N e w s C e n t r a l
Baidu could start testing its Apollo Go robotaxi service in Europe this year
<p>Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxi service is making its debut in Europe later this year, according to <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2f007401-3eaa-4237-b69b-54ccbe125502&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=72ad0744-3f4d-4d61-be56-3cb76e0baf5e&featureId=text-link&merchantName=The+Wall+Street+Journal&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53c2ouY29tL2J1c2luZXNzL2F1dG9zL2JhaWR1LWV5ZXMtZXVyb3BlYW4tZGVidXQtZm9yLWRyaXZlcmxlc3MtdGF4aS01Mjc2ZWVhNiIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNzJhZDA3NDQtM2Y0ZC00ZDYxLWJlNTYtM2NiNzZlMGJhZjVlIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53c2ouY29tL2J1c2luZXNzL2F1dG9zL2JhaWR1LWV5ZXMtZXVyb3BlYW4tZGVidXQtZm9yLWRyaXZlcmxlc3MtdGF4aS01Mjc2ZWVhNiJ9&signature=AQAAAavKUPODH5bJ8QbZc6xf1RCGofvi0Owlabcuobj3F6vK&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Fbusiness%2Fautos%2Fbaidu-eyes-european-debut-for-driverless-taxi-5276eea6"><em>The Wall Street Journal</em></a>. The Chinese company is reportedly negotiating with Switzerland’s PostAuto, a Swiss Post subsidiary that offers rural bus services throughout the country, to start testing Apollo Go in Switzerland. To be able to test its technology in Switzerland before the year ends, Baidu is setting up a local entity in the coming months. </p> <p>Back in March, the company announced that it was deploying 100 fully autonomous cars in Dubai, with plans to expand its fleet to 1,000 vehicles in the city by 2028. It's also expanding its trials in Hong Kong and reportedly has plans to test its vehicles in Turkey in the future. Baidu <a href="https://www.engadget.com/baidu-apollo-go-robotaxi-shenzhen-141727050.html">launched Apollo Go</a> in all "first-tier" Chinese cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, in 2022. As<em> The Journal</em> notes, Baidu, like its Chinese competitors, is likely looking to expand in Europe instead of the US, because Chinese companies could be subject to more scrutiny in the country. </p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>One of the companies Baidu will be competing with in Europe is Uber, which <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=72ad0744-3f4d-4d61-be56-3cb76e0baf5e&featureId=text-link&merchantName=CNBC&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDI1LzA1LzAyL3ViZXItaW5rcy1yb2JvdGF4aS1kZWFsLXdpdGgtbW9tZW50YS10by1sYXVuY2gtc2VydmljZS1pbi1ldXJvcGUtMjAyNi5odG1sIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3MmFkMDc0NC0zZjRkLTRkNjEtYmU1Ni0zY2I3NmUwYmFmNWUiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNuYmMuY29tLzIwMjUvMDUvMDIvdWJlci1pbmtzLXJvYm90YXhpLWRlYWwtd2l0aC1tb21lbnRhLXRvLWxhdW5jaC1zZXJ2aWNlLWluLWV1cm9wZS0yMDI2Lmh0bWwifQ&signature=AQAAAZBl7eBMgd4XiDTlTm1_0Lp2hLalbbeb5ke-FPVP6bcb&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2025%2F05%2F02%2Fuber-inks-robotaxi-deal-with-momenta-to-launch-service-in-europe-2026.html">signed a deal</a> with Chinese self-driving startup Momenta earlier this month. Uber and Momenta are launching robotaxi services in the continent sometime in 2026. When Baidu does start testing its vehicles its Switzerland, they'll most likely have drivers behind the wheel before the company progresses to fully driverless trials. </p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/baidu-could-start-testing-its-apollo-go-robotaxi-service-in-europe-this-year-123054998.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
Apple's M4 MacBook Air drops to a record-low price
<p>If you've been waiting to pick up <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/apple/">Apple</a>'s latest MacBook Air M4 then your patience has paid off. Right now, the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=d38b4d51-945d-46bc-a3ec-160d3df94501&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEQzNXVzUvP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImQzOGI0ZDUxLTk0NWQtNDZiYy1hM2VjLTE2MGQzZGY5NDUwMSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9kcC9CMERaREMzV1c1LyIsImR5bmFtaWNDZW50cmFsVHJhY2tpbmdJZCI6dHJ1ZSwic2l0ZUlkIjoidXMtZW5nYWRnZXQiLCJwYWdlSWQiOiIxcC1hdXRvbGluayIsImZlYXR1cmVJZCI6InRleHQtbGluayJ9&signature=AQAAAXVK8vsRGDWqtpqBTC_Cl3E54uIHwIVjhUis4bMvdvjw&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DZDC3WW5%2F">13-inch model</a> is down to $849 from $999 — a 15 percent discount. It's an all-time low for the 13-inch MacBook Air M4, and the deal is available for the laptop in Starlight, Midnight and Sky Blue.</p> <p>Note that this price applies to the entry-level model with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. If you're willing to pay extra for more storage space, a <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=d38b4d51-945d-46bc-a3ec-160d3df94501&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEOTZSNVM_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZDM4YjRkNTEtOTQ1ZC00NmJjLWEzZWMtMTYwZDNkZjk0NTAxIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEOTZSNVMiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAeDjOT49aIEQKsxFYG3v0LyyMV6tgsUkgGHcVMq2ltoq&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DZD96R5S">version with a 512GB SSD</a> is also $150 off at $1,049. If you want more memory, a <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=d38b4d51-945d-46bc-a3ec-160d3df94501&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEQkhRUFE_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZDM4YjRkNTEtOTQ1ZC00NmJjLWEzZWMtMTYwZDNkZjk0NTAxIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEQkhRUFEiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAS9FygoUw9ykSlS3BFMScCelcixixBY3vo8Abuh8Jj6V&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DZDBHQPQ">variant with 24GB of RAM</a> and 512GB of storage is similarly discounted at $1,249. Both of those deals represent all-time lows as well. </p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> </p> <p>Apple only released the MacBook Air M4 in mid-March and we've since named it <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-macbook-140032524.html">2025's best MacBook overall</a>. We gave it in a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/apple-macbook-air-m4-13-inch-and-15-inch-review-minimal-upgrades-at-a-much-better-price-130002570.html">92 in our review</a>, as it still packs an accurate (albeit 60Hz) display and excellent keyboard in a slim, sturdy build that weighs 2.7 pounds and measures 0.44 inches thick. But it's the M4 chip that really gives the Air a boost; the 13-inch model has a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine, all of which are more than fast enough for most everyday tasks. Battery life is another plus: The notebook lasted over 18 hours while playing HD video in our testing.</p> <p>If you're looking for something a little bigger, then it might be worth getting the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=d38b4d51-945d-46bc-a3ec-160d3df94501&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=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&signature=AQAAAbgkmkW1YP-gXvXR78zIh7Eu2WRwnE0dS2M8B9E9EcRc&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-2025-MacBook-15-inch-Laptop%2Fdp%2FB0DZDB8H69">15-inch MacBook Air M4</a>. That one is also $150 off in several configurations, starting at $1,049 for 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD and moving up to $1,449 for 24GB of RAM and double the storage. Again, each of these deals mark new lows. Apart from its larger display, the 15-inch MacBook Air has a larger trackpad and better speakers than its 13-inch counterpart but is largely identical otherwise. </p> <p> </p> <p><em>Check out our coverage of the </em><a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-apple-deals-150020110.html"><em>best Apple deals</em></a><em> for more discounts, and follow </em><a href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-m4-macbook-air-drops-to-a-record-low-price-144625537.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
The Lucid Gravity is the coolest three-row EV on the market
<p>As people continue to <a href="https://www.gcada.net/2024/06/03/the-decline-of-the-midsize-sedan-why-there-will-soon-be-just-five-nameplates-in-u-s/"><ins>move away from sedans</ins></a> to <a href="https://www.theautopian.com/heres-the-exact-year-suv-sales-overtook-sedan-sales-in-america/"><ins>larger vehicles</ins></a>, the distinction between SUVs, crossovers and MPVs has become even blurrier. But make no mistake, if you're looking for a big car with tons of power, excellent handling and a true seven-person capacity, the Lucid Gravity might be the coolest three-row EV on sale today. Just don't call it a minivan.</p> <p>Not that you would be incorrect. Between its extra-long dimensions (198 inches, three inches longer than a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/vw-id-buzz-first-look-an-ev-that-makes-vans-cool-again-145008811.html"><ins>LWB VW ID. Buzz</ins></a>), a smooth, sloping front end and an emphasis on aerodynamics, the Gravity certainly looks more like a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/chrysler-pacifica-hybrid-2018-phev-recall-irl-131527040.html"><ins>Chrysler Pacifica</ins></a> than a brawny <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/rivian-r1s-gen-2-review-the-rugged-foundation-of-rivians-electric-empire-120021072.html"><ins>Rivian R1S</ins></a>. But as one Lucid representative told me, minivans have gotten a bad rap in recent times, due to their focus on basic practicality while eschewing anything in the way of engaging driving dynamics. This makes slapping the minivan tag on a car feel almost like a death sentence, even if the biggest difference between the Gravity and some of its cross-category rivals is the lack of sliding doors.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><figure><img alt="The Lucid Gravity features a huge 34-inch panoramic display alongside a smaller (but still big) screen for controlling music, climate and more. " src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/dd9de5f0-3013-11f0-9fbf-a29cd2ce1c94" style="height: 2000px; width: 3333px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Sam Rutherford for Engadget</div></figure> <p>With the Gravity's <a href="https://lucidmotors.com/configure/gravity"><ins>Grand Touring spec</ins></a> (which starts at $94,900) packing a whopping 828 horsepower along with fancy features like standard air suspension and optional rear-wheel steering, this thing is anything but pokey. And that's before you consider a 0 to 60 time of just 3.4 seconds, which puts most sports cars (especially gas-powered ones) to shame. So despite how it looks, there's no doubt the Gravity offers better performance than any minivan on the planet.</p> <p>The speed continues when it’s time to charge. Thanks to its 926 volt architecture, the Gravity can suck down up to 400 kW of juice, which makes this the fastest charging EV outside of China. Lucid's charging tech is also capable of adding 200 miles of driving distance in under 11 minutes. When combined with up to 450 miles of range, this vehicle is almost single-handedly upending the idea that electric cars are bad for long road trips.</p> <figure><img alt="Unlike a lot of modern cars with glass roofs, the Lucid Gravity's extends all the way to its windshield. " src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/8dbb9c80-3013-11f0-abd7-2774232f4f59" style="height: 2000px; width: 3333px;" /><figcaption>The sky was cloudy that day.</figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Sam Rutherford for Engadget</div></figure> <p>Meanwhile, for those who want to travel in luxury, the Gravity has more creature comforts than minivans too, even for a class of vehicle that can often be judged by its number of cupholders. Not only are the front and second row seats heated, Lucid's glass panoramic roof runs nearly the entire length of the car. That means unlike most rivals where the driver is stuck without a view, all you see is sky when you look up from behind the wheel. There's even a screen for second row occupants to control music and climate (among other things).</p> <p>Lucid also makes great use of the Gravity's length. While I wouldn't want to ride back there as an adult all the time, it has one of the most spacious third rows I've ever sat in. Alternatively, if you need extra cargo space, the rearmost seats fold into the floor, providing you with a flat load space featuring 56.2 cubic feet of room (and that's with the second row still up). And while it's not something you'll use all the time, I love the company's optional folding cushion that transforms the frunk into a loveseat — complete with cupholders on each side. It's a fun little feature that makes me sad that drive-in movie theaters are becoming extinct.</p> <figure><img alt="The three-row Lucid Gravity at the NYIAS. " src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/03f0fdb0-1b0f-11f0-bfff-4f04bf42ad17" style="height: 2000px; width: 3333px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Sam Rutherford for Engadget</div></figure> <p>The most enchanting contradiction about the Gravity is what it feels like to drive. After getting into the pilot's seat, you're greeted by a massive 34-inch 6K OLED display. And unlike some of its competitors, it's not two or three screens sandwiched together. It's all a single panel that's an absolute treat to look at. This expansiveness is only reinforced by Lucid's squircle-shaped wheel. It’s a touch smaller than you might expect on a vehicle this size, but it also gives you increased visibility at its giant infotainment system.</p> <p>The hard thing to wrap your head around though, is that for a long SUV with three rows of seats, it doesn't drive like a big car. The cabin is spacious and airy and it feels like you could fit a pickleball court between its mirrors. And yet, thanks to features like the optional rear-wheel steering on my demo vehicle, it almost felt petite during a quick drive around New York City.</p> <p>Now, I will admit that my route down the West Side Highway wasn't the best place to really test out its driving dynamics. But there were a few spots where I got a sense of how good the Gravity will be on the open road. For example, I had to make a U-turn down near Battery Park and I thought there was no way I was going to make it without committing to a three-point maneuver. But to my delight, it just darted around the divider in a way that defies its dimensions.</p> <p>Lucid's suspension is also a work of art. For a car that weighs around 6000 pounds (depending on spec), it doesn't lumber or bounce when it goes over bumps. It just kind of floats. You can still feel the road, but it's just more of a gentle reminder that its surface texture is constantly changing rather than a jolt up your backside. Granted, my test vehicle was equipped with Lucid's Dynamic Handling Package, which includes three-chamber air suspension instead of the standard two. But, honestly, that extra $2,900 feels well worth it, especially when that option also adds the rear-wheel steering.</p> <figure><img alt="The Gravity's third-row seats can be folded beneath the floor to create extra cargo space. " src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/942160e0-3014-11f0-94ff-8a20f05b754a" style="height: 2000px; width: 3333px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Sam Rutherford for Engadget</div></figure> <p>I also appreciate how the car automatically hunkers down when you set it to sport mode to improve performance. Even without room to get it up to top speed, it's impossible to escape the feeling of immense power the car gets from its dual motors (a single-motor RWD is slated to come out later). The Gravity might just have the best ride quality of any EV SUV currently on sale.</p> <p>However, I do have some complaints. The most obvious one is that this thing ain't cheap at just shy of $95,000 for the initial Grand Touring version. And even when the base model eventually comes out at around $80,000, that's still a far cry from mainstream affordability. It really makes me wonder why Lucid didn't jump straight to making its rumored (and almost certainly more affordable) <a href="https://www.motortrend.com/news/2026-lucid-earth-ev-first-look-review-midsize-electric-suv"><ins>mid-size SUV</ins></a>.</p> <figure><img alt="A photo of the Lucid Gravity's nameplate." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/47410cd0-3014-11f0-bb7d-2c6b436aa003" style="height: 2000px; width: 3333px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Sam Rutherford for Engadget</div></figure> <p>I don't love Lucid's current color options either, which seem aimed more at boomers than younger, more EV-friendly drivers. (Though I guess that's where the money is.) The most vibrant paint choice is either a brownish bronze or a faded olive green. I was hoping that the company had learned something from the stunning blue it uses on the Air Sapphire and carried over some of that styling to the Gravity. But here we are.</p> <p>Finally, Lucid won't have its version of Dream Drive 2 Pro hands-free driving tech available at launch. Furthermore, the company is running into issues sourcing components for its HUD system, which means you'll have to wait a bit longer for that option. The good news is that when (or if) Lucid eventually figures out its hand-free tech, all the hardware needed to support it will already be in the Gravity, so all you'll need is an OTA update to turn it on.</p> <p>Regardless, as Lucid continues ramping production throughout the year, the Gravity already feels like the coolest big EV SUV on sale today and an immediate top contender for anyone looking for a luxurious three-row people carrier.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/the-lucid-gravity-is-the-coolest-three-row-ev-on-the-market-120024089.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
Sony has sold 77.8 million PS5s to date, but expects a downturn due to tariffs
<p>Sony has sold 77.8 million PlayStation 5s since the console first went on sale in 2020 after shipping 2.8 million units in its latest quarter, the company <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=15ca523d-d465-4d35-84bc-dfe76350e474&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=d58ea35d-8387-4d88-b0fa-5de958e4cfe5&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Sony+Electronics&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb255LmNvbS9lbi9Tb255SW5mby9JUi9saWJyYXJ5L3ByZXNlbi9lci9hcmNoaXZlLmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImQ1OGVhMzVkLTgzODctNGQ4OC1iMGZhLTVkZTk1OGU0Y2ZlNSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc29ueS5jb20vZW4vU29ueUluZm8vSVIvbGlicmFyeS9wcmVzZW4vZXIvYXJjaGl2ZS5odG1sIn0&signature=AQAAAZVqW78l6e2ukeq1ArbX7fUSNIXYb_UI2TruYrp9QZWp&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sony.com%2Fen%2FSonyInfo%2FIR%2Flibrary%2Fpresen%2Fer%2Farchive.html">announced</a>. That figure lines up remarkably well with PlayStation 4 sales which hit 79.1 million units in approximately the same amount of time. However, Sony's full year fiscal 2024 PS5 sales of 18.5 million were down compared to the 20.8 million it sold in 2023. </p> <p>Game sales more than made up for that though, rising nine percent and helping push the division's operating income up 43 percent year over year. That was largely due to third-party sales, as first-party sales actually fell a bit. Sony has only released one first-party game so far this year with key titles like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/death-stranding-2-just-got-its-release-date-and-a-10-minute-new-trailer-231240932.html"><em>Death Stranding 2: On the Beach</em></a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/ghost-of-yotei-comes-to-ps5-on-october-2-165531467.html"><em>Ghost of Yōtei</em></a> still to come. </p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Sony doesn't expect this growth to continue, though. The company is predicting a ¥100 billion ($700 million) hit to sales next year due to tariffs, given that most of its sales occur in the US — and the company had already forecast flat revenue for 2025. Another key blow was the delay of Rockstar's <em>Grand Theft Auto VI</em> launch that was just <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/grand-theft-auto-vi-is-delayed-to-may-2026-120405517.html">pushed back to May 2026</a>. </p> <p>During its earnings call, Sony said that it was considering "passing on" tariff hikes to consumers, though it didn't mention the PS5 or US specifically. The company has already <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/ps5-prices-are-increasing-across-europe-uk-and-australia-123025793.html">raised the price</a> of the console in other territories including Europe, but US increases are extremely rare. Sony CEO HIroki Totoki also brought up the possibility of building the PlayStation 5 in the US, saying it's something that "has to be considered going forward." </p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-has-sold-778-million-ps5s-to-date-but-expects-a-downturn-due-to-tariffs-120013001.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
The best smartwatches for 2025
<p>Smartwatches do more than just track your steps and deliver phone alerts to your wrist. The best smartwatches go even further, giving you the ability to pay for a cup of coffee, take calls and connect to apps like Spotify all without whipping out your smartphone.<br /><br />Chances are, if you’re reading this, you already know all of the benefits of a smartwatch. You’re ready to invest, or upgrade from an aging accessory, but we wouldn’t blame you if you if you didn’t know where to start. There are dozens of smartwatches available now, including <a href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-gps-running-watch-141513957.html">GPS running watches</a>, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-fitness-trackers-133053484.html">fitness trackers</a> that look like smartwatches and multi-purpose devices. Plus, you’ll want to consider factors like durability, battery life and operating system before you spend a lot of money on a new wearable. We’ve tested and reviewed most major smartwatches available today and these are our top picks.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-best-smartwatches-of-2025">Best smartwatches for 2025</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-stylish-smartwatches-fossil-and-more">Stylish smartwatches: Fossil and more</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-factors-to-consider-before-buying-a-smartwatch">Factors to consider before buying a smartwatch</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-other-smartwatches-our-experts-tested">Other smartwatches our experts tested</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-smartwatch-faqs">Smartwatch FAQs</a></p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-smartwatches-of-2025">Best smartwatches of 2025</h2> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h2 id="jump-link-stylish-smartwatches-fossil-and-more">Stylish smartwatches: Fossil and more</h2> <figure> <img alt="Michael Kors Access Gen 5e MKGO at CES 2021" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-01/7b17f630-523e-11eb-a357-6290b19b6ed5" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Fossil </div> </figure> <p>Yes, there are still companies out there trying to make “fashionable” hybrid smartwatches. Back when wearables were novel and generally ugly, brands like <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=b7221669-d5e1-47ff-8df7-36fe8547019c&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Fossil&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiJiNzIyMTY2OS1kNWUxLTQ3ZmYtOGRmNy0zNmZlODU0NzAxOWMiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm9zc2lsLmNvbS9lbi11cy93YXRjaGVzL3NtYXJ0d2F0Y2hlcy8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjdmNDM0ZTE2LWFhYmUtMzE0ZC04OGYwLWZhYzdkM2YyNmQ1MSJ9&signature=AQAAAUP_s7ymco96jdPrWx1c2okIoCB3frKOa87__I4_1XMR&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fossil.com%2Fen-us%2Fwatches%2Fsmartwatches%2F">Fossil</a>, <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=9b64e7e9-b6f0-4d91-bb71-eef8d80fabea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Michael+Kors&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI5YjY0ZTdlOS1iNmYwLTRkOTEtYmI3MS1lZWY4ZDgwZmFiZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWljaGFlbGtvcnMuY29tL3dhdGNoZXMvc21hcnR3YXRjaGVzL18vTi0xbHExaThvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3ZjQzNGUxNi1hYWJlLTMxNGQtODhmMC1mYWM3ZDNmMjZkNTEifQ&signature=AQAAAW1mPU5BdK0D4GfHnK-OELERLJpl7xgeNhrWI8klrS77&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.michaelkors.com%2Fwatches%2Fsmartwatches%2F_%2FN-1lq1i8o">Michael Kors</a> and <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=de835634-eb1e-4390-bd94-e5983b38f543&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Skagen+Denmark&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiJkZTgzNTYzNC1lYjFlLTQzOTAtYmQ5NC1lNTk4M2IzOGY1NDMiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2thZ2VuLmNvbS9lbi11cy9zbWFydHdhdGNoZXMvc21hcnR3YXRjaGVzLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2Y0MzRlMTYtYWFiZS0zMTRkLTg4ZjAtZmFjN2QzZjI2ZDUxIn0&signature=AQAAAclP_RzzZAQxGjhXKXymQLCukDvA9vfycrZ6Yr2Imrtu&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skagen.com%2Fen-us%2Fsmartwatches%2Fsmartwatches%2F">Skagen</a> found their niche in stylish smartwatches that took cues from analog timepieces. You also have the option to pick up a “hybrid” smartwatch from companies like <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9XaXRoaW5ncy1TY2FuV2F0Y2gtSHlicmlkLVNtYXJ0d2F0Y2gtT3hpbWV0ZXIvZHAvQjA4RDZMTkJQTj90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0yeS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2Y0MzRlMTYtYWFiZS0zMTRkLTg4ZjAtZmFjN2QzZjI2ZDUxIn0&signature=AQAAAe3LQONW6fvKqYduhC8jHy9-Qw3EyKc2lHlBSrwvW2MA&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWithings-ScanWatch-Hybrid-Smartwatch-Oximeter%2Fdp%2FB08D6LNBPN%3F">Withings</a> and <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4c7f75f5-4803-438a-a506-12a0ccb4ede4&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Garmin&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI0YzdmNzVmNS00ODAzLTQzOGEtYTUwNi0xMmEwY2NiNGVkZTQiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2FybWluLmNvbS9lbi1VUy9jL3Nwb3J0cy1maXRuZXNzL2Zhc2hpb24taHlicmlkLXNtYXJ0d2F0Y2hlcy8_IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3ZjQzNGUxNi1hYWJlLTMxNGQtODhmMC1mYWM3ZDNmMjZkNTEifQ&signature=AQAAAeNJTAOsCqs6v23yXaK7EXzpP8D5f_uxY0Tu1mWW0RXO&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.garmin.com%2Fen-US%2Fc%2Fsports-fitness%2Ffashion-hybrid-smartwatches%2F%3F">Garmin</a> – these devices look like classic wrist watches but incorporate some limited functionality like activity tracking and heart rate monitoring. They remain good options if you prefer that look, but thankfully, wearables made by <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/apple/">Apple</a>, Samsung, Fitbit and others have gotten much more attractive over the past few years.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p>Ultimately, the only thing you can’t change after you buy a smartwatch is its case design. If you’re not into the Apple Watch’s squared-off corners, all of Samsung’s smartwatches have round cases that look a little more like a traditional watch. Most wearables are offered in a choice of colors and you can pay extra for premium materials like stainless steel for extra durability. Once you decide on a case, your band options are endless – there are dozens of first- and third-party watch straps available for most major smartwatches, and for both larger and smaller wrists, allowing you to change up your look whenever you please.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-factors-to-consider-before-buying-a-smartwatch">Factors to consider before buying a smartwatch</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-compatibility">Compatibility</h3> <p>Apple Watches only work with iPhones, while Wear OS devices play nice with both iOS and Android phones. Smartwatches made by Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit and others are also compatible with Android and iOS, but you’ll need to install a companion app on your smartphone.</p> <p>The smartwatch OS will also dictate the type and number of third-party apps you’ll have access to. Many of these aren’t useful, though, making this factor a fairly minor one in the grand scheme of things.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-price">Price</h3> <p>The best smartwatches generally cost between $300 and $400. Compared to budget smartwatches, which cost between $100 and $250, these pricier devices have advanced operating systems, communications, music and fitness features. They also often include perks like onboard GPS tracking, music storage and NFC, AMOLED displays, and long battery life, things that budget devices generally don’t have.</p> <p>Some companies make specialized fitness watches: Those can easily run north of $500, and we’d only recommend them to serious athletes. Luxury smartwatches from brands like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/tag-heuer-connected-calibre-e4-golf-edition-093031897.html">TAG Heuer</a> and Hublot can also reach sky-high prices, but we wouldn’t endorse any of them. These devices can cost more than $1,000, and you’re usually paying for little more than a brand name and some needlessly exotic selection of build materials.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-battery-life">Battery life</h3> <p>Battery life remains one of our biggest complaints about smartwatches, but there’s hope as of late. You can expect two full days from Apple Watches and most Wear OS devices. Watches using the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor support extended battery modes that promise up to five days of battery life on a charge — if you’re willing to shut off most features aside from, you know, displaying the time. Other models can last five to seven days, but they usually have fewer features and lower-quality displays. Meanwhile, some fitness watches can last weeks on a single charge. If long battery life is a priority for you, it’s worth checking out the watch’s specs beforehand to see what the manufacturer estimates.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-communication">Communication</h3> <p>Any smartwatch worth considering delivers call, text and app notifications to your wrist. Call and text alerts are self explanatory, but if those mean a lot to you, consider a watch with LTE. They’re more expensive than their WiFi-only counterparts, but cellular connectivity allows the smartwatch to take and receive phone calls, and do the same with text messages, without your device nearby. As far as app alerts go, getting them delivered to your wrist will let you glance down to the watch face and see if you absolutely need to check your phone right now.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-fitness-tracking">Fitness tracking</h3> <p>Activity tracking is a big reason why people turn to smartwatches. An all-purpose timepiece should function as a fitness tracker, logging your steps, calories and workouts, and most of today’s wearables have a heart rate monitor as well.</p> <p>Many smartwatches' fitness features include a built-in GPS, which is useful for tracking distance for runs and bike rides. Swimmers will want something water resistant, and thankfully most all-purpose devices now can withstand at least a dunk in the pool. Some smartwatches from companies like Garmin are <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-07-16-the-best-gps-running-watches-for-2019.html">more fitness focused</a> than others and tend to offer more advanced features like heart-rate-variance tracking, recovery time estimation, onboard maps and more.</p> <p>Health tracking on smartwatches has also seen advances over the years. Both Apple and Fitbit devices can estimate blood oxygen levels and measure ECGs. But the more affordable the smartwatch, the less likely it is that it has these kinds of advanced health tracking features; if collecting those kinds of wellness metrics is important to you, you’ll have to pay for the privilege.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-music">Music</h3> <p>Your watch can not only track your morning runs but also play music while you’re exercising. Many smartwatches let you save your music locally, so you can connect wireless earbuds via Bluetooth and listen to tunes without bringing your phone. Those that don’t have onboard storage for music usually have on-watch music controls, so you can control playback without whipping out your phone. And if your watch has LTE, local saving isn’t required — you’ll be able to stream music directly from the watch to your paired earbuds.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-displays">Displays</h3> <p>Most wearables have touchscreens and we recommend getting one that has a full-color touchscreen. Some flagships like the Apple Watch have LTPO displays, which stands for low-temperature polycrystalline oxide. These panels have faster response times and are more power efficient, resulting in a smoother experience when one interacts with the touchscreen and, in some cases, longer battery lives.</p> <p>You won’t see significant gains with the latter, though, because the extra battery essentially gets used up when these devices have always-on displays, as most flagship wearables do today. Some smartwatches have this feature on by default while others let you enable it via tweaked settings. This smart feature allows you to glance down at your watch to check the time, health stats or any other information you’ve set it to show on its watchface without lifting your wrist. This will no doubt affect your device’s battery life, but thankfully most always-on modes dim the display’s brightness so it’s not running at its peak unnecessarily. Cheaper devices won’t have this feature; instead, their touchscreens will automatically turn off to conserve battery life and you’ll have to intentionally check your watch to turn on the display again.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-nfc">NFC</h3> <p>Many new smartwatches have NFC, letting you pay for things without your wallet using contactless payments. After saving your credit or debit card information, you can hold your smartwatch up to an NFC reader to pay for a cup of coffee on your way home from a run. Keep in mind that different watches use different payment systems: Apple Watches use Apple Pay, Wear OS devices use Google Pay, Samsung devices use Samsung Pay and so forth.</p> <p>Apple Pay is one of the most popular NFC payment systems, with support for <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2VuLXVzL0hUMjA0OTE2IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3ZjQzNGUxNi1hYWJlLTMxNGQtODhmMC1mYWM3ZDNmMjZkNTEifQ&signature=AQAAAT0rwaJ5r70d13bEq45AmZjeHIkXLUYaxQAHdothfWjt&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.apple.com%2Fen-us%2FHT204916">multiple banks and credit cards</a> in 72 different countries, while Samsung and Google Pay work in fewer regions. It’s also important to note that both NFC payment support varies by device as well for both Samsung and Google’s systems.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-other-smartwatches-our-experts-tested">Other smartwatches our experts tested</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-apple-watch-ultra-2">Apple Watch Ultra 2</h3> <p>The <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQ0hYOU41OTQvcmVmPWZzX2Ffd3QyX3VzMD90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0yeS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2Y0MzRlMTYtYWFiZS0zMTRkLTg4ZjAtZmFjN2QzZjI2ZDUxIn0&signature=AQAAAYVrUYwpLVmM1OnC6DJgV0UHXten0GB7L1f2LI_c2_SV&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CHX9N594%2Fref%3Dfs_a_wt2_us0">Apple Watch Ultra 2</a> is probably overkill for most people, but it has a ton of extra features like extra waterproofing to track diving, an even more accurate GPS and the biggest battery of any Apple Watch to date. Apple designed it for the most rugged among us, but for your average person, it likely has more features than they'd ever need. If you’re particularly clumsy, however, its high level of durability could be a great reason to consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-apple-watch-se">Apple Watch SE</h3> <p>The <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQkRIVFFEUlovcmVmPWZzX2Ffd3QyX3VzND90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0yeS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2Y0MzRlMTYtYWFiZS0zMTRkLTg4ZjAtZmFjN2QzZjI2ZDUxIn0&signature=AQAAAZrZg4pVPXDVws5oJSmSnVlWRt9yIiovZv_9mIYgDixh&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BDHTQDRZ%2Fref%3Dfs_a_wt2_us4">Apple Watch SE</a> is less feature-rich than the flagship model, but it will probably suffice for most people. We actually regard the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-se-2022-review-battery-life-workout-health-tracking-144551799.html">Watch SE</a> as the best smartwatch option for first-time buyers, or people on stricter budgets. You’ll get all the core Apple Watch features as well as things like fall and crash detection, noise monitoring and Emergency SOS, but you’ll have to do without more advanced hardware perks like an always-on display, a blood oxygen sensor, an ECG monitor and a skin temperature sensor.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-garmin-forerunner-745">Garmin Forerunner 745</h3> <p>Garmin watches in general can be great options for the most active among us. The Garmin Forerunner 745 is an excellent <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-gps-running-watch-141513957.html">GPS running watch</a> for serious athletes or those who prize battery life above all else. When we tested it, we found it to provide accurate distance tracking, a killer 16-hour battery life with GPS turned on (up to seven days without it) and support for onboard music storage and Garmin Pay.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-amazfit-bip-6">Amazfit Bip 6</h3> <p>The<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=a4202439-1862-4425-a218-1f0f36b2d88c&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=7f434e16-aabe-314d-88f0-fac7d3f26d51&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazfit&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzLmFtYXpmaXQuY29tL3Byb2R1Y3RzL2JpcC02IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3ZjQzNGUxNi1hYWJlLTMxNGQtODhmMC1mYWM3ZDNmMjZkNTEiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdXMuYW1hemZpdC5jb20vcHJvZHVjdHMvYmlwLTYifQ&signature=AQAAAVetRvEtnppJ6Za6Pt5eqxbr-K-EY2hbNx6GASciSVZq&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fus.amazfit.com%2Fproducts%2Fbip-6"> Amazfit Bip 6</a>, an $80 smartwatch from Zepp Health, didn’t quite make the cut. As a fitness tracker, it’s decent, but it’s a frustrating smartwatch. For workouts, the built-in GPS tracks runs and rides without your phone and, combined with the heart rate and blood oxygen sensors, collects a good amount of data to create accurate pictures of your exertion levels, cadence and pace. It’s remarkably lightweight but doesn’t feel cheap and the AMOLED screen is bright and sharp. It’s not an always-on display, but lifting your wrist wakes it reliably.</p> <p>The sleep tracking data is on par with what we measured on other smartwatches and there’s even a daily readiness score that compares your sleep quality and the previous day’s exertion to estimate how physically prepared you are for the day ahead — similar to what Pixel Watches, Fitbit devices and Garmin watches offer. And since the watch battery lasts for over a week on a charge, you may be a lot more apt to wear it to bed than a watch you have to charge daily.</p> <p>We weren’t expecting an $80 device to be a serious Apple Watch challenger, but the Bip 6’s glitches and overly complicated interface (both on the app and on the watch itself) were disappointing. During a week of testing, I got multiple repeated notifications, even after they were deleted, along with suggestions to stand when I was actively doing chores around the house. The watch faces are not customizable, so it was hard to get the info I needed at a glance (the Zepp app has lots of paid watch faces that may have what I wanted, but I didn’t want to pay $3 for something that’s free elsewhere).</p> <p>Marketing details state that the Bip 6 can auto-detect workouts, including walking and bike riding. During testing, I walked once or twice per day for over one mile and went on two bike rides, but no workout was ever detected. The watch integrates with Apple Health, so I was able to see how it compares to the data my Apple Watch gathers. After a week of wearing the Bip 6, with no changes to my daily routine, I averaged 400 fewer calories burned and 2.4 fewer miles tracked each day. That was possibly the biggest disappointment of all. <em>— Amy Skorheim, Senior Reporter</em></p> <h2 id="jump-link-smartwatch-faqs">Smartwatch FAQs</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-is-there-a-difference-between-a-smartwatch-and-a-fitness-tracker">Is there a difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker?</h3> <p>While smartwatches and fitness trackers share some similarities, they’re designed for slightly different purposes.</p> <p>A fitness tracker is primarily focused on health and activity tracking. It keeps tabs on your steps, heart rate, sleep and workouts, and some even offer advanced metrics like blood oxygen levels and stress tracking. Fitness trackers are generally more compact, have longer battery life and are built with activity in mind.</p> <p>A smartwatch, on the other hand, is like a mini smartphone on your wrist. It offers fitness tracking features, but also lets you do things like reply to texts, take calls, use apps and control smart home devices. Many smartwatches support voice assistants, mobile payments and even LTE connectivity, so you can leave your phone behind in some cases.</p> <p>If you mainly want health and activity tracking with long battery life, a fitness tracker is the way to go. If you want a more connected experience with extra features, a smartwatch is the better choice.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-how-long-do-smartwatches-last">How long do smartwatches last?</h3> <p>How long a smartwatch lasts mostly depends on two things: battery life and overall durability.</p> <p>Smartwatch battery life varies a lot depending on the brand, features and how you use it. Basic models with e-ink displays or monochrome screens can last a week or more, while full-featured smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch usually need a charge every day or two. If you're using features like always-on display, GPS tracking or LTE connectivity, expect the battery to drain faster.</p> <p>Physically, a good smartwatch should last several years before you need to upgrade. Premium models with scratch-resistant glass, water resistance and strong build materials tend to hold up well over time. However, software support matters too — brands like Apple and Samsung typically provide updates for at least a few years, while some budget smartwatches may not get long-term software support.</p> <p>You can expect to charge most smartwatches daily or every few days, and if you take care of them, they should last 3-5 years before an upgrade is necessary.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-how-much-should-you-spend-on-a-smartwatch">How much should you spend on a smartwatch?</h3> <p>How much you should spend on a smartwatch depends on what features you need and how often you plan to use it.</p> <p>If you just want the basics — step tracking, notifications, heart rate monitoring and basic fitness tracking — you can find some solid budget-friendly options from brands like Amazfit, Fitbit and some Wear OS models. These usually have decent battery life but may lack premium features like LTE, advanced health tracking or third-party apps.</p> <p>In the mid-range smartwatch price bracket, you’ll find popular models like the Apple Watch SE and Fitbit Versa series. These offer a good mix of fitness tracking, smart features and design quality. You’ll get better build materials, more accurate sensors and app support, but battery life might still be limited to a day or two.</p> <p>High-end smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Garmin Fenix/Epix series offer advanced health tracking, rugged designs, LTE connectivity and longer software support. These are great for serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, or anyone who wants the latest and greatest features.</p> <p>If you just want a simple smartwatch for notifications and fitness tracking, a budget or mid-range model will do the job. But if you want a premium feel, advanced health tracking or LTE connectivity, it’s worth spending a bit more. For most people, $200 - $350 hits the best balance of features and value.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-do-all-smartwatches-have-gps">Do all smartwatches have GPS?</h3> <p>Not all smartwatches have built-in GPS. Some rely on your phone’s GPS, while others have it built-in for independent tracking.</p> <p>High-end and fitness-focused smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch and Garmin models have their own built-in GPS. This means they can track your runs, walks, bike rides and hikes without needing to be connected to your phone. It’s a must-have for serious athletes or anyone who wants accurate location tracking without carrying a phone.</p> <p>Some budget and mid-range smartwatches (like some Fitbit and Amazfit models) don’t have built-in GPS but can use your phone’s GPS when connected via Bluetooth. This works fine if you usually carry your phone while working out, but it’s less convenient if you prefer to leave it behind.</p> <p>Some very basic or budget smartwatches skip GPS entirely and rely solely on step tracking or motion sensors. These are fine for casual users who don’t need location tracking.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-can-you-leave-your-phone-at-home-and-still-use-a-smartwatch">Can you leave your phone at home and still use a smartwatch?</h3> <p>Yes, but it depends on the smartwatch and what you want to do without your phone.</p> <p>If your smartwatch has LTE or cellular connectivity , you can make calls, send texts, stream music, use maps and even access apps without your phone nearby. However, you’ll need a separate data plan from your carrier, which usually comes with an extra monthly cost.</p> <p>Even without LTE, some smartwatches can still do plenty on their own, including track workouts and GPS routes (if they have built-in GPS), play music offline (if they support downloads from Spotify or Apple Music), may contactless payments with features like Apple Pay and Google Wallet and control smart home devices.</p> <p>If going phone-free is important to you, look for a smartwatch with LTE and built-in GPS for the best experience.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-can-a-smartwatch-make-calls-without-a-phone">Can a smartwatch make calls without a phone?</h3> <p>Yes, a smartwatch can make calls without a phone — but only if it has the right features.</p> <p>Some smartwatches have built-in LTE connectivity, meaning they can work independently from your phone. You can make and receive calls, send texts, stream music and use apps as long as you have a mobile data plan for the watch. However, you’ll need to pay for a separate cellular plan and battery life drains faster when using LTE.</p> <p>If your smartwatch doesn’t have LTE, it can still make calls, but only when connected to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It essentially acts as a remote speaker and microphone for your phone’s calls. Watches like the standard Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch (Wi-Fi versions) can do this. However, if your phone isn’t nearby or connected to Wi-Fi, calling won’t work.</p> <p>Some fitness-focused smartwatches (like certain Garmin, Fitbit and Amazfit models) don’t have a built-in speaker or microphone, so they can’t make or receive calls at all — only show notifications.</p> <p>If calling without a phone is a must, make sure to choose an LTE model with a built-in mic and speaker.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-whats-the-difference-between-an-android-and-apple-smartwatch">What's the difference between an Android and Apple smartwatch?</h3> <p>The biggest difference between Android and Apple smartwatches comes down to compatibility, features and ecosystem integration.</p> <p>Apple smartwatches (Apple Watch) only work with iPhones. If you have an Android phone, you can’t use an Apple Watch at all. Android smartwatches (Wear OS, Samsung Galaxy, Garmin etc.) mostly work with Android phones, but some also support iPhones with limited features. If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best choice. If you have an Android phone, go for a Wear OS or Samsung Galaxy Watch.</p> <p>Apple Watch (watchOS) has the best app support with seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem (iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Pay, Apple Fitness+, Siri etc.). Android smartwatches offer more variety, with access to Google services (Google Assistant, Google Wallet and Google Maps), and some support Amazon Alexa or Samsung’s Bixby.</p> <p>In terms of design, Apple Watch has a single design but comes in different sizes and materials. It’s sleek, but your only real customization comes from bands and watch faces. Android smartwatches, on the other hand, come in tons of styles and brands (Samsung, Google Pixel Watch, Garmin, Fossil etc.), meaning you can pick a round watch, a rugged design or a luxury-looking model.</p> <p>If battery life is important to you, the Apple Watch lasts about a day or two per charge, depending on usage and model. Many Android smartwatches (especially Garmin, Amazfit or Mobvoi TicWatch) last multiple days or even weeks on a single charge.</p> <p><em>Georgie Peru contributed to this report.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-smartwatches-153013118.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
The best streaming devices for 2025
<p>If you buy a TV today, it’ll almost assuredly be a smart TV. But there are still a few reasons you may want a streaming device. Some cheaper and older smart TVs have pretty dismal built-in operating systems that are slow, laggy or otherwise tedious to use. In that case, a streaming device can help you navigate more quickly and give you an interface that’s more pleasant to deal with. Streaming devices come in handy when you travel, too. As long as the TV at your Vrbo or hotel has an HDMI port, you should be able to plug in the streamer and watch your shows (without having to type in a bunch of passwords). <br /><br />Nearly every streaming device will support the major VOD apps (like Netflix, <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/amazon-prime-video-review-132835305.html">Prime Video</a> and Max), free services (like Pluto and Plex), as well as <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/best-live-tv-streaming-service-133000410.html">live TV streaming subscriptions</a> (like YouTube TV and <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/fubo-review-134550375.html">Fubo</a>). We tried out streamers from the major brands in the market and judged the interface, price, speed and image quality to help you pick the best streaming device for your cord-cutting needs.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-best-streaming-devices-for-2025">The best TV streaming devices for 2025</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-what-to-look-for-in-a-tv-streaming-device">What to look for in a TV streaming device</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-how-we-tested-and-picked-the-best-streaming-devices">How we tested and picked the best streaming devices</a></p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-what-to-look-for-in-a-tv-streaming-device">What to look for in a TV streaming device</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-operating-system-and-interface"><strong>Operating system and interface</strong></h3> <p>Google’s TV Streamer, the Apple TV 4K, Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks and Roku devices are the most popular players in the space. Three of those brands also come built into TVs, such as Fire, Google and Roku TVs, but the Apple TV 4K doesn't come pre-loaded on any set. Each one has a unique operating system and interface. This may be the biggest deciding factor for many people, as it determines how the home entertainment you want to watch is arranged and presented. We go into detail for each platform below, but all of them come with home screens that, to varying degrees, gather your apps in one place, present the movies and TV shows you’re currently watching and give you suggestions of other <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/">media streaming</a> options.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p>Nearly all streaming devices come with a remote that lets you search and do other operations using your voice, eliminating the need to hunt and peck at on-screen keyboards. They all offer “universal search,” in which searching for a title takes you to whichever app has it available. If you want to watch <em>Wicked</em> but don’t know where it’s playing, just push the voice button on the remote and say "Wicked.” (We found simply saying the title or the genre you want sometimes works better than saying “Show me…” or “Search for…”) From the search results, hit the play button and the correct app will open and start playing — assuming you’ve previously logged into that app and, in most cases, have an active subscription.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-connectivity"><strong>Connectivity</strong></h3> <p>Most streaming sticks connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, with the majority of them supporting Wi-Fi 5 or 6 protocols. Set-top boxes can also have Ethernet ports, so you can hardwire your internet connection to the device, which is typically faster than wireless. Streaming media players connect to your TV through an HDMI port, and most sticks hide behind the screen, while set-top boxes sit on a surface nearby. Nearly all units also plug into an AC outlet for power. Some sticks used to work by pulling power from a USB port on the TV, but increasingly, these devices are designed to plug into the wall. </p> <h3 id="jump-link-video-and-audio-features"><strong>Video and audio features</strong></h3> <p>If your home theater setup has a screen that can display 4K content with Dolby Vision and HDR10, you’ll want a streaming device that supports those high-end formats. Of course, even the most top-shelf streamer can’t make a 1080p TV stream 4K. The series or movie also has to be transmitted in 4K and, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/legacy-hbo-max-ad-free-subscribers-will-lose-access-to-4k-streams-soon-092315829.html">increasingly</a>, companies restrict higher-quality streaming to more expensive subscription plans. In short, every element needs to support the video or audio feature, otherwise the highest quality you’ll get will be the lowest of any component in the chain.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-remotes">Remotes</h3> <p>Most remotes that come with streaming devices will allow you to control the power and volume of your TV. Some of the less expensive devices, however, don't have that feature, so you'll need to use your TV's remote to turn it on, then use the streaming remote to navigate the streamer's interface. If your streamer's remote does offer power and volume controls, the setup process will usually calibrate your remote to your TV. If you want to use a soundbar, such as from Sonos or other brands, for audio you may also have to take the additional step of pairing your remote to the speaker.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-voice-control"><strong>Voice control</strong></h3> <p>In addition to helping you find stuff to watch, streaming devices from <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/apple-tv-plus-review-110006011.html">Apple</a>, Google and Amazon can answer questions about the weather, sports scores and general facts using built-in voice assistants. They can also act as smart home controllers to turn off connected smart bulbs or plugs and show feeds from smart cameras. Just remember, as with all smart home devices, compatibility is key. Fire TV devices work with Alexa-enabled smart home equipment; the Google TV Streamer lets you control Google Home devices; and Apple TV 4Ks play nice with HomeKit and other Apple devices. Rokus grant power over Roku’s smart home products, but also work with the other ecosystems.</p> <p>Below are some recommendations for the best streaming sticks and other budget-friendly options. We also included suggestions for set-top boxes and devices geared toward gamers.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-streaming-devices-for-2025">Best streaming devices for 2025</h2> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-we-tested-and-picked-the-best-streaming-devices"><strong>How we tested and picked the best streaming devices</strong></h2> <p>Like every gadget we test, we start by researching what’s worthy of reviewing. Then we get a hold of the devices ourselves and see how well they work. We don’t have a central Engadget lab; we test things in our own living rooms, on our own TV sets. We also figure that’s a better approximation of how you’d use the gadgets anyway.</p> <p>We began testing streaming devices as far back as 2007 with the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2007-03-24-apple-tv-the-first-24-hours.html">first Apple TV device</a>. Since then, we’ve tried out most of the major new releases to come along — from the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2014-03-04-rokus-new-streaming-stick.html">Roku Stick back in 2014</a> to the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/google-tv-streamer-review-a-great-side-piece-for-your-tv-with-a-dash-of-smart-home-chops-and-inessential-ai-160034550.html">2024 Google TV Streamer 4K</a>. A few years ago, we decided to compile the streaming devices we reviewed into this guide. Since then, we’ve updated our top picks using verdicts from our reviews, as well the testing we perform just for this guide. As new devices come out, we try them and, if something is worthy, we add it to our top picks on this list.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/best-streaming-devices-media-players-123021395.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
Valve made a Steam Deck Verified program for things that aren't Steam Decks
<p>Steam <a href="https://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamworks/announcements/detail/532097310616717411"><ins>announced</ins></a> this week that it will offer a compatibility rating that will designate when a game is supported on the company's operating system. The SteamOS Compatibility assessment is slated to roll out "in the next few weeks."</p> <p>This metric is an extension of the Steam Deck Verified program, and it will award a checkmark to games based on a data subset within that vetting process. In other words, game developers won't have to take any additional steps if they're already completing Steam Deck Verified. On the player end, compatible games will show a blue checkmark when viewed in the Steam Store and Steam Client while running the operating system on a device other than the Steam Deck.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The announcement is mostly a future-proofing move. Right now, the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/lenovo-legion-go-s-with-steamos-will-land-may-25-for-50-more-than-expected-213820420.html"><ins>Lenovo Legion Go S</ins></a> is the only handheld besides the Steam Deck that's officially running Valve's operating system. But Lenovo was already <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/lenovo-is-already-teasing-the-successor-to-its-flagship-legion-go-gaming-handheld-161852837.html"><ins>teasing</ins></a> a second iteration of the hardware at CES this year and Valve clearly has plans for the number of SteamOS platforms to grow. The landscape for <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/best-handheld-gaming-system-140018863.html"><ins>handheld gaming</ins></a> could start looking quite different if SteamOS really takes off as a standalone service.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/valve-made-a-steam-deck-verified-program-for-things-that-arent-steam-decks-224535134.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
Carl Pei teases the 'all-in' Nothing Phone 3 with a flagship price
<p>Buried in the blog posts and videos that accompanied Google's <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/everything-google-announced-at-the-android-show-174155773.html">The Android Show: I/O Edition announcements</a> was a nugget of Nothing news: The Nothing Phone 3 is going to be expensive. In <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNR550z7xXU">an Android marketing video</a> showcasing the company's phones, Nothing CEO Carl Pei shared that the new phone will cost around £800 when it launches this summer.</p> <p>That new cost is thanks to Nothing's decision to go "all-in" on the new device by including "premium materials, major performance upgrades and software that really levels things up," according to Pei. The <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/nothing-phone-2-review-an-offbeat-alternative-to-boring-midrange-phones-specs-price-160002218.html">Nothing Phone 2</a> launched at £580 in the UK and $600 in the US, so selling the Phone 3 at £800 is a noticeable price jump. Assuming Nothing follows through on the premium upgrades it's promising, though, maybe it'll make sense that the Phone 3 costs as much as a Pixel 9 or iPhone 16.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><div id="db199ccb438047fbab74ce9614895008"></div> <p>Nothing made its name on affordable phones that have unique, premium designs. For example, the company launched the <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothing-phone-3a-and-3a-pro-review-rising-above-the-boring-competition-120014496.html">Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro</a> in March 2025, the budget and mid-range counterparts to the Phone 3. Both phones use mid-range chips and camera sensors, but feature a futuristic design and clever AI features that you'd expect out of a much more expensive device.</p> <p>Switching to trying to compete with <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/apple/">Apple</a> and Samsung in terms of price suggests Nothing is confident, at the very least. We'll have to wait until this summer when the Phone 3 is actually released to see if that confidence is justified.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/carl-pei-teases-the-all-in-nothing-phone-3-with-a-flagship-price-213023983.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
The USDA will republish climate change information online following farmer lawsuit
<p>In the early days of President <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/people/donald-trump/">Donald Trump</a>'s second administration, federal agencies including the <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/31/usda-climate-change-websites-00201826"><ins>US Department of Agriculture</ins></a> were ordered to remove information about climate change from their websites. Now, the USDA has committed to reinstating the deleted content following a lawsuit on behalf of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, the National Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Working Group. According to a <a href="https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/joint-letter-usda-may-2025.pdf">letter</a> sent yesterday to a district court judge, the agency has already begun the restoration process and expects to "substantially complete" the effort in about two weeks.</p> <p>The material removed from USDA sites in February included content about climate-smart agriculture, forest conservation, climate change adaptation and clean energy project investments in rural areas. The trio of plaintiffs sued on the basis that removing that information violated the Freedom of Information Act that allows public access to important federal records, as well as failing to provide advanced notice required by the Paperwork Reduction Act and without the reasoned decision-making of the Administrative Procedure act. The USDA said that it "will restore the climate-change-related web content that was removed post-Inauguration, including all USDA webpages and interactive tools enumerated in plaintiffs' complaint." </p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>"This is a major victory and an important first step. Members of the public, including our clients, rely on information from USDA to understand how climate change is affecting our nation’s forests, food supply, and energy systems," <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://earthjustice.org/press/2025/usda-reverses-course-commits-to-restore-purged-climate-webpages-in-response-to-farmers-lawsuit">said</a> Stephanie Krent, staff attorney with Knight First Amendment Institute, which helped file the lawsuit. "USDA was wrong to remove these webpages in the first place, and it must comply with federal law going forward."</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/the-usda-will-republish-climate-change-information-online-following-farmer-lawsuit-211907357.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
One of the tech industry's sources of carbon credits is in conflict with Kenyan herders
<p>A conservation program in Kenya that tech companies like Netflix and Meta rely on for carbon credits is in conflict with local herders, according to <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/climate-environment/netflix-and-metas-carbon-credits-snared-in-dispute-with-maasai-herders-4f01a59f">a report from <em>The Wall Street Journal</em></a><em>. </em>The issue led to the program run by <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.northernkenyacommunitycarbon.org">The Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project</a> to be put on hold, and could ultimately invalidate credits the organization has already sold.</p> <p>This specific carbon capture program uses grass spread across 4.7 million acres of land communally owned by groups like the Maasai, to trap carbon in the soil. The project gets to use the land, and in exchange, the herders get a portion of the revenue from carbon credit sales. The issue that's put the whole program at risk is a conflict over the herders' farming practices. The local agricultural community has used the same grazing techniques for generations without issue, but the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project wants them to "rotate livestock grazing so grasses can recover and lock more carbon into the soil," <em>The Wall Street Journal</em> writes. Some herders frustrated with the rules have gone as far as to claim that they were misled when they originally agreed to participate in the conservation program.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Many tech companies rely on purchasing carbon credits to help offset the negative environmental impacts of rapid technological development. You don't get to run servers streaming movies or training AI models 24 hours a day without consuming a lot of electricity and water. Carbon offset projects plant trees or run agricultural programs like the one in Kenya to pull carbon from the atmosphere, selling credits to companies to absolve them of their sins. </p> <p>Clearly, these carbon projects haven't always been actually beneficial for the people who live on the land they impact. <em>The Wall Street Journal</em> report is worth a read and gets into what the fallout of all of this could be, but at the very least, tech companies' branding themselves as "carbon neutral" seems like its going to get trickier.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/one-of-the-tech-industrys-sources-of-carbon-credits-is-in-conflict-with-kenyan-herders-201056081.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive