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Slowly but surely, Sony has been transforming the initially limited PlayStation Portal into a viable handheld for PS5 gamers, albeit only those with a solid internet connection. What launched as a strictly remote play device eventually got unlocked for cloud streaming, with PS Plus Premium members able to play select Game Catalog games without needing to connect to a PS5. And from 6am PT today, you can also stream select digital PS5 games that you own on the Portal.

Again, you’ll need to have a PS Plus Premium membership to take advantage of the new features, but once signed up to the most expensive tier of Sony’s subscription service you’ll be able to stream the likes of Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Ghost of Yotei, which are among the the thousands of games supported at launch. Naturally some of the games in your library will probably be on PS Plus as cloud-streamable games already, but newer first-party games like several of those mentioned above aren't. 

You could, of course, already also play all of these games on the Portal over remote play from your PS5. But now that the device has been untethered from the main console, it gets a little bit closer to the dedicated go-anywhere PlayStation handheld everyone wants. That's provided you have a decent enough Wi-Fi connection to get a good quality stream.

Alongside the new cloud streaming functionality, the Portal has a new home screen that adds a search tab for quickly finding games that are available to stream. The latest update also adds 3D audio support for supported games on both remote play and cloud streams when using wired headphones or one of Sony’s proprietary PlayStation Link headsets. You can also now add a passcode lock to the device, while a new network status screen is available in the Quick menu.

Sony now allows you to make in-game purchases while streaming games over the cloud without leaving a session, and if you have a friend playing the same game you’re streaming, you can receive invites and join their game from the Quick menu.

Sony seems intent on the PlayStation Portal plugging the gap between now and the PS6, which could reportedly arrive in the next two years alongside a powerful complementary handheld device that might beat out the ROG Xbox Ally X in the specs department. A next-generation native PlayStation handheld remains the dream, but in the meantime, the Portal is a lot more appealing than it was a few years ago. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/you-can-now-stream-ps5-games-you-own-over-the-cloud-on-the-playstation-portal-135025829.html?src=rss

Google has been replacing Assistant with Gemini across all its apps, and Maps is the latest one getting an upgrade. The AI assistant will let you interact with the app using natural conversation while you navigate the roads hands-free. You can, for instance, ask it: "Is there a budget-friendly Japanese restaurant along my route within a couple of miles?" And after it has responded, you can keep on asking it follow-up questions, such as if a specific restaurant has a parking space and what dishes are popular there. Once you've decided on a place, you can simply tell Gemini: "Okay, let's go there," to start navigating to it. 

You'll also be able to ask Gemini to do random tasks while it's navigating and without leaving the Maps app, such as adding events to your Calendar if you allow it to connect to the app. In addition, Gemini will let you report traffic disruptions, simply by saying "there's flooding ahead" or "I see an accident." Gemini in Google Maps is rolling out over the next few weeks to Android and iOS in all regions where Gemini is available. It's also coming to Android Auto in the future. 

In the US, Maps is getting more capabilities powered by the AI assistant. You can now get directions that mention landmarks that are easy to spot. Instead of saying "turn left in 500 feet," for example, Gemini will say "turn left after the Thai Siam Restaurant." The landmark will also be highlighted in Maps as a visual cue. This feature is now rolling out to both Android and iOS devices. Maps will now proactively notify you of road disruptions on Android, as well, even if you're not actively navigating. Finally, you'll be able to use Lens with Gemini within the Maps app when it starts rolling out later this month to Android and iOS. You simply have to tap on the camera in the Maps search bar, point to an establishment and ask it questions about the location, such as "What is this place and why is it popular?"

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-maps-gemini-integration-will-make-hands-free-navigation-more-conversational-140009629.html?src=rss

2026 is seemingly going to be the year that Netflix gets aggressive with podcasting. We already knew that the streamer will start licensing video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer in the new year, and according to a new report, agents at leading talent agencies are being sounded out ahead of a Q1 push.

Sources have told The Hollywood Reporter that Netflix has sent “dozens of requests" to agents at WME, UTA and CAA as it looks to add more video podcasts to the platform. The plan is that the company launches its video podcast offering in early 2026, by which time it wants to have a library of shows with existing audiences.

This comes after Bloomberg reported this week that Netflix is also in licensing talks with iHeartMedia, which is one of the largest podcasts publishers in the world and makes shows like Stuff You Should Know and The Breakfast Club. According to Bloomberg’s sources, Netflix wants an exclusivity deal that would mean featured shows would no longer be uploaded to YouTube. The latter is Spotify’s biggest rival in the space, and passed one billion monthly active podcast viewers at the start of 2025.

The Spotify deal Netflix penned last month includes nine sports podcasts at launch, among them The Bill Simmons Podcast and The Zach Lowe Show. Other video podcasts coming to the streaming service include Serial Killers and The Ringer’s The Rewatchables.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-is-reportedly-going-big-on-video-podcasts-for-2026-133025499.html?src=rss

Putting AI in space may sound like a sci-fi nightmare, but Google is thinking about the idea with a research endeavor called Project Suncatcher. The idea is to put power-hungry data centers into orbit on solar-powered satellites, so they can be powered by unlimited, clean energy available 24 hours a day. That would mitigate the nastiest aspects of AI cloud computing, like the use of power plants that spew huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. 

Project Suncatcher is a literal moonshot of the type that Google used to do more often. The search giant wants to put its AI chips, called Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), into orbit aboard solar panel-equipped satellites. “In the future, space may be the best place to scale AI compute,” wrote Google senior director Travis Beals. "In the right orbit, a solar panel can be up to 8 times more productive than on Earth, and produce power nearly continuously, reducing the need for batteries."

Suffice to say, the idea poses numerous challenges. That proximity to the sun would expose the TPUs to high levels of radiation that can rapidly degrade electronic components. However, Google has tested its current chips for radiation tolerance and said they'd be able to survive a five year mission without suffering permanent failures.  

Google's Tensor Processing UnitGoogle

Another challenge is the high-speed data links of "tens of terabits per second" and low latency required between satellites. Those speeds would be hard to achieve in space, as transmitting data at long distances requires exponentially more power than on Earth. To achieve that, Google said it may need to maneuver TPU-equipped satellites into tight formations, possibly within "kilometers or less" of each other. That would have the added benefit of reducing "station keeping" thrust maneuvers needed to keep the satellites in the right position. 

The determining factor, though, is money. Launching TPUs into space may not seem cost-efficient, but Google's analysis shows that doing so could be "roughly comparable" to data centers on Earth (in terms of power efficiency) by around the mid-2030s. 

While it's currently only a preliminary research paper, Google is planning to put Project Suncatcher through some initial trials. It has teamed with a company called Planet on a "learning mission" to launch a pair of prototype satellites into orbit by 2027. "This experiment will test how our models and TPU hardware operate in space and validate the use of optical inter-satellite links for distributed ML [machine learning] tasks," Google wrote. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-contemplates-putting-giant-ai-installations-in-low-earth-orbit-123025256.html?src=rss

After launching it in China earlier, DJI has unveiled its flagship smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 8 in the US and elsewhere. The new model looks much like the Osmo Mobile 7P and has the same Multifunctional tracking module with a built-in light. However, it adds a bunch of useful new functionality including Apple DockKit support, 360-degree panning and pet tracking. 

The lack of Apple DockKit support was an issue with the Osmo Mobile 7P, as it made tracking yourself trickier with some apps. It also put DJI behind Insta360's Flow 2 Pro, which does support DockKit. That's no longer an issue with the Osmo Mobile 8, though. You can now do subject tracking within the native iPhone camera app or any of the 200-plus iOS applications compatible with DockKit.

At the same time, full tracking is available via the Multifunctional Module. That attaches to the side of its updated, more secure magnetic phone mount, letting you track yourself or other subjects automatically with any camera app. It includes a surprisingly powerful LED fill light and works as a receiver for DJI's wireless microphones, including the Mic Mini, Mic 2 and Mic 3. On top of humans, the module now supports dog and cat tracking as well. As before, it also supports gesture control. 

DJI

Another key feature is a pan axis that supports 360 degree horizontal rotation that no longer hits a stop as before. That means when you lock onto moving subjects with intelligent tracking, it'll keep following them even if they go all the way around the camera. The updated, more comfortable grip (and 0.8 pound weight) also makes it easier to take low angle shots, something that that will be handy when trying to follow your cat around. 

When using DJI's Mimo app, you also get access to DJI's advanced ActiveTrack 7.0.1 tracking tech. It comes with a feature called Dual Lens Boost 2 that uses your phones wide-angle and telephoto lenses to make sure a subject isn't lost, even if they move quickly or within a crowded scene. Another feature, Smart Capture, makes it easy to switch between subjects, even in complex environments, according to DJI. 

The OM8 uses DJI's latest three-axis stabilization tech to smooth even jarring movements without hurting quality like a smartphone can do. Other features include an integrated tripod, easy switching between front and rear cameras (along with the ability to flip the camera 180 degrees for rear camera selfies), an integrated tripod and a built-in extension rod. 

DJI's Osmo Mobile 8 gimbal is now available in Europe for 159 euros, but won't be sold on DJI's US site due to what DJI calls "evolving market conditions." However, it's now available on Amazon, B&H Photo Video and other third-party stores for $149. 

Update November 5 at 10:45 AM ET: The story has been updated with US availability and pricing. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/djis-osmo-mobile-8-gimbal-adds-pet-tracking-and-apple-dockkit-support-120032512.html?src=rss

If you're like us, Nintendo holds a special place in your heart thanks to iconic characters like Mario, Peach and Donkey Kong and multiple generations of best-selling consoles. But little did we know that outside of gaming hardware and accessories, there's an ever-growing assortment of Nintendo-themed toys, clothes and decor. And it's kind of a problem because we want all of it. So to help you figure out the best gifts for the Nintendo fan in your life, we've put together a big list of our favorite products that will give anyone a power-up this holiday season. Of course, if none of these quite fit the bill, you can also head over to our full list of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories for even more ideas.

Best Nintendo gifts

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-best-nintendo-gifts-for-the-2025-holiday-season-110057620.html?src=rss

Getting a solid Android phone doesn’t necessitate spending a small fortune. The best budget models strike a great balance between price and performance, giving you smooth everyday use without cutting too many corners. Whether you’re scrolling social media, streaming your favorite shows or snapping photos of a night out, there’s an affordable Android phone that can handle it all.

Cheaper phones have come a long way in recent years. Many now feature bright, fast displays, reliable cameras and battery life that lasts well into the next day. You might miss out on top-tier extras like the latest processor or ultra-high-resolution zoom, but what you get instead is value that makes sense. Some models even surprise with cameras that rival far pricier flagships, making them ideal for casual photographers or anyone who just wants to capture a great shot on the go.

We’ve tested budget Android phones from brands like Google, Samsung and OnePlus to find the ones that deliver the most for less. These are the models that prove you don’t need a flagship price tag to get a dependable Android phone.

Table of contents

• Best budget Android phones for 2025

• How cheap should you go for an Android phone?

• What to look for in a cheap phone

• Android phone FAQs

Best budget Android phones for 2025

How cheap should you go for an Android phone?

We tend to define a budget smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any lower and the device runs the risk of suffering from too many compromises in function, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (if you're open to spending more, we shouted out a couple of our favorite flagship phones at the very end of this guide).

But for those with a little wiggle room, there are some things to consider. For example, a child may be better off with a cheaper device, especially if it’s intended mainly for emergencies, WiFi browsing or texting parents (and not social media). On the higher end of this price spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung phones and other Android devices have come a long way thanks to improved performance, better phone cameras with low-light capabilities, fast charging, and nicer displays like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable alternative to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even if you have the flexibility to spend more.

What to look for in a cheap Android phone

When it comes to cheap phones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones in this price range are made out of plastic, though the fit and finish of a specific model can vary a lot based on price. A bright screen is also important. Typically you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate, but some phones may have OLED or AMOLED screens with increased color saturation. Long battery life is critical as well, so we tend to favor devices with larger power cells of around 5,000 mAh. In this price range, performance can vary a lot, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and processors that can deliver stutter-free visuals. It’s also important to consider support length: as periodic security updates and lengthy software support can extend the longevity of your device, which will save you money in the long run.

Android phone FAQs What's the price difference for a cheap Android vs a cheap iPhone?

iPhones tend to be more expensive compared to Android phones — even the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE, which starts from $429, is a harder pill to swallow compared to a cheap Android phone. In contrast, you can get your hands on a cheap Android device for as low as $100.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-cheap-android-phone-160029703.html?src=rss

When you search for a MagSafe power bank on Amazon, among the top recommendations are outdated banks that max out at 7.5-watt wireless charging. Now that Qi2 and Qi2 25W technology have arrived, iPhones can refill much faster. In our tests, older-gen batteries got a phone to 50 percent in just under two hours on average. Our pick for the best Qi2 25W power bank did that in about a half hour. You may also be tempted by Apple’s iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, but we found a better (read: cheaper) choice. We used more than a dozen batteries for this guide and continue to try out new models so you can buy the best MagSafe power bank — that someone actually tested first.

The best MagSafe power banks for 2025

What to consider before buying a MagSafe power bank

Choose the right capacity. Most portable MagSafe chargers have either a 5,000 milliamp hour (mAh) or 10,000mAh capacity. Obviously, the larger capacity batteries are physically bigger, but thanks to an iPhone’s magnetic attachment points, you can still use the phone comfortably as it charges. If you’re worried about overall bulk, you may prefer the slimness of a 5,000mAh battery.

Just note that a 5K battery pack won’t deliver its entire capacity to your phone due to energy loss from voltage conversion and heat dissipation. Over the years, I’ve measured around a 60-percent delivery rate for wireless banks. For example, that means an iPhone 16 with its 3,561mAh battery will get about 85 to 90 percentage points from a 5K battery. A 10K bank will charge that same phone fully once, with enough for a 50- to 60-percent boost next time.

Understand MagSafe versus Qi2. All iPhones model 12 and later have MagSafe technology, which rely on embedded magnets to align the phone with a wireless charger and can support charging speeds of up to 15 watts. The MagSafe name is owned by Apple — third-party chargers can’t freely use the term and instead call their accessories “magnetic,” or apply a branded name like Anker’s MagGo or UGreen’s MagFlow. Be sure to check the product details before buying: anything that works with Apple’s technology will be listed as MagSafe-compatible.

Qi2 is a standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (of which Apple is a member) and has the same stipulations as MagSafe (15W charging and magnetic alignment). Any company can submit their tech for this certification. iPhones 13 and later are Qi2 compatible.

The newest standard, Qi2 25W (also called Qi2.2), bumps wireless charging speeds up to 25W. The WPC says a certified smartphone using a certified charger can wirelessly go from dead to half full in about 30 minutes (keep in mind that both the charger and phone need to be certified to get those speeds) and that aligns with our testing. 

Accessories, like power banks that support the new standard are starting to hit shelves now. As for phones, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL, Apple’s iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max all support the standard as well. iPhone 16 models (except the 16e) support the standard after an update to iOS 26.

Remember travel restrictions. You may have seen news reports of flights being grounded because a power bank caught fire in the cabin. Currently, the TSA allows them in your carry-on luggage as long as they’re rated at 100 watt-hours or lower (about 27,000mAh for lithium ion batteries).

But some airlines have enacted further restrictions. Southwest, for example, requires you to keep power banks out of the bag and visible while charging. Even if your airline doesn’t make such demands, keeping a power brick out in the open while it’s in use is a good idea — it’ll keep it cooler and you’ll be more likely to notice if it starts to overheat. Most, if not all, MagSafe battery packs come in at under the 100-watt-hour limit, so traveling should be easy with one.

Consider the extra features. You may not need them, but the little extra perks of a MagSafe power bank can come in handy. Some have stands so you can watch your phone while it refills. Some have LED displays that tell you how much charge is left, which can be a little more precise than the lighted pips other banks use. Some also have straps to make the bank easier to carry around or fish out of your bag.

What about the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery?

When Apple introduced the iPhone Air, it announced the new $99 iPhone Air MagSafe Battery in the same breath. It’s now the sole Apple-branded MagSafe power bank — but it only works with the iPhone Air. It’s a pretty divisive battery. In his review of the new phone, Engadget’s Sam Rutherford appreciated that the accessory keeps with the sleekness of the iPhone Air design and liked that it can also charge the new AirPods 3 wirelessly. But Valentina Palladino called out its dismal price-to-capacity ratio.

Anker’s Nano MagGo Slim is probably a better bet for all but the most devoted iPhone user. It has the same minimalist look and pocketable thinness as Apple’s proprietary battery, but it’ll attach to other phones in addition to the Air. Plus it’s $35 cheaper.

Other MagSafe batteries we tested Mophie Powerstation Slim 5K

The Mophie Powerstation Slim 5K, too, has a super slim design that nearly disappears into the back of the phone as it charges. It makes excellent use of its 5K capacity, delivering a 90 percent refill to an iPhone 15. But it’s a little more expensive than the our top slim pick, Anker’s Nano MagGo Slim, and the squared off design makes it feel bulkier than it actually is. Neither of those make it a bad choice; the MagSafe battery playing field is just terribly competitive right now.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 10K

Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro is Qi2-certified and was only a touch slower than other models in terms of charging speeds, boosting an iPhone 15 from 5 percent to full in about two and a half hours. The feel is premium and the stand is sturdy, but it got quite hot during charging, took overly long to refill itself and is pricer and a bit bulkier than similar models.

Baseus Picogo 5K

The Picogo 5K from Baseus is teensy but still packs a stand and a 5,000mAh capacity. It’s Qi2-certified and delivered a 43 percent bump to our tester iPhone 15 in 42 minutes, ultimately charging it to 91 percent. The slim slab of the Anker Nano battery is sleeker. But that one doesn’t have a stand — so if you want to prop up your phone while it charges, go for this one.

MagSafe power banks FAQs What does MagSafe do?

MagSafe is Apple’s own technology that supports up to 25W wireless charging speeds and incorporates embedded magnets to align the phone with chargers and other accessories.

Which iPhones support MagSafe?

iPhones 12 and later support 15W MagSafe technology, though only iPhones 13 and later can reach the 15W charging speed with third-party Qi2 accessories. The iPhone 12 maxes out at 7.5W with non-Apple accessories.

The new iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max support up to 25W charging speeds with Qi2 25W-certified chargers. iPhone 16, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max should also support those speeds after an update to iOS 26. The iPhone Air supports MagSafe charging at a max speed of 20W.

Can you use MagSafe batteries with a case?

In most cases (heh), yes. The wireless charge can travel across a distance of a few millimeters. If the case is more than 5mm thick or contains metal components, the wireless charge can be blocked. Many iPhone cases are marketed as MagSafe-compatible, which means the case itself has complimentary magnets inside and should not interfere with charging accessories. We tested a MagSafe power bank on an iPhone 15 with and without a MagSafe case and got the same charging speeds and amounts in both tests.

How much power do MagSafe batteries provide?

That depends on the power bank. If it is Qi2-certified, it can provide up to 15 watts of wireless power. Qi2 25W-enabled chargers can deliver up to 25 watts to a compatible handset. Non-Qi2 batteries typically deliver around 7.5 watts.

The amount of charge delivered depends on the capacity. Most MagSafe portable chargers are rated at 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh. The former can get a standard iPhone 15 from five percent to around 90 percent. The latter can fill the phone completely with enough left over for another half charge.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-magsafe-power-banks-120015338.html?src=rss

Motorola just announced the Edge 70 smartphone, which is an ultra-thin handset that could rival the recently-launched Apple iPhone Air. It's a bit thicker than the Air, at 5.9mm compared to 5.6mm, but the camera bump is less noticeable.

As for that camera bump, the Edge 70 features a trio of 50MP camera sensors. The main camera can capture 4K video and there's also a front camera, an ultrawide with a macro lens and a dedicated light sensor. Like most modern smartphones, there are AI tools available for photo editing.

The frame is made from "aircraft-grade aluminum," which is a good thing because my uncoordinated fingers will absolutely be dropping this thing within three days of owning one. Other durability features include Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and IP69 water protection.

Motorola

The phone will also have access to the company's proprietary moto ai2 chatbot. This can do all of the usual stuff like create images and answer queries. However, Motorola also boasts that the AI can understand what's on the screen and can point users to the correct course of action. We'll have to wait and see how that works in real life.

This skinny handset somehow includes a massive 4800mAh battery that allows up to 50 hours of continuous use. That's over two full days of doomscrolling without ever heading to the power outlet. As a comparison, the iPhone Air lasts anywhere from 22 to 27 hours

The Edge 70 ships with a magnetic case that can handle wireless charging and includes a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile chipset. Motorola promises active software support and security upgrades all the way until 2031.

Given the form factor and specs, the price is actually fairly reasonable. The Edge 70 starts at £700, which breaks down to around $910 USD. It's available for purchase right now, but there's a spot of bad news. It's launching in the UK and there's no current information as to when it'll cross the pond.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-motorola-edge-70-is-another-ridiculously-thin-smartphone-080009244.html?src=rss

It can be challenging for us humans to wrap our brains around really massive numbers. Even the scale of a million or billion is pretty hard for most people to really comprehend. So prepare yourself to think big, because scientists have recorded the largest and most distant black hole flare to date, and the numbers around it are pretty staggering. 

The event occurred at an active galactic nucleus, also known as an accreting or feeding black hole, that they predict is 500 million times more massive than our sun and is located 10 billion light years away. The researchers suspect that this flare was caused by a tidal disruption event, where the gravity of the AGN may have pulled a nearby star closer and consumed it. The team estimates that the star eaten by the black hole had a mass 30 times that of our system's own sun. And according to the layperson blog post from Caltech about the event, "at its brightest, the flare shined with the light of 10 trillion suns."

"This is unlike any AGN we've ever seen," said Matthew Graham, who was a co-principal investigator on the study as well as a research professor of astronomy at Caltech and project scientist for the Zwicky Transient Facility, which first observed the black hole in question in 2018 along with the Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey. The research about the AGN and its bonkers flare appeared in the journal Nature Astronomy.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/scientists-observed-a-black-hole-flare-that-shined-with-the-light-of-10-trillion-suns-235414438.html?src=rss

Valve is bringing a helpful update to the Steam Deck, adding an option for downloading content while the screen is off. The company is calling it a display-off low-power mode. It will be enabled by default when the Steam Deck is plugged in. The handheld's power settings can also allow it to be active while on battery power, although it will automatically revert to full sleep mode if the battery drops below 20 percent. If a user hits the power button while the Steam Deck is downloading content, a dialogue prompt will appear asking if the download should continue with the display off. A Steam Deck that reaches an idle timeout will also automatically go into the display-off low-power mode. 

In practice, this is similar to the rest mode modern consoles have that allows for downloads while the machine isn't being actively used. This feature can be really useful if you're playing an online competitive game and don't want a big download infringing on your bandwidth. (I speak from experience here.) Nice for the Steam Deck to offer a similar convenience to its players.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/steam-deck-adds-a-standby-mode-for-screen-off-downloads-230334579.html?src=rss

Amazon has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Perplexity that demands that the AI startup prevents its Comet browser from making purchases on Amazon, Bloomberg reports. In a blog post responding to Amazon's letter, Perplexity claims Amazon is "bullying" the company and that its demands pose "a threat to all internet users."

In Amazon's eyes, Comet's agent violates its terms of service, degrades the Amazon shopping experience and introduces privacy vulnerabilities, Bloomberg writes. Amazon's "Conditions of Use" for Amazon.com specifically prohibit "any downloading, copying, or other use of account information for the benefit of any third party" and "any use of data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and extraction tools." Depending on your definition, the agentic capabilities Perplexity offers through Comet could violate both clauses. The browser securely stores log-in credentials for websites locally, and uses them to make purchases for customers on Amazon with a simple command. 

Perplexity and Amazon agreed to pause agentic shopping on Amazon in November 2024, according to the report, but when Comet was released, Perplexity allowed it again. By representing the Comet agent as a Chrome browser user rather than a bot, the company allegedly tried to get around the agreement, until Amazon found out and sent its cease-and-desist letter. 

Amazon posted the statement below on its blog, openly acknowledging the issues it has with Perplexity:

We think it’s fairly straightforward that third-party applications that offer to make purchases on behalf of customers from other businesses should operate openly and respect service provider decisions whether or not to participate. This helps ensure a positive customer experience and it is how others operate, including food delivery apps and the restaurants they take orders for, delivery service apps and the stores they shop from, and online travel agencies and the airlines they book tickets with for customers. Agentic third-party applications such as Perplexity’s Comet have the same obligations, and we’ve repeatedly requested that Perplexity remove Amazon from the Comet experience, particularly in light of the significantly degraded shopping and customer service experience it provides.

Complicating Amazon’s claims, Perplexity might be a future shopping rival. Amazon demoed its own AI shopping agent called “Buy for Me” in April 2025. But Perplexity also disagrees with the fundamentals of Amazon's argument. "User agents are exactly that: agents of the user," Perplexity says. "They're distinct from crawlers, scrapers, or bots." Perplexity believes the Comet agent shouldn't run afoul of Amazon's terms and conditions then because it acts on the users' behalf, with the users' permission. 

This isn't the first time Perplexity has been accused of misrepresenting its AI tools to access content. In August, Cloudflare claimed that the company's bots were accessing blocked websites by pretending to be a normal Chrome browser user on macOS. Reddit also sued Perplexity and three other companies earlier this month for accessing Reddit posts without paying for a license.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-and-perplexity-are-fighting-over-the-future-of-ai-shopping-215445479.html?src=rss

In a case of deja vu, Stellantis is once again recalling two models of its Jeep brand plug-in hybrid SUVs. The company has recalled at least 320,000 of its Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Jeep Wrangler 4xe cars in the US over concerns of fire risks while driving and while parked. Stellantis is also recalling 20,753 of the Jeep vehicles in Canada, 2,653 in Mexico, and 32,238 outside of North America. A statement from Stellantis said an internal investigation discovered 19 fires.

Jeep also recalled these same two 4xe models in October 2024. The issue then and now was with the EV batteries produced by Samsung SDI. Stellantis has been unable to address the fire risks with software updates and is expected to notify drivers when a remedy for the issue is ready. Until then, the owners of Grand Cherokee 4xe models from 2022 to 2026 and Wrangler 4xe models from 2020 to 2025 are being encouraged to park outside away from buildings and not to plug in their vehicles. So basically these cars are relegated to being very large sculptures until Stellanis can fix the battery problems.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/stellantis-recalls-more-than-375000-jeep-hybrid-suvs-for-fire-risk-215341226.html?src=rss

Google is bringing live lane guidance to Google Maps in cars with the company’s built-in infotainment system, starting with the Polestar 4. Using the vehicle's front-facing camera, Google Maps will be able to "see" the road just as the driver does. It will then create more detailed depictions of which lane a driver should be in and guide them using visual and audio cues.

Google says the new feature uses AI to analyze lane markings and road signs, which it then integrates in real time with Google Maps' navigation system. Google paints a picture of fewer missed exits, as its navigation system reminds drivers in the left lane that their exit is coming up on the right side of the highway.

Details are scarce on where exactly this will function. In Google's blog post announcing the feature, the company says it will expand live lane guidance to "more road types" in the future. We've reached out for clarification.

Live lane guidance with Google Maps will be rolling out on the Polestar 4 in the US and Sweden over the coming months. Google says it will expand to include more cars in partnership with other automakers.

Update Nov 4 3:39 PM EST: Google says the feature will only work on highways for now.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/google-maps-is-adding-live-lane-guidance-for-the-polestar-4-192705050.html?src=rss

Every year for as long as I can remember, my mother has gifted me a wall calendar featuring photos of my hometown. It’s a lovely thing, and I use it often to keep a note of all the concerts I have coming up. For 2026, though, I’m going to need something different: a Balatro wall calendar that features actor Ben Starr as the game’s mascot, Jimbo, in a variety of scenarios.

You’ll see Jimbo as Santa Claus and a vampire. There’s a photo of him in baseball garb and another of him eating ice cream. There’s even a shot of Jimbo with carefully placed bananas (a nod to the game’s handy banana cards) akin to that one shot of Mena Suvari in American Beauty. Starr is a logical pick for this as he previously dressed up as Jimbo to promote the game and accept a BAFTA on behalf of developer LocalThunk.

A new year is coming... time to shuffle off and try again!

The Balatro 2026 Wall Calendar is available now: https://t.co/EHlzJDOIIm pic.twitter.com/ugnooDdLoW

— Fangamer (@Fangamer) November 4, 2025

It’s silly, ever-so-slightly disturbing and — most importantly — all for a great cause, as Nintendo Life noted. LocalThunk and Balatro publisher PlayStack are donating all profits from sales of the calendar to Extra Life and SpecialEffect.

Extra Life is a program that benefits local children’s hospitals with the help of people who play games on charity livestreams. As for SpecialEffect, that charity helps physically disabled folks play games to the best of their abilities. You can buy the calendar now on FanGamer for $19 or €20. I’ll get over my hatred of clowns this one time.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/this-balatro-charity-wall-calendar-is-exactly-the-energy-i-need-going-into-2026-203235127.html?src=rss

Dolby unveiled Dolby Vision 2 in September, and Samsung has already fired back with its own upgrades to its image quality format. The company is a key player in the consortium behind the HDR10 and HDR10+ standards, and this week it announced that the group is developing a version called HDR10+ Advanced. Amazon Prime Video has already signed on to support this format when it becomes available.

Forbes reported on the six upgrades that are in the works with HDR10+ Advanced. The revised standard is expected to have an increased brightness range, genre-based options for tone mapping and picture processing, intelligent motion-smoothing options, a mode for cloud gaming, more zones for local tone mapping, and more advanced and accurate color performance. According to the publication, HDR10+ Advanced will likely debut on Samsung's 2026 TV lineup. If that is the case, we can expect to hear more about HDR10+ Advanced in January at CES 2026 when the company usually unveils the year’s TV models.

Samsung is also collaborating with Google on an audio project that would be a counterpart to Dolby Atmos called Eclipsa Audio, but the details on that have been a little sparse since a brief announcement at CES 2025.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-is-working-on-hdr10-advanced-to-take-on-dolby-vision-2-202410665.html?src=rss

After a delay, Apple has announced that it's bringing its AI-powered Live Translation feature to the European Union in December. The expansion is notable, not only because Live Translation was a key selling point of the recently released AirPods Pro 3, but also because the company warned in September that complying with the EU's Digital Markets Act could delay the feature.

When Live Translation becomes available in the EU on AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC next month, the feature will automatically translate a speaker's voice between English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional Mandarin), Japanese and Korean. Live Translation can also seamlessly translate between pairs of AirPods, intelligently lowering a speaker's voice so the translation is easier to hear. 

In September, Apple blamed a potential delay on "additional engineering" that was required to make sure translated conversations stay private, with the company specifically trying to "make sure [conversations] won’t be exposed to other companies or developers." The wait for the feature should be worth it, though. In Engadget's review of the AirPods Pro 3, we found Live Translation to be a handy addition to what was already a solid pair of wireless earbuds.

If you're looking to try the feature before its official release, Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones running the iOS 26.2 developer beta can already use Live Translation on supported AirPods in the EU. A public beta of the software update will also be available soon.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apples-live-translation-feature-is-finally-coming-to-airpods-in-the-eu-201352038.html?src=rss

Microsoft has announced its latest batch of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in November. Monthly subscribers have a lot to look forward to, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on day one of its release.

Kicking off the release slate is Dead Static Drive on November 5. This indie survival-horror game takes players on a 1980s-style road trip across the country. Dead Static Drive will share its date with Sniper Elite: Resistance, a tactical third-person combat game with rich sniper mechanics that sports a co-op campaign for playing with friends.

The very next day will feature the real star of this month's Game Pass releases, and no, I don't mean COD. I'm talking about Egging On, the platformer where you play as a literal egg trying to escape your hen house. You'll have to traverse harrowing obstacles and terrifying heights armed with little more than your fragile shell. Whiskerwood, a strategy and worldbuilding game where mice must build and manage colonies at the behest of a feline overlord, will be available on the same day.

The games keep coming over the following days with Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris and Pigeon Simulator available on November 11. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 drops on November 14 and will feature 16 6v6 maps and two 20v20 maps at launch.

Microsoft recently raised the price on the highest tier of the Xbox Game Pass subscription to $30 per month from $20 per month. That made Game Pass Ultimate 50 percent more expensive than previously. The tiers also underwent some rebranding as well, but the big thing to note is that you’ll need that $30/month Ultimate tier to play games on release day. This came after price increases in 2024 as well.

See the full list of Xbox Game Pass additions below, as well as a list of games leaving on November 15. The list also specifies which tier of Game Pass you'll need for each title.

November 5

• Dead Static Drive— Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

• Sniper Elite: Resistance — Game Pass Premium

November 6

• Egging On — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

• Whiskerwood — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

November 7

• Voidtrain — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Premium

November 11

• Great God Grove — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Premium

• Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Premium

• Pigeon Simulator — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

November 12

• Relic Hunters Legend — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Premium

• Winter Burrow — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

November 14

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Leaving on November 15

• Blacksmith Master (Game Preview)

• Football Manager 2024

• Football Manager 2024 Console Edition

• Frostpunk

• Spirittea

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chernobyl

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-game-pass-is-adding-cod-black-ops-7-and-ten-other-titles-in-november-193151259.html?src=rss

Sora is now available to Android users on the Google Play Store. The iOS version of OpenAI's text-to-video generative AI app is still only available in select markets and requires an invitation, but people are still extremely excited about making slop of their own; the app reportedly reached more than 1 million downloads in less than five days. And it didn't take long for the company to land in hot water over users creating disrespectful clips of Martin Luther King Jr. and drawing censure from the Japanese government over copycats of famous manga and anime. 

Those aren't the only legal issues Sora has been skirting. OpenAI was sued by Cameo on claims of copyright infringement, and the very next day, the company released a feature called "cameo" for putting existing entities into Sora's gen-AI videos. Whatever it winds up being named, some form of licensing personas looks like it will be part of OpenAI's eventual monetization plans for Sora.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-sora-app-is-now-available-on-android-191722821.html?src=rss

Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas and the recently released The Outer Worlds 2, has announced that it's revisiting an RPG it released over a decade ago for a new update. Pillars of Eternity, a throwback isometric RPG, is receiving a turn-based mode as part of a new public beta on PC.

The new mode slows the game's "real-time with pause" combat down, building on the optional turn-based mode the developer included with Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire, a sequel from 2018. The game's director Josh Sawyer digs into the thinking behind the update in a trailer Obsidian released alongside the update announcement, but in brief, the mode attempts to faithfully adapt characters' stats for turn-based combat, while making it easy to switch from real-time to turn-based modes on the fly.

Obsidian last returned to Eora, the setting of Pillars of Eternity, in the excellent Avowed from earlier this year. That game translated the series' world and combat systems into a first-person RPG in the style of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Besides releasing The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian is also actively developing Grounded 2 in early access.

Pillars of Eternity's turn-based mode will be available in a public beta for PC starting on November 5. Obsidian is looking for feedback on the new mode ahead of a planned update to the game at some point in the future.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pillars-of-eternity-to-receive-surprise-turn-based-mode-in-new-update-191221448.html?src=rss