Spotify is rolling out a new feature that lets Premium subscribers remotely download playlists to additional devices. For instance, a user could initiate a download on an iPhone for an iPad or for a backup phone ahead of a trip.

That's all fine and good, and useful in limited circumstances. The big news here, however, is that this functionality also works with smartwatches, with integration for Wear OS devices and Apple Watch models. Nothing ruins a good walk or run like forgetting to download a playlist, so this lets people square that away whenever they think of it, even when the secondary device is out of reach.

Spotify is also introducing a new "Manage Downloads" button to assist with the aforementioned feature. This button accompanies playlists and provides a list of devices in which a particular batch of songs has been downloaded. That way folks can be sure they aren't reaching Spotify's five-device limit the company places on downloads.

This stuff is rolling out right now for users across the globe. It could take a few weeks to reach everyone. A version of this tool has previously been available for Apple Watch users, but this is the first time something like this will be available to those in the Wear OS ecosystem.

Spotify has been busy lately. The platform recently opened up an audiobook shop for iOS users and unveiled a dedicated Following feed for podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/spotify-is-adding-the-ability-to-remotely-download-playlists-to-secondary-devices-162154743.html?src=rss

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Now's a good time to pick up a new pair of AirPods while the AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $169 on Amazon. This is close to their record-low price and a 32-percent discount.

For those enmeshed in the Apple ecosystem, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better pair of wireless earbuds. These buds quickly pair with iPhones, iPads and Macs and switch seamlessly between them when you're multitasking. ANC is solid and Apple's transparency mode is one of the best we've tried.

They also sound great, thanks to a new amplifier, driver and transducer, in addition to updated algorithms. We found that they offered a "massively improved" experience over the first-gen version of these earbuds. Music even sounds better at lower levels here, which is something we noticed in our official review.

The battery life is just average, with six hours of listening per charge and 30 hours with the case. The major downside with these earbuds is the price. No matter how you slice it, $249 is a whole lot of money. Luckily, today's sale alleviates some of that sticker shock. If you're looking to spend even less, you can get the AirPods 4 earbuds (without ANC) for only $99 right now.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-airpods-pro-2-are-on-sale-for-169-right-now-154646693.html?src=rss

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The Nothing Phone 3 is getting an official release for US customers. The handset will be available to purchase from Amazon or directly from the company, according to a report by TechCrunch. Nothing CEO Carl Pei has been teasing this news since April, but now it's official.

Canadians will also be able to get in on the retail action, as Nothing has inked a deal with Best Buy to sell the new handset in the region. The phone goes on sale next month.

The company has produced eight handsets since forming back in 2020, but only the Phone 2 has made it to general sale in the US. For the other models, users would have to buy a unit via a beta program and there was no after-sale support. So this is good news for North Americans who are tired of Samsung and Apple. 

“The smartphone market in the US is dominated by two players, but a lot of people are hungry for something different,” Pei told TechCrunch. "This is the right product, and the right moment, to start scaling in North America."

The downside here? The phone will only be available from Amazon and Nothing, so there will be no option to purchase from a carrier for a discount. However, it'll support 4G and 5G with AT&T and T-Mobile. There's no explicit support for Verizon, but the Phone 2 worked well with its network and the same thing will likely be true here.

There's no official US price yet. Pei recently said that it would cost £800 in England at launch, which would translate to around $1,080 in US dollars. This is far and away the most expensive handset the company has ever released, as it has primarily been known for mid-tier offerings. Pei says the higher cost accounts for "premium materials, major performance upgrades and software that really levels things up."

We don't have actual specs yet, but a recent leak certainly points to the kind of leveled up experience Pei was talking about. A reliable leaker suggested that it'll include a "flagship Snapdragon chipset" from Qualcomm and a new camera system with a triple-lens module on the rear. The battery is also reportedly on the larger side, with indications it'll likely exceed the 5,000 mAh mark. The Nothing Phone 2 shipped with a 4,700 mAh battery.

That's not the only product the company is bringing stateside. It's making some over-ear headphones that will be available to purchase for US and Canadian residents.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-nothing-phone-3-will-be-available-in-the-us-via-amazon-184534970.html?src=rss

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© Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will only visit around 26 strange new worlds before shuttling into that cancellation sunset. The show will end with a truncated fifth season of six episodes, according to reporting by Deadline.

This news is relatively surprising, given that Strange New Worlds seems like the most popular and successful show of the modern era. However, not a single newer Trek series has made it past five seasons, so maybe that's just the way things go now. It's worth remembering that Captain Kirk's narration in the original 1960s Star Trek spoke of a five-year mission.

“We’re deeply grateful to Paramount+ for the chance to complete our five-season mission, just as we envisioned it, alongside our extraordinary cast and crew. And to the passionate fans who’ve boldly joined us on this journey," executive producers Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers, and Alex Kurtzman said in a joint statement provided via press release.

This is a bummer, as Strange New Worlds is a fantastic watch, but it's not the end of the world. The show is about to premiere its third season on July 17. A full fourth season is already in production, and the shortened fifth season will ramp up sometime in the next year. So there are still 26 episodes left to watch. That's a good amount of Trek.

It's also not the end of live-action Star Trek on television screens. The upcoming Starfleet Academy has already been renewed for a second season, though that's the only new show on our radar. There have been rumblings of movies, but we aren't sure what's actually being made. A film chronicling the formation of Starfleet was announced around 18 months ago, but there hasn't been any news since then. Patrick Stewart has been openly campaigning for a Captain Picard movie, but, well, he's 84 as of this writing.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-will-end-with-a-truncated-fifth-season-171054923.html?src=rss

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Google has released Android 16 to the masses, as it's now available for compatible handsets. The company says new devices will come preloaded with the OS in "the coming months." As usual, it's first coming to Google's own Pixel phones.

The update includes several notable features. The biggest one might be live updates in notifications. This means that stuff like ride-shares and food deliveries will get a progress bar directly in the notification, so folks won't have to constantly open and close the app to wonder why a burrito seems to be stuck four blocks away.

Google

Also, notifications from the same app will now be automatically grouped together to reduce clutter and pings. There's now support for LE audio hearing aids, with a native control option. Users can also switch to the phone's microphone when using one of these hearing devices for clearer audio in noisy places.

Google has tied all of its security features together, so users can now be protected from "online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more in just a tap." This includes new scam detection features that were previewed back in May.

Google

Shutterbugs are getting a fairly robust suite of new features, including automatic night mode scene detection, hybrid auto exposure and more precise color temperature adjustments. UltraHDR images have been improved, with support for HEIC encoding, and Android 16 offers integration with the high-end Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec.

Google

The company is finally bringing desktop windowing to Android, but it's not ready just yet. That feature will be available to general users later in the year, but Android 16 QPR 3 Beta 2 is currently previewing the feature.

There's also a neat Android ecosystem update with some nifty features. This includes upgraded RCS group chats, with custom icons and the ability to mute threads. Google Photos now offers an AI-enhanced image editor that will recommend suggested edits. Emoji Kitchen is receiving new sticker combinations and Wear OS devices can now pay for transit fares without having to open a dedicated app.

Google

Finally, Google has offered details on the Pixel Drop for June. New features include a Pixel VIPs widget that displays information on preferred contacts and more expressive captions on videos.

Update, June 10, 2PM ET: Well, we jumped the gun on that a little bit. Android 16 should now be available, as previously (and incorrectly) stated. We regret the error.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/android-16-is-out-complete-with-new-features-for-pixel-phones-including-live-notification-updates-170006935.html?src=rss

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Infinite Machine made waves with its retro-futuristic P1 electric bike. That one was built for speed, but the company is back with something that's more for urbanites commuting to and from work. The Olto boasts 40 miles of range and a top speed of 33 MPH, with a 20 MPH limit while riding in the bike lane.

Just like the P1, the Olto e-bike looks both futuristic and retro, with a design that can only be described as "Cybertruck meets a scooter from Tron." This bike could be a boon for commuters, as it can accommodate two riders at the same time. The design is also fairly modular, so riders can add accessories like child carriers, rear racks and baskets, among other items. 

The battery is easily removed with one hand, for nighttime charging, and can reach 50 percent in just an hour at the outlet. This removable battery also helps with security, as the battery is typically one of the most expensive components of an e-bike.

Infinite Machine

However, that's not the only security feature that Infinite Machine has implemented here. The company claims the Olto "virtually theft-proof." Each bike is connected to the internet and tracked in real time with precise GPS coordinates. There's an app to keep an eye on things and the vehicle features a dedicated slot for AirTags.

Once parked, the bike automatically locks the steering and wheels, making it difficult to move. If someone tampers with the vehicle, an alarm will sound and an alert gets sent to the owner's phone. The phone also doubles as the key.

Now for some bad news. All of these high-tech features come with a high-end price tag. The Olto costs $3,495. Preorders are available right now, with shipments going out later in the year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/the-olto-is-a-future-forward-e-bike-that-can-accommodate-two-passengers-140044468.html?src=rss

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There's a new shop management sim in town. Discounty will be released on August 21 for PC, Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game tasks players with managing a discount supermarket in a bustling town.

The core gameplay loop reminds me of the shopkeeper portion of Moonlighter, but Discounty lets folks freely organize the shop's layout. It's also more than just a management sim. Players can walk around the town and "get caught up in small-town drama" while attempting to strike lucrative trade deals.

There's a story here, as the tight knit community of Blomkest will react to how well the shop is doing. Getting too popular could ruffle feathers in the town, so players will have to manage sales expectations against the needs of the community. A tagline asks "will you pursue endless profits, or find a way to benefit everyone in Blomkest?"

First time developer Crinkle Cut Games promises that the game holds some kind of dark secret, and we are dying to know what it is. Do capitalistic ghosts come out at night to haunt the town's residents? We'll find out this August.

This news came to us via the Wholesome Direct livestream, which happened right in the middle of Summer Game Fest. Follow all of the SGF happenings and trailers right here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-cozy-management-sim-discounty-arrives-on-august-21-170037206.html?src=rss

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The egg-cooking roguelike Omelet You Cook is officially available for PC via Steam. It was shadow-dropped during the Wholesome Direct livestream, which falls in the middle of Summer Game Fest. This quirky title was first revealed last year, but now we can get our grubby little paws on it.

The game looks like a good combination of chaos and strategy, casting players as a line cook at a middle school cafeteria. There's a bit of Overcooked here, along with the narrative-focused cooking sim Venba and the sushi minigame part of Dave the Diver. It looks really fun.

It's not just a chaotic minigame. Players can add and prep ingredients between rounds, and there are rare relics that provide power-ups. There's even a hungry dog that hoovers up unwanted ingredients.

This is an early access release, so folks should expect updates and changes as the months roll on. Developer SchuBox Games is also working on a football sim that stars chickens called Dicey Birdball, but that one didn't get a surprise drop today. That team sure does love poultry. 

This news comes from today's Wholesome Direct livestream, which coincides with Summer Game Fest. The announcements keep coming in from SGF, so stay on top of things right here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-breakfast-making-roguelike-omelet-you-cook-was-just-surprise-released-on-steam-170024208.html?src=rss

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Monument Valley 3 is finally coming to more platforms, after being a Netflix exclusive since December. The game will be released on July 22 for PC, Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Remember, Switch games are playable on Switch 2, so it should also technically be available on Nintendo's new console.

Monument Valley 3 is considered a solid entry in the franchise, with plenty of fresh puzzles that play with perspective. You navigate a character through bizarre mazes and strangely-designed levels.

These games are partially inspired by artists like M.C. Escher, as the pathways don't necessarily follow the laws of physics. It's a whole lot of fun, and sort of plays like a more psychedelic version of the Switch exclusive Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

The third entry in the franchise brings in a new gameplay mechanic in the form of a sailboat that freely moves between sections. The vibes are top-tier, with gorgeous art and a great ambient soundtrack. We don't have a price yet, as Monument Valley 3 was free with a Netflix subscription, but Monument Valley 2 ranged from $5 to $8 depending on the platform.

This news comes from today's Wholesome Direct livestream, which happens during Summer Game Fest. The announcements are coming in fast and hot from SGF, so stay on top of things right here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/monument-valley-3-breaks-free-from-netflix-on-july-22-170002131.html?src=rss

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There's a new puzzle game in town, and this one tackles remote work and corporate data manipulation. Pocket Boss is coming to Steam and the developers just dropped a trailer during the Day of the Devs showcase event, which is part of Summer Game Fest.

Pocket Boss casts players as an employee working remotely, trapped by the whims of an ever-demanding boss. The game is primarily set inside of a chat window, though the puzzle element kicks in when the aforementioned job creator demands changes to data in order to maximize profits and erase competitors.

When that happens, the perspective shifts to a minigame. There looks to be plenty of different designs here. One game involves flinging a competitor's market share off of the screen, while another has players navigate a physical representation of the stock market without crashing. It's like a corporation-soaked take on the WarioWare franchise.

The game is published by Playables, which is the studio behind the novel-looking Time Flies and the interactive cartoon KIDS. We don't have a release date for Pocket Boss just yet.

Playables

Of course, this is just one game announced during the beefy Day of the Devs stream, and that's just one event of many throughout Summer Game Fest. It's a good time to be someone who likes to read and watch trailers about upcoming video games.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/pocket-boss-turns-corporate-data-manipulation-into-a-puzzle-game-000042457.html?src=rss

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Tribute Games, the developer behind the fantastic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, is back with its take on another comic book IP. Scott Pilgrim EX is a beat-em-up coming to PC and consoles in 2026.

This looks like a real evolution of its work with those pizza-loving turtles. There's a large map to explore with plenty of secrets, seven playable characters and, most importantly for Pilgrim fans, a brand-new story. Vegans, robots and demons have taken over Toronto! This seems only nominally better than ex-boyfriends.

The developer promises "countless creative combos" and all kinds of quests "across space and time." The graphics and soundtrack are both absolutely soaked in retro goodness.

If the idea of a sidescrolling Scott Pilgrim beat-em-up seems eerily familiar to you, it's not the Mandela Effect. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game was first released all the way back in 2010.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-dev-behind-tmnt-shredders-revenge-is-making-a-scott-pilgrim-beat-em-up-223721054.html?src=rss

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Bandai Namco is making a sequel to the 2019 action RPG Code Vein. The sequel, appropriately-named Code Vein II, is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. The announcement was made during the Summer Game Fest kickoff stream. 

The first one was a popular soulslike, and the sequel will probably follow this winning formula. It received mixed reviews, but the dungeon-crawling seemed solid and the difficulty wasn't over the top.

The graphics for Code Vein II look sharp and the story seems convoluted, but fun. It looks to be carrying over some story beats from the first one. It's still set in a post-apocalyptic future and still follows a protagonist with vampire-like abilities. We'll have more on this one as it gets closer to the actual release.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-soulslike-action-rpg-code-vein-is-getting-a-sequel-214216149.html?src=rss

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Walmart just announced a major expansion of its drone delivery service to five new cities. These areas include Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, Charlotte and Houston. This makes it the first retailer to offer drone-based deliveries across five states, as the service has already been operating in Arkansas.

This isn't a small beta test, like some of Amazon's pilot programs. Walmart says the service is launching at 100 stores. This is thanks to a partnership with Wing, which operates its drones within FAA guidelines.

“This is real drone delivery at scale,” said Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing. “People all around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex have made drone delivery part of their normal shopping habits over the past year. Now we’re excited to share this ultra-fast delivery experience with millions more people across many more US cities.”

Walmart

These drones can deliver up to six miles from the retail location. Walmart says it's building out the service right now, but it could take up to a year to reach every store. Customers are encouraged to sign up for notifications as to when drone deliveries open up in their area. The company notes that it has made over 150,000 drone deliveries so far, with an average fulfillment time of 19 minutes. There is a weight limit, however, and Wing drones will only deliver certain items. 

Rival Amazon recently experienced a hiccup with its in-house drone delivery program. There were two crashes, which forced the company to put the project on hold for a bit. It's back now, and can now deliver new items like smartphones and video doorbells.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/walmart-expands-drone-deliveries-to-five-new-cities-including-atlanta-200030301.html?src=rss

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In space, no one can hear you, uh, stream. We finally have a real trailer for the upcoming Alien: Earth TV series and it looks extremely cool. FX dropped a teaser a few months back, but that was just vibes. This is an actual two-minute trailer that's absolutely packed with footage.

For the uninitiated, Alien: Earth is the first TV series in the franchise's long history and is being helmed by Noah Hawley. That's the guy who made the Fargo TV series and the criminally underrated Marvel show Legion. Franchise creator Ridley Scott is also on board as an executive producer.

This is a prequel that's set just two years before the original film. As the name suggests, it takes place on Earth. The trailer indicates the story will involve a ship crashing into a large corporate-controlled city. This vessel may or may not have a fearsome Xenomorph aboard, among other notable alien species.

A character in the clip says that the ship "collected five different life forms from the darkest corners of the universe," going on to suggest that one is "predatory." That's right. We could be getting a dang Predator in our Alien TV show.

Alien: Earth premieres on August 12 on FX and will be available to stream on Hulu. The show stars Sydney Chandler as a hybrid robot/human lifeform tasked with investigating the crash. The rest of the cast includes Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther and Samuel Blenkin, among others.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-full-alien-earth-trailer-is-finally-here-and-its-a-doozy-184921361.html?src=rss

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There's finally a Snapchat app for watchOS, bringing the social media platform to Apple's line of wearables. This has been a long time coming, given that the first Apple Watch graced our wrists over a decade ago.

The app lets users preview incoming messages and reply by using the keyboard, scribbling with a finger, voice dictation or sending out an emoji. Apple Watch wearers could already preview a Snapchat message by enabling them on an iPhone, but there wasn't a way to respond until now.

Snapchat says the app will be useful when doing things like alerting friends when arriving at a restaurant or when sending out a quick reply during a run. A company representative told us that it's good for people who want to "keep active conversations going while they're on the go."

They also indicated that previewing a message on an Apple Watch will not mark it as "read" on the mobile or web app, as it only shows the first 100 characters. The app cannot be used to view images or videos, but the company plans to "evolve the experience over time." 

Despite coming ten years after the Apple Watch first launched, Snapchat has still outpaced many of its rivals. There isn't a dedicated Facebook app for the wearable, or a WhatsApp release. Facebook Messenger did have an app once upon a time, but it was pulled. 

Snapchat's watchOS app comes just ahead of this year's WWDC event. Rumors indicate that Apple is planning on some major announcements throughout the event, including a complete redesign of its various operating systems and new Apple Intelligence features that I'm sure everyone will just love.

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Jim Lanzone, the CEO of Engadget’s parent company Yahoo, joined the board of directors at Snap on September 12, 2024. No one outside of Engadget’s editorial team has any say in our coverage of the company.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/snapchat-finally-has-a-watchos-app-after-a-decade-163733916.html?src=rss

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If you've been holding out for a good discount on a new TV, Best Buy's latest TV sale might have what you're looking for. A number of sets from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony and others are on sale right now; key among the discounted TVs are Roku's Pro Series sets, which you can grab for up to $900 off. You'll find that discount on the 75-inch Pro Series model, which is on sale for $800.

If 75-inches is too big for your space, the 65-inch Roku Pro Series is on sale for $600. This is basically 50 percent off, as the regular price is $1,200.

We haven't gotten our hands on a Pro Series TV to test out, but the specs are top-notch and reviews are generally positive. They include Mini-LED panels, with full array local dimming backlights, and 4K resolution. There's a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is decent for gamers, and some notable features like HDR 10 and Dolby Vision.

These TVs ship with the company's proprietary OS, so you'll have instant access to all of the major streaming platforms. There are four HDMI ports and each unit comes with a remote that offers voice control via Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.

Of course, Best Buy's sale doesn't begin and end with Roku. There are all kinds of TVs available at a discount. For instance, the Hisense 85-inch Class S7 has dropped down to $2,500, and it's typically $4,000. This is the company's answer to Samsung's The Frame. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-buys-tv-sale-includes-up-to-900-off-roku-pro-series-sets-185455486.html?src=rss

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A number of Sonos speakers are on sale right now at Sonos direct and Amazon. his includes the well-regarded Era 300 smart speaker, which is on sale for $359. This particular model is one of Sonos' newest, and it has rarely gone on sale in the past.

We enjoyed the Era 300 enough to give it a score of 80 in our review. It has excellent sound quality and offers a premium experience that far surpasses other products in the company's lineup, even the Era 100. This is also true when compared to rival speakers like Apple's HomePod.

It's simple to set up and offers the company's proprietary Trueplay tuning system. This feature optimizes the sound of the speaker to the unique acoustics of a room by leveraging an internal microphone. It measures how sound reflects off surfaces and adjusts the EQ to match. It's pretty nifty.

As for connectivity, it can pair with another Era 300 speaker for a true stereo experience. It also includes a Bluetooth receiver and line-in options. Of course, the speaker integrates with just about every streaming music service. The built-in mic also allows for voice assistant control, but only with Siri and Alexa. Google Assistant is left out of the party.

This speaker goes all-in on spatial audio, and the results are mixed. Sometimes it's sublime and sometimes it's kind of eh. This is more of a dig on the technology itself. It has serious potential but is still experiencing growing pains. The only real downside of this speaker is the exorbitant asking price, which has been slightly alleviated by this sale.

As previously mentioned, other Sonos products are available at a discount. This includes the Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar, which is 26 percent off at $369, and the Era 100, which is down to $179. These deals are also available via Sonos itself. There's also an ongoing sale on portable speakers that includes the Move 2 and the Roam 2. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-sonos-era-300-is-90-off-in-this-home-speaker-sale-150857352.html?src=rss

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Anker's latest sale on Amazon includes a bunch of solid power banks and charging accessories. Key among them is the Anker 737 portable laptop charger, which is 41 percent off and down to $88. That's the best price we've seen all year so far, and it's only about $8 more than its record-low price.

The 737 is a 24,000mAh charger that can juice up a laptop, but also works with other devices like smartphones, tablets and virtual reality headsets. The design is similar to our favorite premium power bank. This one, however, includes a trio of ports, making it a great option for multi-device charging.

Anker says the battery is large enough to charge an iPhone 16 Pro over four times before requiring a refill. Beefier devices, like the newest iPad Pro or MacBook Pro, will get just over a single charge. This is a portable device, with a nice form factor that makes it easy to pack. However, it is on the heavier side.

The Anker MagGo 621 magnetic charger is also on sale for $30, which is a discount of 25 percent. This one attaches to the back of a smartphone to provide more juice. The deal applies to multiple colorways. Alternatively, you can pick up this Anker 10K power bank for only $13, or half off its usual price. It's roughly the size of a credit card and has a built-in USB-C cable — both of which make it an excellent option for on-the-go power ups. This is a lightning deal, though, so you'll want to grab it while you can.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-portable-chargers-are-on-sale-for-up-to-50-percent-off-152352617.html?src=rss

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Capcom just announced that Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is getting a new mode to coincide with its launch-day release for the Switch 2, which is June 5. It's called Otherworldly Ventures and introduces some roguelike mechanics to the action/strategy game.

In other words, it's essentially an endless mode. You start off with limited abilities and choose from various upgrades when defeating waves of enemies. Lots of games do something like this, including titles like Vampire Survivors and Downwell. It will also introduce a scoring element, for those who want to ascend a leaderboard.

To make the roguelike-inspired mechanics work, the developers have simplified other aspects of the gameplay. Protagonist Soh won't have to rescue villagers and crystals will accumulate more quickly than in the standard game. Also, Yoshiro will make her own way to the gate, instead of having to be guided. The whole thing looks pretty fun.

Despite launching alongside the Switch 2, Otherworldly Ventures will be available for every version of the game on June 5. This includes PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows and Steam. It's also free, which is always nice.

For the uninitiated, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a fun hybrid of third-person combat and tower-defense. We heaped praise on the game in our official review, calling it "perfectly balanced, lovingly crafted and metal as hell."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/kunitsu-gami-path-of-the-goddess-is-getting-a-new-mode-to-coincide-with-the-switch-2-launch-190406167.html?src=rss

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Elon Musk's xAI is paying the messaging platform Telegram a cool $300 million to introduce the chatbot Grok to its users. The terms of the deal are extremely favorable to Telegram, as the $300 million only covers a single year and xAI will evenly split any subscription sales to Grok Premium and Premium+ with the messaging platform. Telegram will be paid in both cash and equity.

This will introduce Grok to gobs of new people, as Telegram boasts over one billion monthly users. X, on the other hand, handles half that amount. X leverages public posts from users to train Grok, though not in the EU, and it remains to be seen if the deal includes language to do the same thing with Telegram. The platform includes a feature called Channels that's sort of like a social media network, which could house data that's ripe for the picking. 

Engadget reached out to Telegram to ask about Grok and training data and will update this post if we hear back. Both companies have remained mum on this question to other publications, like Reuters. It's worth noting that AI companies are running out of easily accessible data troves.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/elon-musks-xai-is-paying-telegram-300-million-to-adopt-grok-154232007.html?src=rss

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