Author: alex

Netflix vs Paramount: competing takeover plans for Warner Bros. Discovery Netflix and Paramount have both announced competing takeover plans for Warner Bros. Discovery, setting up a high‑stakes contest over one of Hollywood’s largest content libraries. The dueling proposals could have major implications for how film and TV IP is distributed, combined with streaming strategies and theatrical windows. At a high level, the two bids represent different strategic routes to extract value from Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets. Each buyer brings a distinct set of strengths and priorities — from global streaming scale to legacy studio and theatrical expertise — and regulators, shareholders and creative stakeholders will all shape the outcome. Possible strategic approaches (what each bidder might prioritize) Netflix-style approach: Expand the streaming catalog, integrate WBD IP into a global subscription…

Amazon expands Alexa+ shopping features: price tracking, automated buys and order management Amazon is enhancing the shopping capabilities of its Alexa+ voice assistant with tools to track price changes, automate purchases when an item hits a target price, and provide clearer order management. The company says the features will roll out gradually, initially on US Echo Show 15 and Echo Show 21 devices. The new tools aim to make shopping via voice and smart displays more convenient for users who want to monitor deals or reduce friction when purchasing regularly bought items. Amazon is positioning Alexa+ to handle tasks like watching price history, notifying users of discounts, and—if enabled—completing a purchase automatically when conditions are met. Key features Price monitoring: Track price changes over time for items you follow and…

Deutsche Telekom partners with OpenAI for early access to AI models in Europe Deutsche Telekom has announced a multi‑year partnership with OpenAI to develop new AI‑powered products and services for consumers and businesses across Europe. As part of the collaboration, Telekom will receive early access to OpenAI models during very early development phases to prototype and integrate features for communication, productivity and customer service. The agreement positions Telekom to combine its network and customer reach with OpenAI’s models, enabling faster prototyping and localized offerings. Early access means Telekom can test features on its infrastructure, tailor experiences to European users and potentially bring new services to market more quickly than through public releases alone. Key points Multi‑year collaboration between Deutsche Telekom and OpenAI focused on product development for the European market.…

Deutsche Telekom and OpenAI partner for early access to AI models in Europe Deutsche Telekom has announced a multi‑year partnership with OpenAI to develop new AI‑powered products and services for consumers and businesses across Europe. As part of the collaboration, Telekom will receive early access to OpenAI models in very early development phases to build applications for communication, productivity and customer service. The deal positions Telekom to integrate advanced AI capabilities directly into its offerings — from consumer apps to enterprise solutions. Early access to models can help the company prototype features faster, test integration on Telekom’s networks and tailor services to European customers. What the partnership includes (as announced) Multi‑year cooperation between Deutsche Telekom and OpenAI focused on product development in Europe. Early access for Telekom to OpenAI models…

ReStory: Repair iconic 2000s gadgets in a cozy Tokyo repair shop ReStory is an upcoming indie game from Mandragora that puts you in the shoes of a small electronics repair shop owner in mid‑2000s Tokyo. The trailer shows you restoring and cleaning nostalgic devices — from Tamagotchi‑style virtual pets to a PSP‑like handheld, Walkman riffs and classic Nokia‑style phones — while interacting with customers whose lives may be shaped by your conversations as much as your repairs. The game aims for a relaxed, charming tone: gameplay looks equal parts tinkering and slice‑of‑life storytelling. ReStory is currently in playtesting with a planned release in 2026, giving players a chance to try the concept early and provide feedback to the developer. Key features (from trailer & early coverage) Repair and clean a…

Traeger adds Woodridge Pro Plus: Wi‑Fi grill with built‑in storage cabinet and improved mobility Traeger has expanded its Woodridge lineup with the new Woodridge Pro Plus, introduced just before the holidays. The Pro Plus builds on the Woodridge Pro’s core feature set while adding an enclosed storage cabinet and four casters for easier maneuvering — upgrades aimed at convenience and tidier backyard setups. The Pro Plus retains WiFIRE connectivity via the Traeger app, Super Smoke mode and a large 970 square inches of cooking space. It also includes an integrated pellet level sensor, support for wireless Meater probes, and the P.A.L. Rail system for customizing storage and organization on the cart. What’s new vs. other Woodridge models Enclosed storage cabinet: replaces the open shelf on the Pro, offering room to…

13 subscription boxes that make great gifts in 2025 Subscription boxes are among the best gifts because they deliver a fresh surprise month after month. Engadget compiled a list of 13 subscription boxes for 2025 that cover a wide range of interests — from electronics kits and mystery puzzles to Japanese treats and freshly roasted coffee. These boxes are ideal for giftees who already own a lot of gear or who love discovering new things on a regular schedule. The picks are grouped by vibe so you can match the box to your recipient: builder and maker boxes for hands‑on folks, snack and foodie boxes for adventurous eaters, puzzle and mystery boxes for the curious, and collector or hobby boxes for niche interests. Subscriptions are flexible — many offer month‑to‑month…

Nearly one‑third of US teens use AI chatbots daily or more, says Pew New research from Pew Research Center finds AI chatbots have become a regular part of many teenagers' online routines: nearly one‑third of US teens report using chatbots daily or more often. The survey, conducted with 1,458 teens between Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, 2025, offers the first broad look at how often teens use AI tools alongside traditional social platforms. Key usage stats from the report: 48% of teens said they use AI chatbots several times a week or more, 12% said several times a day, and 4% reported using chatbots "almost constantly." When it comes to which chatbots teens tried, 59% have used ChatGPT, 23% have used Google’s Gemini and 20% tried Meta AI. How chatbots…

Samsung Wallet gains Digital Key support for Porsche Macan and Cayenne Electric Samsung announced that Porsche owners will soon be able to unlock and start select models using Samsung Wallet’s Digital Key. Support initially covers the Porsche Macan and the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric, with rollout in Europe starting in December and a broader global release aligned to Porsche’s vehicle launches. Digital Key works over secure UWB (Ultra Wideband) or NFC connections and is available on many Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S20, Note20, Galaxy Z Fold2 and newer phones. If a phone is lost or stolen, owners can remotely lock or delete the Digital Key from Samsung Wallet to protect their vehicle. What the feature includes Unlock, lock and start compatible Porsche models using a Galaxy phone via UWB…

PlayStation 2025 Wrap‑Up is here: check your hours, top games and more Sony’s PlayStation 2025 Wrap‑Up is now available — a year‑end recap that shows how many hours you spent on PS4/PS5, your most‑played games, favorite genres, trophy counts and accessory usage like the PlayStation Portal and PS VR2. The wrap‑up produces shareable cards and a unique glass‑themed avatar for adult players. The feature is live through January 8. It also reveals which DualSense controller design you used most often and highlights interactions with accessories, giving players a neat snapshot of their year in gaming to share on social media. What you’ll see in your Wrap‑Up Total playtime across PS4 and PS5. Top games and genres you spent the most time with. Trophy milestones and most‑used controller design. Accessory stats:…