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Amazon is in the middle of rolling out Alexa+, the long-awaited, AI-infused update for its voice assistant. At the same time, the company has also been giving a fair bit of attention to Amazon Music, adding things like Alexa+ integration and AI-powered playlists. And as of today, Amazon is rolling out a new community-focused feature called Fan Groups. As the name suggests, Fan Groups are a way for users to connect around different musical interests — and what makes this more fun to me is that these aren’t limited to Amazon-curated groups.

Once Fan Groups fully rolls out, anyone will be able to create a public group in Amazon Music based around a genre, region, time period or anything else you want to focus the group on. Right now, Fan Groups are only available in Canada during a a beta period, but they’ll come to other countries (including the US) early next year. Amazon has had testers building out some Fan Groups in the meantime so that testers don’t walk into a ghost town.

When you first open the Groups tab, which will be part of Amazon Music’s bottom navigation, you’ll see a top rail with Groups you’ve joined and a scrolling list of ones you can check out. Some of the examples Amazon showed off include “K-pop Now,” “Red Dirt Americana” and “Indie Insiders,” all of which feel pretty self-explanatory. Each group includes a “featured” playlist at the top and then a scroll of posts by people who’ve joined the group.

Members can share any song, album or playlist on Amazon Music along with a comment; you can then have a discussion on the post. It’ll be familiar to anyone who has used a Facebook Group over the years. Somewhat interestingly, Amazon is also letting you share external links Beyond the “posts” view, there’s also a music-only tab that just shows everything that has been shared to the group. One of the more intriguing features in Fan Groups is the ability to just hit “play” and listen to everything that’s been shared over time — it’s something that should be good for exploration as well as just seeing if the group’s tastes are aligned with your own.

In the quick demo I saw of Fan Groups, it felt like the rare new social tool that could be useful. Music is obviously an extremely social art, one that so many love sharing with other fans. Discovery is also a huge part of being a music fan, and I appreciate the fact that Amazon is building a way to get recommendations from other human beings and not just algorithms and AI. The only issue is that getting traction for a social network built inside of a specific service isn’t the easiest thing to do — you could just as easily share music on Facebook or any number of other apps. But the potential for finding new music and sharing what you’re into with other fellow obsessives make this feature worth a look once it fully launches.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-musics-fan-groups-are-a-refreshingly-old-school-way-to-share-and-find-tunes-150000084.html?src=rss

Sony is bringing things home with State of Play Japan. The "special episode" will feature the same type of PlayStation gaming announcements as a typical State of Play broadcast, but with a focus solely on Japan and Asia. 

While we don't know exactly what Sony will unveil, it promises 40 minutes of everything "from beloved series to distinctive indie creations, the show, hosted by voice actor Yuki Kaji, will be packed with great games, interviews, and new looks at anticipated titles." Maybe if we all think hard enough we can manifest updates on Phantom Blade Zero or Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, which we first learned about at Playstation's State of Play in June. 

The whole show will air in Japanese on the PlayStation YouTube channel for Japan, but the general PlayStation YouTube channel will show State of Play Japan with English subtitles. 

Catch State of Play Japan live on Tuesday, November 11 at 2PM PT / 5pm ET. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/how-to-watch-playstations-state-of-play-japan-tomorrow-140519040.html?src=rss

Editor’s note (11/10/25): After spending another month with the MX Master 4, our impressions remain largely unchanged. The new textured plastic finish and silicone thumb rest have shown no signs of wear, and we’ve continued to see no erratic behavior with the electromagnetic scroll wheel. Battery life still lines up with Logitech’s rating, while the haptic feedback and Actions Ring functionality remain useful if inessential. We’ve added an official review score to this post as a result. Our original hands-on is below.

Original post (9/30/25): If you’ve shopped around for a wireless mouse at any point in the past decade, you’ve probably seen lots of people recommending a Logitech MX Master. There’s good reason for that: They aren’t cheap, but they’re usually comfortable, versatile and loaded with features designed to make working in front of a monitor all day a little less annoying. The current MX Master 3S has sat at the top of our own wireless mouse buying guide for some time now.

Now, three years after releasing the 3S, Logitech is rolling out the new MX Master 4, which costs $120 and will ship in October. I’ve been able to test it out for the past few weeks.

For the most part, this is an iterative update, with the same general shape, battery life, 8K DPI sensor and ultra-quiet clicks as the MX Master 3S before it. It is a touch heavier (150 grams vs. 141g), wider (3.48 inches vs 3.32 in.) and taller (5.05 inches vs. 4.92 in.) than the last model, and the main click buttons are slightly larger. But if you found the 3S or older MX Master 3 comfortable, you should have few issues here. That said, this is still a hefty mouse designed for palm grippers and right-handed users: Its gentle contours, generous hump, ample thumb rest and large buttons will fit like a glove if that describes you, but lefties and those with especially petite hands won’t agree.

The flashiest change here is the addition of haptic feedback, which is built into a small panel within the mouse’s thumb rest. You can customize the intensity of this effect through Logitech’s Options+ software — or turn it off entirely — but it essentially brings a modicum of smartphone-style feedback to your desktop. When you first pair the mouse, for one, you’ll feel a little bump. The same goes if you move between devices using Logitech’s “Flow” feature. When battery is low, it’ll vibrate. If you’re trying to precisely line up a graphic in an app like Photoshop, you’ll get a little buzz when you’ve moved it to the exact right spot.

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

You’ll also feel it when you hover over options in the Actions Ring, a customizable overlay that presents different shortcuts depending on the app you’re using. This pops up when you click the side panel; you could use it quickly access the screenshot tool while in Chrome, for instance, or the brightness and contrast sliders in Photoshop.

If all of this sounds like a gimmick, well, yeah it kind of is. It’s not the kind of thing anyone needs. But the effect is surprisingly subtle on the default “medium” setting, and there’s a level of reassurance that comes with feeling a confirmed action instead of just seeing it. I found it more pleasant than distracting. The catch is that only a few apps will natively support the MX Master 4’s haptics at launch: Photoshop, Lightroom and Zoom, with Adobe Premiere Pro to follow soon after. You’ll still be able to utilize the haptic feedback on a system level on Windows and macOS, and Logitech is releasing an SDK for more developers to integrate the functionality, but we’ll have to see how many do so.

Another change is with the mouse’s coating, which trades the 3S’ rubbery finish for a lightly textured plastic around the top. (The thumb rest area and right side still use a denser rubber.) Some users have complained about older MX Master mice peeling and wearing down after extended use; time will tell how well the new model holds up, but it should avoid the same sort of sweat-induced degradation. Either way, I’ve found it smooth to the touch without being slippery. I also haven’t been able to replicate the accuracy issues some 3S buyers have had with that mouse’s electromagnetic scroll wheel, which is still made of a high-quality metal and lets you conveniently swap between a notched and free-spin scroll on the fly.

Customizing the Actions Ring in Logitech's Options+ app. Logitech/Jeff Dunn for Engadget

There are other minor tweaks and improvements. The receiver included with the Windows model is now USB-C instead of USB-A. The horizontal scroll wheel on the side — which remains a blessing for navigating spreadsheets — is now more exposed and extends a little farther with each spin. The PTFE feet on the bottom are a bit larger for a smoother glide. The dedicated gesture button is no longer awkwardly integrated into the thumb rest; instead, it’s been pulled out ahead of the two programmable side buttons. Logitech says there’s a more powerful chip inside the mouse to improve connection quality. The edges around the main click buttons are now translucent: nothing major, but a bit more stylish. The screws on the bottom are now exposed, too, which Logitech says should be helpful for recycling purposes down the road.

The rest is largely the same as before, which isn’t a bad thing. The best feature here is still the virtually silent main buttons, which keep a pleasing level of travel but will never bother anyone around you. Battery life is still rated at a solid 70 days, which seems about right — I haven’t charged the mouse in about a month and the Options+ app says I still have about 50 percent juice left. The design still feels super sturdy, with no flexing or creaking. The side buttons feel firm and tactile. Options+ is resource-heavy but still intuitive enough for reprogramming buttons and customizing app-specific settings. It can still track on a variety of surfaces, including glass or the fabric of my couch. You can still connect to three devices simultaneously and switch between them with a button on the bottom, too.

Logitech

On the downside, there’s no USB-C cable included in the box anymore, and the polling rate is still set at a basic 125Hz, which means tracking isn’t quite as buttery smooth as it could be. (Though you'd never want to use something this heavy for gaming.) The Mac version doesn’t come with a USB receiver, and there’s still no built-in storage compartment for the dongle with either model. You also need to keep Options+ open to feel the haptic feedback, which is annoying, especially if your work limits use of third-party software. 

Some of those complaints have been issues for a while, so it’s frustrating to see them three years later. Still, they’re probably not dealbreakers. The MX Master 4 may not be a essential upgrade if you’re happy with an older MX Master mouse, and if those didn’t work for you before, this one probably won’t work for you now. But if you’re a power user in the market for a new productivity mouse, we’d expect this newest iteration to be as popular as its predecessors.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-logitech-mx-master-4-comes-with-haptic-feedback-less-rubber-and-the-same-general-shape-070129482.html?src=rss

TCL just announced a new line up of budget-friendly QLED TVs with plenty of bells and whistles. The T7 Series offers quantum dot technology and a native refresh rate of 144Hz. The sets are available in multiple sizes, from 55-inches all the way up to 85-inches. That last one will certainly fill up the living room.

They also ship with the company's proprietary AI processor that automatically optimizes color, contrast and clarity. This should lead to some stunning 4K HDR performance. To that end, the TVs integrate with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

The sound is also on point here. The televisions offer Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital+ audio processing. The whole thing is powered via Google TV that allows for hands-free voice control via built-in microphones.

The prices here are fairly reasonable, considering the tech involved. These TVs start at $600 for the 55-inch model and go up to $1,400 for the 85-inch model. We don't have a release date just yet. 

These aren't the only interesting displays the company has announced this year. The QM6K Mini LED is available in sizes up to 98-inches, with a starting price of $700 for the smallest model. The QM7K is another Mini LED that ships with Bang & Olufsen speakers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/tcls-new-budget-friendly-qled-tv-line-starts-at-600-140024183.html?src=rss

Samsung has partnered with iFit to bring its guided workouts to the Samsung Health app. The integration gives Samsung Health users limited free access to iFit content, offering one video from each of the seven workout categories — high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, yoga, strength, recovery, barre and mindfulness — per month. For access to a bigger catalog, Samsung Health users can also snag an iFit subscription for cheaper than the usual cost ($15 per month) of the basic plan, with the option for $10 per month or $100 per year. 

There are also perks for anyone buying a new Samsung device. You can get 30 days free when buying a Galaxy phone, three months with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and six months with any of the latest Galaxy Watch models. Samsung and iFit announced their partnership in July, and just a few weeks ago rolled out Galaxy Watch compatibility for some NordicTrack and ProForm machines, which can now display certain metrics, like live heart rate, on-screen while you work out. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/ifit-workouts-are-coming-to-samsung-health-with-free-and-paid-options-140000756.html?src=rss

I started my review of the Apple Watch Series 11 talking about how everyone uses smartwatches differently. And based on your needs, the right Apple Watch might not be the one with the most features. 

The Apple Watch SE series has long been the option for parents to buy for their kids or other dependents, or people who are dipping their toe into the world of smartwatches. But with the introduction of an always-on-display (AOD), on-device Siri and faster charging, the Apple Watch SE 3 has shed most of its limitations and may well be good enough for most people. Throw in an onboard temperature sensor, support for 5G, media playback and gestures like double tap and wrist flick, and the latest Watch SE is not only a serious upgrade over its predecessor but also a compelling option for pretty much anyone. 

I used the SE 3 for a few weeks to see if it’s good enough to replace the Apple Watch Series 11 I regularly wear, and, setting aside some small caveats, the short answer is yes.

What’s new in the Apple Watch SE 3?

The most important upgrades in this generation of the entry-level smartwatch are the arrival of the always-on-display, faster charging speeds and on-device Siri. That latter addition allowed me to ask the assistant to start workouts, reply to messages or check the weather without having to deal with the tiny buttons on the cramped screen. You’ll also be able to dismiss notifications and alarms with a flick of your wrist, or use the double tap gesture to navigate the smart stack and select or confirm items onscreen.

Older models of the Watch SE would not only require a connection to your iPhone to work with Siri, but those requests would also be a lot slower since the system would need to wait for the phone to deliver the answer. I also loathed how long it took for earlier Apple Watches to charge, and in my testing the Watch SE 3’s speed comes closer to more recent models like the Series 7 and newer. It still took noticeably more time to recharge than the Series 11, but it’s not slow enough to be a dealbreaker. You’ll just need to establish some sort of charging routine that allows at least a few hours for the Watch SE 3 to get back to 100 percent.

An always-on-display is something I missed when I tested the Watch SE 2, because I’m the sort of gym fiend that likes to be able to quickly glance at my wrist while pumping some pushups and see exactly what my heart rate is. Without AOD, you’d need to raise your wrist or wake the screen somehow to see your stats, which is annoying if you’re in the middle of a workout or are lugging heavy weights around. The Watch SE 3 delivered basically the same experience as the Series 11 when I wore both to my resistance and HIIT (high intensity interval training) sessions, though the latter’s larger display did make it easier to read my stats.

Speaking of the screen, the Watch SE 3 hasn’t gotten any brighter, with its peak of 1,000 nits being the same as the SE 2’s. But the latest SE can get as dim as 2 nits, which is very close to the Series 11’s 1 nit. You may wonder why this is worth noting, but trust me — your retinas will be grateful when you accidentally raise your wrist or get a notification in the middle of the night or are in a darkened theater. Older smartwatches were pretty disruptive in cinemas since their screens were bright enough to scorch any eyeballs that were accustomed to low-light environments. 

The Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 side by side on the same forearm. Cherlynn Low for Engadget

Another screen-related update that isn’t immediately obvious is the Ion-X glass on the SE 3, which Apple says is four times more crack-resistant than the SE 2. I haven’t put this claim to the test, but the hardier material should help keep your smartwatch safe from more mishaps. 

I should also point out that the Watch SE 3 uses the same S10 processor as the Series 11, which has a four-core neural engine that should help speed up Siri and Apple Intelligence tasks. In general, I found the SE 3 snappy and responsive, and mostly as fast as the Series 11. Previous Watch SE models tended to be a bit sluggish, so it’s nice to see the SE 3 get this particular bump. 

The impact of most of the other improvements to the SE 3 depend on how you use a smartwatch. The new 5G support, for example, would be helpful if you get a cellular model and want to leave your phone behind while you run errands or go on walks. The wrist temperature sensor is mostly there to help with predicting cycles, so if you don’t ovulate it is unlikely to be useful to you right now. Sleep apnea notifications don’t affect non-sufferers, though they’re a nice feature to have. And finally, though I appreciate the ability to play songs of media through the watch’s onboard speaker, I rarely find myself wanting to do so.

It might be worth noting that the SE 3 comes in one fewer color option than the SE 2. You can only choose between starlight (a warm light gray) or midnight (black), as the silver version is not available in the latest generation. 

Apple Watch Series 11 vs the Watch SE 3 

The main thing I wanted to determine when reviewing the Watch SE 3 was whether it’s good enough to replace the Series 11. Like I said earlier, the short answer is yes, but it depends on how you use these devices. I don’t wear smartwatches to bed, and as a result my Watch SE 3 still has plenty of power left in the morning when I need it, so I’m a lot less affected by its relatively slower charging speeds. If you use your Apple Watch all the time, you might find something that recharges faster a lot more suitable — the Series 10 or 11 are both better on that front. 

The Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 side by side on the same forearm, with the same photo watch face on their screens. Cherlynn Low for Engadget

The Series 11’s larger screen and smaller bezels makes it a lot nicer to look at, though since the SE 3 also runs watchOS 26, I was able to use the same watch faces for both. Aesthetically, I didn’t find the two to be very far apart in terms of appearances, and if you’re not familiar with the latest Apple Watches like I am, you might not find the bezels as unsightly as I did. And though the SE 3 uses a flat OLED compared to the Series 11’s wide-angle OLED, I never really had an issue reading it, regardless of the position. 

Thanks to their electrical heart rate sensors, the Series 11 and Series 10 support Apple’s newer health-centric features like hypertension alerts, as well as apps for ECG and blood oxygen readings. The SE 3’s optical sensor is older and doesn’t have those capabilities, but you’ll still get notifications for irregular rhythms, low cardio fitness, as well as high and low heart rate notifications. Those were more than enough for me, and though I occasionally run an ECG reading on my Series 11, it’s not something I’d miss (especially if a $150 difference in price were in the balance). 

I’m also not a big swimmer or underwater enthusiast, so the SE 3’s lack of a depth gauge and water temperature sensor don’t bother me. All three watches I’ve mentioned in this section are water resistant to 50 meters, and that’s more than enough for my needs. If you want your watch to help with your underwater activities, it’s probably worth splurging on the Series 10 or 11.

The pricier watches are also certified IP6x for dust resistance, meaning they should offer a bit more peace of mind for those who work on beaches or on job sites, for example. I’ve not yet encountered a smartwatch that stopped working due to dust ingress, regardless of whether it was rated, so the SE 3 not having this certification doesn’t bother me either. 

One thing that the most discerning tech fans might call out is the fact that the SE 3 doesn’t have the same ultra wideband (UWB) chip that the Series 10 and 11 do. This enables the greater precision in Find My that allows you to locate your iPhone or wearable down to the number of feet. But you’ll still get basic Find My support on the Watch SE 3, and honestly all I really did with this was to use my watch to ring my phone so I could confirm it was with me without having to dig through all the pockets in my gigantic purse. Still, if you use this Find My interface a lot, it’s worth considering when getting your next Apple Watch.

Finally, if you’re a fan of the titanium finish or multiple color options in Apple’s more-premium lineup, only the Series 10 and 11 come in the silver and rose gold colors for the aluminum case. The Series 11 is also available in Space Gray in aluminum, as well as Slate, Gold and Natural hues for the titanium finish. Again, the SE 3 is only available in two colors.

Using the Apple Watch SE 3 as a Series 11 wearer

I’m the sort of person who straps on my smartwatch when I head out and removes it when I get home. When I’m outside, I expect my Apple Watch to track my steps and activity, automatically detect and log extended walks, tell me when someone’s calling or texting and keep tabs on my workouts. For all those situations, the SE 3 was more than adequate. Occasionally I noticed it was a bit slower than the Series 11 at recognizing when I was done working out and suggesting I end the session, but not at a frequency that was concerning. 

The SE 3 was also as capable as the Series 11 when it came to acting as a remote viewfinder for my iPhone’s camera, and Siri was satisfyingly responsive at launching my workouts or telling me about the weather. I also enjoyed having the double tap and wrist flick gestures at my disposal, and honestly kind of liked the watch’s smaller size. 

But I did miss the Series 11’s brighter screen and smaller bezels. I also prefer the Series 11 for its ability to recharge more quickly, as well as its slightly longer-lasting battery. Both still were able to make it through an entire day before needing a charge, but the Series 11 generally did more in the background in that amount of time. 

In the end, it wasn’t the features like blood oxygen readings or hypertension notifications that I wanted back. It boiled down to physical components like a brighter display or bigger battery and more durable case that I wanted around for peace of mind. 

Wrap-up

Is peace of mind worth a $150 premium? In this economy, it’s hard to say. On one hand, it’s possible a $399 Apple Watch will outlast the $249 SE 3, mostly due to its harder materials, making it a more astute investment in the long run. But for those who currently have tight budgets and need to replace aging or broken smartwatches, the SE 3 is the way to go.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-watch-se-3-review-good-enough-for-most-people-133000008.html?src=rss

This time of year has a lot of merry and bright things to be excited about, but it can be stressful if you’re stumped on what to get your mom, dad, best friend, coworker or kids’ teacher as a holiday gift. Whether you enjoy or dread buying gifts for people, it’s safe to say we all want to give our loved ones things they will enjoy and appreciate. But there’s a lot of noise, junk and bad deals disguised as good deals to sift through as we get closer and closer to the holidays.

Allow us at Engadget to help you through it. Here, you’ll find all of our holiday gift guides collected in one place, so you can more easily find the best Christmas gifts you need this year. Are you looking for white elephant gift ideas? Are you struggling to come up with a good gift for the father figure in your life? Are you just looking for a good board game to pick up for your own family? We’ve got you covered with gift ideas for all of those scenarios and more. Check back here throughout the season as we add more of our gift guides to the list.

Best tech gifts and gadgets

Trying to find the right gift for an unabashed gadget lover during the holidays can be difficult, especially if you don’t keep up with tech industry news yourself. Fortunately, you’re reading Engadget.com, a site entirely staffed by people who spend all day figuring out what new stuff is and isn’t actually good. So allow us to help. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite gadgets and gear that just might satisfy the avid geek in your life.

Read more: The best tech gifts and gadgets

Best board game gifts

We could all use more time away from screens of all types and sizes, and board games are a fun way to do that and bond with friends and family. You can find plenty of unique sets out there now, from word puzzles to whodunnits to calming playthroughs that showcase the beauty of the little things in life. From games with giant monsters to those with haunted mansions, we’re sure at least one of our suggestions will be a hit with you and your loved ones.

Read more: The best board games to gift this season

Best gifts under $50

We wouldn’t blame you if you try to do all of your tech shopping around the holidays. That’s when you can typically get the best sales, both on relatively affordable gear and (more importantly) on big-ticket items. But it would be wrong to think that only the most expensive tech is worth gifting. Since we at Engadget test a plethora of gadgets every year, we know that there are some hidden (and not so hidden) tech gems at lower price ranges — you just have to know where to find them.

Read more: The best gifts under $50 that make great stocking stuffers

Best gifts for remote workers

There's a pretty good chance you know at least one person who works remotely in some fashion. While the WFH life has its perks — nobody likes a long commute — it comes with its own set of challenges, from lacking pro-level equipment to dealing with household disturbances. If you’re looking to give a gift to someone who spends much of their time in their home office, we’ve rounded up a few techy gift ideas that should make their days a little more delightful, or at least easier to manage.

Read more: The best gift ideas for the remote worker in your life

Best white elephant gift ideas

According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. This story is almost certainly untrue, but it has led to a modern holiday staple: the white elephant gift exchange. These gift ideas will not only get you a few chuckles, but will also make your recipient feel (slightly) burdened.

Read more: The best white elephant gift ideas

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-christmas-gifts-to-give-everyone-on-your-2025-holiday-shopping-list-170018456.html?src=rss

LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance have taken another hit in China, with Apple removing two of the countries biggest LGBTQ+ dating apps. Wired reports that Blued and Finka are no longer available on the iOS App Store or certain Android App Stores following orders from the Cyberspace Administration of China, the country's internet regulator and censor. 

Apple told Wired that it must "follow the laws in the countries where we operate." Both dating apps were available solely in China, where LGBTQ+ dating apps are minimal — Grindr, for instance, hasn't been available on Apple since 2022. Blued exists internationally under the name HeeSay. 

China has increasingly cracked down on LGBTQ+ individuals' rights and groups in recent years, allegedly shuttering large organizations like the Beijing LGBT Center in 2023. For reasons unknown, Blued previously stopped new registrations this past July, with individuals buying second-hand accounts to use the app. However, it reopened in the middle of August. 

sBlued and Finka share a parent company, BlueCity, which is, in turn, owned by Newborn Town. BlueCity also operates in the healthcare space, with a non-profit dedicated specifically to prevention and treatment for diseases such as HIV/AIDS. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-told-to-remove-lgbtq-dating-apps-by-china-130022336.html?src=rss

Everyone knows by now that vinyl is back. The classic format has seen a resurgence for years at this point, and new albums these days almost always include a vinyl preorder. If you’ve finally decided to embark on the hobby, or if you’re looking to upgrade your current setup, we’ve compiled a list of the best turntables you can buy for under $600. Obviously, there are some very good, very popular options out there for around $1,000, but we had to start somewhere, and we had to narrow down the options a bit. Plus, there’s no reason for novices or even experienced spinners to spend that much to get a decent deck.

Best record players for 2025

Other record players we tested Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

This is about as basic as it gets, unless you opt for the AT-LP60X which ditches the Bluetooth connectivity. This is a perfectly decent option for someone just getting into vinyl, but if you spend a little more for the AT-LP70X, you won’t be in quite as big of a hurry to upgrade once you surrender to the obsession.

Cambridge Audio Alva ST

The Alva ST has a refined design that made me want to keep it out in my living room longer than many of the models on this list. The controls are limited on the top to power and individual options for 33 and 45 RPM speeds. Everything else is on the back panel, including Bluetooth pairing and preamp buttons. To complete the look, Cambridge Audio opted for a 1mm aluminium top plate, which sits on an MDF plinth with a layer of EVA to absorb vibrations in between.

While the overall audio performance on the Alva ST is warm and inviting, there is a lack of detail across genres. I’ve noticed albums don’t have a particularly wide soundstage, and songs lack their normal punch at times, so some sound compressed compared to when they’re played on other turntables. Additionally, the free swinging tone arm needs more resistance so it’s not so prone to dropping on a record immediately if it slips out of your fingers when you have the cueing lever down. Since this turntable is fully manual operation, I felt a bit of peril every time I went to lower the needle. (The price increased during testing for this guide.)

Denon DP-300F

Denon’s DP-300F is a mixed bag. On one hand, you get the convenience of fully automatic operation, dedicated speed and record size buttons and somewhat refined design. There are also some confounding decisions though, like the permanently affixed cables, the preamp switch being under the platter and the overall midrange build quality for a $500 turntable. The sound from the preamp and Denon’s cartridge has a clear lack of depth and detail that almost any model at this price should offer.

How to shop for a turntable

The first question you’ll need to ask yourself when looking for a turntable is how you plan to use it. Are you into vinyl for the ritual? If you simply like the concept of physical media, having to flip a record to finish it or the need to intentionally swap out an album when it’s done, that’s just fine. You probably can make do with a more affordable turntable since overall sound quality may not be a main concern. If you crave the warmth of analog sound, and you want the collection you’ve invested in to sound its best, you’ll need to consider something with better specs. 

You’ll also need to account for where and how you’re going to listen to vinyl. Are you planning to connect this turntable to headphones or Bluetooth speakers? Do you have shelf or tower speakers you’re going to use? Are you willing to invest in a dedicated preamp or would you rather a new turntable come with one built in? All of these questions will impact your buying decision — even the Bluetooth codecs, if you’re going the wireless route.

Best record players Billy Steele for Engadget Automatic, semi-auto and manual operation

If you’re just getting into vinyl, an automatic turntable will save you a lot of stress. These are the models that place the stylus for you — all you have to do is push a button. When you get to the end of the record, the turntable will also return the tonearm to its resting spot automatically. Or, if you need to stop your session mid-side, there’s a button for that too. 

Some turntables have semi-automatic operation. Maybe they can’t place the needle for you, but they do have an automatic stop when a side of a record is complete. This auto stop, which sometimes comes with an on/off switch, can prevent unnecessary wear on your stylus and vinyl. Plus, many turntables with automatic operation allow you to take control if you need to drop the stylus in a certain place (that’s not the beginning of the record) or if you have a die-cut vinyl (like the It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown soundtrack). 

Then there’s the fully manual option. Here, you’re solely responsible for placing the tonearm and taking it off when the music stops. A lot of turntables have a cue lever to assist with the process, and a lot of tonearms have a mechanism that lowers them slowly rather than violently dropping them on a record. This adds one more step to the ritual, and it’s one many purists prefer. 

Preamp

The biggest decision you’ll need to make in terms of a preamp is to decide if you want one built into your turntable or if you’d rather use a separate one. It can be very convenient, especially for beginners, to use a built-in component to amplify the signal from the turntable before it hits any speakers or headphones. The downside is that you’re left with what the company provides from the factory, so if you’re looking to upgrade, you’ll have to disable the preamp inside. On most turntables, there’s a switch that allows you to do this, so it’s no trouble. But, opting to skip the preamp on some models could save you money that could be invested elsewhere. 

A dedicated preamp typically uses higher-quality components and reduces noise by keeping internal parts properly separated. More robust models may even provide controls for things like tone or multiple inputs, while the basic options will simply allow you to plug in, play and forget it. If you’re after the best possible clarity and realism from your record collection, we’d recommend a dedicated preamp right from the start. 

Best record players Billy Steele for Engadget Removable cartridge/headshell

The next item you’ll want to consider is if the turntable you’re eyeing can be upgraded in the future. The best way to do this is by swapping out the cartridge. Most turntables allow you to do this but there are some that don’t, so you’ll need to pay attention to this detail. Upgrading the cartridge down the road is a great way to improve overall sound quality without having to buy a new turntable, new speakers or a new amp. 

Belt drive vs. direct drive

There are two main types of turntables: belt drive and direct drive. All of the models we tested for this guide are belt drive, which means there’s a thin belt that connects the platter to the motor to make the thing spin. Direct drive turntables are widely used by DJs and Technics was the first to make them. Here, the motor is directly under the platter and connected to it directly so the setup is less prone to wearing out. This is especially key when you’re doing things like scratching. Direct-drive turntables tend to be more expensive than their belt-driven counterparts.

Counterweight and anti-skate control

Most turntables will include a counterweight on the tonearm and some form of anti-skate control. Both of these help keep the stylus in place with the correct amount of pressure, all to ensure proper operation with minimal wear on your records. Sometimes the anti-skate elements are built into the tonearm while other models offer a dedicated dial on the surface of the plinth. The ability to adjust both of these can help you fine-tune the performance of your turntable over time, which may be necessary after upgrading the cartridge or other components. 

Other components to consider

Some final items you’ll want to evaluate on a prospective turntable purchase include the materials used for the base (plinth), platter and even the feet. Cheaper turntables may be mostly plastic affairs while more expensive models can use solid MDF (medium-density fibreboard) for the plinth. A lot of turntables have aluminum platters with a felt pad while others may feature a thick acrylic version. And while entry-level turntables may have small, plastic feet, premium models come with larger, adjustable, rubberized feet for better vibration isolation. While some of these come down to personal preference — a frosted acrylic platter looks really nice — there are some performance boosts to be gained depending on how the company uses the components.

How we test turntables

Since most turntables under $600 meet the criteria for entry-level through midrange, we tested every model with a set of Audio-Technica AT-SP3X powered speakers. These offer balanced sound for turntables with a 1.1-inch tweeter and 3-inch woofer in each unit. And at $269, they won’t break the bank if you need speakers for your new turntable and they’ll provide ample sound performance even if you spend more than our budget on a new deck.

For all of our test units that didn’t have a built-in preamp, we used the Fluance PA-10. At $100, it’s an affordable upgrade if you’re looking to bypass a turntable’s included components or if you’re looking to go more analog with your turntable purchase. There are no buttons or controls, just connect your turntable, speakers and ground wire (if you’re using one) and you’re ready to go. It’s simple, straightforward and inexpensive, so it’s a great option for beginners and more experienced vinyl collectors alike. 

In terms of performance testing, we play a variety of genres on each turntable to evaluate sound quality. We also carefully examine the overall experience of putting a record on, setting the speed, placing the tonearm and more, which allows us to judge how well each turntable will work for users at different experience levels. Lastly, we take notes on design and components, comparing those elements from each turntable with our other test subjects to make our recommendations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/best-record-player-120000239.html?src=rss

Typing, gaming, coding or just browsing — how your fingers connect with your keyboard can change the whole feel of your setup. Whether you’re looking for something whisper-quiet and compact or a thunderous mechanical board that sings with every stroke, the best keyboards make a real difference in comfort and performance.

Some people want a minimalist board that lives neatly next to their laptop or slips into a travel bag. Others need a full-size model with a numpad, dedicated macros and a build that stands up to long sessions. Today’s keyboard market is more diverse than ever. You’ll find boards designed for elegant workspace minimalism, gaming keyboards with aggressive RGB-lit setups and ergonomic keyboards built to reduce strain when you spend hours typing. Wireless models offer flexibility and tidy desks, while wired options still lead when speed and reliability matter most.

Whether you’re upgrading your first desktop, building a pro-level gaming rig or simply looking for a board that works better day after day, we’ve found the keyboards worth your time and money.

Table of contents

• Best keyboards for 2025

• What to look for in a keyboard

Best keyboards for 2025

What to look for in a keyboard Design Size

The first thing you’ll want to consider when it comes to your next computer keyboard’s design is size. There are a number of different keyboard layouts to choose from, but the most common are full-sized, tenkeyless and those smaller than tenkeyless.

Full-sized keyboards, or 100 percent, include a function row at the top and a complete numpad with arrow keys on the right side, along with all of the rest of the alphanumeric keys you’d expect on a standard QWERTY layout. Tenkeyless, or 80 percent, removes the number pad but keeps the arrow keys and the function row, reducing the overall width measurement of the board by a decent amount. Compact keyboards keep things ultra simple by including only the alphanumeric keys and modifiers like Alt, Shift, Ctrl and others and they come in different sizes like 60 percent, 65 percent and more. These are the most popular sizes out there, but you can find plenty of other designs that include different mixes of keys along with the standard letters and numbers all should have.

Aside from size, there are two other big categories that you could use to define a keyboard: ergonomic and mechanical. Ergonomic keyboards are designed with, you guessed it, better ergonomics in mind, taking into account where you should position your fingers, hands and forearms to maintain proper posture. Separately, mechanical keyboards use mechanical switches (of which there are many types) that differ greatly from the membrane or scissor-switch keyboards you’ll find dominating most wired and wireless options widely available today. We have guides to the best ergonomic keyboards and best mechanical keyboards, but we’ll summarize what you need to know about both here.

Ergonomic keyboards

If you deal with discomfort from working at a computer all day, ergonomic keyboards can help. These specially designed boards re-orient the keys, allowing you to hold your elbows farther apart and maintain a straighter line from your forearms to hands. Some people find this subtle change more comfortable.

Ergonomic keyboards typically fall into two categories: Alice and split keyboards. The former is a single unit with an A-shaped gap in the center of the keys. Split models come in two separate pieces which you can arrange as you like on your desk. Additional ergonomic features like tenting and negative tilt can make typing feel even more comfortable, and are often available on both Alice and split boards. Tenting raises the middle of the keys up so your hands take on more of a “handshake” position. Negative tilting lowers the top of the keyboard to keep your wrists angled downward instead of back towards your forearms.

The way the keys are arranged on the keyboard may make typing easier as well. Traditionally, keyboards are staggered, with one row of letters slightly offset from the row beneath it. Columnar keyboards arrange the keys in a grid of rows and columns. This style takes a little getting used to, but some people find it allows them to type faster. You can also make the keys of some keyboards do more than just produce letters. Programmable boards let you map shortcuts and other functions, including macros, which may keep you from reaching for the mouse quite so often, saving you time and possibly strain as well.

Mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have blown up in popularity as more people have been thrust into creating their own workspaces at home. It’s easy to see why: Compared to a traditional membrane keyboard, a good mechanical board is more durable, more satisfying to press and, most importantly, infinitely more customizable. The best of them usually come with a price premium, but even some cheaper models let you “hot-swap” between keycaps, switches and other materials, letting you tinker with different typing sensations and sound profiles until you find a combination that best expresses your preferences.

Do you want each press to feel deep and full or fast and light? Do you need them to sound loud and clacky or almost totally muffled? Do you prefer your keycaps to look subdued and professional, stuffed with RGB lights or written in an Elvish language from The Lord of the Rings for some reason? With the right new keyboard, it’s all up to you — the only things really holding you back are your imagination and your wallet.

We have a dedicated buying guide that digs deeper into the key aspects to consider when buying a mechanical gaming keyboard, so we encourage you to look at that for a full rundown. To keep things high-level, the most influential part of your purchase is your keyboard’s switch type. These little mechanisms slot underneath the keycaps and generally have the biggest effect on how your keyboard feels and sounds as you type away.

You can broadly separate mechanical switches into three buckets: linear, tactile and clicky. Linear switches feel smooth all the way down; they’re often popular with gamers since they tend to be light and fast to actuate. Tactile switches create a tangible “bump” sensation partway through a press; many people who spend all day typing prefer them because they clearly confirm each press without (always) being all that loud. Clicky switches are functionally similar to tactiles but make an audible “click” sound to match the bump; your coworkers may hate them, but others love the full-throated sense of feedback they provide. To be clear, just because two switches fall within the same bucket doesn’t mean they feel or sound exactly the same. The only way to figure out which switch works best for you is to do your research and, preferably, try some out for yourself.

Other keyboards have a mechanical-style feel but are built on different mechanisms entirely. The hot new trend in gaming-focused keyboards, for example, is Hall effect switches, which use tiny magnets to register keystrokes and let you customize the sensitivity of each press. Optical switches, meanwhile, offer similar functionality by replacing the physical contact point of a typical mechanical switch with a beam of infrared light. More recently, we’ve seen a couple keyboards launch with inductive switches, which can work like magnetic switches but use inductive coils in the keyboard’s printed circuit board (PCB) to cater to all switches collectively and don’t require a sensor for each individual switch. We touch on a couple of magnetic-switch keyboards in our picks below, but for a fuller breakdown of this sort of tech, we recommend you check out our dedicated buying guide to the best gaming keyboards.

Connectivity

You’ve got two options here: wired or wireless. Wired keyboards typically have an attached cable that plugs into a USB-A or USB-C port on your computer (or docking station), although some come with cables that can be removed. Wireless mechanical keyboards connect to your machine either via Bluetooth or a wireless receiver dongle. There’s always the chance of some latency with wireless keyboards, so keep that in mind if you’re picking one up to use primarily with a gaming PC. Of course, you’ll only have to worry about battery life with Bluetooth keyboards.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-keyboard-120000018.html?src=rss

It can be tough to find a good gift for tech obsessives. Since they keep up with the latest releases, they probably already have the new high-profile gadgets out there. Luckily, Engadget staffers keep their eyes peeled all year long for the truly unique stuff. We travel to CES, attend product launches, cover major and minor tech events — we also can’t help but buy ourselves any zany, clever, addictive or productive tech we happen to stumble across. In short, we’ve got some ideas about good gifts for tech nerds (which we are). Here are the best tech gifts and gadgets for 2025.

Best tech gifts and gadgets

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/the-best-tech-gifts-and-cool-gadgets-for-2025-140052697.html?src=rss

YouTube TV has notified subscribers that a $20 credit is heading their way in light of its ongoing standoff with Disney, which has resulted in numerous channels going dark on the platform, including ESPN, ABC News and Disney Channel. In an email to subscribers, the YouTube TV Team said subscribers should expect to see an email in the coming days about the credit, which will be applied to their next bill after it's redeemed. 

"We know it’s been disappointing to lose Disney content, and we want you to know we deeply appreciate your patience," the email said. YouTube TV and Disney had a deadline of October 30 to reach a new agreement about Disney's content moving forward, but that date passed with no deal. Negotiations are ongoing, according to the company. "We've been working in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content and returns their programming to YouTube TV," the team said in the email. If that $20 still isn't enough to make up for the weeks of lost content, you can always pause your subscription in the meantime. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtube-tv-is-giving-subscribers-a-20-credit-as-consolation-for-the-disney-blackout-231000002.html?src=rss

Blue Origin has postponed the second flight of its New Glenn rocket, which was slated to send a pair of NASA spacecraft on the first step of their journey to Mars on Sunday afternoon. The heavy-lift launch vehicle was scheduled to take off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 2:45PM ET., but multiple holds were issued during the under-two-hour launch window due to inclement weather. Blue Origin called off the launch attempt around 4:13PM.

The next launch opportunity is as yet unclear. Blue Origin was previously given a backup opportunity set for Monday afternoon, but the FAA has since issued an emergency order restricting commercial launches for the time being due to the government shutdown. As of November 10, commercial space launches can only take place between 10:00PM and 6:00AM. Blue Origin said on Sunday that it’s reviewing opportunities based on the weather, and did not mention the FAA’s order.

New Glenn's development has faced significant delays over the last decade since it was first announced, and finally took its maiden flight at the beginning of this year. Its first stage booster is intended to be reusable, and the company plans to recover the booster from the upcoming launch by landing it on an autonomous landing platform vessel dubbed Jacklyn, also known as the barge. Blue Origin attempted the same during its first flight, but failed. 

The spacecraft on board New Glenn are twin satellites built by Rocket Lab and operated by UC Berkeley for NASA's Escapade mission to study the effects of space weather. They'll be following a new trajectory to the red planet, lingering in "a lazy, 12-month kidney bean-shaped orbit" around Earth until Mars is in alignment, according to UC Berkeley. Escapade should reach Mars in 2027. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/blue-origin-scrubs-new-glenns-second-flight-due-to-bad-weather-214349212.html?src=rss

Apple's latest iterative update for iPhones brings a welcome change for those who aren't a fan of its Liquid Glass design overhaul. After user complaints that the Liquid Glass' translucent design was hard to read, Apple introduced a compromise in iOS 26's fourth beta that allowed for a more frosted look as well as a Reduce Transparency option buried in the Accessibility settings. Now, Apple is making this Liquid Glass toggle available for all iPhone users with iOS 26.1.

What is Liquid Glass?

Apple debuted Liquid Glass at WWDC 2025 as its major visual redesign, which prompted a lot of comparisons to Windows Vista. Everything from switches and sliders to sidebars and panels would imitate glass, so that users can see the underlying colors and content. While some iPhone users liked the fluidity and freshness, others said the transparent look often created legibility issues, caused lag from the animations and led to eye strain over extended periods of time.

How to reduce the Liquid Glass effect

To access the new Liquid Glass toggle, make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 26.1. You can check which version you're by navigating to Settings, then General, then Software Update. After you confirmed that you're on the most recent iOS, you can go back into Settings, then Display & Brightness. From there, you'll find a new setting for Liquid Glass that lets you choose between "Clear" or "Tinted." The Clear option is Apple's original vision for Liquid Glass with see-through controls, while the Tinted option "increases opacity and adds more contrast."

You can preview the differences between the two choices in the Liquid Glass setting before you commit to one. When in use, the Tinted option switches to the same frosted look first seen by iOS beta testers, which adds a more solid background to panels that have been Liquid Glass-ified. It's important to note that there are only two options and Apple didn't instead opt for a slider to adjust opacity. However, Apple is leaning more into customizability with its operating systems, as indicated by its recently introduced Spatial Scenes feature.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-adjust-the-liquid-glass-effect-in-ios-261-203634681.html?src=rss

For about the price of a mid-range custom PC build, you could instead opt for a top-of-the-line gaming handheld called the OneXFly Apex. OneXPlayer launched its latest Indiegogo campaign for its upcoming handheld that starts at $1,399 and goes up to $2,299 for a fully kitted-out version. While most portable gamers are better off with the Steam Deck, the OneXFly Apex separates itself from the crowd with high-end specs, an external 85Wh battery, and the option for liquid cooling.

OneXPlayer hasn't divulged the estimated play time you'll get with its massive battery, but it's designed to be quickly swapped out with a spare battery that's sold separately. If the battery runs low, you can either wait a few hours to recharge or hardwire into a power outlet to keep gaming. You can build the OneXFly Apex with up to an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip and 128GB of memory. The Windows handheld has up to 4TB of local storage, but you can expand it by another 4TB thanks to both a mini SSD and a microSD card slot.

OneXPlayer uniquely offers an optional liquid cooling module for the OneXFly Apex, which you have to pay $60 more for. While the starting price may turn people away, OneXPlayer also included non-contact capacitive joysticks that will never get stick drift and Hall triggers that can be toggled for short or long travel modes to justify the handheld's cost. The OneXFly Apex crowdfunding campaign managed to reach its goal of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars, or roughly $12,850, in less than two minutes. OneXPlayer currently offers four configurations of its gaming handheld, which is expected to start shipping in January 2026.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/onexplayers-premium-gaming-handheld-packs-an-external-85wh-battery-185515162.html?src=rss

Your iPhone may soon be able to do more than call for emergency help and send messages via satellite, according to the latest Power On newsletter. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is planning to expand on satellite features available on iPhones.

Apple introduced the ability to send and receive texts with the Messages via Satellite feature last year, but is reportedly looking to enhance this with the option to send photos too. Beyond texting, Apple wants to enable 5G NTN support on its iPhones, which allows cell towers to get a coverage boost by tapping into satellites, according to Gurman. For anyone who needs directions in a remote area without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, Apple reportedly has plans to introduce satellite connectivity to Apple Maps.

Along with these upgrades, Gurman reported that Apple is looking into "natural usage" improvements where users won't have to point their iPhones towards the sky to connect to a satellite network. Instead, an iPhone could stay connected even when there's no clear view of the sky, like in indoor environments. On the developer side of things, Gurman said that Apple is also working on an API that allows app makers to add satellite connections.

There's no timeline for when these rumored satellite features will go live, but Apple previously waited a couple of years between introducing Emergency SOS via Satellite in 2022 and Messages via Satellite with the release of iOS 18.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-is-reportedly-working-on-more-satellite-features-for-iphone-172151203.html?src=rss

November is here, which means gift giving season is right around the corner, as is Black Friday. The latter, though, may feel like it's already here thanks to all the deals you can already get right now. A few of the best ones are on Google devices, namely the latest Google flagship smartphones.

Take the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which has only been out since late August. It's now down to $1,499 from $1,799 — a 17 percent discount. This deal is available at both Amazon and Best Buy, and seems to be the first big markdown on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Notably, this deal is on the 256GB model, but the 512GB and 1TB Pixel 10 Pro Folds are also $300 off.

We gave the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold an 88 in our review, thanks to its improved durability, with an IP68 rating. It also has upgraded software and multitasking, along with Pixelsnap charging. Plus, we found it has the "best cameras of any flexible phone." One of our biggest gripes is the price — though this discount certainly helps. It's also quite a bulky device and can feel pretty heavy. 

Other Google phones are also on sale for Black Friday right now. The Pixel 10 Pro has dropped to a record low of $749, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL with a whopping 1TB of storage is also cheaper than ever at $1,249.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-google-pixel-10-pro-fold-is-300-off-in-this-early-black-friday-deal-123036348.html?src=rss

Apple has continued its trend of giving users more creative freedom over how their iPhones look and feel, and one of the most striking new customization options in iOS 26 is the ability to stretch the clock on your lock screen. The feature, part of Apple’s refreshed design language for iPhone software, allows the time to expand across more of the screen, giving it a bold, modern appearance. Whether you prefer the minimalist look of small numerals or the dramatic impact of an oversized clock, iOS 26 makes it easy to adjust your lock screen style to suit your taste.

This new resizing option is officially referred to as “adaptive time,” and it transforms what used to be a static lock-screen element into something that feels more fluid and responsive. By dragging a simple on-screen handle, you can expand or shrink the size of the time display, creating a distinctive visual effect that gives your lock screen a fresh new personality.

How to stretch your lock-screen clock

To access the stretch option, start by waking your iPhone and remaining on the lock screen. Instead of unlocking the device, press and hold anywhere on the display to enter customization mode. This brings up a carousel of your saved lock screens, allowing you to edit the one that’s currently active. Tap “Customize,” then choose the “Lock Screen” option to enter the editor.

Once the editing screen appears, tap directly on the clock. This will bring up the familiar font and color panel introduced in earlier versions of iOS. To make the stretch feature available, the first font option (the default and leftmost style) must be selected. It should also be set to use the Arabic Western script. After confirming these settings, tap the clock again to close the font panel.

If the wallpaper supports the feature, a small circular drag handle will appear in the lower-right corner of the clock. Touch and hold this handle, then drag it downward to stretch the clock. The digits will expand in real time as you move your finger. When you’re happy with the size, release the handle. To save your changes, tap “Done” in the top-right corner of the screen. Exiting customization mode will reveal your new, enlarged clock on the lock screen.

If the stretch feature doesn’t appear, the issue is usually related to the font or wallpaper. Some wallpapers, particularly those with subjects that fill the upper portion of the frame, limit how much the clock can expand. If the image leaves little open space, iOS hides the handle to prevent the time from overlapping key parts of the photo. Switching to a simpler or more spacious wallpaper usually resolves this.

Understanding the stretched clock feature

In previous versions of iOS, the lock-screen clock was fixed in place. Regardless of the wallpaper used, its size and position remained the same. iOS 26 changes that by introducing a resize handle that appears on the bottom-right corner of the clock once the screen is in edit mode. When this handle is dragged downward, the digits expand, allowing the time to stretch dramatically toward the center of the screen. The feature works in both directions, meaning the clock can also be shrunk back to its previous size if the stretched look is too much for you.

The stretched clock effect works best with the new Liquid Glass interface design Apple introduced in iOS 26. This approach blends the clock’s font with the background, creating a subtle depth effect where the time appears to hover over the wallpaper. However, the resizing tool is not available on every setup. It only works when specific conditions are met, including the use of the default clock font and the standard Arabic Western script. If any other font or script is selected, the stretch handle will not appear.

Cherlynn Low for Engadget Troubleshooting and limitations

The stretch function in iOS 26 is a visual adjustment, not a full-scale redesign of the lock screen, and there are a few limitations to be aware of. It works only with the default clock font, and changing the typeface or script will remove the resize option entirely. Users who rely on different numeral styles or custom fonts won’t see the handle appear. Similarly, widgets can interfere with resizing if they occupy too much space beneath the clock. Removing them temporarily can make it easier to adjust the clock size.

Some users have reported that the stretch handle disappears after software updates or when certain Focus modes are active. However, restarting your iPhone or disabling those modes typically restores it. As this is a relatively new feature, Apple may still be refining how it behaves across different iPhone models and lock-screen setups.

The visual impact of the stretched clock depends largely on your wallpaper. Minimal backgrounds with clean space at the top allow the time to expand without cluttering the screen. Complex or busy images tend to reduce the effect, as the clock will automatically adjust its transparency and positioning to stay readable. The stretched design looks particularly polished on wallpapers that match Apple’s new Liquid Glass aesthetic, where colors subtly blend through the numerals for a semi-transparent glow.

Making the most of your stretched clock

While the stretch feature is primarily cosmetic, it contributes to the broader trend of personalization across iOS. Apple’s lock-screen customization tools now include options for widgets, depth-aware wallpapers, color filters and dynamic animations, giving users more control than ever over their device’s appearance. The stretched clock fits naturally into this toolkit, offering an easy way to change the entire mood of your lock screen in seconds.

For users who prefer a bold, modern design, the larger clock size provides immediate impact and better visibility. Those who favor a more minimalist layout can keep it subtle by dragging the handle upward to restore the smaller, classic look. Whatever your preference, the process is reversible and quick, meaning you can experiment freely without losing your original layout.

Apple’s focus with iOS 26 is clearly on personalization and polish. The stretched clock may seem like a small detail, but it captures the overall philosophy behind this update, blending design flexibility with simple, intuitive gestures. With just a few taps and a short drag, your iPhone’s lock screen can transform into something uniquely yours, whether that’s a subtle enhancement or a bold statement across the display.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-stretch-the-clock-on-your-lock-screen-in-ios-26-130032926.html?src=rss

Store pages on Steam are looking a lot less cramped thanks to a new update. Pages have been made wider, with support for higher resolution images and new viewing modes for trailers and screenshots. You'll notice changes in the top carousel and in the "About the Game" section, where some new formatting options should make things look a bit more organized. The update just rolled out to the public after first being tested among beta users.

With this update, pages have been widened to 1200 pixels, which Valve says "felt like a good balance where we can show more content on screen without overwhelming the page and making it hard to navigate." There's now the option of a large pop-up view called theater mode in the carousel, as well as full-screen mode. In addition to games' store pages, Valve has slightly tweaked the appearance of search results and recommendation pages to be wider, and made store hubs, Steam Charts and the News Hub look more uniform.

You may also notice some more colorful backgrounds on games' store pages and in bundle detail pages. Where you won't see changes yet, though, is the homepage. While Valve says it's working on "similar adjustments" for the homepage, those aren't rolling out with this update.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/steam-store-pages-get-a-mini-makeover-to-better-suit-wide-screens-200142506.html?src=rss

For many folks, working from home is simply the new normal. If you’re looking to treat someone who spends most of their time in the home office, this holiday season is as good a time as any to make their daily routine a little more convenient. As a collection of remote workers ourselves, we at Engadget have rounded up a few gift ideas that should add a bit more delight to the WFH life.

Best gifts for remote workers

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-22-best-gift-ideas-for-the-remote-worker-in-your-life-140037336.html?src=rss