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TikTok to spin off U.S. business — ownership split, Oracle to host US data, deal expected Jan 22 TikTok has signed agreements to spin off its U.S. business into a new entity with a split ownership structure intended to address long‑running national‑security and regulatory concerns. Under the reported deal, Oracle, Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi’s state investment firm MGX would each control roughly 15% of the new company, while ByteDance — TikTok’s China‑based parent — would retain about a 20% stake. The arrangement reportedly places U.S. user data under an Oracle‑operated system and establishes a seven‑member board to manage U.S. platform operations, with a U.S. majority on that board. TikTok’s internal memo set a target closing date of January 22. Key facts Ownership: Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX each ~15%;…

Wuben X4 Mini: iPhone charges the flashlight — it doesn’t work as an emergency power bank Many readers wondered if the compact Wuben X4 Mini flashlight could double as an emergency power bank for an iPhone — after all, it uses a removable 18650 cell and charges over USB‑C. In practice, the X4 Mini behaves differently: its USB‑C port is for charging the lamp (power in), not for providing power out to charge phones. That means plugging your iPhone into the X4 Mini won’t top up your phone. In fact, the connection can go the other way in some cases — the phone may supply power to the lamp. A red status LED and the lamp’s behavior indicate power flow, so don’t assume the flashlight will rescue a drained phone…

Monarch Money 50% off: get an annual subscription for $50 with code MONARCHVIP Monarch Money is offering 50% off annual subscriptions for new users — use code MONARCHVIP at checkout to pay just $50 for a year of the service (down from $100). Monarch was a runner‑up in recent budgeting app roundups and the discount makes it a compelling option if you want to start 2026 with better money habits. The app is feature‑rich, with tools for setting and tracking goals, a detailed month‑in‑review recap, and the ability to grant account access to others. These capabilities make Monarch a strong choice for people who want a full‑service budgeting platform rather than a simple tracker. Key features Customizable budgets and financial goals Comprehensive month‑in‑review reports Account sharing for partners or accountants…

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…