VoiceRun nabs $5.5M to build voice agent factory
VoiceRun, a startup that creates voice agents, raised $5.5 million in a round led by FlyBridge.
Elevation Lab's extended battery AirTag case is down to only $16
AirTags already have a decently long battery life, but you will end up needing to replace the coin cell every two years or so. If you don't even want to be bothered with that, Elevation Lab made just the accessory for you: its AirTag battery case that can power the tracker for up to 10 years is on sale for 30 percent off. You can pick one up for only $16, and it's available in two- and four-packs as well at a discount. The TimeCapsule case uses two AA batteries to offer up to 14 times the lifespan of the CR2032 battery that powers an AirTag. The company based those estimates on Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, so your mileage may vary. Once an AirTag is seated inside the case, which is a compact 4.45 x 1.57 inches, it is sealed shut with four screws at the corners. The case is fiber-reinforced, according to Elevation Lab, and rated IP69 waterproof. The company says its intended for use cases where you might place an AirTag for long periods of time, like in a vehicle, a piece of luggage or a work bag. We've already got a couple of Elevation Lab products on our list for best AirTag accessories , so while we haven't reviewed the battery case, we tend to like this company's products. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/elevation-labs-extended-battery-airtag-case-is-down-to-only-16-162308748.html?src=rss
Get one month of the Disney+ and Hulu bundle for only $10
The peak time for deals on streaming services the holiday shopping season has come and gone, but Disney is back with a fresh offer for the new year. New and eligible returning subscribers can get one month of the ad-supported Disney+ Hulu bundle for just $10. That's $3 off the usual monthly rate for the bundle, and more than 58 percent off if you consider the prices for each service individually (Disney+ at $12 per month and, separately, Hulu also at $12 per month). We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that this isn't quite as good as the Black Friday deal we saw last year, which offered the same bundle for $5 per month for one year. However, if you missed that offer or just want to try out Disney+ and Hulu for a brief period of time, this is a good way to do so. Disney+ and Hulu make one of the most balanced streaming pairs available, blending family-friendly favorites with acclaimed originals and network TV staples. Disney+ brings a vast library of animated classics, blockbuster franchises and exclusive content from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic. Its the place to stream nearly every Star Wars film and series, plus the full Marvel Cinematic Universe lineup and Disneys most recent theatrical releases. Hulu balances things out with a more adult-oriented lineup of current TV shows, next-day network episodes and a growing roster of award-winning originals. The platform hosts series like The Bear, The Handmaids Tale and Only Murders in the Building , alongside comedies, thrillers and documentaries that regularly feature in awards conversations. Its also the home for next-day streaming of ABC and FX shows, making it especially useful if youve already cut the cable cord but still want to keep up with primetime TV. The Duo Basic bundle ties these two services together under a single subscription, offering a simple way to expand your library without juggling multiple accounts. This tier includes ads on both platforms, but the trade-off is significant savings compared with paying for each service separately. For many households, thats an acceptable compromise when it means access to such a wide range of content. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-one-month-of-the-disney-and-hulu-bundle-for-only-10-192814218.html?src=rss
15 Best Office Chairs of 2026 Ive Tested Nearly 65 to Pick Them
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Matthew McConaughey fights unauthorized AI likenesses by trademarking himself
Matthew McConaughey filed trademark applications to prevent his likeness from being used by AI companies without permission, and the US Patent and Trademark Office has approved eight so far. According to the Wall Street Journal , the trademarks were for video and audio clips featuring the actor staring, smiling and talking. One was for a video of him standing on a porch, while another was for an audio recording of him saying alright, alright, alright, his signature catchphrase from the movie Dazed and Confused . Under the law, its already prohibited for companies to steal someones likeness to sell products. However, McConaughey is taking a proactive approach due to the nebulous rules around the use of someones likeness for artificial intelligence and whats considered commercial use involving the technology. His lawyer, Kevin Yorn, admits that they dont know how the court would decide if an offender challenges the trademarks. But theyre hoping that the threat of a lawsuit would deter companies from using McConaugheys likeness for AI in the first place. Actors have been trying to protect themselves from AI since the technology blew up, and it was one of the sticking points in the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood studios when the labor union went on a strike in 2023. McConaughey isnt anti-AI by any means: He is an investor in ElevenLabs and has partnered with the AI startup to create a Spanish version of his newsletter. He said in a statement sent to The Journal that he just wants to make sure that if his voice or likeness is ever used, its because he approved and signed off on it. We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world, he added. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/matthew-mcconaughey-fights-unauthorized-ai-likenesses-by-trademarking-himself-130000567.html?src=rss
Meta to reportedly lay off 10% of Reality Labs staff
Meta is laying off 10% of staff in its Reality Labs division, which is core to developing the company's VR and metaverse products.
The Merach Vibration Plate Is the Funniest Workout I've Ever Done
It turns out that this TikTok-viral vibration plate may have some surprising health benefits.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving is switching to a subscription-only service
Tesla will stop selling its $8,000 Full Self-Driving (FSD) option and make it strictly a monthly subscription service after February 14, CEO Elon Musk announced on his X platform . Musk didn't reveal the price or why he's making the switch, though FSD is already available by subscription for $99 per month or $999 per year. The shift could be advantageous for buyers, particularly if they decide to dump their new Tesla or trade it in . It will also allow prospective owners to hedge their bets, as Tesla has overpromised on the feature since it was first announced. Tesla will stop selling FSD after Feb 14. FSD will only be available as a monthly subscription thereafter. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 14, 2026 Full Self-Driving has never done what the name suggests as humans must constantly supervise the system and frequently take control. Because of that, it's more of a driver assist system and doesn't even qualify as Level 3 self-driving (conditional automation), let alone as a truly autonomous Level 4 or Level 5 category. Musk has been touting self-driving capabilities on Tesla vehicles since 2015, promising at the time complete autonomy by 2018. Branding for the system as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving has been called out as false advertising by consumer watchdogs and government for years , but so far, regulators have yet to take action. A California judge recently ruled that Tesla used deceptive language to market Autopilot and recommended suspending Tesla's sales in the state for 30 days. However, the company has 90 days to comply and could still avoid punishment. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/teslas-full-self-driving-is-switching-to-a-subscription-only-service-120053137.html?src=rss
SkyFi raises $12.7M to turn satellite images into insights
The Austin-based marketplace offers imagery from more than 50 space-based imagery providers.
UK scraps digital ID requirement for workers
The UK government has backtracked on a plan to require all workers to have a digital ID following a backlash. It will no longer be mandatory to register with the digital ID program to prove one has the right to work in the country, as the BBC reports. The government announced the now-scrapped digital ID requirement in September. You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said at the time. It's as simple as that. The government still plans to fully transition to digital right-to-work checks by 2029, using the likes of biometric passports, as it seeks to do away with paper-based systems. Those are open to fraud and abuse, a government spokesperson said. Officials have still not explained exactly how the digital ID program will work. The government originally framed digital IDs as a way to make it easier to identify immigrants who are working in the country without having the legal right to do so. It is now said to be focusing more on pressing home the message that digital IDs will help people access public services. A service called One Login will be part of the digital ID system this currently can be used for things like applying for a veteran card and canceling a lost passport. More than 12 million people have signed up so far. Another service called Wallet will let people store their digital ID on their phone. This would contain their name, date of birth, nationality, residence status and a photo. Almost 3 million people signed an official parliamentary petition to protest the introduction of digital IDs. We think this would be a step towards mass surveillance and digital control, and that no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system, the petition states. We oppose the creation of any national ID system. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/uk-scraps-digital-id-requirement-for-workers-105740207.html?src=rss
Ola Electric opens up its 4680 Bharat Cell platform to startups, businesses
The in-house manufactured cells can be used across automotive, humanoids, drones, and portable medical equipment, Ola Electric said.
Best Bone Conduction Headphones (2026): Shokz, Suunto, Mojawa
Everyone needs a safe way to listen to music on outdoor runs. Weve found the bone conduction headphones to grab on your way out the door.
State Street to buy stake in Groww AMC at about Rs 2,500 Cr valuation
The US-based asset managers' entry follows a similar move by rival BlackRock, which formed a joint venture with Jio Financial Services Ltd. to tap into Indias asset management sector.
Having fewer ports makes laptops and tablets lighter and more affordable but that also cuts down on your connectivity options. If youve got a MacBook Air, a slim Chromebook or a tablet youd like to get more utility out of, a USB-C hub can help. Using just a single port on your device, these multiport adapters will let you hook up screens, tap into Ethernet cables, connect mice and keyboards, and transfer data to drives and memory cards. Most also give you a way to power your device through the hub to maximize port availability. We tested over a dozen models to come up with picks for every budget. Here are the best USB-C hubs, according to our tests. Table of contents Best USB-C hubs for 2026 What to look for in a USB-C hub How we test USB-C hubs Other hubs we tested Recent updates Best USB-C hubs for 2026 What to look for in a USB-C hub Hub vs docking station The first thing to decide is whether you need a USB-C hub or a USB-C docking station. Theres no set standard for what differentiates the two, but docking stations tend to have more ports, offer a separate DC power adapter and cost more, with some reaching upwards of $400. We have a separate guide to the best docking stations to check out if youre looking for something bigger than what were discussing here. USB-C hubs, in contrast, have between four and 10 ports, can support pass-through charging and typically cost between $30 and $150. Hubs, sometimes also called dongles or even multiport adapters, make more sense for smaller setups with just a few peripherals, such as a monitor, a wired keyboard and mouse, and the occasional external drive. Theyre also more portable, since theyre small and require no dedicated power. That could be useful if you change work locations but want to bring your accessories with you, or if you want to replace your laptop with a more powerful tablet . A docking station or Thunderbolt dock makes more sense for someone who needs a robust setup for their laptop, including multiple external monitors, webcams, stream decks, microphones and so on. Both docks and hubs make it easy to grab your laptop off your desk for a meeting or other brief relocation and when you get back, you only need to plug in one cable to get all your accessories reconnected. Of course, if you just need to plug in one peripheral, you may not need a hub or a dock, a simple USB-C adapter, like HDMI to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C, may do the trick. Ports For a USB-C hub to work, it needs to connect to a port on your laptop or tablet that supports video, data and power all of which is covered by anything listed as USB 3.0 or better, including USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4. The port, of course, needs to be Type-C as well. The sea of laptops out there is vast, so its hard to make generalizations, but modern laptops, including Windows and Apple models, should have at least one USB-C port that will suffice, and indeed, every one of our top picks for the best laptops do including our top pick, the M4 MacBook Air. Next, its a matter of finding a good USB-C hub that has the right connections for your needs. Most hubs offer some combo of HDMI, USB, SD card reader, Ethernet and 3.5 mm ports. If you have a 4K monitor and would like at least a 60Hz refresh rate, youll need a hub with an HDMI 2.0 port HDMI 1.4 only goes up to 30Hz. HDMI 2.1 will handle 4K at up to 120Hz, but hubs that have adopted that standard arent as common just yet. Keep in mind that a low refresh rate can cause your screen to feel laggy, making your mouse appear glitchy and your webcam movements to look delayed. Additional USB ports on these accessories are usually USB Type-A or USB Type-C. They can support data with different transfer rates, typically 5Gbps or 10Gbps. Some ports only handle passthrough power and no data, and some can do data, power and video, so its best to check the spec list to make sure youre getting the support you need. Keep in mind that a hub may bill itself as a 7-in-1, but one of those ports may not be usable for anything other than charging. Standard SD and microSD cards are useful for transferring data from cameras and the like or for offloading files from your hard drive, and many hubs have those slots. Ethernet ports may deliver faster internet speeds than your Wi-Fi and a hub with a 3.5mm jack can bring back the wired headphone connection that some laptops have ditched. Power delivery Nearly all of the USB-C hubs I tested support passthrough charging. That means if your laptop or tablet only charges via USB, you dont have to take up another port on your laptop to keep everything topped up. Unlike a docking station, powering a hub is optional. The one exception is if you want to close the lid on your laptop while you work on an external monitor. Most computers will go into sleep mode if the lid is closed without power, so either the laptop or the hub will need to be plugged into the wall to prevent that from happening. Many of the newer hubs include a 100W USB-C power delivery (PD) port, with a healthy 80 to 85 watts going to your Mac, PC, iPad or Android tablet (the hubs take a little of the juice for themselves, hence the 15-watt or so difference). In my tests, a powered USB hub ran hotter than when it wasn't passing the charge through, so I prefer to power the computer directly using its own charger. But for tablets or other devices with no extra ports, that PD option is important. Some PD ports are also data ports which is both good and bad. On one hand, it feels wasteful to use a perfectly good data port just for boring old electricity. But on the other hand, USB-C connections that only carry a charge are less versatile, and it makes it seem like it has more accessory hookups than it actually does. Design Theres surprisingly little design variation among hubs. Most look like a flat slab, a little smaller than a smartphone, and have an attached Type-C host cable. The hues range from a silvery black to a silvery gray. Some are thinner than others, some have all ports on one edge and some have ports on both sides. All of this is just to say that aesthetics probably wont make or break your buying decision. One variation that could tip the scales is the length of the cable. A longer one will give you more freedom as you arrange the hub on your desk, potentially even letting you hide it behind your laptop. Or you may prefer a shorter one to keep the hub neatly set beside your laptop. How we test USB-C hubs Before we test anything, we take a look at whats available and how theyve been received by shoppers, forum-goers and other publications. I became familiar with a few reputable brands when I was testing docking stations, so I looked into hubs from those companies as well. I focused on items that would help with an average day of productivity not high-end setups or demanding gaming situations. Once I settled on a dozen or so that would make good candidates, I had them shipped to my humble office in the desert and started testing them out over the course of a few weeks. I used an M1 MacBook Pro running MacOS Sonoma as the host computer and plugged in accessories that include a 4K Dell monitor, a ZSA USB-C ergo keyboard , a Logitech USB-A gaming mouse , an Elgato USB-C 4K webcam , a Logitech streaming light, a USB-A 3.0 Sandisk thumb drive, a USB-C Samsung T7 Shield external drive and a pair of wired headphones I got for free on an airplane (I should probably invest in some wired headphones, but the cord dangling on my chest drives me nutty so all my earbuds are wireless). I used high-end HDMI and USB-C cables to ensure that any data or connectivity issues werent related to my equipment. Then I put each USB-C hub through a gamut of basic tests. I looked at what could be plugged in at once, the resolution on the monitor, data transfer speeds, the overall build quality of the hub and general usability factors, like the placement of the ports and the length of the cords. And, finally, the price-to-value ratio helped determine the best ones for a few different use cases. Other hubs we tested HyperDrive Next 10 Port USB-C Hub Theres a lot to like about HyperDrives Next 10 Port USB-C Hub . The tethered cable is a lavish 13 inches long, the HDMI 2.0 port outputs clear and crisp 4K visuals at 60Hz and the high-speed data transfers are great. It has the coveted two USB-C data ports plus a PD port, and theres even a headphone jack. The only thing that holds back a full-throated endorsement is the way our unit handled a streaming light. Having it on at full brightness made the webcam flicker every time. The issue went away at 75 percent brightness, but the same problem didnt happen on any other hub I tested. Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1) Theres nothing wrong with the Anker 341 USB-C hub. In fact its a current recommendation in our iPad accessories guide and it comes at a great $35 price. It gives you two USB-A ports as well as SD slots. But at this point, a 1.4 HDMI connection, which only supports 4K resolution at 30Hz feels a little retro. Theres also just a single USB-C downstream port and the data transfer tests proved to be a touch slower than the other hubs. But if youve got a lower resolution monitor and dont need more than one USB-C, you wont be disappointed with it. Anker 555 8-in-1 It was a tough call between the UGreen Revodoc Pro 109 and the Anker 555 8-in-1 for our top recommendation. Both have a similar port array with an HDMI, Ethernet, two USB Type A, a PD USB-C and a USB-C 3.2 on the 555. And the Anker USB-C hub is $15 cheaper. We went with the UGreen hub for its more premium build, extra USB-A port and longer cord that gives you two extra inches to work with. But if you want to save a few bucks this hub is a worthwhile pick. Startech 4-Port USB-C Hub (data only) I only became aware of Startech when I started researching for this guide. The quality is decent and the yellow accents are a welcome bit of color in the otherwise very gray world of hubs. The performance is solid, with no hiccups that I encountered. The brands 4-Port USB-C Hub has a long cord that wraps around the hub itself, which is unique. It doesnt bother with power delivery, which isnt an issue if you can power your computer directly. But the four USB ports (three Type-A and one Type-C) max out at 5Gbps and theres no HDMI connector. It goes for $46, and unfortunately for it, there are cheaper ways to get a few more USB ports for your setup. Recent updates January 2026: Added an honorable mention from Satechi. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-usb-c-hub-120051833.html?src=rss
CMF Headphone Pro Review | A versatile everyday option
CMF Headphone Pro blends funk, practicality, and well-thought-out features, all for 6,999
Earths crust is slowly sinking beneath central Turkey, and scientists know why
Groww reports Q3 profit of Rs 547 Cr, revenue of Rs 1,216 Cr
Groww posted a PAT of Rs 546.93 crore for Q3 FY26, down from Rs 757.11 crore in the same period a year ago, according to its financial statements.
Pee Safe raises $32M from OrbiMed to scale womens hygiene business
The funding round includes a mix of primary capital and secondary share sales, allowing some early investors to partially exit, while providing growth capital for the business.
Unacademy to shut company-operated offline centres; to transition to franchise model: Gaurav Munjal
Days after upGrad called off the deal with Unacademy, the edtech company is transitioning its offline centres to a franchise model to cut burn and slowly phase out the offline business, which it started with much fanfare in 2022.
$50 Target Promo Code & Coupons | January 2026
Get $50 off your next order or up to 50% off sitewide with Target coupon codes and Circle deals.
Britain seeks 'reset' in copyright battle between AI and creators
Britain, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to turn into an AI superpower, initially proposed relaxing copyright laws to allow developers to train models on any material they could lawfully access
Google defends AI search summaries in Rolling Stone publisher's lawsuit
Google has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit by the publisher of Rolling Stone, Billboard and Variety magazines that accuses the tech giant of eroding traffic to media companies websites
Lenovo Coupon Codes and Deals: $5,000+ Off
Whether youre shopping for a ThinkPad, Yoga laptop, or Legion gaming PC, these Lenovo discount codes and promotions can help you save big on your next tech upgrade.
Elon Musk versus OpenAI trial set for April 27
The legal showdown will center on Musk's claim that OpenAI and Altman abandoned the startup's original nonprofit, public-benefit mission
Google Workspace Promo Code: Up to 14% Off in 2026
Boost your productivity and save with exclusive Google Workspace coupons from WIRED. Get up to 14% off plans for three months, including Starter, Standard, and Plus tiers.
7 readiness reviews, high stakes: Isro had prepped hard for PSLVs Jan 12 return
PayU Payments' loss narrows to Rs 248 Cr in FY25
The consolidated revenue from operations of PayU increased by about 23% to Rs 5,562.98 crore in FY25.
UPI user base can more than double to 1B: RBI Deputy Governor
About 50% of global retail payment transactions are done in India but, in terms of the number of digital transactions per person, it has to catch up with many advanced economies.
Venezuelans regain access to social network X after yearlong block
X was once again accessible in Venezuela on Tuesday, more than a year after users were blocked by deposed president Nicolas Maduro
3one4 completes partial exit from Dhans parent company
The exit from Raise Financial Services realised about 65% in internal rate of return for the venture capital firm.
Is the government seeking phones source code? | Explained
What is the issue around the government seeking source code data from companies? What is source code, and why dont companies want to give access to it? Will keeping the code open for review risk security threats and cyberattacks? What has the government said?
Shadowfax sets price band of Rs 118 - Rs 124 per share for IPO
Shadowfax's offering will include a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 1,000 crore and an offer-for-sale of Rs 907.3 crore.
Scientists find spaceflight affects immune genes, deforms the brain
The brain is a particularly important area of concern; previous research has shown that without gravity, the brain tends to shift position inside the skull
Science quiz: On vexillography
Women founders mean business; Making commuting safer for women
As the founder of Arise Ventures, Ankita Vashisht has backed over 520 founders, all while quietly building the infrastructure to change who gets funded in Indian tech.
The Agentic AI Leap: Unifying data and AI autonomy for 2026 customer engagement
The strategic imperative for 2026 is transitioning from manual prediction to Agentic Autonomy, a critical shift that necessitates a fundamental architectural choice in the technology stack to eliminate market friction and unlock predictable growth.
The Fight on Capitol Hill to Make It Easier to Fix Your Car
As vehicles grow more software-dependent, repairing them has become harder than ever. A bill in the US House called the Repair Act would ease those restrictions, but it comes with caveats.
Spanish archaeologists have revived the sound of 6,000-year-old Neolithic shell horns, capable of producing powerful notes exceeding 100 decibels. Discovered across various sites, these instruments suggest a sophisticated long-distance communication system for early farming communities, used in settlements, caves, and mines. The findings challenge previous assumptions about prehistoric wind instruments, highlighting their practical, rather than purely ceremonial, function.
Instagram wants you to personalize your Reels algorithm for 2026
Last month, Instagram began rolling out a new set of controls that allowed users to personalize the topics recommended to them by the Reels algorithm. Now, Meta is making that feature available to all English users of the app globally, along with the ability to highlight their top topics for the coming year. The feature begins with a selection of topics Meta's AI thinks you're interested in based on your recent activity, and has controls to remove them or add new categories. There's also a separate field for identifying what you want to see less of, and a new build your 2026 algorithm that allows you to highlight three topics in particular. Meta's algorithm tagged a skiing clip as snowboarding. Screenshot via Instagram I don't yet have the 2026-specific control yet, but I was able to tweak some of my preferred topics and was surprised at how quickly the algorithm seemed to adjust. I added snowboarding as a topic and then later, when I clicked over to Reels, the first clip I saw was tagged snowboarding. Unfortunately, the video wasn't actually about snowboarding it featured a clip of a freestyle skiing event so Meta's systems might still need a little work at classifying the actual content. But given how sensitive the Reels algorithm can be, it's nice to have a way of opting out of interests even if you briefly went down a rabbit hole. The feature won't, however, let you ask to see fewer ads. I tried to add ads to my what you want to see less of list and received an error. No results found. Try another topic or interest. I was able to successfully add sponsored content and AI to my see less list, though I'm pretty sure the latter will affect videos about AI rather than those made with the help of it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-wants-you-to-personalize-your-reels-algorithm-for-2026-215252736.html?src=rss
Senate passes Defiance Act for a second time to address Grok deepfakes
The Senate has passed the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits (DEFIANCE ) Act with unanimous consent, according to the bills co-sponsor Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) . The bill lets the subjects of nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfakes take civil action against the people who create and host them. Deepfakes are a known issue online, but without the proper protections, easy access to AI-powered image and video generation tools has made it possible for anyone to create compromising content using another person's likeness. This has become a particular problem on X , where the integration of Grok, the AI assistant created by X's parent company xAI , makes it possible for anyone to turn the content of another person's post into an image-generating prompt. Over the last month, that's allowed users to create sexually explicit images of children, just by replying to a post with @grok and a request. In response, Ofcom, the UK's media regulator, has already opened an investigation into X for potentially violating the Online Safety Act . The chatbot has also been outright blocked in Malaysia and Indonesia . The DEFIANCE Act won't prevent Grok or other AI tools from generating nonconsensual deepfakes, but it would make creating or hosting that content potentially very expensive for anyone on the receiving end of a lawsuit. The Senate passed an earlier version of the DEFIANCE Act in 2024, but it stalled in the House. Given the urgency of Grok's deepfake problem, the hope is this new version of the bill won't see the same resistance. Congress passed an earlier piece of deepfake regulation last year, the Take It Down Act , with bipartisan support. That bill was focused on the companies who host nonconsensual, sexually explicit content, rather than the people exploited by it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/senate-passes-defiance-act-for-a-second-time-to-address-grok-deepfakes-212151712.html?src=rss
Meta has closed three VR studios as part of its metaverse cuts
Several of Meta's VR studios have been affected by the company's metaverse-focused layoffs. The company has shuttered three of its VR studios, including Armature, Sanzaru and Twisted Pixel. VR fitness app Supernatural will no longer be updated with fresh content. Employees at Twisted Pixel, which released Marvel's Deadpool VR in November, and Sanzaru, known for Asgard's Wrath , posted on social media about the closures . Bloomberg reported that Armature, which brought Resident Evil 4 to Quest back in 2021 has also closed and that the popular VR fitness app Supernatural will no longer be updated with fresh content, though the current version will continue to be supported. A spokesperson for Meta confirmed the closures. We said last month that we were shifting some of our investment from Metaverse toward Wearables, the spokesperson said in a statement to Engadget. This is part of that effort, and we plan to reinvest the savings to support the growth of wearables this year. The cuts raise questions about Meta's commitment to supporting a VR ecosystem it has invested heavily in. The company hasn't announced any new VR headsets since the Quest 3S in 2024, and last month it paused planned Horizon OS headsets from Asus and Lenovo. Now, it's also pulling back on in-house game development too. Meta is claiming, internally at least, that it remains committed to supporting the industry. These changes do not mean we are moving away from video games, Oculus Studios director Tamara Sciamanna wrote in the memo reported by Bloomberg . With this change we are shifting our investment to focus on our third-party developers and partners to ensure long-term sustainability. Have a tip for Karissa? You can reach her by email , on X , Bluesky , Threads , or send a message to @karissabe.51 to chat confidentially on Signal. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/meta-has-closed-three-vr-studios-as-part-of-its-metaverse-cuts-202720670.html?src=rss
Microsoft announces glut of new data centers but says it wont let your electricity bill go up
The tech giant has pledged to be a good neighbor as it continues to invest in AI infrastructure throughout the country.
Microsoft vows to cover full power costs for energy-hungry AI data centers
Company responds to community concerns over electricity bills and water use.
A consumer watchdog issued a warning about Googles AI agent shopping protocol Google says shes wrong
A consumer economics watchdog says Google's new Universal Commerce Protocol is ripe for misuse where consumers could pay more for items. Google denies this.
Proposed legislation opens the door to robotaxi services in New York
Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car company, tested its autonomous vehicles in New York City in 2025, and as part of proposed legislation from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the company could soon offer its services across the state, Wired reports . Governor Hochul's proposed legislation was formally announced during a State of the State address covering policy proposals for the upcoming year. The new law, if passed, would loosen the state's restrictions on self-driving car companies by forming a pilot program that would allow for the limited deployment of commercial for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside New York City. Applicants to the pilot program would need to demonstrate that they have local support for [autonomous vehicle] deployment and prove their adherence to the highest possible safety standards to be considered. As a company with presumably good odds of being approved, Waymo supports the legislation. Governor Hochuls proposal to legalize fully autonomous vehicles is a transformative moment for New York's transportation system, Waymo's Head of Global Public Policy Justin Kintz said in a statement. With the Governors leadership, New York has the opportunity to pair its investments in slower speeds, better traffic enforcement, and first-in-the-nation congestion management strategies with Waymos demonstrably safe technology, creating a future where living in New York is safer, easier, and more accessible. Waymo already has commercial robotaxi services in select cities in California, Texas and Georgia, offered on its own or in partnership with Uber. The company announced plans to expand in Texas and Florida late last year, and is already committed to offering service in Las Vegas, San Diego and Detroit in 2026. Wired reports Waymo spent over $370,000 lobbying regulators in New York about telecommunications and transportation issues in 2025, and based on today's announcement, it appears those efforts are paying off. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/proposed-legislation-opens-the-door-to-robotaxi-services-in-new-york-193804671.html?src=rss
Taiwan issues arrest warrant for Pete Lau, CEO of OnePlus
Taiwanese officials have issued an arrest warrant for OnePlus CEO Pete Lau on allegations of illegally employing workers in Taiwan. Two Taiwanese citizens who worked for Lau have also been indicted. The China-based smartphone company has been accused of illegally recruiting more than 70 engineers from Taiwan. Members of the Shilin District Prosecutors Office claim that OnePlus reportedly set up a shell company in Hong Kong with a distinct name, then launched a branch in Taiwan in 2015 without government approval. The branch reportedly worked on research and development for OnePlus mobile phones. Taiwanese officials claim these actions by OnePlus violated the Cross-Strait Act , which is designed as a guide for relations between Taiwan and mainland China. One of the acts provisions requires Chinese companies to obtain permission from the Taiwanese government to hire workers from Taiwan. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/taiwan-issues-arrest-warrant-for-pete-lau-ceo-of-oneplus-185400997.html?src=rss
Apples Mac and iPad creative apps get bundled into Creator Studio subscription
Video, audio, and image editing apps join up in one subscription on January 28.
EA delays Battlefield 6 Season 2 to February 17
The second season of Battlefield 6 is being pushed back based on community feedback. On Tuesday, EA and Battlefield Studios said Season 2 will now arrive on February 17. Season 2 of Battlefield 6 had previously been scheduled for January 20, so we're looking at a delay of almost a month. As a consolation, the team is extending Season 1 through the start of the next season. During our ongoing development, we've continued to review community feedback and, in order to keep our promise, determined that our best path forward is to extend Season 1 and give ourselves extra time to further polish and refine Season 2, EA wrote in a blog post . The game came out of the gates hot following its October launch, selling over seven million copies over its first three days . But recent Steam reviews provide a glimpse into the community feedback that sparked the delay. The Battle Pass is extremely predatory and very FOMO, while the season itself doesn't give a lot to offer, one review with over 450 helpful votes said. They called out the title for having so much FOMO stuff that it becomes more stressful than fun. The Season 1 extension will include some bonus content. The Frostfire Bonus Path will give players the chance to unlock new free and premium customization rewards, including a Weapon Package and a Soldier Skin, as well as XP Boosts, by advancing through the tiers of the Frostfire Bonus Path. The extension update arrives on January 20. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ea-delays-battlefield-6-season-2-to-february-17-180306743.html?src=rss
Neo humanoid maker 1X releases world modelto help botslearn what they see
1X released a new world model that it says is a solid step toward its robots being able to teach themselves new tasks.
Googles update for Veo 3.1 lets users create vertical videos through reference images
Google is now allowing users to create vertical videos using references image.
Dozens of ICE Vehicles in Minnesota Lack Necessary Lights and Sirens
A contract justification published in a federal register on Tuesday says that 31 ICE vehicles operating in the Twin Cities area lack the necessary emergency lights and sirens to be compliant.
A new Titan emerges in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters S2 teaser
Apple TV's sci-fi series is part of Legendary Entertainments MonsterVerse and is set after 2014's Godzilla
NBA League Pass is up to 55 percent off right now
NBA League Pass, the streaming service that lets you catch hundreds of out-of-market NBA games, is on sale right now for up to 55 percent off. The League Pass Premium subscription is on sale for $75, down from $160, while League Pass Standard is marked down to $50 from $110. We're almost halfway through the season at this point, so it makes sense for a service like League Pass to start offering some discounts. The Standard plan includes commercials and support for only one device at a time, while the Premium tier offers no commercials, in-arena streams during breaks in the game, offline viewing of full games and concurrent streams on up to three devices at once. Last year, League Pass added multiview , which allows you to view up to four games at once on a single screen. This is included across both subscription tiers. The service also added a smart rewind tool that automatically selects key highlights and plays from each game. Outside the US and Canada, League Pass carries every single NBA game live, but within these countries a bevy of restrictions apply. In the US, any games being shown on your regional sports network will be blacked out as the service is meant for out-of-market games only. Also, any nationally broadcast games will not be available live, but instead will be available for on-demand viewing at 6AM ET the following day. The service is only for regular-season games. If you're an avid NBA fan that follows multiple teams then the League Pass almost certainly carries dozens of games you can watch even with the restrictions in the US. Subscribers can get a list of applicable blackouts by entering their ZIP code before signing up. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/nba-league-pass-is-up-to-55-percent-off-right-now-163421218.html?src=rss
ElevenLabs CEO says the voice AI startup crossed $330 million ARR last year
The company said it took only five months to go from $200 million to $330 million in annual recurring revenue.
reMarkable E Ink tablet bundles are up to $90 off right now
E Ink tablet maker reMarkable is running a bundle deal right now that can save you between $80 and $90 when buying a reMarkable 2 along with a Marker stylus and a folio case. The savings vary depending on the bundle you configure, but this can bring your out-the-door cost down to $449 from $529 for the tablet, Marker stylus and polymer weave book folio. The company also sells a newer stylus called Marker Plus that lets you erase by flipping it around just like a real pencil, but that will cost you an extra $50. If youve been eyeing a dedicated writing tablet for work, school or just jotting down notes without the distraction of endless apps, this bundle deal is an ideal opportunity to pick one up. The reMarkable 2 earned our top pick for best e-ink tablet . In our review , we said the tablet was prettier than ever with a 10.3-inch display and a handsome aluminum frame. The tablet is only 4.7mm thick and weighs less than a pound, helping it feel lean and portable. The display can detect over 4,000 different levels of pressure with the Marker stylus, allowing for precise shading when sketching and the latency between the stylus and the screen is just 21ms. reMarkable fitted the display with a resin layer on top of the glass to make writing on it feel more realistic. We didn't think this passed muster, but we found writing on it was a joy nonetheless. The tablet supports PDFs and ePUBs, which can be added via the companion mobile app or a desktop computer. You can also pair the reMarkable 2 with Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox to access files. The battery is rated for an impressive two weeks between charges. The reMarkable Paper Pro, a higher-end model with a richer feature set like a full color display and a built-in reading light, is our pick for best premium e-ink tablet. The pricier tablet also has bundle deals right now with savings up to $80 depending on configuration. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/remarkable-e-ink-tablet-bundles-are-up-to-90-off-right-now-150242312.html?src=rss
Meta refocuses on AI hardware as metaverse layoffs begin
As we expected , Meta has begun laying off more than 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs division, which focused on virtual reality and metaverse products, Bloomberg reports . The company will refocus on developing wearables, like its recent batch of AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, according to a memo from CTO Andrew Bosworth. The news isnt too surprising. Reality Labs has lost more than $70 billion since the beginning of 2021, and while Meta has done a solid job of delivering desirable consumer VR headsets and smart glasses, that business hasnt been nearly profitable enough to justify the cost. And of course, Mark Zuckerbergs huge gamble on the metaverse, which involved renaming the company from Facebook to Meta in 2021, has gone nowhere. According to Bloomberg, Metas metaverse plans will now focus on mobile devices, which could mean a combination of its future wearables as well as existing mobile apps. With the larger potential user base and the fastest growth rate today, we are shifting teams and resources almost exclusively to mobile to continue to accelerate adoption there, Bosworth wrote in a memo to staff this morning. Meta isnt dumping its VR headset plans entirely, but according to Bosworth the VR divion will operate as a leaner, flatter organization with a more focused road map to maximize long-term sustainability. Basically, dont expect a Quest 3 follow-up anytime soon. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/meta-refocuses-on-ai-hardware-as-metaverse-layoffs-begin-145924706.html?src=rss
Apple bundles creative apps such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro into a single subscription
Apple has been putting more onus on its services for the past several years the company makes tens of billions of dollars in revenue from that side of the business, which it claimed had a record year in 2025 . Apple is nudging a little more in that direction with a new subscription bundle called Apple Creator Studio . This allows creators to pay a single fee ($13 per month or $129 per year) to use Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro , Motion, Compressor and MainStage. Subscribers will get access to premium content in Pages, Keynote and Numbers (as well as in Freeform later this year). Of course, there are AI features too. Apple Creator Studio will be available starting on January 28 and you can try it out at no cost through a one-month free trial. College students and educators can subscribe to Apple Creator Studio for $3 per month or $30 per year. Up to six people can access all of the plans features if one person in a Family Sharing group subscribes. Apple noted that Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Compressor and MainStage will still be available as one-time purchases for Mac through the Mac App Store. Given that those can be pretty pricy (going up to $300 for Final Cut Pro), the subscription could be enticing to many burgeoning creators. This seems like Apples attempt to muscle in on Adobes territory , especially now that its bringing AI features to many of these apps. Adding new features to productivity apps like Numbers and Keynote means Apples taking a shot at the likes of Microsoft 365 Copilot (yeeeeah, thats what Office is called now) and Google Workspace as well. On Mac and iPad, Final Cut Pro has a new feature called Beat Detection. Apple suggests this makes editing video to the rhythm of music fast and fun. It uses an AI model from Logic Pro to analyze music tracks and display a Beat Grid. The idea here is to visualize song parts, beats and bars to help editors align their cuts with the music. The Montage Maker tool in Final Cut Pro on an iPad. Apple An AI-powered Montage Maker tool can stitch together a dynamic video based on the best visual moments within the footage. Youll be able to tweak these montages and use an Auto Crop tool to reframe the clip into a vertical format to make it a better fit for social media. Final Cut Pro has transcript and visual search functions too. Logic Pro, MainStage, Pixelmator Pro (which is coming to iPad with Apple Pencil support) and Motion will all have AI-powered features as well. As you might expect, youll need an Apple Intelligence-capable device to use some of these. Apple is also introducing something called the Content Hub. This media library includes curated, high-quality photos, graphics and illustrations. As for Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, youll be able to access premium templates and themes in those otherwise-free apps with a Apple Creator Studio plan. Subscribers will be able to try beta versions of new features, such as a way to generate a draft of a Keynote presentation text based on an outline, and a Magic Fill tool to generate formulas and fill in tables in Numbers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-bundles-creative-apps-such-as-final-cut-pro-and-logic-pro-into-a-single-subscription-145210038.html?src=rss
Microsoft Has a Plan to Keep Its Data Centers From Raising Your Electric Bill
In response to a growing backlash, Microsoft said it would take steps to ensure that data centers don't raise utility bills in surrounding areas and address other public concerns.
Bengaluru-based cybersecurity firm CloudSEK gets $10M in funding from US State-backed fund
CloudSEK received $10 million funding from Connecticut Innovations, the venture capital arm of the State of Connecticut.
Apple launches Creator Studio bundle of apps for $12.99 per month
The bundle includes access to Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad, as well as Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on Mac.
How a home kitchen grew into a steady food business in Barabanki
Sarvagya Srivastava started a small food operation in Barabanki district during a financially difficult period for his family.
Liquidnitro raises $19.1M in Series A led by Northpoint Capital
Liquidnitro Games will utilise this funding towards product development, market expansion and hiring.
Tesla launches a seven-seat version of the 2026 Model Y
Tesla's 2026 Model Y is now available on the company's site and it comes with a new (and old) option: a seven-seat version via a third row. The extra seating costs $2,500 and is only available if you order the Premium All-Wheel-Drive Long Range model. Tesla first teased the option last year via an email to prospective buyers with the promise of seating for up to seven and enough room for everyone's gear, Electrek reported at the time. The new seats appear to be designed mainly for children as they don't offer much legroom, according to images on Tesla's configurator. Tesla notes that the seven-seat interior features fold-flat second-row and third-row seats, though it's not clear if those seats fold down electrically like the second row. Tesla Tesla is facing increased competition , especially in the crossover/SUV category, and saw another sales decline last quarter. The company previously sold a seven-seat version of the Model Y in the US for a short time before it was refreshed early last year. Since then, though, it has only been available with five seats. Tesla launched a six-seat Model YL version in China in August 2025 with a six-inch wheelbase extension that the US model lacks. Elon Musk said that model would come to the US market in late 2026 or maybe never. Otherwise, changes to the Model Y lineup are minor and confined to the Premium version. Those include a 20-inch dark-grey Helix wheel option, a new black headliner, a bigger, higher-resolution 16-inch display and darker rear badging. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-launches-a-seven-seat-version-of-the-2026-model-y-130039385.html?src=rss
Star Wars Outlaws developer Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm face layoffs
We aren't even two weeks into the new year and Ubisoft is already looking to carry out its second round of layoffs in 2026. The company has informed workers at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm of a proposed organizational restructure that could affect around 55 roles across its two Swedish studios. Workers at Massive (the developer of The Division series, Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora ) were offered voluntary buyouts late last year as part of Ubisoft's ongoing cost-cutting efforts . This restructure follows the completion of the Voluntary Leave Program launched during the fall of 2025, a finalized long-term roadmap and a completed staffing and appointment process, which together have provided clearer visibility into the structure and capacity required to support the two studios work and sustainably over time, Ubisoft told IGN in a statement. These proposed changes are forward-looking and structural, they are not related to individual performance, recent deliveries or the quality of the work produced by the teams. Ubisoft claims that the long-term direction for the studios remains unchanged. Massive will continue working on projects that include The Division 3 . Ubisoft Stockholm, meanwhile, is beavering away on a new franchise that's still under wraps for now. That project is harnessing the studio's Ubisoft Scalar cloud computing tech, according to Game Developer . Earlier in January, the company said it was shutting down Ubisoft Halifax , resulting in the loss of 71 jobs. Workers at that studio unionized just 16 days earlier. Ubisoft said its decision was part of company-wide actions to streamline operations. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/star-wars-outlaws-developer-massive-entertainment-and-ubisoft-stockholm-face-layoffs-134234968.html?src=rss
On the quest for consistency: How a kabaddi player became a fitness entrepreneur
On the quest for consistency: How a kabaddi player became a fitness entrepreneur Chetan Kumar Shukla did not chase visibility he choose
Deepgram raises $130M at $1.3B valuation and buys a YC AI startup
Deepgram is raising its Series C round at a $1.3 billion valuation.
AirTags are back on sale, with a four-pack going for $65
Most Apple products are pretty expensive, but some of the most affordable (and useful) ones are AirTags . The Bluetooth trackers are priced pretty reasonably even when not on sale, but they can be a steal if you can get them on a discount like right now. A four pack of AirTags is on sale for $65 at Amazon, which is only a few dollars more than the record-low price we saw during Black Friday this year. AirTags can be useful for people who travel frequently, helping you to keep track of essentials like your passport as well as a way to keep tabs on luggage while you're on the go. If you do purchase some AirTags, we have some recommendations for useful accessories to go along with them, such as different styles of cases to best attach the trackers to different types of items. These are worth looking over and adding to your shopping cart in order to make the most of the product. AirTags have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and their replaceable batteries should last for about a year. They can also support Precision Finding, which gives more exact directions to a lost item, when paired with most models after the iPhone 11. Up to five people can share an AirTag's location, which is helpful for families or large travel groups. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/airtags-are-back-on-sale-with-a-four-pack-going-for-65-202333994.html?src=rss
Insta360 releases AI-powered follow-up to its Link webcams
Insta360, a company most known for its action cameras , has released two new AI-powered 4K webcams, the Link 2 Pro and Link 2C Pro, aimed at creators, educators and remote professionals. The company's goal with these models is a webcam experience that looks and sounds remarkably close to a professional camera and microphone setup. Both models use a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor with dual native ISO for improved low-light performance over the previous generation , and both support HDR. Insta360 says the audio on both models leverages beamforming technology as well as AI noise canceling to help voices sound clearer in noisy environments. Users can choose from four pickup modes designed for different sound sources like Focus that isolates a single voice or Wide if there are multiple speakers. Video resolution on both models tops out 4K at 30 fps, and Insta360 says its updated True Focus system uses phase-detection autofocus to lock onto subjects, keeping them in focus while they move. There's also a Natural Bokeh mode meant to mimic the shallow depth-of-field look of a traditional DSLR camera, for users who enjoy that look. As for what sets them apart, the Link 2 Pro sports a 2-axis gimbal for AI-assisted tracking, which offers single or group-mode framing, while the Link 2C Pro is static and designed for fixed-position setups. Both models offer gesture control features, allowing users to control certain functions hands-free. These include starting or stopping tracking and zooming in or out. Both models also include a magnetic mount for easy placement on metal surfaces. Several different modes are offered that aid in teaching and presenting. Among them are Smart Whiteboard mode, which will automatically detect a user's whiteboard and keep it clearly in frame, and DeskView mode, which captures an overhead view of a user's desk. There's also a green screen mode, a portrait mode and support for virtual backgrounds. The new webcams also support Insta360 InSight, the company's subscription AI-powered meeting assistant. InSight can record meetings, generate transcripts, create summaries and more. The Link 2 Pro will retail for $250 while the Link 2C Pro will go for $200. Both models are available for purchase now . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/insta360-releases-ai-powered-follow-up-to-its-link-webcams-130003572.html?src=rss
Urevo SpaceWalk 5L Walking Pad Review: Compact and Affordable
Urevos affordable new walking pad is cheaper than a round-trip ticket to hike in Iceland.
Superorganism raises $25M to backbiodiversity startups
Superorganism launched in 2023 as what it claims is the first venture capital firm focused on biodiversity, aiming to serve as the conservationist on the cap table for nature-friendly startups. Now, the firm has closed its first fund, securing $25.9 million in capital commitments from Cisco Foundation, AMB Holdings, and Builders Vision, among others, along []
Brazil orders Meta to suspend policy banning third-party AI chatbots from WhatsApp
Brazil's competition watchdog has ordered WhatsApp to put on hold its policy that bars third-party AI companies from using its business API to offer chatbots on the app. The agency has also started an investigation against the company to determine if the policy is anti-competitive.
The Morning After: Apple will use Gemini to power Siri AI
Apple and Google have confirmed that Geminis models power the new version of Siri and other generative AI features. CNBC broke the news, but Apple and Google soon followed up with a lengthy joint statement. Heres part of it: Apple determined that Googles Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apples industry-leading privacy standards. In June, it was reported that Apple was considering partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic for Siri (the voice assistant can currently tap ChatGPT for certain queries as part of Apple Intelligence). Two months later, Google emerged as a contender. Another report suggested Apple might build the new Siri using a custom version of Gemini and that it would pay Google around $1 billion a year for the privilege. However, no official deal numbers were shared. Its also notable that current iPhones have direct access to OpenAIs ChatGPT. But how long for? Mat Smith The other big stories this morning Engadget Podcast: Best of CES 2026 and a chat with Pebbles founder Meta closes 550,000 accounts to comply with Australias kids social media ban The best winter tech to get you through the coldest months Meta appoints ex-Trump and Bush official as its new president and vice chair Netflix wins 7 awards at the Golden Globes Adolescence and KPop Demon Hunters picked up several each. Netflix Netflixs hit show Adolescence received four awards, including best limited or anthology series. It also won best actor (Stephen Graham), supporting actor (Owen Cooper) and supporting actress (Erin Doherty) in a miniseries or television film. KPop Demon Hunters which my nieces refuse to stop talking about won best animated feature and best original song. I just want to say this award goes to people who have had doors closed on them, and I can confidently say rejection is redirection. So never give up. Its not all good news. Netflix also won best performance in stand-up comedy on television for Ricky Gervais: Mortality. Apple and HBO Max each won three, and Hulu got one award on the night. Continue reading. NASA makes final preparations for its first crewed moon mission in over 50 years The agency is targeting a February launch date for Artemis 2. A few years ago, NASA announced it was pushing the Artemis 2 mission back to April 2026. The agency now says it could launch as early as February. NASA is finalizing preparations for the mission and will soon roll out the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Artemis 2 is the first crewed mission to the moon since the Apollo programs final flight in 1972. The 10-day mission will have four astronauts, wholl test whether Orions critical life-support systems can sustain human passengers on future longer-duration missions. They will first orbit the Earth twice before making their way 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the moon. Continue reading. Legos first Pokmon sets are now available for pre-order Pikachu, Eevee, Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise will ship February 27. Lego Pre-orders for the first three Lego-Pokmon kits are open now. One of the debut pocket monsters is, of course, Pikachu. You can build the 2,050-piece kit to show Pikachu either at rest or leaping out of an open Pok Ball into battle. It costs $200. Theres also a 587-piece model of Eevee, for $60. On the bigger side is a set featuring a trio of Pokmon: Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise. This kit has 6,838 pieces and can show the group together in battle formation or separately in their own mini environments. It retails for $650 and is a bit much. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-151521620.html?src=rss
Wild mushrooms keep killing people in California; 3 dead, 35 poisoned
Officials have linked the poisonings to the death cap mushroom ( Amanita phalloides ).
Indian government is mapping out more public fast chargers but implementation remains slow
Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, the government has a budget outlay of Rs 10,900 crore to focus on setting up fast chargers for vehicle categories.
Signal creator Moxie Marlinspike wants to do for AI what he did for messaging
Introducing Confer, an end-to-end AI assistant that just works.
Board Review: Tabletop Video Games With Physical Pieces
I loved Boards unique blend of tabletop gaming, but my family gave it mixed reviews.
Converge Bio raises $25M, backed by Bessemer and execs from Meta, OpenAI, Wiz
AI drug discovery startup Converge Bio raised $25 million in a Series A led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with additional backing from executives at Meta, OpenAI, and Wiz.
Proton's Lumo AI chatbot now has an encrypted space for your projects
Protons latest update for Lumo , its privacy-focused chatbot, introduces a feature called Projects. Its a dedicated and encrypted space for tasks that you know youll access again and again over an extended period of time, such as papers youll have to work on the whole semester or plans for a big trip youre taking later this year. Lumo will remember and keep all the information and all the files you upload for every project you create. Any document you upload or resources you add to the chat will sync across devices, so you dont have to repeat yourself every time you access a task. Projects are also integrated with Proton Drive, allowing you to easily link documents and other files in your chats. Proton says you can use the feature for just about any topic you want and give the chatbot tailored instructions for every project you create. It also said that each project is its own encrypted environment and that it will not use your chat histories to train AI models. To be clear, Lumo uses open source AI models, including Nemo, OpenHands 32B, OLMO 2 32B and Mistral Small 3. The latest version of Lumo is now available to all users, but youre only limited to one project if youre on a free account. To be able to created an unlimited number of projects, youll have to subscribe to Lumo Plus, which costs $10 a month. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/protons-lumo-ai-chatbot-now-has-an-encrypted-space-for-your-projects-110000298.html?src=rss
What to Do If ICE Invades Your Neighborhood
With federal agents storming the streets of American communities, theres no single right way to approach this dangerous moment. But there are steps you can take to stay safeand have an impact.
Best Baby Gear (2026): Baby Monitors, Strollers, Crib Mattresses
From baby monitors and sound machines to smart bassinets and car seats, heres the baby tech weve tested and recommend.
The company is targeting a revenue of about Rs 85 crore in FY26a 2X jump from the revenue it had reported in FY25 on the back of its expansion plans and continued dominance in the electric three-wheeler category.
The best streaming devices for 2026
With the dominance of smart TVs, streaming sticks and boxes may seem redundant but if your smart set is slow or has a frustrating user interface, a streaming device will let you bypass your TVs built-in OS and use Google TV, Fire TV, Apple TV or something else instead. There are a lot of streaming gadgets out there, all with different operating systems, memory capacities, video resolutions and bonus features, such as headphone connections and ambient modes that fill your screen with stills when youre not watching. We tested options from the major brands and broke down exactly what each device gives you so you can pick the best streaming device for your TV. Table of contents The best TV streaming devices for 2026 What to look for in a TV streaming device How we tested and picked the best streaming devices Best streaming devices for 2026 What to look for in a TV streaming device Operating system and interface Googles TV Streamer, the Apple TV 4K, Amazons Fire TV Sticks and Roku devices are the most popular players in the space. Three of those brands also come built into TVs, such as Fire, Google and Roku TVs, but the Apple TV 4K doesn't come pre-loaded on any set. Each one has a unique operating system and interface. This may be the biggest deciding factor for many people, as it determines how the home entertainment you want to watch is arranged and presented. We go into detail for each platform below, but all of them come with home screens that, to varying degrees, gather your apps in one place, present the movies and TV shows youre currently watching and give you suggestions of other media streaming options. Nearly all streaming devices come with a remote that lets you search and do other operations using your voice, eliminating the need to hunt and peck at on-screen keyboards. They all offer universal search, in which searching for a title takes you to whichever app has it available. If you want to watch Wicked but dont know where its playing, just push the voice button on the remote and say Wicked. (We found simply saying the title or the genre you want sometimes works better than saying Show me or Search for) From the search results, hit the play button and the correct app will open and start playing assuming youve previously logged into that app and, in most cases, have an active subscription. Connectivity Most streaming sticks connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, with the majority of them supporting Wi-Fi 5 or 6 protocols. Set-top boxes can also have Ethernet ports, so you can hardwire your internet connection to the device, which is typically faster than wireless. Streaming media players connect to your TV through an HDMI port, and most sticks hide behind the screen, while set-top boxes sit on a surface nearby. Nearly all units also plug into an AC outlet for power. Some sticks used to work by pulling power from a USB port on the TV, but increasingly, these devices are designed to plug into the wall. Video and audio features If your home theater setup has a screen that can display 4K content with Dolby Vision and HDR10, youll want a streaming device that supports those high-end formats. Of course, even the most top-shelf streamer cant make a 1080p TV stream 4K. The series or movie also has to be transmitted in 4K and, increasingly , companies restrict higher-quality streaming to more expensive subscription plans. In short, every element needs to support the video or audio feature, otherwise the highest quality youll get will be the lowest of any component in the chain. Remotes Most remotes that come with streaming devices will allow you to control the power and volume of your TV. Some of the less expensive devices, however, don't have that feature, so you'll need to use your TV's remote control to turn it on, then use the streaming remote to navigate the streamer's interface. If your streamer's remote does offer power and volume controls, the setup process will usually calibrate your remote to your TV. If you want to use a soundbar, such as from Sonos or other brands, for audio you may also have to take the additional step of pairing your remote to the speaker. Voice control In addition to helping you find stuff to watch, streaming devices from Apple, Google and Amazon can answer questions about the weather, sports scores and general facts using built-in voice assistants. They can also act as smart home controllers to turn off connected smart bulbs or plugs and show feeds from smart cameras. Just remember, as with all smart home devices, compatibility is key. Fire TV devices work with Alexa-enabled smart home equipment; the Google TV Streamer lets you control Google Home devices; and Apple TV 4Ks play nice with HomeKit and other Apple devices. Rokus grant power over Rokus smart home products, but also work with the other ecosystems. How we tested and picked the best streaming devices Like every gadget we test, we start by researching whats worthy of reviewing. Then we get a hold of the devices ourselves and see how well they work. We dont have a central Engadget lab; we test things in our own living rooms, on our own TV sets. We also figure thats a better approximation of your own TV experience anyway. We began testing streaming devices as far back as 2007 with the first Apple TV device . Since then, weve tried out most of the major new releases to come along from the Roku Stick back in 2014 to the 2024 Google TV Streamer 4K . A few years ago, we decided to compile the streaming devices we reviewed into this guide. Since then, weve updated our top picks using verdicts from our reviews, as well the testing we perform just for this guide. As new devices come out, we try them and, if something is worthy, we add it to our top picks on this list. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/best-streaming-devices-media-players-123021395.html?src=rss
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