From Engadget · 40 stories
Suno Integrates AI Song Generation into iPhone's iMessage App
Suno now allows iPhone users to generate AI-generated 30-second songs directly within iMessage using text or voice prompts. Both users involved in a conversation need the Suno app installed to generate and share these songs without leaving the chat. This integration provides a new way for Suno's large user base to interact via iMessage by incorporating musical elements into everyday communication.
Netflix Releases Stranger Things Season 1 in Nostalgic VHS Format
Netflix has released a special VHS-style edition of Stranger Things Season 1 in celebration of its 10th anniversary. This edition uses a video format reminiscent of the 1980s, featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio and grainy visuals, appealing to fans of the show's nostalgic aesthetic. The Duffer brothers hinted at potential future releases if this edition proves successful.
Skullcandy Launches Crusher 1080 ANC Headphones with Bose ANC Technology
Skullcandy has released its Crusher 1080 ANC headphones, incorporating Bose's QuietControl ANC technology and haptic bass system. Priced at approximately $270, they offer adjustable bass and clear audio with new drivers, challenging established competitors in the headphone market. The integration of Bose's technologies marks a significant enhancement in audio quality and experience.
XGIMI Launches Elfin Flip 4K Projector with Portable Features, Lacks Battery Power
XGIMI introduced the Elfin Flip 4K, a 4K laser projector equipped with Google TV, priced at $999. While marketed as portable with features like automatic keystone correction and a 3.4-pound design, it lacks an internal battery, limiting outdoor use. This projector includes a built-in Harman-Kardon speaker and a tiltable design, making it suitable for various indoor placements.
Samsung Launches Budget 990 SSD Amidst Criticism Over High Prices and Lower Speeds
Samsung has released its 990 SSD, a budget-friendly Gen 4 QLC drive available at $530 for 2TB and $270 for 1TB. It provides full Gen 4 throughput but exhibits slower performance compared to the 2022 Pro model and suffers from mediocre power efficiency. Despite these drawbacks, it remains noteworthy due to the increased prices and its budget positioning, serving users seeking lower-cost SSD options.
Toni Schneider Becomes Permanent CEO of Bluesky
Toni Schneider has been appointed the permanent CEO of Bluesky after serving as interim CEO for four months. He plans to focus on fostering smaller, private community spaces to enhance user engagement and develop decentralized public conversation technologies. This leadership change aims to drive Bluesky's mission forward following Jay Graber's transition to Chief Innovation Officer in March.
Valve Expands Compatibility Ratings to Include Steam Machine
Valve has expanded its Steam Deck Verified program, now including compatibility ratings for Steam Machine games. This update allows users to see if a game is Verified, Playable, or Unsupported on the Steam Machine, aligning with the existing Steam Deck system. This change addresses compatibility challenges but also reveals differences in performance expectations between devices.
Nvidia Launches Free GeForce Trading Cards Featuring Iconic Moments in Gaming
Nvidia has introduced the GeForce Trading Cards Series 1, consisting of 11 collectible cards celebrating significant Nvidia GPUs, tech demos, and games. These cards will be available for free at various gaming events and online through Nvidia's 'Summer of RTX' initiatives. This release comes as Nvidia focuses on AI, delaying its consumer GPU releases until 2027, making the trading cards a nostalgic nod to PC gaming history.
Slate EV Partners with Crayola for Customizable Colorful Truck Wraps
Slate EV has collaborated with Crayola to offer truck wraps in five iconic Crayola colors: Cerulean, Dandelion, Fern, Razzmatazz, and Jersey Tomato. This initiative enhances customization for its electric trucks, encouraging individual expression among buyers. The wraps are part of Slate's customizable offerings, aligning with its strategy to allow buyers to personalize their vehicles.
Talisman Design Launches Wizard-Themed PocketMage PDA with E-Paper Screen
Talisman Design has introduced the PocketMage, a clamshell PDA featuring e-paper and OLED displays. This device offers a distraction-free smartphone alternative with a wizard-themed OS including a digital tarot deck and other unique features. It is available for preorder with two purchase options, shipping expected by 2027.
Nintendo to Shut Down Mobile Game Mario Kart Tour by September 2026
Nintendo will terminate Mario Kart Tour, its mobile racing game, on September 30, 2026, without offering an offline version. This decision marks a shift in Nintendo's mobile gaming strategy. The game, launched in 2019, stopped updates in 2023 and will completely cease operation.
Amazon Updates Fire HD 10 Tablet with Increased RAM
Amazon has refreshed its Fire HD 10 tablet, increasing RAM in the 32GB model from 3GB to 4GB, with a price rise to $154.99. The 64GB version remains at 3GB RAM. The update, possibly influenced by memory supply issues, maintains other core specs like the 2GHz octa-core processor and 10.1-inch display.
Meta Connect 2026 to feature new AI glasses and mixed reality headset
Meta's upcoming Connect 2026 event will likely showcase new smart glasses, including a camera-free model, and potentially a mixed reality headset. This event is significant as it outlines Meta's hardware and AI strategy, addressing privacy concerns with new designs.
Hybrid solar-plus-battery systems offer more savings than pure plug-in solar
Hybrid solar systems that combine solar panels with batteries provide greater potential for energy savings compared to pure plug-in solar setups. This is because batteries can store solar-generated power or cheap off-peak electricity, addressing the mismatch between peak solar generation and household energy consumption.
Metro 2033 and Last Light Redux receive free next-gen updates for consoles and PC
Deep Silver is releasing free next-gen updates for Metro 2033 Redux and Metro: Last Light Redux, adding support for modern console features and PC enhancements. These updates bring 4K graphics, improved framerates, and spatial audio to the remastered games.
Pandora Raises Subscription Prices for Plus and Premium Tiers
Pandora increased the monthly and annual subscription costs for its Plus and Premium tiers, following a trend of price hikes among streaming services. The company stated the increase is to invest in personalized listening experiences, recommendations, and reliability.
Neurable Launches Neurable One Brain-Scanning Headphones Independently
Neurable has launched its third generation of brain-scanning headphones, the Neurable One, independently without previous partners. These headphones monitor focus levels, brain waves, and provide metrics like brain age and mental processing speed.
Fujifilm Releases Instax Pal 2 Digital Camera with Direct Smartphone Connectivity
Fujifilm launched the Instax Pal 2, a compact digital camera that features tactile controls, downloadable color filters, and direct USB-C connectivity for image transfer to smartphones. This device caters to users seeking a retro shooting experience, prioritizing a fun and tactile process over high-resolution smartphone photography.
OpenAI's new model solves ten math problems, prompting concerns about AI's role in mathematics
OpenAI announced that an unreleased AI model solved ten open problems in mathematics, including one in coding theory. This development raises questions about the future role of human mathematicians and the potential for AI to independently advance mathematical fields.
Breville Launches Spiral Luxe Auto Pour Over Coffee Machine with Integrated Grinder
Breville released the Spiral Luxe Auto Pour Over, a $600 coffee machine that automates the pour-over process by integrating a coffee grinder and a rotating water spout. This device aims to simplify pour-over coffee preparation, making it accessible for daily use rather than just occasional brewing.
Remedy Entertainment Expands Style with Control Resonant Sequel
Remedy Entertainment has released "Control Resonant," a sequel to their 2019 game "Control," which expands the game's scope to an open-world New York City and shifts combat to a melee focus. This release matters as it demonstrates the studio's continued development of unique game experiences while evolving established franchises.
Analogue Pocket Handheld Console Restock Scheduled for October 2
Analogue will reopen pre-orders for its Pocket handheld console and Analogue Dock on October 2 at 11 AM ET. This restock provides another opportunity for consumers to purchase the device, which plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges.
Freckle Launches $199 Smartphone for Kids with Focus on Outdoor Exploration and Parental Controls
Freckle, a New York City-based startup, launched a $199 smartphone for children aged seven to 13, requiring a $25 monthly cellular subscription. The device, running on "ClayOS," aims to provide kids with independence while maintaining parental connection, by limiting access to social media, streaming, and app stores.
Nintendo's Mario Kart Tour Mobile Game Shuts Down After Four Years
Nintendo has officially shut down its mobile game, Mario Kart Tour, on September 29, 2023. The game, launched in 2019, ceased in-game currency sales in July and will no longer be playable, joining other discontinued Nintendo mobile titles.
Shure Releases MV6 Gen 2 USB Gaming Microphone with Enhanced Audio Controls
Shure has released the MV6 USB Gaming Microphone Gen 2, an updated version of its USB microphone for creators and gamers. The new model includes more customizable audio features, such as adjustable voice mix, volume reaction, and real-time denoiser settings, responding to user feedback for greater control over automated audio functions.
Netflix Games adds Codenames Party, introducing a new Party Mode for subscribers
Netflix Games has added "Codenames Party" to its library, a word association game that includes a new Party Mode. This addition expands Netflix's collection of family-friendly and party games, allowing subscribers to play via mobile devices by scanning a QR code.
Technics EAH-A1000 headphones feature magnetic fluid drivers for reduced distortion
Technics released the EAH-A1000 over-ear adaptive noise-canceling headphones, incorporating 40mm magnetic fluid drivers for the first time in their over-ear line. This technology, along with a surround sound technology (SST) edge, aims to reduce audio distortion. The headphones also offer multipoint connectivity for up to three devices and support the LDAC codec.
QALO Introduces SL-1 Smart Band to Complement Existing Smart Ring
QALO launched the SL-1 Smart Band, a screen-free wearable that tracks vital statistics like movement, sleep, and heart rate. The company aims to differentiate itself with no monthly subscription and an ecosystem approach, allowing users to combine the band with their existing QALO smart ring.
Marshall unveils Bromley 150, its smallest and most portable party speaker
Marshall introduced the Bromley 150, a new party speaker weighing 14 pounds with a 40-hour battery life. This model is half the size of the Bromley 450 and features true stereo sound and independent volume controls for microphones and instruments, making it suitable for portable use.
Opera for Android Integrates Free eSIM with 3GB Data for Global Connectivity
Opera for Android now includes a free eSIM with 3GB of 5G data, providing mobile connectivity in 47 countries. This feature allows users to access local networks abroad without physical SIM card changes, primarily benefiting travelers.
Discord tests new Game Mode to reduce CPU and GPU usage during gaming
Discord is rolling out an experimental Game Mode next week to reduce its CPU and GPU usage while users are playing games. This feature aims to allow other concurrently running software, like games, to perform more smoothly by making Discord less resource-intensive.
Ayaneo's Konkr Pocket Block is an $89 retro gaming handheld with a Game Boy form factor
Ayaneo's sub-brand Konkr released the Pocket Block, a new handheld gaming device starting at $89. The device features a Game Boy-inspired design and is intended for retro game emulation, shipping in October.
Robotic Dogs Adopted by Farmers for Crop Surveillance and Data Collection
Farmers are deploying robotic dogs equipped with AI vision models for crop surveillance and data collection, moving beyond their initial use in security. These robots address limitations of traditional methods like satellites, drones, and manual inspections by providing high-resolution ground-level data for yield measurement, disease detection, and pest control.
Turtle Beach Releases Rematch Wireless Controller for Switch 2 with RGB Lighting
Turtle Beach has launched the Rematch Wireless Controller for Switch 2, featuring Nintendo-inspired designs, RGB lighting, and TMR thumbsticks. This new gamepad offers motion controls, a 40-hour battery, and customizable back buttons, providing an alternative to the official Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Retro app offers a "friends-only photo journal" social media experience
The Retro app provides a social media platform focused on sharing photos with a close circle of friends, aiming to replicate the early experience of platforms like Instagram. It encourages authentic photo sharing by limiting uploads to recently captured images and offers features like private albums and a "key" system for deeper access to photo journals.
Asus ROG Swift PG32UCWM 32-inch OLED Gaming Monitor Review
The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCWM, a 32-inch Tandem RGB Stripe OLED monitor, offers 4K resolution at 240 Hz and FHD at 480 Hz, with features like Adaptive-Sync, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. This monitor utilizes Tandem RGB Stripe OLED technology for improved image clarity, lower power consumption, and enhanced color volume, positioning it as a premium option in the OLED gaming monitor market.
Asus ROG Gjallar Soundbar Reviewed: Good Audio, Clunky Design
Asus has launched its first gaming soundbar, the ROG Gjallar, a 2.1.2 system with a wireless subwoofer and an audio control hub. While it offers good sound quality for a soundbar, its design is considered clunky and unattractive, with limited customization options for its control hub.
Meta's new AI optimism ad uses David Bowie's 'Five Years,' a song about human extinction
Meta released a new advertisement promoting AI's positive impact, featuring visuals of human connection and an optimistic voiceover. The ad's soundtrack is David Bowie's 'Five Years,' a song about humanity facing extinction in five years. This choice creates a stark contrast between the ad's message and the song's lyrical content.
Goodwill's Electronics Refurbishment Program Addresses E-Waste Crisis
Goodwill operates an electronics refurbishment program to process donated computer parts and other e-waste, aiming to divert these items from landfills. The program accepts a wide range of devices, refurbishes functional items for resale, and securely wipes data from donated electronics.
Yanxi Technology's Yansyn-X2 Robot Demonstrates Crying on Command
Yanxi Technology unveiled the Yansyn-X2 robot at the 2026 Inclusion Conference in Shanghai, showcasing its ability to shed a single tear on command. This development highlights advancements in affective computing, aiming to make human-robot interactions more natural by enabling robots to mimic human emotional expressions.