Amazon expands Alexa+ shopping features: auto‑orders, price tracking and Shopping Essentials on Echo Show Amazon has rolled new shopping features into Alexa+, its generative AI‑powered assistant. The updates include a price‑tracking tool that can automatically purchase an item when it drops below a user‑set target, a Shopping Essentials dashboard for Echo Show 15 and 21, personalized product recommendations and the ability to add items to an existing order before it ships. The price tracker watches items in your cart, wishlist or saved searches and can be set to automatically place an order using your default payment method and delivery address when the price condition is met. The Shopping Essentials panel on Echo Show provides quick access to recent orders, real‑time tracking, recommended household reorders and a tappable interface to add…

Spotify adds Music Videos to the US & Canada — Premium beta rolls out Spotify has started rolling out Music Videos in beta to Premium subscribers in the United States and Canada. The feature brings official music videos plus formats like live performances and covers to Spotify’s apps on TV, desktop, iOS and Android. Access is simple for eligible users: open a track and tap “Switch to video” — playback continues from where the audio left off, and you can return to background listening by tapping “Switch to audio.” Turning your device to landscape lets you go full screen. Why this matters Spotify previously lacked video rights in the US; a recent deal with the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) cleared the way for video content. Music Videos aim to…

2025's age‑verification wave: protecting kids or fracturing the open internet? Freedom House’s latest report flags 2025 as the 15th consecutive year of decline in global internet freedom — and one of the biggest contributors was the rapid spread of age verification laws. Dozens of new rules now require sites and app stores to check users’ ages, often by demanding IDs, face scans or third‑party verification. Proponents argue these measures protect children from harm. But critics warn they introduce serious privacy and security risks, fragment the internet and disproportionately burden smaller platforms that can’t afford verification services. High fines and compliance costs have already driven some services to exit state markets entirely. Key developments in 2025 25 U.S. states passed adult‑content age verification laws in the last two years; the Supreme…

iFixit launches FixBot: an AI assistant that walks you through repairs iFixit has introduced FixBot, a new AI‑enabled app designed to help people diagnose and repair devices, appliances and even vehicles. The chatbot is voice‑enabled so you can get hands‑free step‑by‑step instructions while working, and it can accept photos to identify components and point out exactly which part needs attention. Unlike generic AI assistants, FixBot is trained primarily on iFixit’s own library — roughly 125,000 repair guides, forum posts and repair manuals — which the company says reduces hallucinations and lets the assistant show the schematics it references. That makes it easier to order the correct parts and follow reliable procedures. Key features Voice‑enabled walkthroughs for hands‑free repairs. Image uploads so the app can identify parts and give targeted instructions.…

NVIDIA cleared to sell H200 chips to approved Chinese customers under 25% tariff The U.S. administration has approved sales of NVIDIA's H200 AI accelerators to vetted commercial customers in China, while keeping the newest, highest‑end chips (Blackwell/Rubin family) off limits. The Commerce Department will finalize the vetting process and a 25% tariff will apply to those shipments, according to official comments and public statements. President Trump announced the decision on social media and said Chinese President Xi was informed. The move reportedly aims to avoid NVIDIA losing market share to local competitors such as Huawei, while trying to protect national security by excluding the latest and most powerful models. Key facts Allowed device: NVIDIA H200 — approved for sale to vetted commercial customers in China. Restricted devices: Latest Blackwell/Rubin chips…

AirPods Pro 3 return to all‑time low: $220 — AirPods 4 with ANC $100 Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 have dropped again to an all‑time low price of $220 — the same discount seen over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you missed the earlier deals, this is a repeat opportunity to pick up Apple’s top earbuds of 2025 at a significant discount. The AirPods Pro 3 introduced notable improvements over previous models, including the H2 chip for better audio processing, enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC) with new foam‑infused ear tips for a tighter seal, longer battery life, and features like Live Translation and heart‑rate sensing. Engadget rated the AirPods Pro 3 highly in its review. Why this deal matters All‑time low pricing: $220 for the AirPods Pro 3 is a…

LaunchOS restores the Launchpad grid on macOS 26 LaunchOS is a new app for macOS 26 that brings back the classic Launchpad grid view for navigating installed applications. While Apple has pushed Spotlight and other search-driven navigation methods, LaunchOS intentionally revives the familiar rasterized app grid for users who prefer visual browsing. The app targets macOS users who miss the old Launchpad experience or who find a tiled app overview faster for locating apps. It displays all installed programs in a neat grid, making it easier to spot and launch apps visually instead of typing in Spotlight. Key features Classic Launchpad-style grid showing all installed apps. Designed specifically for macOS 26, integrating with the OS’s app management. Aimed at users who prefer visual navigation over search-based workflows like Spotlight. Who…

Best budgeting apps of 2025: tested alternatives to Mint With Mint shut down in March 2024, many users have been searching for a reliable replacement. Engadget tested several top budgeting apps in 2025 to find which ones best aggregate accounts, track spending, monitor credit and support financial goals — and which offer the best value. The review looked at a shortlist of apps that can import multiple bank accounts (via Plaid), provide budgeting tools, show net worth and include goal‑setting features. Pricing, UX polish and cross‑platform availability (iOS, Android, web) were also key factors in determining recommendations. Key findings Many apps use Plaid to connect bank accounts — Plaid is widely supported but has had privacy concerns in the past, so check permissions when linking accounts. Free tiers are increasingly…

Fairphone updates Fairbuds XL: improved sound and stronger sustainability credentials Fairphone has released an updated Fairbuds XL with a focus on both audio improvements and greener, more repairable construction. The 2025 model debuts premium 40mm dynamic drivers, stronger N52 magnets for enhanced bass, and a refined paper‑based speaker membrane aimed at clearer mids and highs. Sound quality is said to be noticeably cleaner than the previous generation, with improved bass control and sharper mid/high detail. Active noise cancellation appears unchanged but remains effective for everyday use, and a new automatic power‑off after 30 minutes is a small but welcome convenience. Design, materials and repairability Materials: 100% fair‑mined cobalt, copper and silver (via mining credits); 100% recycled rare earths in the magnets; over 90% recycled aluminum and 80% recycled plastics. Sustainability…

Analogue 3D “Funtastic” limited editions revive translucent N64 nostalgia Analogue has announced Funtastic limited‑edition colorways for its Analogue 3D console, heavily inspired by Nintendo's translucent N64 models from the late 1990s. The run includes eight see‑through colors, a $299.99 price tag and a Dec. 10 on‑sale date, with the company promising 48‑hour shipping for guaranteed delivery before Christmas. The Funtastic consoles are designed to match the look and feel of the original N64 translucent variants and pair with separately sold 8BitDo controllers priced at about $45. Analogue says the special editions are produced in highly limited quantities, and the company will also restock traditional colors on the same date (those will ship in January). Why collectors and retro gamers care Strong nostalgia pull: translucent shells mimic the iconic N64 Funtastic…