Author Archives: Sarah Fielding

Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are $50 off for Black Friday

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Holiday travel is getting closer and that means a lot of babies, crowds and nosey seat neighbors to contend with through it. Fortunately, Black Friday comes first and, with it, sales on a bunch of tech products that can make your journey a lot more enjoyable.

Take the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which are 17 percent off in an early Black Friday sale. Our choice of best noise-canceling earbuds for 2025 are currently available for $249, down from $299. The deal brings these new Bose Earbuds to a record-low price in all colors. 

We gave the second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds an 88 in our review when they launched in early fall. We called them the best option for "blocking distractions" and that "Bose’s tweaks make its best earbuds even better." The earbuds have enhanced call quality and further improved ANC filters than their predecessors. They also offer improved comfort and a new guard designed to prevent wax build up — something that all earbud users know is very important. 

However, the newer model offers the same six hours of battery life per charge — four when using Immersive Audio — as the originals. Plus, despite the improved comfort, they still have the bulkier design that's not going to be everyone's cup of tea.

With that said, the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds are also down to an all-time low price. You can grab them for $199, down from $299 — a 33 percent discount. Notably, this deal is only available in the White Smoke model. We also gave these earbuds an 88 when they debuted in 2023, so they're still a great option for $50 less than the second-gen model. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/boses-second-generation-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-are-50-off-for-black-friday-130007879.html?src=rss

Jeff Bezos will head a new engineering-focused AI startup called Project Prometheus

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Jeff Bezos is spearheading a new AI started called Project Prometheus, focused on his current interests in space and engineering, The New York Times reports. The company, which has yet to be made public, will reportedly have $6.2 billion in funding. Part of that sum will come from Bezos, who will act as co-CEO. 

Project Prometheus will reportedly focus on creating AI systems that gain knowledge from the physical world, rather than just processing digital information, like AI chatbots. In particular, the company will reportedly explore how AI can support engineering and manufacturing in areas such as vehicles and space technology. Bezos founded space technology company Blue Origin more than two decades ago. The company's New Glenn rocket had a successful second flight last week. 

He is joined by Vik Bajaj as co-founder and co-CEO. Bajaj is a physicist and chemist who worked on projects at Google X including Wing and what became Waymo. In 2018, he co-founded Foresite Labs, which supports entrepreneurs in the fields of AI and data science. Bajaj is still named as CEO of Foresite Labs on the company's website and his LinkedIn page — the latter of which also shows his new titles at Project Prometheus. Bajaj lists his involvement in the new company as starting this month and puts San Francisco, London and Zurich as its locations. 

On its bare LinkedIn page, Project Prometheus' overview states only "AI for the physical economy." It also lists itself as a "Technology, Information and Internet" company with 51-200 employees. According to The New York Times, Project Prometheus has hired nearly 100 people, with some employees coming from fellow AI companies like OpenAI and DeepMind. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/jeff-bezos-will-head-a-new-engineering-focused-ai-startup-called-project-prometheus-122115977.html?src=rss

WhatsApp will reportedly face further EU regulation

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WhatsApp is following in the footsteps of fellow Meta-owned companies, Instagram and Facebook. The European Commission will give WhatsApp's open channels the designation of Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), Bloomberg reports. The Commission has yet to make a public announcement on the matter, but has reportedly told Meta. 

This label gives the EU greater regulatory power over WhatsApp in areas such as content moderation and data sharing. WhatsApp will also need to conduct an annual independent audit and have transparent advertising practices, among other mandates. 

The new label isn't exactly a surprise. In February, WhatsApp announced that it had averaged about 46.8 million EU users in the second half of 2024. The DSA states that the VLOP designation should be given when a platform exceeds 45 million monthly EU users. 

This designation will strictly be for WhatsApp's open channels feature. Individual messaging should not be impacted in any way and should remain private between the parties involved. Alongside Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp joins companies such as Amazon, Google and ByteDance in the VLOP designation. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/whatsapp-will-reportedly-face-further-eu-regulation-150037042.html?src=rss

The 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller drops to $40 for Black Friday

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The holiday season is just about here and it's officially the time of year to ask: What presents am I going to get everyone? Thankfully, there are a ton of early Black Friday deals for the tech lover in your life.

Take the 43 percent discount currently available on the 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and Charging Dock. It's a great option for the gamer in your life, and a steal down from $70 to $40 — a new all-time low price. The controller comes with perks such as the charging dock, 22 hours of battery per charge and compatibility with everything from Steam Deck to Switch. The deal is only for the white model.

Earlier this year, 8Bitdo released a new version of this $70 controller, aptly called the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. We rated it as one of the best controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2. While the upgraded model brings you features like more precise and sensitive joysticks, this sale brings the original Ultimate Controller back into view — and our shopping carts. Plus, it also works well with the Nintendo Switch 2. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-8bitdo-ultimate-controller-drops-to-40-for-black-friday-133023380.html?src=rss

Apple and Issey Miyake’s iPhone Pocket is a knitted sleeve to hold your phone

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Apple has announced a new accessory that feels a bit out of left field, to say the least. Say hello to the limited edition iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted "ribbed open structure" designed in collaboration with Issey Miyake. Available with a short or long strap design, it can be worn on your arm, attached to a bag or across your body. 

"The design of iPhone Pocket speaks to the bond between iPhone and its user, while keeping in mind that an Apple product is designed to be universal in aesthetic and versatile in use," Miyake Design Studio design director, Yoshiyuki Miyamae, said in a statement. "iPhone Pocket explores the concept of ‘the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way.'"

Yes, this "additional pocket" is a real item that you can purchase and decide for yourself if it's bizarre or — dare we say — kind of chic? The iPhone Pocket's short strap model is available in lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon and black. The long strap design comes in sapphire, cinnamon and black. Apple’s vice president of industrial design, Molly Anderson, added that the different options were "intentionally designed to mix and match with all our iPhone models and colors."

iPhone Pocket colors.
Apple

The iPhone Pocket is available this Friday, November 14, on Apple's website. However, the release is not only limited in quantity, but in location. You can pick one up online from the US, France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or the UK. With phone theft so high in the latter, it isn't the worst option we've seen to keep your phone secure while out and about. 

If you live in very specific cities then you might also be able to see one in person. In the US, it will only be available at New York City's SoHo Apple Store. Whether you buy it in person or online, the iPhone Pocket will put you back a pretty penny. The short strap is going for $150, while the long strap retails for $230. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-and-issey-miyakes-iphone-pocket-is-a-knitted-sleeve-to-hold-your-phone-103504776.html?src=rss

How to watch PlayStation’s State of Play Japan tomorrow

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

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

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

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

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

Apple told to remove LGBTQ+ dating apps by China

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

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

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

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

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

Our favorite budgeting app has 50 percent off subscriptions for Black Friday

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Budgeting can be a stressful, challenging and uncomfortable experience. While it's completely possible to do it on your own, we've become fans of a few great budgeting apps. Take our favorite budgeting app Quicken, which is having a 50 percent off sale for Black Friday.

The Quicken Simplifi app is down to $3 monthly from $6 monthly, adding up to $36 for the year. Quicken Classic, the company's "original desktop software" for "experienced investors" is also half off at $6 monthly, down from $12 monthly. The sale starts today and is available until Wednesday, December 3. 

One of the many things that sets Quicken Simplifi apart from its competitors is its sleek, easy to use interface. The setup is pretty straightforward and it allows for your spouse or financial advisor to act as co-manager of the account. 

It also clearly shows figures like net worth, recent spending, upcoming recurring payments and more. Plus, there's an option to say if you're expecting a refund. Quicken Simplifi unfortunately doesn't offer a free trial so testing it out with a discount means less money invested if it's not for you. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-budgeting-app-has-50-percent-off-subscriptions-for-black-friday-160025270.html?src=rss

Get $430 off this Roomba robot vacuum and mop with an AutoWash dock

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While Black Friday can be a great opportunity to score deals on your Christmas shopping, sometimes it's just a way to get the things you need at better prices. Take the iRobot Roomba Max 705 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop, which is down to $869 from $1,300 at Wellbots. This practical purchase is available for a Black Friday discount by using the code ENGABF430 at checkout. 

We're big fans of iRobot, with the company making two of our favorite robot vacuums for 2025. Its Roomba Max 705 Combo offers both a vacuum and a mop to, hopefully, get out any messes this holiday season. The device also comes with an AutoWash Dock, which empties the robovac, washes the mop, dries it with heat and then charges its battery. 

The robot vacuum has dual rubber brushes for cleaning up any debris, while the PowerSpin roller mop gets rid of extra grime and streaks. The company uses PrecisionVision AI and ClearView Pro LiDAR to make a 3D map of all rooms and to avoid obstacles like dogs and their toys. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-430-off-this-roomba-robot-vacuum-and-mop-with-an-autowash-dock-140023379.html?src=rss

IKEA announces new Matter-compatible smart home products

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IKEA has officially announced its range of Matter-compatible smart home products. The Swedish furniture store is releasing 21 new items under the tentpoles of lighting, sensors and control. IKEA teased these releases back in July. 

Part of the roll out will include updates to existing categories in order to work with Matter, an open source smart home standard. "We're upgrading our most-appreciated products while also adding new ones to solve even more everyday challenges," Stjepan Begic, product developer at IKEA. "Our focus has been on keeping things simple from setup to daily use, so it’s easy for people to start, use and grow a smart home."

As for the products themselves, 11 come as part of the KAJPLATS smart bulb range. They will have a mix of shapes and sizes, along with dimming functionality. Then there's the five smart sensors., starting with an indoor and outdoor motion sensor called MYGGSPRAY, which automatically turns on lights. Similarly, there's MYGGBETT, which sends a notification when a door or window gets opened or closed. 

On the more technical safety side are sensors like TIMMERFLOTTE, which monitors temerature and humidity. Then there's ALPSTUGA, an air quality sensor and KLIPPBOK, a water leakage sensor. 

Finishing the lineup is a range of remote controls and one smart plug, GRILLPLATS, which works with regular lamps and appliances to turn them on and off, along with tracking energy use. Then there's the four BILRESA products, starting with a dual button remote control that can turn lights on and off, adjust the brightness, and create a preset scene. Meanwhile, the remote control with a scroll wheel does similar functions, along with dimming. Two kits of three controls each are available for each type. 

IKEA doesn't include exact pricing or release dates, noting that it might vary market to market. In its July teaser, the company said these products would be available come January next year. 

The new products will further bolster IKEA's smart home lineup, which often alternates between hot and cold. For instance, the company's DIRIGERA smart hub debuted as far back as 2022, but the Swedish furnishing giant and Sonos dissolved their partnership earlier this year, despite the fact that many users (including us) found them to be an affordable alternative to more pricey Sonos-branded options. 

Update Nov. 7 2025, 3:56PM ET: Added more context, including links to coverage of IKEA's earlier forays into the smart home market.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/ikea-announces-new-matter-compatible-smart-home-products-120013040.html?src=rss