From Engadget · 40 stories
Steam Updates Gifting and Wishlist Features for Easier Game Purchases
Steam has introduced updates allowing guest accounts to purchase games and enabling direct game gifting via email links. The platform also added categorization and enhanced management features for user wishlists.
EU approves Paramount's Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition with distribution condition
The European Commission has approved Paramount's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, contingent on Paramount ending its joint distribution business with Universal in Europe. This decision removes a significant regulatory hurdle for the merger, though legal challenges in the US and scrutiny from UK regulators persist.
Colorado Law Makes Automakers Responsible for EV Battery Collection and Recycling
Colorado enacted a law (SB26-003) making automakers responsible for collecting and processing unwanted electric vehicle (EV) batteries, banning them from landfills starting July 2029. This legislation addresses the significant logistical and environmental challenges associated with end-of-life EV batteries and could serve as a blueprint for other states facing similar issues.
LG OLED evo TVs introduce Creator Original mode for enhanced streaming control
LG Electronics has announced a new Creator Original picture mode for select 2026 OLED evo TVs, enhancing streaming experiences in partnership with Prime Video. This mode allows studios to customize settings like color balance and motion handling, offering more control compared to the existing Filmmaker Mode.
PlayStation Plus will remove nine titles from its catalog in August 2026
Sony will remove nine games from the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalog on August 18, 2026. This change follows an extension of five titles that were initially set to leave in July, impacting user access to these games.
Amazon orders full series for Robocop TV adaptation
Amazon has officially ordered eight episodes of a Robocop TV series, with Peter Ocko as showrunner. This adaptation taps into the franchise's themes of technology and corporate influence, particularly relevant to today's context with Amazon's business practices.
Understanding the WEEE Symbol on Electronics: EU E-Waste Directive
The WEEE marking, a crossed-out trash bin icon, signals compliance with the EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. This regulation mandates that electronics must not be disposed of with regular trash to promote proper recycling practices.
Meta Horizon+ now includes Xbox Game Pass starter edition for VR users
Meta Horizon+ subscribers can now access a selection of Xbox Game Pass titles, featuring over 50 games and 10 hours of monthly cloud gaming. This integration allows VR users to download and play these titles on their Meta Quest headsets, enhancing the gaming experience with Xbox features such as cloud saves and multiplayer.
Lego unveils 1,500-piece X-Files set featuring key characters and scenes
Lego announced a new 1,500-piece X-Files set priced at $200, featuring Mulder, Scully, and a grey alien. The set, themed around iconic series elements, showcases detailed minifigures and builds, targeting both fans of the series and collectors.
Spotify Launches Mix Feature for Custom Playlist Transitions
Spotify has introduced the Mix feature to Premium subscribers, allowing users to create custom transitions in playlists. This tool aims to simplify DJ-style mixing, making it accessible to more users while enhancing the listening experience.
UK legalizes plug-in solar panels effective August 27
The UK will legalize plug-in solar panels starting August 27, allowing homeowners to buy approved kits. This move is intended to help households reduce energy costs and fulfills a previous governmental pledge.
xMEMS introduces tiny cooling fan designed for smart glasses
xMEMS launched the XMC-1200, a micro cooling fan designed for integration into smart glasses. It aims to enhance performance and comfort by enabling better heat dissipation in future wearable devices.
Samsung launches new robotics division RX for enhanced robotics projects
Samsung has established a new division, RX (Robotics eXperience), to focus on its robotics initiatives, led by Dongkun Lee. This move aligns with industry trends towards developing physical AI and involves plans to build research hubs in multiple countries and commence humanoid robot manufacturing this year.
Amazon's Adaptive Display for Fire TV Stick HD Begins Rollout
Amazon has officially launched the Adaptive Display feature for Fire TV Stick HD, enhancing accessibility. This feature improves text and UI readability by resizing elements while maintaining image proportions, which will help users better navigate the Fire TV interface.
Hoymiles launches first UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter in the US
Hoymiles has released the HiFlow Pro, the first UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter in the US. This product allows renters to utilize solar power via standard household outlets, promoting wider adoption of small-scale solar energy solutions.
Netflix adds ASL interpretations to 73 kids' shows and movies
Netflix will provide ASL interpretations for 73 titles, including both shows and movies. This initiative, in partnership with SignUp Media, aims to improve accessibility for hearing-impaired children, addressing literacy challenges they face compared to peers.
NASA releases timelapse of Psyche spacecraft's flyby of Mars
NASA's Psyche spacecraft shared a timelapse video from its May flyby of Mars, showcasing stunning images. This gravity assist maneuver enhances its trajectory towards the asteroid Psyche, expected to be reached in 2029.
OLED TVs remain premium choice in 2026 despite LCD advancements
As of 2026, OLED TVs are highly regarded for superior color contrast and pixel response times. While advancements in LCD technology with Mini-LED and local dimming are closing the gap, OLEDs still offer benefits such as individual pixel lighting and faster response times for high-paced content.
France orders ISPs to block access to Polymarket amid gambling regulations
France's gambling authority has mandated ISPs to block Polymarket's website, citing illegal gambling practices. This follows previous actions that restricted financial transactions by residents and aims to curb access as the platform's popularity rises in the country.
ZA/UM Studio lays off 32 employees after weak game performance
ZA/UM Studio has laid off up to 32 employees following poor sales of its game Zero Parades. The studio cited insufficient commercial performance as the reason for the layoffs, which affects staff across all departments.
X and music publishers settle copyright infringement lawsuits
X and major music publishers have settled their ongoing lawsuits without disclosing terms, ending a three-year legal dispute. The legal battle stemmed from claims of copyright infringement by users of the platform, which lacked licensing agreements with the publishers.
LONGi claims 35.5% efficiency for new crystalline silicon-perovskite solar cell
LONGi has developed a solar cell with a verified conversion efficiency of 35.5%, surpassing the 25% typical for commercial cells. This advancement in crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar technology highlights potential for higher efficiency in solar energy applications.
New indie games including 'Denshattack!' and 'D-topia' launched this week
Indie games 'Denshattack!' and 'D-topia' have been released, featuring unique gameplay mechanics and narratives. These titles contribute to the growing diversity in the indie gaming landscape, appealing to various player interests.
OpenAI to Notify Parents If Teen Kicked Off ChatGPT for Policy Violations
OpenAI will now notify parents when their teen is banned from ChatGPT for violence-related policy violations. This expansion follows concerns over online safety and aims to involve parents in monitoring their child's usage of the platform.
Apple TV 4K price increases significantly, raising questions about its value
Apple has increased the price of the Apple TV 4K from $129 to $199 for the 64GB model and from $149 to $249 for the 128GB model. This significant price hike raises questions about the value of an aging product in a competitive streaming market.
Samsung Freestyle+ projector launches at $1,200 with advanced features
Samsung has released the Freestyle+ projector for $1,200, featuring automatic image correction and size adjustment. This model enhances projection versatility on irregular surfaces while offering HDR10+ support and built-in streaming capabilities.
Caviar unveils $13,130 Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra before launch
Caviar is offering a limited edition Lionel Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra for $13,130, a week prior to the phone's official announcement. This custom phone features high-end materials including gold plating and cloisonné enamel, with a limited run of just 19 units. The listing hints at Samsung's upcoming launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, confirming two versions will be announced, including an Ultra model.
Study reveals data collection practices of smart appliances
Most smart appliances collect usage data regularly, raising privacy concerns among consumers. Brands transmit 3.4MB to 19MB of data weekly, potentially including personal information such as location and habits.
EU revises emissions trading system allowing higher pollution limits through 2040s
The European Commission has revised the EU Emissions Trading System, allowing higher greenhouse gas emissions through the 2040s. The adjustment, including a reduction in the linear reduction factor, is viewed as a concession to industry amid rising oil prices and geopolitical pressures.
Tesla launches $225 balance bike for toddlers, quickly sells out
Tesla has released a $225 balance bike for toddlers aged 2-5, designed to promote brand loyalty from a young age. The bike features a lightweight magnesium frame and is targeted at children under 77 pounds, selling out shortly after launch.
Verizon Fios launches 5Gbps internet plan for $90/month
Verizon Fios has launched a 5Gbps internet plan for $90 per month for new customers switching from other providers. This new offering provides more than double the speed of its previous 2Gbps plan, making it competitive with pricing and performance in the high-speed internet market.
MLB prohibits dugout iPads for AI-driven in-game strategies
Major League Baseball has banned the use of dugout iPads for AI-driven in-game decision-making. This mid-season policy change comes after reports that up to a third of teams had been using custom AI applications, warranting league intervention to maintain competitive integrity.
Hyundai plans to acquire full control of Boston Dynamics from SoftBank
Hyundai is set to acquire SoftBank's remaining 20 percent stake in Boston Dynamics, aiming for full ownership. This move is intended to accelerate the development and commercialization of the Atlas humanoid robot and establish an end-to-end AI robotics chain. Hyundai plans to produce 30,000 Atlas units annually by 2028, targeting logistics and manufacturing tasks.
Oversight Board examines AI models' impact on free expression
The Oversight Board, independent from Meta, released a report indicating that leading AI models may restrict free expression, particularly against government criticism. It tested models from major firms and found significant differences in compliance with requests related to speech-restrictive governments, highlighting concerns over potential censorship by AI systems.
Samsung investigates reddish tint issue on Galaxy S26 Ultra screens
Some Galaxy S26 Ultra users report screens developing a red tint, prompting an internal investigation by Samsung. The issue, which may relate to the device's Privacy Display feature, could indicate potential defects affecting user experience and device reliability.
Samsung adds Amazon Music as pre-installed app on Galaxy phones
Samsung has announced that Amazon Music will be pre-installed on its Galaxy phones and tablets. This update not only increases the number of third-party apps on devices but also offers a three-month free subscription to new users.
FCC votes to repeal local TV station ownership rules
The FCC plans a vote on August 6 to repeal the 39 percent ownership limit for local TV stations. This shift would allow ownership deals to be evaluated individually, potentially enabling greater media consolidation and influence in the industry.
Hinge introduces Friend's Take feature for user testimonials
Hinge has launched a new feature, Friend's Take, allowing users to add testimonials from friends and family to their profiles. This aims to enhance profile authenticity and user engagement, addressing the desire expressed by many users for assistance in improving their profiles.
Google Maps' leaf icon signifies fuel-efficient routes; confusion persists
Google Maps includes a leaf icon to indicate fuel-efficient routes, which can save gas or battery. Users often encounter confusion as these routes may take longer than non-fuel-efficient options.
Withings launches Body Scan 2 scale with advanced health monitoring features
Withings has launched the Body Scan 2, an ultra-premium scale now available for $600 in the US. It offers enhanced health monitoring with 60 biomarkers compared to 40 in the previous model, including features like Impedance Cardiography and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy.