Spotify is testing a new feature that could make it easier to pick up an audiobook that you've ignored a little too long. The streaming service is rolling out recaps for audiobooks that can summarize the story up to where a user stopped listening. Recaps will be available once a user has gotten 15 to 20 minutes into the audiobook and will be updated to reflect the point the listener has reached without spoiling anything yet to come. It could help listeners to finish audiobooks they haven't revisited in awhile without needed to restart from the beginning, and it might be handy just to refresh your memory on the plot.
This is an AI-powered feature, but Spotify noted that it will not be training any large language models on authors' content or developing voice generation from narrators' performances. For now, recaps are only available on Spotify's iOS app for a select number of English-language titles. The company said it plans to add recaps for more content in the future.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/spotify-is-adding-recaps-for-audiobooks-133000324.html?src=rss
Amazon Black Friday deals almost always include discounts on Fire TV devices and Fire TV sets. This year is no different, and some of the best discounts bring Fire TV streaming dongles down to near record-low prices. Case in point: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is 41 percent off and down to only $35.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of Engadget's favorite streaming devices. The stick supports a solid mix of advanced technologies for its price: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K and HDR10+. As long as the rest of your entertainment setup can handle it, you'll get a high-quality picture and sound. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling better, faster connectivity with compatible routers.
The 4K Max has the fastest processor of any Amazon Fire TV Stick, so expect zippy navigation. It also supports Amazon's Ambient Experience. This mode displays art (like on Samsung's The Frame) while the device is in standby. It's also a solid choice for gaming: It supports Xbox cloud streaming and works well as a retro game emulator, too.
The UI is where Amazon appears to be subsidizing the device's low cost. Expect to see loads of Prime Video content promos, along with other ads. But for $35 (compared to its MSRP of $60), you may find it easier to justify that tradeoff.
Also on sale is Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD, our pick for the best budget streaming stick. This model doesn't support 4K; instead, it limits you to 1080p at 60 fps. At $18 for Black Friday, it's certainly cheap. But if you have a 4K TV (or plan to soon), you may want to consider the slightly more expensive model.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-is-on-sale-for-42-percent-off-in-amazons-black-friday-deals-132100743.html?src=rss
Secret Santa gift exchanges can be chaotic in the best way. One minute you’re drawing a name from a hat, the next you’re scrambling to figure out what they’d actually like. The trick is finding something that’s thoughtful, gets a laugh or feels useful without going over budget. Luckily there are plenty of gifts that do exactly that, whether you’re shopping for the office exchange, a family swap or a friend group tradition. From clever gadgets to playful desk toys and little luxuries, these ideas prove you can spend less than $50 and still land the perfect Secret Santa present.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-secret-santa-gift-ideas-for-2025-affordable-gifts-you-can-still-get-from-lego-apple-yeti-and-more-130014284.html?src=rss
Send a Ride lets you cover the cost of a ride directly from the Uber app, making it possible to pay for something like an airport pickup in advance. Uber says you'll be able to set a number of rides and a spending limit in the app (like two rides for up to $50 each) and then the app will generate a link that you can share with whomever you want to receive the rides. When they click the link, credit will automatically be added to their account and applied to their next trip.
For anyone whose winter travel includes skiing and snowboarding, Uber Ski is a new seasonal ride option Uber is adding that lets you book a ride to and from "nearly 40 of the top mountains across North America and Europe." When you select Uber Ski in the app, you can reserve an UberXL for up to two guests with gear or an UberXXL for up to four guests with gear. Uber also says it will sell the Epic Pass, a ticket that gets you access to Vail Resorts, directly through the Uber app.
If you're figuring out your own ride home from the airport, Uber is also expanding its Uber Share for Airports option that lets you split a ride home with people heading in the same general direction. Uber Share is now available at over 50 airports worldwide, including new additions John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia AirPort and Orlando International Airport.
Finally, starting in December, Uber will let you add a free video message from stars like Megan Thee Stallion, the Jonas Brothers or Tracee Ellis Ross to any Uber Eats order you send as a gift. The videos don't sound like they'll be personalized like a video from Cameo, but whoever you send the gift to will be able to choose their own delivery time so they're available when their gift arrives.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/ubers-send-a-ride-feature-makes-it-easier-to-pay-someone-elses-fare-130000110.html?src=rss
In August, Google announced that it will implement a new safety feature that would require developers to verify their identities if they want Android users to be able to sideload their apps. Now, the company has started inviting developers that distribute exclusively outside of the Play Store to the early access of the identity verification feature in Android Developer Console. Google has also revealed in the same announcement that despite its new rule, it will give experienced users the option to sideload even unverified apps on their Android devices.
The company said it received feedback from developers and power users who want to retain the ability to download unverified apps. That is why it’s now building “a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified.” Google didn’t delve into how it designed the feature and how it will determine if someone is a “power user,” but it’s already gathering feedback about it and will share more details in the coming months. It did say that it designed the flow to ensure users aren’t duped into bypassing safety checks by scammers, including showing them clear warnings about the risks involved.
As Google explained in its announcement, one common attack in Asia involves scammers calling victims and making them download malware disguised as legitimate applications. They pretend to be employees from a bank, warning victims that their account has been compromised and instructing them to sideload an app to secure their funds. The scammers would also pressure their targets to ignore security warnings while they’re sideloading the application. The malware in the bad actors’ app will then steal the victim’s login and intercept two-factor codes needed to access their bank account.
“While we have advanced safeguards and protections to detect and take down bad apps, without verification, bad actors can spin up new harmful apps instantly,” Google said. “It becomes an endless game of whack-a-mole. Verification changes the math by forcing them to use a real identity to distribute malware, making attacks significantly harder and more costly to scale.” It’s still early days for Google’s developer verification requirement, however, and it won’t be rolling out widely until late 2026.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-will-allow-experienced-users-to-sideload-unverified-android-apps-130000130.html?src=rss
Even with its US future in limbo, DJI keeps releasing impressive drones. Its latest is the Neo 2, an inexpensive, lightweight model aimed at creators and hobbyists. It’s an upgraded version of the Neo, an immensely popular drone both in the US and elsewhere. The new model is equally safe and easy to fly thanks to the shrouded props, palm takeoff and voice control.
DJI didn’t just tack on a number and call it a day, though. The Neo 2 is loaded with new features like LiDAR obstacle detection, improved video quality and longer battery life — all at only a slightly higher price. In fact, a couple of the new features can’t even be found on high-end DJI drones.
The original Neo wasn’t perfect; the propellers on that model emitted a banshee-like scream. The lack of obstacle detection and short battery life also wasn’t ideal. Has the company solved these problems on the new model? Mostly, yes — and it’s now a nearly perfect personal drone.
Design
Though the Neo 2 has the same 6.5-inch square size and friendly appearance as before, there are some important differences. A new LiDAR sensor beside the camera is designed to detect forward obstacles, and is a surprising inclusion for such an affordable drone. On the left front is a small display — a first for a DJI drone — that shows the current shot mode (follow, dronie, etc.).
The gimbal has also been upgraded and can now rotate instead of just tilt. That means the camera will stay level when the drone banks, with no ugly cropping or reduced resolution that I occasionally saw when doing extreme maneuvers with the Neo.
The Neo 2 has three buttons on the side (rather than just one on top as before), along with two new omnidirectional sensors. On top of helping the Neo 2 avoid obstacles, these improve stability in featureless or non-GPS environments like indoors and over water.
Finally, if you buy a Neo 2 with the optional RC-2 or RC-N3 controller, it includes a removable Digital Transceiver with a pair of antennae. Those components give it a butterfly-like appearance and could affect long term durability. However, making them an add-on gave DJI a way to make the basic (non-controller) version as inexpensive as possible.
With all those changes, the Neo 2 is a bit heavier at 5.6 ounces (160 grams) with the Digital Transceiver, compared to 4.8 ounces (135 grams) for the Neo. That’s still easily small enough to slide in a bag and light enough (under 250 grams) that you won’t need to register your drone with the authorities.
Features
Gesture control is a major new Neo 2 feature not found on other DJI drones. It lets you fly with surprising precision, if you don’t mind looking a little silly. To do so, wave a hand up, down or sideways to climb and bank, move two hands apart or together to make it approach or move away (think pinch-to-zoom in the air), clench a fist to stop it and hold out your palm to land. Gestures can be used in combination with other fly modes so you get the exact shot you want.
Steve Dent for Engadget
Along with the ability to wave your hands, the Neo 2 offers other ways to fly like palm takeoff. After selecting the flight mode (shown on the new display and audibly announced), you can launch the Neo 2 from your hand by pressing the takeoff button or using voice control. It will then execute the chosen mode, fly back to you and land on your outstretched palm.
Smartphone control (not seen on other DJI drones) is available for manual flight. Wi-Fi range has been extended by ten times to 546 yards, compared to 55 yards for the Neo. However, for that range you need a clear signal path with no obstacles between you and the drone. For more precise flight and longer range (up to 6 miles), the Neo 2 supports RC-N2, RC-N3 or RC-2 controllers. And FPV (first person) flying is still an option when using DJI’s Goggles N3 or Goggles 3, paired with the RC Motion 3 or FPV Remote Controller 3.
The Neo 3’s Quickshots repertoire has also been updated. A fun new mode is the “Hitchcock zoom.” When activated, the drone backs away while zooming in at the same time, creating a trippy perspective effect you might’ve seen in Vertigo and Jaws. Again, this feature is unique to the Neo 2 in DJI’s lineup.
Other key functions include compatibility with DJI’s microphones, including the Mic 2, Mic 3 and Mic Mini. Since the Neo 2 is quieter than the Neo (more on that shortly), noise cancelling requirements are reduced so audio quality is improved. Onboard storage has also been upgraded to 49GB (up from 22GB), letting you record up to 175 minutes of 4K video. At the same time, DJI more than doubled the Wi-Fi transfer speed to 80MB/s.
Performance
The Neo 2 now has omni sensors and LiDAR for obstacle protectoin
Steve Dent for Engadget
The Neo 2 retains the Neo’s toughness and protection, but it can now fly around obstacles instead of just plowing through them thanks to the LiDAR and sensors. To test that, I used it to follow subjects around trees, buildings and other obstacles. The aim was to see not only how well it avoided crashes in all directions, but to observe how smoothly it tracked while doing so.
To start, I engaged the ActiveTrack follow feature and used the Trace mode “steering wheel’ to follow subjects from the front, sides and back. When flying forward, the Neo 2 avoided most obstacles using its LiDAR, while swooping cinematically around trees and branches. It occasionally failed to detect small twigs and leaves, but unlike open-prop DJI drones, it usually flew through them without incident. With just two omni sensors, the Neo 2 is less adept at avoiding obstacles to the sides and rear, however. So if you’re using it to vlog while walking or biking, it’s best to make sure there’s nothing in the way.
With a top speed of just 18 mph, the original Neo was so slow that it could barely track a bike. Luckily, the Neo 2 is much faster with speeds up to 27 mph in follow mode and even has a special “Bicycle Tracking” mode. I tested that on an e-bike and the drone easily kept up with me while easily avoiding obstacles in the forward direction. Again, you need to be extra careful when it’s flying backwards or sideways.
The Neo 2 is as agile as ever, so the extra velocity makes it a better FPV drone as well. While wearing the Goggles N3, I was able to enjoy that sensation of extra speed as it swooped around obstacles. That, plus the low price, makes it a good first drone for anyone looking to get into FPV flying.
I likened the Neo’s prop noise to a banshee howl, but the Neo 2 is maybe a… banshee purr. Both the decibel level and pitch are now tolerable, even indoors. I flew it around at a fairly loud party and hardly anyone noticed; it also didn’t draw much attention in a public park. The only negative is it’s a high-pitched sound, a noise that carries even across high altitudes.
Video quality
DJI's Neo 2 now offers 4K at up to 100 fps
Steve Dent for Engadget
With a new 12MP, 1/2-inch sensor camera, video quality is excellent for this price range. The Neo 2 now supports 4K at up to 60 fps or 100 fps in slo-mo mode. On the previous model, it was just 30 fps. The Neo 2 also has an f/2.0 iris to let in more light compared to the previous f/2.8. With those updates, the drone offers sharper and more color-accurate video and photos than the Neo.
There are of course some sacrifices at this price. The small sensor means the Neo 2 has mediocre low-light capability, with pronounced grain at the maximum ISO 12,800 rating that’s even noticeable at ISO 3,200. Unlike the $400 Flip, the Neo 2 has no 10-bit D-LogM capability, so over- or underexposed video is hard to correct.
With those issues, video and photos from the Neo 2 aren't quite good enough for professional work. However, it’s excellent for social media users, hobbyists and content creators, delivering smartphone-quality aerial shots.
Wrap-up
DJI has yet to reveal availability or pricing of the Neo 2 in the US (or whether it will come here at all) due to a looming December 23 ban. If it does arrive, it will effectively have no competition at its price point, which I expect to be around $250. The HoverAir X1 is the only name brand alternative, but costs twice as much. That model offers solid follow-me capabilities for activities like biking and hiking. Feature-wise, though, it pales in comparison to the Neo 2, with inferior video quality, battery life, range and obstacle detection.
DJI’s Neo 2 is not just the best personal drone; it's the best tech product I’ve seen in a while, period. It retains everything I liked about the Neo, especially the ease of use and safety features. On top of that, it adds a host of useful functions like obstacle protection and, thank goodness, lower noise levels. With all that, the Neo 2 performs that rare trick of doing much more than I expected — for a lot less money.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/dji-neo-2-review-the-best-budget-drone-is-now-even-better-120026045.html?src=rss
Withings announced that its multi-function medical device BeamO has received clearance from the FDA. BeamO contains sensors to perform an electrocardiogram, a stethoscope and a thermometer. The company claims all three tests can be completed in less than a minute. It is now available for purchase and will retail for $250.
The company unveiled BeamO at CES 2024. It's being positioned as a tool for telehealth, with a companion app that can send results to medical professionals. Withings is also offering a Cardio Check-Up service as part of its health subscription, where results from BeamO can be reviewed remotely by cardiologists who will deliver a cardiac health assessment to the device owner within 24 hours.
Withings is the name behind several intriguing (and occasionally strange) home health and smart tech items, including a smartwatch, a highly futuristic bathroom scale and a toilet-mounted computer for urine analysis.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/withings-has-received-fda-clearance-for-medical-multiscopebeamo-110000186.html?src=rss
Sometimes, the best features in a new operating system aren't the flashy ones that get broadcast during a keynote. They're subtle improvements that naturally fit into how you use your device and just make the experience better. One of those appears to be coming in the next macOS update. The dev beta of Tahoe 26.2 includes a feature that essentially lets your computer screen function as a ring light during a video call.
It's called Edge Light and it illuminates a rectangular band around the edge of the screen. Apple's Neural Engine will also position the light based on where it detects your face in the video frame. There are some controls for making the light warmer or cooler, and it can be set to turn on automatically once the brightness in your environment dims. Edge Light doesn't cover the top menu bar, and it will also move out of the way if the cursor hovers over it so that you can still use your laptop normally while on a call.
Edge Light will only be available on MacBooks from after 2024 that are running on Apple's Silicon. It may not be a true replacement for a ring light, but it's probably a step up from opening a bunch of blank Google Docs to try and illuminate yourself for a last-minute meeting.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/the-next-macos-update-can-turn-your-screen-into-a-ring-light-234410504.html?src=rss
IBM has introduced two different quantum chips that it believes could help demonstrate "quantum advantage," or the ability for a quantum computer to solve a problem faster than a classical computer, by the end of 2026. The new chips, Nighthawk and Loon, should help do that by taking different approaches to connecting qubits in a quantum computer, producing fewer errors and supporting more complex computations.
Of the two new chips, IBM Quantum Nighthawk is the one the company believes it can iterate on to produce quantum advantage. By the end of 2025, the version of Nighthawk IBM will provide to its partners will have "120 qubits linked together with 218 next-generation tunable couplers" arranged in a square lattice to connect with their neighbors. IBM claims this will allow Nighthawk to "execute circuits with 30 percent more complexity" while maintaining lower error rates. It'll also let it handle more demanding computational problems "that require up to 5,000 two-qubit gates," the company says.
The IBM Quantum Loon chip.
IBM
IBM Quantum Loon is the more experimental of the two chips, connecting qubits not just horizontally on the chip, but vertically, too, New Scientist writes. Whichever chip proves to be more useful, the added connectivity options allows for fewer errors and more complex computations, which could lead to new real-world applications for quantum computers.
To pair with its new chips, IBM says it's also contributing to a new community-led quantum advantage tracker backed by Algorithmiq, researchers from the Flatiron Institute and BlueQubit. The tracker "supports three experiments for quantum advantage across observable estimation, variational problems, and problems with efficient classical verification," IBM says, and the company has invited the wider research community to contribute to it.
As New Scientist notes, IBM's approach is different from competitors like Google because it's focused on connecting qubits together in smaller groups. Google introduced its Willow chip in 2024 as being theoretically capable of demonstrating quantum advantage. A year later in 2025, the company announced its "Quantum Echoes" algorithm for Willow, "the first-ever verifiable quantum advantage running the out-of-order time correlator (OTOC) algorithm."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/ibm-announces-nighthawk-and-loon-quantum-chips-213603769.html?src=rss
The Rogue Prince of Persia is coming to Switch and Switch 2 consoles on December 16. The game was in early access for around a year before being officially released for PC and consoles back in August.
This version has been "optimized for handheld and hybrid play" and includes all content from the original release. That means players will be able access a wide variety of biomes, weapons and secrets.
This is a unique take on the Prince of Persia franchise, bringing parkour-style movement and combat to the roguelike genre. It's a fun and frenetic experience that calls to mind another sidescrolling roguelike, Dead Cells. This game was actually co-developed by Evil Empire, the company behind Dead Cells.
This is a digital release, but collectors have something to look forward to. The Rogue Prince of Persia is getting a deluxe physical release on April 10 for Switch, Switch 2 and PS5.
This physical version ships with a game key card, a double-sided poster and a set of cards depicting scenes from the game. When flipped, the cards join together to make up a portion of the title's world map. Incidentally, there's no physical version coming for Xbox Series X/S, despite already being available to download.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-rogue-prince-of-persia-hits-switch-and-switch-2-on-december-16-194828522.html?src=rss
