From Engadget · 40 stories
Apple TV and other Apple services experience outages, some due to maintenance
Apple reported issues affecting Apple TV, App Store, Apple Music, and other services, with most beginning around 4:22 p.m. ET. While some outages were attributed to routine or scheduled maintenance, Apple TV remained affected after other issues were resolved.
Dell XPS 13 (2026) reviewed: a thinner, lighter laptop with compromises for its $700 price
Dell's new XPS 13 (2026) model is thinner and lighter than previous versions, starting at $700, but features a more basic design, slower Intel Core hardware, and a mechanical trackpad. The review suggests that its 8GB RAM configuration is insufficient for comfortable Windows 11 use, despite its competitive pricing against the MacBook Neo.
Tinder launches 'Group Hangouts' feature for group-based dating activities
Tinder introduced "Group Hangouts," a new feature allowing groups of friends to discover and connect with other groups for shared activities. This expands on Tinder's previous group-oriented dating efforts, moving the platform towards more social, real-world interactions.
Sony Japan implements lottery system with 60-hour playtime requirement for PS5 Pro purchases
Sony Store Japan introduced a lottery system for PS5 Pro purchases, requiring a Japanese PSN account and at least 60 hours of PS4/PS5 playtime within the last two years. This measure aims to combat scalping and ensure consoles reach active gamers amidst device shortages and rising demand.
Firefox Redesigns Desktop and Mobile Interfaces with Rounded Tabs and New Themes
Mozilla released a design overhaul for Firefox across desktop and mobile, introducing rounded tabs, a refreshed address bar, and new themes. This update aims to modernize the browser's appearance and unify its design language across platforms.
Xbox PC App Reveals "Mythic Achievements" Feature, Similar to PlayStation's Platinum Trophies
A new update to the Xbox PC app indicates the upcoming launch of "Mythic Achievements," a feature that rewards players for completing all achievements in a game. This new system mirrors PlayStation's Platinum Trophies and will include a unique unlock sound, dashboard tracking, and profile display options.
Instagram Expands School Partnership Program with New Communication Features
Instagram has updated its School Partnership Program, allowing partner schools to post Stories and Notes visible only to verified students. The program now includes features for creating clubs, teams, and channels for internal communication, building on its initial focus of prioritizing cyberbullying reports from participating schools.
Boox Picco ereader, a playing card-sized device, is now available for preorder
Boox has opened pre-orders for its new Picco ereader, a compact device with a 3.94-inch monochrome ePaper display, weighing 58 grams. This product marks Boox's entry into "Boox Tiles," a line of ePaper devices with unusual form factors.
Una Watch, a $199 open-source, modular, and repairable GPS sports watch, is available
The Una Watch, a new GPS sports watch, is now available for $199, featuring a modular, repairable, and open-source design. It includes fitness tracking capabilities and encourages user-developed applications and hardware modifications.
WiCi One external GPU box features Wi-Fi 7, 4TB SSD for local AI processing
The WiCi One is a new external GPU enclosure that uses Wi-Fi 7 for wireless connectivity and includes a built-in 4TB PCIe 5.0 SSD. It is designed for running local AI models, allowing multiple devices to share a single GPU over a network.
Cricut Introduces StickerPix Print and Print Plus Cut Machines for Sticker Creation
Cricut has launched two new compact crafting machines, the StickerPix Print plus Cut and StickerPix Print, which are designed for printing, cutting, and laminating stickers. These machines offer an all-in-one solution for creating stickers from photos and images, marking Cricut's first machines with built-in printing capabilities.
Nintendo wins $4.5 million in default judgment against Switch game pirate
Nintendo of America was awarded $4.5 million in damages in a lawsuit against James Williams, who allegedly sold pirated Nintendo Switch games. Williams did not respond to the lawsuit, resulting in a default judgment for Nintendo.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Glasses Feature Longer Battery Life, New Styles, and Price Increase
Meta released its third generation of Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, introducing new Aviator and Zena frame styles, increased battery life up to 9 hours, and an additional microphone for improved audio. The new models start at $449, marking a price increase from previous versions.
Nikon Releases Z5 IIC Mirrorless Camera Without EVF, Offering Cheaper, Lighter Option
Nikon announced the Z5 IIC, a new mirrorless camera that removes the electronic viewfinder (EVF) to offer a more affordable and compact alternative to the Z5 II. This release provides a lower-cost full-frame camera option, particularly for vloggers and content creators, by retaining key video features while reducing size and price.
EssilorLuxottica Releases Nuance Audio Plus Hearing Aid Glasses with Improved Features
EssilorLuxottica launched Nuance Audio Plus, an updated version of its discreet hearing aid glasses, featuring enhanced voice boosting, better clarity in noisy environments, and extended battery life up to 10 hours. The new model also adds more on-device controls and style options, aiming to improve user experience and accessibility for over-the-counter hearing solutions.
T-Mobile to charge $5/month for Apple's new iPhone Handoff feature
T-Mobile will charge customers $5 per month to use Apple's new iPhone Handoff feature, which allows a single phone number to be used across two iPhones. This pricing detail was not announced by Apple but confirmed by T-Mobile, while Deutsche Telekom integrates it into their existing MultiSIM offering.
Anthropic's Claude AI chatbot app adds CarPlay support, becoming the fifth major AI app
Anthropic's Claude iPhone app now supports Apple CarPlay, making it the fifth major AI chatbot available on the platform. This update allows users to access Claude's voice functions and recent chats directly from their car's infotainment system, expanding the integration of AI chatbots into the automotive environment.
Clicks Communicator smartphone to ship in December with 12GB RAM, free data
Clicks has upgraded the Communicator smartphone's specifications to 12GB RAM and a 4,350mAh battery, launching with Android 17. The company will ship the device in December, offering two months of free data via its new MVNO service, Clicks Mobile.
iOS 27 Expands GymKit Compatibility to iPhone and AirPods Pro 3
Apple's iOS 27 update allows iPhones and AirPods Pro 3 to utilize GymKit, previously exclusive to Apple Watch users. This change enables iPhone users to connect to compatible gym equipment for two-way data syncing, with AirPods Pro 3 providing heart rate data.
iOS 27 Update Introduces Bill Splitting and Pass Customization in Apple Wallet
The upcoming iOS 27 update will add new features to Apple Wallet, including bill splitting via Visual Intelligence and Apple Cash, and the ability to add physical passes using the camera. These updates aim to provide more practical ways for users to manage group payments and digitalize physical cards directly through their iPhones.
Lenovo unveils Project Swan, a 14-inch expandable screen laptop concept at IFA 2026
Lenovo introduced Project Swan, a concept laptop with a 14-inch screen that expands to 17 inches, at IFA 2026. This concept demonstrates progress in expandable display technology for productivity notebooks, offering increased screen real estate in a portable form factor.
Tesla to unveil second-generation Roadster on October 1
Tesla announced it will unveil the second-generation Roadster on October 1, nearly seven years after its initial announcement. The new design may include optional cold gas thrusters developed by SpaceX, though production is still 12-18 months away.
Packard Bell brand relaunches in Europe with DotBook 14 laptop and Dot series products
The Packard Bell brand, now under Acer, has relaunched in Europe with the DotBook 14 laptop and a range of Dot series peripherals and electronics. This marks the brand's return after 13 years, focusing on affordable and colorful products for the European market.
Neo Geo AES+ Console Remake Delayed to September 2027 Due to AI-Induced Memory Shortage
The Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System+ (AES+) console remake has been delayed from November to September 16, 2027. Manufacturer Plaion Replai cited increased consumer demand and a global memory chip shortage, driven by AI infrastructure investment, as reasons for the significant delay.
Insta360 Releases Luna Pro Gimbal Camera with 4K Portrait Video Support
Insta360 released the Luna Pro, a new single-lens gimbal camera priced at $600, which offers 4K shooting in 9:16 portrait mode. This feature distinguishes it from competitors like the DJI Pocket 4 and Insta360 Luna Ultra, which currently only support 3K in portrait mode, making it relevant for social media content creators.
Instagram now allows users to add tagged photos directly to their main profile grid
Instagram has introduced a new feature enabling users to display tagged photos on their main profile grid, in addition to the existing 'Tagged' tab. This update provides users with more control over the content visible on their primary profile, allowing for curated presentation of collaborations, group photos, or other preferred posts.
Trump T1 Phone price increases by $250 to $749
The Trump T1 Phone's price increased by $250 overnight, raising its cost from $499 to $749. This change follows previous statements from Trump Mobile executives calling the launch price "introductory" and "promotional."
Nintendo Switch 2 Firmware Update Adds VRR Support in TV Mode and System Transfers
Nintendo released firmware update 23.0.0 for the Switch 2, which adds Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support when the console is docked and in TV mode. This update also enables full system transfers between Switch 2 consoles and includes minor Mii editor and quick settings adjustments.
Google discontinues Pixel Tablet, removing it from its official store
Google has discontinued the Pixel Tablet, removing its listing from the Google Store and making it unavailable from third-party retailers. This marks the end of Google's only tablet offering, though software updates will continue until 2028.
Honor Robot Phone Integrates Gimbal for Camera Stabilization, Launches in China
Honor has released its experimental Robot Phone in China, featuring a built-in three-axis gimbal for its 200-megapixel primary camera. This device integrates stabilization technology directly into the phone, aiming to reduce the need for external gimbal peripherals for content creators.
TP-Link and JMGO Unveil New Hardware at IFA 2026
TP-Link introduced new Wi-Fi 8 routers and mesh systems, while JMGO released a 4K 120Hz projector outside China at IFA 2026. These announcements showcase early adoption of upcoming wireless standards and advancements in projector technology.
Climbers Rescued After Google Gemini Provided Inaccurate Mount Shasta Trek Information
A group of climbers required rescue from Mount Shasta after Google's Gemini chatbot provided incorrect information regarding the climb's duration and necessary provisions. Gemini advised an eight-hour trek and specific dietary recommendations, leading the climbers to be ill-prepared for the actual 16-hour ascent and subsequent descent in the dark. This incident highlights the risks of relying solely on AI for planning activities with physical danger.
iRobot unveils Roomba Max 875 Combo with SealForce carpet sealing technology
iRobot, now under Picea Robotics ownership, announced the Roomba Max 875 Combo, a new robot vacuum and mop featuring SealForce technology for enhanced carpet cleaning. This release marks iRobot's first major trade show appearance in years and introduces new features like ThermaMist for mopping and increased suction power.
Netflix developing live-action D&D 'Ravenloft' series, cancels 'Forgotten Realms' series
Netflix is developing a live-action series based on Dungeons & Dragons' Ravenloft setting, focusing on the vampire Strahd von Zarovich. This news comes as Netflix has reportedly canceled its previously planned live-action Forgotten Realms series.
TikTok introduces voice comments, polls, and enhanced photo comments to deepen user engagement
TikTok is rolling out new comment features including voice comments, comment polls, and expanded photo options. These additions aim to increase interaction within the platform's comment sections.
Hohem Introduces Eyepic Gimbal Camera with Detachable Action Camera Module
Hohem has launched the Eyepic, a new handheld stabilized camera that features a detachable magnetic camera module. This module can function independently as an action camera, allowing for both stabilized 4K video capture and flexible, hands-free dynamic footage. The Eyepic records 4K video at 60fps and includes a 2.5-inch rotating touchscreen display.
DJI Launches ROMO 2 Robot Vacuums with Enhanced Obstacle Avoidance and Data Privacy Features
DJI has released its ROMO 2 series of robot vacuums, the ROMO P2 and ROMO A2, featuring improved obstacle detection, LiDAR-guided mopping, and a new Local Data Mode for enhanced privacy. This release updates DJI's robot vacuum line with mechanical and software improvements, including options to limit data transmission and disable cameras/microphones.
Nexus Mods Acquires SteamDB to Enhance Modding Platform Resources
Nexus Mods, the largest mod-sharing platform, has acquired SteamDB, an independent database for Steam. This acquisition aims to provide SteamDB with increased resources, development capacity, and long-term stability, while also benefiting Nexus Mods with better tracking of game versions for mod compatibility.
Working Apple I Computer, Signed by Steve Wozniak, Heads to Auction
A rare, working Apple I computer, known as the "Hatfield" Apple I, is going up for auction again, with an expected sale price between $500,000 and $800,000. This event matters as it highlights the enduring value of early computing artifacts and the historical significance of Apple's foundational products.
Soundcore Expands Audio Lineup with Thus Chip Integration in New Headphones and Earbuds
Soundcore, an Anker brand, announced new audio products at IFA 2026, including the Space 2 Pro headphones, AeroClip 2 and AeroClip 2 Pro open clip earbuds, and Liberty Buds 2. All new devices integrate the Thus processing chip, previously introduced with the Liberty 5 Pro series, to improve call quality and active noise cancellation.