Author Archives: Will Shanklin

Nintendo’s discounted Switch bundles are now available

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Nintendo’s new Switch bundles are here. As the seven-year-old console takes its victory lap ahead of the Switch 2, the standard Switch and the OLED model are now available in the new bundles announced in September. The systems are each packaged with redemption codes for a 12-month Switch Online membership and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The standard bundle costs $300, and the OLED variant costs $350.

The baseline bundle includes the standard Switch with a 6.2-inch LCD and red and blue Joy-Cons. Meanwhile, the OLED console has a 7-inch OLED display and white Joy-Cons. For only $50 extra, the latter gives you extra screen real estate along with the richer colors and deeper blacks of OLED. Although the standard model still looks good, comparing them side-by-side makes the $50 more expensive OLED one hard to turn down.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been one of the console’s flagship titles since its arrival shortly after the console itself in 2017. Initially released for the Wii U, the Switch revamp of the racing classic adapts its controls well to the portable system. The game’s optional smart steering feature helps make it more fun for those who frequently drive off-course and spend the next 30 seconds trying to get back on as their competitors lap them. (Raises hand.) The game looks terrific on the Switch’s screen — especially the OLED — and it runs in an enhanced 1080p mode when docked.

Screen from Mario Kart 8. Mario races with his competitors close behind.
Nintendo

Meanwhile, Switch Online enables online play on Mario Kart 8 and many other titles, along with cloud-based saves. You also get access to hundreds of old-school games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance, N64 and Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) eras. You’ll find Nintendo’s own Mario, Zelda and Metroid classics there, along with plenty of third-party fare to keep you entertained. 

The biggest caveat to this bundle is that the Switch 2 (or whatever Nintendo calls its successor) is on the horizon. Although Nintendo hasn’t announced the successor yet, the company is rumored to reveal it anytime. The sequel is expected to have a more powerful processor, more RAM and storage and support for NVIDIA’s DLSS upscaling tech. But even if Nintendo unveils the console soon, it isn’t expected to arrive until sometime in 2025, so it won’t be an option for this holiday season either way.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendos-discounted-switch-bundles-are-now-available-174016292.html?src=rss

Samsung’s One UI now covers all of its consumer devices, including TVs and appliances

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Samsung will begin using the One UI name for all its consumer devices, now including TVs and home appliances. Executive Vice President Sally Hyesoon Jeong made the announcement at the company’s 2024 developer conference (via 9to5Google). The One UI branding was previously exclusive to its Galaxy phones, tablets and wearables.

“One UI now goes beyond mobile as the software experience for all Samsung consumer devices,” Hyesoon Jeong said onstage at the San Jose keynote. It’s part of the company’s aim for more cohesive branding across its consumer ecosystem, especially as its AI approach evolves.

A Samsung onstage in front of a screen showing three design principles: simple, impactful, emotive.
Samsung

Samsung also teased that its next software user experience, One UI 7, will arrive with the 2025 batch of Galaxy S phones. “One UI 7 will bring a fresh, new look to the entire interface,” Hyesoon Jeong said at the conference. She laid out three goals for the upcoming software: simple (with a purpose), impactful (leaving a “signature impression”), and emotive design that elicits a human reaction from the user.

The Samsung VP says the One UI 7 home screen grid represents the more focused design principles. “It’s sleeker and easier to use, giving you a neat home screen no matter which Galaxy device you’re using,” said Hyesoon Jeong.

Although you’ll have to wait until early next year for One UI 7, the company said a developer beta will be available to test-drive by the end of this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/samsungs-one-ui-now-covers-all-of-its-consumer-devices-including-tvs-and-appliances-201850799.html?src=rss

Pick up one of our favorite Marshall Bluetooth speakers for a record-low price thanks to October Prime Day deals

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As to be expected, there are a ton of Amazon Prime Day speaker deals to consider right now if you're looking for one as a gift or one to add to your own home office or backyard setup. There's a noteworthy deal on one of our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers that brings it down to a record-low price. The Marshall Emberton II is on sale for $100, which is 41 percent off and about $20 cheaper than the price we've seen it go for over the past few months. In our testing, we found it to be stylish and compact, and it provides balanced output and 360-degree sound.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Marshall Emberton II is its style, which draws on the company’s history and looks like a scaled-down Marshall amp. Front and center is its vintage-looking metal grille, with the company’s iconic logo prominently displayed. You can order the device in black and cream, both on sale for the same price.

More than looks, though, the Emberton II has upgraded specs from the first-generation model that make it an even better value (especially at this sale price). It has a pair of 10-watt full-range drivers and passive radiators that deliver imposing sound for its size. It isn’t the most room-thumping speaker, with its tuning focusing more on a balanced sound signature than eardrum-blasting power. (But it’s still plenty loud for most uses.)

Like its predecessor, it supports 360-degree sound for a multidirectional experience. If you buy a pair, you can stack them together wirelessly using Marshall’s companion app for more immersive listening. Even if you already own one, its $100 sale price could be an excellent opportunity to get a second and try linking them.

The speaker lasts over 30 hours per charge and can recharge to full in three hours. It has an IP67 dust / water rating, meaning it’s rated for up to 30 minutes of immersion in a few feet of water. The Emberton II only weighs 118 g (4.2 oz).

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pick-up-one-of-our-favorite-marshall-bluetooth-speakers-for-a-record-low-price-thanks-to-october-prime-day-deals-163805144.html?src=rss

iRobot Roomba vacuum and mop machines are up to $420 off right now

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Some of iRobot’s best robo-vacs are on sale. Wellbots has the ultra-premium Roomba Combo 10 Max + Autowash Dock for $420 off with Engadget’s code ENGDT420. Or, if you want a high-end model without spending quite as much, the Roomba j9+ and Roomba Combo j7+ are on sale for up to $320 off with these exclusive deals.

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + Autowash Dock is the company’s most advanced (and expensive!) robot vacuum. This model sucks up dirt, mops and even self-cleans: Its dock can wash and dry the mopping pad, leaving less work for you. You can run self-cleaning manually, but its companion app will also remind you when it’s time for standard maintenance or deeper cleaning.

This model’s base can store dirt and debris for up to 60 days before emptying. Its mopping pad and self-cleaning tank hold up to seven days of water.

Usually a whopping $1,399, Wellbots has the Roomba Combo 10 Max + Autowash Dock on sale for $979. Although that’s still a pretty penny, this deal puts the vacuum within range of alternate models that don’t match its feature set. Use Engadget’s exclusive code ENGDT420 to see that price.

Product image for the iRobot Roomba j9+. The robot moves along a carpet with a dog in the background. Overlaid smartphone app, showing its mapping abilities.
iRobot

Also on sale is the Roomba j9+. This model doesn’t mop, but it gives you powerful automated vacuuming in a stylish package that won’t be an eyesore in your home. It has a three-stage cleaning system, multi-surface rubber brushes and high-end suction.

This model is usually a daunting $899, but you can get the Roomba j9+ for $619. Use Engadget’s code ENGDT270 during your checkout at Wellbots.

Finally, the Roomba Combo j7+ is a slightly older vacuum / mop model with high-end features. It has a 96.4 percent debris removal rate, obstacle avoidance and a four-stage cleaning system. This model has an edge-sweeping brush, dual multi-surface rubber brushes and power-lifting suction. The Combo j7+ can empty itself for up to 60 days.

You can pick up the Roomba Combo j7+ for only $679 (compared to its usual $999). Just enter the coupon code ENGDT320 while checking out.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/irobot-roomba-vacuum-and-mop-machines-are-up-to-420-off-right-now-130046509.html?src=rss

Samsung’s FAST TV Plus service is going all in on K-dramas

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Samsung TV Plus, the company’s FAST live TV app preinstalled on its TVs, is getting many more K-dramas. Over 4,000 hours of K-Dramas, K-Thrillers, K-Crime and K-Romance from Samsung’s home country of South Korea were added to the ad-supported streaming app on Thursday.

The content comes from partnerships with “Korea’s most acclaimed production companies,” including CJ ENM, NEW ID and the distribution company KT Alpha. Newly added series include Voice 4, Dark Hole and Doom at Your Service (a terrific title if ever there was one). The psychological thriller Beyond Evil will arrive soon.

New unscripted shows are also part of the package. These include food entertainment series like The Genius Paik and Three Meals a Day, along with travel shows House on Wheels and Youn’s Kitchen.

Samsung says it now has the best library of NEW ID and KT Alpha K-Movies in the US. The award-winning Burning (starring Steven Yeun), A Taxi Driver (not the De Niro one but the Kang-ho Song one) and Assassination (starring Squid Game’s Lee Jung-jae) are among those on the Samsung TV Plus now.

“K-Content is no longer niche – it’s one of the fastest growing and most watched categories globally, and Samsung TV Plus is uniquely positioned to deliver an unparalleled experience in this space with an endless offering of premium K-Content,” Salek Brodsky, Senior VP and General Manager of Samsung TV Plus, wrote in a press release.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/samsungs-fast-tv-plus-service-is-going-all-in-on-k-dramas-203821372.html?src=rss

Google will expand Gemini Live to over 40 languages in the coming weeks

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Gemini Live, Google’s AI chatbot you can talk to like a person, is about to support more languages. The company is rolling out support for the generative AI virtual assistant in over 40 languages in the coming weeks.

Gemini Live is Google’s take on “free-flowing, natural conversations” in this new generative AI era. You can use it for things like brainstorming for events, diving down learning rabbit holes or practicing for job interview questions (and receiving real-time feedback). Although Google describes it as like talking with a friend, I’m unsure how many would do all of that.

Additionally, the tool will let you chat in two languages on the same device, and further expansion of supported languages is in the works. Multi-language support will also work with Gemini integrations for other Google apps and services, like Google Calendar, Tasks, Keep and Utilities.

You can set your preferred language(s) in the Android app. In the Google app, go to Settings > Google Assistant > Languages, and choose your first preference. If you want a second one, there’s an option below that to “Add a language.”

You’ll need an Android phone to use it. Google hasn’t yet announced any plans to bring Gemini Live to iPhone. At least for now, the company seemingly prefers to use it to attract folks to its own mobile platform.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-will-expand-gemini-live-to-over-40-languages-in-the-coming-weeks-194521661.html?src=rss

Amazon’s Echo Dot hits a record low of $23 thanks to this Prime Day deal

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The Echo Dot (5th gen) has dropped to just $23 for October Prime Day, beating the price we saw it drop to during Amazon's sale event in July. It's part of a much larger (and very typical) sale on Amazon devices for October Big Deal Days, but you won't find too much cheaper than the Echo Dot (looking at you, Echo Pop). This tiny smart speaker has improved audio that competes with more expensive rivals like the HomePod mini.

This Echo Dot model launched in 2022 with clearer vocals, deeper bass and more vibrant overall sound than previous generations. Of course, it will pale in comparison to bigger and much more expensive speakers, but good luck finding anything else of this quality for that sale price. It’s Engadget’s current pick for the best smart speaker under $50.

The speaker supports direct streaming from Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music. It works great for podcasts, too, and you can use it as a Bluetooth speaker with unsupported apps. Alexa lets you control smart home accessories, get weather updates and ask general questions. Fitting your home with smart speakers can be expensive, but this sale price could allow you to put Alexa in any room for a modest upfront investment.

The speaker has a cute, round shape and a minimalist style. It measures only 3.9 inches at its widest point and won’t take up much space on a table or desk. It's available in charcoal, white and blue — all on sale for the same price.

If you’re transforming your home into a smart home, you can opt for a bundle with a smart light for the same price. For $23, you can get a TP-Link Tapo smart color bulb and the smart speaker.

Although its audio isn’t quite in the same class as the Dot, the Echo Pop for even cheaper. The equally cute smart speaker is on sale for Prime Day for $18. This could be a good option if you’re fitting your home with Alexa devices, but there are some rooms where you won’t listen to music. Otherwise, the slightly more expensive Echo Dot will be the better bet.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-echo-dot-hits-a-record-low-of-23-thanks-to-this-prime-day-deal-175633234.html?src=rss

Google stuffs more AI into search

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Google is adding more AI to search. On Thursday, the company unveiled a long list of changes, including AI-organized web results, Google Lens updates (including video and voice) and placing links and ads inside AI Overviews.

One can suspect that AI-organized search results are where Google will eventually move across the board, but the rollout starts with a narrow scope. Beginning with recipes and meal inspiration, Google’s AI will create a “full-page experience” that includes relevant results based on your search. The company says the AI-collated pages will consist of “perspectives from across the web,” like articles, videos and forums.

Google’s AI Overviews, the snippets of AI-generated info you see above web results, are getting some enhancements, too. The company is incorporating a new link-laden design with more “prominent links to supporting webpages” within the section. Google says its tests have shown the design increased traffic to the supporting websites it links to.

Ads are also coming to AI Overviews — an inevitable outcome if ever there was one. The company says they’re rolling out in the US, so don’t be shocked if you start seeing them soon.

Three Android phone screenshots, showing Lens voice search, ads in AI Overviews and Lens video search.
left to right: Google Lens speak to search, ads in AI Overviews, Lens video search
Google

Circle to Search is getting Shazam-like capabilities. The feature will now instantly search for songs you hear without switching apps. Google also noted that Circle to Search is now available on over 150 million Android devices, as it’s expanded in reach and capabilities since its January launch.

Google Lens, the company’s seven-year-old visual search feature for mobile, is getting some upgrades, too. It can now search via video and voice, letting you ask “complex questions about moving images.” The company provides the example of seeing fish at an aquarium and using Lens to ask it aloud, “Why are they swimming together?” According to Google, the AI will use the video clip and your voice recording to identify the species and explain why they hang out together.

Along similar lines, you can now ask Google Lens questions with your voice while taking a picture. “Just point your camera, hold the shutter button and ask whatever’s on your mind — the same way you’d point at something and ask your friend about it,” the company wrote.

Google Lens is also upgrading its shopping chops. The company describes the upgraded visual product search as “dramatically more helpful” than its previous version. The AI results will now include essential information about the searched product, including reviews, prices across different retailers and where to buy.

The Google Lens capabilities are all rolling out now, although some require an opt-in. Video searches are available globally for Search Labs users; you’ll find them in the “AI Overviews and more” experiment. Voice input for Lens is now available for English users in the Google app on Android and iOS. Finally, enhanced shopping with Lens starts rolling out this week.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-stuffs-more-ai-into-search-160003918.html?src=rss

Spotify can now automatically create a playlist for airplane mode

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Soon after launching AI playlists in the US, Spotify is adding a new way to keep the music going when you lose your internet connection. The new Offline Backup feature for iOS and Android automatically creates a playlist of your queued and recently played tracks, ready for listening on flights or off-the-grid excursions. Offline Backup is for Premium users only.

The feature complements Spotify’s existing offline mode for user-triggered downloads. In contrast, the Offline Backup playlist doesn’t require any manual downloads. So, think of it as more preparation with less planning. (And, of course, the standard offline mode will still be there.)

Spotify says the playlist will “evolve,” learning your habits as you continue to listen. It will also include the tracks already cached on your device from regular use.

Screenshot of the Offline Backup playlist in the Spotify app.
Spotify

Once you go offline, the Offline Backup playlist will appear automatically in your Home feed. Once it populates, you can filter and sort songs within it to more easily nail down the artist, genre or vibe you’re feeling. Spotify also lets you add the playlist to your library for easier access.

You’ll need to turn it on manually to start using the feature. You’ll find it under Data Saving and Offline or Storage in the Spotify app’s settings. Turn on the toggle for Offline Listening to activate Offline Backup.

Offline Backup is available now for Spotify Premium subscribers globally. (And you’ll need to have listened to five songs or more recently.) If you don’t see it after toggling it on and going offline, the company recommends checking for updates to the Spotify app.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/spotify-can-now-automatically-create-a-playlist-for-airplane-mode-120038259.html?src=rss

October Prime Day tablet deals discount Amazon’s Fire HD 8 to $55

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Amazon updated its Fire HD 8 lineup last week and has promptly discounted the slates for its October Prime Day sale. The new slab has more RAM, a better camera setup and built-in AI features to make it different from its predecessor. The device will normally start at $100 (with lock-screen ads), but Amazon is now selling the base model for $55 through October 9. An upgraded configuration with more memory and storage is also on sale for $85, down from its $130 MSRP.

As its name suggests, the new Fire HD 8 has an 8-inch display with a 1280 x 800 resolution (189 ppi). One of the 2024 model’s big upgrades is having 3GB of RAM in the base storage tier (32GB). The 64GB variant, meanwhile, slides up to 4GB of RAM. Of course, this is very much a budget tablet, so those aren’t close to barrier-breaking numbers. But it's still 50 to 100 percent higher than the 2GB of RAM in the 2022 model.

Amazon rates the Fire HD 8 for up to 13 hours of battery life. The tablet’s rear camera is 5MP. (That’s the same as the “Plus” version of its 2022 predecessor, but it’s higher than the 2MP in the old standard version.)

The tablets also include some generative AI capabilities. Like Apple’s early take on AI in its 2024 updates, these include a Writing Assist feature that can jot out messages based on prompts. It can also summarize web pages, make grammar suggestions and tweak brevity.

There are two kids’ versions of the tablet as well: the Fire HD 8 Kids and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro. As you’d expect from Amazon’s child-focused variants, these versions will include a “kid-proof” case in Disney-branded designs (including Pixar Cars, Disney Princess or Marvel Avengers). They also come with a subscription to Amazon Kids+, the company’s content delivery service (including mobile games!) for the kiddos. Between the two, the Kids version has a thicker case built for younger tykes, while the Kids Pro has a slimmer hard case designed for older children. Both Kids tablets will typically cost $140 but are currently down to $70 for Prime Day.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/october-prime-day-tablet-deals-discount-amazons-fire-hd-8-to-55-163611348.html?src=rss