Author: alex

Apple explains how it will comply with Texas SB2420 (App Store age-verification) Summary: Effective Jan 1, 2026, new Apple accounts created in Texas must verify that the user is 18 or older. Accounts for users under 18 must be linked to a parent or guardian via Family Sharing; parents must approve downloads, in‑app purchases and other transactions. Apple is introducing developer-facing tools: the Declared Age Range API (available now) and additional APIs later this year to handle parental consent re‑requests and consent revocation. Apple opposes the law’s approach, warning it could force collection of sensitive personal data and harm user privacy. What developers need to know Apple says developers will need to update apps to integrate parental consent flows and age-restricted features. The Declared Age Range API is available now…

Best iPads for 2025 — Quick Guide & Picks Short summary: We tested every current iPad and picked the iPad Air (M3) as our top overall pick for 2025 and the iPad (A16) as the best budget option. If you want a large screen for streaming choose a bigger iPad; if you want laptop-like productivity, pick the M3 Air and its keyboard/stylus accessories. Not sure? Read the highlights below and tell us what you use an iPad for in the comments. Top picks Best overall: iPad Air (M3) Budget pick: iPad (A16) How we test We spend several days with each iPad doing typical tasks: video playback, web browsing, gaming, 4K photo/video editing, FaceTime, multitasking, and using Apple Pencil. We also run benchmarks (Geekbench 6, 3DMark, GFXBench Metal), measure boot/app-open…

Best Prime Day Kitchen Deals — Day 2 (October) Prime Day is on its second day and many kitchen deals are still live — but most end tonight. Below are our top tested picks and current sale prices. Click any link to search the product on Amazon (affiliate): KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer — $379 ($121 off). Search on Amazon Ninja Creami ice cream maker — $180 ($50 off). Search on Amazon Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer — $90 ($30 off). Search on Amazon Vitamix 2-Speed Immersion Blender — $90 ($40 off). Search on Amazon Ninja Dual Foodie Zone Air Fryer (DZ302) — $160 ($70 off). Search on Amazon Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender (625W) — $200 ($100 off). Search on Amazon Instant Pot Vortex Plus with Clear Cook — $80…

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 x New Balance — Full overview TAG Heuer has unveiled the Connected Calibre E5 in a standout New Balance Edition featuring a bold purple-and-green colorway (fans note an Evangelion Unit‑01 vibe). The watch pairs TAG Heuer's luxury finish with a sporty, sneaker‑inspired strap and promises solid outdoors performance. Key specs Case: Grade 2 titanium (black DLC on some finishes) Design: New Balance–inspired flexible bi‑material strap; bold purple & green colorway Display: AMOLED, outdoor‑readable (domed sapphire on higher trims) Battery: ~1.5 days per charge in normal use; charges 0→100% in about 90 minutes GPS: Dual‑band (improved positioning accuracy) Sensors: Heart rate, step counter, SpO2, sleep tracking (and other fitness sensors) Chip & OS: Reports vary; some sources mention Snapdragon 5100+ but TAG Heuer notes its own…

Prime Day Deal: 2nd‑gen Kindle Scribe Discounts — Worth Buying or Waiting? Amazon's 2nd‑generation Kindle Scribe (10.2" E Ink tablet) is on sale for Prime Day — the 16GB model has been reported as low as $300 (about $100 off), and the 32GB and 64GB versions are also showing significant discounts. You can check current pricing on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Kindle+Scribe&tag=f1rede-20. Why it matters The Kindle Scribe is our pick for best e‑reader/E Ink tablet thanks to its smooth reading and writing experience. Highlights include: 10.2" E Ink display with front lights that auto‑adjust Available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage options Sleek, slender design and comfortable writing experience Scored an 86 in reviews for performance and design Previously, the biggest complaint was cost — and these Prime Day discounts make…

Prime Day Laptop Deals — Best Picks & Links Prime Day (October) is a great time to shop for laptops — there are discounts on MacBooks, Windows notebooks, gaming rigs and Chromebooks. Below are curated picks and quick links to search for each model on Amazon (affiliate tag included). MacBooks Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M4) — $979Search MacBook Air 15 M4 on Amazon Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4) — $1,399Search MacBook Pro 14 M4 on Amazon Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4) — $2,249Search MacBook Pro 16 M4 on Amazon Windows laptops HP Ultrabook 14 (Intel N100) — $280Search HP Ultrabook 14 N100 Acer Nitro V (15-inch, Intel Core i5) — $600Search Acer Nitro V 15 Core i5 Dell 15 3530 (Windows 11 Pro, Intel Core i5) — $659Search Dell 15…

OpenAI and Jony Ive: Update on the always‑on, screenless AI assistant A recent Financial Times report says the planned AI device from OpenAI and designer Jony Ive is encountering several technical hurdles. The partners are developing a compact, display‑free assistant that would rely on a microphone and camera to respond to speech and the surrounding environment. The goal is an everyday companion that’s less distracting than traditional screens. Key points Design: Jony Ive is working on a sleek, minimalist, screenless form factor. Function: Intended to be an always‑available assistant that reacts to voice and environmental cues via mic and camera. Challenges: Reported technical hurdles include battery life, privacy concerns, and hardware‑software integration. Availability: No official release date or purchase option — the device remains in development. Sources The Financial Times…

Musk and Former Twitter Executives Reach Settlement in $128M Severance Lawsuit Elon Musk and X Corp. have agreed to a settlement with former Twitter executives Parag Agrawal, Ned Segal, Vijaya Gadde and Sean Edgett over roughly $128 million in unpaid severance and stock option payouts. The settlement amount has not been publicly disclosed and is contingent on "certain conditions" being met in the near term, according to a filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Key points Parties: Parag Agrawal (former CEO), Ned Segal (former CFO), Vijaya Gadde (former CLO), Sean Edgett (former general counsel) vs. Elon Musk/X Corp. Allegations: Executives sued over unpaid severance and vested stock options after Musk closed the $44B acquisition early and terminated them. Settlement: Agreed to an undisclosed amount;…

Prime Day: Best Tech Deals Under $50 — Tested Picks We collected Engadget’s handpicked, tested tech and gadget deals that are under $50 during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days (often called the October Prime Day sale). Many discounts require an Amazon Prime membership — so non‑members may see fewer deals. Quick picks PNY microSD Express (128GB) — Great for Switch 2 storage. Buy: PNY microSD Express 128GB on Amazon. Anker Nano II 65W — Compact multi-port charger, good for laptops and phones. Buy: Anker Nano II 65W on Amazon. UGREEN Nexode Pro 65W — Fast 3-port USB-C charger with folding prongs. Buy: UGREEN Nexode Pro 65W on Amazon. Elgato Stream Deck Mini — Six-button shortcut pad useful for streamers and productivity. Buy: Elgato Stream Deck Mini on Amazon. Want more?…

Prime Day tech deals under $25 — top picks As Prime Day hits its second (and final) day, here are the best tech accessories under $25 worth grabbing before the deals end tonight. These picks come from trusted reviews and buying guides. Chipolo Pop — $25 — Bluetooth tracker to find lost items. Shop: Chipolo Pop on Amazon Blink Mini 2 — $20 — Budget indoor camera for pet and entryway monitoring. Shop: Blink Mini 2 on Amazon Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go — $23 — Loud, IP67 Bluetooth speaker. Shop: Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go on Amazon Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) — $24 — 4K HDR streaming dongle. Shop: Roku Streaming Stick Plus on Amazon Echo Pop — $25 — Compact Echo for small rooms. Shop: Echo Pop…