From Engadget · 40 stories
Apple Watch SE 3 Price Difference Explained by Design and Feature Changes
The Apple Watch SE 3, launched in September 2025, is $150 cheaper than the Series 11 due to differences in design, materials, and omitted features. These trade-offs include smaller sizes, a less bright and durable display, and the absence of ECG and blood oxygen apps. The SE 3 does offer an always-on display, 5G, and a more powerful chip compared to its predecessor, the SE 2.
Canon EOS R6 V Camera Review: Pro Vlogging Features in a Mirrorless Body
Canon's new EOS R6 V camera offers professional video features like RAW video, open gate, and active cooling in a mirrorless body, positioning it as a competitor in the vlogging camera market. The camera, priced at $2,500, features a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor and is designed primarily for video production, with some compromises for still photography.
Smartwatches, including Apple Watch, are inaccurate at calorie tracking, study finds
A Stanford University School of Medicine study in 2024 found that smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, are inaccurate at tracking calorie expenditure, despite accurately measuring heart rate. This inaccuracy stems from wearables' inability to measure metabolism, relying instead on estimations from other data points.
Apple Silicon enables fanless MacBook Air design due to improved power efficiency
Apple removed cooling fans from the MacBook Air starting with the M1 model in late 2020, transitioning from Intel processors to its own M-series silicon. This change was possible because Apple's M-series chips are more power-efficient and use passive heat dissipation through the aluminum case, leading to silent operation, reduced weight, and improved battery life.
Airplane Mode Provides Negligible Charging Speed Increase for Smartphones
Enabling airplane mode on a smartphone during charging can marginally increase charging speed by 4 to 11 minutes, but this benefit is often outweighed by the phone's reduced functionality. The feature primarily disables wireless transmissions like cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, which conserves battery by preventing the phone from searching for signals. This information clarifies a common belief about smartphone charging efficiency.
IMAX 70mm vs. Digital IMAX: Understanding the Differences in Cinema Formats
This article explains the technical and experiential differences between IMAX 70mm film projection and digital IMAX, noting that IMAX 70mm offers superior resolution and immersion. It highlights the rarity and high cost associated with producing and exhibiting films in the IMAX 70mm format. The information clarifies why certain films are promoted for their IMAX 70mm presentation.
IP68 Rating Misleading for Phone Water Resistance, Warranties Often Exclude Water Damage
The IP68 rating for smartphones, while indicating water resistance, does not guarantee full waterproofing in real-world conditions, and most phone warranties do not cover liquid damage. The testing conditions for IP ratings differ significantly from typical use, leading to potential user misunderstanding about device durability.
Review: Alienware 15 is the company's first budget gaming laptop
Alienware released the Alienware 15, its first budget gaming laptop, which aims to provide an affordable option in a market with rising component costs. This product launch marks a shift for Alienware, known for premium devices, into a more accessible price point for gamers.
GoPro Wireless Mic System reviewed: an audio upgrade with fixable flaws
GoPro has released its first Wireless Mic System in 2026, entering a competitive market for camera audio accessories. The system offers direct connectivity, good battery life, and sound quality, addressing a long-standing need for GoPro users seeking better audio for vlogging.
USB-B's Historical Role and Its Decline in Popularity
USB-B connectors were introduced in 1996 alongside USB-A but never gained widespread usage. Their specific role for peripherals and bulk design limited their adoption compared to the more versatile USB-A and USB-C.
Using Roku TV Without Internet Access: Options and Features
Roku TVs can still provide entertainment without internet access through USB drives and local networks. Users can download content to USB devices or stream from a network-attached storage device, maximizing functionality despite connectivity issues.
Understanding USB4: Why High-Performance Cables Matter
USB-C ports offer various performance capabilities due to different standards, with USB4 offering the highest data transfer rates. USB4 cables support speeds up to 80 Gbps and enhance power and data transfer efficiency, making them a key upgrade for tech setups demanding high performance. This differentiation is crucial as users may assume uniformity across USB-C connections.
Understanding iPad and iPhone Charging Speeds
iPhones and iPads can charge faster than many users realize, but Apple provides limited charging speed information. This can lead to the use of outdated chargers, impacting device performance and battery longevity.
Pollen Robotics and Hugging Face launch Microduck, an open-source, retrainable robot
Pollen Robotics, in collaboration with Hugging Face, has launched Microduck, a small, open-source robot designed for reinforcement learning. Users can retrain its behaviors in simulation and deploy them on the physical robot, with all software components available under an Apache-2.0 license.
Troubleshooting common Apple Wallet issues
This guide outlines common problems users encounter with Apple Wallet, such as cards not working or payments being declined. It provides steps to resolve these issues, including re-adding cards, updating software, and checking regional settings. The information helps users maintain the functionality of their digital wallet for payments and other stored items.
MVNOs offer lower-cost mobile service by leasing network access from major carriers
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) provide cheaper phone plans by leasing network infrastructure from major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. These services typically operate without physical stores and offer prepaid plans, resulting in lower costs for consumers compared to traditional postpaid options.
iOS 26 Introduces Customizable Messages Backgrounds with Shared Visibility
Apple's iOS 26 update allows users to customize chat backgrounds in the Messages app using preset options or personal photos. This feature, however, changes the background for all participants in a chat who are also on iOS 26.
Troubleshooting Apple CarPlay: Addressing Common Connection Issues and Radio Interference
Apple CarPlay users experiencing connection problems may find solutions through basic troubleshooting steps, such as checking cables, restarting devices, and ensuring Siri is enabled. Additionally, radio interference, particularly in the 2.4GHz band, can cause CarPlay and Android Auto connections to drop in specific locations, leading to navigation failures.
Roborock offers discounts up to $1600 on robot cleaners for 12th anniversary
Roborock is holding an anniversary sale with discounts on its robot cleaners and other products, including the Saros 20 and the new Qrevo 2 Pro. The promotion offers savings up to $1600 on various models until September 6.
Claude Code weekly usage limits temporarily increased by 50% for select plans
Claude Code is offering a temporary 50% increase in weekly usage limits for Pro, Max, Team, and legacy seat-based Enterprise plans from May 13, 2026, to August 19, 2026. This promotion provides eligible users with more capacity for coding assistance during the specified period.
Projectors offer larger screen sizes for less cost compared to large TVs
Projectors provide a larger image size for a lower cost than televisions, with models capable of displaying images up to 300 inches. While TVs offer brighter images and better performance in ambient light, projectors deliver superior color fidelity and a more discreet presence. This makes projectors a more cost-effective option for consumers prioritizing screen size.
The benefits of dual USB-C charging ports on laptops and why some models lack them
This article discusses the practical advantages of laptops having two USB-C charging ports, highlighting how it allows simultaneous charging and peripheral connection. It also explains that the absence of a second port is often due to increased manufacturing costs for Power Delivery controllers, circuit board space, and engineering complexity.
Review: Pokémon Champions focuses solely on competitive monster battling
Pokémon Champions, a new game released this summer, is reviewed as a platform dedicated exclusively to competitive monster battling, unlike other series entries. This game provides a standalone environment for online battles and tournaments, addressing the previous system where competitive play relied on the latest mainline Pokémon title.
Apple should introduce a new low-cost desktop Mac to replace the increasingly expensive Mac mini
The Mac mini's starting price has increased to $899, moving it away from its original role as an affordable entry-level Mac. This price increase is attributed to demand from AI developers utilizing Apple Silicon's local AI model capabilities. A new, lower-cost desktop Mac is proposed to fill the void left by the Mac mini's shift in pricing and target audience.
Digital Cameras Remain Relevant in 2026 for Specific Photography Needs
Digital cameras continue to offer advantages over smartphones for users seeking greater control, depth, and intention in their photography, despite advancements in smartphone camera technology. These cameras provide better image quality due to larger sensors and specialized features for various scenarios, from high-resolution landscapes to action sports.
Challenges of Switching from iPhone to Android
Switching from an iPhone to an Android device presents challenges primarily due to Apple's ecosystem lock-in, despite improvements in data migration. Users may lose functionality with Apple accessories like AirPods and Apple Watch when paired with Android devices. This impacts users considering a platform change, highlighting the friction between the two mobile operating systems.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition reviewed as capable but overpriced
A review of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition highlights its lightweight design, OLED screen, and Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor as positive attributes. However, the laptop's price, exceeding $2,000, is deemed too high, attributed to current memory and SSD costs.
Samsung's foldable phone price hikes reflect broader industry trend
Samsung increased prices by $100 across its new foldable phone lineup, a move seen as part of a wider industry trend of rising device costs. This trend is attributed to factors like the AI bubble's impact on component pricing and general economic pressures. Other manufacturers like Google and Apple are also anticipated to raise prices on their upcoming devices.
Google Launches Googlebook Marketing Campaign Featuring Henry Cavill
Google has initiated a marketing campaign for its upcoming Googlebook laptops, partnering with actor Henry Cavill. The campaign highlights the Googlebook's software features and integration with Android phones, with Cavill using the device to "build a video game" that is anticipated for a November release.
Repurposing Old Routers as Wi-Fi Repeaters or Mesh Nodes
Old Wi-Fi routers can be repurposed as repeaters or mesh nodes to extend network coverage, offering an alternative to discarding functional hardware. This approach utilizes existing equipment to improve Wi-Fi range without purchasing new extenders.
Using a Router Without Firmware Updates Poses Security Risks
Routers continue to function without firmware updates, but they become vulnerable to newly discovered security flaws. While not immediately compromised, these routers can be targeted by attackers to relay malicious traffic or join botnets.
Translation Earbuds Utilize Speech Recognition, Machine Translation, and Text-to-Speech
Translation earbuds function by combining speech recognition, machine translation, and text-to-speech synthesis. This technology allows for near real-time language conversion, bringing closer the goal of seamless cross-lingual communication.
Guide to using Google's Find Hub for locating Android devices
This guide details how to use Google's Find Hub to locate a missing Android phone. It covers the necessary settings to enable on the device and the steps to access Find Hub from another device or web browser.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Pricing and Cloud Streaming Changes Detailed
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate saw price fluctuations in 2025 and 2026, settling at $22.99 per month, and will cap cloud streaming at 15 hours monthly starting November. Day-one releases like Call of Duty are also being limited on lower tiers. These changes require subscribers to re-evaluate the value of the Ultimate tier.
Travel Routers: Benefits and Limitations for Hotel Wi-Fi
Travel routers offer convenience for managing multiple devices on hotel Wi-Fi and can provide some privacy benefits, but they do not improve internet speed. Their utility depends on the number of devices a traveler uses and the specific features of the router. This matters for travelers considering additional gadgets for connectivity on the go.
Cat6 Ethernet Cable Remains Optimal for Most Home Networks Over Cat7
Cat6 Ethernet cable is sufficient for most home network needs, supporting Gigabit Ethernet over 100 meters and 10Gbps over shorter distances. While Cat7 offers higher frequency ratings and shielding, it provides minimal practical benefit for typical home installations and requires specific connectors for full functionality.
Ethernet Cable Price Does Not Guarantee Higher Speeds; Matching Hardware is Key
Ethernet cable speed is limited by the slowest component in the network chain, not solely by the cable's category or price. Users should match their Ethernet cable to their existing hardware and actual speed requirements to avoid unnecessary expense.
Calculating Power Bank Needs for Laptop Charging: Watt-Hours vs. mAh
This guide explains how to determine the appropriate power bank for charging a laptop by focusing on watt-hours (Wh) for capacity and watts (W) for output, rather than just milliamp-hours (mAh). It details the conversion from mAh to Wh and how to estimate a laptop's power consumption to match it with a suitable power bank.
Getting Started with Shortcuts on macOS, Enhanced by AI in Golden Gate Update
This guide explains how to use the Shortcuts app on macOS, highlighting its automation capabilities for various tasks. The article notes that the upcoming macOS 27 Golden Gate update introduces an AI-powered "Describe a Shortcut" feature, simplifying shortcut creation for users.
Guide to improving PC gaming frame rates without hardware upgrades
A guide details how PC gamers can increase frame rates without purchasing new hardware. It focuses on adjusting in-game graphical settings and system optimizations to achieve smoother gameplay.