US patent office says generative AI is equivalent to other tools in inventors’ belts

While generative AI systems cannot be considered inventors under US patent laws, the US Patent and Trademark Office has updated its guidelines on how they can be used in the process of creating innovations. The agency's director, John Squires, said in a notice obtained by Reuters that the USPTO deems genAI to be "analogous" to other tools that inventors might use in their process, including lab equipment, software and research databases. 

"AI systems, including generative AI and other computational models, are instruments used by human inventors," Squires wrote. "They may provide services and generate ideas, but they remain tools used by the human inventor who conceived the claimed invention." 

The notice [PDF], which is set to be published in the Federal Register on November 28, notes that there's no separate process for evaluating whether an AI-assisted invention qualifies for a patent. "When multiple natural persons are involved in creating an invention with AI assistance, the traditional joint inventorship principles apply," Squires added.

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled that "AI cannot be named as an inventor on a patent application (or issued patent) and that only natural persons can be inventors." There's no change to that stance under the latest USPTO guidelines. But the updated rules do offer more clarity as to whether things like new medications that are developed with the help of genAI systems can be patented. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/us-patent-office-says-generative-ai-is-equivalent-to-other-tools-in-inventors-belts-211700837.html?src=rss

Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles NFL game: How to watch Black Friday football today

Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys   at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Coach Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles host the Chicago Bears this Friday, here's how to watch. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters

Two top NFC teams will face off in a Black Friday showdown airing on Prime Video. The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Chicago Bears this Friday afternoon. The Eagles faced some setbacks this past week, dealing with a surprising loss to the Dallas Cowboys who came back from a 21 point deficit to win last Sunday and a potential season-ending injury for rookie safety Drew Mukuma, who fractured his ankle in that game. The Eagles are still ranked No. 2 overall in the NFC, and the Bears are right behind them at No. 3, so the results of this matchup will be significant to the playoff race.

The Bears vs. Eagles game will stream live nationally on Amazon Prime Video Friday at 3 p.m. ET. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Friday's game, and the rest of the Week 13 schedule. 

Date: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

Kickoff time: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

Game: Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Streaming: Prime Video

The Bears visit the Eagles on Friday afternoon for a post-Thanksgiving game, streaming on Amazon's Prime Video. 

All times Eastern.

  • Packers vs. Lions, 1:00 p.m.(FOX)

  • Chiefs vs. Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. (CBS)

  • Bengals vs. Ravens, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

  • Rams vs. Panthers: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

  • Texans vs. Colts 1:00 p.m. (CBS)

  • Bills vs. Steelers: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)

  • 49ers vs. Browns, 1:00 p.m. (CBS)

  • Saints vs. Dolphins: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

  • Falcons vs. Jets: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

  • Cardinals vs. Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

  • Vikings vs. Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. (FOX)

  • Raiders vs. Chargers: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)

  • Broncos vs. Commanders: 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

  • Giants vs. Patriots: 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/chicago-bears-vs-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-game-how-to-watch-black-friday-football-today-204559681.html?src=rss

Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles: How to watch the 2025 NFL Black Friday football game

This Black Friday will feature an NFC showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are 8-3 this season, but the odds for the Black Friday NFL game favor the Eagles to win. The Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles game will stream live nationally on Amazon Prime Video on Friday at 3 p.m. ET. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Friday's game and the rest of the Week 13 schedule. 

Date: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

Kickoff time: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

Game: Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Streaming: Prime Video

The Bears visit the Eagles on Friday afternoon for a post-Thanksgiving game, streaming on Amazon's Prime Video. 

All times Eastern.

  • Packers vs. Lions, 1:00 p.m.(FOX)

  • Chiefs vs. Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. (CBS)

  • Bengals vs. Ravens, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

  • Rams vs. Panthers: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

  • Texans vs. Colts 1:00 p.m. (CBS)

  • Bills vs. Steelers: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)

  • 49ers vs. Browns, 1:00 p.m. (CBS)

  • Saints vs. Dolphins: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

  • Falcons vs. Jets: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

  • Cardinals vs. Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

  • Vikings vs. Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. (FOX)

  • Raiders vs. Chargers: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)

  • Broncos vs. Commanders: 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

  • Giants vs. Patriots: 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/chicago-bears-vs-philadelphia-eagles-how-to-watch-the-2025-nfl-black-friday-football-game-200024350.html?src=rss

A Google Maps power-saving mode lands on Pixel 10 devices

If you have a Pixel 10 phone that you use for turn-by-turn directions in lieu of a dedicated GPS device, Google has an update that might be right up your alley. A Google Maps power-saving mode is now available for Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The company announced this feature earlier this month as part of its November 2025 Pixel Drop.

Power-saving mode is only available in portrait orientation and it works on your lock screen. If you tap the power button while using the driving navigation tool, the app will switch to a simpler monochrome look that retains the map layer, as 9to5Google notes. It looks a bit like the dark mode map in the Uber app.

You'll see only see key details your journey, such as your next turn and expected travel time. Other elements, such as your current speed, are stripped out. You can still swipe down to see your notifications.

If you press the power button or tap the screen, Google Maps will revert to the standard view. The app also turns off power-saving mode when you get to your destination.

Google says that the power-saving mode can extend your Pixel 10's battery life by up to four hours, so this could come in handy for long drives when you don't have an easy way to charge your phone while you have it mounted on your dashboard. The more streamlined look could perhaps help to mitigate distracted driving too.

Google will probably bring the feature to other devices down the line, but it’s disappointing that the company is limiting it to the Pixel 10 lineup for now. Perhaps it will end up offering this stripped-down UI on the Android Auto version of Google Maps someday. too

It seems that Google is enabling power-saving mode by default via an update on its end. If you'd rather not be able to use the feature, you can switch it off by going to the settings in the app, then Navigation > Driving options and tapping the toggle for power-saving mode.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/a-google-maps-power-saving-mode-lands-on-pixel-10-devices-180000601.html?src=rss

Plex starts paywalling remote streaming to TVs, beginning with its Roku app

Here's some bad news for folks who've been using Plex to stream stuff from a buddy's personal media server to their TV for free for years. As it pledged to do earlier this year when it bumped up the price of the Plex Pass, the service is starting to enforce a paywall for remote streaming from a personal server to TV apps. Plex is rolling out the change on its Roku app this week, followed by its other TV apps (on the likes of Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV) and third-party clients that use its remote streaming API in 2026. Plex also recently started deploying a redesigned version of its app on Roku-powered TVs.

Under the new way of things, the owner of a media server needs a Plex Pass subscription to grant other people remote access to it through the service. A Plex Pass now costs $7 per month, $70 per year or $250 for a lifetime membership. Those with such a subscription (or the Remote Watch Pass for $2 per month or $20 per year) can remotely access someone else's media server, even if the server owner doesn't have Plex Pass. Plex started enforcing the change on mobile devices before doing so elsewhere.

It always stinks when a company puts up a paywall around a feature that was previously free. Plex needs to make money to keep things running, which is fair enough. But turning free features into paid ones is hardly a consumer-friendly approach, especially when there are open-source alternatives like Jellyfin around.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/plex-starts-paywalling-remote-streaming-to-tvs-beginning-with-its-roku-app-160535590.html?src=rss

Alibaba launches its own AI glasses

Alibaba’s Quark AI glasses are now available for purchase in China. The company has released three variants of the flagship S1 model and three of the more affordable G1 model. They both connect to Alibaba’s newly launched Qwen App, powered by the company’s own AI tech, for AI assistance through voice commands and touch controls. Their features include on-the-go translation and AI-generated meeting notes. As you’d expect, they’re deeply integrated with Alibaba’s ecosystem and come equipped with apps that include Alipay and Taobao, an online shopping platform owned by the company. They have popular Chinese music streaming services, like QQ Music, as well.

Similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban Display, the glasses’ lenses serve as screens, though the S1 is equipped with more expensive micro-OLED technology. It also has more powerful dual chips. In addition, the S1 can produce better images (up to 3K in quality) and videos (AI-enhanced 4K), and it was designed to perform better in low-lighting conditions. Meanwhile, the G1 is lighter and was built for everyday wear.

It’s not quite clear if Alibaba plans to release the glasses outside China, but both models are now up for sale on Chinese e-commerce platforms. The S1’s prices start at ¥3,799 ($537), whereas the G1 will cost buyers at least ¥1,899 ($268).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/alibaba-launches-its-own-ai-glasses-150000678.html?src=rss

The best Thanksgiving Black Friday deals for 2025: Save on AirPods, PS5 consoles, Disney+ and more

The food coma may be strong right now, but it’s wise to check out the internet for the best Thanksgiving Black Friday deals you can get this year. With Black Friday no longer being a one-day affair, that means you can find excellent discounts online even on Thanksgiving when all brick-and-mortar locations are closed. It’s also wise to shop early for anything you think might sell out — that category typically includes a lot of tech, like AirPods, game consoles, new video games and more. Check out our curated list of the best Thanksgiving deals you can get right now below.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $220 ($29 off): Apple's latest flagship wireless earbuds are the ones to get if you have an iPhone and any other Apple gear. They have improved sound quality, impressive ANC improvements, extra features like Live Translation and even better battery life. Most other AirPods are also on sale, including the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max.

Read more: The best Apple Black Friday deals on iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches and more

iPad A16 for $274 (21 percent off): The entry level iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, but that didn’t bother us when we reviewed the new slate. We found the speed to be plenty for what most people need an iPad for: casual gaming, streaming, browsing, answering some emails. We wish the display was laminated and had some anti-glare coating. But this is the lowest-priced way to get your hands on a current-model iPad. Also at Walmart, Target and Best Buy.

Disney+ Hulu bundle — $60 for one year: The Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) bundle is on sale for $5 per month for one year (for a total of $60) through December 1. New and eligible returning subscribers can take advantage of this deal, and considering the bundle typically costs $13 per month, this deal represents more than a 50 percent discount on the standard monthly price.

Read more: The best Black Friday streaming deals: Save on Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max and more

Apple TV+ — 6 months for $36: Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday, which comes out to a discounted price of $6 per month for the six-month period. The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo, The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service.

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition for $399 ($100 off): The PlayStation 5 is getting a major Black Friday discount, with $100 off consoles. That brings the PS5 Digital Edition down to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the new PS5 Pro to $649. If you’ve been holding out for the right time to upgrade or buy your first console, these are the deals to beat. You'll find them direct at Sony and from other retailers including Amazon and Walmart.

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for $499: Black Friday Nintendo sales were announced and, unsurprisingly, there aren't many true deals out there this year. There are no straight discounts on the Switch 2 console, so your best bet is to pick up a bundle that saves you some cash on a Switch 2 game. One of the best is the Mario Kart Wold bundle, but Pokémon fans should consider the Pokémon Legends: Z-A bundle, too. Also available at Walmart.

Amazon Smart Plug for $13 (48 percent off): Those who use Alexa often will get the most out of this smart plug. We like that it's super simple to set up and can turn almost anything with an on-off switch "smart," allowing you to control it via your phone or with Alexa voice commands.

Read more: The best Black Friday deals for $50 or less

Philips fabric shaver for $13 (32 percent off): Consider this the Black Friday tech deal you didn't know you needed. If you have shirts, sweaters, pants, even blankets that have pilled over time, this handy little fabric shaver can get them looking more like new again. I bought this on a whim after wishing I could refresh some of my most-loved wardrobe staples without spending hours pulling pills off myself. Philips' fabric shaver has delivered and then some, and my clothes look much fresher than before.

Meta Quest 3S VR headset for $250 ($50 off): We consider this to be the best VR headset for newbies or those on a budget. It's comfortable to wear for long sessions, has solid performance, comes with excellent controllers and you'll have access to a large app library with it.

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $248 ($158 off): While the new XM6 headphones have replaced these as Sony's flagship cans, that doesn't mean the XM5 aren't worth buying. They were our top pick for the best wireless headphones for years before the XM6 came around, and they still have excellent ANC, great sound quality, long battery life, a comfortable fit and handy extra features like multipoint connectivity.

LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon A New Hope 25th Anniversary Collectable 75375 for $68 (20 percent off): This is a set that any Star Wars fan will love to build and then love to display once it's complete. The 921-piece set features a fully-detailed Millennium Falcone, buildable stand and nameplate.

Read more: The best Lego Black Friday deals for 2025

Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 100W) for $88 (35 percent off): A top pick in our guide to the best power banks, this Anker brick is kind of a one-and-done device. It has enough capacity to charge all sorts of devices from smartphones to laptops to handheld gaming consoles, and it has two built-in USB-C cables so you don't even have to remember to bring your own to use it. Also available at Anker.

Read more: The best Anker Black Friday deals on power banks and other charging gear

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-thanksgiving-black-friday-deals-for-2025-save-on-airpods-ps5-consoles-disney-and-more-090905438.html?src=rss

The best Nintendo Switch 2 games for 2026

One of the best things about the Switch 2 is how familiar it feels if you have used any previous Switch console. You can still move between handheld and TV play without thinking about it, and most of your favorite games come along for the ride. Nintendo’s compatibility page highlights the rare titles with quirks, while its transfer guide helps you bring over your data so you can pick up right where you left off.

Once you are set up, the Switch 2’s library opens up fast. From cozy indie adventures to sprawling open-world games and couch-co-op staples, the system has something for every kind of player. We pulled together the best Nintendo Switch 2 games to help you figure out what to play first, whether you are replaying old favorites or diving into something completely new.

Check out our entire Best Games series including the best Nintendo Switch games, the best PS5 games, the best Xbox games, the best PC games and the best free games you can play today.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/best-nintendo-switch-2-games-070007467.html?src=rss

Netflix went down for some viewers after Stranger Things premiered

Netflix has crashed for what seemed to be thousands of viewers after the first four episodes of Stranger Things season 5 went live for streaming. Downdetector started getting an unusual number of outage reports at around 10 minutes before 8PM Eastern time, when the episodes were scheduled to hit the service. The numbers climbed up to almost 14,000 before they went down over the next few minutes.

According to Entertainment Weekly, affected viewers were getting an NSEZ-403 error, which means their accounts couldn’t connect to Netflix. They were seeing “Something went wrong” and “Sorry, we're having trouble with your request” messages on their screens. For the NSEZ-403 error, in particular, Netflix advises switching to a different device. It’s worth nothing that the show’s creator previously said that Netflix increased its bandwidth by 30 percent to avoid a crash for the season premier. The company has told Engadget that some members briefly experienced an issue streaming on TVs, but that service has been restored for all accounts within 5 minutes.

In season 5 of Stranger Things, the Hawkins gang is set to face Vecna one last time. After these first four episodes, Netflix is dropping three more on December 25 and then the finale itself on December 31.

Update, Nov. 26, 2025, 10:56PM ET: This story and its headline have been updated to include the information Netflix shared with Engadget.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-went-down-for-some-viewers-after-stranger-things-premiered-025540635.html?src=rss

Sony teases the A7 V, its next flagship midrange camera

Sony appears to be ready to announce another addition to its Alpha camera lineup. The company shared an image on the Sony Alpha Instagram account with the text "Chase your dream" and the date December 2 at 9AM EST, which could be a teaser for its next mirrorless camera.

It's possible the company has something else in mind, but the giant "V" or Roman numeral five in the background of the image seems like a clear reference to an unannounced Sony A7 V, a follow-up to the Sony Alpha 7 IV. Considering there was around a four year gap between the release of the A7 III and A7 IV, releasing the new camera in 2026 would make the timing lineup, too. 

Rumors suggest the A7 V could feature a new 33MP "partially stacked sensor" designed by Sony, along with the ability to capture 4K / 60 fps video. The company is also rumored to be announcing at least two new lenses to go with the new camera. Since the Alpha 7 IV started at $2,500, it seems safe to expect that these upgrades could cost even more when the camera is officially announced in December.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/sony-teases-the-a7-v-its-next-flagship-midrange-camera-224000370.html?src=rss