N e w s C e n t r a l
Prime Day deal: Get up to 50 percent off Shark robot vacuums
<p>If you've been itching to invest in a robot vacuum to help you clean up around the house, you're in luck. Prime Day deals, like clockwork, have brought discounts to a bunch of our favorite robot vacuums. One of the best deals is on this <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B09H8CWFNK&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=087358bd-5dc7-43d8-b296-82e1611f7180&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Shark+AI+Ultra+robovac&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwOUg4Q1dGTks_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMDg3MzU4YmQtNWRjNy00M2Q4LWIyOTYtODJlMTYxMWY3MTgwIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwOUg4Q1dGTksiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAYIA3oV6mR3vtGNPmEefzmSvvFLDPAEpb3MhukjFShFt&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB09H8CWFNK">Shark AI Ultra robovac</a>, which you can grab for 49 percent off — just $280.</p> <p>This is a version of one of the top picks in our <a href="https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-robot-vacuums-130010426.html">best robot vacuums</a> guide. It boasts excellent suction power and a bagless, auto-empty base that's super convenient. Shark's mobile app is easy to use as well, allowing you to set cleaning schedules and see the home map the robot creates so you can select specific areas and rooms to clean.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> </p> <p>The battery life is decent, at 120 minutes per charge. Like most modern robovacs, it'll head back to the power outlet on its own. During use, we found that the vacuum did a pretty good job at avoiding obstacles and managed to sidestep the many cat toys strewn across the floor.</p> <p>The only caveat worth mentioning is that this particular model includes a debris canister that needs to be manually emptied every 30 days. There's a version with a larger canister that's also on sale. It's down to <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B09T4YZGQR&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=087358bd-5dc7-43d8-b296-82e1611f7180&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=%24298+from+%24600&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwOVQ0WVpHUVI_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMDg3MzU4YmQtNWRjNy00M2Q4LWIyOTYtODJlMTYxMWY3MTgwIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwOVQ0WVpHUVIiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAceCZFfJteOQ7emfUTpEVrqxmN62oJamQ7LdAUjeVHHp&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB09T4YZGQR">$298 from $600</a>, which is also a discount of around 50 percent.</p> <p>Many other Shark products <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=087358bd-5dc7-43d8-b296-82e1611f7180&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=are+also+on+sale+right+now&custData=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&signature=AQAAAfnwV74OtM7FTtR-S_JeiPmVL7Ca5wL-jIzzQaXo-tLK&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2Fpage%2FB5B3A1E9-1D86-4B0A-880E-BDC441B473F5">are also on sale right now</a>. This includes other robovacs, but also standard upright designs.</p> <p> </p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deal-get-up-to-50-percent-off-shark-robot-vacuums-170023935.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
Slack now integrates with reMarkable's e-paper tablets
<p>You can now send your <a href="https://www.engadget.com/remarkable-2-tablet-e-ink-hands-on-review-marker-writing-note-taking-130044070.html">reMarkable</a> notes and doodles straight to Slack. The companies have <a href="https://news.remarkable.com/remarkable-and-slack-join-forces-to-bridge-creative-thinking-and-productive-collaboration">announced</a> Slack integration for reMarkable tablets, letting you send whatever you want from the e-paper device straight to your workplace chat in one tap. "...we realized that when there’s friction between thinking and producing, you risk losing time, ideas, and momentum," reMarkable Chief Technology Officer Nico Cormie said in a statement. By linking the tablet with Slack, there's less friction between coming up with ideas and sharing them with your team, so you can more easily collaborate with others. </p> <p>reMarkable is an e-paper tablet designed to work with a stylus. Simply put, it's a digital notebook, where you can sketch, write notes, draw, annotate documents and even read ebooks if you want to treat it more as an eReader like the Kindle. If you want to share your notes with Slack, you simply have to go to the menu on the left-hand corner of your device and choose "Send to Slack." When you do, it opens into a canvas in Slack containing an image of your file with AI-generated notes. If there's handwritten text in the image, the canvas will also include your notes that AI has converted to editable text. </p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><div id="bfd5d7662e6e494187831cdf7a9515d8"><div style="width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"></div></div> <p>To be able to use the Slack integration, you'll need to be subscribed to reMarkable Connect, which gives you access to unlimited cloud storage and sync for $3 a month. You'll also need to have a Slack account with a Pro, Business+ or an Enterprise Grid plan. </p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/slack-now-integrates-with-remarkables-e-paper-tablets-140015983.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
A surrealist documentary about climate change and other new indie games worth checking out
<p>Welcome to our latest roundup of indie game news and releases. It's a shorter edition than usual this week, but there are still a few interesting games here that are worth having on your radar. </p> <p>Also, there's still plenty of time to pick up some bargains in the Steam Summer Sale. So if you're planning on bringing your Steam Deck (or ROG Ally or whathaveyou) to a cookout this July 4 weekend and have some change to spare, why not pick up a game or two and try it out? There are a bunch of quality options available for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. We've highlighted <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-steam-summer-sale-is-live-with-a-fresh-batch-of-big-discounts-190844050.html">some of the juicier deals</a> too.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Technically, 8BitDo is an indie gaming company in that it's an independent enterprise that makes third-party gaming controllers. That's relevant, because I read a cool story this week in <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.endlessmode.com/video-games/culture/how-one-tiny-gaming-controller-became-an-essential-studying-tool"><em>Endless Mode</em></a> (a new gaming- and anime-focused publication from Paste Media). It's about how medical students are using tiny 8BitDo controllers to help them study with a flashcard program called Anki. And here's me thinking those controllers would be most useful for on-the-go <em>Mario Kart World </em>sessions with friends.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-new-releases">New releases</h2> <div id="4f49f9f4d06c4911a3abc26c4a494d33"></div> <p><em>Atuel</em> is one of the more interesting new(ish) games that popped up on my radar this week. After debuting on Itch.io back in 2022, this experimental project just landed on <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2794330/Atuel/">Steam</a> and Google Play.</p> <p>It's a short, free experience that should take around half an hour to finish. <em>Atuel</em> is billed as a surrealist documentary about climate change "in which you explore beautiful, dreamlike landscapes inspired by the topography and wildlife of the Atuel River Valley in Argentina." Add an eye-catching trailer into the mix and I'm quite happy to spend 30 minutes checking this one out. </p> <p>We probably shouldn't expect to see much more from the team behind this one — the crew at indie game co-op Matajuegos<a href="https://www.mata.juegos/en/2024/03/end/"> called it a day last year.</a> However, the developers have been working on other projects, including their own games.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-upcoming">Upcoming</h2> <div id="959bbe8256c64c9c8105331aeb2d6268"></div> <p>It’s been a decade since the debut of <em>Turbo Kid</em>, one of my favorite films of all time. It’s a low-budget love letter to Saturday morning cartoons with bucketloads of blood and heart. I love it so very deeply.</p> <p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/turbo-kid-game-metroidvania-outerminds-195954900.html">A video game that serves as a quasi-sequel</a> arrived on PC in 2024. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and it’s coming to Nintendo Switch soon. This is a Metroidvania (in other words, an action platformer) from Outerminds. It has wonderfully gruesome pixel art and a cracking soundtrack from Le Matos, the composers of the film’s score.</p> <p>I’d highly advise watching the <em>Turbo Kid</em> movie before playing this one. You have a few weeks to do so before the Switch release date of August 5.</p> <div id="79538f6ccbc64382a3c296afa2c16044"></div> <p>FMV games <a href="https://www.engadget.com/immortality-release-window-xbox-game-pass-180425379.html">never really went away,</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/palworld-developer-pocketpair-has-opened-up-a-publishing-division-194713511.html">an upcoming one from <em>Tales of Kendra: Zau</em> developer Surgent Studios</a> and <em>Palworld</em> creator Pocketpair's publishing arm caught my eye this week. Surgent founder Abubakar Salim is an actor himself, so it's perhaps not too much of a surprise that he'd want top-notch talent for his latest project.</p> <p><em>Dead Take </em>stars two of the most highly regarded game actors around in the lead roles: Neil Newbon (<em>Baldur’s Gate 3, Resident Evil Village</em>) and Ben Starr (<em>Final Fantasy XVI, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33</em>). In this game, you'll play an actor who is searching for a missing friend after a Hollywood party. You'll solve escape room-style puzzles and piece together videos you find along the way to find out what really happened. Sounds promising!</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-surrealist-documentary-about-climate-change-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110021975.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
How AI can help you navigate layoffs, according to one executive producer at Xbox
<p>It's been a rough week at Microsoft. Following the news that <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-gaming-division-suffers-further-layoffs-142430386.html"><ins>9,000 people are being laid off</ins></a> at the company, one Xbox executive offered some questionable words of advice for people on their way out: Find solace in Microsoft Copilot.</p> <p><a href="https://aftermath.site/xbox-microsoft-layoffs-ai-prompt-chatgpt-matt"><ins>As reported by </ins><em><ins>Aftermath</ins></em></a>, Matt Turnbull, an executive producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing who clearly did not lose his job recently, took to LinkedIn to let folks know, "You're not alone and you don't have to go it alone." In the same breath as acknowledging that AI evokes "strong feelings in people," Turnbull suggested that LLMs like ChatGPT and Copilot could "help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss." </p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Turnbull went on to provide specific AI prompts that he recommended for recently laid-off people, including, "Write a warm intro message for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting." He explained how an LLM could aid overwhelmed developers in planning their careers and punching up their resumés, and also help with "emotional clarity and confidence."</p> <p>The post was circulated <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/brandon.insertcredit.com/post/3lt4diia3xc2l"><ins>on Bluesky</ins></a> by Necrosoft Games director and <a href="https://insertcredit.com/"><ins>Insert Credit</ins></a> host Brandon Sheffield, where it received a predictably negative reaction. <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-producer-criticised-for-suggesting-laid-off-devs-should-use-ai-for-career-planning-and-emotional-clarity/">According to <em>Video Games Chronicle</em>,</a><em> </em>LinkedIn users were similarly unimpressed. Turnbull deleted the post a few hours later. Here's the full text from the LinkedIn post:</p> <hr /> <div class="breakout-box"><p><em>These are really challenging times, and if you're navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you're not alone and you don't have to go it alone.</em></p> <p><em>I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I'd be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances. I've been experimenting with ways to use LLM Al tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.</em></p> <p><em>Here are some prompt ideas and use cases that might help if you're feeling overwhelmed:</em></p> <p><em>Career Planning Prompts:<br />"Act as a career coach. I've been laid off from a [role] in the game industry. Help me build a 30-day plan to regroup, research new roles, and start applying without burning out."<br />"What kinds of game industry jobs could I pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?"</em></p> <p><em>Resume & Linkedin Help<br />"Here's my current resume. Give me three tailored versions: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio leadership."<br />"Rewrite this resume bullet to highlight impact and metrics."<br />"Draft a new LinkedIn 'About Me' section that focuses on my leadership style, shipped titles, and vision for game development."</em></p> <p><em>Networking & Outreach<br />"Draft a friendly message I can send to old coworkers letting them know I'm exploring new opportunities."<br />"Write a warm intro message for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting."</em></p> <p><em>Emotional Clarity & Confidence<br />"I'm struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I'm good at?"</em></p> <p><em>No Al tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity.</em></p> <p><em>If this helps, feel free to share with others in your network.</em></p> <p><em>Stay kind, stay smart, stay connected.</em></p> </div> <p>Turnbull's post, however earnest, comes at a time when Microsoft is seemingly all-in on both AI and layoffs. The 9,000 job losses this week add to over <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/microsoft-is-laying-off-3-percent-of-its-global-workforce-154755787.html"><ins>6,000 announced in May</ins></a>. Microsoft President Brad Smith began 2025 by <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=641f62fb-c5e8-4a7e-88cc-9b7bb0810a24&featureId=text-link&linkText=committing+to+spend+around+%2480+billion&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Jsb2dzLm1pY3Jvc29mdC5jb20vb24tdGhlLWlzc3Vlcy8yMDI1LzAxLzAzL3RoZS1nb2xkZW4tb3Bwb3J0dW5pdHktZm9yLWFtZXJpY2FuLWFpLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNjQxZjYyZmItYzVlOC00YTdlLTg4Y2MtOWI3YmIwODEwYTI0Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Jsb2dzLm1pY3Jvc29mdC5jb20vb24tdGhlLWlzc3Vlcy8yMDI1LzAxLzAzL3RoZS1nb2xkZW4tb3Bwb3J0dW5pdHktZm9yLWFtZXJpY2FuLWFpLyJ9&signature=AQAAAUcuGDqZ9bmu9-2eFbZSGMMmh6m9Zk321N8pUAhyXgYP&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.microsoft.com%2Fon-the-issues%2F2025%2F01%2F03%2Fthe-golden-opportunity-for-american-ai%2F">committing to spend around $80 billion</a> on AI infrastructure through the year, and CEO Satya Nadella recently shared that <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=641f62fb-c5e8-4a7e-88cc-9b7bb0810a24&featureId=text-link&merchantName=CNBC&linkText=a+large+portion+of+his+company%27s+code&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDI1LzA0LzI5L3NhdHlhLW5hZGVsbGEtc2F5cy1hcy1tdWNoLWFzLTMwcGVyY2VudC1vZi1taWNyb3NvZnQtY29kZS1pcy13cml0dGVuLWJ5LWFpLmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjY0MWY2MmZiLWM1ZTgtNGE3ZS04OGNjLTliN2JiMDgxMGEyNCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25iYy5jb20vMjAyNS8wNC8yOS9zYXR5YS1uYWRlbGxhLXNheXMtYXMtbXVjaC1hcy0zMHBlcmNlbnQtb2YtbWljcm9zb2Z0LWNvZGUtaXMtd3JpdHRlbi1ieS1haS5odG1sIn0&signature=AQAAASYKjSeFFZXn5ygsYqQvJ0MwVFnhkyirJ2xg5Ht9cFzW&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2025%2F04%2F29%2Fsatya-nadella-says-as-much-as-30percent-of-microsoft-code-is-written-by-ai.html"><ins>a large portion of his company's code</ins></a> is now authored by AI. </p> <p>Just last week, <em>Business Insider</em> reported on another executive telling employees that using Copilot is "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-internal-memo-using-ai-no-longer-optional-github-copilot-2025-6"><ins>no longer optional</ins></a>" in an internal memo. One developer at Halo Studios, which was affected by the layoffs, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/even-before-the-xbox-layoffs-there-was-tension-at-halo-studios-002031995.html">told Engadget's Jessica Conditt</a> that they felt Xbox leadership was looking to "replace as many jobs as they can with AI agents."</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/how-ai-can-help-you-navigate-layoffs-according-to-one-executive-producer-at-xbox-210008717.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
Supergiant’s latest Hades II patch is likely its last before launch
<p>Despite it having upward of 61,000 reviews on Steam, <em>Hades II </em>isn’t actually out yet. The sequel to Supergiant Games’ hugely successful roguelite dungeon crawler has been in early access on PC for over a year, and even the early builds were extremely polished and content-rich for what is still a work-in-progress game. But we (and Switch owners) have been waiting patiently for that 1.0 release date, and it looks like it might be just around the corner, with Supergiant confirming that the latest Unseen Update <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1145350/view/512962085601150265"><ins>patch</ins></a> is likely to be the final one ahead of the full launch.</p> <p>The third major early access <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hades-ii-adds-more-combat-options-in-its-third-major-early-access-update-225206452.html"><ins>update</ins></a> arrived on June 17, and was focused primarily on combat tweaks, as well as adding a new Vow of Rivals that not only made Guardian encounters tougher, but forced players to switch up their strategies for each bout. The latest patch is mainly a host of minor adjustments to existing items and abilities, as well as some balancing on the aforementioned Vow of Rivals Encounters. No more new story content or areas are due to be added ahead of the v.10 launch, with Supergiant <a href="https://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/hades2-unseen-update/"><ins>confirming</ins></a> back in June that the game’s true ending is being held back for the full release. If you’re a console player or just wanted to hold out until the game is finished, it’s probably safe to start getting excited.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>That said, PlayStation and Xbox owners are going to have to wait a little longer, because while we still don’t know <em>Hades II</em>’s release date, we do know that the game is <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/hades-ii-will-launch-on-switch-2-and-switch-before-playstation-and-xbox-163757321.html"><ins>launching</ins></a> on PC and both the Switch and Switch 2 initially, mirroring the release roadmap of its predecessor. The developer has already assured fans that both Nintendo consoles can run the game at a smooth 60 fps, with the Switch 2 version benefiting from the console’s larger 1080p display in handheld mode.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/supergiants-latest-hades-ii-patch-is-likely-its-last-before-launch-190005440.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
Fairphone 6 lands a perfect 10 for repairability
<p>Dutch company Fairphone continues to lead the charge on consumer- and planet-friendly electronics, proving that a great phone doesn't have to be impossible to repair or environmentally unsustainable. The <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-modular-fairphone-6-offers-two-day-battery-life-and-a-modern-design-143634840.html">Fairphone 6</a> has just been released, coming two years after the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/fairphone-5-is-boring-how-exciting-094530738.html">last generation</a> of the phone built to last. The folks over at <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=c00d85db-85fb-45f3-a540-57642aa8e3f6&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=2dfbaa06-8ca9-482e-83fa-8e7ee8abff3d&featureId=text-link&merchantName=ifixit&linkText=iFixit+wasted+no+time&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pZml4aXQuY29tL05ld3MvMTExNjEzL2ZhaXJwaG9uZS02LXRlYXJkb3duLXByb29mLXBob25lcy1kb250LWhhdmUtdG8tYmUtZGlzcG9zYWJsZSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMmRmYmFhMDYtOGNhOS00ODJlLTgzZmEtOGU3ZWU4YWJmZjNkIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pZml4aXQuY29tL05ld3MvMTExNjEzL2ZhaXJwaG9uZS02LXRlYXJkb3duLXByb29mLXBob25lcy1kb250LWhhdmUtdG8tYmUtZGlzcG9zYWJsZSJ9&signature=AQAAAYQ5wf0Tmyj0NuFWW5WDLk8CQtmCGq8SoPCgJxgI1Sv_&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifixit.com%2FNews%2F111613%2Ffairphone-6-teardown-proof-phones-dont-have-to-be-disposable">iFixit wasted no time</a> in conducting a teardown of this new entry to see how it stacks up against previous generations. The Fairphone 6 scored a perfect 10 out of 10, like every generation of Fairphone bar the very first.</p> <p>Fairphones are modular, and have been designed with easy repair in mind, but there is one change from the previous generations that makes things harder. Whereas the last few Fairphones have used hard batteries that could be flipped out with your fingernail, the new handset packs a soft-pouch cell that’s thinner than its predecessors. That’s slimmed the phone down, but it does mean the battery is now held in place with five screws.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><div id="aba7427f07a245d994d7cf360280cd0a"></div> <p>It’s the same with every other component on the handset, since none of the components are held in with glue. The lack of adhesives does account for the phone’s IP 55 rating, which is lower than the rest of the industry. But given you can’t exactly get Samsung to send you a <a href="https://support.fairphone.com/hc/en-us/articles/24590029621138-The-Fairphone-Gen-6-Replace-a-Spare-Part">video guide</a> telling you how to open your phone with nothing more than a T5 Torx screwdriver, so there’s give and take.</p> <p>iFixit is quick to point out that the Fairphone 6 isn’t a bleeding-edge smartphone, nor is it intended to be. It’s designed from the ground up to be as sustainable and repair-friendly as possible, and this means some trade-offs compared with flagship devices. The Fairphone 6’s use of USB 2.0, a less pixel-dense screen, and only 8GB of RAM are all necessary design choices when built with longer life cycles in mind. Nevertheless, this almost certainly won’t affect the day-to-day use of the handset for most consumers, and owning a device you can truly repair yourself just might be worth it.</p> <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/fairphone-6-lands-a-perfect-10-for-repairability-190001687.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
Resident Evil is getting a new mobile spin-off game
<p>Less than a month after Capcom’s surprise announcement of the next <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/resident-evil-requiem-gameplay-demo-first--and-third-person-views-sgf-2025-150009510.html"><ins>Resident Evil</ins></a> game, another new entry has been confirmed. But before Resi fans get too wild with excitement, this one is a mobile spin-off for iOS and Android called <em>Resident Evil Survival Unit</em>. It’s a strategy game that somehow fits into the broader universe, even if it’s not clear how at this point.</p> <p>We don’t have a lot of concrete information at the moment, with the game set to be fully revealed in a <a href="https://www.residentevil-survivalunit.com/en"><ins>showcase</ins></a> scheduled July 10 at 6pm ET, but we do know that it’s being co-developed by Aniplex Inc and Korean developer Joycity. The <a href="https://corp.joycity.com/ko/main"><ins>latter</ins></a> is currently working on another strategy game called <em>Disney Realm Breakers</em>, with access to various Disney IP including <em>Toy Story </em>and <em>The Incredibles</em>. Joycity is also the studio behind <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War</em>, a free-to-play real-time strategy game that has an average rating of 4.4 from 210 thousand <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5d6e8859-5e52-4fb5-8ee7-8bdeeb70baac&featureId=text-link&linkText=reviews&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3BsYXkuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS9zdG9yZS9hcHBzL2RldGFpbHM_aWQ9Y29tLmpveWNpdHkucG90YyZobD1lbl9HQiIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWQ2ZTg4NTktNWU1Mi00ZmI1LThlZTctOGJkZWViNzBiYWFjIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3BsYXkuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS9zdG9yZS9hcHBzL2RldGFpbHM_aWQ9Y29tLmpveWNpdHkucG90YyZobD1lbl9HQiJ9&signature=AQAAAe1no6OdE55MtD5rFQJVdefGUjR9fJUjERlvE0c99i37&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.joycity.potc%26hl%3Den_GB"><ins>reviews</ins></a> on the Google Play Store.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Strategy is clearly the studio’s favored genre, then, and in its <a href="https://corp.joycity.com/ko/main"><ins>announcement message</ins></a> for <em>Resident Evil Survival Unit </em>it promises the game "expands the global fanbase of <em>Resident Evil </em>to mobile, allowing players to enjoy the world of the series with a new approach that is different from the existing series." It was also confirmed in a press release that the mobile game is being developed in close collaboration to "ensure authenticity and quality."</p> <p><em>Resident Evil Requiem </em>(the official name for what is technically <em>Resident Evil 9</em>) was announced back in June at SGF 25, and centers on a new character called Grace Ashcroft. For the first time in the series’ history, both first-person and third-person gameplay perspectives will be an option from launch.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/resident-evil-is-getting-a-new-mobile-spin-off-game-160044931.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Negative
Samsung's Texas chip plant is reportedly delayed due to lack of customers
<p>Samsung has reportedly pushed back the completion of its semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas, because it has no customers. According to <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Samsung-delaying-completion-of-US-chip-plant-due-to-lack-of-customers"><em>Nikkei Asia</em></a>, the company is in no hurry to install equipment in the facility due to lack of clients and even though the facility is over 90 percent done. The factory was supposed to come online in 2024, but the company has since pushed back its opening date to sometime in 2026 to upgrade its foundry process. Samsung's fab was only supposed to be able to manufacture 4-nanometer chipsets, but the company adjusted its plans to give it the capability to manufacture more advanced 2-nanometer chips to be able to compete with rivals like TSMC. Still, the problem persisted. </p> <p>If you'll recall, the plant in Taylor is part of Samsung's planned <a href="https://www.engadget.com/samsung-is-doubling-its-semiconductor-investment-in-texas-to-44-billion-154322399.html">$44 billion investment in Texas</a>. When the Biden administration <a href="https://www.engadget.com/samsung-awarded-64-billion-chips-act-grant-to-build-semiconductor-ecosystem-in-texas-165414946.html">announced</a> that it was giving Samsung up to $6.4 billion in grants as part of the CHIPS Act funding, the company said that the money was going to be spent finishing up the campus in Taylor. But the facility's development has been troubled for quite a while now. Last year, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/samsung-delays-taking-deliveries-asmls-chip-gear-its-new-us-factory-sources-say-2024-10-18/"><em>Reuters</em></a> reported that Samsung had delayed the deliveries of advanced-chipmaking equipment from ASML to its Taylor facility, since it had yet to sign up any major customer for the plant. </p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>When Samsung cut jobs around the world last year, some jobs from its Texas operations were reportedly <a href="https://www.hrgrapevine.com/us/content/article/2024-09-12-samsung-global-cuts-to-hit-stalling-texas-chip-plant">also cut</a> due to production delays. And it's not just the company's employees who were affected by the delays: Samsung's suppliers, some of which are <a href="https://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=224975">small companies</a>, are also impacted and have had to look for other customers while the facility's completion is on hold. While Samsung has assured <em>Nikkei Asia</em> that it's still planning to open the fab in 2026, analysts previously called that into question seeing as it has yet to land volume clients. In fact, South Korean publication <a href="https://www.thelec.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=34844"><em>The Elec</em></a> claimed in April that Samsung is now <a href="https://www.trendforce.com/news/2025/04/15/news-samsung-reportedly-hits-the-brakes-on-u-s-investment-with-taylor-fab-likely-pushed-to-2027/">targeting a February 2027</a> opening date instead of sometime in 2026. The publication said that in addition to the lack of customers, Samsung's contractors had also pulled out of the project and its on-site workforce is now a fourth of its original size. </p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/samsungs-texas-chip-plant-is-reportedly-delayed-due-to-lack-of-customers-140034619.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
The Morning After: Big, Beautiful Fallout
<p>The so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” has passed with plenty of nasty treats for the US technology and manufacturing industries. As well as swinging the sword at basic environmental protection measures, the bill sticks its thumb in the eye of the EV industry. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-is-bad-for-american-evs-but-it-could-have-been-worse-210155196.html">Tim Stevens takes you on a tour of the most salient changes, like the imminent end of the EV tax credit</a>. Joining that on the bonfire is the used EV incentive, as well as the rebates for the purchase of commercial EVs.</p> <p>Similarly, for all of this administration’s talk of bringing manufacturing back to the US, the bill is a middle finger for domestic solar companies. The US is the only credible manufacturing rival to China in solar panels, but the bill cuts these businesses off at the knees. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/general/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-is-a-middle-finger-to-us-solar-energy-152042835.html">I spoke to people inside the US solar industry who know that, despite whatever tariffs are implemented, this bill opens the door to a flood of cheap, Chinese-made solar panels to usurp their US rivals</a>.</p> <p>An earlier version of the bill also contained moves that could only be described as weirdly vindictive. It previously proposed an annual EV tax of $250 (and $100 for hybrid owners) as well as a general levy on all wind and solar projects. Why? A cynic might suggest it was due to the bill being drafted to benefit fossil fuel companies at the expense of literally everyone else.</p> <p>Anyway, hopefully you can enjoy the holiday and won’t need to spend it panic-buying an EV and US-made solar panels. Although that’s not actually a bad way to spend a long weekend.</p> <p>— Dan Cooper</p> <p><em>Get Engadget's newsletter delivered</em> <em>direct to your inbox.</em><a href="https://www.engadget.com/about/newsletter/"><em> Subscribe right here!</em></a></p> <h3 id="jump-link-even-more-switch-2-stuff">The news you might have missed</h3> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/here-are-the-letters-that-let-apple-and-google-ignore-the-tiktok-ban-220630588.html">Here are the letters that let Apple and Google ignore the TikTok ban<br /></a>AG Pam Bondi offered a written guarantee they would incur no legal liability.</p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-was-funding-romero-games-new-game-but-layoffs-have-left-the-project-in-crisis-172234905.html">Xbox was funding Romero Games' new game, but layoffs have left the project in crisis<br /></a>Turns out Microsoft was backing John Romero’s new studio.</p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/apps/uber-drivers-in-british-columbia-canada-have-unionized-122434476.html">Uber drivers in British Columbia, Canada have unionized<br /></a>This will be interesting.</p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-get-two-months-of-paramount-for-only-2-right-now"><a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-two-months-of-paramount-for-only-2-right-now-114314871.html">Get two months of Paramount+ for only $2 right now</a></h2> <h3 id="jump-link-catch-up-on-all-that-new-star-trek">Catch up on all that new Star Trek.</h3> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-two-months-of-paramount-for-only-2-right-now-114314871.html"><figure><img alt="The Paramount Plus logo on a white circle on a blue background." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/d73fd6b0-58b7-11f0-bfbf-06467a4a3d52" style="height: 376px; width: 620px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Paramount+</div></figure></a> <p>You can snag <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-two-months-of-paramount-for-only-2-right-now-114314871.html">two months of Paramount+ for just $2, allowing you to take advantage of the new season of <em>Star Trek: Strange New Worlds</em>.</a> The deal applies to both the Essential and Premium plan, so you can easily have a little run of ad-free Star Trek as a treat. And, if you don’t like the idea of binging <em>Strange New Worlds</em>, you can always watch <em>Star Trek: Lower Decks</em> instead.</p> <p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-two-months-of-paramount-for-only-2-right-now-114314871.html"><strong>Continue Reading.</strong></a></p> <h2 id="jump-link-microsoft-gaming-division-suffers-further-layoffs"><a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-gaming-division-suffers-further-layoffs-142430386.html">Microsoft gaming division suffers further layoffs</a></h2> <h3 id="jump-link-even-before-the-xbox-layoffs-there-was-tension-at-halo-studios"><a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/even-before-the-xbox-layoffs-there-was-tension-at-halo-studios-002031995.html">Even before the Xbox layoffs, there was 'tension' at Halo Studios</a></h3> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/even-before-the-xbox-layoffs-there-was-tension-at-halo-studios-002031995.html"><figure><img alt="Still from a Halo project where a soldier's helmet is held by their leg." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/0bf35ad0-58b8-11f0-bf1b-08b4c28c18fe" style="height: 379px; width: 620px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Halo Studios</div></figure></a> <p>Microsoft has announced it will cut <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-gaming-division-suffers-further-layoffs-142430386.html">9,000 jobs from its global workforce</a>, with much of that focus on its gaming division. Engadget's <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/even-before-the-xbox-layoffs-there-was-tension-at-halo-studios-002031995.html">Jessica Conditt got the inside scoop from employees at Halo Studios, who reveal all is not well at what should be one of Microsoft’s crown jewels</a>. Sadly, the company was already gutted back in 2023, and the lukewarm reception of its work since then is a sign of how badly things are going.</p> <p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/even-before-the-xbox-layoffs-there-was-tension-at-halo-studios-002031995.html"><strong>Continue Reading.</strong></a></p> <h2 id="jump-link-crunchyrolls-lazy-ai-subtitles-have-anime-fans-furious"><a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/crunchyrolls-lazy-ai-subtitles-have-anime-fans-furious-145621722.html">Crunchyroll's lazy AI subtitles have anime fans furious</a></h2> <h3 id="jump-link-friends-dont-let-friends-subtitle-shows-with-chatgpt">Friends don’t let friends subtitle shows with ChatGPT.</h3> <p></p> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/crunchyrolls-lazy-ai-subtitles-have-anime-fans-furious-145621722.html"><figure><img alt="Image of a subtitle that begins " src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/34624e90-58b8-11f0-beaf-a4bcbdc230d7" style="height: 349px; width: 620px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Igor Bonifacic for Engadget</div></figure></a> <p>Translating a work of art is a delicate task requiring nuanced knowledge of both the culture and the languages you’re translating from and to. Unless you’re Anime-favoring streaming service Crunchyroll, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/crunchyrolls-lazy-ai-subtitles-have-anime-fans-furious-145621722.html">which just dumped subtitle files into ChatGPT and hoped for the best</a>. As well as a general sloppiness, Engadget’s Igor Bonifacic found instances of lines beginning with “ChatGPT said:” at the start of a line. Crunchyroll said the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/crunchyroll-blames-third-party-vendor-for-ai-subtitle-mess-145621606.html">subtitles were the result of the unauthorized action of a "third-party vendor," and</a> it is working to rectify the error right now.</p> <p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/crunchyrolls-lazy-ai-subtitles-have-anime-fans-furious-145621722.html"><strong>Continue Reading.</strong></a></p> <h2 id="jump-link-playstation-needs-neil-druckmann-more-than-hbo-does"><a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/playstation-needs-neil-druckmann-more-than-hbo-does-154951145.html">PlayStation needs Neil Druckmann more than HBO does</a></h2> <h3 id="jump-link-our-take-on-the-last-of-us-changes">Our take on the ‘Last of Us’ changes</h3> <p></p> <p>Neil Druckmann, head of Naughty Dog and co-creator of <em>The Last of US</em> and its TV adaptation, is <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-last-of-us-co-creator-neil-druckmann-is-stepping-away-from-the-show-to-focus-on-future-games-182136370.html">stepping down from the HBO series</a>. He said he’s shifting his focus back to video games full time to work on the studio’s next big title, <em>Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet</em>. <em>The Last of Us Part II</em> co-writer Halley Gross is also stepping down at the same time, and that got our staff <em>TLoU</em> superfan Nathan Ingraham’s antennae twitching. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/playstation-needs-neil-druckmann-more-than-hbo-does-154951145.html">He feels the video game industry, currently suffering body blow after body blow, needs Druckmann (and Gross) far more than the TV world does</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/playstation-needs-neil-druckmann-more-than-hbo-does-154951145.html"><strong>Continue Reading.</strong></a></p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><h2 id="jump-link-nothing-phone-3-hands-on-a-tiny-playful-dot-matrix-screen-in-the-companys-most-expensive-phone-yet"><a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothing-phone-3-hands-on-dot-matrix-glyph-flagship-phone-173019742.html">Nothing Phone 3 hands-on: A tiny, playful dot-matrix screen in the company's most expensive phone yet</a></h2> <h3 id="jump-link-its-another-quirky-gimmick-on-the-back-cover">It’s another quirky gimmick on the back cover.</h3> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothing-phone-3-hands-on-dot-matrix-glyph-flagship-phone-173019742.html"><figure><img alt="Image of the Nothing Phone 3 held in a hand in front of a dark bokeh background of a crowd of people." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/6c8026d0-58b8-11f0-bffb-3fdc953b52c0" style="height: 349px; width: 620px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Mat Smith for Engadget</div></figure></a> <p>Nothing has launched its third-generation flagship, the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothing-phone-3-hands-on-dot-matrix-glyph-flagship-phone-173019742.html">$799 Nothing Phone 3, complete with a new eye-catching gimmick</a>. Whereas previous models had the Glyph Interface, a series of flashing lights on the rear cover, the 3 gets a tiny dot-matrix display called the Glyph Matrix. Wanna find out if it’s going to be worth your cash? Check out Mat Smith’s detailed hands-on.</p> <p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothing-phone-3-hands-on-dot-matrix-glyph-flagship-phone-173019742.html"><strong>Continue Reading.</strong></a></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111523433.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
Reception: Positive
The best VR headsets for 2025
<p>Choosing the best VR headset for you is the first step into some of the most immersive gaming, entertainment and virtual work experiences available today. Whether you’re exploring new worlds, working out in virtual gyms or collaborating in 3D environments, a great headset can make all the difference. The latest models offer high-resolution displays, improved FOV (field of view) and ergonomic head strap designs that keep things comfortable during extended sessions. Many also support Bluetooth for connecting external accessories like controllers or earbuds.<br /><br />As the tech has matured, you’ll now find headsets that balance performance with portability, and some even offer a wider field of view to enhance your sense of presence in virtual spaces. From beginner-friendly options to high-end devices built for enthusiasts, there's a VR headset out there for every type of user — and this guide will help you find the one that fits your needs best.</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-vr-headsets-for-2025">Best VR headsets for 2025</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-how-we-test-vr-headsets">How we test VR headsets</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-other-vr-headsets-weve-tested">Other VR headsets we've tested</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-vr-headset-faqs">VR headset FAQs</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-recent-updates">Recent updates</a></p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-vr-headsets-for-2025">Best VR headsets for 2025</h2> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-we-test-vr-headsets">How we test VR headsets</h2> <p>I tend to judge candidates for the best VR headset on a few basic criteria: Ergonomics, immersion and controls. It's not that hard to shove a mobile display into a plastic headset and strap some cheap elastic headbands onto it. But it takes real design skill to craft something that's well balanced, includes a supportive headstrap, and doesn't feel uncomfortable after 30 minutes.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p>My test for ergonomics is fairly simple: How long can I wear a headset until I start to feel discomfort? For the most ergonomic devices, like the Quest 3, that could easily be an hour or two. But heavier PC hardware often feels cumbersome after just 15 minutes — you won’t find those kinds of devices in our list of the best VR headsets.</p> <p>Immersion, meanwhile, comes from having high resolution screens with fast refresh rates, like a 120Hz refresh rate, so everything looks sharp and smooth. Field of view is also a major element, as it describes how well VR screens can cover what you see. A narrow FOV makes it feel like you're peering through a pair of binoculars, which limits your sense of “presence.” The best VR headsets aim for a wider field of view, helping virtual environments feel more natural and fully surround you.</p> <p>A wide field of view, on the other hand, can make it seem like you’re actually flying over the globe in Google Earth. We look at a few popular video games, like <em>Superhot</em>, <em>Beat Saber </em>and <em>Pistol Whip</em>, on every headset to judge how immersed we feel and how enjoyable the gaming experience is overall.</p> <p>The best controllers fit naturally in your hands and offer accurate tracking. The industry has basically adopted the design of Meta’s excellent touch controllers, but we're also seeing intriguing leaps forward like Valve's finger tracking gamepads. We judge controllers based on how easy they are to hold, how they hold up to sweaty gameplay sessions and how easily headsets can track their position in space.</p> <p>However, it’s important to look at a virtual reality headset’s specs as a whole. Depending on what you’re looking for in yourVR headset, you’ll want to consider factors like your PC’s CPU and graphics card if you plan to use the headset to play the best VR games. You might not need a super powerful PC, but you should check the minimum requirements for the headset you’re looking to purchase. If you’re not looking to invest in a VR headset solely for gaming, features like head tracking allow you to explore your environment just by simply moving your head in the simulator. This often results in a more immersive and realistic experience.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-other-vr-headsets-weve-tested">Other VR headsets we’ve tested</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-htc-vive-focus-vision">HTC Vive Focus Vision</h3> <p>The <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/htc-vive-focus-vision-review-a-premium-vr-headset-with-average-performance-150029763.html">Vive Focus Vision</a> is a sleek premium standalone VR headset that can also deliver solid PC VR. But it’s also running aging hardware, it’s riddled with software issues and it’s expensive compared to the Meta Quest 3.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-meta-quest-pro">Meta Quest Pro</h3> <p>As great as the Meta Quest 3 is, the Quest 2 is still a very good entry-level VR headset, and it’s worth considering if it’s on sale below its current $250 list price. The <a href="https://www.engadget.com/meta-quest-pro-review-a-next-gen-headset-for-the-vr-faithful-specs-price-130045313-130045431.html">Meta Quest Pro</a>, on the the hand, is an expensive boondoggle best ignored.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-htc-vive-pro-2">HTC Vive Pro 2</h3> <p>Outside of Meta’s hardware, the HTC <a href="https://www.engadget.com/htc-vive-pro-2-review-5k-vr-headset-133100685-133000767.html">Vive Pro 2</a> remains a fantastic PC headset, but it’s far more expensive than the Valve Index, which is more comfortable and offers better audio.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-vr-headset-faqs">VR headset FAQs</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-how-do-vr-headsets-work">How do VR headsets work?</h3> <p>At the most basic level, a VR headset is simply a high quality screen that you’re holding up to your face. For a wired headset, the actual work of rendering a game is done on either a PC or game console. For completely wireless devices, like the Meta Quest 3, that work is handled right on the headset. They rely on either external sensors, or sensors built into the headsets, to map your physical space. While you can use a traditional gamepad or keyboard and mouse in VR, they typically use motion tracking controllers to immerse you in their 3D environments.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-what-vr-headset-is-best-for-full-body-tracking">What VR headset is best for full body tracking?</h3> <p>While we’re still waiting for a truly great haptic VR bodysuit to arrive, you can still achieve accurate body tracking with most Steam VR-compatible PC headsets. The Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 both rely on room-tracking sensors that can map your body more effectively than the built-in sensors on competitors. You can also add HTC Vive Trackers to wrist and leg straps, as well as belts, for even better coverage. The Meta Quest 3 doesn’t have any easy body tracking solutions, but you can <a href="https://www.vr-wave.store/blogs/virtual-reality-prescription-lenses/get-full-body-tracking-on-your-quest-2">add Vive trackers when it’s plugged into your PC</a> to mimic a Steam VR headset.</p> <p>Only a few experiences, like VRChat, take advantage of full body tracking at the moment. Currently there aren’t any body tracking solutions for the PlayStation VR and VR2, but we’re intrigued by the company’s <a href="https://www.vr-wave.store/blogs/virtual-reality-prescription-lenses/get-full-body-tracking-on-your-quest-2">Mocopi body trackers</a>, which were really announced in Japan.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-what-vr-headsets-are-better-than-oculus">What VR headsets are better than Oculus?</h3> <p>Oculus is the previous name for Meta’s VR hardware. Currently, Meta only supports the Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Pro, all of which are wireless headsets. As we explain above, PC VR headsets can generally achieve better quality virtual reality, since they rely on more powerful graphics hardware.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-what-vr-headsets-work-with-xbox">What VR headsets work with Xbox?</h3> <p>Currently, Microsoft’s Xbox consoles don’t support any VR headsets.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-recent-updates">Recent updates</h2> <p><strong>April 2025:</strong> Updated to include review scores for our top picks, where applicable.</p> <p><strong>November 2024:</strong> Added the HTC Vive Focus Vision to the "others we tested" section.</p> <p><strong>October 2024:</strong> Updated our "best cheap VR headset" top pick to be the Meta Quest 3S.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/best-vr-headsets-140012529.html?src=rss
Source: www.engadget.com
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