cost-20-because-it-isnt-good-yet-its-developer-says-213747982.html?src=rss

Apple TV+ Black Friday deal: Get six months of access for only $36

Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday . The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo , The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. Its a short-term offer, so youll want to grab it while its available. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service. Apple TV+ continues to build one of the strongest lineups in streaming. Its library includes standout originals like Ted Lasso , Severance , Slow Horses , For All Mankind , Foundation and Silo , along with newer releases such as The Studio and Dope Thief . On the film side, youll find the 2022 Best Picture winner CODA , plus Killers of the Flower Moon , Blitz and Tetris . Apples streaming service has earned plenty of recognition since launch. Apple TV+ shows picked up 10 Emmy Awards in 2024 , including a win for Slow Horses for outstanding writing in a drama series. Apple TV+ also offers a polished streaming experience. All content is ad-free and available in up to 4K HDR, with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support where available. The app works on nearly every device, from iPhone and iPad to smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox and Roku. You can also download episodes and movies to watch offline, which is handy for travel or long commutes. If youre already invested in Apples ecosystem, the integration is seamless. You can share your subscription with up to five other people through Family Sharing, and playback syncs across devices so you can start a show on your iPhone and finish it on your TV. Apple TV+ is also part of the Apple One bundle if you prefer to manage multiple Apple services under a single plan. This deal is available to new and qualified returning subscribers, meaning those who havent had an active subscription in the past 30 days. Youll need to sign up directly through Apple rather than a third-party service or carrier. Once the three-month period ends, the plan renews at the standard $13 per month, so be sure to cancel before the renewal date if you dont want to continue. With a growing slate of original series, award-winning films and a slick interface, Apple TV+ has turned into one of the best streaming services for premium content. And with this limited-time deal, you can catch up on its biggest hits without paying full price. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-tv-black-friday-deal-get-six-months-of-access-for-only-36-203322621.html?src=rss

Australia is adding Twitch to its social media ban for children

The breadth and reach of Australia's pioneering social media ban grows as livestream platform Twitch has now been added to the list of banned platforms for users under 16 years of age. The nationwide ban is the first of its kind and encompasses Facebook, X, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and recently Reddit . According to the BBC , Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said Twitch had been included because it was a platform most commonly used for livestreaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted. No other platforms are expected to be added before the law goes into effect next month. Grant also said on Friday that Pinterest would not be included in the ban because the core purpose of the platform was not online social interaction. Under the ban, platforms are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms, and face steep fees for failure to comply. While VPNs may provide a workaround in some instances, the law still creates an enormous barrier to entry for users under 16. Earlier this month, Denmark announced its lawmakers had reached a bipartisan agreement to enact a similar ban for users under 15, though details were scarce. In the US, several states have attempted to enact such a ban including Texas and Florida , though these measures either failed to pass or are held up in court. Even laws that don't go as far, such as Utah's law requiring parents to grant permission for teens to open social media accounts, are facing stiff opposition on First Amendment grounds. Concern around minors' social media continues to grow in the zeitgeist as evidence mounts surrounding the potential ill effects these platforms have on their youngest users. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/australia-is-adding-twitch-to-its-social-media-ban-for-children-202033276.html?src=rss

Ubisoft made a prototype game with voice-controlled AI teammates

Ubisoft has announced a new game prototype featuring voice-controlled AI teammates that understand visual context and natural language. This Teammates project builds on the Neo NPCs Ubisoft showed off with Nvidia in 2024 to demo in-game AI that can naturally respond to players. A key difference this time, besides the complexity of the interactions the prototype supports, is that Teammates is already being played in a closed playtest with a few hundred players, Ubisoft says. Teammates, even if Ubisoft describes it as a playable experimental research project, still uses the basic concepts of a first-person shooter. The prototype casts players as a member of the resistance in a dystopian future, tasked with moving through an enemy base to locate five missing members of their team, where directing in-game AI characters is key to success. Ubisoft came up with three AI NPCs for the project, Jaspar, an AI assistant with awareness of in-game lore and the ability to adjust game settings on the fly, and Pablo and Sofia, robotic characters that are physically present in the game and can respond to commands. Jaspar is both a diegetic and non-diegetic presence in Teammates. Ubisoft Based on footage shared with Engadget, Ubisoft's AI characters not only understand voice commands, but also have a visual awareness of what the player is seeing. A direction to stand behind a barrel prompted Sofia to take into consideration where the player was looking and position itself appropriately. In the version of Teammates available in the closed playtest, Ubisoft also uses Jaspar to onboard and teach players about the basics of the game. In most cases, the AI characters seemed overly chatty and verbose, but Ubisoft is experimenting with letting players choose sets of personalities for Sofia and Pablo including an option curiously labelled Bad Cat and Good Boy that can change up how each character expresses itself. This technology opens doors to new, personalized experiences, Ubisoft's Data & AI Director Rmi Labory shared in the Teammates announcement. Player input shapes character reactions in real time, something traditional development can't achieve. We're also delivering a full pipeline, with the experience taking players from onboarding to debrief, which is a first. Ubisoft has explored applying generative AI to other parts of the development process in the past. The company's Ghostwriter tool, introduced in 2023, uses AI to generate first drafts of in-game dialogue. Ubisoft also recently adimitted to publishing Anno 117: Pax Romana without removing its AI-generated loading screen art. Ultimately, the underlying technology powering Teammates could appear in other Ubisoft projects in the future. The company is collecting feedback from its playtest to apply towards future research, but Ubisoft suggests the middleware it created for Teammates already works with both its Snowdrop and Anvil engines, opening up the tool for future teams to use in their games. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ubisoft-made-a-prototype-game-with-voice-controlled-ai-teammates-200834163.html?src=rss

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

Now is arguably the best time of year to sign up for a VPN, or gift a subscription to someone. Black Friday VPN deals are already available, with one of the best being on our favorite VPN overall. Proton VPN is offering two years of access to its VPN Plus tier for $59.76, which works out to $2.49 per month. That's a discount of 75 percent compared with the regular price of $10 per month. Overall, you'd save $180. Proton VPN is our pick for the best VPN overall because it checks all of the boxes it needs to. There is a free plan with unlimited data, but with that you can only connect to servers in a few countries and the connection might not be fast enough for you to watch anything from your preferred streaming service's library in that locale. The VPN Plus tier unlocks a lot more options, such as the ability to connect to 15,000 servers across more than 120 countries and simultaneous protection for up to 15 devices. The apps are well-designed Proton has clients for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android and it's easy to find a feature or setting you're looking for. In our testing, Proton VPN Plus had a relatively small impact on browsing speeds. Our download speeds dropped by 12 percent and uploads by 4 percent, while the global average ping remained below 300 ms (which is especially impressive if you're connecting to a server on the other side of the planet). Perhaps, most importantly, though, it's Proton's commitment to privacy that helps make its VPN an easy recommendation. There's a no-logs policy, meaning it does not log user activity or any identifiable characteristics of devices that connect to the VPN. Proton's servers use full-disk encryption to bolster privacy as well. Proton VPN is not the only service to offer a Black Friday VPN deal this year, of course. There are plenty of others available on services we like. Here are the best of the bunch if you're looking for an alternative to Proton VPN. Surfshark One (24 months + 3 free months) for $59.13 (88 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware) and Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach), plus Surfshark Search and Alternative ID from the tier below. This extra-low deal gives you 88 percent off all those features. NordVPN Plus (24 months + 3 free months) for $105.03 (74 percent off): NordVPN has taken 74 percent off its Plus subscription for Black Friday. For only a little more, you get a powerful ad and tracker blocker that can also catch malware downloads, plus access to the NordPass password manager. A Plus plan also adds a data breach scanner that checks the dark web for your sensitive information. CyberGhost (24 months + 4 free months) for $56.94 (84 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Private Internet Access (36 months + 4 free months) for $79.20 (83 percent off): Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 40 months of PIA for just under $2 per month an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA has plenty of features, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-vpn-deals-include-up-to-75-percent-off-proton-vpn-two-year-plans-153737803.html?src=rss

The 10 best white elephant gift ideas for 2025

There are a lot of competing ideas as to what a white elephant gift exchange really is. The origins of the term white elephant point to one definition: According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. It was a far more devious punishment than simply having them executed. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. While that story is almost certainly untrue, it can inform one approach to the white elephant gift exchange: gifting something just useful or amusing enough that it wont immediately get tossed into the trash, but is also somewhat of a burden. However, every workplace, friend group and family unit has their own approach to white elephant gift exchanges nowadays. Some compete to get a gift that others will surely want to steal, while others scavenge for the most niche and targeted gag gifts. Almost all of them, though, typically have a price limit that keeps the burden of gift giving to a minimum usually $50 or less. So with all of that in mind, here are some white elephant gift ideas that will get you a few chuckles without requiring you to spend too much (or think too hard about it). Best white elephant gift ideas White elephant FAQs What is white elephant? A white elephant gift exchange is a party game typically played around the holidays in which people exchange funny, impractical gifts. How does white elephant work? A group of people each bring one wrapped gift to the white elephant gift exchange, and each gift is typically of a similar value. All gifts are then placed together and the group decides the order in which they will each claim a gift. The first person picks a white elephant gift from the pile, unwraps it and their turn ends. The following players can either decide to unwrap another gift and claim it as their own, or steal a gift from someone who has already taken a turn. The rules can vary from there, including the guidelines around how often a single item can be stolen some say twice, max. The game ends when every person has a white elephant gift. Why is it called white elephant? The term white elephant is said to come from the legend of the King of Siam gifting white elephants to courtiers who upset him. While it seems like a lavish gift on its face, the belief is that the courtiers would be ruined by the animals upkeep costs. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-10-best-white-elephant-gift-ideas-for-2025-150516920.html?src=rss

This week's best iPad deals include the base-model Apple iPad for $279

Each week, we scour the internet in search of good discounts on iPads and round them up in this post. We can safely say that this is the week to shop. Thanks to Black Friday , we're seeing discounts that put Apple's latest slates down to new all-time lows. While we were at it, we also gathered up other notable Apple deals and there are many. If you've been waiting to grab a new iPad for yourself, your kid or as a gift, or if you've been hoping the new AirPods Pro would be discounted, the time has come. The deals here come from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy because you won't find sales on Apple's own website. (Though starting November 28, Apple.com is offering up to $250 in gift cards with your purchase.) For now, these are the best iPad deals we could find. Best iPad deals Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, 8-inch) for $399 ($100 off) : The iPad mini is exactly what it sounds like : the smaller iPad. This latest iteration has an improved A17 Pro chip which is enough to support Apple Intelligence along with 128GB of storage in the base model and Apple Pencil Pro support. As before, youd buy it if you value the smaller 8.3-inch display and want a tablet you can more easily hold with one hand. This deal is within $20 of the lowest price we've tracked. Also at Best Buy . Apple iPad Air (M3, 13-inch) for $649 ($150 off) : We loved the previous generation iPad Air. The latest edition has a faster M3 chip, which excelled in our benchmark tests. Overall, we awarded it an 89 in our review and it's currently our top pick for among the iPad family. This is the model with the larger 13-inch screen, which is a little harder to carry and hold, but will give you more real estate for watching shows and playing games . This $649 price tag matches the lowest price we've seen this year. Apple iPad Pro (M5, 11-inch) for $899 ($100 off) : Apple's newest iPad only came out less than a month ago, but it's now $100 off at various retailers. At Amazon, the base model with an M5 chip and 256GB of storage in the black colorway is down to $899. We gave this iPad Pro a score of 85 in our review . It has a class-leading OLED display and an impressively thin design, while the new M5 chip is more than powerful enough to do just about anything you'd want to do with an iPad. It's the only Apple tablet to support fast charging, too. That said, it's still far more iPad than casual buyers ever need, so it's best suited for hardcore iPad users and those with cash to burn. Also at Best Buy and Walmart , and at B&H for $949. Apple iPad Pro (M5, 13-inch) for $1,199 ($100 off) : The 13-inch iPad Pro is virtually the same as the 11-inch version, only it's bigger. It's also more expensive, but the extra screen space might be worth it if you're committed to using the Pro as your main computer. Also at Best Buy for $1,199 and B&H for $1,249. Best Apple deals AirPods 4 without ANC for $80 ($49 off): If you don't need active noise cancellation, you can grab Apple's most affordable earbuds, the AirPods 4 without ANC . These came out last September at the same time as the iPhone 16. Engadget's Billy Steele reviewed them and appreciated their comfort, improved sound quality and advanced features like voice isolation for calls and Personalized Spatial Audio. This is the lowest price we've seen yet. AirPods 4 with ANC for $169 ($10 off): These buds have ANC, but they dont have the interchangeable ear tips youll find on the AirPods Pro 3. Even so, they have an improved fit over the last version, plus good sound quality and a heap of advanced features. Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $749 ($250 off) : Apple's latest MacBook Air is the top pick in our guide to the best laptops , and it earned a score of 92 in our review . It's not a major overhaul, but the design is still exceptionally thin, light and well-built, with long battery life and a top-notch keyboard and trackpad. Now it's a bit faster. (Though we'd still love more ports and a refresh rate higher than 60Hz.) This is a new all-time low for the base model with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, but higher-end configurations are also $250 off. Also at Best Buy and it's $100 off at B&H . Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M4) for $950 ($250 off) : The 15-inch MacBook Air is nearly identical to the smaller version; apart from its roomier display, it adds better speakers and a more spacious trackpad. This deal marks another all-time low, and other configs are similarly discounted. Apple MacBook Pro (M5, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,443 ($156 off) : Apples most recent M-series chip is the M5, and only comes equipped on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro. When the M5 MacBook Pro M5 came out last month, we promptly reviewed it and awarded it a 92. That new chip gives the laptop an impressive graphics upgrade that helps make it more suited to gaming an area where Apple still lags behind PCs. Other than the chip upgrade, its mostly the same, which is a good thing. Its sturdy, powerful and has an impressively long battery life we clocked 34 hours in a video run-down test. Also on sale for nearly the same price at Amazon , Best Buy and B&H . Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4 Max, 36GB memory, 1TB storage) for $3,064 ($435 off) : If you're looking for a near-top-of-the-line MacBook, here's a configuration to consider. This has the fastest currently available M-series chip (though with the release of the M5 chip , the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are no doubt on their way). For now, this is a beast that only professional users are likely to appreciate. And the price tag matches that power. The MacBook Pro is our recommended MacBook for creatives and we gave the 16-inch, M4-series models a 92 in our review . This is is the lowest price we've seen for this configuration. Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) for $350 ($50 off) : There wasnt a huge change from the Series 10 to this latest model; hardware updates included a tougher screen and a longer-lasting battery. But if youre upgrading from anything prior to the Series 10, youll likely enjoy the thinner, more comfortable fit. In our opinion, this is the best smartwatch money can buy . Its a great companion for an iPhone and also offers comprehensive health monitoring and fitness tracking. Also at Walmart , Target and Best Buy . Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS) for $200 ($49 off) : This matches the biggest discount we've seen for the third-gen version of Apple's entry-level smartwatch, which was released in September. We gave it a 90 in our review . The big upgrade here is the always-on display, which means you no longer have to wake the watch to check the time or your notifications. (This tech was previously limited to the more expensive Apple Watch models.) The watch now runs on the same S10 chip as its higher-end siblings as well, plus it still covers the essential health and fitness features. If youre in the market for your first smartwatch, or if you only want a watch for step counting, sleep tracking and notifications, it's a strong value. Also at Walmart and Target . Apple Mac mini (M4) for $479 ($100 off) : The newest version of Apples tiny desktop PC has a smaller overall footprint, a faster M4 chip, 16GB of RAM as standard (finally), two front-facing USB-C ports, an extra Thunderbolt 4 port and the ability to drive three external displays. It doesn't have any USB-A ports, however. We gave the M4 Pro model a review score of 90 . This deal is for the entry-level version with a base M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD weve seen it fall as low as $469 before, but this is still a decent savings. Also at Best Buy and it's $499 at B&H . Apple Pencil Pro for $99 ($30 off) : The top-end option in Apples confusing stylus lineup , the Pencil Pro supports pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, tilt detection, haptic feedback and Apples double tap and squeeze gestures , among other perks. Its a lovely tool for more intricate sketching and note-taking, but the catch is that its only compatible with the M4 iPad Pro, M2 and M3 iPad Air and most recent iPad mini. We've seen this deal fairly often over the course of the year, but it's a fine discount compared to buying from Apple directly. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . Apple AirTag (4-pack) for $65 ($34 off) : We may see an updated model soon, but the current AirTags are the best Bluetooth trackers for iPhone owners right now thanks to their vast finding network and accurate ultra-wideband tech that makes it easy to locate nearby items. Just note that you'll need a separate AirTag holder to attach them to your keys, wallet or bag. The discount linked here is within a dollar of the best deal we've tracked outside of an apparent pricing error on Apple's site. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . If you just need a single tracker, you can grab one for $18 at Amazon . Read more Apple coverage : The best AirPods The best Apple Watches The best MacBooks The best iPhones The best iPads Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-weeks-best-ipad-deals-include-the-base-model-apple-ipad-for-279-150020086.html?src=rss

The most effective anti-spam tool I've ever used is on sale for Black Friday

My colleagues on Engadget's buying advice team have put out great recommendations for physical gadgets like this humble fabric shaver that are on sale for Black Friday. I, however, am an evolved being who swims in the digital ether, so my top product of the year lives only online though DeleteMe will still improve your life wherever you are. From now until December 5, DeleteMe is offering 30 percent off all subscriptions with the coupon code BFCM30OFF25 . Chances are you've seen at least one public-facing people search site. You know the ones: they usually have names like 411.info or Find.people, and you can type in a person's name and find all the info the site has been able to scrape on them. If you search your own name, it's hard to avoid immediately running to the kitchen to make yourself a tinfoil hat. The most annoying thing is that these data broker sites are perfectly legal to run and use. However, that's also their Achilles' heel. If they want to operate in the open, brokers legally have to include a way for you to remove yourself from their database. Most of them make it as aggravating and time-consuming as possible, but the option is there. That's where DeleteMe comes in. All you have to do is sign up and enter all the data you want removed from brokerage sites. DeleteMe handles the rest. It searches for your information on people database sites, automatically sends opt-out requests, bugs the broker if they don't comply quickly enough and gives you a weekly report on how it's doing. You do have to be OK with DeleteMe itself having your data, but I trust them way more than the randos over at violate.privacy. It's so much faster than handling all the opt-out requests yourself, which if you've ever tried it rapidly becomes a full-time job. Since I've been using DeleteMe, I almost never get spam calls or texts anymore, except in short bursts before its crawlers catch my name on another site. And yes, it doesn't work on shady data brokers who don't follow the rules, but it's still a massive reduction of your online footprint. The only problem is that it's pretty expensive, so I strongly recommend jumping on this Black Friday deal. A few months on DeleteMe should be long enough for you to see if it reduces spam for you and I'm betting it will. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-most-effective-anti-spam-tool-ive-ever-used-is-on-sale-for-black-friday-190526952.html?src=rss

Android 16 starts rolling out to Nothing Phones

Nothing Phone 3 owners, your Android 16 update is here. Owners of other models? Well, youll have to wait a bit longer. Regardless, the company's Nothing OS 4.0 update brings Google's newest mobile software, along with a bunch of UI tweaks. In addition to Android 16 , Nothing OS 4.0 should deliver a smoother, zippier experience. The company promises faster responses, cleaner visuals, smoother interactions and more. Along those lines, app transitions, the notification shade and gestures have been redesigned to respond with sharper tactility and depth. Nothing also redesigned its first-party icons, with cleaner, more minimal styling. The home screen feels balanced, modern and comfortable to use, the company claims. Status bar icons have been refined, drawing inspiration from Android 16s stylings. There are also new lock-screen clocks to choose from, and an extra dark mode (in addition to standard dark mode), designed for nighttime reading. A marketing grid, showcasing Nothing OS 4.0's new features. Nothing The Glyph Interface has always been one of Nothing's most unique features, and it gets some updates, too. Glyph Progress integrates with Android 16's Live Updates. Rides, deliveries, and timers now sync across your screen and the Glyph Interface, as the company describes it. You can read up on all the changes on the release page . Nothing OS 4.0 is rolling out now to the Nothing Phone 3. Most other devices will start seeing it over the coming weeks. The company's ( recently spun off ) CMF brand devices will receive the update by the end of 2025. Finally, Phone 3a Lite owners have to wait until early next year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/android-16-starts-rolling-out-to-nothing-phones-182637951.html?src=rss

The best Christmas gifts to give everyone on your 2025 holiday shopping list

This time of year has a lot of merry and bright things to be excited about, but it can be stressful if youre stumped on what to get your mom, dad, best friend, coworker or kids teacher as a holiday gift. Whether you enjoy or dread buying gifts for people, its safe to say we all want to give our loved ones things they will enjoy and appreciate. But theres a lot of noise, junk and bad deals disguised as good deals to sift through as we get closer and closer to the holidays. Allow us at Engadget to help you through it. Here, youll find all of our holiday gift guides collected in one place, so you can more easily find the best Christmas gifts you need this year. Are you looking for white elephant gift ideas? Are you struggling to come up with a good gift for the father figure in your life? Are you just looking for a good board game to pick up for your own family? Weve got you covered with gift ideas for all of those scenarios and more. Best white elephant gift ideas According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. This story is almost certainly untrue, but it has led to a modern holiday staple: the white elephant gift exchange. These gift ideas will not only get you a few chuckles, but will also make your recipient feel (slightly) burdened. Read more: The best white elephant gift ideas Best Secret Santa gifts Secret Santa gift exchanges are supposed to be fun, but its easy to overthink it. You want a gift that feels thoughtful without being awkward, useful without being boring, and most importantly, affordable. The sweet spot is under $50, which is plenty to find something that fits your recipients personality. Whether youre buying for a co-worker you only chat with at the coffee machine, a friend who already has everything or a cousin who never gives you ideas, there are clever options that will make them smile. Read more: The best Secret Santa gift ideas Best tech gifts and gadgets Trying to find the right gift for an unabashed gadget lover during the holidays can be difficult, especially if you dont keep up with tech industry news yourself. Fortunately, youre reading Engadget.com, a site entirely staffed by people who spend all day figuring out what new stuff is and isnt actually good. So allow us to help. Weve rounded up some of our favorite gadgets and gear that just might satisfy the avid geek in your life. Read more: The best tech gifts and gadgets Best board game gifts We could all use more time away from screens of all types and sizes, and board games are a fun way to do that and bond with friends and family. You can find plenty of unique sets out there now, from word puzzles to whodunnits to calming playthroughs that showcase the beauty of the little things in life. From games with giant monsters to those with haunted mansions, were sure at least one of our suggestions will be a hit with you and your loved ones. Read more: The best board games to gift this season Best gifts under $50 We wouldnt blame you if you try to do all of your tech shopping around the holidays. Thats when you can typically get the best sales, both on relatively affordable gear and (more importantly) on big-ticket items. But it would be wrong to think that only the most expensive tech is worth gifting. Since we at Engadget test a plethora of gadgets every year, we know that there are some hidden (and not so hidden) tech gems at lower price ranges you just have to know where to find them. Read more: The best gifts under $50 that make great stocking stuffers Best gifts under $100 Finding a gift for the tech nerd on your list can be tough. They likely have all the tech they need and then some, but you can add to their kit with the right accessories. Apple, Samsung, Sony and other big tech companies all have affordable gear that comes in at $100 or less, you just have to know where to look. We've collected some of our favorites, but remember: you can often find alternatives that are just as good (and sometimes better) than these. However, for the people in your life for which brand names really do matter, these gifts will speak to them. Read more: The best tech gifts under $100 Best tech toys for kids We know its been a pretty crazy year thats got you wondering how exactly youre going to make the holiday season extra special, especially for the kids in your life. The good news is that the toy industry is just as creative as ever, and this years crop of hot tech toys is filled with plenty of surprise and delight, all at affordable prices. Weve picked some of our favorites under $100, ones that will not only thrill right out of the box, but keep the kids entertained for months to come. Read more: The best tech toys for kids Best gifts for remote workers There's a pretty good chance you know at least one person who works remotely in some fashion. While the WFH life has its perks nobody likes a long commute it comes with its own set of challenges, from lacking pro-level equipment to dealing with household disturbances. If youre looking to give a gift to someone who spends much of their time in their home office, weve rounded up a few techy gift ideas that should make their days a little more delightful, or at least easier to manage. Read more: The best gift ideas for the remote worker in your life Best travel gifts For as long as humans have traveled, they've carried gear with them to make long journeys easier. Airplanes may have made travel faster, but crossing states and countries can still be exhausting. If you have a friend or family member who loves exploring the world, they'll appreciate things that will save them stress when they're far from home. So let Engadget help you find the perfect gift for the person in your life with wanderlust. Read more: The best gifts for travelers Best gifts for Nintendo lovers If you're like us, Nintendo holds a special place in your heart thanks to iconic characters like Mario, Peach and Donkey Kong and multiple generations of best-selling consoles. But little did we know that outside of gaming hardware and accessories, there's an ever-growing assortment of Nintendo-themed toys, clothes and decor. And it's kind of a problem because we want all of it. So to help you figure out the best gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, we've put together a big list of our favorite products that will give anyone a power-up this holiday season. Of course, if none of the ones on our list quite fit the bill, you can also head over to our full list of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories for even more ideas. Read more: The best Nintendo gifts for the holiday season Best retro gaming gifts The stream of new video games never ends, but for some of us, nothing beats the classics. If you dont feel like hunting through eBay and local game shops for old cartridges to add to your loved ones collection, weve picked out a few other gift ideas for the nostalgic gamer in your life from video upscalers for old consoles to retro-themed books and artwork. Read more: The best retro gaming gifts for the holidays Best gifts for gamers 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 our guide will help you find the perfect gift for your friend or loved one. Read more: The best gifts for gamers Best gifts for moms Some moms really do mean it when they say they dont need any gifts. But those same moms will probably appreciate getting something thoughtful and personal a gift that shows you put in a bit of consideration. Its tough to pin-point what that ideal gift is for any given mom, but weve got ideas to get you started. Since we spend our days testing and otherwise thinking about tech, most of the presents here have a gadget spin, but all of them are a heck of a lot more unique than a candle and a bath bomb. Read more: The best gifts for mom Best gifts for dads It's not always easy to find gifts for dads, especially for those who are often quick to snap up whatever they need on their own. But even the geekiest and most well-informed dads have blind spots the trick is to find something they've never heard of, but could actually make their lives useful. We've collected some of our favorite dadcore gift ideas, which would suit everyone from a complete gadgetphobe to a total techie. Read more: The best gifts for dads Best gifts for home cooks 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. Read more: The best cooking gifts Best gifts for coffee lovers When it comes to making coffee at home, us coffee nerds are constantly evolving. Whether the person youre shopping for is newly indoctrinated into the world of small-batch roasters or obsessive over every possible aspect of every brewing process, weve compiled a list of the best coffee gear for any coffee geek this holiday season. For brewing, grinding and drinking, weve got multiple options at a range of prices to help expand any java geeks horizons. And if you think the coffee aficionado on your list already has everything they need, weve got a recommendation for them too. Read more: The best gifts for coffee lovers Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-christmas-gifts-to-give-everyone-on-your-2025-holiday-shopping-list-170018456.html?src=rss

The Analogue 3D will be restocked on November 24, but it'll cost $20 more

After several delays, Analogue finally started shipping its 4K remake of the Nintendo 64 this week. That was great news for those lucky enough to have pre-orders secured, but the console was firmly sold out beyond that first wave of shipments. However, the company has now announced that it will have new stock of the Analogue 3D ready to go from November 24. Youll be able to order from 8am PST on the day, with orders set to start shipping on December 2, once Analogue has honored all of its original pre-orders. This batch will likely go very quickly too, and if you do manage to get one, youll have to accept a (seemingly tariff-related) price $20 hike, with the Analogue 3D now costing $270. As with previous Analogue systems, the reimagined N64 uses an FPGA (field programmable gate array) chip to emulate Nintendos original hardware. FPGA-based systems are more accurate than software emulation options and deliver reduced input lag. Every N64 cartridge is supported, according to Analogue, including both PAL and NTSC variants, and the 3D is capable of 4K output with variable refresh rate. You also get an original display mode filter to faithfully recreate the look of gaming on your dusty old CRT. A word of warning, though: while our review of the Analogue 3D praised the hardware design and strength of the emulation, our reviewer's biggest mark against the console is that a lot of N64 games just arent very fun to play in 2025. Still, if you still have the likes of Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time lying around in a cupboard, youll no doubt have an enjoyably nostalgic holiday season with the Analogue 3D, should you successfully get hold of one next week. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-analogue-3d-will-be-restocked-on-november-24-but-itll-cost-20-more-173615217.html?src=rss

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

Lego sets make incredible gifts , at least according to our 10-year-old selves and as people who review gadgets instead of getting real jobs, we're very in touch with our inner children. And those inner children are squealing at some of the Lego Black Friday toy deals we're already seeing, like Disney and Harry Potter advent calendars, detailed Star Wars models and Lego's own brands like Creator, Friends and Botanicals. More deals are popping up all the time, and we'll note them for you here as soon as they're live. We always recommend using a price tracker to determine if a Lego deal is in fact a good one. You'll find Lego deals this holiday season at retailers like Amazon and Walmart , but don't overlook Lego's own site . If you join the free Lego Insiders program, you'll get special discounts and exclusive member gifts with each purchase, plus points you can redeem for your next set or bucket. We're still watching for a deal on the hottest Lego gift of the season, the Star Trek USS Enterprise set , which was just announced . With a titanic 3,600 pieces and mini-figures of the whole Next Generation crew (Guinan is a standout), it will be a must-have for any Star Trek fans. The set will be available for $400 starting November 28. Best Lego Black Friday deals LEGO Harry Potter Mandrake Figure & Pot Plant Toy 76433 for $41 (41 percent off) LEGO Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025 43273 for $31 (32 percent off) LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2025 76456 for $31 (31 percent off) LEGO Technic NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle LRV Building Set 42182 for $154 (30 percent off) LEGO Star Wars Brick-Built Star Wars Logo 75407 for $48 (20 percent off) LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Building Toy Set 75379 for $80 (20 percent off) LEGO Dreamzzz Izzie's Dream Animals Toys 71481 for $24 (40 percent off) LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Camera Toy 31147 for $16 (20 percent off) LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Magical Unicorn Toy 31140 for $7 (32 percent off) LEGO City Donut Truck Toy 60452 for $16 (20 percent off) LEGO Speed Champions 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) Race Car 76917 for $18 (28 percent off) LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants Building Toys 10349 for $18 (20 percent off) LEGO Botanicals Mini Orchid Building Set 10343 for $24 (20 percent off) LEGO Art Hokusai The Great Wave Framed Japanese Wall Art Building Set 31208 for $85 (15 percent off) LEGO Ideas Tuxedo Cat 21349 for $80 (20 percent off) LEGO NINJAGO Dragon Stone Shrine 71819 for $78 (35 percent off) LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 for $140 (18 percent off) LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Wild Animals: Majestic Rhino with Birds 31171 for $42 (30 percent off) LEGO Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Building Set 10373 for $45 (31 percent off) LEGO Friends Stargazing Camping Vehicle Adventure Toy 42603 for $21 (30 percent off) LEGO Friends Space Research Rover 42602 for $35 (27 percent off) LEGO Disney Simba The Lion King Cub Building Toy 43243 for $14 (30 percent off) LEGO Harry Potter Thestral Family Building Toy 76458 for $49 (30 percent off) LEGO Friends Andrea's Modern Mansion Doll House 42639 for $140 (30 percent off) LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding the Tantive IV Fantasy Toy 75387 for $44 (20 percent off) LEGO Classic Vibrant Creative Brick Box 11038 for $49 (19 percent off) LEGO Icons Blacktron Renegade 10355 for $64 (36 percent off) LEGO Icons Pac-Man Arcade Building Set for Adults 10323 for $236 (13 percent off) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/lego-black-friday-deals-on-star-wars-disney-harry-potter-sets-and-more-are-up-to-41-percent-off-ahead-of-the-holiday-sale-155007417.html?src=rss

The best Black Friday deals on SSDs and other storage devices for 2025

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 in the coming days, so we'll update this post as we find more offers that are worth your time. Best Black Friday microSD card deals Lexar Play Pro (256GB) microSD Express card for $49 at Amazon ($11 off MSRP) : The only reason to buy a super-fast (but pricey) microSD Express card is to expand the storage of a Nintendo Switch 2 , which requires the newer format. In our guide to the best Switch 2 microSD cards , we found each model we tested to perform similarly in actual games, so your best bet is to buy whichever one you can find in stock at the lowest price. Nintendo has already announced that Samsungs 256GB Express card will be available for $20 off MSRP on November 30, which should bring it down to $40. If you can wait to pounce on that offer, you should. But if you cant for some reason, or if that discount quickly sells out, this is only $2 more than the best price weve seen for Lexars equivalent model. Samsung P9 Express (512GB) microSD Express Card for $75 at Amazon ($25 off) : If you want more space for a Switch 2, the 512GB version of Samsungs P9 Express microSD Express card is also on sale for a new low of $75. Full disclosure: Samsung launched this card a couple of weeks ago, and we only just got it in for testing. But given the trend of similar Switch 2 performance weve seen with other Express cards thus far, and the fact that this is easily the cheapest 512GB model we can find in stock as of this writing, we figure its worth noting. Also at Samsung and B&H . SanDisk microSD Express Card (256GB) for $60 at Amazon ($8 off) : Like the offers above, this discount matches the best price weve seen for SanDisks 256GB microSD Express card. Again, there isnt much point in grabbing it as long as cheaper options are in stock, though this is technically the fastest all-around model weve tested when it comes to transferring games to and from the Switch 2s built-in storage. (Within games, however, the difference is still minimal.) Well note it here just in case the other Express models completely sell out. Best Black Friday internal SSD deals SK Hynix Platinum P51 (1TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD for $110 at Newegg ($60 off) : Most people dont have to pay extra for the top-tier performance of a PCIe 5.0 SSD like the Platinum P51, but if you need something for more intense workloads or just want comfort of owning a more futureproof SSD, reviews around the web suggest this is one of the better options available. Just make sure you have a compatible motherboard and CPU first. This offer ties the lowest price yet for the 1TB model. Use the code BFEFE96 to get the full discount at checkout. Crucial T710 (2TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD for $180 at Best Buy ($120 off) : The T710 is Crucials successor to the T705. Most reviews suggest it isnt a massive leap over the older version in real-world performance, but its generally quicker, and its a more noticeable improvement in terms of power efficiency. If youre willing to spend a little bit extra, this discount is still within $10 of the best price weve seen for the 2TB variant. Its usually retailed for $230 over the last couple of months. Also at Amazon and B&H . Crucial P310 (2TB) M.2 2230 SSD for $130 at Amazon ($110 off) : The P310 is a small-size SSD you can slot in certain thin and light notebooks or gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck . It uses cheaper QLC memory, not the faster and more durable TLC, but most reviews say it performs well for what it is. This discount is a few bucks above the largest drop to date for the 2TB model, but its still about $20 off the drives usual street price. Also at B&H . Best Black Friday portable SSD deals Crucial X10 (1TB) portable SSD for $85 at Amazon ($13 off) : The X10 is a newer iteration of the Crucial X10 Pro, which itself is a variant of the Crucial X9 Pro, the top pick in our guide to the best portable SSDs . It uses the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, which few PCs and no Macs support, so most people wont see a difference between it and more traditional USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives like the X9 Pro. (Pricier USB4 and Thunderbolt models, meanwhile, are much faster and generally easier to utilize.) If the X10 is on sale for much less than the X9 Pro, however, theres little reason to not buy it instead. Thats the case as of this writing. Plus, like our top pick, the X10 is rugged, impressively compact and fast enough for most peoples needs, though it doesnt support hardware-based encryption. This deal is $3 more than the 1TB models all-time low but still $15 off its typical going rate. Other capacities are also on sale, including the extra spacious 8TB model for a new low of $385. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox (2TB) for $200 at Amazon ($30 off) : Annoying as it is, the only way to fully add storage to an Xbox Series X or Series S is to use a proprietary expansion card. Only two of those exist, and theyre both expensive compared to traditional SSDs. Still, theyre dead simple to set up, and this Seagate model holds up well compared to the consoles internal storage. White this deal for the 2TB version isnt an all-time low, its about $20 off the cards usual going rate over the last few months. The 4TB variant is also discounted at $380 thats a ton to spend on one of these things, but it does match the lowest price weve tracked for that particular model. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-black-friday-deals-on-ssds-and-other-storage-devices-for-2025-175429466.html?src=rss

In a rare deal, my favorite gaming headset is 28 percent off for Black Friday

The truth is, most gaming headsets arent great values. Ive tested a ton of them for our buying guide , and while the space has improved over time, it remains far too centered on branding and marketing. Too much of what passes by my desk comes off as overpriced compared to a good set of normal headphones in the same range, both in audio and build quality. If you have a pair you love, more power to you. But generally speaking, these things tax you for the perception of being specialized for gaming. In reality, most are just OK headphones with a mic, a logo and maybe some fancy RGB lighting attached. All that said, there are always exceptions to the rule, and a few headsets have stood out as actually being worth the money. My current favorite is the Turtle Beach Atlas Air , which is currently on sale for $130 at various retailers as part of a Black Friday deal. Thats the cheapest its been since February, $50 off its MSRP and $20 below its street price over the last month. When its discounted to this extent, its the rare gaming headset Id call a solid bargain. The hook with the Atlas Air is that its one of the few wireless headphones (let alone headsets) with an open-back design, meaning its ear cups dont completely seal off your ears from air and outside noise. Pairs like this arent for everyone: They both let in and leak lots of ambient sound, so if you dont use them in a quiet room, you and anyone nearby will probably be distracted. On the flipside, this can be a positive if you dont want to be completely shut off from your surroundings. More notably, they can produce a far more spacious and natural sound than closed-back models. Games feel more like theyre happening around you instead of being confined to a space in your head. All of this holds true with the Atlas Air. Going from this pair to a traditional headset often makes it feel like a chunk of the world has been lopped off giant boss fights in games like Elden Ring or Final Fantasy XVI sound more narrow, and it becomes harder to gauge where exactly an opponent is coming from in a competitive shooter like Counter-Strike 2 . It helps that the Atlas Air is also tuned well. Its not as dynamic as the best non-gaming open headphones, and like most open-backs it doesnt get super deep bass, so explosions and gunfire lack a little boom. But its balanced and easygoing, with a jump in the treble that helps dialogue and footsteps sound clearer. The headset itself is exceptionally comfortable beyond that. Its lightweight at 0.66 pounds, and the big memory foam earcups clamp down gently without trapping much heat. The battery lasts a solid 50-60 hours on a charge, and while the mic isnt the absolute best Ive tested, it still lets you come through clearly. It all works with PC and PS5 by default, and you can pair with a Switch or Switch 2 over Bluetooth. Theres no Xbox wireless support, unfortunately, though you can at least use an included 3.5mm cable. And though the plastic design isnt exactly premium, it hasnt developed any sort of cracks or creakiness in the months Ive used it. For $130, its totally fine. There are other things to nitpick: You cant listen to two devices connected over the USB dongle and Bluetooth simultaneously; you want to ignore Turtle Beachs companion software as soon as you update the firmware; and there isnt much room to adjust the headband, so certain heads may struggle to find the best fit. The design is also kind of ugly, if Im being honest. Still, in an samey market, the Atlas Air stands out. If you know you can live with the trade-offs that come with any open-back headset, its a unique value at this price. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/in-a-rare-deal-my-favorite-gaming-headset-is-28-percent-off-for-black-friday-165029987.html?src=rss

Silent Hill 2 is now available on Xbox

If youre an Xbox-only player whos been waiting patiently for the arrival of Bloober Teams superb Silent Hill 2 remake on Microsoft consoles, nows your time. While the ideal release window would have been last month to coincide with spooky season (PS Plus subscribers got lucky here ), theres never a bad time to play Silent Hill 2 . A full remake of the seminal 2001 survival horror game, Silent Hill 2 has you play as widower James Sunderland, whos summoned to the eponymous rural town after receiving a letter from his deceased wife, where all manner of psychological horrors await him. Slightly controversially, the 2024 game ditched the fixed camera angles of the original in favor of a more modern over-the-shoulder perspective. Fortunately, this transition sacrifices none of the games signature oppressive atmosphere, with the foggy streets of Silent Hill being as creepy as ever to tentatively explore. To celebrate the release of Silent Hill 2 on Xbox Series X|S, Konami has slashed the price of the Xbox and PC versions by 50 percent. You can also grab this years brand new entry, Silent Hill f , for 30 percent off for Black Friday. Its been a pretty good week for long-awaited Xbox ports. Engadget 2023 game of the year award winner Dave the Diver finally arrived on all Xbox consoles (including Xbox One), while the excellent horror-themed roguelite Clover Pit also surprise dropped this week. That ones on Game Pass too. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/silent-hill-2-is-now-available-on-xbox-164052884.html?src=rss

Apple teamed up with another artist to make this iPhone grip and stand

Apple has teamed up with an artist named Bailey Hikawa to make an iPhone grip and stand thingamajig . The appropriately-named Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is a MagSafe compatible device that snaps onto an iPhone. The grip can be removed with ease and also doubles as a stand. To that end, it supports two different viewing angles, both vertical and horizontal. Apple says the ergonomic form factor was designed with accessibility in mind from the ground up and that Hikawa was given direct input from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity and hand control. Bailey Hikawa/Apple It's also intended to be a work of art, as it was inspired by modern sculpture. This is what likely ticks the price up. The grip is available in two colorways, both of which cost $70. Generic grips cost around $10 on Amazon or big-box retailers, but Hikawa has been making noteworthy phone cases for years . She also makes eye-catching toilet seats . The iPhone sleeve goes for only $239 USD Same thing, different prices. pic.twitter.com/dzB52z1bgH Arshav (@Shiivarr) November 12, 2025 That leads us to the knitted elephant in the room. Apple introduced a bizarre knitted sleeve last week intended to hold iPhones. This, uh, phone sock starts at a whopping $150 and goes all the way up to $230. The idea of spending $150 on a little knitted bag for a smartphone has, quite obviously, irked some consumers and sparked internet outrage . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-teamed-up-with-another-artist-to-make-this-iphone-grip-and-stand-163508039.html?src=rss

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

Black Friday sales are starting, and that means its one of the best times of year to pick up a new TV. If youve been hoping to grab a new big screen but arent sure which one to get, allow us to separate the junk deals from the ones worth your time. Below weve rounded up the best Black Friday TV deals we could find so far, with discounts on high-end OLEDs and budget-friendly options from Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense and more. Well be updating this roundup 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 TCL QM7K (65-inch) for $798 at Amazon ($202 off) : The TCL QM7K is a fairly sizable step up over the QM6K, with noticeably improved contrast, brightness and color volume. It has a 144Hz refresh rate with 288Hz@1080p support as well, though like the budget model its limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports. And like most LED TVs, it cant compete with a good OLED set when it comes to colors and viewing angles. This deal matches the all-time low for the 65-inch model. The 55-inch version is $30 above its previous best at $598. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . LG B5 (55-inch) for $897 at Amazon ($100 off) : The B5 is LGs entry-level OLED TV for 2025. It gets you the core benefits of any OLED TV excellent contrast, wide viewing angles, smooth motion and so on but it cant get as bright as the higher-end LG C5 , so it doesnt look as colorful. (The C5 isnt significantly discounted as of this writing.) Its technically limited to a 120Hz refresh rate instead of 144Hz, too, though that isnt a big deal unless you plan to play PC games on your TV. While not huge discount, this matches the lowest price weve seen for the 55-inch model. Also at Best Buy and LG . Hisense U75QG (55-inch) for $528 at Amazon ($386 off) : The Hisense U75QG is a close competitor to the QM7K. Its main advantage is that it can get much brighter than TCLs model, which can make HDR content look more dynamic. This set also comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports instead of two, which is nice for those with multiple game consoles and a soundbar. That said, some reviews say its contrast falls short of the QM7K and that it can make HDR content too bright to be fully accurate. It also suffers from more noticeable motion blur, which means it's not the best choice for fast-paced games. So you may only want to grab it if youre determined to stay in this price range and have your TV in an especially bright room. Nevertheless, this is the best price weve seen for the 55-inch set. The same goes for the 65-inch ( $748 ) and 75-inch ( $998 ) models. Also at Best Buy . Best Black Friday TV deals: $1,000 and up Samsung S95F (65-inch) for $2,298 at Amazon ($700 off) : The S95F is a premium model that's received almost universally stellar reviews for being especially bright among OLED TVs while keeping the bold colors and contrast expected from a QD-OLED panel. That brightness, combined with the displays matte finish, means its uniquely adept at fending off glare. It also has four HDMI 2.1 ports and a native 165Hz refresh rate for gaming. That said, theres still no Dolby Vision HDR, and the matte coating means that black tones wont look as deep in a bright room. It's not cheap, but this is the lowest price weve seen for the 65-inch model. Also at Samsung and Best Buy . LG G5 (65-inch) for $1,997 at Amazon ($400 off) : The LG G5 is the S95Fs chief rival at the top of the OLED TV market. Most reviews say it can get even brighter, it does support Dolby Vision and its glossy finish means it wont lose those inky blacks under ambient light. Its more susceptible to glare, however, and while its picture is a level above most WOLED TVs, its still a step behind QD-OLED sets like the S95F when it comes to color volume. But if youre mostly going to watch things away from direct light, this might be the better buy. This deal has technically been live for a few weeks, but it matches the lowest price weve seen for the 65-inch model. Also at Best Buy and LG . Best Black Friday streaming device deals Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $25 at Amazon ($25 off) : The Streaming Stick 4K is worth considering if you want a cheaper stick-style streamer that plugs directly into your TV, or if you just prefer Rokus app-based UI, which many find simpler to navigate than the alternatives from Google and Amazon. Performance is fine, if not super-fast, and the device supports Apple AirPlay as well. Just expect to see some ads and know theres no Twitch app. This deal matches the sticks all-time low. Also at Best Buy and B&H . Roku Streaming Stick Plus for $19 at Amazon ($21 off) : The Streaming Stick Plus is a cheaper version of the Streaming Stick 4K with no Dolby Vision support and no long-range Wi-Fi extender included. It may be less reliable with choppier internet connections as a result, but it can typically be powered straight from a TVs USB port, it can still stream up to 4K, and the software experience is identical. Most people should probably just spend the extra $5 for the Streaming Stick 4K, but if youre really looking to save, the Plus is a decent value. This deal is a new all-time low. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . Roku Ultra for $69 at Amazon ($31 off) : The Ultra might be worth it if you want the Roku experience in a set-top box design with built-in Ethernet and USB ports. Unlike the streaming sticks, it comes bundled with a rechargeable remote that supports voice controls, a lost remote finding tool and backlit buttons. (Though you can buy that separately .) This latest model also has a faster processor and Wi-Fi 6 support, though its not as snappy as other boxes like the Google TV Streamer 4K or Apple TV 4K. This deal ties the best price weve tracked. Also at Best Buy and Walmart . Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for $25 at Amazon ($25 off) : If you'd prefer one of Amazon's media streamers, the newly rebranded Fire TV Stick 4K Plus offers the same core experience as the pricier Fire TV Stick 4K Max, only it has a slightly slower processor, half the storage space (8GB) and Wi-Fi 6 support instead of Wi-Fi 6E. For most people who just want to stream casually, those shouldnt be huge losses. Just keep in mind that its Fire OS interface is still fairly ad-heavy and prioritizes Amazons own apps over everything else. This deal is $3 more than the devices all-time low but ties the best price weve seen in the past year. Also at Best Buy . Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 at Amazon ($25 off) : If you want the best Amazon streaming stick possible, the 4K Max gets you faster hardware than the Plus model and may be worthwhile if you have a Wi-Fi 6E router at home. This deal isnt an all-time low, but it matches the best price weve seen over the past year. Also at Best Buy and Target . Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for $18 at Amazon ($17 off) : The Fire TV Stick HD is the budget pick in our guide to the best streaming devices . It only streams up to 1080p and runs a bit choppier than Amazons 4K models since it has a slower chip and a meager 1GB of RAM. The usual complaints with Fire OS still apply, too. But if you want to stick with Amazon and just need to add streaming apps to an old TV for as little as possible, itll work well enough. This discount matches the best price weve tracked. Also at Best Buy and Target . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-tv-deals-from-samsung-lg-tcl-roku-and-more-include-some-of-this-years-lowest-prices-181143179.html?src=rss

Anker Black Friday deals include sales on power banks, wireless chargers, power adapters and more

Black Friday is only a week away, and the deals have begun in earnest. That's good news for anyone who wants to stock up on tech accessories, as a whole slew of Anker gear is on sale. If youre already familiar with the brand, you know it makes some of the most reliable charging gear out there. If youre new to Anker, youre in for a treat. We think it's some of the best gear weve tested, which is why youll find it in our guides to MagSafe power banks , wireless charging stations and more. So if you want to (wisely) use Black Friday to get good deals on hardworking peripherals, check out the best Black Friday Anker deals right here. Black Friday deals: Anker power banks Power banks revive dead phones, let you work longer while away from an outlet and allow you to play with your tablet/ereader/gamepad while it charges without being tethered to a wall. After testing out brands from a slew of different makers, our picks just keep coming back to Anker. The mix of value, capacity and clever features make Anker batteries just a little bit better than a lot of the brands out there. Anker makes the Laptop Power bank , which our reviewer (me) called the culmination of all the best battery features . The brand is also responsible for our top MagSafe battery pick (the MagGo Qi2 ) thanks to its clever stand, excellent charging speeds and generous capacity. We also think Anker's Ultra-Slim MagSafe bank is a better deal than Apple's Air MagSafe battery. Many of the other banks weve tested and tried are also on sale for Black Friday, so consider this your opportunity to make sure your phone never goes dead on you again. Black Friday deals: Anker wireless chargers A rats nest of cables on your desk is not the loveliest look. Now that phones, earbuds, smartwatches and even ereaders can refill on a charging coil, wireless chargers are a tidy solution . There are options thatll let you view your phone while it charges, as well as some that will charge three devices at once. Weve tested units from dozens of brands for our buying guides and keep putting Anker on our lists of winners. The brand makes some of the top picks in both our wireless charger guide and our list of the best multi-device chargers . Now, thanks to Black Friday, you can keep your devices topped off with quality accessories that are an even better value than usual. Black Friday deals: Anker power adapters While wireless charging is faster than its ever been, cords are still the fastest way to charge your phone. Bigger devices like your laptop will reup faster on a high-wattage brick than on a dinky 20-watt adapter and if you want to keep your outlets more streamlined, go for a multi-port power adapter that will let you charge multiple devices at once. Again, after testing many brands, some of our most reliable picks continue to be from Anker. It shows up three times in our guide to the best fast chargers and we recommend the brand in a number of our accessories guides . Now that Black Friday is here, a number of Anker power adapters are on sale so we rounded them all up here. Black Friday deals: Anker Soundcore audio We mostly think of Anker as a charging accessory brand. But theyve expanded their scope by getting into audio equipment and the effort was a success. You might not immediately pick up that these are Anker speakers Soundcore shows up on the products themselves, but its the same company. We recommend a couple Soundcore music makers in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers . They also make our overall favorite pair of budget earbuds, the Space A40 . With Black Friday deals in full effect, these are the best Anker Soundcore deals we could find. More Anker Black Friday deals My personal favorite USB-C cable is made by Anker . Its rated at 240 watts, has a durable build, plus its six-feet long and has a handy right angled connector at one end. Anker of course also makes plenty of other gear, from webcams to mice that show up in our guides to the best accessories again and again. Here are the best Black Friday deals on Anker gear that doesnt quite fit into the categories above. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-black-friday-deals-include-sales-on-power-banks-wireless-chargers-power-adapters-and-more-164907549.html?src=rss

Ubisoft delayed its latest earnings report due to an accounting issue.

The possible reasons behind Ubisoft delaying the earnings report it was expected to release last week were the subject of much discussion, especially given the companys well-documented issues in recent times. But we now know that the delay was forced by an accounting issue relating to its soon-to-be finalized transaction with Tencent. As detailed in Ubisofts now-published first-half 2025-26 earnings figures, the company was required to restate its FY2024-25 accounts, concerning revenue for this period attributed to sales from a partnership. This position now applied by the Group going forward has also resulted in a partnership signed in Q2 FY2025-26 not being recognized in IFRS15 revenues, the company said. The above results in the Company not complying with its leverage covenant ratio under certain existing financing agreements at September 30, 2025. However, this is being addressed by the aforementioned actions relating to the concerned debt instruments. With the report now published, Ubisoft has asked Euronext to resume trading its shares. And while the accounting snag led to the week-long delay, the French company said that its deal with Tencent is set to close in the coming days, with the imminent 1.16 billion ($1.36 billion) investment expected to help the company pay off outstanding debt. Once finalized, the partnership will also enable the acceleration of Vantage Studios, the new Ubisoft subsidiary in which Tencent will own a 25 percent stake. The new studio will be responsible for Ubisofts three biggest IPs: Assassins Creed, Far Cry and Rainbow Six. Ubisoft reported net bookings of 491 million ($564 million) this quarter, which it said was a 39 percent year-on-year increase. The company said that Assassins Creed Shadows , which is getting a Switch 2 port next month, had overperformed this quarter, likely helped by arrival of its New Game+ mode in the summer. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ubisoft-delayed-its-latest-earnings-report-due-to-an-accounting-issue-152017119.html?src=rss

These microSD Express cards for Switch 2 are cheaper than ever thanks to Black Friday deals

If you already picked up a Switch 2, you're probably looking for deals that can help you kit out your new console without spending too much money. While maybe not the most exciting thing, a microSD Express card will be a key component for long-term gaming bliss. SanDisk's 256GB microSD Express Card for the Switch 2 is on sale for Black Friday, down to $60 right now. This model is also available in storage sizes of 128GB and 512GB, but at the moment, only the 256GB model has a discount. This particular model easily made our list of the best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 . It even made our list of the best Switch 2 accessories . It just gets the job done. We loved the speed on offer here. It was the fastest of all the cards we tested when transferring games and loading games. We also found that it performed admirably at just about every test we threw at it. The card was always consistently right near the top, thanks to outstanding sequential read and write performance. This was backed up by benchmark testing with PC tools like CrystalDiskMark. The Switch 2 only works with SD Express cards, so this covers that. Luckily, this card isn't just for Nintendo's latest console. It'll work with just about everything, if you ever find it outstays its usefulness as a storage container for Mario and friends. Elsewhere when it comes to microSD Express cards on sale: PNY's 256GB card is down to $50, as is Lexar's Play Pro 256GB card . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/these-microsd-express-cards-for-switch-2-are-cheaper-than-ever-thanks-to-black-friday-deals-151331247.html?src=rss

Amazon Black Friday deals include the Echo Spot smart alarm clock for only $50

Amazon Black Friday deals include discounts on most of the company's Alexa-enabled devices. One of the best is on the Echo Spot smart alarm clock , which is down to $50 right now. That's $30 off its regular price and only $5 more than the record low. For the uninitiated, the Echo Spot is a diminutive little speaker/alarm clock hybrid unit. It's a cute little doodad and looks great on a nightstand. The screen is customizable, so it doesn't have to display a clock. It can show song titles, smart home control dashboards, the weather and a lot more. Of course, there are numerous clock faces to choose from. The Spot not only integrates with Amazon's smart assistant Alexa, but it provides access to the newfangled Alexa+ . This is a smarter and more conversational version of the iconic smart assistant. Like most modern AI products, it's still working out some bugs . The underlying tech, however, is promising. The speaker is decent enough for the size, though you won't be using it to fuel any house parties. It's a great tool for bedroom-based listening. This version doesn't have a camera, which is actually great news for the privacy conscious. In addition to the Echo Spot, you'll even find Black Friday deals on some of the latest Echo devices that just came out last month. The Echo Dot Max is on sale for $90, the new Echo Studio has dropped to $190 and the latest Echo Show 8 has been discounted to $160. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-black-friday-deals-include-the-echo-spot-smart-alarm-clock-for-only-50-130550061.html?src=rss

DJI Osmo Action 6 review: An action camera that excels in low light

DJI may be the big dog in drones, but it plays third fiddle to GoPro and Insta360 in the action cam market. To better stand out, the company has launched the Osmo Action 6 with a pair of innovative features. The first is a big, square sensor that boosts video quality in low light, while making it easy to output both horizontal and vertical video. The second is a variable aperture for flexible shooting in both bright and dark conditions. As DJIs new flagship non-360 action cam, the Action 6 goes up against GoPros Hero 13 and the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 . Both of those can capture higher resolution footage, so theyre better for most users in daylight conditions. However, if you shoot a lot in dim or contrasty light, DJIs Action 6 may be your best option. Variable aperture Ive already gone through the Osmo Action 6s specs in my earlier news post , so check that to see the full details. As for whats new, the first key feature is the variable f/2.0-f/4.0 aperture the first ever in an action cam. This allows for brighter video and improved stabilization when shooting at night compared to the fixed f/2.8 aperture on the Action 5 Pro . It also offers shallower depth of field and more flexibility on sunny days. The first thing I noticed with this feature was the lack of full manual control. You can only set it to fixed f/2.6, f/2.8 and f/4.0 starburst modes, or automatic settings ranging from f/2.0-f/4.0 up to f/2.8-f/4.0. That means f/2.0 isnt available as a fixed aperture, which is too bad as that would be ideal for portraits. Still, variable aperture is a highly useful feature. In auto mode, it ramps from one setting to another in fine steps (f/2.1 to f/2.2, for example), so I never saw any exposure jumps. In low light, I could dial the ISO range down to avoid excessive noise, giving me higher video quality. However, Id love to see full manual control in a future update. New square sensor Another key feature is the new 1/1.1-inch (0.56 inch diagonal) square sensor that allows a wide range of resolutions and aspect ratios. The Action 6 supports vertical and horizontal resolutions up to 4K, in either 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios for the latter orientation. The best new setting, though, is Custom, which lets you shoot 3,840 x 3,840 square video. At 60 fps (a standard frame rate for action videos), GoPros Hero 13 maxes out at 5,312 x 2,988 pixels, while the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 can hit 3,840 x 2,880 pixels. That makes the Osmo Action 6 the only current action cam with 4K vertical resolution at 60 fps. The benefit is that you can film for both horizontal and vertical video platforms like YouTube and TikTok, respectively, with no need to rotate the camera and no loss in resolution. If that sounds familiar, its the same reason Apple adopted a square sensor on the iPhone 17s front camera . I tested the Custom aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve Studio and it made exports a breeze. First, I created and exported a standard 4K horizontal timeline, then simply copied the contents to a vertical timeline. After reframing a few shots to keep the action centered, I was able to immediately export a 4K TikTok video. Thats a big time saver for busy editors. Video quality Sample image from the DJI Osmo Action 6 in Custom mode Steve Dent for Engadget With a 30 percent larger sensor, the Action 6 is better for night or interior shooting using 6,400 ISO and up. Compared to the Action 5 Pro, I found nighttime video from the Action 6 to be considerably cleaner. DJI also improved the Night setting itself: video is cleaner, noise reduction is applied less aggressively and everything looks more natural. The new sensor and variable aperture also help DJIs Rocksteady 3.0 digital stabilization in low light. If youre filming from a bicycle at night, for instance, the Action 6 will use a higher shutter speed than the Action 5, so video will be sharper. That helps the stabilization algorithm produce a better result with less pixelation and tearing. In daylight conditions, the Action 6 delivers sharp, color-accurate video that can be used straight out of the camera just like the Action 5. However, in contrasty scenarios like a sun-dappled forest trail, the Action 6 has a slight advantage. When I engaged the 10-bit D-LogM setting to boost dynamic range, I noticed that dark shadow areas had more detail and less noise than they did in footage from the Action 5 Pro or GoPro Hero 13. However, the GoPro Hero 13s extra resolution is an advantage if you mostly use YouTube and other horizontal formats. With up to 5,312 x 2,988 pixels at 60 fps, it offers sharper 4K video after supersampling and more room to reframe shots in post production without any loss in quality. DJI Osmo Action 6's Custom square format shown with gridlines enabled Steve Dent for Engadget If you like shooting wide but hate the distortion, DJIs Natural Wide field of view is a nice addition. The regular Wide setting tends to distort vertical lines, but Natural Wide keeps everything nice and straight while providing a greater field of view. Finally, I tested the Action 6s new Film Tone feature that borrows a trick from Fujifilms simulations. Its a way to get some fun looks straight out of the camera, like pristine and cool tones or classic negative film type.. The results are great for anyone who doesnt want to fiddle with color in post-production, though DJI needs to add a few more options like black and white or sepia. Other updates With its bigger sensor the Osmo Action 6 is slightly larger than the Action 5 Pro in all dimensions, but around the same weight at 5.26 ounces. As before, it can connect to up to two DJI wireless microphones at once, including the Mic 2, Mic 3 and Mic Mini. And it comes with DJIs new dual-latch Quick-Release Adapter Mount that can be attached in either direction, but supports all of DJIs past accessories. Unlike its competition, the Osmo Action 6 comes with 50GB of internal memory (up from 47GB before) along with a microSD card slot. That means you wont be screwed if you forget a memory card, as most of us have done at one point or another. DJI also doubled the Wi-Fi transfer speeds to 80MB/s and boosted USB-C transfer rates to 800MB/s. Steve Dent for Engadget As before, the Action 6 is waterproof to 20 meters (66 feet) by itself, or nearly 200 feet with DJI's waterproof case. And on top of voice control, the Action 6 supports gestures as well, so you can now wave at the camera to start and stop video (like you can with the new Neo 2 drone). With the same 1,950mAh Extreme Battery Plus as before, shooting time between charges is four hours at 1080p and two hours at 4K. Finally, DJI has introduced two removable lenses for the Action 6, given DJI some competition in that regard. The first is a macro lens with a minimum focal distance of just 4.3 inches, making it ideal for closeup work and portraits. The other is an FOV expansion lens that boosts the field of view from 155 to 182 degrees. Wrap-up With a bigger sensor and larger aperture than the competition, DJIs Action 6 is now the best action cam on the market for night shooting, delivering clean, sharp video with better stabilization than rivals. Its also ideal for users who output to both YouTube and TikTok. For regular daytime shooting, though, the extra resolution offered on GoPros Hero 13 might be preferable for some users. All that aside, it may come down simply to the price. DJIs Action 6 starts at $369 ($439 with extra batteries and a charger), compared to $309 for the Hero 13 Black and $420 for Insta360s Ace Pro 2. These are all great choices, but if low-light capability is more important than resolution, choose the Osmo Action 6. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/dji-osmo-action-6-review-an-action-camera-that-excels-in-low-light-143027343.html?src=rss

The 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller drops to $40 for Black Friday

Black Friday deals are starting to flood the internet. If you're starting to think about the gifts you have to pick up for everyone in your life, you may be able to save already on some of them including tech. One of the standout deals we've found so far is on the 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and Charging Dock . It's 43 percent off right now and down to $40 a new record-low price. The controller comes with perks such as the charging dock, 22 hours of battery per charge and compatibility with everything from Steam Deck to Switch. The deal is only for the white model. Earlier this year, 8Bitdo released a new version of this $70 controller, aptly called the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth . We rated it as one of the best controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2 . While the upgraded model brings you features like more precise and sensitive joysticks, this sale brings the original Ultimate Controller back into view and our shopping carts. Plus, it also works well with the Nintendo Switch 2 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-8bitdo-ultimate-controller-drops-to-40-for-black-friday-133023380.html?src=rss

Snag a pair of Beats Studio Pro headphones for half off this Black Friday

Thanksgiving isn't until next week, but the Black Friday sales are upon us already. We've seen loads of great deals popping up around the Internet, including some serious discounts on headphones. The Beats Studio Pro set is available for a whopping 51 percent off on Amazon. That means you can grab the high-end Beats model for just $170 instead of its usual $350 price tag. This matches the cost we've seen for the Studio Pro headphones during other peak shopping times earlier this year, so this might be your last chance to pick them up for this price. The Beats brand last updated this wireless over-ear headset in 2023 , but it's still a solid choice for a workhorse pair of headphones. The current model improved audio quality and added a useful Transparency mode, so that you can listen to your tunes and still be aware of the world around you, which is great for settings such as public transit and the gym. The other option is a more immersive active noise-canceling mode. Beats Studio Pro also support lossless audio when wired on a USB-C cable. The official specs say the battery life for the headphones lasts up to 40 hours, or 24 hours when the active noise canceling mode is engaged. If you need to eke more life out of these Beats, they do offer a fast-charging mode that promises four hours of activity from just ten minutes of recharge. There are several color options for the Beats Studio Pro, so if there's a particular hue you want to be sporting, this might be a deal to hop on quickly before the supplies run out or the deal expires. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/snag-a-pair-of-beats-studio-pro-headphones-for-half-off-this-black-friday-140335259.html?src=rss

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a classic still worth the challenge

Square Enix loves to remaster, remake and reheat its RPGs. The latest title to get the treatment is the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy spin-off, Final Fantasy Tactics. Tactics has undergone its own remakes before, with War of the Lions bringing the game to the PlayStation Portable and, eventually, iOS and Android. However, now across all the major consoles, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a different remake again and even dismisses some of the characters and additions in War of the Lions. I never finished either version, and two things are apparent: I have missed out, and this is hard. Originally released just a few months after Final Fantasy VII, which introduced polygon characters, FMV and more, Tactics sprite aesthetic seemed quaint in comparison. With compact isometric levels, turn-based battles are closer to Tactics Ogre and Disgaea than the lineup and strike battles of mainline Final Fantasy games of the time. The game was a critical hit, even if it didnt match the popularity of Cloud et al. Tactics is far less forgiving. Battle dynamics lean heavily on random number generation; your squad is often outnumbered, and you can easily be undone when resurrection spells and defensive magic fail to land. The first time my revival spell failed, I audibly swore at my Switch 2. But the taste of defeat? Its usually seasoned just right. Its gaming umami. I wanted more, even at the notorious difficulty spike in a battle against knight-gone-wrong Wiegraf. In this fight, I faced him, a far more powerful fighter, solo, and proceeded to die roughly 20 times in a row. On standard difficulty, you rarely have to do this, but I had to craft a specialized version of the protagonist that could hit hard, heal himself, and generally just stay alive long enough for the second stage of this fight. The Ivalice Chronicles can be played in two ways. The modern version features high-resolution sprites, backgrounds, and effects, while retaining the originals isometric view, which can be rotated and tilted for the best view of the action. Theres an HD-2D nod with a thick depth of field blur to add a more modern feel. If you want your Tactics pixelated, you can play the original version , although you cant transition between the two, which seems like a missed opportunity. (You can toggle your saves across the versions in other RPGs with similar dual versions, like Dragon Quest XI S .) More than the graphical downgrade, though, youre missing out on polished voice acting, which not only elevates the diorama cutscenes and political intrigue but also peppers battles when you field main characters and they unleash certain job class attacks. Talking of jobs, Tactics system remains the same, with base jobs like knight, white knight and freelancer giving way to dragoons, summoners and, much later, bizarre-but-powerful roles like arithmetician (the power of math!) and ninja. The difficulty curve of Tactics is very much here. It was embarrassing how much I struggled to overcome spikes in difficulty, but then again, I never finished the original. (And, like a true hero, I refused to research broken job builds or easy grind spots.) A crystalline attack hits an enemy in an isometric battle. Square Enix You can grind, raise levels of your characters, rake in money, and pick up crucial job points. But the wiser method is figuring a battle loop where your characters repeat actions. When the character attacks, heals, steals and generally does anything besides just moving or staying put, it earns Job Points. These are the most crucial parts of growing your squad, as abilities and passive skills can be ported between jobs; its how you can customize your entire party to demolish certain kinds of enemies. Lots of archers? A skill called archers bane means theyll struggle to get a hit. Lots of slow-moving enemies in a tight space, rain hell with your summoner, but with an ability to regain MP as they move around. At times, it still feels like a slog to repeat battles and garner enough JP for that skill you know will turn the tide of a challenging fight. Fortunately, a new battle speed toggle makes them a little less dull. It's funny to feel nostalgic about a game I never played the first time around. But theres something familiar and cosy to Final Fantasy Tactics . Im surprised at the depth of what seems at first to be a pretty simple fighting system. While the voice acting and additional quality-of-life upgrades are great, its a shame that Square Enix didnt include extra jobs (and characters) introduced in other iterations, like the PSP version. Still, it's another great tactical RPG for the Nintendo Switch, increasingly the best place to play the genre. Fortunately, however, it's available across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/final-fantasy-tactics-ivalice-chronicles-review-140000972.html?src=rss

Black Friday Apple deals include the Apple Watch SE 3 for $200

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/black-friday-apple-deals-include-the-apple-watch-se-3-for-200-133057366.html?src=rss

This Black Friday deal brings the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones down to only $248

Sonys still excellent WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are down to $250 for Black Friday. Thats $150 off the list price and equal to the all-time low (give or take a single cent) we saw on Prime Day. They may no longer be Sonys flagship noise-canceling headphones, but if the WH-1000XM6 are out of your price range, these former Engadget favorites are well worth considering at this heavily reduced price. We awarded the WH-1000XM5 a score of 95 in our 2022 review , praising the supremely comfortable redesign, sound quality and powerful ANC. Battery life is also very respectable at 30 hours. We found the punchy bass an improvement over their predecessors, and the overall sound deeper and more immersive than the M4 headphones. As for noise-canceling, Sonys decision to double the number of microphones and processors used for ANC means an improvement in blocking higher frequency sounds, such as human voices. They arent entirely baby scream-proof, but then few headphones are. Naturally, the WH-1000XM6 that this year replaced the M5 as Sonys flagship model offers even better sound quality and noise cancellation, while remaining extremely comfortable throughout long listening sessions. But theyre also a lot more expensive at $450 they're on sale now for $398 for Black Friday, so you have the option to upgrade to the latest flagship if you're willing to spend a bit more. However, we still think the XM5 deal is the best value for most people here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-black-friday-deal-brings-the-sony-wh-1000xm5-headphones-down-to-only-248-124434393.html?src=rss

Pick up a four-pack of AirTags for a record-low price 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, for Black Friday , Apples AirTags are cheaper than ever. You can pick up a four-pack of these handy Bluetooth trackers for $65, a record low price. 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/pick-up-a-four-pack-of-airtags-for-a-record-low-price-for-black-friday-161756610.html?src=rss

Ooni Black Friday deals include 20 percent off pizza ovens

Ooni is having a Black Friday sale and there are some serious deals here for fans of homemade pizza. The Karu 2 pizza oven is on sale for $359 , which is 20 percent off. The typical asking price here is $449. The Karu 2 didn't make our list of the best pizza ovens , but most of the list is populated by Ooni products. The company makes good stuff. The Ooni Karu 16 topped our list and the Karu 2 is basically a smaller version of that one. This is a 12-inch multi-fuel model that can cook with wood or gas. It's intended for outdoor use and it's on the lighter side, at 33 pounds. This should make it easy when moving it around the backyard or when taking it to a friend's house for an impromptu pizza party. To that end, the company sells a luggage-like cover for the oven. The interior reaches temperatures up to 950F. This can cook a pizza in around a minute. The only downside here? This is an oven that's only for outdoor use and, well, winter is coming. Ooni has discounted plenty of its other models for Black Friday, but not the indoor Volt 2 pizza oven . These deals last until December 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ooni-black-friday-deals-include-20-percent-off-pizza-ovens-140051562.html?src=rss

The best tech gifts for $100 or less from Apple, Google, Nintendo and others

Finding a gift for the tech nerd on your list can be tough. They likely have all the tech they need and then some, but you can add to their kit with the right accessories. Apple, Samsung, Sony and other big tech companies all have affordable gear that comes in at $100 or less, you just have to know where to look. Below are some of our favorites, but remember: you can often find alternatives that are just as good (and sometimes better) than these. However, for the people in your life for which brand names really do matter, these gifts will speak to them. Best tech gifts for $100 or less Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-best-tech-gifts-for-100-or-less-from-apple-google-nintendo-and-others-130038046.html?src=rss

Samsung's Beverage Center is the best fridge feature competitors can't copy

In case you haven't noticed, Engadget has been expanding our smart home and kitchen coverage. However, we don't get to test out as many fridges as we like simply because they're large and difficult to move around. That said, now that Samsung has been putting AI inside of its fancy iceboxes for a few years, I wanted to do a long-term review of one of its latest models the Bespoke AI 4-door refrigerator to see firsthand if adding machine learning to an appliance improves its performance. But what I quickly learned is that my favorite thing about the fridge isn't AI but instead an innovative twist on the traditional water pitcher. Samsung's Beverage Center is hidden behind a thin panel on the left so the water dispenser doesn't become an eyesore. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Samsung calls it the Beverage Center and it's actually been around since 2021 . It started out as a feature exclusive to the company's top-of-the-line model, but more recently, it's become so popular that Samsung began adding it to a wider range of products . Instead of having a basic water dispenser on the outside of a fridge (which is frankly kind of an eyesore), Samsung moved it behind a thin door. It then added another station right next that big enough to hold a water pitcher that automatically refills itself every time you use it. My biggest gripe with traditional water dispensers is that they're too slow. If you're only filling up a single glass, it's not a big deal. But if you're trying to top up a water bottle or get water for the entire family before dinner, you're often forced to stand in front of the fridge for a few minutes, blocking others from getting in and generally being in people's way. With the Beverage Center, you still have the option to fill a glass individually, or you can pull the entire pitcher out, carry it over to your table and fill everyone's cup with haste like a waiter at a restaurant. Sure, this might only save you a few minutes, but when you're rushing to get dinner done before your kids start getting hangry, every second is precious. After all, six o'clock is dinner time not 6:05 or 6:10. Samsung's Beverage Center features a traditional water dispenser and a built-in pitcher that automatically refills itself after each use. Sam Rutherford for Engadget I'd also argue that a pitcher is slightly more elegant than waiting for the weak stream from your water dispenser to lazily fill up a cup. But more importantly, because the whole pitcher is sitting inside a chilled fridge, all of the water is cold not just the first 12 or 16 ounces you typically get from that little spigot. Also, because there's a strainer basket, you can even use it to make infused water just by throwing some fruit or herbs in there. And once again, you never need to refill it manually because when the pitcher is empty, you just put it back in the fridge and the next time you grab it, it's already full again. But don't just take it from me, there are numerous threads where other users acknowledge the greatness of Samsung's Beverage Center. Samsung's Beverage Center comes with a built-in pitcher that holds 48 ounces of water and includes a strainer for making infused water or even iced tea. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Of course, this feature isn't perfect. Samsung's pitcher isn't dishwasher safe, though that's not a huge deal because it's quick and easy to clean with warm soapy water. The bigger issue is that sometimes I wish the pitcher had more capacity or that Samsung offered the option to upgrade to a bigger one. In my experience, 48 ounces is just enough for my family of four, but I wouldn't be surprised if people with larger households might want something with more volume. One of the nice things about Samsung's Beverage Center is that you still get room on the reverse side for holding things in the door of the fridge. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Honestly, Samsung's Beverage Center feels like one of the ingenious inventions that makes you wonder why another company didn't think of this sooner. But none did, and because Samsung holds some patents related to its automatic water pitcher , you probably won't see a similar feature on any of its competitors' fridges anytime soon. As for the rest of the fridge and its AI Vision technology, I'm still testing those out, but stay tuned for a full review soon. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/samsungs-beverage-center-is-the-best-fridge-feature-competitors-cant-copy-130000113.html?src=rss

HP and Dell cut HEVC support in some laptops

HP and Dell has disabled support for the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard in some of their laptops, Ars Technica reports. HEVC is a codec that enables the compression of large videos into smaller files while retaining their quality. Sixth-gen Intel Core chips and later, as well as AMD chips made over the past 10 years, come with built-in support for the standard. But as some HP and Dell owners on Reddit have shared, they found themselves faced with an infinite loading screen when they tried to view HEVC Content on a browser, like Chrome and Firefox. Ars Technica found documentation for some HP business laptop models, including the HP ProBook 460 G11, ProBook 465 G11 and EliteBook 665 G11, stating: Hardware acceleration for CODEC H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) is disabled on this platform. Dell didnt explicitly mention disabling support for HEVC, but it has a support page explaining that HEVC content streaming is only possible on devices with specific configurations. To be clear, users will still be able to play HEVC videos on programs like VLC and Windows Media Player. However, users with the affected laptops will have to deal with broken videos if they try to play anything on their browsers that use the standard. HP told Ars that it disabled HEVC on select devices way back in 2024 and encouraged people to use licensed third-party software solutions instead. Meanwhile, Dell told the publication the its premium laptops still support HEVC videos. For users with base and standard laptops that can no longer play them, the company also encourages the use of third-party software. The companies didnt say why they decided to switch off HEVC playback for certain models, but as Ars notes, it could be associated with increasing licensing fees. After September 30 this year, the royalty rates for the HEVC codec went from 20 cents to 24 cents per unit for over 100,001 units. HP and Dell are two of the largest laptop manufacturers in the world, so that translates to a considerable chunk of money. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/hp-and-dell-cut-hevc-support-in-some-laptops-130000940.html?src=rss

Get up to $70 off reMarkable tablet bundles for Black Friday

There are a number of reMarkable tablet bundles on sale as part of a Black Friday promotion . These deals offer savings up to $70, depending on what product you choose. The bundles come with a folio case and a Marker stylus. The reMarkable 2 is covered here and that one topped our list of the best E ink tablets . This device offers a great reading and writing experience, with support for Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox. It's easy to use and the screen looks great. The battery lasts around two weeks, which is one of the benefits of this type of display. It supports Wi-Fi and can integrate both PDFs and ePub files. It's also easy to create your own notebooks that keep track of handwritten notes. To that end, there are eight brush types here to mark up documents and take notes. The only major downside of the reMarkable 2 is that it doesn't ship with the company's newest Marker Plus stylus. However, this sale lessens that concern. A bundle with the tablet, the Marker Plus and the most simple case costs around $458, whereas the tablet by itself typically costs $399. There's a similar discounted bundle available for the Paper Pro tablet. This knocks $50 off the asking price. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-up-to-70-off-remarkable-tablet-bundles-for-black-friday-133026502.html?src=rss

The Morning After: European policymakers scale back AI and privacy laws

Happy Friday! As the annual tech discount chaos of Black Friday approaches (good deal here and here and several more here ), European policymakers have proposed easing some of the EUs strictest regulations on artificial intelligence and data privacy. The move aims to remove roadblocks for tech companies and stimulate business growth in the region, potentially marking a major pivot away from the blocs reputation as the industrys toughest regulator. Changes would allow AI companies to access shared personal data to train their models, while also overhauling GDPR cookie rules. Instead of constant pop-ups, users could set preferences once in their browser and give consent with a single click. (OK, Im onboard with that.) Strict rules for high-risk AI applications, originally set for next summer, may be delayed until proper support tools are in place. Critics are warning this could be seen as Europe bowing to pressure from Big Tech and political shifts in the US. The proposal now heads to the European Parliament. Mat Smith Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The news you might have missed Googles new Gemini 3 model arrives in AI Mode and the Gemini app Authorities probe Holocaust denial responses from Xs Grok Android Quick Share now works with Apples AirDrop feature on Pixel 10 phones Disney+ may start hosting user-generated AI videos Cloudflare outage was not caused by a cyberattack 2025 Porsche Macan Electric review: The obvious choice when budget allows Sales of a teddy bear were suspended because of its sexually explicit AI FoloToys Kumma was willing to talk about BDSM and knives. FoloToy A company selling AI-enabled toys suspended sales after a consumer safety report found few restrictions on what its toys would say. The report, by the US Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, found FoloToys products would discuss everything from sexually explicit topics, like BDSM, to advice on where a child can find matches or knives. The toys all appear to use OpenAIs GPT-4o model to respond naturally to childrens questions and comments. Missing from that setup was apparently hard limits on subjects the toys would respond to. FoloToy has opted to suspend sales of its products while it conducts a company-wide, end-to-end safety audit across all products. Continue reading. Elon Musk blames adversarial prompting after Grok spewed sycophantic praise xAI appears to be nuking posts claiming its CEO is fitter than LeBron James. xAI is once again nuking a bunch of posts from Grok on X after the chatbot made a series of outrageous claims. The company isnt only cleaning up a bunch of pro-Hitler posts but also a bout of cringe-inducing sycophantic praise for its CEO, Elon Musk. Over the last couple of days, Grok began offering extremely over-the-top opinions about Musk. The bot claimed Musk is the undisputed pinnacle of holistic fitness and that he is fitter than LeBron James (hah!). It also said he is smarter than Einstein and would win a fight against Mike Tyson. Musk is blaming adversarial prompting for Grok going off the rails. Earlier today, Grok was unfortunately manipulated by adversarial prompting into saying absurdly positive things about me, he wrote. He did not explain how straightforward questions could be considered adversarial. Continue reading. Ooni Volt 2 review A strong case for an indoor pizza oven. Engadget Two years ago, Ooni attempted the indoor pizza-making party with the Volt 12. It had its flaws, but there were enough redeeming features (and interest) to warrant a follow up. The Volt 2 ($699) is a complete overhaul, with a slicker design, which is slightly smaller than the first generation. Its also cheaper than the original. Read on for the full review. Continue reading. You can now play Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 in your browser Farewell, Friday work commitments. The Chrono Divide project (via PC Gamer ) lets you play the 2000 RTS Red Alert 2 in Chrome, Edge or Safari. It even works in mobile browsers. It supports cross-platform multiplayer using all the original maps. Red Alert 2 s single-player campaign modes are still a work in progress for now. The projects website said: The end-goal is reaching feature parity with the original vanilla Red Alert 2 engine. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121535805.html?src=rss

Black Friday deal: Our favorite budgeting app has 50 percent off subscriptions right now

Budgeting can be a stressful, challenging and uncomfortable experience. While it's completely possible to do it on your own, we've become fans of a few great budgeting apps. Take our favorite budgeting app Quicken , which is having a 50 percent off sale for Black Friday . 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-our-favorite-budgeting-app-has-50-percent-off-subscriptions-right-now-160025772.html?src=rss

Our favorite 2025 advent calendars you can still get now: Top picks from Lego, Pokmon, Funko Pop and more

Why settle for tiny pieces of chocolate when you could unwrap a Pokmon card, a Funko Pop or a Star Wars LEGO ship instead? Advent calendars have gone full geek mode, with options for fans of movies, comics, games and even science. Theyre the perfect way to add some holiday cheer to your desk, game shelf or living room. Consider this your guide to the best geeky countdowns for 2025. Best advent calendars for 2025 Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/our-favorite-2025-advent-calendars-you-can-still-get-now-top-picks-from-lego-pokemon-funko-pop-and-more-120042964.html?src=rss

Dyson Black Friday deals: Get up to $600 off robot vacuums and cordless vacuums

Black Friday deals are starting to pop up across the web, and a great one to check out is at Dyson . While we still think you have the best shot to get the steepest discounts the closer to Black Friday we get, some of the discounts on Dyson's site right now are some of the best we've seen. One of those is $600 off the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum , which is down to a record low of $400. Dyson was pretty late to the robot-vacuum party, but its entry was (and remains) one of the strongest in the category . It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles like a self-emptying base or mopping capabilities, but it makes up for that by having probably the best suction power of any robovac we've tested. All kinds of debris will fall in its path: dirt, dust, food crumbs, pet hair and more. It also has excellent obstacle avoidance, so you'll rarely if ever have to dislodge it from getting stuck on the edge of a carpet or wedged in between furniture. Dyson's mobile app is easy to use as well, so if you're looking for a robot vacuum that does its main job incredibly well and you don't mind skipping on some extras, the 360 Vis Nav is a great option. Cordless vacuums are also a part of the sale. Take the Dyson V9 Motorbar cordless vacuum on sale for just $270 at both Dyson and Amazon , which is a discount of $330. That's more than half off. Dyson devices are all over our list of the best cordless vacuums , and for good reason. The company makes effective products. The V9 Motorbar has been designed to clean all floor types, in addition to upholstery. It's also been engineered to squeeze into tight spots, which is great for hitting those oft-neglected parts of the home. The suction power is on point and the battery lasts for 40 minutes before requiring a charge. That's just enough time to vacuum a standard-sized home if you don't stop for too many breaks. The V9 is getting a bit long-in-the-tooth. If you want a newer model, the V11 Extra is on sale for $400 , which is a discount of $260. This one boosts the suction power and increases the battery life to 60 minutes. More Dyson Black Friday deals Dyson V11 cordless vacuum for $400 ($260 off) at Amazon and Dyson Dyson V9 Motorbar cordless vacuum for $270 ($330 off) at Amazon and Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim cordless vacuum for $400 ($330 off) at Amazon and Dyson Dyson AM09 Hot+Cool jet focus heater and fan for $300 ($200 off) at Amazon and Dyson Dyson Supersonic hair dryer for $300 ($150 off) at Amazon and Dyson Dyson Airwrap ID hair styler for $520 ($130 off) at Amazon and Dyson This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/dyson-black-friday-deals-get-up-to-600-off-robot-vacuums-and-cordless-vacuums-173533264.html?src=rss

Samsung Odyssey gaming monitors are up to $350 off for Black Friday

Samsungs Odyssey G8 OLED monitor is now down to $950 for Black Friday , saving you $350. Its one of Samsungs best 32-inch displays, offering a crisp 4K resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate and vivid OLED contrast that makes games and movies look incredible. The 32-inch Odyssey G8 has earned high marks for its blend of image quality and gaming performance. Its 4K OLED panel produces deep blacks and bright highlights, with 99 percent DCI-P3 color coverage for vibrant visuals. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time deliver exceptional smoothness in fast-paced games, while AMD FreeSync Premium Pro keeps everything tear-free. Design-wise, its sleek and minimal, with a slim metal frame that looks just as good in a work setup as it does in a gaming room. The monitor supports DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, plus USB-C connectivity for charging and data transfer. Built-in speakers and Smart TV features let you stream directly from apps like Netflix or Prime Video without connecting to a PC or console. You also get Samsungs SmartThings integration, so the Odyssey G8 can double as a smart home hub, controlling compatible IoT devices from lights to thermostats. It even supports cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce Now, meaning you can play high-end titles without extra hardware. The combination of OLED contrast, motion clarity and built-in streaming makes it one of the most versatile monitors in Samsungs lineup. If you want something even larger, the Odyssey G9 is also discounted by $300, bringing the 49-inch curved DQHD model down to $700. It offers a wide field of view and 144Hz refresh rate, making it a great pick for simulation and racing fans. The Odyssey G7 is another strong choice, now $600 after a $300 discount. This 37-inch 4K display runs at 165Hz with a curved design and supports both HDR and AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay. Finally, Samsungs Smart Monitor M9 is available for $1,300, $300 off its regular price. It combines 4K OLED visuals with built-in streaming and AI-powered vision tools, making it a good all-rounder for work and entertainment. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/samsung-odyssey-gaming-monitors-are-up-to-350-off-for-black-friday-103000633.html?src=rss

The best gaming headsets for 2025

Sometimes, the best gaming headset doesnt have to be a gaming headset at all. While many people view these devices as their own category, theyre ultimately still headphones , just with a boom mic and some fancy branding attached. While the overall quality of dedicated headsets has improved over time, they still tend to cost extra compared to a good pair of wired headphones (which, yes, still exist). If you need to chat with friends, you can always buy a microphone separately and get superior sound quality there as well. That said, we completely understand that many people just want the simplicity of a headset with a built-in mic. So after testing dozens of contenders over the past couple of years, weve rounded up a few commendable gaming headsets and headphones that work well for gaming which arent quite the same thing. Whichever way you go, all of our picks should make your game time more enjoyable, whether you play competitively or just for fun. Table of contents Best gaming headphones for 2025 Best gaming headsets for 2025 Other gaming headsets we've tested Best gaming headsets and headphones: What to look for Recent updates Best gaming headphones for 2025 Best gaming headsets for 2025 Other gaming headsets we've tested The PlayStation Pulse Elite. Jeff Dunn for Engadget Note: This is a selection of noteworthy gaming headsets and headphones weve put through their paces, not a comprehensive list of everything weve ever tried. PlayStation Pulse Elite The PlayStation Pulse Elite is a reasonable alternative to the Turtle Beach Atlas Air for PS5 owners, as it allows you to change volume, swap between different EQ presets, adjust the game-to-chat mix and mute the mic right from the consoles native UI. Its similar to the way AirPods integrate with iPhones. This pair also lets you connect to a second device over Bluetooth at the same time, and the planar magnetic drivers a rarity for $150 headphones do a decent job of reproducing smaller details. The sound profile as a whole is narrower and more uneven in the bass and treble than the Atlas Air, however, while the all-plastic design is comfortable but flimsy-feeling. It also doesnt do much to block outside noise, despite being closed-back, and the control buttons are awkward to reach. PlayStation Pulse Expore We also tested the in-ear equivalent to the Pulse Elite, the PlayStation Pulse Explore , but found it too uncomfortable to wear over extended sessions. This one is limited to roughly five hours of battery life, too. Astro A50 (Gen 5) The Astro A50 (Gen 5) is effectively the same headset as the A50X, just without any HDMI ports on its base station. It costs $100 less, so its a worthy alternative to the Audeze Maxwell if you mainly play on one platform and want a superior microphone. But the ability to automatically switch between consoles is the thing that makes the A50X worth buying in the first place, so that convenience is still worth paying for if you game on multiple devices. The Corsair Virtuoso Pro. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Corsair Virtuoso Pro The Corsair Virtuoso Pro is another one of the few dedicated gaming headsets with an open-back design. It has a relatively dark sound with mostly underemphasized treble and elevated upper-bass, though the highs are clearer here than they are on the Astro A40 a former top pick that's now discontinued and it still delivers a wider soundstage than most gaming headsets. We preferred this signature over Astros pair with some games, though in others it felt less balanced. The Virtuoso Pros mic still sounds fairly thin as well, so its merely decent compared to the wider headset market. Its headband adjustment mechanism feels cheap, too, and you cant detach the mic without swapping cables out entirely. Its round, breathable ear cups and manageable weight do make it easy to wear, though, and it comes with a sturdy travel case for protection. Ultimately, its a decent buy, but its hard to justify over the more featured and easier-sounding Atlas Air. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless can last well over 300 hours at moderate volumes, which is remarkable and by far the best of any wireless model weve tested. Its light and not too snug on the head, and its powerful bass lends a real sense of excitement to in-game action. But it blunts more detail than the Atlas Air, Maxwell and A50 X, and its mic isnt as good. Several users have also reported latency issues when using the headset with HyperXs Ngenuity software, and theres no Xbox, Bluetooth or wired audio support. Still, if battery life is paramount, you may be able to look past all of that. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed If the Audeze Maxwell is out of stock, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed is another quality wireless headset worth considering. It sounds better than something like the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, with satisfying but more controlled bass and more accurate mids. Its also lighter on the head than the Maxwell. Logitech rates its battery life at 50 hours, but we found it to last much longer at moderate volumes. However, similar to the Astro A50 X, a dip in the treble makes it sound darker and more veiled than the Maxwell, and it doesnt have any HDMI-switching tricks to fall back on. Its mic also sounds less natural than those of the Maxwell and A50 X. Plus, while it can connect over a USB dongle, Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable, it cant pair to two devices at once like Audezes and Astros pairs. Our biggest issue is the price: Value-wise, its in something of a no mans land at its MSRP of $280. Its a fine choice if it ever dips around $200, though. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro The wireless Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is tremendously comfortable and has a good mic, but its boomy sound is less refined and detailed than the Audeze Maxwell. As a closed-back headset, it also lacks the width of the Atlas Air. Theres no support for wired audio either. It's worth noting that Razer has released a new BlackShark V3 Pro model that adds active noise cancellation, wired audio support and the ability to listen to multiple audio sources simultaneously, among other tweaks. We haven't tested it yet, but it also costs $50 more at $250. Logitech G535 Lightspeed The Logitech G535 is an impressively light (0.52 pounds) and comfy wireless headset thats often available for $100 or less. It has a relatively neutral sound signature: not flat, but not beholden to big, thumping bass. It can make details in the mids sound thin, and if anything it could use a little more sub-bass, but its an agreeable listen overall. However, its mic isn't especially full, and its 35-or-so-hour battery life is a significant drop from our top recommendations. It doesnt work with Xboxs wireless protocol or Bluetooth either, and it forces you to crank the volume to reach a listenable level. But if you dont want to spend a ton on a wireless headset, its a fine value. The Logitech G535 Lightspeed. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Xbox owners who want a more affordable wireless headset than the Audeze Maxwell could do worse than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X . Its another bass-forward pair, and its mic is comparable to that of the Cloud Alpha Wireless. It offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth and a 3.5mm cable. While it's marketed for Xbox, it can also connect to PCs and PS5s. Its 30-ish-hour battery life is well short of the Maxwell and Cloud Alpha Wireless, however, and its uneven treble can cause things like in-game dialogue to sound masked in certain titles. SteelSeries sells a cheaper Arctis Nova 5X model with longer battery life, though we haven't been able to test that one yet, and it doesn't support wired connections. HyperX Cloud Alpha The wired HyperX Cloud Alpha often goes for $80 or less, and at that price its fine as a mild step-up from the Cloud Stinger 2 if you really want a closed-back gaming headset. Its old, but its plush earpads and headband are comfy, and its detachable mic, while not superb, is still serviceable. Its treble is underemphasized, however, and again it sounds more in your head than our open-back picks. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a comfortable wired-only headset with a good mic and a useful DAC that makes it easy to adjust the headsets EQ and game-to-chat mix on the fly. However, its closed-back design cant provide the same enveloping sense of width, and its default sound can sound piercing in the treble. Its also pricier, typically fluctuating between $200 to $280 these days. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is largely similar to its wired counterpart but adds a passable level of active noise cancellation. Being able to hot-swap battery packs and connect to multiple devices at once is also nice. Its not as convenient for multi-console play as the Astro A50 X, though, and it's usually not much cheaper than the Audeze Maxwell, which sounds better, has a superior mic and lasts longer on a charge. The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 (left) and HyperX Cloud III Wireless (right). Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro Theres nothing particularly bad about the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro : It uses the same drivers as the DT 900 Pro X, its velour earpads are comfy and its mic works well. Its just hard to recommend spending $380 on a wired-only headset when the Audeze Maxwell offers wireless functionality and similarly excellent sound with slightly less spiky treble and more even bass for $80 less. The MMX 300 Pros mic isnt detachable either, and the closed-back design keeps it from sounding as wide as the DT 900 Pro X. HyperX Cloud III Wireless The HyperX Cloud III Wireless is comfy and can last up to 120 hours per charge, but it sounds less dynamic than the older Cloud Alpha Wireless, with weaker bass response. Like that pair, it also lacks a 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth audio support and Xbox compatibility. The Cloud Alpha Wireless still gets nearly three times the battery life, too, so it remains a better buy if you want a wireless headset for PS5 or PC gaming in the $150 range. The Cloud III Wireless has also become harder to find in stock in recent months. Sennheiser HD 490 Pro The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro are studio-focused open-back headphones that also work well for gaming. They come with two sets of ear pads, one that slightly elevates the bass and another that bumps the midrange, though they deliver impressive width and detail either way without pushing too hard in one direction. Theyre also a pleasure to wear over long periods, both lighter than the DT 900 Pro X and less stiff than the HD 560S. That said, they're often priced around $400, and their sound profile is more of a nice alternative to our top picks than something clearly more natural or resolving. Most people dont need to pay the premium. Best gaming headsets and headphones: What to look for The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Evaluating headphones is a particularly subjective exercise, so calling one pair the absolute best is something of a fools errand. At a certain point, whether you're an audiophile or not, everything becomes a matter of taste. For most, a headphone with a wide soundscape and strong imaging performance i.e., the ability to position sounds correctly, so you can more precisely tell where footsteps and other gameplay effects are coming from will provide the most immersive gaming experience, the kind that makes you feel like your head is within a given scene. For that, you want a high-quality pair of open-back headphones. That is to say, an over-ear pair whose ear cups do not completely seal off the ear from air and outside noise. These are inherently terrible at isolating you from external sound and preventing others from hearing what youre playing, so if you often play games in a noisy environment, their benefits will be blunted. But in a quiet room, the best open-back pairs sound significantly wider and more precise than more common closed-back models. More up for debate is how a good gaming headphone should sound. If you want something thatll help you in competitive multiplayer games, you may prefer a headphone with a flatter sound signature, which'll keep a games mix from being overly boosted in one direction and is less likely to mask the smaller details of whats happening around you. A slightly brighter sound, one that pushes the upper frequencies a tad, may also work. Open-back headphones almost never have huge sub-bass, so you rarely have to worry about low-end sounds muddying up the rest of the signature. In this light, the fact that an overwhelming amount of gaming headsets are closed-back and bass-heavy seems counterintuitive. Lots of people love bass, though. And if you don't really care about competitive play, some extra low-end can add a touch of excitement to action scenes or rousing soundtracks. You still dont want a pair that boosts the low-end too hard as many gaming headsets do but the point is that what makes a pair immersive to one person may sound dull to another. Recent updates November 2025 : Weve updated this guide for clarity and made sure all pricing and availability details are accurate. Weve also removed the Astro A40 TR, our longtime favorite wired headset, as it appears to have been discontinued (and since our top wireless pick comes with a cable in the box anyway). April 2025 : Weve updated this guide to ensure our recommendations are still accurate and removed our testing notes for the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 , which is no longer available. January 2025 : Weve looked over this guide to ensure our picks are still accurate and added notes on a few more headsets weve recently tested, including the PlayStation Pulse Elite, Astro A50 (Gen 5) and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro. November 2024 : We've updated this guide with a new recommendation for the best dedicated gaming headset, the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, and reorganized our picks accordingly. We've also added notes on other gaming-friendly headphones we've tested, including the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, and removed a couple of write-ups on headsets that are no longer available. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-gaming-headset-130006477.html?src=rss

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

The EcoFlow Black Friday sale is in full swing, knocking thousands of dollars off portable power stations and their accessories. One of the best discounts at the moment is on the Delta Pro 3 , which is 43 percent off and down to $2,099. That's the lowest we've seen it and, considering it typically costs $3,699, it's a great deal. Amazon's matching the sale price as well. The Delta Pro 3 topped Yahoo's list of the best portable power stations , and for very good reason. This thing is a beast. It boasts a 4,096Wh capacity, so it can power an average 500-watt refrigerator for over 24 hours. That's with continuous use. It can be stretched out to two or three days by only running the appliance during daylight hours. There's even a discounted bundle that includes an extra battery for $3,279 . It includes four standard 120V AC outlets and a single 240V outlet. It could potentially be a temporary hub of a whole-home battery backup. There are numerous charging options here, including a standard AC outlet, solar panels and, interestingly, a cigarette lighter. The only potential downside here is the Delta Pro 3 really pushes the boundaries of what can be considered portable. It weighs 113 pounds, though it does have wheels and a telescoping handle. The Delta Pro 3 is just one of the products on sale right now. Another Yahoo top pick, the Delta 2 Max , is $1,000 off and down to $899. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ecoflow-black-friday-deals-get-up-to-52-percent-off-portable-power-stations-130041710.html?src=rss

Three months of Audible is only $3 in this Black Friday deal

Black Friday is a great time to take a look at what subscriptions you may be able to save on. From video streaming services to budgeting apps, many services will have some Black Friday promotion you may be able to take advantage of. One of the best we're tracking is for Audible . You can sign up and get your first three months for just $3 in total, plus get a $20 Audible credit on top of that. This breaks down to $1 per month for the first three months, which is a boon for audiobook fans. Just make sure to cancel before the 90 days are up, as the subscription will auto-renew at $15 per month. That's not the worst deal in the world, given the vast number of titles available on the platform, but still. Audible has a diverse catalog that goes beyond audiobooks . It also hosts podcasts and Audible Originals. Subscribers get to choose one audiobook each month to keep in their collection for free, including best-sellers or new releases. Users also get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which houses thousands of audiobooks. Finally, active members get discounts on many audiobooks when looking to purchase. Winter is coming and this is a good way to make sure you have plenty to listen to throughout the next three months. This deal does have a time limit. It expires on December 16. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/three-months-of-audible-is-only-3-in-this-black-friday-deal-140010993.html?src=rss

Amazon Alexa+ is now available in Canada

Amazon has launched Alexa+ , its next-generation digital assistant, in Canada . The company unveiled the new assistant in February , and it has been making its way to more and more people since. Canada is the first region outside the US to get access Amazons upgraded Alexa. Like the version that rolled out in the US, users can communicate with Alexa+ in natural language. They can say Im cold, for instance, and the assistant will turn up the heat in their home. If they say Its dark, Alexa+ can switch on the lights for them. In Amazons announcement, Allison Siperco, the Alexa manager for Canada, said the assistant understands Canadian culture and regional expressions. It can understand distinctly Canadian topics, such as the countrys hockey teams and musicians. In addition, the assistant links with services Canadians use. It can make restaurant reservations for them through OpenTable, connects them to CBC news and help them look for and buy items from their e-commerce platforms. Siperco said the assistant will also support Yelp, Uber Eats, Suno and TripAdvisor in the country soon. Alexa+ is capable of adapting its tone to everyone in the household, suggesting different routines based on the user. It can suggest meditation, for example, to someone whos had a long day at the office. And it can remember if someone has dietary restrictions when recommending restaurants. Alexa+ can also help users shop by finding items with the best pricing, by creating grocery lists for them while taking dietary restrictions into account, as well as by comparing features across products and summarizing reviews on Amazon Canada. Amazons upgraded assistant is free during its Early Access phase, though those who are interested to try it out right now will have to purchase the new Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11 , Echo Dot Max or Echo Studio . After Early Access, it will remain free for Prime subscribers, while everyone else will have to pay $28 CAD a month for it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-alexa-is-now-available-in-canada-050827689.html?src=rss

Elon Musk blames 'adversarial prompting' after Grok spewed embarrassing, sycophantic praise

Stop me if you've heard this one before: xAI is once again nuking a bunch of posts from Grok on X after the chatbot made a series of outrageous claims. This time, though, the company isn't cleaning up a bunch of pro-Hitler posts , but a bout of cringe-inducing sycophantic praise for its CEO, Elon Musk. At some point in the last couple days, Grok began to offer extremely over the top opinions about Musk. The bot claimed that Musk is the undisputed pinnacle of holistic fitness and that he is more fit than LeBron James. It said he is smarter than Albert Einstein and that he would win a fight against Mike Tyson . When asked who is the single greatest person in modern history, Grok readily replied that it was Elon Musk. For a while, it seemed that there was no hypothetical about Musk in which Grok wouldn't confidently declare him the best. Musk did not participate in the 1998 NFL draft, but if he had, then Grok would without hesitation have picked him over Peyton Manning. It would have picked him as a starting pitcher for the 2001 World Series. Musk would be a better movie star than Tom Cruise and a better communist than Joseph Stalin. The single greatest person in modern history. By now, X users are pretty used to Grok being extremely deferential to Musk but sometime around Grok claiming that the CEO is morally superior to Jesus Christ and also has the potential to drink piss better than any human in history , xAI appears to have pumped the brakes on Grok's ability to praise Musk. It now seems to be furiously deleting the more embarrassing posts about him. Meanwhile, Musk, is blaming adversarial prompting for Grok going off the rails. Earlier today, Grok was unfortunately manipulated by adversarial prompting into saying absurdly positive things about me, he wrote . He offered no explanation for how seemingly straightforward questions could be considered adversarial or why Grok's turn toward slavish Musk devotee would seem to roughly coincide with Grok's 4.1 update a few days ago. xAI didn't address a series of questions, including about why the Grok posts in question had been deleted. Legacy Media Lies [sic], the company said. But the incident serves as yet another reminder that Grok doesn't seem to have much in the way of guardrailed. Earlier this year, xAI briefly pulled the plug on Grok after it praised Nazis and became MechaHitler. That was after it also became inexplicably obsessed with white genocide in South Africa, which the company later balmed on an unspecified unauthorized modification. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/elon-musk-blames-adversarial-prompting-after-grok-spewed-embarrassing-sycophantic-praise-235157807.html?src=rss

Sales of a teddy bear were suspended because of its sexually explicit AI

FoloToy, a company selling AI-enabled toys, suspended sales of its products after a consumer safety report showed there were few restrictions around what its toys would talk about, CNN writes . The report, put together by the US Public Interest Research Group Education Fund , found that FoloToy's products would discuss everything from sexually explicit topics like BDSM to advice on where a child can find matches or knives. The toys, including a teddy bear named Kumma, a panda named Momo, anthropomorphic rabbits named Fofo and a dancing Little Cactus , all appear to use OpenAI's GPT-4o model to respond naturally to children's questions and comments. FoloToy also specifically advertises the ability to customize each toys voice, and a Parent Dashboard where parents or guardians can monitor [their] child's experience. FoloToy's AI-enabled Little Cactus toy. Folotoy Missing from that setup was apparently any kind of hard limits on subjects the toys would respond to. We were surprised to find how quickly Kumma would take a single sexual topic we introduced into the conversation and run with it, simultaneously escalating in graphic detail while introducing new sexual concepts of its own, the report said. In response, FoloToy has opted to suspend sales of its products while it conducts a company-wide, end-to-end safety audit across all products, the company shared in a statement with the PIRG Education Fund. The companys reasoning for suspending sales might be a bit more complicated, however. NPR reports that OpenAI actually revoked FoloToys access to its models. We suspended this developer for violating our policies, OpenAI said in an email to NPR . Our usage policies prohibit any use of our services to exploit, endanger, or sexualize anyone under 18 years old. Given GPT-4o's well-documented sycophantic qualities , it's perhaps not surprising that FoloToy's teddy bear eagerly responded to any subject as long as it kept the conversation going. One of the things OpenAI tried to address with the release of GPT-5 was the safety downsides of an AI yes-man, though it ultimately made GPT-4o available again after customers complained about the new model's lack of personality. The company has also rolled out parental controls to ChatGPT to try and mitigate the negative impacts of children using its AI, though it's difficult to say how much of a difference they've made. Notably, OpenAI is interested in getting into the toy business itself. The company announced a partnership with Mattel in June 2025, to help reimagine how fans can experience and interact with [Mattel's] cherished brands, though both companies will presumably try and prevent their AI toys from discussing sexual kinks. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/sales-of-a-teddy-bear-were-suspended-because-of-its-sexually-explicit-ai-233127354.html?src=rss

Meta now lets you invite people for virtual hangouts in Hyperscape Capture spaces

Meta is rolling out a way for people to interact together in its virtual spaces. Users will now be able to invite friends to hang out in the spaces created with Hyperscape on Meta Horizon. Up to eight people can join an instance, as long as they are age 18 or older and have the link to the space. The virtual spaces can be joined through a Meta Quest 3 or 3S as well as via the Meta Horizon mobile app, which is on both Android and iOS. People can scan their own homes to create a virtual hangout when they can't be in person together, or they can indulge their inner lookieloos and wander around some of the celebrity spaces, such as Gordon Ramsay's kitchen or Chance the Rapper's living room. It's an application of Hyperscape Capture, which Meta showed off during its Connect conference earlier this year. That tech allows people to use a Meta Quest to scan real spaces and create digital replicas. The invite option is being gradually added to accounts, and Meta also said that it hopes to raise the party cap in the future for this metaverse feature. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/meta-now-lets-you-invite-people-for-virtual-hangouts-in-hyperscape-capture-spaces-231152311.html?src=rss

You can now play Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 in your browser

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 knew how to lay on the camp. But it wasnt only known for having some of the most delightfully cheesy cutscenes this side of The 7th Guest . Red Alert 2 was also an acclaimed real-time strategy game for its time, and its still perfectly playable today. Want to see for yourself? Its now as easy as opening your browser. The Chrono Divide project (via PC Gamer ) lets you play the 2000 RTS in Chrome, Edge, or Safari. Although it supports Firefox, too, its developer says it should be avoided if you want good performance. It even works in mobile browsers. Chrono Divide supports cross-platform multiplayer using all the original maps. (You can use some mods, too.) In fact, according to PC Gamer , multiplayer is about your only option. Red Alert 2 s single-player campaign modes (where youll encounter those so bad, theyre good cutscenes) are still a work in progress. The project initially started out as an experiment and was meant to prove that it was possible to have a fully working, cross-platform RTS game running in a web browser, the projects website reads. Now, with a playable version already available, the end-goal is reaching feature parity with the original vanilla Red Alert 2 engine. You can take it for a spin on the Chrono Divide webpage . Youll need to import the original game files to begin. (The website automatically inserts a link to them on the Internet Archive.) But we wont fault you if youd rather opt for watching Red Alert 2 s fabulously corny cutscenes below. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/you-can-now-play-command--conquer-red-alert-2-in-your-browser-213815557.html?src=rss

Microsoft has open sourced the Zork trilogy of text games

Preservation has become a pressing topic for games in this era of digital-only releases and games-as-a-service. So it's wonderful to have a big win in archiving a trio of seminal text games for the ages. Microsoft announced today that the code for Zork , Zork II and Zork III will be made available open source under the MIT License. The company's Open Source Programs Office, Xbox and Activision all contributed to the effort. The goal is not to modernize Zork but to preserve it as a space for exploration and education, Microsoft team members wrote in the blog post sharing the news. They're works well-worth studying. The first Zork was a milestone moment for parser games that still inspires the present-day interactive fiction community. Not only was it a unique experience of narrative and puzzles, but the accomplishments of the Z-Machine virtual machine it ran on helped make Zork easily available to players on multiple platforms during the rise of personal computers in the 1990s. There are still modern Z-Machine interpreters out there (or you can buy and play all three Zork titles the normal way thanks to the similarly preservation-minded folks at Good Old Games). The code for many famous text games made by Infocom was released on GitHub in 2019 , but the rights still technically belonged to Activision, which could have issued a takedown. This move keeps the code for this iconic Zork games available for the ages. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/microsoft-has-open-sourced-the-zork-trilogy-of-text-games-213519368.html?src=rss

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

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

Blue Origin announces New Glenn rocket upgrades fit for a trip to the Moon

After its most recent successful New Glenn mission , Blue Origin is announcing propulsion upgrades to its star rocket, and plans for a larger super-heavy class rocket that puts the company in even closer competition with SpaceX. Blue Origin says New Glenn will get higher-performing engines at both stages, with the total thrust of the booster engines increasing from 3.9 million lbf to 4.5 million lbf. The total thrust of the upper stage of the rocket, meanwhile, is going from 320,000 lbf to 400,000 lbf. Paired with a new reusable fairing (the cover that goes over the payload of New Glenn) and an updated lower-cost tank design, Blue Origin claims that the upgraded rocket will benefit customers heading to low-Earth orbit, the Moon and beyond. Because you asked pic.twitter.com/HRbQjRpHWC Dave Limp (@davill) November 20, 2025 The company also has another rocket on the roadmap, New Glenn 9x4, the bigger sibling of the current New Glenn 7x2. Named for the number of engines it has at each stage (nine on the booster stage, four on the upper stage), New Glenn 9x4 can carry over 70 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, over 14 metric tons direct to geosynchronous orbit and over 20 metric tons to trans-lunar injection, Blue Origin says. Per an image shared by Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp on X , the rocket is also bigger than the Saturn V rocket that ferried humans to the Moon during NASA's Apollo 11 mission. That catapults Blue Origin into the same size range as SpaceX's Starship, which successfully deployed its payload for the first time in August, and is now facing retirement as SpaceX develops its next-generation model . Both Blue Origin and SpaceX are competing to work with NASA on future Moon missions. If Blue Origin's lunar hunger wasn't clear from the prominent framing of the Moon in its New Glenn press images, the company reportedly plans to land its unmanned lunar lander on the Moon in 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/blue-origin-announces-new-glenn-rocket-upgrades-fit-for-a-trip-to-the-moon-192500333.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

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

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

Some people shop Black Friday sales for discounts on shoes and socket wrenches, duvet covers and blow up mattresses none of those things are on this list. Here youll find only the best electronics for less than $50 a pop. These are all gadgets and accessories weve tested for our buying guides , recommended in our gift guides or reviewed for, well, our reviews . For less than $50, you can pick up Engadget-approved gear like earbuds, smart speakers, streaming sticks, power banks, smart plugs, Bluetooth trackers and more. So if you need accessories to support your bigger devices, or want a few clever gadgets to smarten up your space, check out the best Black Friday tech deals for under $50. Best Black Friday deals under $25 Audible, 3 months and a $20 credit for $3 ($42 off) at Amazon : As it does each Black Friday (and at a few points besides), Amazon is offering a near-free intro deal for its audiobook subscription. The plan auto-renews at a dollar per month for three months, then defaults to the standard $15 monthly. So set a reminder to cancel before then if you dont want to pay full-price. Anker USB-C Cable (10FT, 100W) for $9 ($3 off) at Amazon : If you just need a reliable and long charger for your phone, pick this one up while its just $9. It can shuttle 100 watts to your handset and, in our experience, Anker cables are plenty durable plus its red! This can handle data transfers in a pinch, but is limited to 480 Mbps. Anker USB-C Cable (240W, 10ft) for $12 ($5 off) at Amazon : If youre sick of the sub-par, half-broken, super-short cables occupying your junk drawer, just grab a couple of these. With the max power delivery possible for USB-C at 240W, itll always be ready to charge anything. Just note, this is better for charging as its data transfer rates max out at 480 Mbps. Also available directly from Anker . Anker Nano 3 Charger Block (30W, 1-port) for $12 ($8 off) at Amazon : Black and white are such boring colors for charming accessories, but alas, those basic colors happen to be the ones getting the bigger discount in this deal (the pretty purple, blue and green colors are $2 more). This compact block is our pick for a great iPhone accessory . Its 30 watts of power will reup your handset stat. Philips Fabric Shaver for $13 ($7 off) at Amazon : Did you know you needed a fabric shaver? You need a fabric shaver . Our editor grabbed this one (at full price) and loves it. It keeps blankets, sweaters and joggers pill free and looking fresh for just $13. Anker Nano 3 Charger (30W, 1-port) for $13 ($5 off) at Amazon : This tiny and colorful block is one of our favorite fast chargers for 2025 . Itll send up to 30 watts of power to whatever you plug into it. Thats more than enough to fast-charge any smartphone and plenty of juice for your tablets. Also available directly from Anker and at Walmart . Amazon Smart Plug for $13 ($12 off) at Amazon : If you have an Alexa speaker and a lamp this plug will make the two best of friends. We found the plug easy to set up and it reliably maintains its connections. Just remember it only works with Alexa (either via a speaker or the app on your phone). Lego Creator 3 in 1 Retro Camera Toy for $16 ($4 off) at Amazon : This three-in-one set builds a retro camera complete with pressable buttons, a wrist strap and loadable (Lego) film. It can also be built as a retro TV set or a camcorder. For ages eight and up. Spigen for iPhone 17 Case for $13 ($3 off with Prime) at Amazon : It seems a shame to cover up the pretty colors of the new iPhones. But leaving your handset naked is just panic-inducing. We recommend this clear case from Spigen in our accessories guide . I have one on my iPhone 16 and it has kept it safe through many a fumble. Glocusent Tri-head Clip On Book Light for $16 ($10 off) at Glocusent : My family vies for this handy device each night. Its ideal for reading a book in bed with a light that lets you adjust the warmth, angle and spread of the beam. Its also great for shining some light on a desk as you can use its clip like a stand. Roku Streaming Stick HD for $16 ($14 off) at Roku : After testing most of the smart TV interfaces out there, Rokus is still my favorite. I like the colorful Roku City that shows up after a long pause and the navigation is intuitive. This stick will grant streaming abilities to a basic TV. Theres no 4K or other fancy video support, but if all you need is a way to stream, this will do. Also at Amazon . LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants for $18 ($5 off) at Amazon : Heres an ideal Secret Santa gift everyone loves Legos and these cheery little guys will keep your giftee company at their desk or on their windowsill, and are the lowest-maintenance plants around. Also at Target and Walmart . Apple AirTag Bluetooth tracker for $18 ($11 off) at Walmart : An updated version of Apples little finding discs is almost certainly on the horizon. For now, an AirTag is our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users. Its a little quieter than third party tags like Chipolo, but when it comes to trackers, this is what most people think of. Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for $18 ($17 off) at Amazon : If you just want the Amazon Fire TV experience for the fewest dollars possible, here you go. The HD stick is the best budget option in our opinion and could be all you need if your TV doesnt support 4K content anyway. Blink Mini 2 indoor security camera for $18 ($22 off) at Amazon : Do you wonder what the dog and cat do when youre gone? (The answer is sleep.) An indoor camera lets you keep an eye on your home while youre gone or just in the other room. We named the Blink Mini 2 the best budget pick in our guide to security cameras for 2025 . The tiny squares are easy to set up, work well (and only) with Alexa and deliver suitable (but not ultra high quality) images. Samsung SmartTags 2 Bluetooth tracker for $18 ($12 off) at Amazon : If youve got a Samsung phone, the brands own trackers will serve you well. Theyre one of the best-looking fobs we tested . It hooks up with Samsungs own finding network, which is surprisingly robust, and was able to locate lost stuff nearly as quickly as AirTags in our tests. Anker Nano fast charger block (45W, 1 port) for $18 ($17 off) at Amazon : This is just about the max power you can get out of a tiny block like this. Ankers 45-watt charger is more than enough oomph for phones and tablets, and can even handle a laptop refill in a pinch. The little plug prongs fold down and it even comes with a six-foot USB-C cable. Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (dual socket) for $19 ($8 off) at Amazon : Tired of turning off your outdoor holiday lights manually each night? Get one of these and schedule the controls. Or better yet, let Alexa, Siri or the Google Assistant turn them off with just a command. This is the one we recommend in our guide to smart plugs and the one that faithfully controlled my Halloween lights last month. Its gone as low as $17 in the past. Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus for $20 ($20 off) at Roku : I called this streaming stick perfect for travel in my review. It powers itself from your TV so you dont have to hunt for a wall outlet in your hotel room. Plus you can bring all your streaming subscriptions with you or just enjoy Rokus dizzying amount of free content. Also at Amazon . TP-Link AC1200 WiFi extender for $20 ($10 off) : If youve got some dead spots in your homes internet coverage and arent quite ready for a mesh setup, a Wi-Fi extender can help. This is our favorite budget option in our guide to these plug-in devices thanks to its easy setup and user-friendly app. Baseus Picogo MagSafe Power Bank (5K mAh, 10W) for $20 ($7 off with Prime) at Amazon : We tested a newer version of this MagSafe bank for our battery guide . Its Qi-certified (not Qi2) so you wont get top charging speeds out of it. But if you need a partial refill for a phone, $20 is hard to beat. Amazon Echo Pop Alexa Smart Speaker for $22 ($18 off) at Amazon : Amazons smallest smart speaker isnt focused so much on sound quality as it is on putting Alexa+ wherever you may need the assistants help. Use the little half sphere to control your connected lights, give you the weather or just have an interesting conversation. Last Black Friday it dropped as low as $18. Kasa Smart Plug Matter Compatible KP125M (2-pack) for $23 ($12 off) at Amazon : If you want to control your lamps, humidifiers and other simple appliances just by talking to your home assistant of choice, a smart plug will let you do so. We deemed this the top pick for a Matter-enabled plug in our smart plug guide . Set-up is seamless and it supports Siri, Alexa, the Google Assistant and more. LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Retro Telephone for kids for $24 ($6 off) at Amazon : One of our top picks for the best tech toys for kids is on sale for Black Friday. This cute as a button retro telephone is rated for kids eight and older and is a three-in-one set that can be rebuilt into three different configurations: A rotary phone, cordless phone and an early-days cell phone/flip phone combo. Chipolo Pop Bluetooth tracker for $23 ($6 off) at Amazon : Quit losing your keys (or jacket or backpack) by attaching this colorful tracker to it. The Pop is our overall favorite in Engadgets guide to Bluetooth trackers as its loud, feature-rich and taps into Apples Find My or Googles Find Hub networks. Also available directly from Chipolo . Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for $25 ($25 off) at Amazon : We dont know why Amazon needs so many streaming sticks in its lineup, but here we are. The 4K Plus is very similar to the 4K Max except it has a little less storage at 8GB and no Wi-Fi 6E (just Wi-Fi 6). You also dont get the Ambient experience that turns your TV into art. If you can swing the extra bucks, go for the Max , but if those features dont matter to you, this saves you $10 right now. Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $25 ($25 off) at Roku : The difference between this streamer and the newer 4K Plus is that one doesnt have Dolby vision or an extended Wi-Fi range this one does. So if you need that extra range and/or have a TV that supports Dolby Vision, this is the Roku stick to get. Meross WiFi Dual Smart Plug (2-pack) for $25 ($8 off) at Amazon : The difference between this one and other smart plugs is the dual outlet a surprising rarity. Merosss dual plug works with home systems from Apple, Amazon, Google and Samsung and lets you control each of the two outlets independently. Best Black Friday deals under $50 Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $28 ($17 off) at Amazon with Prime : Share your good taste in music with Ankers portable sound box. Its Bluetooth connected, goes for 24 hours on a charge and can handle a dunk in water with no ill effects to its 12 watts of sound. Soundcore makes a few of the picks on our list of the best speakers this is a more affordable model. Also available directly from Anker and at Best Buy . EarFun Free 2S Wireless Earbuds for $28 ($12 off) at Amazon : These are the ultra-budget pick in our guide to budget earbuds . They dont have ANC, but the sound is lively and the fit is comfortable. You arent getting the highest sound quality here, but if you need a knock around pair, these will do. Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Charger (10K mAh, 30W) for $30 ($15 off) at Amazon : I love this sleek little box. First and foremost, its a 10K mAh power bank (enough to refill a phone 1.5 to two times). But it also has a built-in USB-C cable (so youll never be without one) and flip-up wall prongs so it can refill directly from the wall (it even supports pass-through charging). Also available directly from Anker . JBL Go 3 Mini Bluetooth Speaker for $30 ($10 off) at Amazon : For about two dollars more than the all-time low, you can grab this pocket-sized speaker from JBL. Its the previous model of a pick from our guide to Bluetooth speakers. It goes for 5 hours on a charge and is $10 cheaper than the Go 4. Govee Smart LED Light Bars for $30 ($20 off) at Amazon : Another of our stocking stuffer picks are these smart LED light bars from Govee. They can stand up or lie flat so they can go just about anywhere and are infinitely adjustable via the app. You can even set them to light up in sync with your music. Alexa and the Google Assistant will let you control them with just your voice (and a smart speaker). Baseus Picogo magnetic portable charger with stand (5K mAh, Qi2 15W) for $30 ($20 off) at Amazon : This little guy gave a solid 43 percent bump to our tester iPhone 15 in 42 minutes, ultimately charging it to 91 percent. It earned a mention in our guide to MagSafe batteries thanks to those speeds, its compact size and the handy (and sturdy) little stand on the back. Amazon Echo Dot Alexa smart speaker for $32 ($18 off) at Amazon : This is Amazons most popular Echo device and its the one my family uses most. The new Alexa+ is more conversational and can remember conversations and apply context. Its still a work in progress , but can set timers, tell you the weather and control your smart home like a champ. It sold for as low as $23 last Black Friday. UGreen Uno Nexode Charger Block (65W, 3-Port) for $33 ($17 off with Prime) at Amazon : There are other ways to charge your devices, but few are this cute. Thats why we named it one of the best stocking stuffers you can buy. You get three ports in its head and outlet prongs hidden in its removable magnetic feet. Its 65 watts are enough to charge multiple devices at once. Also available directly from UGreen and at Walmart . Anker Nano Charger Block (70W, 3-port) for $35 ($15 off) at Amazon : This specific model isnt in our guides, but weve seen other Anker Nano chargers prove themselves, so were comfortable recommending it. This one has two USB-C ports for fast charging devices, plus a Type-A outlet for devices that need it. Zagg Glass Elite Screen Protector for iPhone 17 for $35 ($5 off) at Amazon : Youre thinking of saying yes to the new iPhone 17. You probably wont be disappointed . Just make sure you protect it. We like Zaggs shields and said so in our guide to iPhone accessories . Also available at Best Buy . UGreen Revodok Pro 109 USB C Hub for $34 ($20 off with Prime) at Amazon : I tested a bunch of USB-C hubs and deemed this one the best. Plug in the generously long cable into your tablet or laptop and youll be able to read memory cards, use USB-A peripherals, connect a 4K monitor via HDMI and use Ethernet. The lowest price we tracked on this guy yet is $30. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 ($25 off) at Amazon : We recently wondered why Amazon needs so many streaming devices (Google just has one and its our favorite ). But in the battle among the Fire TV streamers, we think this one is the best. It can display 4K resolution and Dolby Video, supports the more future-proof Wi-Fi 6E, has more memory than the other sticks and lets you use the Ambient Experience that displays art on your screen when youre not watching The Expanse . Anker Prime GaN wall charger (67W, 3-port) for $35 ($15 off with Prime) at Amazon : Travelers, take note. This is what we recommend to those on a journey in our guide to fast chargers . It has three ports, and can detect which plugged-in device is in most need of a refill. The 67-watt rating is all you need for phones and tablets and will even top off most laptops if needed. Also available directly from Anker . Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) for $36 ($14 off) at Amazon : This was almost our top pick for the best USB-C hub, but a UGreen model edged it out. But the 555 is still great with ports that include HDMI, Ethernet, two USB Type A, a power delivery USB-C and a USB-C 3.2. That should be enough to keep any tablet or laptop suitably connected. Also available directly from Anker and at Walmart . Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber for $36 ($34 off with Prime) at Amazon : Shower scrubbing is no ones favorite activity (Im assuming here, but Im pretty sure Im right). This makes the job so very much easier. Discovered by our editor who abhors the task , the Leebein runs on a USB-C rechargeable battery and has swappable brushes. The course brush combined with the higher speed is no match for any shower scum. Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP25 (4-pack) for $37 ($13 off) at Amazon : In my house, we call these the good plugs. The connection is fast and fuss-free and itll work with Alexa, Siri, OK Google and via the Kasa app so if youre a smart home mad scientist with multiple home assistants you can ask one to turn on the lamp and another helper to turn it off. This is the best smart plug we tested . The four-pack went as low as $30 is the lowest price weve tracked. Also at B&H Photo . JBL Go 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for $40 ($10 off) at Amazon : Our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers ranks the Go 4 as one of the winners. Its super compact at less than half a pound so dont expect top-end sound but it outputs good volume for its size and even has a handy carry loop. Also available directly from JBL and at Walmart . Sharge AeroMag Magsafe Power Bank (Qi2 15W, 5K mAh) for $40 ($24 off) at Amazon : To recharge a dying iPhone (12 and later) in the most unobtrusive way possible, go for a MagSafe power bank. Its not as fast as a wired connection, but super convenient. After testing Sharges AeroMag, it earned a runner-up spot in our guide . Blink Outdoor 4 XR for $42 ($78 off) at Amazon : Heres the extended range model of the Blink Outdoor cameras that we named among the best . That means you can stick it farther from your house and still see the goings on your property. Like most security cameras, youll get more out of it with a subscription (smart motion detections, cloud storage, and longer live views). Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds for $42 ($38 off) at Amazon : Heres our top pick for affordable earbuds in our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds . They have a warm, pleasant sound and surprisingly good noise cancellation for the price. Also available directly from Anker and at Walmart . Anker Prime GaN Charger (100W, 3-port) for $42 ($28 off) at Anker : Heres a variant of the top pick for travel in our fast charger guide . This higher-wattage Prime charger can charge three devices at once (two via USB-C and one via Type A). Plus the prongs fold down. Perfect for keeping everything topped off on the road. Note that the discount comes courtesy of an auto-applied code. Ugreen Nexode Pro GaN slim wall charger (65W 3-port) for $42 ($14 off with Prime) at Amazon : In the battle for fast charger supremacy , UGreens flatish block got a nod for being pretty good at its job. It has three USB outputs, including one Type-A for your more retro electronics and can pump out up to 65W for phones and tablets, or even laptops if needed. Just note the flat-but-wide design could block other outlets. Also available directly from UGreen and at Best Buy . Nestout Waterproof Power Bank (15K mAh 32W) for $48 ($19 off) at Amazon : This is our favorite outdoor-ready portable battery from our guide to power banks . If you make sure the caps are on properly, the thing is waterproof (we stuck it in a bucket of water). Plus it can accommodate a slew of accessories like a light and stand. Ring Battery Doorbell for $50 ($50 off) at Amazon : We havent officially tested doorbell cameras just yet (its on the list). But Ring is one of the best-known and most popular brands you can buy. This one runs on batteries so you dont have to mess with doorbell wires and it supports two-way talk, live view and smart alerts. Just note that many features are tied to a Ring subscription ($5 to $20 per month). Ring Outdoor Cam (Stick Up Cam) for $50 ($50 off) at Amazon : This weather-resistant outdoor cam has a removable and rechargeable battery that can go for a few months on a charge. We didnt test this exact model for our security cam guide , but other Ring cameras worked well for us. Here you get live views, color night vision, two-way talk and motion alerts. Just note that it only works with Alexa and some features require a subscription. Amazon Echo Spot for $50 ($30 off) at Amazon : This is the most giftable of the Alexa speakers. I got one for my mom. It has a small screen to display the time, weather and what song is playing, while the Alexa+ smarts inside keep track of timers and reminders, answers questions and controls connected smart home devices with a fairly high level of competence. Ultimate Ears Miniroll Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for $50 ($30 off) at Amazon : Ultimate Ears makes some of our favorite Bluetooth speakers . This is the smallest of the UE portable speakers and fits in the palm of your hand or clips to your handlebars (with its hookable strap). It'll go for 12 hours on a charge and supports a 40-meter Bluetooth range. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-black-friday-deals-under-50-are-live-apple-airtags-legos-blink-cameras-ugreen-chargers-and-more-173833363.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

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

The best Apple Black Friday deals on iPads, AirPods, MacBooks, Apple Watches and AirTags are already up to 39 percent off

Black Friday is a banner time to pick up some of the latest gear from Apple for a discount. Engadget has been reviewing Apples products for, oh, 20 years or so this year alone saw us evaluate, among others, the latest-gen AirPods Pro , the new Apple Watches , the iPad Pro M5 , the iPad Air M3 , a bunch of MacBooks and, of course, all models of the iPhone 17 lineup. Speaking of which, you wont see iPhone deals represented here service and contract-related discounts tend to make those savings a little too specific. But if you want to save on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, accessories or other Apple gear, look no further. These are the best Black Friday Apple deals we could find. Apple Black Friday deals: AirPods AirPods 4 (with ANC) for $110 ($69 off) at Amazon : If you just need moderate noise cancellation and prefer an open-wear fit (where nothing goes in your ear canal), you may prefer the new AirPods 4. They dont have heart rate sensing or the hearing features the Pro models have. But we found the sound quality to be pretty good and appreciated Pro-level features like live translation. Also at Walmart and $140 at Best Buy . AirPods 4 (no ANC) for $129 ($12 off) at Amazon : You miss out on a few more features on the base-model AirPods 4: no live translation, no noise cancellation and no heart rate sensing, but you do get Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, like on the pricer models. We gave the entry-level buds an 88 in our review . They've gone as low as $89 recently. AirPods Max for $430 ($120 off) at Best Buy : These cans have been around for quite some time now, only getting the slightest upgrade with a new USB-C port in 2024. The hardware is otherwise the same as it was when the over-ear headphones debuted in 2020. Still, theyre comfortable, have good sound quality and the on-board controls are unique but good. Walmart and Amazon are selling it for $40 more. EarPods for $17 ($2 off) at Amazon : For those who prefer a cord, here is the only Apple-branded wired earphone option. This is a dollar more than the all-time low. Apple Black Friday deals: iPads iPad Air (M3, 11-inch, 128GB) for $449 ($151 off) at Amazon : The Air is the Goldilocks Apple tablet. It strikes the perfect balance between price and performance, making it our overall pick for the best iPad you can buy . The build is lovely; it feels premium and the display is a big improvement over Apples base-model slate. The M3 chip is plenty fast for everyday use and can handle an average day of productivity no problem, particularly with its improved multi-tasking abilities. This matches the lowest price we've tracked. Also on sale at Walmart , Target and Best Buy for a few dollars more. iPad Air (M3, 13-inch, 128GB) for $649 ($150 off) at Amazon : A larger screen will make watching shows and playing games more expansive. And if you use your iPad more like a personal computer, youll appreciate the extra real estate for spreading out your work. Like the 11-inch Air, this has a powerful M3 chip and an excellent screen, as well as support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence . This matches the lowest price we've tracked. Also at Target , Best Buy and it's $100 more at B&H . iPad mini (A17 Pro, 8-inch, 128GB) for $399 ($100 off) at Amazon : The smallest Apple iPad is really meant for those who put a priority on the portability and palm-ability of an 8-inch tablet. It uses the A17 chip, which enables support for Apple Intelligence, unlike the base model iPad. We gave it an 83 in our review, praising the fact that you get the full iPad experience, just in a more compact package. We found it particularly suited to messaging, reading, watching video and playing lots of Balatro . It went as low as $379 in October. Also at Best Buy . iPad Pro (M5, 11-inch, 256GB) for $923 ($76 off) at Walmart : While we think this is an amazing piece of computing machinery, we admit that its overkill for most people. It's got one of the best displays youll find on a tablet, the most recent M5 chip (the same that powers the base-level Apple MacBook Pro) and an almost impossibly thin and light build. We gave it an 85 in our review and had very few complaints aside from the near-prohibitive price tag. Hopefully this Black Friday discount helps. This $50 discount matches the lowest price we've seen. Also at B&H . It's $29 more at Amazon . Apple Black Friday deals: Apple Watch Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS only) for $350 ($49 off) at Amazon : Apple still makes the best smartwatch money can buy . The flagship Apple Watch Series 11 is not just a stalwart companion for an iPhone, it also offers comprehensive health monitoring and fitness tracking. There wasnt a huge change from the Series 10 to this one both have the same thin and light design, but now the glass is tougher and the battery lasts longer. This $50 discount is the steepest we've seen yet. Also at Walmart and Target . Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS only) for $200 ($49 off) at Amazon : After a couple years, Apple finally updated its budget-model smart watch. And we were pretty happy with the results, awarding the new wearable a review score of 90 . Its got a smaller screen and thicker bezels than the Series 11 and lacks a few of the more advanced health monitoring features. Its also made from slightly less-robust materials. But it has nearly everything that makes Apple Watches great for a lot less particularly now. This is the lowest price we've seen since the watch came out in September. Also at Walmart and Target . Apple Black Friday deals: MacBooks and Macs Apple MacBook Air (M4, 15-inch, 256GB) for $949 ($250 off) at Amazon : The M4 chip is quite powerful, to take advantage of all the productivity it enables, you might want a little more room on your screen. When Apple first made a 15-inch option for the MacBook Air a couple generations ago, we were surprised at the difference it made . Also at Best Buy and it's $100 off at B&H . Apple MacBook Pro (M5, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,444 ($155 off) at Amazon : Apples most recent M-series chip is the M5, and only comes equipped on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro. When the M5 MacBook Pro M5 came out last month, we promptly reviewed it and awarded it a 92. That new chip gives the laptop an impressive graphics upgrade that helps make it more suited to gaming an area where Apple still lags behind PCs. Other than the chip upgrade, its mostly the same, which is a good thing. Its sturdy, powerful and has an impressively long battery life we clocked 34 hours in a video run-down test. Also at Walmart , Best Buy and B&H . Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,749 ($250 off) at Amazon : The M5 chip isnt yet available in the Pro and Max variants. If Apple follows the same six-month gap that separated the M4 from the M4 Pro and Max chips, we may see the M5 Pro/Max in spring of next year. For now, however, those higher-specced chips can only be found in the M4-series lineup. The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is on sale and its our recommendation for creative professionals who need an obscene amount of processing power. Also at Walmart , Best Buy and B&H . Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro, 16-inch, 256GB) for $2,189 ($310 off) at Amazon : You sacrifice a little portability for the larger 16-inch screen, as it adds about a pound and a quarter to the weight. But you might appreciate the extra space for your work on the display. Also at Walmart and B&H . Apple 2024 iMac (M4, 24-inch) for $1,149 ($150 off) at Amazon : Apple just has one model of an all-in-one desktop computer and it has the M4 chip inside. We called the iMac more cost effective than ever , now that it comes with a minimum of 16GB of RAM. The M4 chip makes it capable for content creation, productivity and gaming. Mac mini (M4) for $479 ($120 off) at Amazon : Apples compact desktop computer got a rave review from us. We called it shockingly small [and] incredibly powerful . It also benefits from a bump to a minimum of 16GB of internal memory. It can play modern games at reasonable resolutions and handle most productivity tasks you throw at it. Apple Black Friday deals: Accessories Apple Pencil Pro for $99 ($30 off) at Amazon : The Apple Pencil situation is a little messy , so youll want to double check which model is compatible with your particular iPad. The Pencil Pro is the most fully featured in the lineup with haptic feedback, barrel roll and squeeze capabilities, and a hover preview feature. Itll work with the two most recent models of the Air and Pro iPads, as well as the latest iPad mini. Also at Walmart and Best Buy . Apple Pencil USB-C for $69 ($10 off) at Amazon : If you have the new base-model iPad with the A16 chip, this is the pencil that will work for you. Itll also work with current as well as slightly older models of the Air and Pro iPads. Apple MagSafe cable 25W for $23 ($17 off) at Best Buy : Apple leads the way in fast wireless charging, typically debuting faster wattage technology before other companies. The iPhone 17 can wirelessly recharge at 25-watt speeds with pads like this (or other Qi2 25W chargers). You can also get those speeds with iPhone 16 handsets that have updated to the latest OS 26 version. Just note that youll need to plug it into at least a 30 watt adapter, which isnt included. Apple AirTag (4-pack) for $65 ($34 off) at Amazon : Even though they havent been updated in a few years, Apples AirTags are still the gold standard of Bluetooth trackers, and what most people think of when they think of trackers. We may get a new version soon, but they arent likely to be this cheap. Also at Walmart . A single AirTag is on sale too. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-apple-black-friday-deals-on-ipads-airpods-macbooks-apple-watches-and-airtags-are-already-up-to-39-percent-off-161346405.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

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

Black Friday streaming deal: Sling Orange Day Passes are only $1 right now

Sling TV is one of the best live streaming streaming services out there right now, giving you the option to watch a number of traditional cable channels without the traditional, locked-in price of a cable subscription. For Black Friday, you can save on Sling TV's newly announced $5 Day Passes . That $5 price is the regular cost for a limited time through November 30, a Day Pass for Sling Orange is only $1 and that includes access to 34 channels like 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/black-friday-streaming-deal-sling-orange-day-passes-are-only-1-right-now-231208837.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