Microsoft raises Xbox prices in the US (effective Oct 3) Engadget reports Microsoft will raise Xbox console prices in the United States starting October 3. The site has reached out to Microsoft for comment. Microsoft has cited "changes in the macroeconomic environment" as the reason. New prices (US) Xbox Series S (512GB): $400 (up $20) Xbox Series S (1TB): $450 (up $20) Xbox Series X Digital: $600 (up $50) Xbox Series X: $650 (up $50) Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: $800 (up $70) These increases follow a previous price bump earlier this year in May. The higher-end Series X prices now compare unfavorably to Sony's PS5 models in some cases. Why it matters Higher prices may push buyers toward streaming, waiting for sales, or choosing competing consoles. Microsoft…

Neuralink plans October US trial to translate thoughts into text — what to know Neuralink says it will begin a U.S. clinical trial in October to test an implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) that translates thoughts into text. The study is proceeding under an FDA investigational device exemption and aims to help people with severe speech impairments communicate by using signals from the speech cortex. Key details Target: People with paralysis or severe speech impairment. Goal: Translate imagined speech directly from the cortex to text or control virtual keyboards — faster than current approaches that use intermediate input. Regulatory path: FDA investigational device exemption for a clinical study. Quote Neuralink president DJ Seo: “If you're imagining saying something, we would be able to pick that up.” Why it matters Success could…

Microsoft raises Xbox prices in the US — effective Oct 3 Microsoft announced another round of Xbox price increases in the US, taking effect October 3. This follows an earlier price change in May. New retail prices are: Xbox Series S (512GB): $400 (up $20 from $380) Xbox Series S (1TB): $450 (up $20 from $430) Xbox Series X Digital: $600 (up $50 from $550) Xbox Series X (1TB): $650 (up $50 from $600) Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: $800 (up $70 from $730) Those are notable hikes, especially on higher-end Series X models. By comparison, the Series X Digital now costs about $50 more than the PS5 Digital Edition, and the $800 2TB special edition is pricier than the $750 PS5 Pro while offering less competitive performance…

Microsoft raises Xbox prices in the US starting Oct 3 Microsoft will increase Xbox console prices in the United States starting October 3. The hikes affect multiple models and range from $20 up to $70. This follows an earlier price increase in May. New prices (US) Xbox Series S (512GB): $400 (up $20 from $380) — Find on Amazon Xbox Series S (1TB): $450 (up $20 from $430) — Find on Amazon Xbox Series X Digital: $600 (up $50 from $550) — Find on Amazon Xbox Series X: $650 (up $50 from $600) — Find on Amazon Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: $800 (up $70 from $730) — Find on Amazon Source: original reporting by Engadget (no RSS link included). We'll update if Microsoft posts an official announcement.…

Meross MA151H — Matter Smart Smoke Alarm (MA151H) Meross recently launched the MA151H, a Matter‑compatible smart smoke alarm that integrates with major smart home platforms (Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home) via the Matter protocol — when used with the Meross Matter Hub (MSH450). Key features 3‑in‑1: smoke detection, intrusion detection and tamper alerts. Dual optical sensors and insect‑proof mesh for fast, accurate detection and fewer false alarms. Built‑in 85 dB alarm; when paired with the Meross Matter Hub the hub can sound a louder 110 dB alert and coordinate alarms across devices. Replaceable AA batteries (approx. 3 years). Device lifespan ~10 years. Certified to EN14604 and tested by SGS/DBI. 10 years of event record storage and mute/hush features. Compatibility & requirements The MA151H supports Matter, meaning it can…

Bose SoundLink Home — compact, app‑free Bluetooth speaker now in Germany Bose has launched the SoundLink Home in Germany. Already released in the US last year, this Bluetooth speaker is designed primarily for home use and notably does not require or support a dedicated app — pairing and operation are handled via Bluetooth and the speaker's onboard controls. Key points App‑free operation: no Bose app required or supported. Connectivity: Bluetooth (reported Bluetooth 5.3), USB‑C charging. Battery life: around 9 hours (manufacturer/early reviews). Design: compact, home‑oriented form factor with emphasis on balanced sound. Pros & Cons Pros: Simple setup, no app privacy concerns, solid sound for size. Cons: Lacks app‑based features (EQ, multiroom) some users expect. Is app‑free a welcome simplification or a limitation for power users? Share your thoughts below.…

Apple replaces FineWoven with new “TechWoven” for iPhone cases Apple has reportedly moved away from its FineWoven fabric on official iPhone cases and introduced a new artificial material often described as a “functional” or TechWoven fabric. The change aims to address durability and staining issues users experienced with FineWoven. Key points New material: TechWoven (synthetic/functional fabric) — more durable and stain-resistant compared to FineWoven. Features: metallic buttons with improved feedback, a Camera Control button, MagSafe compatibility and small holes for attaching crossbody straps or accessories. New models: Apple added a lighter “iPhone Air Bumper” series (Light Blue shown at $39 on Apple’s store). Availability: Expected across recent iPhone models. Official Apple accessories page: Apple iPhone Cases & Protection. Affordable alternatives If you want cheaper options or third-party choices, here are…

Best live TV streaming services (2025): Short guide + How to watch NFL Quick summary: YouTube TV is the most well‑rounded live TV streamer in 2025, offering local channels, sports add‑ons and the NFL Sunday Ticket. NFL broadcast rights are split across CBS, FOX, NBC/Peacock, Prime Video, ABC/ESPN, NFL Network and even Netflix for select holiday games. Live TV often remains more cost‑effective than traditional cable, and you can still use a digital antenna to get local broadcasts for free. Where NFL games air (2025) CBS: many Sunday afternoon games (Paramount+/CBS local affiliates) FOX: Sunday afternoon games (local Fox affiliates and Fox One) NBC / Peacock: Sunday Night Football ABC / ESPN: Monday Night Football and select games Prime Video: Thursday Night Football and select specials NFL Network: select exclusive…

Spotlight in macOS Tahoe — Faster with Keyboard Shortcuts Apple overhauled Spotlight in macOS Tahoe (macOS 26). The search tool is now more powerful and keyboard-friendly: natural-language queries, in-place actions, clipboard history, and new dedicated shortcuts make finding and doing things faster without opening apps. Key improvements Natural-language search: Type phrases like “send” to get relevant app actions (Mail, Messages) and start composing directly in Spotlight. Spotlight Actions: Run tasks (send texts, create notes, start timers, etc.) without launching full apps. Clipboard history: Access recent copied items from Spotlight and paste or copy again quickly. Improved keyboard navigation: Use Tab and arrow keys to move through results fast. New keyboard shortcuts: Cmd+1 = Applications, Cmd+2 = Files, Cmd+3 = Actions, Cmd+4 = Clipboard history. Tips Try natural commands like “create…

Starz deal: 1 year for $23.99 — Deal details & what to know Starz is offering a limited-time promo: prepay one year for $23.99 (about $46 off the usual annual price). There’s also a monthly promo: the first three months for $3.99/month (then the regular rate ~ $10.99/mo). These offers are available on Starz’s official subscription page. Key details Annual promo: $23.99 for one year (prepaid). Monthly promo: $3.99/month for the first three months, then regular price. Simultaneous streams: Up to 4 devices. Offline downloads: Supported. 4K streaming: Not available — streams are HD. What’s on Starz Starz mixes licensed and original content. Notable originals include Outlander, Spartacus and Ash vs Evil Dead. The catalog also contains classic and genre titles that may appeal to viewers looking for value without…