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Engadget Podcast: 2025 in Review — gadgets, AI PCs, smart glasses and industry shakeups Engadget’s year‑end podcast looks back at the biggest tech stories of 2025, guided by Managing Editor Cherlynn Low and host Devindra Hardawar. The episode mixes gadget picks, industry analysis and cultural takeaways — from standout devices to surprising shifts in corporate behavior. Highlights include the editors’ favorite hardware of the year (like the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft and AirPods Pro 3), a discussion of why AI‑powered PCs underwhelmed, and the notable rise of smart glasses as a recurring theme across hardware and fashion. The podcast also examines how major tech companies adjusted to political pressures in 2025. Top topics covered Best gadgets: Editors name top devices of 2025, including unexpected sleeper hits such as Anker’s laptop power…

MasterClass holiday sale: 50% off annual subscriptions MasterClass is offering a 50% discount on its subscription plans for the holidays. The All‑Access annual plan — which supports offline viewing and up to six devices — is reduced from $240 to $120. The entry‑level plan is also halved from $120 to $60. The promotion runs through December 24. MasterClass features over 200 classes taught by well‑known instructors across topics like cooking, screenwriting, entrepreneurship and sports. Classes typically include high‑production video lessons and downloadable workbooks, making them suitable for both beginners and hobbyists. What to know Plans & price: All‑Access annual: $240 → $120 (up to 6 devices, offline mode). Individual: $120 → $60. Content: 200+ classes from notable creators (e.g., Gordon Ramsay, Aaron Sorkin, Richard Branson). Gifting: You can buy and…

13 subscription box gift ideas for 2025 — gifts that keep on giving Subscription boxes make memorable presents because they arrive again and again. For 2025, curated boxes range from electronics kits and puzzle challenges to international snacks, specialty coffee and themed collectibles — perfect for recipients who value discovery over more gear. Below we summarize the types of boxes that stood out and why they work as gifts. Whether you want something educational, edible or just plain fun, there’s a recurring box to match the recipient’s interests. Popular subscription types Electronics & maker kits: Monthly projects for tinkerers and learners — great for STEM fans and hobbyists. Puzzle & mystery boxes: Escape‑room style challenges and collectibles that encourage group play and long‑term engagement. International snacks & treats: Curated food…

Mozilla charts an AI-first future for Firefox under new CEO Mozilla has announced a strategic direction under new CEO Anthony Enzor DeMeo to evolve Firefox into an AI-powered browser. The shift is framed as a multi-year effort to adapt to an internet increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence — affecting how content is discovered, ranked and used. The plan centers on integrating AI capabilities across the browsing experience: smarter search and discovery, AI-assisted summaries and workflows, and deeper personalization. Mozilla positions this as a response to the broader web ecosystem changes and as an attempt to keep Firefox competitive and relevant. Key goals and focus areas AI-enhanced discovery: use machine learning to surface relevant content and reduce noise for users. Integrated AI workflows: inline summaries, automated tasks and browser-side assistants that…

Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express drops to $33 — record low for Switch 2 storage Samsung’s P9 Express 256GB microSD is on sale for $33 (down from $55), marking an all‑time low price for this high‑speed card. With read/write performance advertised up to 800MB/s and Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard, it’s aimed at gamers and creators who need fast, reliable storage — especially owners of the Nintendo Switch 2. The card isn’t limited to the Switch 2: it works with other consoles, Steam Deck, cameras, laptops and smartphones that accept microSD. The P9 Express family was designed to support microSD Express protocols for higher transfer speeds and improved sustained performance during long gaming or recording sessions. Why this deal matters Performance: Up to ~800MB/s transfer speeds make large game installs and…

Starlink satellite suffers likely onboard explosion, releases trackable debris SpaceX reported that one of its Starlink satellites experienced an anomaly likely caused by a small internal explosion. The event led to venting of the propulsion tank, a rapid decay in the satellite's orbit (about 4 km loss in semi-major axis), and the release of a small number of trackable, low‑relative‑velocity objects. According to orbital tracker LeoLabs, the incident appears to stem from an internal energetic source rather than a collision with debris or another object. SpaceX said the satellite is largely intact but tumbling; it expects the vehicle to reenter Earth’s atmosphere and fully demise within weeks. The spacecraft’s trajectory is well below the International Space Station, so it posed no risk to the crew. Key facts Cause: likely internal…

Anker Soundcore ANC deals: Q20i drops to ~€30, Space One Pro also reduced Two Anker Soundcore headphones with active noise cancelling are on notable discounts right now. The budget-friendly Soundcore Q20i is being offered for about €30, while the higher-end Soundcore Space One Pro is also seeing a significant price cut. These offers make both entry-level and premium ANC options more attractive for holiday shoppers. The Q20i is a popular budget ANC model praised for solid noise reduction and portability at a low price. The Space One Pro is Anker’s flagship consumer model with more advanced features and premium sound — the current sale narrows the gap between budget and high-end choices for buyers weighing cost versus performance. Quick highlights Soundcore Q20i: budget ANC, compact design — currently around €30…

Apple removes Flyover from Maps — 18 German cities affected Apple has removed the Flyover aerial (3D) views from Apple Maps. Reports indicate the change arrived with iOS 26 and that Flyover content for 18 German cities is no longer available. Flyover was introduced in 2014 as a way to see photorealistic 3D city flyovers. The feature had remained a niche but visually striking part of Maps for users who enjoyed immersive city views. Its removal appears to be part of broader changes to Apple Maps’ features as the app evolves, though Apple has not provided a detailed public explanation about why Flyover was removed. What’s affected Flyover views — photorealistic aerial 3D flyovers — have been removed from Apple Maps in certain areas, including 18 cities in Germany. The…

Best DACs for Apple Music: how to unlock lossless and hi‑res sound Apple Music’s lossless and hi‑res options sound best when converted by a capable digital‑to‑analog converter (DAC). While phones and laptops include basic DACs, an external unit can reveal more detail, depth and clarity — especially with wired or high‑impedance headphones. This guide explains why you might need a DAC, what types are available, and how to choose one that fits your Apple Music setup without overspending. What a DAC does (brief) A DAC converts digital audio into an analog signal your headphones or speakers can play. Standalone DACs often support higher sample rates and bit depths than built‑in phone chips, and some include a headphone amp for harder‑to‑drive headphones. Who should consider a DAC? Listeners using wired headphones…

Satechi launches OntheGo 7‑in‑1 magnetic USB‑C hub in Germany Satechi has introduced the OntheGo 7‑in‑1 multiport adapter to the German market. The compact USB‑C hub targets iPhone and MacBook users who need extra ports while mobile or at the desk, and its standout feature is a magnetic mounting system that attaches directly to compatible devices without a separate holder. The accessory is pitched for people who want a tidy, portable connection solution that sits on the device for easy access. The hub’s 7‑in‑1 configuration expands a laptop or phone’s connectivity with multiple ports covering data, video and power passthrough while remaining compact enough for travel. Key points Form factor: compact USB‑C multiport adapter with magnetic attachment for compatible devices. Use case: designed for on‑the‑go users and desk setups needing extra…