Engadget’s Best Tech Gifts & Gadgets for 2025 — Staff Picks Engadget’s editors and reviewers put together a comprehensive gift guide featuring more than 35 tech picks ideal for the 2025 holiday season. The list blends items the team tested for reviews with personal favorites and trending gadgets across several categories — aiming to help you find something for every tech‑enthusiast on your list. The guide covers a wide range of price points and interests. Expect recommendations spanning wearables and health gadgets, noise‑cancelling headphones, smart‑home devices, gaming gear, productivity accessories, and standout consumer electronics that made an impression this year. Highlights & categories to explore Wearables & health: Smartwatches and fitness trackers with improved battery and health sensors. Audio: Premium earbuds and over‑ear headphones with active noise cancellation and long…

F1: The Movie arrives on Apple TV — stream it now Apple TV subscribers can now stream F1: The Movie as part of their subscription. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt (with Javier Bardem in a key role), earned more than $630 million globally after a lengthy theatrical run. Lewis Hamilton served as a producer on the production to help ensure the racing sequences and portrayal of the sport felt authentic. Reviews praised the film’s driving and spectacle while noting overt product placement and formulaic plot elements. Key facts Availability: Now streaming on Apple TV for subscribers (no extra rental fee). Box office: Over $630 million worldwide from the theatrical run. Notable names: Director Joseph Kosinski; stars Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem; producer Lewis Hamilton. Streaming…

Why Netflix may be the “best worst” option for Warner Bros — podcast breakdown Last week’s media shocker: Netflix reportedly offered $82.7 billion for Warner Bros., and this week Paramount countered with a $108 billion hostile takeover bid. The escalating bids underscore how valuable legacy studios and their content libraries have become in the streaming era. A recent podcast episode explores why so many buyers want Warner Bros., what the competing offers mean for the future of streaming and Hollywood, and why Netflix might be the pragmatic — if imperfect — choice for the studio’s next chapter. Topics covered in the episode What the Netflix bid for Warner Bros. means for at-home streamers and moviegoers — 1:55 Disney characters coming to Sora after OpenAI deal — 32:59 Meta’s open-source strategy…

MasterClass holiday deal: 40% off annual subscriptions (limited time) MasterClass is running a holiday promotion that cuts 40% off its annual subscriptions through December 15. The Premium plan (offline mode and use on up to six devices) is discounted to $144 per year (regularly $240). The entry‑level plan is marked down to $72 from $120. The platform offers more than 200 classes taught by high-profile instructors — from entrepreneurs and filmmakers to chefs and athletes. Classes combine polished video lessons with workbooks and occasional extras, and MasterClass is offering a 30‑day money‑back guarantee for subscribers. Quick facts Discount: 40% off annual subscriptions (Holiday Head Start Offer). Premium: $144/year (was $240) — offline mode, up to 6 devices. Entry level: $72/year (was $120) — single device, no offline mode. Library: 200+…

Weekly tech roundup: DJI risk, EV slump, AI deals and The Game Awards highlights This week’s tech news mixed industry shake‑ups with major announcements. Key stories include regulatory pressure on DJI that could effectively remove its drones from the US market, a pullback in US EV sales following the end of federal tax credits, major moves in AI and media, and a historic sweep at The Game Awards by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Top stories summarized DJI under pressure: Regulators have targeted DJI over security concerns for years. With more restrictions looming and DJI holding over 75% market share, a US ban or de‑facto exclusion would upend the drone market and limit consumer choice. EV sales slip in the US: Global EV adoption is rising, but the US has seen…

AirPods firmware update may signal imminent iOS 26.2 release Users have spotted a firmware update for several AirPods models that began rolling out overnight — a change many are reading as a sign that Apple’s iOS 26.2 release for all users could be just around the corner. The update arrives while anticipation has been building for iOS 26.2, which may include features such as Live Translations and other under-the-hood optimizations. Apple sometimes ships accessory firmware updates shortly before or alongside major iOS releases to ensure compatibility and to fine-tune new features. In this case, the AirPods firmware push could indicate Apple is making final adjustments ahead of a public iOS 26.2 roll-out. What we know Firmware updates for multiple AirPods models are now available. iOS 26.2 has been expected since…

The Game Awards 2025: Clair Obscur sweeps, big reveals and trailers roundup The Game Awards 2025 crowned Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as Game of the Year and a record‑breaking winner, taking home more nominations and awards than any title in the show's history. The ceremony also delivered a heavy slate of new trailers, release dates and updates from major studios across the industry. Highlights from the show ranged from indie triumphs to blockbuster reveals. Alongside Clair Obscur’s sweep, audiences saw new footage and announcements for both established franchises and fresh projects — many of which will shape 2026 and beyond for players and developers alike. Major winners Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Best Game Direction / Narrative / Art / Score / Best RPG / Best Debut…

Housemarque delays Saros to April 30 — pre-orders now open Housemarque announced at The Game Awards that Saros has been pushed from its planned March release to April 30. The delay is short, and pre-orders are already available. Actor Rahul Kohli appeared to introduce the new trailer, which highlights the game’s sunlit, Carcosa-inspired aesthetic and hints at story and characters. Housemarque — known for Resogun and Returnal — continues to refine Saros’ blend of fast-paced action and atmospheric worldbuilding. The latest trailer expands on the game’s environments, enemies and cast, giving players a clearer sense of tone ahead of launch. Quick facts New release date: April 30 (moved from March). Pre-orders: Open now. Trailer: Introduced at The Game Awards by Rahul Kohli; showcases Carcosa’s golden/solar visuals. Developer: Housemarque (Resogun, Returnal).…

Tomb Raider returns: Legacy of Atlantis (2026) and Catalyst (2027) announced Amazon Game Studios revealed at The Game Awards that Lara Croft is coming back in two new Tomb Raider titles. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will reimagine one of Lara’s early adventures and is scheduled for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Tomb Raider: Catalyst, developed by Crystal Dynamics, will follow in 2027 as a new entry that takes Lara to Northern India after a mythical cataclysm. Legacy of Atlantis is a remake effort built in Unreal Engine 5 and appears to lean into classic Tomb Raider setpieces — yes, dinosaurs were hinted at in the reveal. Catalyst promises a new narrative arc and competitive treasure‑hunting elements as Lara faces rival hunters in a…

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight lands May 29, 2026 — pre-orders open TT Games and Warner Bros. Games revealed that Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will release on May 29, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam and the Epic Games Store. The base game is priced at $70 and pre-orders opened on December 11. The trailer, shown at The Game Awards, highlights a large playable roster — Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl and Catwoman — and a gallery of iconic villains including The Joker, Two‑Face, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, The Penguin and Bane. As with many Lego titles, expect a mix of puzzle platforming, cooperative gameplay and character‑based abilities. Quick facts Release date: May 29, 2026 Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, Epic Games Store Price:…