From Engadget · 40 stories
Garmin Releases Fenix 9 Smartwatch with Brighter AMOLED Display
Garmin has released the Fenix 9 smartwatch, featuring an AMOLED display that is twice as bright as its predecessor, the Fenix 8. The new model maintains the Fenix 8's launch price of $1,000 and targets athletes and outdoor adventurers. The Fenix 9's display reaches up to 3,000 nits of brightness, an improvement over the Fenix 8.
Merge Watch App Enables Apple Watch Connectivity with Android Phones
The Merge Watch app allows Apple Watch users to pair their device with an Android phone, enabling features like notification forwarding, music playback controls, and health data syncing to Google Fit. This provides a workaround for users who switch from an iPhone to an Android device but wish to continue using their Apple Watch.
Xbox Players Obtain Free GTA 6 Copies Using Microsoft Rewards and Xbox Mastercard
Some Xbox players have pre-ordered Grand Theft Auto 6 for free by accumulating Microsoft Rewards points or utilizing Xbox Mastercard card points. This allows players to acquire the game without direct payment, leveraging existing loyalty programs.
Control Resonant and Dressmaker released, Day of the Devs submissions open
Control Resonant, developed by Remedy Entertainment, was released on multiple platforms, and the game Dressmaker also launched, quickly climbing Steam's Top Sellers chart. Day of the Devs opened submissions for its next showcase, which will air on December 9, offering indie developers a platform for their projects.
Candy Crush Developer King Faces Potential Strike Over Union Contract Negotiations
Developers at King, the studio behind Candy Crush Saga, plan to strike next week if negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement do not progress. This action follows years of bargaining and King's rejection of a proposed agreement, despite recent union successes at other Microsoft-owned studios.
Call of Duty: Warzone Adds Option to Hide Non-Standard Player Skins
Call of Duty: Warzone will introduce a toggle in Season 1 for Modern Warfare 4 that replaces non-standard player skins with default Operator appearances. This feature allows players to maintain a more consistent visual experience in Warzone matches by hiding distracting cosmetic items.
Bungie Details Marathon's Symbiosis Update and 2027 Plans
Bungie announced the Symbiosis update for Marathon in December, introducing a team deathmatch mode and a permanent PvE mode. A larger unnamed update is planned for March 2027, which will add interconnected PvE, PvP, and PvEvP experiences, new zones, and deeper progression.
MapQuest Adds Public Transit Directions to Mobile Apps, Web Version Coming Soon
MapQuest has integrated public transit directions into its iOS and Android applications, with a web version planned for future release. This update provides door-to-door trip planning, real-time departure information, and multiple route options for nearly 2,000 cities in 70 countries. The feature was added in response to user demand following a recent surge in MapQuest's popularity.
Copper updates Charlie induction stove with higher power and dual-voltage support
Copper released an updated Charlie induction range with a more powerful broiler, faster oven preheating, and stronger burners. The new model also supports both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, simplifying installation for consumers. Miele will now manufacture the Charlie ranges, which could increase production and reliability.
Razer Releases Kiyo V2 Pro Webcam with 4K 60fps Capture and AI Features
Razer launched the Kiyo V2 Pro webcam, an upgraded model featuring 4K video capture at 60 frames per second using a Sony 8.3-megapixel STARVIS 2 sensor. The new webcam includes AI features like auto-framing and one-click output enhancement, along with improved low-light performance and dynamic range.
Meta collaborates with Blackpink's Lisa for new smart glasses designs
Meta announced a collaboration with Blackpink's Lisa for two new styles of Meta Glasses, featuring custom elements and accessories. The company also introduced a new, cheaper Meta Adventurer frame and expanded availability to more countries.
Roland Releases Minions-Themed GO:KEYS 3 Keyboard with Character Sounds
Roland has launched a Minions-themed version of its GO:KEYS 3 keyboard, featuring Minions branding and 32 Minions-themed sound variations, including character voices. This release targets new music-makers and fans of the franchise, offering a standard GO:KEYS 3 experience with added thematic elements.
Apple Maps integrates Hidden Histories podcast episodes for select US landmarks
Apple Maps now links to "Hidden Histories" podcast episodes for specific landmarks in five US cities, allowing users to access historical audio content directly within the app's Guides feature. This integration provides users with historical context for locations like Times Square and the Hollywood Sign, enhancing the app's informational offerings for tourists and local explorers.
DJI Releases Osmo 360 II Action Camera with 8K 60fps Video and Replaceable Lenses
DJI has released the Osmo 360 II, an updated panoramic action camera featuring 8K 60fps video recording and user-replaceable lenses. This new model offers improvements in video quality and repairability compared to its predecessor, positioning it as a competitor to the Insta360 X6.
Volkswagen integrates AirConsole games, including Tetris, into 2027 vehicle infotainment
Volkswagen will offer AirConsole games, such as Tetris and Pac-Man, in its 2027 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, Golf GTI, Golf R, and ID vehicles. This integration allows users to play games on the car's infotainment display using their smartphones as controllers, requiring a subscription to Volkswagen's In-Vehicle Premium service after an initial trial.
iOS 27 allows users to customize or hide the iMessage audio button
Apple's iOS 27 update introduces new options for the audio button in iMessages, allowing users to choose between the default record icon, a dictation microphone icon, or no icon at all. This change addresses user feedback regarding accidental voice message recordings and provides more control over the iMessage interface.
Riot Games Delays League of Legends Voice Chat Feature Indefinitely
Riot Games has delayed the release of team voice chat for League of Legends, which was previously announced for the 26.20 patch in October. The company stated the delay is to meet a "quality bar" but provided no new timeline for its implementation, disappointing players who have awaited the feature for years.
Original Windows Task Manager Creator Releases Cross-Platform Monitoring Tool TMOG
Dave Plummer, the creator of the original Windows Task Manager, has released a new system monitoring application called TMOG, which is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. This tool aims to provide more detailed and accurate diagnostic information than built-in system monitors, addressing common issues like inaccurate CPU usage reporting.
Sonos Releases Beam Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Enhanced Audio for $699
Sonos launched the Beam Ultra, a new soundbar priced at $699, featuring two upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers and additional hardware for richer sound. This model offers genuine Dolby Atmos, distinguishing it from the second-generation Beam's simulated immersive audio.
XPENG's Iron Humanoid Robot Walks Off Production Line, Mass Production Planned
XPENG's Iron humanoid robot autonomously walked off its new production line after assembly, marking a step towards mass production later this year. The robot features 76 degrees of freedom and 21 in each hand, powered by three Turing AI chips for onboard AI processing. XPENG plans to deploy Iron in its stores and campuses initially, with broader deliveries in China and overseas markets by 2027.
Tesla FSD Supervised receives provisional approval in Czech Republic, expanding European availability
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system received provisional approval from the Czech Republic's Ministry of Transport. This makes the Czech Republic the seventh European country to allow FSD Supervised, following an evaluation of the system's response to traffic lights, speed limits, and driver attention monitoring.
Cozy Lives Launches Dressmaker Sewing and Design Simulator on Steam
Cozy Lives, a new team within indie studio Free Lives, released its sewing and design simulation game, Dressmaker, on Steam. The game allows players to design, sew, and accessorize dresses for commissions or sale, offering a creative outlet in the gaming space.
Retroid Teases Pocket Duo, a Dual-Screen Handheld Device
Retroid has teased a new dual-screen handheld device named the Pocket Duo, designed to emulate the Nintendo DS experience. This device marks Retroid's entry into the dual-screen retro handheld market, potentially competing with devices like the Ayn Thor.
Winamp to Relaunch in 2027 with Deezer Partnership and Subscription Service
Winamp will relaunch in 2027 as a new player featuring a premium subscription service, powered by Deezer's streaming technology and music catalog. This initiative aims to integrate local files, internet radio, podcasts, cloud music, and streaming into a single platform, while the classic desktop app will continue to exist.
Slate Truck adopts 'bring your own tech' model to achieve affordability
The Jeff Bezos-backed EV startup Slate Truck is offering a minimalist electric pickup truck starting at $24,950, which relies on drivers using their own smartphones or tablets for infotainment. This approach allows Slate to offer the vehicle as the most affordable EV pickup on the market, with various add-ons available for customization.
HIDIZS AP30 Music Boy, a Game Boy-inspired hi-res music player, raised over $500,000 on Kickstarter
The HIDIZS AP30 Music Boy, a portable hi-res music player with a Game Boy-inspired design, concluded its Kickstarter campaign, raising over $500,000. This funding significantly surpassed its initial goal, indicating consumer interest in minimalist, aesthetic-focused tech devices.
iOS 27 Updates Focus Mode with Control Center Customization and Shortcut Enhancements
Apple's iOS 27 introduces changes to Focus mode, allowing users to resize its Control Center icon and providing improved tracking for Shortcuts. These updates enable more granular automation triggers based on active Focus modes, including new "Otherwise if" logic statements.
NASA's LRO discovers largest modern-day impact crater on Moon, named McGetchin
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) identified a new impact crater on the Moon, formed between April and May 2024, which is the largest modern-day crater in the solar system. This discovery provides a rare opportunity to study the effects of large impacts on lunar surface properties, such as temperature changes in the regolith.
FAA Reports Third Consecutive Annual Decline in Aircraft Laser Strikes
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 24 percent decrease in laser strikes on aircraft from January to July 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of decline. Despite the reduction, 4,470 incidents were still reported, highlighting an ongoing safety concern for aviation. This trend indicates a gradual improvement in a persistent safety issue, but the high volume of incidents still poses risks to pilots and passengers.
Lofi Girl Launches New 24/7 Lofi House Music Stream and Vinyl Compilation
Lofi Girl has introduced a new 24/7 YouTube streaming station dedicated to house music, called Lofi House, alongside a vinyl compilation featuring 19 artists. This expansion adds another genre to the brand's existing music channels and introduces a new character, Lofi Teacher.
Razer updates Tartarus Pro one-handed keyboard with improved switches and analog thumbpad
Razer released the Tartarus V2 Pro, an updated one-handed gaming keyboard. The new version features upgraded optical switches, a wider key actuation range, and an analog thumbpad, along with new input controls for multi-key actions.
iOS 27 Bug Causes Temporary iPhone Freezes When Swiping Notification and Control Centers
An iOS 27 bug can temporarily freeze iPhones when users quickly swipe down both the Notification Center and Control Center. A force restart resolves the issue, and Apple is expected to release a fix.
Apple introduces AppleCare One Family plan for $50 per month
Apple launched a new AppleCare One Family plan in the US, costing $50 per month, to cover eligible devices for up to six family members. This expands device coverage beyond individual plans, offering a multi-user option for Apple device insurance.
PlayStation to issue $7.85 million settlement as Store credit for antitrust lawsuit
Sony will distribute $7.85 million in PlayStation Store credit to eligible US PlayStation Network accounts as part of an antitrust settlement. This settlement resolves a class action lawsuit alleging that Sony's removal of retail download codes for digital games eliminated price competition, leading to higher prices.
iOS 27 Introduces Expanded Temporary Location Sharing Options in Find My App
Apple's iOS 27 update enhances the Find My app with more flexible temporary location sharing durations, allowing users to set custom timeframes beyond the previous fixed options. This change provides greater control over privacy and convenience for users sharing their location with others.
Double Fine Productions launches Kickstarter for game jam, Aggro Crab funds indie titles
Double Fine Productions, now independent, launched a Kickstarter to fund a game jam, which will result in one full small-scale game. Separately, Aggro Crab is using profits from its game Peak to fund and publish other indie developers' games, focusing on stylized titles and rejecting those using generative AI.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd gen) Released with Design Tweaks and Ultra Features
Bose has released the second-generation QuietComfort Headphones, incorporating design changes and features previously exclusive to the QuietComfort Ultra line. These updates include Immersive Audio, CustomTune calibration, and USB-C lossless audio support, enhancing both sound quality and active noise cancellation.
New Avatar: Seven Havens Trailer Reveals Story Details and Character Information
A new trailer for "Avatar: Seven Havens" provides a deeper look into the characters and storyline of the upcoming series, which premieres on Paramount+ on October 9. The series is set 200 years after "The Legend of Korra" in a post-apocalyptic world where the Avatar is blamed for past events, introducing a new Avatar named Pavi.
Yoto Releases Fourth-Generation Yoto Player and Updated Yoto Mini Audio Devices
Yoto has announced the fourth-generation Yoto Player and an updated Yoto Mini, both featuring a new green button for direct content access without Yoto Cards. The new devices include hardware and software upgrades, but also come with increased price points.
Nintendo launches 'Customer Appreciation Sale' after receiving $300 million in tariff refunds
Nintendo announced a 'Customer Appreciation Sale' offering discounts on games and accessories, attributing the sale's possibility to $300 million in tariff refunds from the US government. This follows Nintendo's decision not to pass these refunds directly to consumers, leading to a consumer lawsuit.