Xbox will kick off the fourth installment of its Developer Direct event on January 22 at 1PM ET. As usual, we'll get a glimpse at what the upcoming year has in store along with news, new gameplay footage and more directly from the teams behind this year's slate of games.
In a blog post announcing the event, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief Jon Skrebels said Xbox's 25-year anniversary will be marked by the return of some beloved franchises. Gamers will also get their first extended look at Fable, a reboot of the iconic series. The event will also be unveiling gameplay footage for Forza Horizon 6, the upcoming open-world racing game set in Japan. UK studio Playground Games is behind both titles.
The showcase will also include new details and gameplay from Beast of Reincarnation, the "one-person, one-dog" role-playing game. The game is being developed by Game Freak, the studio best known for its series of Pokémon games, and follows protagonist Emma and her canine companion in post-apocalyptic Japan.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/the-next-xbox-developer-direct-showcase-is-on-january-22-154444166.html?src=rss
A few years back, I had to bring some members of a birding community around the place I was working at that time. I got to experience firsthand what it is that they actually do. And while I probably would not take up birding as a hobby, it is indeed interesting to observe, take pictures, and talk about all those birds out in the wild with people who were super into it.
The Birdfy Hum Bloom was just unveiled at the ongoing CES 2026, and it’s something that will definitely interest those who are into birding, specifically hummingbirds. It’s a bird feeder that also doubles as a camera to capture the natural artistry of these birds in full 4K motion. This device seems to be a game-changer for hummingbird lovers as well as a place for said birds to rest and get fed while still enjoying their natural habitat.
In the eyes of the hummingbird, the Hum Bloom looks like a regular bird feeder where they can rest and get their nectar from. But it actually sports an 8-megapixel camera that is able to capture 4K video at 20fps. You can switch it to slow-motion mode to get a more magical 120 frames per second so you can see the hummingbird’s mesmerizing wing movements in stunning detail. They say even traditional cameras cannot do this with the hummingbirds that flap their wings between 50 to 80 times per second when hovering.
This device also comes with Birdfy’s OrniSense AI technology, which is able to recognize over 150 hummingbird species (TIL that there are that many hummingbird species). You’ll only get notifications on your connected device when the motion sensors detect hummingbirds in flight, and you won’t get alerts every time it senses movement, unless it’s the aforementioned birds.
Don’t worry though, as this bird feeder isn’t just a gadget with a camera. The hourglass-inspired shape and floral color choices mimic actual flowers that naturally attract the hummingbirds. It’s not just backyard decoration but “a revolutionary smart feeder for discovery.” It also has nectar level sensors so you get alerted when you need to refill it and also notifies you when you need to refresh it. The flower-inspired design makes it easy to refill compared to traditional feeders. You won’t get pesky unwanted visitors as it also has a built-in ant moat to keep them away.
The Hum Bloom goes beyond aesthetics with its leak prevention system, ensuring your patio or deck stays clean and the nectar stays where it belongs which is inside the feeder. One of the most thoughtful features is the integrated solar panel with battery backup. This means you don’t have to worry about constantly charging or replacing batteries, which is especially important since hummingbirds are most active during daylight hours when the solar panel is working at its best.
Through the Birdfy mobile app, you can access all your footage, create clips of your favorite moments, and learn detailed information about the species visiting your feeder. It’s like having a personal hummingbird documentary studio right in your backyard. The AI doesn’t just identify the birds; it provides educational content so you can learn more about these fascinating creatures.
The device is expected to launch in Q2 of 2026, though pricing hasn’t been announced yet. Given its advanced features and premium positioning, it will likely be a significant investment, but for serious hummingbird enthusiasts and nature lovers, the unique capabilities may well justify the cost.
Thinking back to my time with that birding community, I now realize how much they would have appreciated technology like this. Birding requires patience, the right timing, and often expensive camera equipment to capture quality images. The Hum Bloom eliminates much of that complexity as it does the waiting for you, captures the perfect moments automatically, and requires minimal maintenance thanks to its smart sensors and solar power. Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a nature photography enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys watching wildlife from the comfort of home, the Birdfy Hum Bloom represents an exciting intersection of technology and nature.
A hands-on video claiming to showcase the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has surfaced, generating significant buzz among tech enthusiasts. At first glance, the video appears to reveal the design and packaging of Samsung’s highly anticipated flagship device. However, a closer examination raises questions about its authenticity. The device shown in the video seems to be […]
Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce OLED display technology to its iMac lineup, signaling a significant evolution from the current LCD panels. This transition is expected to deliver stunning visuals and improved performance, but it also presents technical and manufacturing challenges that could delay its release until 2027 or 2028. In the interim, Apple is […]
Nintendo has unveiled the first color variants for the Switch 2 Joy-Cons in light purple and light green, set to arrive on February 12 alongside Mario Tennis Fever. The new controllers are now on pre-order for $100 and include matching wrist-straps.
Other than the colorway, these are standard Joy-Con 2 controllers with motion controls and HD rumble, along with the C Button for GameChat and the mouse controls for compatible games. However, you may have noticed something weird about them — the colors are on the inner rails, so you'll barely be able to see them when the Joy-Con 2s are connected to a Switch 2 console, except around the thumbsticks. By contrast, previous Joy-Con color variants covered the entire shell. The new Switch 2 Joy-Con colors also clash with the light blue and orange strips on the inner left and right of the console.
Along with the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo released a lengthy game-play video for Mario Tennis Fever, also set to arrive on February 12th. It details some of the key gameplay features, like "fever shots," the ice racket and moves like slides and dives.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-reveals-its-first-switch-2-joy-con-color-variant-142725414.html?src=rss
The modern desk holds a laptop, phone, tablet, earbuds, maybe a camera or handheld console, all needing power at different times. The usual sprawl of wall warts, USB hubs, and cables creeps across the surface, claiming outlets and desk real estate. Most charging solutions still assume you have infinite outlets and space under the table, even though desks keep shrinking while the number of things competing for power keeps climbing.
The Aukey MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro is a 5-in-1 desktop charging station that tries to pull everything into one small cube. It combines four wired outputs, including two retractable USB-C cables, with a Qi2 25W magnetic wireless stand on top, all powered by a 200W GaN engine. The idea is that one object in arm’s reach quietly replaces the pile of bricks and cables, sitting visibly on the desk instead of hiding behind the monitor.
Designer: AUKEY
Plugging a power-hungry laptop into the USB-C1 port gets you up to 140W with PD 3.1, enough to keep big machines happy. While that runs, there is still room for a second USB-C device, a USB-A accessory, and the two retractable USB-C leads that stay hidden until you need them. DeskHive can be the main charger for a workstation, not just a phone dock sitting on the side waiting for occasional use.
The two retractable USB-C cables spool out to about 75 cm when needed and disappear when they are not. That changes the desk, no more permanently snaked cables waiting for a device, just a quick pull when a tablet or camera needs a top-up, then a satisfying click back into the cube. It is a small interaction, but it keeps the surface visually calmer and makes charging feel less like tending to clutter.
The top of the cube is where the Qi2 25 W magnetic stand holds a phone at an adjustable angle between 0 and 65 degrees. That makes it natural to drop the phone there during calls, video meetings, or for quick reference, charging while staying in view. The aluminum-alloy hinge is tested for 10,000 adjustments, so tilting it up and down becomes part of the daily rhythm without feeling fragile or like something you have to baby.
The smart digital display shows real-time power output for each wired port and the total system draw. A quick glance tells you which device is fast-charging, which one is trickle-charging, and whether you are pushing the 200 W budget. It turns charging from a black box into something you can read and manage, which is oddly satisfying when you live with a lot of gear and want to know what is happening behind the scenes.
DeskHive layers in the expected protections, short-circuit, over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature, and over-charging, so running it all day does not feel risky. The compact 3.76-inch footprint and single power cable clean up the visual field, replacing a cluster of chargers with one object that looks intentional. For a desk that already does too much, having one small cube quietly handle the power side feels like a relief, freeing up mental space and physical outlets for the things that actually need them.
What happens when artificial intelligence becomes too eager to please? Imagine asking an AI for advice, only to realize later that its response was more about agreeing with you than offering accurate or constructive input. In this guide, Anthropic explains how AI systems can develop a tendency known as “sycophancy,” where they prioritize aligning with […]
The AirPods Pro 3 are on sale and back at their record low price of $200. This is marked down from $250, a hefty 20 percent discount. This model was just released in September of last year, so consider this a substantial discount for such a recent product.
We gave these AirPods a score of 90 out of 100 in our review and we consider them the best wireless earbuds for iPhone users. The third generation model is a substantial update to an already impressive product, bringing new features like live translation to the table.
The AirPods Pro 3 also offer heart-rate tracking, allowing them to stream live data to Apple Fitness and other third-party workout apps. This lets you track your fitness and close activity rings similarly to when using an Apple Watch.
Apple also improved the sound quality of this generation thanks in large part to a redesigned acoustic architecture that improves how air is delivered into the ear canal. Additionally, the company changed the angle of the drivers to help more sound get where it needs to go instead of bouncing off the sides of your ear. We felt the jump in audio quality from the last generation to this one was substantial.
The ANC on the AirPods Pro 3 has also been improved. Apple claims this model filters out twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2 and four times as much as the original AirPods Pro. We found the noise cancellation to be top-notch.
Live Translation is as neat as it sounds, leveraging the AirPods' noise cancellation tech, Apple's AI and beamforming mics to help you understand a speaker in a different language. Right now, this is limited to a handful of languages with more being added over time.
It's not often you see one of Apple's best and most recent products on sale for 20 percent off, so if you're in the market for an upgrade or your first set of AirPods, consider taking advantage of this deal.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-airpods-pro-3-are-back-on-sale-at-a-record-low-price-140752004.html?src=rss
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, anticipated for release in 2026, are poised to redefine expectations in the smartphone market. With a combination of advanced technology, improved performance, and user-centric features, these devices are designed to cater to the demands of modern users. Below is an in-depth look at six significant upgrades that highlight […]
CES 2026’s second day was all about hands on time with new tech. From Lego’s most ambitious play experiment yet to assistive mobility tech, smart home ideas that actually feel affordable and robots that might one day fold your laundry, here’s what stood out most on January 7.
Lego Smart Play
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Luke's Red Five X-Wing
Nathan Ingraham for Engadget
LEGO’s new Smart Play system feels far more compelling in person than it did on stage. The Smart Brick, combined with Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures, responds dynamically to movement, proximity and context, triggering sounds and interactions without screens or apps. Seeing kids physically act out Star Wars battles while the bricks reacted in real time made it clear this is designed first and foremost for active social play, not digital distraction.
WheelMove
A man sits in a manual wheelchair with an add-on attached that gives it a large central front wheel and raises the casters off the ground
Cheyenne MacDonald for Engadget
WheelMove’s motorized wheelchair attachment is compact, surprisingly quick to install and genuinely empowering in action. The add-on lifts a chair’s front wheels and adds powered assistance, making grass, cobblestones and slopes far easier to navigate. After seeing it demonstrated on uneven surfaces, it’s easy to imagine this opening up spaces that would otherwise be exhausting or inaccessible for manual wheelchair users.
Throne
Image of the Throne Toilet Computer perched on the side of a toilet.
Daniel Cooper for Engadget
Throne’s toilet-mounted health tracker is exactly as strange as it sounds, but it’s also thoughtfully designed. Using computer vision to analyze bowel movements and urination, the device aims to establish a personal baseline and flag changes over time, with gut health and GLP-1 users firmly in mind. It’s too early to judge accuracy, but seeing it in person made it feel less gimmicky and more like a niche wellness tool worth testing.
IKEA smart home gear
The popular VARMBLIXT donut lamp is now smart.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
IKEA’s first CES appearance leaned heavily into what it does best: simple, affordable design. The new Matter-compatible smart home range includes bulbs, plugs, remotes and sensors priced low enough to make smart homes feel accessible again. Standouts like the magnetically mounted BILREA remote and playful TEKLAN lamps showed that IKEA hasn’t sacrificed charm in its push toward interoperability.
SwitchBot
Switchbot's Onero H1.
Karissa Bell for Engadget
SwitchBot’s Onero H1 was one of the most intriguing robots on the show floor because it’s meant to ship this year. The wheeled humanoid robot uses articulated arms and onboard AI to perform household chores, like loading a washing machine, albeit at a deliberate pace. Watching it work made the case that speed matters less than reliability when a robot can handle tasks while you’re not home.
Eyebot vision testing
Image of the Eyebot Kiosk
Daniel Cooper for Engadget
Eyebot’s self-service vision testing kiosk turns a 20-minute optometrist visit into a process that takes just a few minutes. The test is guided by a large touchscreen and reviewed remotely by a licensed eye doctor, striking a balance between automation and oversight. After comparing results with a recent traditional exam, the accuracy felt reassuring, even if it doesn’t replace full eye health screenings.
Dephy Sidekick sneakers
Dephy's Sidekick, which the company describes as "footwear."
Karissa Bell for Engadget
Dephy’s Sidekick robotic sneakers deliver a subtle but noticeable boost with each step. The ankle-mounted exoskeleton adapts to your gait, and walking with it feels bouncy rather than overpowering, especially at lower assist levels. It’s not for everyone, but after hours on the CES floor, the idea of powered help for people with limited mobility started to make a lot of sense.
Klipsch headphones
Klipsch Atlas HP-1
Billy Steele for Engadget
Klipsch’s return to headphones starts strong with the Atlas HP-1. The wireless ANC model looks premium, borrows familiar design cues and delivers the brand’s warm, balanced sound in early demos. Pricing is still unknown, but based on build quality and audio alone, these feel positioned firmly at the high end.
Clear Drop
The Clear Drop soft plastics compactor next to a pile of the bricks it produces.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
Clear Drop’s home plastic compactor tackles a real recycling problem most households face. The machine takes bags and wraps them into dense bricks that can be shipped to partner recycling facilities, and watching it swallow soft plastics was oddly satisfying. It’s expensive and not perfect, but it’s one of the more practical attempts at dealing with waste outside municipal systems.
Nosh cooking robot
Nosh
Daniel Cooper for Engadget
Nosh is an AI cooking robot designed for low-effort, sauce-heavy meals like soups, curries and pasta. Multiple ingredient trays allow you to prep meals ahead of time, then slide them in when you’re ready to eat. It’s not replacing real cooking anytime soon, but as an alternative to microwaved meals, it’s more appealing than expected.
Day two leaned heavily toward tech you could physically interact with, whether that meant flying Lego ships through the air, watching a robot load laundry or testing a vision exam in a kiosk. With more show-floor time still ahead, we’ll be back with additional hands-ons, impressions and daily recaps as CES 2026 continues.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ces-2026-day-2-all-of-the-coolest-tech-we-saw-on-the-show-floor-during-the-second-day-134608348.html?src=rss
