Labor Day 2025: Top Tech Picks & Deals Labor Day can be a great time to save on tech—especially if you’re heading back to school or buying for someone going to campus. Below are Engadget’s top picks and current discounts (prices/availability vary): Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $169 (32% off). Best for Apple users: ANC, onboard volume controls. Shop: AirPods Pro 2 on Amazon Apple iPad (11-inch, A16) — $299 ($50 off). Solid performance and 128GB base storage. Shop: iPad (11-inch, A16) on Amazon Apple Mac mini M4 — $499 ($100 off). Latest tiny desktop; availability on Amazon is limited as of now. Google Pixel 10 — $799 w/ $100 Amazon gift card (preorder bundle). Product availability may vary. Blink Outdoor 4 (3-camera system) — $100 (47% off). Wireless, AA-battery-powered…

Bluesky blocks Mississippi users over new age-verification law Decentralized social network Bluesky has blocked access from Mississippi IP addresses after the state passed a strict age-verification law (HB 1126) that requires social platforms to verify the age of every user before allowing access. Why Bluesky blocked Mississippi Bluesky says the law would force the platform to collect sensitive identity data from all users, not just check ages for specific content or features. The company said its small team lacks the resources to build the required verification systems, parental-consent workflows and compliance infrastructure. Mississippi’s law carries heavy penalties — reports cite fines up to $10,000 per user for noncompliance. Bluesky argues the law disproportionately burdens smaller platforms and entrenches big tech, reducing competition and innovation. Legal context Bluesky noted it already…

Indie Games Roundup — Gamescom Week: Silksong, Delays & New ReleasesHollow Knight: Silksong now has a release date — September 4. Its arrival at Gamescom dominated the conversation and prompted some developers to shift their launch windows to avoid the shadow of a major sequel. Notable delays: CloverPit moved from Sept 3 to Sept 26; Faeland (Talegames) and Aeterna Lucis (Aeternum Game Studios) were pushed into 2026.Why this mattersSilksong has been the most wishlisted title on Steam, featured in Xbox handheld reveals, and follows an indie blockbuster that sold over 15 million copies. It will likely dominate attention for weeks after release.New releases to checkSword of the Sea (PS5, PC) — $30; relaxing exploration and smooth movement from Giant Squid.Herdling (multi-platform) — guide a herd to a mountain summit; launch…

U.S. government to acquire $8.9B (≈9.9%) stake in Intel President Donald Trump and Intel reached an agreement for the U.S. government to invest $8.9 billion to acquire approximately a 9.9% stake in Intel common stock at $20.47 per share. The investment is described as passive with no board representation; Intel says the government agreed to vote with the company's board on shareholder matters with limited exceptions. Key facts Investment: $8.9 billion (≈9.9% of Intel common stock) Price: $20.47 per share Funding sources: $5.7B from previously earmarked CHIPS Act funds and $3.2B from the Secure Enclave program Prior CHIPS grants: Intel had already received $2.2B in CHIPS grants, bringing total government support to $11.1B Governance: Common stock (voting rights); Intel calls the investment passive with no board seat and an agreement…

Abxylute 3D One — glasses-free 3D handheld: specs, price & release Abxylute has announced the 3D One, a high-end gaming PC handheld that pairs a glasses‑free 3D display with detachable Joy‑Con‑style controllers. The device aims to combine PC gaming power with naked‑eye 3D tech and a convertible form factor. Key reported specs Display: glasses‑free 3D (reported sizes vary: Engadget reported ~11"; Abxylute/other sources list 15.6") Processor: Intel Lunar Lake series (reported prototype collaboration with Intel/Tencent) Memory: reported 32GB LPDDR5X Refresh rate: reported 120Hz Controllers: detachable Joy‑Con‑style controllers; optional keyboard with trackpad Extras: built‑in kickstand, software to convert 2D photos/video to 3D, eye‑tracking for the 3D effect Price & availability Multiple sources report a target price under $1,700 (often cited as ~$1,699). Abxylute lists a late September / early October 2025…

Samsung 115-inch Micro RGB TV — Hands-on impressions & specs Samsung has announced the world’s first 115" Micro RGB TV, a premium 115-inch LCD that uses micro-scale red, green and blue LEDs behind the panel to deliver dramatically wider color — Samsung claims 100% coverage of the BT.2020 gamut. The set also features a 144Hz panel and a new Micro RGB AI engine to manage the higher pixel/control workload. The U.S. launch price is $29,999. Key specs Size: 115 inches Technology: Micro RGB (micro-scale RGB LEDs behind an LCD panel) Color: 100% BT.2020 coverage Refresh rate: 144Hz HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (per Samsung release) Processor: Micro RGB AI engine (RGB Engine AI) Inputs: 4x HDMI (supporting up to 4K@144Hz inputs) Price: $29,999 (U.S.) Impressions Hands-on impressions report exceptionally vivid, intense…

Apple reportedly considering Google’s Gemini for revamped Siri Bloomberg reports Apple is in talks with Google to explore using Google’s Gemini model to power a revamped Siri. Google is said to be training a version of Gemini that could run on Apple’s servers, while Apple continues developing its own models. No final decision has been made. Key points Apple is developing two internal approaches: Linwood (powered by Apple’s own models) and Glenwood (which would use third‑party technology). Google is reportedly training a Gemini variant to run on Apple hardware and servers using Apple’s Private Cloud Compute approach, which could add privacy protections. Apple has previously talked with OpenAI and Anthropic about similar partnerships. Apple’s updated Siri — promised with iOS 18 — was delayed and is now expected sometime in…

Leaked: Google's Gemini-Powered Home Speaker — What We Know During Google's Made by Google showcase a brief on-stage cameo revealed what appears to be a new Gemini-powered smart speaker — informally tipped as the "Google Home Speaker." While Google hasn’t announced the product, leaked images and multiple reports outline what we might expect. What it looks like The device is a compact, fabric-wrapped speaker with a light ring at its base, resembling a slightly plumper Apple HomePod mini. Leaks show it in several colors: white (porcelain), black (obsidian), light green (jade) and red. Key features reported Gemini Live: A Gemini-powered voice assistant experience expected to replace Google Assistant on newer devices. Matter support: Functions as a smart home hub for Matter-compatible devices. Sound detection: Can reportedly detect unusual sounds like…

Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini‑LED (2nd Gen) — Mini‑LED upgrade and improved specs Amazon’s second‑generation Fire TV Omni replaces QLED with a Mini‑LED backlight, delivering noticeably better picture quality — deeper blacks, much higher contrast and very bright HDR performance. The new Omni keeps a quantum dot filter for vibrant colors while adding a high number of dimming zones (e.g., 512 zones in the 55" model) for improved local dimming. Key features Display: Mini‑LED backlight with Quantum Dot color filter Sizes: 55", 65", 75", 85" HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Gaming: 4K@144Hz support, two HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6E, eARC Smart platform: Enhanced Fire TV OS with deep Alexa integration Audio: Dolby formats supported; built‑in sound is average — consider a soundbar for best results Overall, the Fire TV…

First Look: Carlinkit Mini Ultra Wireless CarPlay Adapter Carlinkit’s compact Mini Ultra CarPlay wireless adapter has recently become available in Germany. It sold out quickly after launch, but Amazon has reportedly restocked the small USB plug. We also picked one up and are sharing a concise roundup of what the adapter does and what to expect. What it is The Carlinkit Mini Ultra is a plug-and-play USB adapter that turns a car’s wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connection into a wireless one. It’s an ultra-compact dongle that connects to the vehicle’s USB port and establishes a wireless link to your phone via Bluetooth + Wi‑Fi. Key features Converts wired CarPlay/Android Auto to wireless Ultra-compact USB stick form factor (works with USB-A/USB-C via adapters) Upgraded Cortex‑A7 chip for improved responsiveness…