Following the agreement, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said "this settlement will create a safer environment for our children online, and I hope that it will serve as a bellwether for how online interactive platforms allow our state's youth to use their products." As part of the deal, Roblox has agreed to give $10 million over three years to local children's support programs like the Boys and Girls Club and other nondigital groups while spending another $2.5 million to fund a law enforcement liaison position and awareness campaigns regarding online safety.
Additionally, Roblox will also implement more rigorous safety protocols including an age verification system that combines a facial age estimation system with government-issued IDs that will only allow children to talk with other players of a similar age. Furthermore, users under 16 will not be allowed to message adults unless they have been designated as a "trusted friend," which can be assigned via QR code. This is intended to ensure that any adults who talk to minors on the platform have an existing relationship with the child.
Parental controls will be available for accounts of users up to 16 years old (previously the limit was 13). The company says it will also create children's accounts for anyone under 16 that will restrict access to adult content and provide a list of games that have been vetted to be appropriate for younger players. These changes come after a recent update that established new guidelines for Roblox Kids accounts (for children between five and eight years old) and Roblox Select accounts (for children between nine and 15), which come with varying content and chat restrictions.
However, while Roblox has settled with Nevada, the company is still facing a number of lawsuits from other parties and states including Kentucky, Iowa, Louisiana, Texas and more, regarding claims that the platform has knowingly facilitated child sexual exploitation.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/roblox-agrees-to-a-12-million-settlement-with-nevada-142842421.html?src=rss
Super fast gaming displays have grown in popularity recently following the release of several new models back at CES. Now Sony is hopping on that bandwagon with its latest display featuring a tandem OLED panel from LG that offers the choice of either 540Hz or 720Hz refresh rates.
That said, priced at $1,100, the new 24.5-inch Sony Inzone M10S II is only for the most dedicated and deep-pocketed gamers. In normal use, the monitor offers a 540Hz refresh rate at QHD (2,560 x 1,440). However, in competitive situations where that still might not be enough, the display can go even faster by reducing its resolution to 720p while boosting its refresh rate all the way up to 720Hz. On top of that, to help make visuals clearer, Sony added a new Motion Blur Reduction algorithm with Black Frame Insertion that boosts brightness while still delivering a response rate of just 0.02ms.
Unfortunately, at $1,100, this thing is out of reach for most gamers.
Sony
Elsewhere, a new Super Anti-Glare film helps reduce reflections. The company also used feedback from pro gamers to create a stand with a smaller footprint and a wider range of tilt adjustability (from -5 to 35 degrees). For those worried about the panel's long-term performance, the Inzone M10S II comes with a three-year warranty and OLED protection features like a custom heat sink.
The new Inzone H6 Air are based on Sony's MDR-MV1 studio monitor headphones while costing half the price.
Sony
Aside from its new monitor, Sony is also releasing a pair of open-back wired headphones in the Inzone H6 Air. Priced at $200, they are based on the company's well-known studio monitor headphones — the MDR-MV1 — but with some additional tweaks for gaming. Not only is it really light at just 199 grams (not including its detachable cable and boom mic), it also features a dedicated RPG/Adventure profile designed to improve clarity and environmental details. The one caveat is that to access this mode, you need to use Sony's USB-C Audio box, which offers additional features like virtual 7.1 surround sound and support for 360-degree spatial audio.
Atomic Purple, I mean Glass Purple, is always a good look.
All of Sony's new gadgets are available today, aside from the Inzone M10S II monitor, which is due out sometime later this year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/sony-inzones-latest-monitor-boasts-a-blazing-720hz-panel-for-competitive-gamers-165008263.html?src=rss
The price of nearly every type of gaming gadget has skyrocketed recently. RAMageddon has caused the cost of memory to double or triple in the last six months, with companies like HP saying that RAM now accounts for more than a third of a new PC’s bill of materials. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S/X and the PS5 have gotten price hikes, and a similar bump for the Switch 2 is starting to look “inevitable.” Even mobile devices are not immune, with Samsung jacking up the cost of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 nine months after release. But with the $350 27-inch QD-OLED (AW2726DM), Alienware hasn’t just created a gaming display that’s an excellent value, it’s made a beacon of hope for anyone looking to upgrade their setup without emptying their bank account.
Design
Unlike some of Alienware’s more expensive displays, the AW2726DM’s design couldn’t be simpler. It sits on a square 8.75-inch base that supports tilt, pivot and height adjustments. Though it does require a little assembly, everything you need comes in the box. Alienware’s monitor arm attaches via a captured thumb tab, while the monitor relies on four screws and a VESA mount that can be connected using the bundled Philips wrench. (Though if you have a proper screwdriver, that would be even better.) Setup only took me a few minutes and after arranging it properly on my desk, the monitor felt quite solid. The only potential drawback is that if you have limited desk space or you’re the kind of gamer that likes jamming your keyboard as close to your monitor as possible, Alienware’s stand might get in the way.
The back of the monitor has an easy-to-use joystick for controlling its on-screen settings menu.
Sam Rutherford
At around 4mm thick, the AW2726DM’s panel is exceedingly sleek, though naturally that expands a bit on the lower portion of the monitor where its ports are located. This brings us to one of the biggest differences between Alienware’s budget display and more premium options: limited connectivity. All you get here is two HDMI 2.1 jacks, one DisplayPort 1.4 slot and a 3.5mm plug for audio out. There’s no support for data transfer, power sharing or anything else. Heck, there isn’t even any RGB lighting, which feels weird on a product from Alienware. But given its price, I’m not upset. In fact, it’s actually kind of refreshing. Finally, there’s a handy control stick on the back of the display for navigating its on-screen menu.
Visuals
As long as it's not too sunny or bright, the AW2726DM delivers excellent visuals for the money.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
The AW2726DM features a QD-OLED panel supplied by Samsung that comes with a QHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440) and up to a 240Hz refresh rate. Alienware supports VRR via AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA AdaptiveSync, though sadly there’s no native option for NVIDIA G-Sync. That means if you have a GPU from Team Green and want to take full advantage of the monitor’s potential, you’ll want to rely on that DisplayPort for optimal compatibility.
Regardless, for a $350 gaming display, the AW2726DM checks all the most important boxes and it looks fantastic. Alienware’s budget monitor showcases the strengths of OLED panels versus LCD, even when compared to Sony’s Inzone M9, which was a much more expensive monitor when it debuted back in 2022. Alienware offers richer colors (it covers 99 percent of DCI-P3), and thanks to its deep inky blacks, contrast is significantly better as well.
Here's a direct comparison between the AW2726DM and the Sony Inzone M9, the latter of which cost $900 when it came out in 2022.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
The one big drawback is that, with a typical brightness of 200 nits, the AW2726DM is dimmer than more expensive rivals. That means the monitor doesn’t have fancy certifications for stuff like VESA True Black and instead relies heavily on general HDR10. Furthermore, Alienware chose a glossy (and quite reflective) finish that makes colors look even more saturated while improving perceived brightness. The one thing you need to watch out for is glare, especially if your PC or console lives in a room that gets a lot of sunlight. But if you’re like a lot of gamers that prefer to frag at night or in the dark, this may not be an issue.
Outside of gaming, there’s another shortcoming of the AW2726DM. Between its QHD resolution and the arrangement of Samsung’s QD-OLED subpixels, folks with good eyesight may notice a little fringing, especially when compared to higher-res 4K displays. This means some Word docs and web pages may not look quite as sharp as you’d like, but that’s a small price to pay for some of the best visuals you can get on a gaming monitor in this price range.
Warranty and care
The stand for the AW2726DM supports tilt, height adjustment and even pivoting all the way into portrait mode.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
One of the major concerns about OLED displays when they first hit the market was the potential for burn-in, resulting in permanent damage to the panel from things like static UI elements staying on the screen too long. Thankfully, the AW2726DM comes with a three-year warranty that includes a clause covering burn-in, along with a free panel replacement in case there’s even a single bright pixel. Furthermore, Alienware uses a graphite film heatsink and an AI algorithm to prevent any sort of ghosting from appearing in the first place.
Wrap-up
Alienware also conveniently includes both HDMI and DisplayPort cables in the box, along with the required screws for mounting the panel to the stand.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
The AW2726DM might not have all the fancy features you get on more expensive monitors, but it’s an excellent example of a no frills gadget done right. You get just enough ports, a straightforward design and a beautiful QD-OLED panel with a solid resolution and refresh rate — all for just $350. It would certainly be nice if it was a little brighter or if text looked a touch sharper, but those shortcomings are pretty easy to live with. For anyone looking to upgrade what might be arguably the second most important part of your gaming setup (your screen is your window into new worlds after all), this display is budget gold.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/alienware-27-aw2726dm-qd-oled-monitor-review-a-budget-pc-gamers-new-best-friend-130000287.html?src=rss
Coachella officially kicks off next Friday, April 10. But for anyone who doesn’t want to fly out to the desert or fork over upwards of $650 for a ticket, YouTube is going to livestream the concert for free so you can enjoy it on your own terms. Here’s a quick overview of all the programming that will be available in just over a week.
With YouTube planning on providing feeds of seven different stages, there will be no shortage of content. This includes the Quasar stage in both horizontal and vertical formats, so no matter what device you're using, there should be an aspect ratio that works. Furthermore, for the first time, YouTube will also provide 4K streams of the main Coachella stage along with the Outdoor Theatre and Sahara. That's a lot of music and artists to watch at once, so you'll probably want to check out the official lineup or download the app (available on Android and iOS) to better plan out your schedule.
Alternatively, if you're just in it for the vibes, there will also be a 24/7 Coachella TV stream featuring sets from both this year's event and past performances. And if you can't decide on a single artist to follow, you'll also have a multi-view option allowing you to watch up to four stages at the same time.
Finally, in case you feel like you're missing out on the social aspect of the concert, YouTube is bringing back its "Watch With" feature that pairs content creators including Valkyrae and Daniel Wall with artists such as Katseye and Fujii Kaze to provide a more interactive experience with feedback and reactions in real time. And if you need a souvenir for the event you attended virtually, there will even be an online merch store with exclusive drops from artists including BINI, Ethel Cain, Foster the People, Laufey, The xx and more. All you have to do is point your camera at the screen when you see a QR code pop up (you may want to have an extra device around for this).
Regardless of who you're hoping to see or hear, all the festivities begin next Friday at 4PM PT on Coachella's YouTube channel.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/psa-youtube-will-be-streaming-coachella-for-free-next-week-183033874.html?src=rss
With gas prices rising across the country, consumers are turning to electric vehicles as a way to save money on their commute. And while there weren’t a ton of all-new EVs on display at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, we did see some notable debuts from automakers including Subaru, Kia, Hyundai and more. So here’s a look at some of the most interesting upcoming EV models on display today, including a handful of previously announced vehicles that we haven’t had a chance to see in person before.
Subaru Getaway
Sadly, Toyota didn't bring the Highlander EV to the NY Auto Show, so I couldn't make a direct comparison to Subaru's new three-row EV SUV.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Built on the same platform as Toyota’s Highlander EV, the Getaway isn’t just Subaru’s first three-row EV SUV, it’s also its most powerful with up to 420 horsepower. Naturally, the car comes standard with the company’s signature Symmetrical all-wheel drive tech while the 95.8kWh battery on the long-range model delivers more than 300 miles. Sadly, with a lackluster expected charging speed of 150kW, the Getaway will need about 30 minutes to bring its battery from 20 to 80 percent. The Getaway is expected to arrive sometime in late 2026, and while Subaru has yet to reveal official pricing, it’s also planning on releasing a more affordable standard range model with a 77kWh power pack in the first half of 2027.
Hyundai Boulder Concept
Hyundai's SangYup Lee on stage to show off the new Boulder SUV concept.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Hyundai’s entrance into the US auto market. To help celebrate the occasion, the company showed off a new concept car called the Boulder. While concrete details are sparse, the prominent grille and body on frame construction strongly suggest that it won’t be a full BEV (battery EV). We’re looking at a hybrid or range-extended EV at best. That said, the Boulder showcases what Hyundai is calling its “Art of Steel” design philosophy which looks to emphasize the strength, flexibility and beauty of its metal exterior while looking a lot more approachable than a Tesla Cybertruck. Notably, while there’s no guarantee that the Boulder will look this big and brawny if it ever reaches production, Hyundai says this platform will underpin a future midsize pickup slated to arrive sometime in 2030.
Kia EV3
After going on sale in Europe in late 2024, the Kia EV3 is finally coming to the US.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
The EV3 has been on sale in Europe for about a year and a half, but today at the New York International Auto Show, Kia debuted the new 2027 model of EV3 that will go on sale here in the US sometime before the end of the year. As the smaller sibling to the EV9, the EV3 features a similar design that combines the chunky body of an SUV with clean, futuristic lines, but in a more compact vehicle similar in size to the Sportage. While Kia hasn’t released official pricing, the EV3 is expected to arrive in two main configurations: a standard-range model with a 58.3kWh battery and up to 220 miles of range that could start as low as $35,000, or a more premium long-range variant that promises 320 miles of range. Sadly, its 400-volt architecture means it won’t charge quite as quickly as some of Kia’s more premium EVs. But as a nice bonus, the company says the EV3 will come with vehicle-to-load technology, so you can use the car’s battery to power other devices like tools, lights or your home.
Genesis GV60 Magma
The GV60 Magma is drop dead gorgeous and a more luxurious take on the Ioniq 5.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
While it shares the same chassis and platform as Hyundai's Ioniq 5N, the Genesis GV60 Magma looks to deliver a more luxurious take on what an electric hot hatch can be. And it looks damn good, especially with its molten orange paint job. Compared to the regular GV60, the Magma features exclusive 21-inch wheels along with streamlined canards, a much larger rear wing and a redesigned bumper that delivers better airflow. But the best part is that while it might seem like a custom creation designed solely to get attention at car shows, Genesis is actually going to put this thing into production with an expected release some time in mid to late 2026.
Polestar 4 Arctic Circle Edition
Even away from the frozen north, the Polestar 4 Arctic Circle Edition looks fantastic.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Yellow isn’t my favorite color, but between its striking paint job and new cold-weather augments, the Arctic Circle version of the Polestar 4 looks absolutely fantastic. It also features 20-inch wheels from OZ Racing, a bunch of extra exterior lights and a rack for skis. And because the Polestar 4 relies on rear-facing cameras and a display built into its rearview mirror, you can still see out the back without anything getting in the way. Unfortunately, because this is a one-off model built for the F.A.T. International Ice Race, you won’t be able to buy one for yourself.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT
The Ioniq 5 XRT is basically a do-everything EV hot hatch.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
A year and a half ago when I was in the market for a car, the Ioniq 5 was high on my short list. While I eventually went with a Mach-E, if this XRT edition had been available back then, it might have tipped the scales in Hyundai’s favor. This model combines the Ioniq 5’s signature pixelated good looks with some nice off-road touches to create a well-equipped midsize EV that can handle practically any situation. I especially like the addition of bright orange tow hooks that serve as a nice contrast to the subtle digital camo print on the XRT’s front bumper. And while its chunkier tires result in range that’s a touch lower than what you get from an equivalent Limited model (259 vs 269 miles), the XRT makes up for that by including Hyundai’s HTRAC All Wheel Drive system by default without a huge jump in price.
Corvette CX Concept
The CX Concept is meant to be a peek at what future Corvettes could be.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
With the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X already boasting more than 1,200 horsepower, it’s kind of scary to think what the Corvette CX Concept could bring if it ever reaches production. Described as the vision of the future, the CX is Chevy’s take on an electrified hypercar while also serving as a template for future Corvettes as a whole. And while its proportions and styling are so extreme that it's hard to believe they will make it onto a consumer vehicle, this thing sure is nice to look at.
Rolls Royce Spectre
If I had infinite money, the Spectre would definitely be in my dream three-car garage.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
For a brand as old and steeped in tradition as Rolls Royce, it’s easy to forget that the luxury automaker began its transition to the EV era back in 2022. And while the company wasn’t officially in attendance at the New York Auto Show, Manhattan Motorcars was nice enough to bring a Spectre to the show floor for plebs like us to gawk at. In many ways, this car is an ideal showcase of the advantages of electrification, as the Spectre offers ample power (up to 650hp for the Black Badge variant) and massive torque, but without all the commotion you get from an internal combustion engine. Despite weighing around 6,500 pounds (making it one of the heaviest passenger cars on the market), it still delivers more than respectable range, with up to 277 miles depending on the specific config. Although, it’s not like any Spectre owners are actually going to take this thing on a cross-country road trip.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/the-hottest-evs-from-the-2026-new-york-auto-show-plus-one-brawny-concept-120000557.html?src=rss
Today at the New York International Auto Show, Subaru announced its first three-row electric SUV: the Getaway.
Like Subaru's other EVs, the Getaway is based on Toyota's e-TNGA platform and it shares many features and specs with the 2027 Highlander EV. Initially, all models will come with the company's Symmetrical all-wheel drive system, 420 horsepower and a native NACS-compatible charging port. That said, charging speeds don't look especially impressive as the Getaway's estimated 150kW system is expected to refill its battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes.
The first batch of Getaways will arrive late this year as 2027 models featuring a 95.8kWh battery that Subaru says will provide more than 300 miles of range on a single charge and a zero to 60 time of under five seconds. It will also come with preconditioning tech to help maintain charging speeds in cold weather (down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit). Then later in the first half of 2027, Subaru will release a standard-range model with a 77kWh power pack and AWD. The EV SUV offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance while its X-Mode system provides settings for Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud, Grip control and Downhill Assist along with a tow rating of up to 3,500 pounds.
The Getaway's infotainment system is based around a 14-inch touchscreen with support for both Android Auto and CarPlay.
Subaru
On the inside, the Getaway will offer seating for up to seven people by way of a second-row bench, though if you don't mind dropping the passenger count to six, you can also opt for two captain's chairs. Its infotainment system is based around a 14-inch touchscreen with support for both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the driver gets a secondary 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
As you'd expect from a Subaru, the Getaway also comes with a lot of outdoorsy features like ladder-type roof rails on "most" trims, plus the option of 19 or 20-inch wheels and up to 45.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row seats folded down. Heated front seats will also come standard, with the ability to upgrade to ventilated seats in the first two rows and a heated steering wheel on more premium trims.
Subaru claims the Getaway has more cargo space than a Kia EV 9 with the third row folded.
Subaru
In the end, while the Getaway might not be the most original EV SUV due to its similarities to Toyota's upcoming Highlander EV, for any Subaru fans with larger families, this vehicle could be just what they need to make the jump from gas to electric.
Specific details on pricing and trim levels are expected closer to the Getaway's official release date in late 2026.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/the-getaway-is-subarus-first-three-row-electric-suv-142500177.html?src=rss
There's just something magical about a robot that can convert into a car, tank or plane. It seems that Hollywood agrees as there are several major franchises based around that concept. As someone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, Transformers hold a special place in my heart, despite Michael Bay's best efforts at tarnishing its legacy. I spent countless hours as a kid playing with Hasbro and Takara's plastic figures, but there was one type of toy I always wanted but never got: a robot that could transform on its own just like the ones I watched on TV. That changed a few years ago when Robosenlaunched its line of officially licensed auto-converting models, and from what I've seen, its latest release featuring Soundwave might be its best yet.
Design: More than meets the eye
As a follow-up to previous bots featuring Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Grimlock and others, Soundwave was a superior choice, and Robosen has done a more than respectable job of bringing him to life. Not only can he spit out classic lines performed by original voice actor Frank Welker, both his robot and alt modes are a vision straight out of the first-generation (G1) cartoon. Everywhere you look, there are a ton of lovingly crafted details like the working eject button for the cassette slot and all sorts of lights. Robosen's head sculpt is spot on, and it even includes additional LEDs for his eyes and shoulder cannon. Granted, there is a bit of kibble (aka what fans call out of place parts leftover from transformation), like hands that don't properly fold away when Soundwave turns into a boombox, but that's really nitpicking. Between his incredibly accurate design, vocoder-powered vocals and an imposing stature that stands at around 14 inches tall, there's no way you can call this rendition of Soundwave uncharismatic.
A simply superior head sculpt.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
However, the real magic happens when you turn him on (there's a little button on his back) and say "Hey, Soundwave." From here, you can use more than 50 different voice commands to boss him around like you're the leader of the Decepticons. This includes asking him to say iconic lines, respond to an Autobot attack or just wishing someone a happy birthday. Naturally, the most impressive request is asking him to transform, at which point 28 high-precision servo motors and multiple motion sensors coordinate. This allows Soundwave to convert from boombox mode to robot and back again, complete with the required sound effects. Even as a jaded adult, there's still something incredibly enchanting about watching a Transformer actually transform on its own. But that pales in comparison to the one-of-a-kind reaction my four-year-old son gave me when I repeated the process for him. There was a joy in his face I'm not sure a grown-up can truly express, as he gets to experience this without knowing this bot costs a cool $1,400.
Robosen's free mobile app features a D-pad so you can easily tell the robot where to walk.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
While testing Soundwave's various commands, I did notice that his voice recognition can be somewhat hit or miss. I found that even a little background noise can cause issues. To be consistently heard, you have to speak louder than you think you should. The real key is being very deliberate with a sharp "Hi" or "Hey" to activate Soundwave's wake phrase properly. Alternatively, if you prefer not to yell at your robots, there's also a free companion app that allows you to send commands by simply pressing a button, which was super easy to set up and quickly became my preferred control scheme.
Here is Robosen's version of Soundwave (right) compared to the Studio Series 86 figure (left).
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
In addition to making it easier to get Soundwave to walk around (it's much more fun to use a virtual D-pad than yell "Walk forward" all the time), the app also provides a more straightforward way of discovering what he can do while reducing the ambiguity of voice commands. There are handy buttons for all his voice lines and poses, plus there’s a toolkit for creating some of your own. You can also download more from the app, though there weren't any for me to test out because Soundwave wasn't officially out yet at the time of writing. There's even a Mini Theatre mode that allows the bot to perform short skits, and if you're lucky enough to own some of Robosen's other Transformers toys, like Megatron, some of these scenes can even be performed in tandem.
I don't think any Autobots have a chance against a Soundwave this big.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
One awkward thing about Roboen's more sophisticated approach to toy robots is that Soundwave loses some of his structural integrity when his motors are off. For example, when you power him down in robot mode, he bends over backwards and gets stuck halfway between his humanoid and boombox forms. I assume this is to prevent him from falling over, which is a good thing; it just looks kind of weird. On the flip side, if you pick him up while in stereo mode, his limbs tend to droop. However, perhaps the biggest downside to Soundwave is one inherent to his design. Because his alt mode is a boombox instead of a vehicle like Optimus, Bumblebee and others, he can't pull double duty as a remote control car. But what Soundwave lacks in mobility, he makes up for with his signature acoustic skills.
Audio: Not just a bot, he's a real boombox too
From the front, Soundwave's boombox alt mode looks damn near perfect.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Soundwave turning into a boombox that can't play music just wouldn't make sense. Thankfully, that's not an issue as this bot's buttons aren't just for show. Hitting Play lets you listen to original tracks from the G1 cartoon, complete with the ability to pause or skip to the next track. You can also hold the record button to save a personal message for later, though I found this feature has a bit of a learning curve as Soundwave tends to cut out one or two seconds from the beginning and end of a clip.
Inside the app, there's also a big list for all of Soundwave's voice lines and poses.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Most importantly, if you want Soundwave to play other tunes, you can pair it with your phone or pretty much any other mobile device and use him just like a typical Bluetooth speaker. Now it probably won't be a surprise when I say that Soundwave's audio quality is mediocre at best. With all the various sensors, motors and moving parts, there probably isn't a ton of room for fancy drivers, so things sound tinny and flat. But in a way, that's kind of endearing because the vast majority of portable speakers back in the 80s didn't sound great either. The one thing I wish Robosen had included was a proper cassette player to really capitalize on Soundwave's classic audio capabilities. That said, even though I still have stacks of CDs and DVDs in my house, I don't have any tapes (despite their resurgence), so I get why that feature didn't make it.
Battery life
It may not be period accurate, but the addition of a USB-C port around back for power is a really nice touch.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Soundwave comes with a built-in 1,650mAh battery which takes about 120 minutes to charge from dead to full while offering a standby time of around 60 minutes. During my testing, I found you can get a solid 20 to 30 minutes of playtime out of him, which felt like plenty. Of course,that depends a ton on how much moving around you tell him to do. And while it certainly isn't period authentic, I really appreciate the inclusion of a USB-C port for charging.
Wrap-up
The funny thing about Robosen's Soundwave is that a toy like this would have been priceless to me as a child. But now that I'm older and I have to attach a value that goes beyond its basic price, things are a lot trickier.
I love Robosen's attention to detail. The figure looks incredible and getting voice lines from the original actor shows there's more than meets the eye to the robot’s design. But most importantly, seeing Soundwave transform on his own and stomp around like he does in the show will never get old.
As you'd expect from a toy this expensive, Robosen's packaging is excellent.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
On the other hand, $1,400 can buy the whole family a nice three-day vacation or more than two dozen regular Transformers toys. That kind of math makes it difficult to add this Cybertronian to the household register. But for anyone who has a budget similar to a Michael Bay movie, this take on Soundwave really does feel like a dream come true. Aside from some of Robosen's other products, this robot is certainly made of sterner stuff.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/robosen-soundwave-review-a-childhood-dream-made-real-120000804.html?src=rss
In order to take advantage of the deal, T-Mobile customers simply need to log into the T Life app, navigate to the Benefits tab and then hit Redeem after clicking the banner for a free season of MLB.TV. From there, you just need to download the latest version of the MLB app to your mobile device and sign in or create an account. That said, this is a time-limited offer, so if you want the ability to stream regular season baseball for free, you’ll need claim the deal prior to March 31 at 4:59 AM ET. For anyone on a different carrier, this may be enough time to switch providers and still get in on the savings.
Unfortunately, MLB.TV is subject to blackouts and market restrictions, so depending on where you live and where your favorite team is playing that day, you may not be able to catch every game. Sadly, this includes tonight’s 8:05 PM ET matchup between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants, which is streaming exclusively on Netflix. Even so, with a one-year subscription to MLB.TV currently going for $150, this is one of the best perks available from any of the big cellular carriers.
In addition to full season of games, an MLB.TV subscription also includes access to a collection of baseball documentaries, game streams from previous years, World Series films, highlights, news and more. And with over 1.25 million customers having redeemed last year’s offer, this is potentially one of T-Mobile’s biggest offers of the year, with the company claiming to have delivered more than $1 billion in savings since it first started running the promotion 10 years ago in 2016.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/psa-t-mobile-customers-have-a-week-to-sign-up-for-a-free-year-of-mlbtv-211306444.html?src=rss
Late last year, Samsung launched its newest generation of affordable A-series phones, starting with the entry-level A17. Following the arrival of the flagship Galaxy S26 line, the company has returned to flesh out the rest of its midrange portfolio. The more affordable Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 sport some interesting upgrades, even when compared to some of their pricier siblings.
Core specs and features
Before we dive into my hands-on impressions, I want to do a quick rundown of each phone's specs as that should help set up (or temper) expectations. As you'd expect based on their numbering, the A37 is the more affordable of the two with a base price of $450 for 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. You can also choose 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage for $540. Notably, when compared to the A17, the A37 features a much more recent and more powerful Exynos 1480 chip that brings a big jump in NPU performance and helps unlock much of the phone's newfound AI capabilities. It also comes with a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a 5,000mAh battery and three rear cameras. However, two of those will likely get more use than the other as the A37 packs a 50-megapixel main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide, along with a 5MP macro shooter.
The Galaxy A37 will be available in four colors: charcoal, white, lavender and graygreen. However, the middle two are Samsung.com exclusives and the last one is only available from Best Buy.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Meanwhile, the Galaxy A57 is a bit more expensive, starting at $550 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or $610 for the 8GB/256GB version. It also features a slightly more powerful Exynos 1680 processor and a higher-res 12MP sensor for its ultra-wide lens, but aside from that, it has the same general camera setup as A37 and the same size battery. One small difference is that the A57 has Bluetooth 6 connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E, but the A37 is still stuck with BT 5.3 and basic Wi-Fi 6.
For some reason, the A57 is only available in one color: navy.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Both phones come with IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance (which is an upgrade from IP67 on the A36) and 120Hz refresh rates. However, the most important shared trait is that while neither supports wireless charging, they can both take wired power at up to 45 watts, which is actually faster than a base Galaxy S26's limit of just 25 watts. Finally, in addition to six years of OS and security updates, the A37 and A57 are getting some trickle-down AI features from its flagship siblings. Those include improved support for Google's Circle to Search, Object Eraser and better transcription and translation capabilities in the Samsung Voice Recorder app.
Galaxy A37 impressions
Both phones have nearly identical designs, right down to the same screen size and number of cameras. That said, one area where Samsung cut corners on A37 is that it features a plastic frame instead of the A57’s aluminum. But even when you hold them side by side, it's rather difficult to discern between the two. There's no obvious difference in appearance or button layout, so the main way to tell the two apart is by feeling for the cooler touch you typically get from a metal chassis. Alternatively, if you look closely, you'll notice that the A37 has slightly thicker bezels around the outside of its screen.
Here's a closer look at the A37's color options.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Compared to the Galaxy A17, the A37's Exynos 1480 felt significantly snappier and much better equipped for multitasking or AI-based tasks like removing unwanted objects from photos. Regardless, as the less expensive of Samsung's new midrange phone options, the company did a really good job disguising the major differences between the two new models.
Galaxy A57 impressions
To be honest, the A57 wasn't quite as appealing as the A37 due to its higher price and no additional features. The main tool it has that isn't available on its more affordable sibling is Samsung's Best Face camera tool, which allows the phone to analyze people's expressions so you can select your favorite reaction and put it in the photo you want. On paper, its Exynos 1680 chip should be a bit faster, but in normal use, it's really hard to tell. And unlike the A37, which comes in four colors (white, charcoal, lavender and gray/green, depending on the retailer), the A57 is only available in navy.
Early thoughts
While they look the same, the A57 features an aluminum chassis instead of plastic like on the A37, which should be better for long term durability.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
As a more powerful and more premium alternative to the $200 A17, the A37 feels like a worthy upgrade for the money. It offers noticeably smoother performance along with a more elegant hole-punch selfie cam (instead of a waterdrop) and stereo speakers (instead of mono). Starting at $450, the A37 can also undercut the Pixel 10a while offering a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display (versus 6.3 inches for the Pixel) and a smattering of equivalent AI features. And in some ways, the wider selection of colors just reinforces that Samsung is probably placing bigger bets on the A37's market prospects. If I were looking for an affordable Android phone with a big screen, I'd give more consideration to this new middle child in Samsung's A-series lineup.
Aside from bezels that are a tiny bit bigger, the Galaxy A37 (left) looks almost exactly the same as the more expensive Galaxy A57 (right).
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
As for the A57, it's certainly not a bad phone, but starting at $550, it suffers from being in a much more competitive price bracket. For those who prefer smaller devices, the $500 Pixel 10a is cheaper while offering even better AI tools, a cleaner UI, wireless charging, a slightly larger battery and unmatched photo quality. However, the A57's biggest rival is arguably another Samsung phone: the Galaxy S25 FE. Aside from slower wired charging, it has an even nicer design, an extra year of software and security updates (seven total) and a proper telephoto camera instead of a macro lens. And while its MSRP is a bit higher at $650, it's regularly on sale for under $600 (or less), which effectively sidesteps the A57's biggest advantage.
That said, no matter which one you prefer, more options for affordable gadgets are always welcome — especially with the price of smartphones and PCs increasing due to the global RAM shortage.
The Galaxy A37 and A57 will officially go on sale April 9.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-a37-and-a57-hands-on-the-cheaper-phone-might-be-a-winner-120000965.html?src=rss
Last year, Belkin released a couple of cases for the Nintendo Switch 2 just in time for launch, including one that came with a handy battery pack. That one was simple and effective, but it felt a bit crude because it wasn't much more than a basic travel pouch with a generic power cell tossed inside. Now, Belkin is back with a Pro version of its Charging Case for the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring a more sophisticated battery pack along with a higher price tag ($100 vs. $70). So here’s the question for any Switch 2 owners still looking for a way to protect their console while keeping it topped off: Is a more elegant charging solution really worth the extra money?
Case design
At 11.7 x 6.1 x 2.5 inches and weighing 1 pound 12 ounces, the Pro Charging Case is a touch larger and heavier than its non-pro sibling. It also features a very similar design with the same color options and materials, including a tough polyester outer shell that’s balanced by a softer, velvet-like material and cutouts for your Switch 2 on the inside.
The Pro Charging Case (bottom) is a touch bigger and heavier than the previous model, but aside from that its sports a nearly identical design.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Once again, Belkin has done a good job of providing a snug cabin to store your console while still making it easy to take it in and out. That said, if your system also has an extra-thick protector or hardshell case like the Killswitch from Dbrand, it may not fit. There's also a padded flap that swings down to protect your Switch 2's screen that also pulls double duty as a place to stash up to 12 game cartridges, which is a very thoughtful touch.
However, the biggest change to the Pro Charging Case's exterior design is a new cutout on the front edge, which allows you to top off other gadgets (or a Switch) by plugging a USB-C cable into Belkin's included battery pack. Unfortunately, the case doesn't come with a cord, which seems a bit odd until you take a closer look at the power pack's layout. That’s because once you open up the case, you’ll see a second port designed to fit right into the bottom power jack on the Switch 2 without the need for a cable.
The inside of the Pro Charging Case features a handy mesh pocket, 12 slots for game carts and a hidden AirTag pouch.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Other small touches on Belkin's Pro Charging Case include a mesh pocket for storing things like cables, Joy-Con straps or cleaning cloths, which is very handy. However, my favorite thing might be the AirTag pouch that's also hidden inside that pocket, which could give you a fighting chance of recovering your system if it's ever lost or stolen (though I wouldn't count on it).
Battery pack
The arrangement of the included 10,000mAh battery pack and the placement of its internal USB-C port makes it a cinch to recharge your Switch 2 every time you put it in the case.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Despite the increased size of the Pro Charging Case's included battery, it has the same 10,000mAh capacity as what you get from its less expensive sibling. That means you'll typically have enough juice for a little more than 1.5 recharges for your Switch 2 and its onboard 5,220mAh cell. Instead of relying on a simple external power pack like before, Belkin's bundled battery comes with a second USB-C port and a kickstand. This makes it super easy to plug in your Switch 2 every time you put it in the case. This way, you know the next time you turn it on, it'll be at 100 percent.
Here's what the battery pack looks like when you take it out of the case. As you can see, its size and shape means it's not a great standalone external power pack any more.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Alternatively, you can raise the kickstand to prop up the Switch 2 and game on it while it stays nestled inside the case. This might seem a bit redundant as Nintendo's console already has its own kickstand, but Belkin’s allows you to continue charging the system while you're playing without needing a cord. There's even a handy display on the side of the battery, so it's super easy to see how much juice is left, even when the case is closed. Furthermore, when you need to recharge the power pack, you can do so without removing it from the case or disconnecting your Switch thanks to that bonus USB-C port on the outside. Compared to the previous model, this is certainly a more elegant solution that provides some subtle quality of life improvements. The one downside is that the battery pack is somewhat awkwardly shaped, so you won't really want to use it on its own.
Wrap-up
There's no doubt the Pro Charging Case's new battery pack is a more premium solution that's easier to use and manage. When you need to recharge it, you can do so from the outside without opening the pouch. It also lets you charge a Switch 2 without ever needing a cable. The built-in kickstand is another bonus that helps elevate the whole kit from a simple case to something closer to a tiny all-in-one gaming booth.
One of the neat things about giving the battery a kickstand is that it turns the case into a mini all-in-one. This makes me wish Belkin gave the included power pack some sort of docking functionality for connecting the Switch 2 to an external display.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
That said, after using it for a couple of weeks, I'm still not sure the added convenience is worth an extra $30 over the original. Due to the battery packs' new shape, it's less useful as a standalone power cell, and the rest of the case's design is largely unchanged. Of course, it's always nice to have options, and if you're the kind of person who doesn't mind spending a little extra for a more streamlined and convenient kit, Belkin's Pro Charging Case for the Switch 2 is still very much worth consideration.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/belkin-charging-case-pro-for-switch-2-review-a-more-elegant-solution-144820809.html?src=rss
