From Engadget · 40 stories
Using AI to Debloat Smart TVs Poses Risks Despite Developer's Success
A developer used the AI agent Claude to debloat his Android TV, reporting improved performance and sharing his method online. However, this approach carries risks due to AI agents' potential for errors and lack of transparency regarding their limitations, making it an inadvisable practice for general users.
Used GPU Market Sees Increased Value Due to AI Demand
The market for used GPUs has seen a significant increase in value, driven by high demand from AI development and individual AI setups. GPUs with substantial VRAM, including older models like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090, are particularly sought after, retaining 40-60% of their original value.
Engadget reviews recap: Apple devices, Sonos audio products, and other tech releases
Engadget published a recap of 15 recent reviews covering new devices from Apple, Sonos, Valve, HTC, Samsung, Beats, DJI, Turtle Beach, and Keychron. The reviews highlight specific features and updates for products like the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, AirPods 5, Sonos Ace Ultra, and Beam Ultra.
Wired vs. Wireless Keyboards: Performance Differences Explained
Wired keyboards offer lower latency compared to wireless options, particularly Bluetooth, which can impact performance in applications like gaming or music production. While 2.4GHz wireless connections provide better performance than Bluetooth, wired connections remain the fastest due to inherent limitations of wireless protocols.
Safari's Privacy Features Limit Tracking but Do Not Provide Complete Anonymity
Safari's default settings block third-party cookies, use machine learning to limit cross-site tracking, hide IP addresses from known trackers, and remove identifying information from URLs. While these features reduce data sharing with advertising and data-broker networks, Safari does not offer the same level of privacy as a VPN, as websites can still determine general location and other necessary information.
Nintendo's Game & Watch originated from a calculator and observation of boredom
Nintendo's Game & Watch, a precursor to its portable gaming success, was conceived by Gunpei Yokoi after he observed a commuter using a calculator to pass time. This led to the development of a portable gaming device utilizing similar LCD technology as calculators, marking a significant shift for Nintendo into the digital entertainment market.
Comparing PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition models for purchase decisions
This article compares the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition, including Slim and Pro models, to help consumers decide which version to buy. The analysis considers factors like disc drive necessity, future game availability, and storage capacity changes.
Review of Japanese Gadgets Not Commonly Available in the US, Including Sharp Poketomo AI Companion
This article reviews several Japanese gadgets that are largely unavailable in the US market, highlighting their unique designs and functions. It details the Sharp Poketomo, an AI companion robot that remembers conversations and interacts based on past experiences, aiming for a more personal user interaction than typical voice assistants.
Emberville, a new action RPG from Cygnus Cross, blends Diablo-like combat with life-sim elements
Cygnus Cross, co-owned by Twitch streamer Ben "CohhCarnage" Cassel, is developing Emberville, a top-down action RPG that combines dungeon crawling and looting with life-simulation aspects. The game features pixel art, a voice cast including Amelia Tyler and Jennifer English, and a combat system without stamina management, offering a blend of genres for players.
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Review: Incremental Updates and Price Increase
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE offers minor design changes and a slightly higher price point compared to its predecessor, the S25 FE. The device maintains a 6.7-inch display and 8GB RAM, with a peak brightness of 1,900 nits, positioning it as a midrange option with limited upgrades.
eGPUs Offer Gaming Performance Boosts for Laptops, But With Significant Limitations
External GPUs (eGPUs) can improve gaming performance on laptops and handhelds, but they introduce performance bottlenecks due to Thunderbolt bandwidth limitations. Performance losses can range from 7% to 32% compared to desktop setups, with faster GPUs experiencing more significant restrictions.
Comparing Audio Quality: 3.5mm Headphone Jack vs. USB-C on Smartphones
This article analyzes the audio quality differences between 3.5mm headphone jacks and USB-C ports on smartphones. The primary distinction lies in where the digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) occurs, impacting overall sound quality based on internal phone components or external accessories.
GTA 6 Ultimate Edition offers cosmetics and side missions for an extra $20
The Grand Theft Auto VI Ultimate Edition, priced at $99.99, includes exclusive in-game items like vehicles, outfits, shops, and side missions. Despite 88.5% of pre-orders opting for this version, the article suggests these extras are not essential and can be acquired later or are incremental to gameplay.
GameCube Controller's Enduring Popularity and Unique Design Features Examined
The GameCube controller remains popular 25 years after its console's release, with Nintendo continuing to support it across multiple console generations. Its unique button layout and analog triggers contributed to its lasting appeal for specific games and player preferences.
Distinguishing Between "Shot with IMAX" and "Filmed for IMAX" Production Labels
IMAX uses two distinct labels, "Shot with IMAX" and "Filmed for IMAX," to describe different aspects of film production. "Shot with IMAX" refers to the use of IMAX's large-format film cameras, while "Filmed for IMAX" signifies a broader production process optimized for IMAX presentation, which can include both IMAX film and certified digital cameras. Understanding these labels clarifies how films are produced and presented in IMAX theaters.
Sony's PSX: A Hybrid PS2 and DVR Console Released Only in Japan
Sony released the PSX, a hybrid PlayStation 2 and DVR system, exclusively in Japan in December 2003. The device failed to gain traction due to its high price and confusing market positioning, leading to its discontinuation without a worldwide release.
Apple's Wired EarPods Remain a Viable Option Despite AirPods' Advanced Features
Apple continues to sell its wired EarPods, which offer advantages like no charging, no Bluetooth pairing issues, and better microphone quality compared to AirPods. While AirPods provide advanced features such as noise cancellation and health sensors, EarPods serve a niche for users prioritizing simplicity and reliability. This highlights that despite technological advancements, basic wired audio solutions retain practical value for some consumers.
Free VPNs Carry Risks, Require Careful Evaluation of Provider Practices
Free VPN services can be risky due to potential data collection, advertising, and unclear monetization strategies. Users should evaluate the provider's reputation and specific plan limitations rather than just the free price tag, as free VPNs often impose speed caps, data limits, or fewer server locations.
GameCube emulation with Dolphin is generally easier than PS2 emulation with PCSX2
GameCube emulation, primarily through the Dolphin emulator, is considered slightly easier and less hardware-intensive than PlayStation 2 emulation using PCSX2. Both emulators are free, open-source, and support a large percentage of their respective console libraries on modern PCs, macOS, and Linux.
iPhone Duo lacks variable aperture and dedicated telephoto camera
The new iPhone Duo, a foldable device, does not include a dedicated telephoto lens or variable aperture controls, unlike Pro-series iPhones. This omission means the Duo's zoom capabilities are limited compared to other high-end iPhone models, which could affect its appeal to photographers despite its unique folding features.
Steam Deck vs. Switch 2: A Power Comparison of Gaming Handhelds
A comparison of the Steam Deck and Switch 2's raw power indicates the Switch 2 has a significant advantage when docked, primarily due to its GPU capabilities. In handheld mode, the power difference between the two devices is less pronounced. This matters for consumers deciding between a PC-centric handheld and a hybrid console with enhanced docked performance.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Features Lighter Design and OLED Screen
Lenovo released the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14, an updated version of its business laptop, featuring a lighter chassis and an OLED display. This iteration aims to modernize the classic ThinkPad design while retaining its appeal for existing business users and IT administrators.
Anker's New Smart Display Chargers Show Real-Time Charging Data and Animations
Anker has introduced new plug-in wall chargers featuring a smart display that provides real-time charging information and interactive animations. This display aims to make charging data, such as temperature, wattage, and battery progress, easily visible to users, helping them understand and troubleshoot charging dynamics.
Bluetooth Jammer Usage is Illegal Due to Interference with Critical Services
Using Bluetooth jammers is illegal in most countries, including the United States, due to their potential to disrupt critical infrastructure and emergency services. These devices broadcast radio noise across the 2.4 GHz band, which can interfere with various wireless communications beyond just Bluetooth.
Analyzing the iPad as a Laptop Replacement: Pros and Cons
This article examines the viability of using an iPad as a laptop replacement, highlighting its strengths for basic tasks and portability, while noting limitations in software and Apple's closed ecosystem for more complex workflows. The analysis concludes that an iPad can serve as a laptop substitute for approximately 90% of tasks, with specific frustrations making up the remaining 10%.
Analysis of PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller Longevity and Battery Life
The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller typically lasts 6 to 12 hours on a full charge, with battery drain influenced by features like the light bar, speaker, adaptive triggers, and haptics. This battery life is shorter compared to some competitors, and the article suggests considering a second controller or a long charging cable for extended play sessions.
Analysis: Why iPhones are More Expensive Than iPads
iPhones are generally more expensive than iPads due to the complexity of fitting advanced components into a smaller form factor and the inclusion of premium hardware like cellular radios and superior cameras. The design challenges and component density in iPhones contribute to higher manufacturing costs compared to the more spacious internal design of iPads.
Apple iTunes persists in diminished state, fragmented into multiple apps
Apple's iTunes, originally launched over 25 years ago, continues to exist primarily as the iTunes Store for music purchases, but its core functionalities have been dispersed into separate applications like Music, Apple TV, and Podcasts. This fragmentation occurred as subscription services gained prominence and iTunes became overly complex, shifting device syncing to Finder for modern macOS versions.
Steam Deck's 2026 Viability Assessed Against Competitors and Price Increase
The Steam Deck faces increased competition and a $300 price hike by 2026, raising questions about its value compared to newer handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Despite these challenges, the Steam Deck retains distinguishing features in the evolving portable gaming market.
Rugged Laptops Remain Niche Due to Specialized Design and High Cost
Rugged laptops are not widely adopted by consumers because their specialized features, such as extreme durability and specific port configurations, address needs not typically found in general consumer use. These features contribute to their higher cost and heavier build, making them unsuitable for the average user.
Apple Phasing Out iPhone 16e and First-Gen AirTags in 2026
Apple is discontinuing the iPhone 16e and the first-generation AirTags in 2026, replacing them with newer models. This impacts consumers considering purchasing these older devices, as newer versions offer improved features and better value.
Boox Go 6 (Gen II) Android E Ink ereader reviewed, noting stylus support and outdated OS
The Boox Go 6 (Gen II), a $200 Android E Ink ereader, was reviewed, highlighting its new stylus support, design refresh, and 3GB RAM. The device runs on Android 11, an outdated operating system that stopped receiving security updates two years ago.
Star Wars Zero Company Plagued by Technical Issues, Future Fixes Uncertain
The recently released game Star Wars Zero Company, despite high critical praise for its gameplay and story, is suffering from significant technical problems including stuttering, input lag, and crashes on both PC and consoles. The studio responsible for the game has furloughed most of its staff, raising doubts about whether these issues will ever be fully resolved.
Sony Bravia Theater Trio offers three-piece audio system for large TVs
Sony released the Bravia Theater Trio, a three-piece audio system designed as an alternative to traditional soundbars for large televisions. This system aims to provide better audio immersion and dialogue clarity for TVs 85 inches or larger, addressing the issue of soundbars appearing small and less effective with ultra-large displays.
Android's Evolution from 2008 to Present Day
This article reviews the initial launch of Android in 2008 with the HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1) and its subsequent development. It highlights Android's transformation from a niche operating system to the world's most popular mobile OS, noting both significant changes and enduring core elements.
Starlink Mini Can Be Used as Home Internet, But Roam Plans Are More Expensive for Unlimited Data
The Starlink Mini, designed for portability, can function as a primary home internet connection, but its associated Roam plans are less cost-effective for unlimited data compared to Starlink's Residential plans. Users opting for the Mini as a fixed home solution may pay more for comparable or lower service priority. This matters because it clarifies the financial implications for consumers considering the Starlink Mini for permanent home internet use.
Nintendo's Virtual Boy identified as its least successful console
Nintendo's Virtual Boy, released in 1995, sold only 770,000 units, making it the company's worst-selling console. This system's failure was due to its awkward design, limited game library, and short market presence, significantly underperforming compared to other Nintendo consoles like the Wii U.
Nintendo Switch hardware sales to end in Europe by 2027, services to continue
Nintendo will cease supplying original Switch hardware to European retailers by mid-February 2027 due to battery regulations, though manufacturing will continue through 2026. Existing consoles and online services will remain supported "for the foreseeable future," indicating a phased retirement rather than an abrupt end.
The Origin and Meaning of the "4K" Display Resolution Term
The term "4K" originated from Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) standards for digital film in the early 2000s, where it referred to a resolution of 4,096 x 2,160 pixels. For consumer displays, "4K" typically refers to 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, which is exactly four times the pixel count of 1080p, making the name applicable despite the slight difference from the DCI standard.
Grand Theft Auto VI Estimated to Be the Most Expensive Entertainment Product Ever Made
Analysts estimate the budget for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) to be over $1 billion, potentially reaching $1.5 billion, making it the most expensive entertainment product in history. This high cost reflects the increasing complexity and development timelines of modern AAA video games, which now rival or exceed major film productions.