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Steam and Valve's online games are partially down
13 hours ago
by Ian Carlos Campbell
Video Games, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Ian Carlos Campbell
Starting at around 1PM ET on December 24, Steam experienced an outage that impacted users ability to access the game store and play games online. Valve didn’t acknowledge the outage publicly, but SteamDB’s unofficial Steam Status page reported that the Steam Store, Steam Community, and Steam Web APIs were all offline.
DownDetector received over 6,000 outage reports around 1:15PM ET, and Steam was also inaccessible from Valve’s mobile apps. The outage appears to have affected APIs for Valve’s online games, like Team Fortress 2, Dota 2 and Counterstrike 2, as well.
By around 4PM ET, Steam itself had begun to rebound, and
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The best microSD cards in 2026
14 hours ago
by Jeff Dunn
Credit Cards, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Jeff Dunn
Most microSD cards are fast enough for stashing photos, recording video and transferring files, but some will get you a little more bang for your buck than others. If you’re looking to boost the storage of your Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, GoPro or any other device that still accepts microSD cards, we can help. We’ve thoroughly researched the market and several cards through a suite of benchmark tests. Here are the best that we’ve tested, along with some general advice on what to look for when buying a new card.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
* Best microSD cards of 2026
*
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Today's the last day to get $100 off the PS5 and PS5 Pro
a day ago
by Lawrence Bonk
Shopping, Technology & Electronics, Hobbies & Personal Activities, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Lawrence Bonk
Back in November, Sony started selling PS5 consoles at a $100 discount as part of a Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion. The deal officially sunsets at 3AM ET, so now is a good time to bite the bullet on a gaming console given that prices aren't likely to go down anytime soon.
You can pick up a regular disc-based PS5 for $450 and a digital model for $400. The beefy PS5 Pro is available for $650. All of these deals are active on Amazon, but also directly from Sony.
If the costs here still sound a bit high, that's because Sony raised console
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The best live TV streaming services to cut cable in 2026
a day ago
by Amy Skorheim
Media, Arts & Entertainment, Sports & Recreation, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Amy Skorheim
Price hikes, media consolidation and contract disputes that turn channels dark have made live TV streaming services feel a lot more like cable. But, for most people it’s still a better deal to cut the cord. For sports fans and news junkies, there’s still no better option than one of the best live TV streaming services. We tried all the major players and currently recommend YouTube TV for most people. But we also spelled out just what you get from other providers (along with what we think about them) so you can decide for yourself.
Editor’s note: YouTube TV will start
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The best VPN deals: Up to 88 percent off ProtonVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and more
a day ago
by Sam Chapman
Software, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Sam Chapman
It's the night before Christmas, and holiday VPN deals are going strong. It's a great time to grab a last-minute subscription for yourself or a loved one. With access to a virtual private network (VPN), you can stream TV shows and events from all over the world, protect your information from hackers and thwart online trackers. It might be cute that Santa sees you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake, but Russian hacker collectives and the Amazon marketing department don't really share St. Nick's charm.
Although we strongly recommend using a VPN, jumping on the first deal that comes
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How to set up an iPad for a child
a day ago
by Rob Webb
Software, Technology & Electronics, Handheld & Connected Devices, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Rob Webb
Creating a child-friendly iPad takes a few extra steps, but Apple’s tools make the process relatively straightforward. From creating a child’s Apple ID to adjusting Screen Time and privacy settings, you can shape how your child uses the device and protect them from inappropriate content. The process varies slightly depending on whether the iPad is new or already in use, but the principles are the same: set up a managed account, connect it to Family Sharing and fine-tune the controls that keep your child’s digital space safe.
CREATE AN APPLE ID FOR YOUR CHILD
Every kid using an iPad should have their
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Pro-Russian hacker group claims responsibility for DDoS attack on French postal service
a day ago
by Andre Revilla
Internet & Networking Technology, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Andre Revilla
A pro-Russian hacker group has come forward as the perpetrator of a DDoS attack on the French national postal service La Poste that took place on December 22, according to Reuters. The distributed denial-of-service attack took central computer systems at La Poste entirely offline and caused major disruptions in package deliveries just days before Christmas.
Reuters reported that the cyberattack on La Poste was still not fully resolved as of Wednesday morning. While regular letters were not affected, postal workers were unable to track packages and online payments through La Banque Postale, the service's banking division, were also disrupted.
The group, known
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Toyota's Prius Prime saved me gas money but probably not the environment
a day ago
by Steve Dent
Renewable Energy & Energy Saving, Autos, Transportation, Environment, Nature & Environment, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Steve Dent
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to own a plug-in hybrid, and recently, fate handed me that opportunity. On a recent trip to Vancouver, I rented a 2024 Toyota Prius Prime for nearly two months — the ideal scenario to try out North America’s most popular PHEV.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE PRIUS PRIME
Previously, the words "Prius" and "sexy" were rarely used in the same sentence. However, I think the wedge-shaped Prius Prime introduced for 2023 is much sexier than its frumpy predecessors. The sleek shape also pierces the wind better to improve efficiency. It’s lower to the ground than
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How to redeem game codes on the Nintendo Switch 2
a day ago
by Rob Webb
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Rob Webb
Digital game codes remain one of the simplest ways to add new titles to a Nintendo library. The Nintendo Switch 2 handles code redemption in a familiar way, building on the same process used on the original Switch. You can redeem a download code directly from the eShop on the console, or through a browser on a phone or desktop. Both routes link the purchase to the same Nintendo Account so the redeemed title appears on any compatible device tied to that account. The process is quick once you know where to look. Here is how to redeem game codes
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Samsung's latest Odyssey gaming monitor has a 32-inch 6K screen with glasses-free 3D
a day ago
by Steve Dent
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Steve Dent
Ahead of CES 2026, Samsung has unveiled a number of impressive gaming monitors that flaunt 3D and very high refresh rates. The headliner is the 32-inch Odyssey 3D, "the world's first 6K display with glasses free 3D," according to Samsung. Along with the high resolution, it offers a 165Hz refresh rate (boosted to 330Hz through Dual Mode), along with a 1ms GtG response time. Optimized 3D effects that enhance terrain, distance and object separation "beyond 2D" will work with featured games like Stellar Blade and The First Berserker: Khazan," according to Samsung.
Another model, the 27-inch Odyssey G6, brings refresh rates
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US bans former EU Commissioner and others over social media rules
a day ago
by Mariella Moon
Politics & Government, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Mariella Moon
The Trump administration has issued travel bans that prohibit five European tech researchers, including one former EU Commissioner, from entering the United States. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose. The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
That official is Thierry Breton, the former European Commissioner for Internal Markets and Digital Services, who Sarah Rogers called the “mastermind” of the Digital Services Act. Rogers, the Under Secretary of State, said Breton threatened Elon Musk
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The best streaming deals: Get 50 percent off MasterClass subscriptions, plus save on Starz, Audible, Crunchyroll and others
a day ago
by Valentina Palladino
Media, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Valentina Palladino
If you’ve been shocked by how much you spend on streaming services lately, you’re not alone. Companies like Netflix, Disney, HBO Max and others have been consistently raising prices to the point where you may question if streaming is even worth it anymore. We at Engadget still think it is, but we also think you should be smart with your money — and that’s where streaming deals come in.
Yes, it is possible to get discounts on services like Peacock and Paramount+, even if those deals aren’t as common as a sale on AirPods. If you’re looking to save money and
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The best streaming services in 2026
2 days ago
by Engadget
Netflix, PrimeVideo, Streamingvideo, thecriterionchannel, thebuyersguide, hgg2020, YouTube, VMHoliday2020, Shudder, streaming, Disney, Hulu, hbomax, CBSAllAccess, streamingservices, ESPNplus, holiday20, VRV, YouTubeTV, disneyplus, Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Engadget
With so many streaming platforms out there, it is easy to feel like you are constantly sorting through menus instead of watching something you enjoy. Every service has its own vibe, whether it is big cinematic releases, long documentary deep dives or shows you put on in the background while you unwind. Some people even swap cable for live TV streaming.
Here, we are looking at the on-demand services that deliver the most value for everyday use. Whether you are settling in for a weekend binge, watching with family or catching up on a favorite series during your commute, these are
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Nintendo has huge discounts on Switch 2 games in its holiday sale
2 days ago
by Anna Washenko
Video Games, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Anna Washenko
Nintendo is in a giving state of mind this season, offering some holiday deals on games in the eShop, including a few recent Switch 2 titles. For instance, the Switch 2 version of Ball x Pit, which was one of our staff's favorite games of 2025, is 20 percent off at $12. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is $40, down from the usual $50 on Switch 2, which is about as good a deal as you’ll get for a current-year game release.
There are also a few older games that have gotten even steeper discounts. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
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IO Interactive's 007 First Light has been delayed until May 27
2 days ago
by Lawrence Bonk
Movies, Media, Celebrities, Arts & Entertainment, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Lawrence Bonk
IO Interactive's James Bond simulator 007 First Light has been delayed until May 27, 2026. It was supposed to come out in March. The company says two-month delay is for polish and refinement, which is fine by me. I'd always rather wait a bit longer for a better end product.
IO says the game is already "fully playable from beginning to end" but still needs a bit of attention to ensure "the strongest possible version at launch." The developer promises to share more updates at the beginning of next year.
For the uninitiated, 007 First Light is the first James Bond game
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Engadget Podcast: Why is the Nex Playground 'AI console' such a hit?
2 days ago
by Devindra Hardawar
Media, Arts & Entertainment, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Devindra Hardawar
Over the past two years, the Nex Playground has carved out a niche for itself with kids and parents alike. It's a small box that sits in front of your TV and uses a camera, along with computer vision AI processing, to track your movement for interactive games. Think of it like a simplified version of Microsoft's Kinect (RIP), with a bit of the local multiplayer we see from the original Wii. In this bonus episode, we chat with David Lee, Nex's CEO and co-founder, about how he went from building a basketball tracking app to one of the most
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Xbox cloud gaming comes to newer Amazon Fire TV models
2 days ago
by Lawrence Bonk
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Lawrence Bonk
Xbox has brought cloud gaming gaming to some Amazon Fire TV models. These include the Fire TV 4-Series and the Fire TV Omni QLED Series. This lets people play Xbox games directly on the television, without needing a bulky console or even something like a Fire TV stick.
Gamers do need a couple of things. First and foremost, this service requires a subscription to Game Pass. Plans start at $10 a month and shoot all the way up to $30 per month. They'll also need a compatible wireless controller, though most Bluetooth-enabled gamepads should work.
Amazon
The feature works for every game on
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New York Times reporter files lawsuit against AI companies
2 days ago
by Andre Revilla
Business, Books & Publishing, Company Legal & Law Matters, Arts & Entertainment, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Andre Revilla
Investigative reporter John Carreyrou of the New York Times filed a lawsuit against xAI, Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, Meta and Perplexity on Monday for allegedly training their AI models on copyrighted books without permission. Carreyrou is perhaps best known for exposing the Theranos fraudulent blood test scandal.
According to Reuters, the lawsuit was filed alongside five other writers who all claim big tech companies have been violating their intellectual property rights in the name of building large language models.
This comes after a banner year for IP lawsuits against AI companies brought by rights holders. Just about every type of entity that deals
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Apple's iOS 26.3 will introduce proximity pairing to third-party devices in the EU
2 days ago
by Steve Dent
Technology & Electronics, Handheld & Connected Devices, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Steve Dent
Apple is making it a little easier to use third-party devices with iPhones in order to comply with Europe's Digital Market Act (DMA), MacRumors reported. For iOS 26.3, Apple's devices will support third-party proximity pairing and notifications in Europe only, according to the latest beta notes. That will make it a bit easier to connect devices like Sony headphones or receive notifications from an iPhone on Wear OS smartwatches — provided manufacturers support the new feature.
"The DMA creates new opportunities for developers to bring to market innovative products and services in Europe," an EU spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal.
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The best gifts cards to give this holiday season: Amazon, Apple, Best Buy and others
2 days ago
by Valentina Palladino
Holidays & Celebrations, Shopping, Hobbies & Personal Activities, Personal Finance - Lifestyle, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Valentina Palladino
This late in the game, it’s not possible to ship gifts to friends and family and have them arrive before the holidays. But that’s ok because it’s never been easier to give a digital gift that will arrive basically whenever you want it to. If you’re looking for more creative digital gift ideas, we’ve got you covered. But right now, you may just be looking for the best gift card ideas that you can buy online and digitally send to the people you love. We’ve got you covered: these are the best gift cards to send as last-minute gifts this
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2025 was the year Xbox died
2 days ago
by Devindra Hardawar
Technology & Electronics, Game Consoles, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Devindra Hardawar
Want to see a dead body? I present to you the Xbox. After a subdued launch at the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020, the Xbox Series X quickly lost the fight against the PlayStation 5. Microsoft simply couldn't deliver enough compelling games, despite some huge acquisitions, while Sony leaned on its goodwill from the PS4 era and a handful of desirable exclusives. As prices rose due to supply chain issues and the Trump administration's volatile tariff scheme, there was even less of a reason to get an Xbox (even the cheaper Series S). When I re-reviewed the Series
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CES 2026: Everything we're expecting from tech's biggest conference in January
2 days ago
by Ian Carlos Campbell,Cherlynn Low
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Ian Carlos Campbell
As we hurtle towards the end of the year, the shadow of CES hovers on the horizon. Tech’s biggest annual conference is starting in just under two weeks, and we already know some of the products and announcements that could be in store. The CES 2026 show floor is officially open from January 6 through 9, but the fun kicks off with events on Sunday January 4 and a host of press conferences on Monday. As always, product demos, announcements and networking will be happening at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other hotels all over the city. As usual,
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The Morning After: The best games of 2025
2 days ago
by Mat Smith
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Mat Smith
As many of us hunker down for the holidays, you might want to tackle some of the best games we’ve seen this year: the long-time-coming Silksong, the critically acclaimed (and sumptuous) Expedition 33 and the bizarre world of Baby Steps.
Engadget
Not to mention the Switch 2, which is slowly building out its own exclusive library with Metroid Prime 4 and Donkey Kong Bananza. Rare for me, this year, I’ve played many of the new games we’ve picked. Brag. I’d recommend both Dispatch and Blue Prince — I still haven’t completed the latter, but, yes, I’ve unlocked the secret elevator.
And if you
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How to set up an Apple Watch for a child
2 days ago
by Rob Webb
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Rob Webb
Giving a child an Apple Watch can offer extra peace of mind and tools that promote independence in a controlled way. Apple’s Family Setup feature makes it possible for a kid to use an Apple Watch without owning an iPhone, and the feature set has expanded thanks to recent watchOS updates. It supports communication controls, location tools, Schooltime limits and privacy protections that allow a parent or guardian to manage how the device is used throughout the day.
The setup process begins with creating or signing in with a child’s Apple ID. It continues with adding them to your Family Sharing
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The best SSDs in 2026
3 days ago
by Igor Bonifacic
Computing, Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Igor Bonifacic
Upgrading to a good SSD can make your computer feel brand new again. Apps open faster, files move in a blink and even older machines start to feel a lot more responsive. It is one of the easiest ways to breathe life into a laptop or desktop without replacing the whole system, and the performance boost is something you notice right away.
There are plenty of SSDs to choose from, though, and the naming alone can be confusing if you are not already familiar with the specs. Some drives are built for simple upgrades, while others offer speeds that benefit creators
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The best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories for 2026
3 days ago
by Engadget
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Engadget
Whether you just got a Switch 2 or you've had yours for a while, you may want to grab some key accessories to make it fit your gaming style even more than it already does. Not only can the right accessories make it easier and more fun to play all of the games you love, but they can also make your gaming experience better in different environments, be it on the couch, in an airplane or in the car. We've got to try out some of the latest Switch 2 accessories, and some of our old favorites are also compatible
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US bans new foreign-made drones and components
3 days ago
by Mariella Moon
Politics & Government, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Mariella Moon
The Federal Communications Commission has added foreign-made drones and their critical components to the agency’s “Covered List,” making them prohibited to import into the US. In a public notice published by the FCC, it said several national security agencies have determined that umanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components produced in foreign countries pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States.
“UAS and UAS critical components must be produced in the United States,” the agency said. “UAS are inherently dual-use: they are both commercial platforms and potentially military or paramilitary sensors and weapons. UAS and UAS
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Pirate group Anna's Archive says it has scraped Spotify in its entirety
3 days ago
by Andre Revilla
Music, Media, Arts & Entertainment, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Andre Revilla
Anna's Archive, the open-source search engine for shadow libraries, says it scraped Spotify's entire library of music. The group acquired metadata for around 256 million tracks, with 86 million actual songs, and is just under 300TB in total size.
"A while ago, we discovered a way to scrape Spotify at scale. We saw a role for us here to build a music archive primarily aimed at preservation," the group said in a blog post. The pirated treasure trove of music represents over 15 million artists with over 58 million albums.
The group intends to make all files available for download for anyone
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Call of Duty co-creator Vince Zampella killed in a car crash
3 days ago
by Anna Washenko
Death & Funeral, Family & Relationships, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Anna Washenko
Game developer Vince Zampella, known for his work on many popular first-person shooter franchises, has died. According to Los Angeles news channel NBC4, Zampella was killed in a single-vehicle car crash on Sunday along with one other unnamed person. He was 55.
Zampella has helmed several well-known first-person shooter titles. He was a founder of Infinity Ward, where he was a creator of the Call of Duty series. Zampella remained at the company for the launch of the hugely popular franchise's first few installments. In 2010, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Titanfall, Titanfall 2 and Apex Legends. Respawn was
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The Indie Game Awards snatches back two trophies from Clair Obscur over its use of generative AI
3 days ago
by Lawrence Bonk
Media, Video Games, Arts & Entertainment, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Lawrence Bonk
The Indie Game Awards has stripped Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 of two major awards, including Game of the Year and Debut Game. This is due to developer Sandfall Interactive's use of generative AI, as reported by Mashable.
This looks to be fairly cut and dry. The awards ceremony clearly states in its FAQ that any game that uses generative AI in the development process would be "strictly ineligible" for nominations. It was recently revealed that Sandfall did indeed use generative AI while making Clair Obscur.
> Correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears as though Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 used generative
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Uber allows violent felons to drive on its platform, investigation finds
3 days ago
by Andre Revilla
Crime & Justice, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Andre Revilla
An investigation by the New York Times into Uber's background checks and safety procedures for its drivers found a patchwork approach that opens the door for violent felons to drive for the ride-hailing platform.
Uber outright rejects applicants convicted of murder, sexual assault, kidnapping and terrorism. However, in 22 states, the Times found Uber can approve applicants convicted of many other offenses including child abuse, assault and stalking, if the convictions are at least seven years old. The extensive investigation also found that in 35 states, these checks are based largely on where someone has lived in those seven years, meaning
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Paramount has an updated Warner Bros. Discovery bid
3 days ago
by Sarah Fielding
Mergers, Acquisitions & Takeovers, Investment & Company Information, Finance, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Sarah Fielding
Paramount Skydance isn't giving up on obtaining Warner Bros. Discovery just yet. The company has amended its $108 billion offer to include Larry Ellison's "irrevocable personal guarantee" equaling $40.4 billion. Ellison is the founder or Oracle and a backer of Skydance, created by his son David Ellison, Paramount Skydance's CEO.
On December 17, WBD formally recommended shareholders reject Paramount's offer. WBD had already accepted an $82.7 billion offer from Netflix, set to close some time next year following regulatory approval. "[The board] has unanimously determined that the tender offer launched by Paramount Skydance on December 8, 2025 is not in the
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Instacart is ending its controversial price tests
3 days ago
by Andre Revilla
Social & Online Media, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Andre Revilla
Instacart has announced it will be ending price testing on its platform. This comes after a study published earlier this month revealed pricing experiments that led to some customers seeing higher prices than others and the FTC saying last week it would be investigating the grocery delivery app.
"Effective immediately, Instacart is ending all item price tests on our platform. Retailers will no longer be able to use Eversight technology to run item price tests on Instacart," an Instacart spokesperson shared with Engadget. The blog post called out "misconceptions and misinformation," maintaining that these price experiments were never the result of
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The best board games to gift and play with the family for the 2025 holiday season
3 days ago
by Sam Chapman
Hobbies & Personal Activities, Personal Finance - Lifestyle, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Sam Chapman
Once upon a time, a "board game" meant Monopoly or Risk. Then several brave souls dared to ask the question: "What if this was fun?" Thirty years later, we're blessed with tabletop games that challenge our minds, immerse us in other worlds and conjure good times with those we love — sometimes all three at once. For your gift-buying needs, we've put together a list of new favorites and returning classics that run the gamuts of genre and weight. If you're ready to push beyond Pictionary, read on.
BEST BOARD GAMES TO GIFT (AND PLAY) THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Check out the rest
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How to pair controllers with the Nintendo Switch 2
3 days ago
by Georgie Peru
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Georgie Peru
The Nintendo Switch 2 supports a wide range of controllers, from Nintendo’s own Pro Controller to many Bluetooth gamepads you might already have. Whether you’re setting up your new console for the first time or adding extra controllers for multiplayer games, pairing them is simple as long as you know where to look. Here’s how to connect the Switch 2 Pro Controller, how to sync additional Bluetooth controllers and what to do if something doesn’t pair correctly.
BEFORE YOU START: WHAT YOU’LL NEED
To pair any controller with the Switch 2 you’ll need the console powered on and updated to the latest
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Foldable phone makers have solved every issue except one
3 days ago
by Sam Rutherford
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Sam Rutherford
It might be hard to believe, but foldable phones have already been around for the better part of a decade. Granted, the first one I saw back in 2019 — which actually predates Samsung's Galaxy Fold — was a cobbled-together mess. But since then, phone makers have been steadily iterating and tweaking their designs, and this year, manufacturers have finally addressed all the major issues about foldable phones except one: price.
Let’s go back to the OG Fold. Even though it was chunky and heavy, had a tiny exterior display and suffered from a hinge that let too much detritus inside
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Waymo vehicles are operating again in San Francisco following a power outage
3 days ago
by Steve Dent
Transportation, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Steve Dent
Waymo has resumed its robo-taxi service in San Francisco after a power outage stranded vehicles around the city, CNBC reported. The blackout, caused by a Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) substation fire, caused traffic light disruptions that affected Waymo's automated driving systems.
"Yesterday’s power outage was a widespread event that caused gridlock across San Francisco, with non-functioning traffic signals and transit disruptions," a Waymo spokesperson told Engadget in a statement. "While the failure of the utility infrastructure was significant, we are committed to ensuring our technology adjusts to traffic flow during such events."
Following the outage, which began at around 1:09 PM
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The best budget laptops for 2026
4 days ago
by Valentina Palladino
Computing, Technology & Electronics, Banking & Budgeting, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Valentina Palladino
A tight budget does not mean you have to settle for a slow or outdated laptop. Many affordable models today offer solid performance for work, classes and everyday browsing, and some even pack in extras like bright displays or long battery life. Whether you need something for school, travel or streaming, there are plenty of budget laptops that deliver more value than you might expect.
Since the options can be overwhelming, we tested a wide range of devices to find the best budget laptops that offer dependable performance without stretching your wallet.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
* The best cheap laptops of 2026
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The 12 best last-minute Christmas gifts for 2025 that will arrive by December 24
4 days ago
by Engadget
Christmas, Holidays & Celebrations, Shopping, Hobbies & Personal Activities, Personal Finance - Lifestyle, Banking & Budgeting, Personal Investing Ideas & Strategies, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Engadget
We’re almost out of time — the holidays are just about here, and if you’re still doing your holiday shopping, you’re not alone. Between wrapping things up at work before some well-deserved time off and making sure you have everything you need to host family and friends, it can be hard to find the time to go shop for some gifts. And if you’re going to physical stores right now, you’re probably being met with half-empty shelves. But the internet remains an option, even this late in the game: you still have time to buy holiday gifts online.
USPS, UPS and
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You can now tweak how warm and enthusiastic ChatGPT's responses are
4 days ago
by Jackson Chen
Mobile Apps, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Jackson Chen
OpenAI gave its AI chatbot a professional makeover with the latest GPT-5.2 release, and some users are already complaining about its tone. For anyone who's finding ChatGPT rude or sassy, OpenAI has some welcome news since it's letting users further customize its personality with extra warmth or enthusiasm.
> You can now adjust specific characteristics in ChatGPT, like warmth, enthusiasm, and emoji use.
>
> Now available in your "Personalization" settings. pic.twitter.com/7WSkOQVTKU
>
> — OpenAI (@OpenAI) December 19, 2025
In a post on X, OpenAI revealed that users can adjust characteristics under new Warm, Enthusiastic, Header & Lists and Emoji options found in
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GuliKit's $20 mod makes the ROG Xbox Ally's joysticks drift-free
4 days ago
by Jackson Chen
Technology & Electronics, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Jackson Chen
There may not be any reports of stick drift with the ROG Xbox Ally yet, but that doesn't mean there won't be. If you'd rather not end up with joysticks that have a mind of their own, GuliKit revealed its latest TMR Electromagnet Joystick Modules made specifically for your Xbox handheld.
GuliKit said it worked directly with Asus to develop these joystick upgrades, which match the exact dimensions of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X's stock sticks. The aftermarket accessories company previously designed a Hall effect joystick upgrade kit for the ROG Ally X, but GuliKit said this mod features
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A San Francisco power outage left Waymo's self-driving cars stranded at intersections
4 days ago
by Jackson Chen
Transportation, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Jackson Chen
Several of Waymo's autonomous vehicles were seen stuck in the middle of San Francisco streets following a significant power outage that took out the city's traffic lights. Waymo responded to the power outage by suspending its ride-hailing services in the city, but images and videos on social media showed the self-driving taxis stopped at intersections with hazard lights on.
"We have temporarily suspended our ride-hailing services in the San Francisco Bay Area due to the widespread power outage," Suzanne Philion, a spokesperson for Waymo, told Engadget in an email. "Our teams are working diligently and in close coordination with city officials,
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The best subscription box gifts for 2025
4 days ago
by Rob Webb
Shopping, Hobbies & Personal Activities, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Rob Webb
Subscription boxes are the rare gift that keeps its charm long after the wrapping paper is gone. You make the choice once, but the surprises keep landing on their doorstep for months after that. For anyone who loves the buzz of a delivery, these are gifts that extend the season well past December. Each box on this list combines a bit of discovery with something tangible, such as gadgets, books, collectibles, snacks or clever projects. Some appeal to hardcore hobbyists, others to the curious or the comfort seekers, but all offer that same spark of delight that comes from unboxing
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The 11 best gifts under $25 for 2025
4 days ago
by Valentina Palladino
Technology & Electronics, Personal Finance - Lifestyle, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Valentina Palladino
So you want to give someone a gift but you don’t have a ton of cash to spare. Don’t fret because first, you’re not alone, and second, there are tons of options to choose from. Especially if you’re looking in the tech space, it can feel especially daunting to find a gadget that’s affordable but also worth gifting — in other words, not a piece of junk that will eventually take up residence at the bottom of a drawer. But you don’t have to drain your wallet to get someone a cool gadget that will both be useful and make
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Governor Hochul signs New York's AI safety act
5 days ago
by Cheyenne MacDonald
Politics & Government, Government, Company Legal & Law Matters, site|engadget, provider_name|Engadget, region|US, language|en-US, author_name|Cheyenne MacDonald
New York governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Friday aimed at holding large AI developers accountable for the safety of their models. The RAISE Act establishes rules for greater transparency, requiring these companies to publish information about their safety protocols and report any incidents within 72 hours of their occurrence. It comes a few months after California adopted similar legislation.
But, the penalties aren't going to be nearly as steep as they were initially presented when the bill passed back in June. While that version included fines of up to $10 million dollars for a company's first violation and up to