From Engadget · 40 stories
Samsung Odyssey G80HS 6K Gaming Monitor Offers High Pixel Density and Dual Refresh Rates
Samsung has released the Odyssey G80HS, a 32-inch 6K gaming monitor featuring a 6144x3456 resolution at 165 Hz and a dual refresh mode for 3072x1728 at 330 Hz. This monitor pushes pixel density in gaming displays, but requires high-end hardware for optimal performance.
Xbox Releases 25th Anniversary Accessories, Featuring Translucent Green Designs
Microsoft has launched a collection of hardware peripherals to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Xbox console. These accessories, primarily in translucent green, include reskins of existing products from manufacturers like Razer, 8BitDo, GameSir, and Backbone.
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 with OLED screen available October 15, pre-orders open
Asus has opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally X20, an updated handheld gaming PC featuring an OLED screen and a transforming D-Pad, with availability starting October 15. This release offers a standalone device for $1,299.99 or a bundle with AR glasses and accessories for $2,499.99, providing an upgraded display option for users interested in handheld gaming.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Upper Stage Expected to Crash into Moon in August
An upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is projected to crash into the Moon near the Einstein Crater on August 5. This event provides astronomers with a rare opportunity to observe an artificial impact in real-time, allowing for studies on dust plume movement and space debris hazards.
Reddit tests new audio and video post formats in select communities
Reddit is testing new audio and video post formats within select communities on its iOS and Android apps. This initiative allows users to consume Reddit content by listening or watching, similar to how Reddit content is re-shared on platforms like TikTok and Meta's Reels. The new formats will link back to the original text posts.
Sonos iOS App Adds Live Activities for Lock Screen Playback Controls
The Sonos app on iPhone now supports Live Activities, allowing users to control playback directly from the Lock Screen. This update addresses a long-requested feature, improving accessibility for Sonos users on iOS devices.
Google Play Integrates Venmo as a Payment Option for Apps, Games, and Subscriptions
Google Play has added Venmo as a payment option for purchases including apps, games, add-ons, and digital content. Users can now link their Venmo account to pay for subscriptions and in-app content using their Venmo balance or linked payment methods, expanding payment choices within Google's services, including YouTube.
Quake Receives Free "Dawn of the Machine" Expansion for 30th Anniversary
id Software and MachineGames released "Dawn of the Machine," a free expansion for the original Quake, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The update includes a 19-map campaign, a new Deathmatch map, a new soundtrack, and new gameplay mechanics, available across all supported platforms.
Twelve South Releases Smaller Valet Charging Tray with Increased Wireless Power
Twelve South has introduced a new, more compact version of its Valet charging tray, reducing its depth from 7.5 inches to 4.25-4.5 inches. This updated model increases wireless charging power to 25W, up from 15W in the original, and is priced at $129.99.
Sunbird Relaunches iMessage App for Android on Google Play Store
Sunbird has relaunched its iMessage for Android application on the Google Play Store, making it publicly available after a beta period and a three-year hiatus. The app aims to provide iMessage functionality, including blue chat bubbles, reactions, and high-quality video, to Android users, despite previous security concerns that led to its temporary shutdown in 2023.
WhatsApp Introduces @all Mentions, Enhanced Polls, and New Group Creation Features
WhatsApp has rolled out new features for group chats, including an "@all" mention to notify all members, expanded poll options with end times and anonymous voting, and the ability to create new groups from existing ones. These updates provide users with more communication tools and administrative controls within the messaging platform.
BMW Displays Full-Screen Spider-Man Advertisement on In-Car Displays
BMW began displaying a full-screen advertisement for the movie "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" on the dashboard Control Displays of customer vehicles starting July 27, 2026. This promotion, running until August 10, 2026, in over 70 markets, appears as a banner at startup that drivers can click to play a full-screen animation, contradicting a previous statement by a BMW senior vice president regarding in-car advertising.
Spotify Introduces 'User Notes' for Personalizing Playlist Tracks
Spotify has launched "User Notes," a new feature allowing users to add personal captions of up to 240 characters to individual songs within their playlists. This update aims to personalize the music experience by enabling users to record memories or context associated with tracks, and is available in select markets for users aged 16 and older on both free and Premium plans.
Friend AI pendant re-launches with speaker and increased price
The Friend AI wearable has been re-launched as version 2.0, now featuring a built-in speaker for verbal interaction and updated AI models. The device's price has increased from an initial $99 or $129 to $249, and a new $10 monthly subscription is required to retain conversation memory beyond 30 days.
Meta pauses subscription plan for Conversation Focus feature on smart glasses after user feedback
Meta has paused its plan to charge a monthly subscription fee for the Conversation Focus feature on its smart glasses, which enhances audio clarity. This decision follows user backlash regarding the proposed fee and rate limits for a feature that operates locally on the device.
AppleCare+ Prices Rise for New Mac and iPad Buyers
Apple has increased the prices of AppleCare+ for new Mac and iPad buyers by $0.50 per month or $5 per year. This move aligns with recent price hikes across Apple's hardware offerings, attributed to rising component costs. Existing customers with AppleCare+ continue on their current plans without any price changes. The AppleCare One bundle, covering three devices, remains priced at $19.99 monthly, offering cost savings for users with multiple devices.
Amazon's Blade Runner 2099 Series Premieres November 25th on Prime Video
Amazon announced that its new streaming series, Blade Runner 2099, will premiere on Prime Video on November 25th, with all eight episodes released simultaneously. The series, set 50 years after Blade Runner 2049, stars Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer, and features Ridley Scott as an executive producer.
Warner Bros. Sues Amazon for Allegedly Poaching HBO Employees
Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing it of inducing contracted employees to breach their employment agreements, specifically citing the case of former HBO Max EVP Pia Barlow. This legal action highlights disputes over talent acquisition practices in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning employees under existing contracts.
Xteink Launches Ultra-Portable X4 Pro E-Reader with Touchscreen and Light
Xteink has released the X4 Pro, an ultra-portable e-reader featuring a touchscreen and built-in front light. Priced at $99, it aims to improve usability over previous models, although it supports only DRM-free ebooks and includes limited software options. This update matters for fans of minimalistic, pocket-sized e-readers seeking enhanced features.
Apple Maps Ads to Bar Home Services, Limit Categories at Launch
Apple is introducing ads to its Maps app in the U.S. and Canada, imposing significant restrictions on certain categories like home services. This differs from Google, which allows more expansive local service ads. Apple aims to focus on local businesses with physical locations, enhancing the user experience by limiting certain ad categories.
Unicode Unveils Nine New Emojis for Enhanced Digital Expression
The Unicode Consortium announced nine new emoji designs, set to launch by spring 2024, including Cracking Face, Meteor, and Monarch Butterfly. These additions target clearer expressions and emotional nuance in digital communication.
X Unveils Video Editor to Combat Content Theft on iOS App
X has launched a new video editor in its iOS app to encourage original content creation over recycling viral clips. The tools include multi-language caption overlays and a green screen feature. This move aims to curb content theft often committed by top accounts.
Spotify Enhances Release Radar with Customizable Listening Filters
Spotify has introduced new customization options for its Release Radar playlist, allowing users to adjust recommendations by genre and artist. This update, now available on both mobile and desktop, includes improved session controls and a redesigned look. It aims to enhance personalized music discovery for the nearly 9 million weekly users of the playlist.
Nothing Launches Ear 3A Buds with Audio Recording at $99 Price Point
Nothing introduced its new Ear 3A wireless earbuds for $99, featuring an Audio Snapshot feature for recording audio and calls. The earbuds also come with improved ANC and built-in storage. They connect recordings with the Nothing X app for further functionality.
Amazon Introduces Kindle Click Bluetooth Remote and Page-Turn-Cover for E-readers
Amazon has launched new accessories for its Kindle e-readers, including the Kindle Click, a $34.99 Bluetooth remote for page turning, and the Page-Turn-Cover, a cover with physical buttons. The Kindle Click is compatible with all new Kindle devices and models from 2024 onwards, while the Page-Turn-Cover works with Signature Edition Kindles featuring pogo pins. These accessories provide alternative methods for navigating pages without touching the e-reader screen.
Leaked Images Show New Colors and Design for Amazon's Next Entry-Level Kindle
Leaked images suggest Amazon's upcoming entry-level Kindle will feature a minor redesign and new color options, including light blue, green, and mauve. The power button's relocation to the top right edge aims to prevent accidental sleep mode activation.
A24 faces backlash over V/H/S: SCP film due to Creative Commons licensing conflict
A24 announced a new V/H/S horror anthology film set in the SCP Foundation universe, but the project is facing immediate backlash from the SCP community. The core issue is A24's claim of "worldwide rights" for a property governed by a Creative Commons ShareAlike license, which requires derivative works to also be freely shareable, complicating monetization.
AI Data Center Boom Drives Significant Price Increases for SSDs and HDDs
The demand from AI data centers has led to substantial price increases for both Solid-State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). This trend impacts consumers and businesses, making storage upgrades more expensive and altering purchasing decisions for data storage.
Vibe Coding: LLM-Generated Code Gains Popularity, Faces Criticism Over Vulnerabilities
Vibe coding, a software development method using large language models (LLMs) to generate code, is gaining traction among developers. Critics argue this practice can lead to vulnerable and difficult-to-maintain software, with research identifying security flaws in AI-generated code.
iPhone lifespan detailed: software support promises extend to older models
Apple's support for iOS will now include the iPhone 11, ensuring extended usability for users. This commitment is significant as it influences upgrade decisions amid rising prices for new devices.
FCC restrictions on foreign-made routers impact TP-Link sales in the US
The FCC restricted new foreign-made routers, affecting TP-Link's ability to sell new models in the US, while granting waivers to other manufacturers like Netgear and Amazon's Eero. This action creates uncertainty for US consumers considering TP-Link routers, despite the company's global headquarters moving to the US.
Real-world data shows EV batteries last longer than initial predictions
Real-world data indicates that electric vehicle (EV) batteries are degrading slower than initial predictions, with modern EVs retaining up to 95% of their original range after five years. This longevity addresses a significant consumer concern regarding battery replacement costs and overall EV reliability. The improved performance is attributed to advancements in battery technology and differences between lab testing and actual driving conditions.
Comparison of iCloud+ and Apple One Subscription Services
iCloud+ offers expanded cloud storage and privacy features, while Apple One includes additional Apple services. Users need to evaluate their storage and service usage to determine the most cost-effective option.
Factors Driving High Prices of GameCube Games and Their Scarcity
GameCube games are increasingly expensive due to limited supply and high demand driven by nostalgia. The console's poor sales figures contribute to the scarcity of its games in the retro market.
Xiaomi phones rarely sold in US despite global popularity
Xiaomi is the third largest smartphone vendor globally, but its phones are seldom sold in the US. Despite being briefly blacklisted in 2021, the lack of availability is primarily due to Xiaomi's failure to adapt to the US market rather than governmental bans.
The Decline of 3D TVs and Hollywood's 3D Content Issues
3D TVs gained popularity in the early 2010s but fell out of favor by 2015 due to practicality issues and a lack of quality content. The inconvenient use of 3D glasses, alongside Hollywood's oversaturation of low-quality 3D films, led consumers to abandon the technology in favor of simpler home entertainment options.
Smartwatches and AI can signal early illness signs, but accuracy varies
Smartwatches can monitor health metrics and potentially flag early signs of illness, though their reliability can vary. Features like AFib detection have been validated, but many metrics lack clinical usefulness. Understanding these limitations is key for users and healthcare providers.
GaN Technology Driving Shift to Smaller Laptop Chargers
Laptop chargers are becoming smaller and lighter due to the adoption of GaN semiconductor technology. This shift allows for reduced size by 40-50% while maintaining high power efficiency and faster charging capabilities.
Comparison of HDMI 2.1, USB-C, and DisplayPort for Monitors
Different monitor connections serve distinct purposes: HDMI excels in media, while DisplayPort suits gaming and multi-monitor setups. The choice of connection should depend on the devices being used and their compatibility with the standards.
Batomon Showdown, a new auto battler game, launches on mobile and PC
Batomon Showdown, a new auto battler game, has been released on mobile and PC. The game combines elements of creature collection and auto-battler mechanics, offering tactical team building and economic management.