From Engadget · 40 stories
Samsung introduces new $799 Galaxy Book 6 model with Intel Core 3/5 processors
Samsung has released a new, more affordable model in its Galaxy Book 6 laptop lineup, starting at $799. This expansion provides a budget-friendly option compared to previous models, making the series more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
HyperX Launches Cloud Alpha Air, its First Open-Back Gaming Headset
HyperX released the Cloud Alpha Air, its first open-back gaming headset, priced at $150. This new model features a Bass Tube design to maintain low-end audio response, addressing a common characteristic of open-back headphones. The product launch expands HyperX's gaming accessory lineup with a new audio form factor.
BT could earn $2.7 billion from recycling 200,000 tons of copper from legacy network
BT, the UK's largest telecommunications provider, is projected to earn up to $2.7 billion by recycling 200,000 tons of copper from its legacy network as it upgrades to fiber. This revenue potential is driven by high copper prices, partly due to increased demand from AI data centers.
Razer Launches Prio, a Compact Foldable USB-C Mobile Gaming Controller
Razer has released the Prio, a new USB-C mobile gaming controller for Android and iOS devices. The Prio features a foldable design that reduces its size to roughly that of a credit card when not in use, making it more portable than previous models. It includes tactile low-profile thumbsticks with contactless sensors to prevent drift, a D-Pad, ABXY buttons, and dual bumpers and triggers, and is available for $99.99.
JBL introduces Cove series Wi-Fi speakers for whole-home audio
JBL has launched the Cove series, a new line of three Wi-Fi speakers designed for whole-home audio, marking a shift from its primary focus on Bluetooth and party speakers. This release expands JBL's product offerings into the multi-room audio market, providing options for integrated home theater setups and portable listening.
Kalshi Issues First Lifetime Ban to George Santos Over Insider Trading Investigation
Kalshi, a prediction market platform, issued its first lifetime ban to former congressman George Santos and imposed a $71,356 penalty for alleged insider trading and non-cooperation with an investigation. This action follows a CFTC settlement with Santos regarding the same alleged insider trading activities, where he paid over $35,000 and received a three-year trading ban.
LISEN Releases Qi2.2 MagSafe Battery with 25W Wireless Charging and Integrated Cable Lanyard
LISEN has introduced a new Qi2.2 MagSafe battery that supports up to 25 watts of wireless power, addressing common issues like slow charging and heat generation with an active thermal control system. The battery also features a unique lanyard system that stores the charging cable, providing a portable charging solution for Apple devices.
Bluesky introduces algorithmic opt-out to prevent posts from appearing in Discover feed
Bluesky has added an algorithmic opt-out feature, allowing users to prevent their public posts from appearing in the app's main Discover feed. This change enables users to post for their followers without broader algorithmic distribution, addressing user preferences for less visibility.
Panic refunds Playdate customers for illegal US tariff fees
Panic, the creator of the Playdate console, is refunding customers for US tariff fees previously paid on their purchases. This action follows a Supreme Court decision in February 2026 that deemed the Trump administration's tariff regime illegal, leading Panic to return funds rather than retain them.
Nintendo introduces new Switch 2 bundles before console price increase
Nintendo announced new bundles for the Switch 2, including a Nintendo Switch Sports Resort bundle and an updated Mario Kart World package, ahead of a $50 price increase for the console. These bundles include a 90-day Nintendo Switch Online membership and are positioned as cost-effective options compared to purchasing items separately after the price hike.
Bluesky Increases Video Upload Limit to 10 Minutes and 300MB File Size
Bluesky has increased its video upload limit from three minutes to ten minutes and raised the maximum file size to 300MB. This update also includes 2x-3x faster upload speeds and extends longer video support to other applications built on the AT Protocol, such as Bluescreen, Reelo, and Skylight.
Ikea and Microsoft launch Xbox-themed Yxstaby furniture collection
Ikea and Microsoft have collaborated to release the Yxstaby collection, a nine-piece line of gaming-inspired furniture and home accessories, to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Xbox console. This collection aims to integrate gaming gear storage and aesthetics into home environments, reflecting shifts in how people use their living spaces for play.
Commodore and CD Projekt Red Partner for Cyberpunk 2077-Themed Commodore 77
Commodore has partnered with CD Projekt Red to release the Commodore 77, a special edition of the Commodore 64 Ultimate. This version features a Cyberpunk 2077 aesthetic, an upgraded AMD Artix-7 XC7A100T FPGA, and an exclusive 2MB demo cartridge, marking Commodore's first franchise hardware partnership.
Gamescom Opening Night Live to Feature Previews of Final Fantasy, Gears of War, and More
Gamescom's Opening Night Live event will showcase previews for several major upcoming video games, including "Gears of War: E-Day," "Silent Hill: Townfall," and "Final Fantasy 7 Revelation." The event will also feature a first look at "The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past" expansion and updates on other titles, providing significant announcements for the gaming community.
Pebble Time 2 Smartwatch Relaunches with E-Paper Screen and Long Battery Life
The Pebble Time 2 smartwatch has been relaunched by its original founder, featuring a $225 price point, a color e-paper screen, and a 21-day battery life. This refresh emphasizes a casual design and community-driven software, differentiating it from other smartwatches.
Riot Games ends active development of 2XKO fighting game by December 2026
Riot Games is ceasing active development on its free-to-play League of Legends fighting game, 2XKO, with content updates ending in October 2026 and active development concluding by December 2026. The decision stems from insufficient player retention and the game's inability to achieve financial sustainability, as costs exceeded revenue. Servers will remain online beyond 2026, all characters will be unlocked, and refunds for in-game purchases made before August 20 are being processed.
Vine Reboot "Divine" Opens to All Users, No Invite Code Required
Divine, a reboot of the defunct Vine app, has removed its invite-only access and is now available to all users. The app features the original 6-second looping video format and includes over 2 million videos from Vine's archive, aiming to attract new users to its decentralized platform.
NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies cancel Swift gamma-ray observatory rescue mission
NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies have called off their robotic mission to rescue the Swift gamma-ray telescope due to "ongoing attitude control issues" with the Link rescue satellite. This decision means the Swift observatory will eventually re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up, highlighting the risks involved in rapid-development space missions.
Polaroid Launches Pokémon 30th Anniversary Camera and Film Collection
Polaroid announced a new collection of instant cameras, film, and accessories featuring limited-edition Pokémon designs to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary. This release includes existing camera models with new aesthetics and film printed with Pokémon characters, expanding on previous collaborations.
Framework Laptop 12 updated with Intel Core Series 3 chips and hardware upgrades
Framework updated its Laptop 12 with Intel Core Series 3 chips, Thunderbolt 4 support, DDR5 RAM, and optional backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader. These changes improve battery life and performance, making the modular laptop more competitive.
Deus Ex Creator Warren Spector Announces Retirement from Game Development
Acclaimed game designer Warren Spector, known for his work on Deus Ex, System Shock, and Ultima, has announced his retirement from game development after 44 years in the industry. Spector cited age, health, and a feeling of having accomplished his goals as reasons for his decision, though he expressed mixed feelings.
Spotify's AI-Powered Running Mode Expands to Android in Select Regions
Spotify has released its AI-powered Running Mode feature for Android users in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. This feature generates playlists matched to a user's run, allowing customization of workout type, duration, BPM, and music genre, and includes optional audio cues. The expansion follows its iOS launch in late July and is part of Spotify's focus on fitness-oriented music.
Rare Two-Player Computer Space Arcade Machine from 1973 Goes to Auction
A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine, released in July 1973 and designed by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, is currently up for auction. This green sparkle cabinet is part of a larger retro tech auction and is estimated to sell for over $200,000, significantly higher than the $69,000 fetched by a single-player version in 2024.
Microsoft removes Mico character from Copilot voice mode, relocates it to Learn Live
Microsoft has removed its Mico character from Copilot's voice mode less than a year after its launch, moving the avatar to the Learn Live platform. Mico, introduced in October 2023 to provide an identity for the chatbot, will now serve as a tutor. This change is part of Microsoft's broader efforts to merge Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot applications.
Apple TV+ Adds Classic Movies to Streaming Catalog
Apple TV+ has added approximately 20 classic movies to its streaming service, available to subscribers at no additional cost. Films such as "The Martian," "E.T.," and "Zodiac" are now streamable, a departure from the service's usual focus on original content. This expansion provides more content options for existing subscribers and is accessible in regions including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
FlightAware Drops Lawsuit Against Kalshi Over Flight Cancellation Prediction Markets
Flight tracking service FlightAware filed and then withdrew a lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi within one day. The lawsuit alleged Kalshi used FlightAware's data and branding without authorization for flight cancellation betting markets, but the case was voluntarily dismissed "without prejudice against all defendants."
Honor Launches "Robot Phone" with Automated Pop-Up Camera Gimbal in China
Honor has launched its "Robot Phone" for pre-order in China, featuring an automated pop-up camera gimbal made of titanium that can rotate 360 degrees and includes AI subject tracking. The device integrates a 200MP camera with 4DoF stabilization and starts at approximately $1,500, offering new capabilities for smartphone photography and videography.
NASA Extends Voyager 2 Mission by One Year Through Power-Saving Measures
NASA engineers implemented power-saving measures, dubbed "Big Bang," on the Voyager 2 spacecraft, allowing its three remaining science instruments to operate for at least another year. This adjustment addresses the probe's dwindling power supply from its radioisotope thermoelectric generator, which loses approximately four watts annually.
Dolby Vision 2 Launches on Select 2026 Hisense TVs, Expanding HDR Capabilities
Dolby Vision 2, a new dynamic HDR format, is now available on select 2026 Hisense TV models, including the UX, UR9, UR8, and U7, with availability by September 2026. This update introduces a more powerful image engine, expanded metadata, and features like Content Intelligence and Light Sense 2, aiming to optimize picture quality across various viewing conditions.
Viture Launches Pro 2 Smartglasses and Mobile Dock Mini, Focusing on Comfort and Clarity
Viture has released its Pro 2 smartglasses, priced at $299, and a more compact Mobile Dock Mini for $99. The Pro 2 model is 20 percent lighter and 16 percent thinner than its predecessor, featuring diopter adjustments and UltraClarity 3.0 technology for improved visual comfort and image clarity. This release aims to make advanced clarity features more accessible to consumers at a lower price point.
Placing Overheating Phones in Refrigerators Causes Device Damage, Repair Shops Report
A social media trend advising users to cool overheating phones by placing them in refrigerators is leading to device damage, including condensation and thermal shock. Repair shops in Europe and the UK have observed an increase in phones damaged by this method, which contradicts manufacturer recommendations to cool devices naturally.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Coming to MasterCraft Pontoon Boats
MasterCraft Boat Holdings will integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into select pontoon boat models from its Crest and Balise brands, starting next month. This integration will be standard on new Balise models and Crest Conquest and Caribbean models from the 2027 model year, providing marine navigation and other smartphone features directly on the helm display.
Microsoft Azure CTO Develops DoomPaint, Running Doom in MS Paint at up to 35 FPS
Mark Russinovich, CTO of Microsoft Azure, released DoomPaint, a project that runs the original shareware Doom game using Microsoft Paint as the display. The system renders each frame to the Windows clipboard and pastes it into Paint's canvas, achieving frame rates up to 35 FPS, and includes sound and music. This project demonstrates an unconventional method of running classic software.
Google Earth Rolls Back Nano Banana AI Image Generation After Misuse
Google integrated its Nano Banana AI image generation tool into Google Earth, allowing users to create AI-generated visualizations. The feature was rolled back less than a day after its release due to users generating misleading satellite imagery that violated company policies, despite initial intended uses for geospatial professionals and educational purposes.
Runna App Introduces "Adapt for Heat" Feature to Adjust Workouts Based on Local Weather
The running app Runna has launched a new "Adapt for Heat" feature that automatically modifies workout sessions by reducing running speeds to account for local heat and humidity. This update allows users to plan workouts knowing the system will adapt to environmental conditions, addressing a common reason for skipped or modified runs.
Lego releases Donkey Kong arcade machine set with functional game
Lego has released a $200 Donkey Kong arcade machine set, designed by Carl Merriam, which includes a basic functional game where Jumpman (Mario) can jump endless barrels. The set reportedly received approval from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and features original Lego barrel elements from 1989.
Meta Rolls Out Parental Supervision Tools for Threads
Meta introduces new parental supervision tools for the social media platform Threads, allowing parents to manage their teen's usage and screen time. This development is part of Meta's effort to comply with regulatory pressures and enhance user safety, especially for younger users. The tools include time limits, sleep modes, and content restrictions, available via the Family Center hub.
Affordable Kodak EC35 Film Camera Released at $35
Reto Project has launched the Kodak EC35, a 35mm film camera priced at $34.99. Designed to be beginner-friendly, it has a fixed 25mm f/10 lens and basic manual controls. Available in seven colors, this camera offers an affordable entry into film photography.
2026 EVs Vary in Range Despite Improving Charging Infrastructure
Research indicates that several 2026 electric vehicles will have ranges under 250 miles, with the Fiat 500e being the lowest at 149 miles. Concurrently, recent experiences on a 600-mile road trip suggest significant enhancements in EV charging infrastructure. This split is crucial for buyers to consider both range and charging availability when selecting an EV.
Amazon's God Of War Series Recasts Kratos After Actor Injury
Amazon's upcoming God of War series has recast the lead role of Kratos after actor Ryan Hurst sustained a bicep injury on set. The injury led to production halting and plans to reshoot the completed episodes with a new actor, delaying the series launch. This update follows Hurst's inability to return to filming due to extended recovery time.