N e w s C e n t r a l

The best Apple Watch in 2025

Apple has just three smartwatches in its current lineup. We think the flagship <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DGHYQ1VJ&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=8775e6de-d7c2-4b43-a8c2-7ec2f62a6d73&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Apple+Watch+Series+10&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREdIWVExVko_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiODc3NWU2ZGUtZDdjMi00YjQzLWE4YzItN2VjMmY2MmE2ZDczIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREdIWVExVkoiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAARFWHZ0-Ygykcu_j3UOiujXv2Nn5igKhdtZSRSttwfFH&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DGHYQ1VJ">Apple Watch Series 10</a> is the best for most people, but athletes and outdoor enthusiasts might be happier with the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DGHRGSH3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=8775e6de-d7c2-4b43-a8c2-7ec2f62a6d73&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Apple+Watch+Ultra+2&custData=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&signature=AQAAAS1LyEBN0Wphj6z_15a7Kz1sEC2fSAEKVUqRU8GZmUzV&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-Cellular-Smartwatch-Precision-Extra-Long%2Fdp%2FB0DGHRGSH3">Apple Watch Ultra 2</a>. The budget model, the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DGJ73CFS&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=8775e6de-d7c2-4b43-a8c2-7ec2f62a6d73&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Apple+Watch+SE&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREdKNzNDRlM_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiODc3NWU2ZGUtZDdjMi00YjQzLWE4YzItN2VjMmY2MmE2ZDczIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREdKNzNDRlMiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAASD76am7ro8sj9eQ_3C-EPptok608n0HZPqRj0DQTp0c&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DGJ73CFS">Apple Watch SE</a>, offers a surprising array of features for the price. All three are excellent companions for your iPhone and all do a great job of tracking health and fitness stats. This guide to the best Apple Watch breaks down the differences in sensors, case design and more to help you decide which model makes the most sense for you. <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-best-apple-watch-in-2025">Best Apple Watch in 2025</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-what-to-look-for-in-an-apple-watch">What to look for in an Apple Watch</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-how-we-tested-apple-watches">How we tested Apple Watches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-apple-watch-comparison-chart">Apple Watch comparison chart</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-apple-watch-in-2025">Best Apple Watch in 2025</h2> <h2 id="jump-link-what-to-look-for-in-an-apple-watch">What to look for in an Apple Watch</h2> Like all Apple products, Apple Watches will only work with other devices from the brand's ecosystem. You won't be able to pair any Apple Watch to your Android phone. Note that you can pair other wearables (like a Garmin tracker or a Fitbit band) with your iPhone. There are some more features that are specific to Apple Watches and that set each of the three models apart from one another.  <h3 id="jump-link-chips-and-sensors">Chips and sensors</h3> The new Apple Watch Series 10 has an S10 SiP (system in a package) chip with a four-core Neural Engine. The Ultra 2 was <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-ultra-2-and-series-9-first-impressions-double-tap-is-accurate-and-tricky-203116431.html">updated last September</a> with Apple’s S9 SiP. Both chips allow for on-device processing of Siri requests as well as dictation, translation, automatic workout detection and the Double Tap gesture that lets you answer calls or stop an alarm by tapping your thumb and forefinger together twice. It also enables faster machine learning performance for interpreting sensor data, speech recognition and performing other “thinking” tasks. The Apple Watch SE still relies on the S8 SiP, which was also used in the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-8-real-world-test-130031046-130031250.html">Series 8</a> and the original Ultra. Both the Series 10 and Ultra 2 can measure certain vital signs like heart rate, and both have an ECG app. Temperature sensors can help track ovulation, while <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/measure-underwater-temperature-duration-depth-apd9073c83d6/watchos">underwater temperature sensors</a> may come in handy while swimming and snorkeling. Both also support fall-detection and crash-detection as a safety feature. All three models have a compass and altimeter. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an onboard SOS siren, as well as dive features like a depth gauge. Water features were added to the Apple Watch Series 10, but with a shallower depth rating (just six meters, as compared to 40 meters on the Ultra). The Ultra includes blood oxygen sensors, but a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-now-selling-watch-series-9-and-ultra-2-with-disabled-blood-oxygen-monitor-035833529.html">patent dispute</a> has forced Apple to disable that health feature on new models sold <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-now-selling-watch-series-9-and-ultra-2-with-disabled-blood-oxygen-monitor-035833529.html">in the US</a> and the hardware isn’t present in the new flagship model. All three models support near field communication (NFC), the chip that enables Apple Pay. Once you set it up using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, you can pay for stuff at any store that accepts Apple Pay, even if you <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/apple-pay-apd76424826d/watchos">don't have your phone</a> with you. <h3 id="jump-link-displays-and-case-sizes">Displays and case sizes</h3> The wide-angle OLED display on the Apple Watch 10 lets you see the always-on display from more angles. The Ultra 2 also has an always-on display, but you’ll have to lift your wrist to tell time or read notifications on the SE. The SE can reach a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, the Series 10 can get as bright as 2,000 and the Ultra 2 hits 3,000 nits. Both higher-end screens can dim to a single nit, making them less distracting in the dark. The Apple Watch Series 10 came with a new finish and case material — a glossy anodized jet black finish on the aluminum model and the option for a titanium case. The Ultra 2 also got a new finish, satin black, that utilizes a PVD (physical vapor deposition) process to apply the color. As for case sizes, the SE is available in 40 or 44mm. The Series 10 increased in size from the prior generation and now has a choice of a 42 or 46mm case. The Ultra 2 comes in just one size measuring 49mm. You also get the opportunity to pick the length and style for watch bands. The SE and Series 10 come in small/medium or medium/large and the Ultra 2 gives you the choice of small, medium or large. <figure> <img alt="The Apple Watch Series 10 on a wrist held in mid-air, with a Series 9 held up next to it." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-09/e433e930-74b3-11ef-bffc-fa0fb4495756" style="height: 2353px; width: 3840px;" /> <figcaption> The Series 10 (left) and Series 9 (right). </figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Cherlynn Low for Engadget </div> </figure> Battery life Since it’s the largest wearable, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sports the biggest battery and can last for a claimed 36 hours on a charge. That number jumps up to 72 hours if you turn on low power mode. Both the Apple Watch 10 and the SE are rated by Apple to go for 18 hours before they need a visit to the charger, and longer when using battery saver mode. That means if you want to use either of those models regularly for sleep tracking, you may need to recharge them a bit before bed.  <h3 id="jump-link-fitness-and-wellness-features">Fitness and wellness features</h3> Believe it or not, all three Apple Watches have similar fitness tracker chops. The Activity app uses three “rings” to keep tabs on how much you’re moving in a day: The Move ring tracks your active calories; the Exercise ring monitors the minutes you’ve spent walking, running, doing yoga and so on; and the Stand ring tells you how many hours in a day you’ve stood up and moved around for at least one minute. Different internal sensors detect those activities, for example the accelerometer senses when you’re moving versus sitting still, and the optical heart rate sensor judges how hard you're working out and how many calories you’ve burned. You can set your goals for each ring and you’ll earn badges and animations when you hit them. The Workout app lets you start and track an exercise session. The sensors can even auto-detect when you’re working out, tapping your wrist to suggest you track the activity. Apple Watches will integrate with Apple’s Fitness+ subscription, displaying real time heart rate and calorie burn data on your iPhone, iPad or even <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-streaming-devices-media-players-123021395.html">Apple TV 4K</a> as you take a class. Fitness+ also includes audio-guided walks and runs with just your watch and Bluetooth earbuds. All three models support the Activity and Workout apps for free. The Fitness+ app also works with all Apple Watches, but costs $10 per month. New features enabled with watchOS 11 include Training Load that gauges your body’s response to workouts over time, which could help athletes better prepare for events like marathons. Users can also now skip a day (or more) from fitness tracking metrics when they need to rest or aren’t feeling up to the challenge of closing their rings. The new OS also supports <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/use-offline-maps-apd0111bf788/watchos">offline maps</a>, which could prove useful when hiking far from cellular coverage. Upcoming features of the next operating system (<a href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/watchos-26-everything-apple-announced-for-its-wearable-at-wwdc-2025-174915653.html">watchOS 26</a>) will include an AI Workout Buddy to coach you through your next run via your connected Airpods. <h3 id="jump-link-siri">Siri</h3> You can get the weather, start a workout, identify a song and dictate a text just by asking Siri. All Apple Watch models support the Raise to Speak feature that bypasses the need to say “Hey Siri” and will instead listen for your request when you lift your wrist near your mouth. Both the Series 10 and the Ultra 2 utilize onboard processing of Siri requests. That means executing simple requests like starting workouts and timers are quicker, as they won’t need to access external networks. However, requests like sending texts or getting weather forecasts still need to communicate with Wi-Fi or cellular, so you’ll need to have your phone nearby if you have a GPS-only model. <h3 id="jump-link-carbon-neutral-options">Carbon neutral options</h3> The Apple Watch Series 9 with the aluminum case was the company's first carbon neutral product. <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4130e2f0-a14f-4c5e-bdab-cd52ac7d8e79&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=8775e6de-d7c2-4b43-a8c2-7ec2f62a6d73&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Apple&linkText=Apple+defines&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hcHBsZS5jb20vbmV3c3Jvb20vMjAyMy8wOS9hcHBsZS11bnZlaWxzLWl0cy1maXJzdC1jYXJib24tbmV1dHJhbC1wcm9kdWN0cy8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6Ijg3NzVlNmRlLWQ3YzItNGI0My1hOGMyLTdlYzJmNjJhNmQ3MyIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXBwbGUuY29tL25ld3Nyb29tLzIwMjMvMDkvYXBwbGUtdW52ZWlscy1pdHMtZmlyc3QtY2FyYm9uLW5ldXRyYWwtcHJvZHVjdHMvIn0&signature=AQAAAbFvGVkiBY-behVLgs4ofkLWG_7nWkMTjPh6AwMiNQYl&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fnewsroom%2F2023%2F09%2Fapple-unveils-its-first-carbon-neutral-products%2F">Apple defines </a>its carbon neutral products as those that use "100 percent clean electricity for manufacturing and product use, 30 percent recycled or renewable material by weight and 50 percent of shipping without the use of air transportation." Combined, Apple says those changes reduced the emissions by around 75 percent, and the company will use credits so make up for the remaining emissions. Currently, the Apple Watch Series 10 in either aluminum or titanium with the sport loop band, braided solo loop or Milanese loop, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with the trail loop or alpine loop bands are designated as carbon neutral products.  <h3 id="jump-link-price">Price</h3> There’s a $550 difference between the cheapest and most expensive Apple Watches. For $250 (and often on sale for less), you can get the 40mm Apple Watch SE with GPS-only connectivity; adding cellular connectivity ups the price by $50. The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for the 42mm, non-cellular model in aluminum and goes as high as $749 for the 46mm titanium case (which is only available with GPS and cellular). The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has just one price: $799 for a titanium 49mm case with both GPS and cellular power — though if you want the titanium Apple Watch Band, the price goes up. For any model you pick, you'll probably also want a few<a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-apple-watch-accessories-133025270.html"> Apple Watch accessories</a>, so you may want to factor that into your purchasing decision.  <h2 id="jump-link-how-we-tested-apple-watches">How we tested Apple Watches</h2> Engadget has been reviewing Apple Watches since the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2015-04-30-apple-watch-review.html">first one came out in 2015</a>. Since then, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2016-09-23-apple-watch-series-2-review.html">we’ve</a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2017-09-30-apple-watch-series-3-review.html">tested</a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-09-27-apple-watch-series-4-review.html">every</a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-09-24-apple-watch-series-5-review.html">subsequent</a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-6-review-153047133.html">model</a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-7-review-all-about-the-screen-130036181-130036552.html">Apple</a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-8-real-world-test-130031046-130031250.html">has</a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-9-review-freedom-from-touching-your-screen-130009764.html">released</a>, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-watch-series-10-review-legacy-and-sequel-in-equal-measure-120021405.html">including</a> the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-ultra-review-battery-life-compass-gps-hike-130055477.html">Ultra</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-se-review-watchos-7-price-specs-comparison-172542713.html">SE</a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-se-2022-review-battery-life-workout-health-tracking-144551799-144551820.html">models</a>, spending at least a few days or even a couple weeks with one strapped to our wrists. During that time, we run, hit the gym, go on hikes and wear it while sleeping, all the while gauging how it tracks various metrics, integrates with the iPhone and performs every other trick Apple claims its smartwatches can do. Since we also review smartwatches from other companies, such as <a href="https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-galaxy-watch-6-review-evolution-not-revolution-120006375.html">Samsung</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/pixel-watch-2-review-not-leading-the-way-but-no-longer-lagging-170007702.html">Google</a>, our editors can compare Apple Watches not just to previous generations, but also to other wearables on the market. Our buying guides and recommendations rely on first-hand testing by Engadget staff.  <h2 id="jump-link-apple-watch-comparison-chart">Apple Watch comparison chart</h2> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td>Product </td> <td>Apple Watch Series 10 </td> <td>Apple Watch Ultra 2 </td> <td>Apple Watch SE (Gen 2) </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Release date </td> <td>September 2024 </td> <td>September 2023 </td> <td>September 2022 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Case sizes </td> <td>42mm or 46mm </td> <td>49mm </td> <td>40mm or 44mm </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Case material </td> <td>Aluminum or titanium </td> <td>Titanium </td> <td>Aluminum </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Display </td> <td>LTPO3 OLED Always-On </td> <td>LTPO2 OLED Always-On </td> <td>LTPO OLED </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Max brightness </td> <td>2,000 nits </td> <td>3,000 nits </td> <td>1,000 nits </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chip </td> <td>S10 SiP </td> <td>S9 SiP </td> <td>S8 SiP </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Max battery life </td> <td>18 h./36 h. low power </td> <td>36 h./72 h. low power </td> <td>18 h. </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Water resistance </td> <td>50 m. </td> <td>100 m. </td> <td>50 m. </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Featured sensors </td> <td>ECG, electrical heart rate, optical heart rate, water temp, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking, sleep apnea, wrist temp </td> <td>ECG, electrical heart rate, optical heart rate, water temp, expanded-range altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking, sleep apnea, wrist temp </td> <td>ECG, optical heart rate, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 id="jump-link-"></h2>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-apple-watch-160005462.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

The best Apple deals you can get right now: Save on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks and more

Apple devices tend to be fairly high-quality — the company's gear currently occupies the top spots in several of our buying guides, from<a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-laptops-120008636.html"> laptops</a> and<a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/best-tablets-150026056.html"> tablets</a> to<a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-smartphones-140004900.html"> smartphones</a> and<a href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-smartwatches-153013118.html"> smartwatches</a>. Which means that gear usually doesn't come cheap. We keep a running list of the best Apple deals out there. This week, things are looking slower than usual, deals-wise and that's likely because <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-prime-day-2025-the-best-early-deals-already-live-dates-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-120028472.html">Amazon's Prime Day</a> is just around the corner. If history is any indicator, many more Apple deals will pop up closer to when that sale starts (at Amazon and other retailers matching the prices). Currently<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Amazon&custData=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&signature=AQAAAWzaE2swSn_roH0mw4jc8XGaDheZSAuQyqQnpZ7Kgju6&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2FApple%2Fpage%2F77D9E1F7-0337-4282-9DB6-B6B8FB2DC98D"> Amazon</a>,<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=5e0bed65-d2f8-4b34-9b8f-955218c0e37a&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Best+Buy&linkText=Best+Buy&custData=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&signature=AQAAAYNQwCjE9rDbRE7dmLvSlhpkadIJRqcu4y4X_GgLs3oJ&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsearchpage.jsp%3F_dyncharset%3DUTF-8%26browsedCategory%3Dpcmcat144700050004%26id%3Dpcat17071%26iht%3Dn%26ks%3D960%26list%3Dy%26qp%3Dbrand_facet%253DBrand%257EApple%26sc%3DGlobal%26st%3Dcategoryid%2524pcmcat144700050004%26type%3Dpage%26usc%3DAll%2BCategories"> Best Buy</a>,<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=3719d8d4-5edd-4817-998a-91f3229e7323&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Walmart&linkText=Walmart&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53YWxtYXJ0LmNvbS9zZWFyY2g_cT1BcHBsZSZmYWNldD1icmFuZDpBcHBsZSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53YWxtYXJ0LmNvbS9zZWFyY2g_cT1BcHBsZSZmYWNldD1icmFuZDpBcHBsZSJ9&signature=AQAAAVmeCO9txmCWaGaFryUu8bYRnANxI5hz4_00h6nmvogh&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DApple%26facet%3Dbrand%3AApple"> Walmart</a>,<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=827d7835-78d6-4491-ae04-c042cab1d6e7&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Target&linkText=Target&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXJnZXQuY29tL2IvYXBwbGUvLS9OLTV5M2VqIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1YzJiOWMzMy05YTg3LTQ1ZmYtYjk3OC1lNDFiOGY3YTkwYTIiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRhcmdldC5jb20vYi9hcHBsZS8tL04tNXkzZWoifQ&signature=AQAAAXpep8eN5QUaQJnbFYul49d3BHdhheHchZ4xxoqXRXFn&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fb%2Fapple%2F-%2FN-5y3ej"> Target</a> are hosting some discounts. Just note that Apple's own online store, with the exception of<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4130e2f0-a14f-4c5e-bdab-cd52ac7d8e79&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Apple&linkText=refurbished&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hcHBsZS5jb20vc2hvcC9yZWZ1cmJpc2hlZCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hcHBsZS5jb20vc2hvcC9yZWZ1cmJpc2hlZCJ9&signature=AQAAARztSh07wWJf0f-B78leQECf41yLLBq_1beL6Ssjnhoq&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Frefurbished"> refurbished</a>, doesn't offer many discounts. (Though for iPhones, going direct is actually the best route to take.) <h2 id="jump-link-best-ipad-deals">Best iPad deals</h2> <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0D3J9XDMQ&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=iPad+Pro+%28M4%2C+11-inch%29+for+%24900+%28%24100+off%29%3A&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDNKOVhETVEvP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjVjMmI5YzMzLTlhODctNDVmZi1iOTc4LWU0MWI4ZjdhOTBhMiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9kcC9CMEQzSjlYRE1RLyIsImR5bmFtaWNDZW50cmFsVHJhY2tpbmdJZCI6dHJ1ZSwic2l0ZUlkIjoidXMtZW5nYWRnZXQiLCJwYWdlSWQiOiIxcC1hdXRvbGluayIsImZlYXR1cmVJZCI6InRleHQtbGluayJ9&signature=AQAAAWpcfA-PWqD2DKwJftrJo2ahfaQrF-enYo7s7wTyQzCp&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0D3J9XDMQ%2F"><ins>iPad Pro (M4, 11-inch) for $900 ($100 off):</ins></a> The <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/best-ipads-how-to-pick-the-best-apple-tablet-for-you-150054066.html">most powerful iPad</a> is the iPad Pro, and it’s the one to get if you’re even toying with the idea of using your new slab as a laptop replacement. Both the 11- and <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0D3J98W75&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=13-inch&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDNKOThXNzUvcmVmPWZzX2FfaXB0Ml91czA_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDNKOThXNzUvcmVmPWZzX2FfaXB0Ml91czAiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAbce4ryHHY4wJKoISngTZM1AT4tPOeNS_OH9ah6mggnI&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0D3J98W75%2Fref%3Dfs_a_ipt2_us0">13-inch</a> models have gorgeous displays, thinner and lighter designs, a repositioned front camera and the excessively powerful M4 chip inside. <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DK3YF38G&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=iPad+mini+%287th+gen%29+for+%24399+%28%24100+off%29%3A&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREszWUYzOEcvcmVmPWZzX2FfaXB0Ml91czU_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREszWUYzOEcvcmVmPWZzX2FfaXB0Ml91czUiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAZhHYBbfSjN_61LKvK2n3wjQ6e43bLZK2OrIGlAbUT0U&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DK3YF38G%2Fref%3Dfs_a_ipt2_us5">iPad mini (7th gen) for $399 ($100 off):</a> This is the iPad to get if you prefer small tablets, akin to ereaders. The latest mini is equipped with an A17 Pro chipset, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and Apple Intelligence. We consider it to be the best small tablet, period, and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/ipad-mini-7-review-safe-boring-and-everything-i-want-in-a-small-tablet-130039378.html">we appreciate</a> its Apple Pencil Pro support, 128GB of storage on the base model and compact design. Also at<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=827d7835-78d6-4491-ae04-c042cab1d6e7&itemId=impact_radius_2092-85966283&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Target&linkText=Target&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXJnZXQuY29tL3AvYXBwbGUtaXBhZC1taW5pLXdpLWZpLTEyOGdiLTIwMjQtc3BhY2UtZ3JheS8tL0EtODU5NjYyODMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjVjMmI5YzMzLTlhODctNDVmZi1iOTc4LWU0MWI4ZjdhOTBhMiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGFyZ2V0LmNvbS9wL2FwcGxlLWlwYWQtbWluaS13aS1maS0xMjhnYi0yMDI0LXNwYWNlLWdyYXkvLS9BLTg1OTY2MjgzIn0&signature=AQAAAXN3_BbhigSu-SFtEzvoNj0ItVaL6IHj_OdhOe6uaadY&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fapple-ipad-mini-wi-fi-128gb-2024-space-gray%2F-%2FA-85966283"> Target</a>. <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DZ73DTVT&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Apple+iPad+Air+%28M3%2C+11-inch%29+for+%24549+%28%2450+off%29&custData=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&signature=AQAAAWkcxocXMI_uBiYAdjc798pMMfNL-Zq-yie7VH9c8-wp&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-11-inch-Intelligence-Display-All-Day%2Fdp%2FB0DZ73DTVT">Apple iPad Air (M3, 11-inch) for $549 ($50 off)</a>: The only major difference between the latest iPad Air and the previous generation is the addition of the faster M3 chip. We awarded the new slab an <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/ipad-air-m3-review-a-modest-update-thats-still-easy-to-recommend-130045196.html">89 in our review</a>, appreciating the fact that the M3 chip was about 16 percent faster in benchmark tests than the M2. This is the iPad to get if you want a reasonable amount of productivity out of an iPad that's more affordable than the Pro models. <h2 id="jump-link-best-apple-airpods-deals">Best Apple AirPods deals</h2> <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0D1XD1ZV3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=AirPods+Pro+2+for+%24199+%28%2450+off%29%3A&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDFYRDFaVjMvcmVmPWZzX2FfbWR0Ml91czE_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDFYRDFaVjMvcmVmPWZzX2FfbWR0Ml91czEiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAASYOIk7jNJ_5Y0yfyR8ECXTxLiWZWcOHuvNdABjozzYA&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0D1XD1ZV3%2Fref%3Dfs_a_mdt2_us1">AirPods Pro 2 for $199 ($50 off):</a> These are the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-wireless-earbuds-120058222.html">best wireless earbuds</a> for Apple users, period. The latest models have improved ANC and transparency mode, along with good battery life, spatial audio and hands-free Siri. They also have MagSafe charging support and work with <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/how-to-use-apples-airpods-pro-2-as-a-hearing-aid-173049967.html">Apple’s "clinically validated” hearing test</a>. <h2 id="jump-link-best-macbook-and-mac-deals">Best MacBook and Mac deals</h2> <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DLHB9X2G&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Apple+MacBook+Air+%2815-inch%2C+M3%2C+24GB+RAM%29+for+%241%2C249+at+Amazon+%28%24450+off%29&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRExIQjlYMkc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRExIQjlYMkciLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAQ8pD7yhrXe-u4R7EUYGjtasQHlaFT8mBPkA3X0Q7ETk&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DLHB9X2G">Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 24GB RAM) for $1,249 at Amazon ($450 off)</a>: The last-gen M3 MacBook Air has officially been discontinued, but it remains a superb laptop while the last bits of stock remain available. We gave this 15-inch model a score of 90 <a href="https://www.engadget.com/macbook-air-m3-review-2024-13-15-inch-140053162.html">in our review</a> — outside of its slower chip (which is still plenty fast for everyday use), marginally improved camera and inability to<a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/use-an-external-display-apd8cdd74f57/mac#:~:text=MacBook%20Air%20with%20M4.,8K%20resolution%20at%2060%20Hz."> power two external displays</a> with the lid open, it's virtually identical to the newer version. This deal applies to the model with the larger 24GB of internal memory is on sale.  <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DZDBDCFH&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Apple+MacBook+Air+%2815-inch%2C+M4%29+for+%241%2C049+at+Amazon+%28%24150+off%29&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEQkRDRkg_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEQkRDRkgiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAYmGVoBWjB5TwqV3yWuqMXVEhjAldC9dPGvbdchzexS5&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DZDBDCFH">Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M4) for $1,049 at Amazon ($150 off)</a>: The 15-inch MacBook Air is nearly identical to the smaller version but features more robust speakers and a more spacious trackpad alongside its roomier display. Also at <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=95276f3c-7b79-4c1e-803f-981cd9f7a968&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=B%26H+Photo&linkText=B%26H&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iaHBob3RvdmlkZW8uY29tL2MvcHJvZHVjdC8xODgzOTY4LVJFRy9hcHBsZV9tdzFsM2xsX2FfMTVfbWFjYm9va19haXJfbTQuaHRtbCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iaHBob3RvdmlkZW8uY29tL2MvcHJvZHVjdC8xODgzOTY4LVJFRy9hcHBsZV9tdzFsM2xsX2FfMTVfbWFjYm9va19haXJfbTQuaHRtbCJ9&signature=AQAAAedLHoSVsTZWfKxPsoI0iToaF4Hjtw_ALMS_QLUbjFtK&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1883968-REG%2Fapple_mw1l3ll_a_15_macbook_air_m4.html">B&H</a>. <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=95276f3c-7b79-4c1e-803f-981cd9f7a968&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=B%26H+Photo&linkText=MacBook+Air+%28M3%2C+15-inch%29+for+%24999+at+B%26H+%28%24300+off%29&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iaHBob3RvdmlkZW8uY29tL2MvcHJvZHVjdC8xODE1MDc5LVJFRy9hcHBsZV9tYmExNW0zMDVzdHJsXzE1X21hY2Jvb2tfYWlyX20zLmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjVjMmI5YzMzLTlhODctNDVmZi1iOTc4LWU0MWI4ZjdhOTBhMiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmhwaG90b3ZpZGVvLmNvbS9jL3Byb2R1Y3QvMTgxNTA3OS1SRUcvYXBwbGVfbWJhMTVtMzA1c3RybF8xNV9tYWNib29rX2Fpcl9tMy5odG1sIn0&signature=AQAAAUWVtA-d0-BAKOf2_2qCR6hxnB6PiVUSXtCTzmdE0Mp0&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1815079-REG%2Fapple_mba15m305strl_15_macbook_air_m3.html">MacBook Air (M3, 15-inch) for $999 at B&H ($300 off)</a>: The last-gen M3 MacBook Air has officially been discontinued, but it remains a superb laptop while the last bits of stock remain available. We gave this 15-inch model a score of 90 in<a href="https://www.engadget.com/macbook-air-m3-review-2024-13-15-inch-140053162.html"> in our review</a> — outside of its slower chip (which is still plenty fast for everyday use), marginally improved camera and inability to<a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/use-an-external-display-apd8cdd74f57/mac#:~:text=MacBook%20Air%20with%20M4.,8K%20resolution%20at%2060%20Hz."> power two external displays</a> with the lid open, it's virtually identical to the newer version.   <h2 id="jump-link-best-apple-accessories-deals">Best Apple accessories deals</h2> <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0CL7J12YK&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Apple+Pencil+%28USB-C%29+for+%2469+at+Amazon+%28%2410+off%29%3A&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQ0w3SjEyWUsvcmVmPWZzX2FfcGVuX3VzMT90YWc9Z2RndDBjLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1YzJiOWMzMy05YTg3LTQ1ZmYtYjk3OC1lNDFiOGY3YTkwYTIiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20vZHAvQjBDTDdKMTJZSy9yZWY9ZnNfYV9wZW5fdXMxIiwiZHluYW1pY0NlbnRyYWxUcmFja2luZ0lkIjp0cnVlLCJzaXRlSWQiOiJ1cy1lbmdhZGdldCIsInBhZ2VJZCI6IjFwLWF1dG9saW5rIiwiZmVhdHVyZUlkIjoidGV4dC1saW5rIn0&signature=AQAAAbxMhIjkynTjY-5AY2TlwAWS77VaSZmXSMIVcVAPW8iI&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CL7J12YK%2Fref%3Dfs_a_pen_us1">Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $69 at Amazon ($10 off):</a> This more affordable Apple Pencil doesn’t support pressure sensitivity, but it still makes for a useful stylus for the basics. If you’re a casual note-taker and can live without wireless charging, you’ll save a few bucks by picking this one up. Also at <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=5e0bed65-d2f8-4b34-9b8f-955218c0e37a&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Best+Buy&linkText=Best+Buy&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iZXN0YnV5LmNvbS9zaXRlL2FwcGxlLXBlbmNpbC11c2ItYy13aGl0ZS82NTM0ODcwLnA_c2t1SWQ9NjUzNDg3MCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iZXN0YnV5LmNvbS9zaXRlL2FwcGxlLXBlbmNpbC11c2ItYy13aGl0ZS82NTM0ODcwLnA_c2t1SWQ9NjUzNDg3MCJ9&signature=AQAAAXohMlnK7XCUYxAGgq_LONNW5NStGL5cV_5GNkTebNJ1&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fapple-pencil-usb-c-white%2F6534870.p%3FskuId%3D6534870">Best Buy</a>, <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=3719d8d4-5edd-4817-998a-91f3229e7323&itemId=walmart_transaction_5127015143&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Walmart&linkText=Walmart&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53YWxtYXJ0LmNvbS9pcC9BcHBsZS1QZW5jaWwtVVNCLUMvNTEyNzAxNTE0MyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53YWxtYXJ0LmNvbS9pcC9BcHBsZS1QZW5jaWwtVVNCLUMvNTEyNzAxNTE0MyJ9&signature=AQAAAVBTBkYpUU5a_tGJmuw_Va6oHM8MYL-DN2KscZlOg55Y&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Pencil-USB-C%2F5127015143">Walmart</a> and <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=827d7835-78d6-4491-ae04-c042cab1d6e7&itemId=impact_radius_2092-89564384&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Target&linkText=Target&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXJnZXQuY29tL3AvYXBwbGUtcGVuY2lsLXVzYi1jLy0vQS04OTU2NDM4NCNsbms9c2FtZXRhYiIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXJnZXQuY29tL3AvYXBwbGUtcGVuY2lsLXVzYi1jLy0vQS04OTU2NDM4NCNsbms9c2FtZXRhYiJ9&signature=AQAAAfBj-LqUz2EW6MMv6aVgkdo5sQpG7sqsmPrTuf51td4G&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fapple-pencil-usb-c%2F-%2FA-89564384%23lnk%3Dsametab">Target</a>. <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0D54JZTHY&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Apple+AirTags+%284-pack%29+for+%2475+at+Amazon+%28%2425+off%29%3A&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FwcGxlLU1YNTQyTEwtQS1BaXJUYWctUGFjay9kcC9CMEQ1NEpaVEhZL3JlZj1hc3Rfc3RvX2RwX3B1aXM_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWMyYjljMzMtOWE4Ny00NWZmLWI5NzgtZTQxYjhmN2E5MGEyIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FwcGxlLU1YNTQyTEwtQS1BaXJUYWctUGFjay9kcC9CMEQ1NEpaVEhZL3JlZj1hc3Rfc3RvX2RwX3B1aXMiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAVWXrFB4wF9Zx_rRyGdjYxwygN-Eu36dj_5Xxs4G7QGK&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-MX542LL-A-AirTag-Pack%2Fdp%2FB0D54JZTHY%2Fref%3Dast_sto_dp_puis">Apple AirTags (4-pack) for $75 at Amazon ($25 off):</a> We think most iPhone owners will appreciate how easy it is to keep track of things like wallets, keys or handbags with a set of AirTags. These <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-bluetooth-tracker-140028377.html">Bluetooth trackers</a> monitor the location of your belongings so you can check in on them using the Find My app. Those with newer iPhones can also use UWB technology to get turn-by-turn directions to find their stuff when the AirTag is within close range. Also at <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=3719d8d4-5edd-4817-998a-91f3229e7323&itemId=walmart_transaction_5395277557&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5c2b9c33-9a87-45ff-b978-e41b8f7a90a2&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Walmart&linkText=Walmart&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53YWxtYXJ0LmNvbS9pcC9BcHBsZS1BaXJUYWctNC1QYWNrLzUzOTUyNzc1NTciLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjVjMmI5YzMzLTlhODctNDVmZi1iOTc4LWU0MWI4ZjdhOTBhMiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2FsbWFydC5jb20vaXAvQXBwbGUtQWlyVGFnLTQtUGFjay81Mzk1Mjc3NTU3In0&signature=AQAAAUpv5eHlX5ek7DBXrfTKpmDF5F7BhfcAaq-g-hIsnYLK&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-AirTag-4-Pack%2F5395277557">Walmart</a>. Read more Apple coverage: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-airpods-100041810.html">The best AirPods</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-apple-watch-160005462.html">The best Apple Watches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-macbook-140032524.html">The best MacBooks</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-iphone-160012979.html">The best iPhones</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/best-ipads-how-to-pick-the-best-apple-tablet-for-you-150054066.html">The best iPads</a></li> </ul> Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals">@EngadgetDeals</a> on X for the latest <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/">tech deals</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-tech/">buying advice</a>.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-apple-deals-150020110.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Here are the letters that let Apple and Google ignore the TikTok ban

More than six months after TikTok was <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktok-says-its-restoring-service-in-the-us-175440013.html"><ins>briefly</ins></a> banned, we still don't know exactly what its fate in the US will be. But we do have new insight into the legal wrangling that has allowed Apple, Google and other platforms to continue to support the app. If you remember, TikTok was only "banned" for a matter of hours shortly before President Donald Trump took office in January and <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/trump-delays-tiktok-ban-for-at-least-75-days-via-executive-order-014523110.html"><ins>delayed enforcement</ins></a> of the law. The app's service was promptly restored January 19, 2025, but the app didn't return to Apple and Google's app stores until February 13. Reporting at the time suggested the companies had lingering concerns about potential liability for running afoul of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Back in February, <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/14/google-brings-back-tiktok">Axios</a> and others reported that the Justice Department had given "assurances" to tech platforms that they wouldn't be penalized for violating the law. Now, we know exactly what Attorney General Pam Bondi told the companied as letters sent to Apple, Google, Amazon, Oracle and other firms have been made public. The letters were disclosed in a Freedom of Information Act Request made by Tony Tan, a software engineer and Google shareholder <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.wired.com/story/google-tiktok-shareholder-lawsuit-ban/"><ins>suing</ins></a> the search giant for not complying with the TikTok ban. In a letter dated January 30, 2025, Bondi tells Apple and Google that "the President has determined that an abrupt shutdown of the TikTok platform would interfere with the execution of the President's constitutional duties to take care of the national security and foreign affairs of the United States." It goes on to state that Apple and Google "may continue to provide services to TikTok … without incurring any legal liability." A followup later dated April 5, 2025 (the day after Trump gave TikTok <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/trump-is-extending-the-deadline-for-a-tiktok-deal-by-another-75-days-180526714.html"><ins>another </ins></a>75-day reprieve), Bondi told the companies that "the Department of Justice is also irrevocably relinquishing any claims the United States might have had against" them "for the conduct proscribed in the Act during the Covered Period and Extended Covered Period, with respect to TikTok and the larger family of ByteDance Ltd. and TikTok, Inc. applications covered under the Act." The letters can be read in full below. <hr /> <div id="fa4b24ab4978406da3efd44dbe3dc65b"><div style="width: 100%; height: 0; padding-top: 80px;"></div></div> The law has now been paused <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/donald-trump-will-delay-a-looming-tiktok-ban-for-a-third-time-231757522.html"><ins>three times</ins></a> since Trump took office. Earlier this week, he <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/politics/trump-tiktok-buyer-bytedance-ban"><ins>said </ins></a>that details about TikTok's new ownership could be made public in "about two weeks."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/here-are-the-letters-that-let-apple-and-google-ignore-the-tiktok-ban-220630588.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

The best live TV streaming services to cut cable in 2025

We still think getting a live TV streaming service is a better deal than paying for cable — but the gulf between the two options is narrowing. Now that many of the major providers go for more than $80 per month, it’s not the amazing deal it once was. Still, live TV streaming plans have no contract, offer relatively simpler pricing and need no special equipment beyond your smart TV and an internet connection. After testing all the major players, we found <a href="https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/"><ins>YouTube TV</ins></a> to be the most well-rounded. But other services have their advantages, too, and there are plenty of free services as well. Here are the best live TV streaming services we tested, along with our advice on how to stream and what to look for. Editor’s Note: Mergers, restructuring and buyouts continue to change the landscape of the streaming world, which sometimes affects pricing and the options available to viewers. Recently <a href="https://deadline.com/2025/06/hulu-disney-sole-ownership-comcast-bob-iger-streaming-1236428619/">Disney completed its acquisition of Hulu</a>, purchasing the remaining portion of the service from Comcast. There have been no announcements of any changes to Hulu + Live TV as a result yet, which is one of our recommended services, but we’ll update this guide if that changes. Also of note is the recent <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/warner-bros-discovery-will-split-into-two-media-giants-144553585.html">splitting of Warner Bros. Discovery</a> (owners of HBO, CNN and more) into two entities; one that will hold the movie, TV and game studios, and another that will control the company’s cable channels. When this move changes viewers’ streaming options, we’ll likewise update this guide. <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-best-live-tv-streaming-services-for-2025">Best live TV streaming services for 2025</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-best-free-live-tv-streaming-services-for-2025">Best free live TV streaming services for 2025</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-what-to-look-for-in-a-live-tv-streaming-service">What to look for in a live TV streaming service</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-how-we-tested">How we tested</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-live-tv-streaming-faqs">Live TV Streaming FAQs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-recent-updates">Recent updates</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-live-tv-streaming-services-for-2025">Best live TV streaming services for 2025</h2> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-table-of-contents">Back to top</a> <h2 id="jump-link-best-free-live-tv-streaming-services-for-2025">Best free live TV streaming services for 2025</h2> There are plenty of ways to get free TV these days. To start, many standard streaming apps have added live components to their lineups. You’re paying for the service, so it’s not technically “free,” but you can get a dose of live TV without spending more than necessary. Peacock includes some regional NBC stations, and notably access to the 2024 Summer <a href="https://www.engadget.com/peacocks-2024-paris-olympics-coverage-includes-enhanced-multiview-options-190047120.html">Olympic Games</a>. Paramount+ subscribers can watch on-air CBS programming. The standard Hulu app has a live ABC news channel and Max <a href="https://www.engadget.com/a-live-cnn-streaming-channel-is-coming-to-max-in-september-141316706.html">now includes</a> a live CNN outlet with its service, along with cable-like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/streaming-is-just-tv-all-over-again-165115834.html">linear channels</a>. The smart TV operating system (OS) you use likely provides free live content too: Amazon’s Fire TV interface has a live tab and Roku’s built-in <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f3574a52-3bcf-4a37-83ee-65836ac78115&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Roku&linkText=Roku+Channel&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5yb2t1LmNvbS93aGF0cy1vbi90aGUtcm9rdS1jaGFubmVsIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJva3UuY29tL3doYXRzLW9uL3RoZS1yb2t1LWNoYW5uZWwifQ&signature=AQAAAZBySIi8oQ7DlJJm5e8o1CC284MW-_AeB7ls29bMlyi6&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.roku.com%2Fwhats-on%2Fthe-roku-channel">Roku Channel</a> includes hundreds of live channels at no extra cost. The same goes for <a href="https://www.samsungtvplus.com/us/about">Samsung TV Plus</a>, which added <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/samsungs-fast-tv-plus-service-is-going-all-in-on-k-dramas-203821372.html">a trove of K-dramas</a> to its free live and on-demand lineup in 2024. The PBS app offers local live streams of its channels — even <a href="https://www.engadget.com/nasa-is-launching-a-free-streaming-service-with-live-shows-and-original-series-150128180.html">NASA</a> has a free streaming service with live coverage.  But for a full suite of live TV networks, and don’t want to sign up for any paid service, there are a number of free ad-supported TV services that have live TV. Even cable company DirecTV has joined the crowd with <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=fd7207b2-1b6a-4385-aa15-2f04784de078&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=DIRECTV&linkText=MyFree&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kaXJlY3R2LmNvbS9teWZyZWUtZGlyZWN0di8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjUwZWIzNGRiLWMwZmMtNGJmYi1hYjQxLTFjYmU5N2ZhZmZkOCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlyZWN0di5jb20vbXlmcmVlLWRpcmVjdHYvIn0&signature=AQAAARy8jjkg4o0KOvGsOVsCPTp2QcB6OCmCTClKSNu70vND&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.directv.com%2Fmyfree-directv%2F">MyFree</a>, and <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=9a941868-c063-4b44-9207-896f1fb5891e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=FuboTV&linkText=Fubo+Free&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuZnViby50di9oYy9lbi11cy9hcnRpY2xlcy8yNzE3NjAxMTIwOTg2OS1Ib3ctZG9lcy1GdWJvLUZyZWUtd29yayIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuZnViby50di9oYy9lbi11cy9hcnRpY2xlcy8yNzE3NjAxMTIwOTg2OS1Ib3ctZG9lcy1GdWJvLUZyZWUtd29yayJ9&signature=AQAAAezlVRxyeMVofUvrgWksAw2rmzH23aR6IIjpgti3IhtG&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.fubo.tv%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F27176011209869-How-does-Fubo-Free-work">Fubo Free</a> lets customers with a lapsed subscription keep watching some content. Here's the best of the live TV streaming services we tried: <a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-table-of-contents">Back to top</a> <h2 id="jump-link-what-to-look-for-in-a-live-tv-streaming-service">What to look for in a live TV streaming service</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-how-to-stream-live-tv">How to stream live TV</h3> Streaming live TV is a lot like using Netflix. You get access through apps on your phone, tablet, smart TV or <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-streaming-devices-media-players-123021395.html">streaming device</a> and the signal arrives over the internet. A faster and more stable connection tends to give you a better experience. Most live TV apps require you to sign up and pay via a web browser. After that, you can activate the app on all of your devices. <h3 id="jump-link-monthly-price">Monthly Price</h3> When I started testing these cord-cutting alternatives, I was struck by the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-streaming-service-deals-133028980.html">price difference</a> between live TV and a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-video-streaming-services-133000093.html">standard video streaming app</a>. Where the latter cost between $5 and $20 per month, most live TV services hit the $80 mark and can go higher than $200 with additional perks, channel packages and premium extras. The higher starting price is mostly due to the cost of providing multiple networks — particularly sports and local stations. And, in the past year or so, every service except Sling has raised base plan prices. <h3 id="jump-link-local-channels">Local channels</h3> Only two of the services I tried don’t include full local channel coverage for subscribers and one of those makes no effort to carry sports at all. That would be Philo and, as you might guess, it’s the cheapest. The next most affordable option, Sling, only carries three local stations — and only in larger markets — but it still manages to include some of the top sports channels. When you sign up with any provider that handles local TV, you’ll enter your zip code, ensuring you get your area’s broadcast affiliates for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. Of course, you can also get those stations for free. Nearly all modern television sets support a radio frequency (RF) connection, also known as the coaxial port, which means if you buy an <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0D9NZTGLF&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=HD+antenna&custData=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&signature=AQAAAYFrBzybV7JrmQ6EI0-2SiNJpVRVKi5fSnmf_a2Xkzyj&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAntenna-Outdoor-Reception-Supports-Channels%2Fdp%2FB0D9NZTGLF">HD antenna</a>, you’ll receive locally broadcast stations like ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX and NBC. And since the signal is digital, reception is much improved over the staticky rabbit-ears era. But local channel access is another area where traditional streaming services, like Netflix, are bleeding into broadcast territory. For example, you can watch your local NBC station with a Peacock subscription and you can tune into your area’s CBS station through your Paramount+ subscription. Netflix is even getting into the mix with a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/netflix-signs-deal-to-host-live-tv-channels-in-france-153852590.html">recently announced deal</a> with one of France’s broadcast companies, TF1. The streaming service will now air TF1's live TV channels and on-demand content inside the Netflix app. No word if the concept will expand to other regions, but it’s an interesting move to anyone interested in the future of streaming. <h3 id="jump-link-live-sports-coverage">Live sports coverage</h3> One reality that spun my head was the sheer number and iterations of sports networks in existence. Trying to figure out which network will carry the match-up you want to see can be tricky. I found that Google makes it a little easier for sports fans by listing out <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=upcoming+nfl+games">upcoming games</a> (just swap in NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and so on in the search bar). When you click an event, the “TV & streaming” button will tell you which network is covering it. That just leaves figuring out if your chosen service carries the RSNs (regional sports networks) you want. Unfortunately, even with add-ons and extra packages, some providers simply don’t have certain channels in their lineups. It would take a lawyer to understand the ins and outs of <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/disney-cuts-directv-customers-access-to-abc-espn-and-more-123047594.html">streaming rights negotiations</a>, and networks leave and return to live TV carriers all the time. That said, most major sporting events in the US are covered by ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT, USA and local affiliates. I should also point out that traditional streaming services have started adding live sports to their lineups. <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=cbef8901-c2f3-4af7-b1b7-e2c3afcffd7a&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Peacock+TV&linkText=Peacock&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wZWFjb2NrdHYuY29tLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wZWFjb2NrdHYuY29tLyJ9&signature=AQAAAYnRVh_g_jgVhSp7LBrtJVkcMpZ3bn_n25jQbBiVS3P6&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peacocktv.com%2F">Peacock</a> carries <a href="https://www.engadget.com/peacock-ui-update-183247828.html">live</a> Premier League matches, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/peacocks-nfl-wild-card-game-broke-streaming-records-103503762.html">Sunday Night Football</a> games and aired the 2024 <a href="https://www.engadget.com/peacocks-2024-paris-olympics-coverage-includes-enhanced-multiview-options-190047120.html">Olympic Games</a> from Paris. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-x-ray-replays-thursday-night-football-173723667.html">Thursday Night Football</a> as well as <a href="https://www.engadget.com/nba-tv-rights-go-to-espn-nbc-and-amazon-as-tnt-is-rejected-230811550.html">NBA and WNBA games</a> are on Amazon Prime and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/netflix-will-stream-its-first-nfl-games-on-christmas-day-163407396.html">Christmas Day Football</a> aired on Netflix. Max (<a href="https://www.engadget.com/max-hbo-max-rebrand-analysis-194800553.html">formerly</a> HBO Max) now airs select, regular season games from the NHL, MLB, NCAA and NBA with a <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=c7892fca-8328-4299-9c5b-59b5f841f383&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=HBO+Max&linkText=%2410-per-month+add-on&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tYXguY29tL3Nwb3J0cyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tYXguY29tL3Nwb3J0cyJ9&signature=AQAAAQCZgn6baeynelQxEfT2qSrDKqg9h4OrJTFFtD2T_7Yp&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.max.com%2Fsports">$10-per-month add-on</a>. You can watch <a href="https://engadget.com/apple-tvs-mls-season-pass-subscriptions-have-doubled-since-messis-arrival-in-the-us-150221673.html">MLS games</a> with an add-on through the Apple TV app, and Apple TV+ includes some <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/118593">MLB games</a>. Roku users can watch the just-added <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/roku-is-launching-the-roku-sports-channel-on-august-12-130041121.html">free sports channel</a> and those who subscribe to <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=b0d3a482-802c-4eb1-9616-94f7490562f7&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Paramount+Plus&linkText=Paramount+Plus&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wYXJhbW91bnRwbHVzLmNvbS9jb2xsZWN0aW9ucy9zcG9ydHMtaHViLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wYXJhbW91bnRwbHVzLmNvbS9jb2xsZWN0aW9ucy9zcG9ydHMtaHViLyJ9&signature=AQAAAVJdPRa4HXjHcuYt_3dGNw7WU26Xx_QP3oxJ6qthqRtD&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paramountplus.com%2Fcollections%2Fsports-hub%2F">Paramount Plus</a> can see many of the matches aired on CBS Sports, including live NFL games. This year, even the Super Bowl was live-streamed for free on <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/tubi-will-livestream-the-2025-super-bowl-for-free-in-4k-232831563.html">Tubi</a>. While all of these alternatives may not cover as much ground as live TV streamers, they could end up being cheaper avenues to the sports you want. And if sports is all you’re after, there are sports-only plans that are a touch cheaper, too. The promised sports streaming service from ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. called Venu was <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/rip-to-the-entirely-hypothetical-streaming-service-venu-sports-180532990.html">cancelled</a> early this year. But in May, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/espns-streaming-service-will-cost-up-to-30-per-month-and-be-called-espn-164532920.html">ESPN confirmed</a> it will launch its own streaming service that will <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/article/espn-vs-espn-whats-the-difference-between-the-two-sports-streaming-services-203054714.html">include all ESPN channels</a>, though a start date hasn’t been confirmed. DirecTV recently <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/directv-is-launching-its-first-sports-only-subscription-144553549.html"> announced</a> a $70-per-month, sports-only streaming package called <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=23abf927-2e2d-407e-9b56-ba09999b12f8&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=streamtvdirectv&linkText=MySports&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N0cmVhbXR2LmRpcmVjdHYuY29tL3Nob3AvbXlzcG9ydHMtcGFja2FnZSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N0cmVhbXR2LmRpcmVjdHYuY29tL3Nob3AvbXlzcG9ydHMtcGFja2FnZSJ9&signature=AQAAAXjti6GAhFFF36moSNnW2MpcpAu_Hg30blPD-Sc2EwZ7&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fstreamtv.directv.com%2Fshop%2Fmysports-package">MySports</a> and Comcast now has a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/comcasts-sports-and-news-streaming-bundle-starts-at-70-monthly-203017976.html">sports and news bundle</a> for the same price (as long as you're an Xfinity customer with auto-pay, otherwise it's more expensive). Traditional cable networks Dozens of linear programming networks were once only available with cable TV, like Bravo, BET, Food Network, HGTV, CNN, Lifetime, SYFY and MTV. If you only subscribe to, say, Netflix or Apple TV+, you won’t have access to those. But as with sports, standard streamers are starting to incorporate this content into their offerings. After the Warner Bros. merger, Max incorporated some content from HGTV, Discovery and TLC. Peacock has Bravo and Hallmark shows, and Paramount+ has material from Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central. Other channels like AMC+ have stand-alone apps. The <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=e3296106-c693-4525-ba0e-6b65767ea99e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Discovery%2B&linkText=Discovery%2B&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kaXNjb3ZlcnlwbHVzLmNvbS8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjUwZWIzNGRiLWMwZmMtNGJmYi1hYjQxLTFjYmU5N2ZhZmZkOCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlzY292ZXJ5cGx1cy5jb20vIn0&signature=AQAAAXazZwOAuUzjiAAyIuqwqeh0wDkrnetJMWu8rK4iL_fI&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoveryplus.com%2F">Discovery+</a> app gives you 15 channels ad-free for $9 per month (or with ads for $5 monthly). And a service called <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=7b9bb3b3-1213-42b3-a8ff-5489551a532e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Frndly+TV&linkText=Frndly+TV&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3RyeS5mcm5kbHl0di5jb20vIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdHJ5LmZybmRseXR2LmNvbS8ifQ&signature=AQAAAQKpOfgGIQeWLXowiNcsf3wA5UScImpEywueEVIJ0Q4Q&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Ftry.frndlytv.com%2F">Frndly TV</a> starts at a mere $7 per month and streams A&E, Lifetime, Game Show Network, Outdoor Channel and about 35 others. Of course, most live TV streaming options will deliver more sizable lists of cable networks, but just note that you may already be paying for some of them — and if all you need is a certain channel, you could get it cheaper by subscribing directly. <h3 id="jump-link-on-demand-streaming">On-demand streaming</h3> Most live TV subscriptions include access to a selection of video-on-demand (VOD) content, like you would get with a traditional streaming service. Much of this content is made up of the movies and TV series that have recently aired on your subscribed networks. This typically doesn’t cover live events and news programming, but I was able to watch specific episodes of ongoing shows like Top Chef or BET’s Diarra from Detroit. Just search the on-demand library for the program, pick an episode and hit play. Partnerships, like Hulu’s relationship with Disney, and add-ons, such as bundling Max with your YouTube TV subscription or Starz with your Sling plan, will let you watch even larger libraries of on-demand content. But again, if VOD is all you’re after, paying for those networks directly instead of through a live TV plan will be far cheaper. <h3 id="jump-link-digital-video-recordings-dvr-limits">Digital video recordings (DVR) limits</h3> Every option I tried offers some cloud DVR storage without needing a separate physical device. You’ll either get unlimited storage for recordings that expires after nine months or a year, or you’ll get a set number of hours (between 50 and 1,000) that you can keep indefinitely. Typically, all you need to do is designate what ongoing TV series you want to record and the DVR component will do all the hard work of saving subsequent episodes for you to watch later. You can do the same thing with sports events. Aside from being able to watch whenever it’s most convenient, you can also fast-forward through commercials in recorded content. In contrast, you can’t skip them on live TV or VOD. <h3 id="jump-link-simultaneous-streams-and-profiles-per-account">Simultaneous streams and profiles per account</h3> Each plan gives you a certain number of simultaneous streams, aka how many screens can play content at the same time. And while most providers will let you travel with your subscription, there are usually location restrictions that require you to sign in from your home IP address periodically. Stream allowances range from one at a time to unlimited screens (or as many as your ISP’s bandwidth can handle). Some plans require add-ons to get more screens. Most services also let you set up a few profiles so I was able to give different people in my family the ability to build their own watch histories and libraries, set their favorite channels and get individual recommendations. <h3 id="jump-link-picture-in-picture-mode-and-multiview">Picture-in-picture mode and multiview</h3> Picture-in-picture (PiP) usually refers to shrinking a video window on a mobile device or computer browser so you can watch it while using other apps. Sling, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Philo, DirecTV Stream and Hulu + Live TV all have PiP modes on computers and mobile devices. Another feature, multiview, lets you view multiple live sports games at once on your TV screen. YouTube TV and FuboTV are the only live TV streamers that let you do this. With YouTube TV, you can select up to four views from a few preset selection of streams. FuboTV offers the same feature, but only if you're using an Apple TV or Roku streaming device. <h3 id="jump-link-4k-live-streams">4K live streams</h3> Right now, just FuboTV, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream offer 4K live streams — but with caveats. YouTube TV requires a <a href="https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/10383365?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid">$20-per-month add-on</a>, after which you’ll only be able to watch certain live content in 4K. DirecTV Stream has <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=fd7207b2-1b6a-4385-aa15-2f04784de078&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=DIRECTV&linkText=three+channels&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kaXJlY3R2LmNvbS9zdXBwb3J0L2FydGljbGUvMDAwMDkzNTEzIzp-OnRleHQ9TGl2ZSUyMDRLJTIwc3RyZWFtaW5nJTIwY2hhbm5lbHMlM0EsTElWRTRLMiklMjAlRTIlODAlOTMlMjBvY2Nhc2lvbmFsJTIwbGl2ZSUyMHNwb3J0aW5nJTIwZXZlbnRzIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRpcmVjdHYuY29tL3N1cHBvcnQvYXJ0aWNsZS8wMDAwOTM1MTMjOn46dGV4dD1MaXZlJTIwNEslMjBzdHJlYW1pbmclMjBjaGFubmVscyUzQSxMSVZFNEsyKSUyMCVFMiU4MCU5MyUyMG9jY2FzaW9uYWwlMjBsaXZlJTIwc3BvcnRpbmclMjBldmVudHMifQ&signature=AQAAAfBOZeOCs_mDWZxqAtOv4p2bzWJin4372k1YbK5zuEsQ&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.directv.com%2Fsupport%2Farticle%2F000093513%23%3A%7E%3Atext%3DLive%25204K%2520streaming%2520channels%253A%2CLIVE4K2%29%2520%25E2%2580%2593%2520occasional%2520live%2520sporting%2520events">three channels</a> that show live 4K content — one with shows and original series, and two with occasional sporting events. You don’t have to pay extra for these but you do need to have either DirecTV’s Gemini receiver, or a device from Fire TV, Apple TV or Roku. You’ll need those same streaming devices to watch the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34c77505-6db4-4664-9320-2c38b4122d5e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Sling+TV&linkText=select+4K+programming&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zbGluZy5jb20vd2hhdHNvbi9zcG9ydHMvZ2VuZXJhbC1zcG9ydHMvbGl2ZS1zcG9ydHMtc2NoZWR1bGVzLXNsaW5nLXR2IzRrLXNwb3J0cy1vbi1zbGluZy0xIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnNsaW5nLmNvbS93aGF0c29uL3Nwb3J0cy9nZW5lcmFsLXNwb3J0cy9saXZlLXNwb3J0cy1zY2hlZHVsZXMtc2xpbmctdHYjNGstc3BvcnRzLW9uLXNsaW5nLTEifQ&signature=AQAAAVY_dHhP9i0fmVsymYxGHTamd7M9wBxJv4tOkBNiDZc7&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sling.com%2Fwhatson%2Fsports%2Fgeneral-sports%2Flive-sports-schedules-sling-tv%234k-sports-on-sling-1">select 4K programming</a> on Sling as well. FuboTV shows <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=9a941868-c063-4b44-9207-896f1fb5891e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=FuboTV&linkText=certain+live+events&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuZnViby50di9oYy9lbi11cy9hcnRpY2xlcy8zNjAwMTE0ODMwMTEtV2hhdC1ldmVudHMtaW4tNEstSERSLWFyZS1jb21pbmctdXAtb24tRnVibyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuZnViby50di9oYy9lbi11cy9hcnRpY2xlcy8zNjAwMTE0ODMwMTEtV2hhdC1ldmVudHMtaW4tNEstSERSLWFyZS1jb21pbmctdXAtb24tRnVibyJ9&signature=AQAAAdyaCYkoejpZKzL8_nB7PYkC6nB5m7Kg10_zjLAK7Ig-&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.fubo.tv%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F360011483011-What-events-in-4K-HDR-are-coming-up-on-Fubo">certain live events</a> in 4K but access is limited to the Elite and Premier packages, not the base-level Pro plan. Of course, watching any 4K content also requires equipment that can handle it: a 4K smart TV or 4K streaming device paired with a cord and screen that can handle 4K resolution. <h3 id="jump-link-tiers-packages-and-add-ons">Tiers, packages and add-ons</h3> Comparing price-to-offering ratios is a task for a spreadsheet. I… made three. The base plans range from $28 to $85 per month. From there, you can add packages, which are usually groups of live TV channels bundled by themes like news, sports, entertainment or international content. Premium VOD extras like Max, AMC+ and Starz are also available. Add-ons cost an extra $5 to $20 each per month and simply show up in the guide where you find the rest of your live TV. This is where streaming can quickly get expensive, pushing an $80 subscription to $200 monthly, depending on what you choose. <h3 id="jump-link-how-to-stream-live-tv-for-free">How to stream live TV for free</h3> I also downloaded and tried out a few apps that offer free ad-supported TV (<a href="https://www.engadget.com/youtube-is-testing-a-hub-of-free-cable-style-channels-192518784.html">FAST</a>) including <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Freevee&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3ZpZGVvL3NwbGFzaC9mcmVldmVlX2ZpbmR1cz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20vZ3AvdmlkZW8vc3BsYXNoL2ZyZWV2ZWVfZmluZHVzIiwiZHluYW1pY0NlbnRyYWxUcmFja2luZ0lkIjp0cnVlLCJzaXRlSWQiOiJ1cy1lbmdhZGdldCIsInBhZ2VJZCI6IjFwLWF1dG9saW5rIiwiZmVhdHVyZUlkIjoidGV4dC1saW5rIn0&signature=AQAAARSjkmnkz3GBqaCsuITtxGWZbLEL7-4c9Dq2bCDEJlxS&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fvideo%2Fsplash%2Ffreevee_findus">Freevee</a>, <a href="https://tubitv.com/">Tubi</a>, <a href="https://pluto.tv/welcome">PlutoTV</a> and <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34c77505-6db4-4664-9320-2c38b4122d5e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Sling+TV&linkText=Sling+Freestream&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zbGluZy5jb20vZnJlZXN0cmVhbSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zbGluZy5jb20vZnJlZXN0cmVhbSJ9&signature=AQAAAaPq6YMd5yy0gvP1qP9zpcespJW1yApZRTBDFv6_MD1C&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sling.com%2Ffreestream">Sling Freestream</a>. These let you drop in and watch a more limited selection of live networks at zero cost. Most don’t even require an email address, let alone a credit card. And if you have a Roku device, an Amazon Fire TV or Stick, a Samsung TV, a Chromecast device or a Google TV, you already have access to hundreds of live channels via the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f3574a52-3bcf-4a37-83ee-65836ac78115&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Roku&linkText=Roku+Channel&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5yb2t1LmNvbS93aGF0cy1vbi90aGUtcm9rdS1jaGFubmVsIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJva3UuY29tL3doYXRzLW9uL3RoZS1yb2t1LWNoYW5uZWwifQ&signature=AQAAAZBySIi8oQ7DlJJm5e8o1CC284MW-_AeB7ls29bMlyi6&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.roku.com%2Fwhats-on%2Fthe-roku-channel">Roku Channel</a>, the live tab in Fire TV, through the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f85e63cd-e13c-4f9d-991c-9fbaadede3ac&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Samsung+Electronics&linkText=Samsung+TV+Plus&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYW1zdW5nLmNvbS91cy90ZWxldmlzaW9ucy1ob21lLXRoZWF0ZXIvdHZzL3R2cGx1cy8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjUwZWIzNGRiLWMwZmMtNGJmYi1hYjQxLTFjYmU5N2ZhZmZkOCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2Ftc3VuZy5jb20vdXMvdGVsZXZpc2lvbnMtaG9tZS10aGVhdGVyL3R2cy90dnBsdXMvIn0&signature=AQAAAQTq3W71bZeSplBcUeq6-nXwpHNBmbk8CAOnHFEdZbVP&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fus%2Ftelevisions-home-theater%2Ftvs%2Ftvplus%2F">Samsung TV Plus</a> app or through <a href="https://tv.google/">Google TV</a>. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-table-of-contents">Back to top</a> <h2 id="jump-link-how-we-tested">How we tested</h2> When I begin testing for a guide, I research the most popular and well-reviewed players in the category and narrow down which are worth trying. For the paid plans, just six services dominate so I tried them all. There are considerably more free live TV contenders so I tested the four most popular. After getting accounts set up using my laptop, I downloaded the apps on a Samsung smart TV running the latest version of Tizen OS. I counted the local stations and regional sports coverage, and noted how many of the <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/most-watched-channels-2024-tv-network-ratings-1236259845/">top cable networks</a> were available. I then weighed the prices, base packages and available add-ons. I then looked at how the programming was organized in each app’s UI and judged how easy everything was to navigate, from the top navigation to the settings. To test the search function, I searched for the same few TV shows on BET, Food Network, HGTV and Comedy Central, since all six providers carry those channels. I noted how helpful the searches were and how quickly they got me to season 6, episode 13 of Home Town. I used DVR to record entire series and single movies and watched VOD shows, making sure to test the pause and scan functions. On each service with sports, I searched for the same four upcoming NHL, NBA, MLS and NCAA basketball matches and used the record option to save the games and play them back a day or two later. Finally, I noted any extra perks or irritating quirks. All live TV streaming services we’ve tested: <ul> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=b250d7a0-0e4e-4332-bc87-bf6e669b0564&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Philo&linkText=Philo&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5waGlsby5jb20vbG9naW4vc3Vic2NyaWJlIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnBoaWxvLmNvbS9sb2dpbi9zdWJzY3JpYmUifQ&signature=AQAAAeEVPEJZEELwnLrtvgI0t6rXEXbXTa0ZAzoY3u8QzrZg&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.philo.com%2Flogin%2Fsubscribe">Philo</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34c77505-6db4-4664-9320-2c38b4122d5e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Sling+TV&linkText=Sling&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zbGluZy5jb20vIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnNsaW5nLmNvbS8ifQ&signature=AQAAATS_e7proeqddv8lgpaK2qhjE9tyjJJPKIVNNJYA5_wM&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sling.com%2F">Sling</a></li> <li><a href="https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/">YouTube TV</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=ca19dea0-e7ad-4f54-beed-6302bce56589&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Hulu&linkText=Hulu+%2B+Live+TV&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5odWx1LmNvbS9saXZlLXR2IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmh1bHUuY29tL2xpdmUtdHYifQ&signature=AQAAAffGM0ua_cW4HG6iOiFg8S_oPCtdAwlnoc0Anvl4qKUn&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hulu.com%2Flive-tv">Hulu + Live TV</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=fd7207b2-1b6a-4385-aa15-2f04784de078&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=DIRECTV&linkText=DirecTV+Stream&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kaXJlY3R2LmNvbS9zdHJlYW0vIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRpcmVjdHYuY29tL3N0cmVhbS8ifQ&signature=AQAAAeMoQddA7T8vpIUlkJNJCZm_nlq7O-_Urb7ecIwTg7xm&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.directv.com%2Fstream%2F">DirecTV Stream</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=9a941868-c063-4b44-9207-896f1fb5891e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=FuboTV&linkText=FuboTV&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ1Ym8udHYvd2VsY29tZT9pcmFkPTM0Mzc0NyZpcm1wPTI1MzYyMTcmcGFydG5lcnByb3BlcnR5aWQ9MzE0MjgyMyZzdWJJZDM9eGlkOmZyMTY3NDI1NDk4MjAwOGJoYiIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ1Ym8udHYvd2VsY29tZT9pcmFkPTM0Mzc0NyZpcm1wPTI1MzYyMTcmcGFydG5lcnByb3BlcnR5aWQ9MzE0MjgyMyZzdWJJZDM9eGlkOmZyMTY3NDI1NDk4MjAwOGJoYiJ9&signature=AQAAAehigYCSfkp8GE-MGwHZXkV4upDOUT_QWpwO6ufluZE5&gcReferrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Fwelcome%3Firad%3D343747%26irmp%3D2536217%26partnerpropertyid%3D3142823%26subId3%3Dxid%3Afr1674254982008bhb">FuboTV</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Freevee&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3ZpZGVvL3NwbGFzaC9mcmVldmVlX2ZpbmR1cz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MGViMzRkYi1jMGZjLTRiZmItYWI0MS0xY2JlOTdmYWZmZDgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20vZ3AvdmlkZW8vc3BsYXNoL2ZyZWV2ZWVfZmluZHVzIiwiZHluYW1pY0NlbnRyYWxUcmFja2luZ0lkIjp0cnVlLCJzaXRlSWQiOiJ1cy1lbmdhZGdldCIsInBhZ2VJZCI6IjFwLWF1dG9saW5rIiwiZmVhdHVyZUlkIjoidGV4dC1saW5rIn0&signature=AQAAARSjkmnkz3GBqaCsuITtxGWZbLEL7-4c9Dq2bCDEJlxS&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fvideo%2Fsplash%2Ffreevee_findus">Freevee</a></li> <li><a href="https://tubitv.com/">Tubi</a></li> <li><a href="https://pluto.tv/">PlutoTV</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34c77505-6db4-4664-9320-2c38b4122d5e&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Sling+TV&linkText=Sling+Freestream&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zbGluZy5jb20vZnJlZXN0cmVhbSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zbGluZy5jb20vZnJlZXN0cmVhbSJ9&signature=AQAAAaPq6YMd5yy0gvP1qP9zpcespJW1yApZRTBDFv6_MD1C&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sling.com%2Ffreestream">Sling Freestream</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=5cf66e44-0330-4ae6-8b44-6d2fe8acb745&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=50eb34db-c0fc-4bfb-ab41-1cbe97faffd8&featureId=text-link&merchantName=plex&linkText=Plex&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wbGV4LnR2LyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTBlYjM0ZGItYzBmYy00YmZiLWFiNDEtMWNiZTk3ZmFmZmQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wbGV4LnR2LyJ9&signature=AQAAAVcKd0GG7zVeIuEUnsKd-HnQnCkpp00kxCBCH_iipIUl&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plex.tv%2F">Plex</a></li> </ul> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-table-of-contents">Back to top</a> <h2 id="jump-link-live-tv-streaming-faqs">Live TV Streaming FAQs</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-what-is-live-streaming">What is live streaming?</h3> Streaming simply refers to video content that is delivered to your screen over the internet. Live streaming can be split into two categories: linear programming and simultaneous transmission. That first one is similar to what you get with cable or broadcast TV, with channels that play a constant flow of movies and shows (sort of what TV looked like before Netflix). Simultaneous streaming lets you watch live events (like a basketball game) or a program (like the evening news) as they happen. <h3 id="jump-link-what-is-the-difference-between-streaming-and-live-streaming">What is the difference between streaming and live streaming?</h3> Standard streaming, the most popular example being Netflix, lets you pick what you want to watch from a menu of choices. It’s also referred to as “video on demand.” Live streaming refers to sports and news events that you can stream as they happen in real time. It also refers to channels that show a continuous, linear flow of programming. <h3 id="jump-link-what-streaming-service-is-best-for-live-tv">What streaming service is best for live TV?</h3> FuboTV does the best job of letting you organize live channels to help you find just what you want to watch. The interface is uncluttered and when you search for something, the UI clearly tells you whether something is live now or on-demand. YouTube TV also does a good job making that info clear. Both have just over 100 live channels on offer. <h3 id="jump-link-what-is-the-most-cost-effective-tv-streaming-service">What is the most cost effective TV streaming service?</h3> Free TV streaming services like PlutoTV, Plex, Tubi and FreeVee show plenty of ad-supported TV shows and movies without charging you anything. Of course, they won’t have the same channels or content that more premium subscriptions have. Ultimately it depends on what you want to watch and finding the service that can supply that to you in the most streamlined form so you’re not paying for stuff you don’t need. <h3 id="jump-link-is-it-cheaper-to-have-cable-or-streaming">Is it cheaper to have cable or streaming?</h3> A basic cable package used to be more expensive than the base-level live TV streaming service. But now that nearly all major providers have raised their prices to over $75 per month, that’s no longer the case. And with add-ons and other premiums, you can easily pay over $200 a month for either cable or a live TV streaming service. <h3 id="jump-link-what-streaming-service-has-all-the-tv-channels">What streaming service has all the TV channels?</h3> No service that we tested had every available channel. Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream carry the the highest number of the top rated channels, <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/most-watched-channels-2024-tv-network-ratings-1236259845/">according to Neilsen</a>. Hulu’s service also gets you Disney+ fare, which you can’t get elsewhere. FuboTV has the most sports channels and YouTube TV gives you the widest selection of add-ons. <h3 id="jump-link-what-is-the-most-popular-live-tv-streaming-platform">What is the most popular live TV streaming platform?</h3> YouTube TV has the most paying customers. According to 2024's <a href="https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/2024-letter-from-neal/">letter</a> from the CEO, the service has over eight million subscribers. Disney’s 2024 third quarter <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/11/disney-earnings-inside-out-2-deadpool-wolverine-disney-hulu-streaming-theme-parks-1236176347/">earnings</a> put the Hulu + Live TV viewer count at 4.6 million. Sling’s <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sling-tv-slips-below-2-135658433.html">customer count dipped</a> from two million to about 1.9 million in 2024 and FuboTV grew its subscriber list to <a href="https://ir.fubo.tv/news/news-details/2024/Fubo-Closed-Q3-2024-With-21-Year-over-Year-Revenue-Growth-and-1.613M-Subscribers-in-North-America/default.aspx">1.6 million</a>. <h3 id="jump-link-how-safe-are-free-streaming-services-and-websites">How safe are free streaming services and websites?</h3> You may have heard certain sites that provide free content can be dangerous, leading to stolen info and/or exposing you to malware. That’s likely in reference to certain peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and file-sharing sites that let people download free movies and series — which can come bundled with malicious code. But if you’re talking about the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services listed here, from providers like PlutoTV, Tubi and Freevee, they are just as safe as any other streaming service. Since you sometimes don’t even have to provide your email address or credit card info, they can even be more anonymous than apps that require login credentials. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-table-of-contents">Back to top</a> <h2 id="jump-link-recent-updates">Recent updates</h2> January 31, 2025: Added information about which streaming service would live-stream the Super Bowl, including Tubi’s free option. Updated Fubo’s pricing. Added details about DirectTV Stream’s sports-only package and Comcast’s sports and news bundle. January 16, 2025: Included higher prices for Sling’s Orange and Blue plans. Noted the demise of the never-launched Venu sports streaming service and mentioned the inclusion of DirecTV’s new sports package. December 31, 2024: Noted increased pricing for YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV and DirecTV. Updated information for 4K streaming capabilities and requirements for multiple services. Reported on the upcoming shut down of Amazon’s Freevee service and the addition of DirecTV’s free service. August 6, 2024: Updated with the addition of Plex as a free live TV streaming recommendation and mentioned the additional free channels Philo is now including with the free version of its service. Added pricing information for ESPN's new sports-only streaming service, Venu.  June 12, 2024: Updated with more information about 4K live streaming, picture-in-picture and multiview modes, as well as video on-demand options. We expanded our recommendations around free live TV streaming services and added a FAQ query about the safety of free streaming services and clarified the difference between standard and live streaming. More traditional streaming services have added live and sports components, so we revised that section accordingly. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-table-of-contents">Back to top</a>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/best-live-tv-streaming-service-133000410.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Neither AI nor E Ink can make touchscreen trackpads a good idea

E Ink, the company behind the highly readable displays you'll find in ereaders the world over, <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.eink.com/news/detail/E-Ink-Utilizes-Intel-Smart-Base%20to-Launch-Innovative-ePaper-with-Touch-Enabled-Application">has created</a> a new touchscreen trackpad for some reason. And rather than act as an extension of your laptop's screen, E Ink thinks it should be a dedicated home for AI interactions. The new touchscreen trackpad appears to use a color E Ink display, not unlike what you'll find on the <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/kobos-new-ereaders-include-its-first-with-color-displays-040153210.html">Kobo Libra Colour</a> or the <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/kindle-colorsoft-review-the-missing-link-in-amazons-ereader-lineup-131529685.html">Kindle Colorsoft</a>, and is supposed to offer the normal swiping, tapping, dragging and clicking functionality of a normal trackpad. When you're not using it like that, E Ink imagines the trackpad offering "second-screen capabilities," like quick access to "frequently used shortcuts and system notifications and GenAI contents like text/image summaries, gaming tactics, or custom AI tasks." E Ink says it leveraged several different Intel technologies to prototype its AI tools, and it specifically designed the trackpad so it's useable even if your laptop is off. Unfortunately, that doesn't make the idea of cramming a touchscreen into a laptop trackpad any less whack. <figure><img alt="A closeup of the E Ink touchscreen trackpad." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/3685d4d0-584a-11f0-a3db-5901c1fb42a5" style="height: 1440px; width: 2560px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">E Ink</div></figure> Using an E Ink display is novel, sure, but plenty of attempts have been made to turn the seemingly untapped resource of the trackpad into another place for content, and none of them have caught on. ASUS in particular has taken multiple bites at the apple with its <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-05-27-asus-screenpad-2-0-touchscreen-trackpad-hands-on.html">ScreenPad feature</a>, which it first introduced on the <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-06-05-asus-zenbook-pro-15-screenpad.html">ZenBook Pro 15</a>. The ScreenPad could be an extension of your main display, but it also ran simple apps and widgets. E Ink believes one of the advantages of its trackpad is that it'll consume less power than those previous versions, but was anyone worried about a laptop's trackpad affecting its battery life before they also had to be screens? Putting a display in a trackpad<a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-06-05-asus-zenbook-pro-screenpad-touchpad-touchscreen.html"> isn't going to be the reason</a> anyone upgrades to a premium laptop. Beyond that, it's just not intuitive. You have to both learn to look down to see what's on the trackpad and learn not to cover it, something hands naturally do while using a laptop.  If you're not dissuaded, E Ink hasn't actually shared when its trackpad will be available. Given the use of the Intel tech, though, odds are good it shows up in an expensive "AI PC" at some point in the future.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/neither-ai-nor-e-ink-can-make-touchscreen-trackpads-a-good-idea-202505733.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Crunchyroll blames third-party vendor for AI subtitle mess

At the start of last year, Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/26/24080637/funimation-shut-down-crunchyroll-digital-library-compensation">told The Verge</a> the company was "very focused on testing" generative AI tools for subtitling and captioning speech to text. The comment came just months after the streamer <a href="https://www.cbr.com/yuzuki-familys-four-sons-episode-1-subtitles-bad-crunchyroll-remove-streaming/">temporarily took down</a> the debut episode of one of its newest shows, The Yuzuki Family's Four Sons, after people complained about poor subtitles.  Much of the translation was nonsensical, with missing punctuation in many sentences. At the time, some fans speculated the company had used AI to translate the episode. Earlier this week, fresh accusations of AI use came up when an episode of new anime showed evidence ChatGPT was used to write the subtitles. <figure><img alt="The German subtitle for Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show in German read, ChatGPT said..." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/e8fe3b90-5749-11f0-aa8a-b3f6b9450452" style="height: 1439px; width: 2560px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Igor Bonifacic for Engadget</div></figure> On July 1, Bluesky user Pixel <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/pixeldoesthings.bsky.social/post/3lswcbtkwec2t">spotted</a> an issue with the German subtitles for Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show, one of the new series Crunchyroll is streaming this anime season. Beyond a general sloppiness, one line began with the words "ChatGPT said..." during a pivotal scene in the show's debut episode. Engadget was able to independently verify the episode contains the AI-generated translation. If you're curious, the English subtitles aren't much better, as seen in the screenshots above and below. "We were made aware that AI-generated subtitles were employed by a third-party vendor, which is in violation of our agreement," a Crunchyroll spokesperson told Engadget. "We are investigating the matter and are working to rectify the error." People were understandably upset about the subtitles. Crunchyroll <a href="https://www.engadget.com/crunchyroll-announces-first-price-hike-since-funimation-purchase-104035825.html">subscriptions start at $8 per month</a>, and since its <a href="https://www.engadget.com/sony-completes-crunchyroll-acquisition-220920170.html">acquisition by Sony</a>, service has been the dominant player in the anime streaming market outside of Japan. "This is not acceptable. How can we be expected to pay for a service that clearly doesn't care about the quality of its products?" wrote Pixel in their original post. As of the writing of this article, their post has been quoted more than 300 times and reposted by thousands of other people. Many fans say they're turning to torrented fansubs, calling the official AI-generated translations "unwatchable." People on Reddit have <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Crunchyroll/comments/1lp7vtx/necronomico_and_the_cosmic_horror_show_subtitles/">expressed similar frustrations</a>. <figure><img alt="A translation that reads " src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/1a7bd2f0-5753-11f0-be5e-4e19bbb63c37" style="height: 1439px; width: 2560px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Crunchyroll</div></figure> Ironically, when Purini revealed Crunchyroll was testing generative AI tools for subtitles, he said part of the motivation was to prevent piracy. He reasoned the tech would allow the company to start streaming new, translated anime episodes as close to their original Japanese release as possible, adding the lag between official releases was sometimes what pushed fans to torrent shows.        Update 3:58PM ET: Added comment from Crunchyroll.   Have a tip for Igor? You can reach him by <a href="mailto:igor.bonifacic@engadget.com">email</a>, on <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/igorbonifacic.bsky.social">Bluesky</a> or send a message to @Kodachrome.72 to chat confidentially on Signal.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/crunchyroll-blames-third-party-vendor-for-ai-subtitle-mess-145621606.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Apple iOS 26: All the latest features for iPhone's new operating system, including FaceTime updates

<figure><img alt="new liquid glass display on an iPhone" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-06/26e13e10-4ba8-11f0-af67-e4739c3bbb12" style="height: 1080px; width: 1920px;" /><figcaption>Liquid Glass is a huge new change coming to iOS 26. (Apple)</figcaption></figure> Get ready because Apple <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apps/ios-26-is-official-apple-changes-from-version-numbers-to-years-for-its-os-names-172129166.html">iOS 26</a> (not iOS 19) is headed your way this fall with some cool new features you'll want to try. What's most exciting? The fresh home and lock screen redesign we've been waiting to see for years. Dubbed <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apples-new-liquid-glass-design-is-its-biggest-visual-update-in-years-172158766.html">Liquid Glass</a>, the new look and feel will extend across all of Apple's upcoming operating systems. The overhaul was one of several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest of Apple's software suite, all of which were showcased during the company's <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/wwdc-2025-everything-apple-announced-including-ios-26-liquid-glass-design-and-more-171718030.html">WWDC keynote</a> on June 9.  After overpromising on AI plans last year, Apple kept its iOS roadmap focused more on basic quality of life improvements this year. There are multiple useful additions coming to the Phone and Messages apps on your iPhone, for instance: Apple execs outlined the ability to weed out spam texts or other unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you've been waiting for a representative to pick up. Plus, a treasured feature that we took for granted is coming back (hint: it's in the Photos app). Siri, meanwhile, is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant — first promised at WWDC 2024 — is delayed until some point "<a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-is-delaying-its-smarter-more-personal-siri-183513424.html">in the coming year</a>," so you shouldn't expect any major changes in the current betas. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by <a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/30/apple-chatgpt-claude-siri/">basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models</a> like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. If you're a developer, you can check out the <a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/23/ios-26-beta-2-everything-new/">iOS 26 beta 2</a> now; the public beta is coming <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apples-ios-26-public-beta-release-date-is-planned-for-july-180213011.html">this month</a>. With each beta, it seems like additional new improvements are popping up, like newly discovered FaceTime feature that'll <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-26-can-freeze-your-facetime-video-if-it-detects-nudity-135329941.html">freeze your video if it detects nudity</a>. Most newer iPhone models are <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-is-releasing-ios-26-this-fall-heres-the-full-list-of-compatible-iphones-191854795.html">eligible to download iOS 26 </a>(both the betas and final version). Want to see the full list of new features coming this fall? Read on.   <h2 id="jump-link-what-is-ios-26">What is iOS 26?</h2> While the current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, Apple is skipping the numbering ahead to iOS 26 later this year. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they're all designated "26" to reflect the year ahead. (Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/30/apple-seeds-ios-18-6-beta-2/">iOS 18 is still getting new versions this summer</a>, too.) <figure><img alt="a list of the new OSes" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-06/29bbb6f0-4555-11f0-b2de-ada42a83075d" style="height: 1080px; width: 1920px;" /><figcaption>It's official, we're moving to iOS 26. (Apple)</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="jump-link-what-is-liquid-glass-design">What is Liquid Glass design?</h2> Let's be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apples-new-liquid-glass-design-is-its-biggest-visual-update-in-years-172158766.html">new Liquid Glass design</a> was the star of the show. The iPhone's home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year — the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens' new facelift is refreshing. So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a "<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4130e2f0-a14f-4c5e-bdab-cd52ac7d8e79&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=86b7b54f-7ccd-4fbb-a927-09c327b93cbc&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Apple&linkText=new+translucent+material&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hcHBsZS5jb20vbmV3c3Jvb20vMjAyNS8wNi9hcHBsZS1lbGV2YXRlcy10aGUtaXBob25lLWV4cGVyaWVuY2Utd2l0aC1pb3MtMjYvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI4NmI3YjU0Zi03Y2NkLTRmYmItYTkyNy0wOWMzMjdiOTNjYmMiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFwcGxlLmNvbS9uZXdzcm9vbS8yMDI1LzA2L2FwcGxlLWVsZXZhdGVzLXRoZS1pcGhvbmUtZXhwZXJpZW5jZS13aXRoLWlvcy0yNi8ifQ&signature=AQAAAVivyXXsD7DiKwA3X-v-YLSp-mKPz8KpUrb1ctVS4Hji&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fnewsroom%2F2025%2F06%2Fapple-elevates-the-iphone-experience-with-ios-26%2F">new translucent material</a>" since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They're designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some — including Engadget's own Devindra Hardawar — like the new direction, even if it's somewhat reminiscent of <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/apples-liquid-glass-is-windows-vista-done-well-181954910.html">Microsoft's translucent Windows Vista Aero designs</a> from nearly twenty years ago. That said, as of the newly released iOS 26 beta 2, Apple <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-read-your-mean-tweets-about-liquid-glass-and-finder-222230726.html">has already incorporated some user feedback</a> into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won't be able to escape it: Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple's OSes more cohesive. Here's a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/macos-tahoe-26-will-bring-apples-new-liquid-glass-ui-to-your-desktop-174149070.html">the new macOS Tahoe 26</a> on your desktop. <h2 id="jump-link-what-are-the-new-and-notable-features-of-ios-26">What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?</h2> iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile: Phone app redesign: You'll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks. Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation. Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for deciding things like which brunch spot you're eating at or whose car you're taking on a road trip. Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven't received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you're lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder. Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that's on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online. Photos tabs are back: For anyone who's still frustrated with the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/how-apple-redesigned-its-photos-app-around-customization-120038901.html">Photos changes made last year</a>, you'll be happy to know that your tabs are coming back. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces so you don't have to scroll to infinity to find what you're looking for. FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-26-can-freeze-your-facetime-video-if-it-detects-nudity-135329941.html">FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature</a> that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues.  <figure><img alt="New Hold Assist being displayed at the wwdc keynote" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-06/a506ddc0-4556-11f0-9d7a-9a93e6a181c1" style="height: 1080px; width: 1920px;" /><figcaption>Apple's Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="jump-link-which-iphones-will-be-able-to-upgrade-to-ios-26">Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?</h2> A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS — iPhone XR, XS and XS Max — won't be compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-is-releasing-ios-26-this-fall-heres-the-full-list-of-compatible-iphones-191854795.html">eligible for the iOS 26 update</a>. <ul> <li>iPhone SE (second generation or later)</li> <li>iPhone 11</li> <li>iPhone 11 Pro</li> <li>iPhone 11 Pro Max</li> <li>iPhone 12</li> <li>iPhone 12 mini</li> <li>iPhone 12 Pro</li> <li>iPhone 12 Pro Max</li> <li>iPhone 13</li> <li>iPhone 13 mini</li> <li>iPhone 13 Pro</li> <li>iPhone 13 Pro Max</li> <li>iPhone 14</li> <li>iPhone 14 Plus</li> <li>iPhone 14 Pro</li> <li>iPhone 14 Pro Max</li> <li>iPhone 15</li> <li>iPhone 15 Plus</li> <li>iPhone 15 Pro</li> <li>iPhone 15 Pro Max</li> <li>iPhone 16e</li> <li>iPhone 16</li> <li>iPhone 16 Plus</li> <li>iPhone 16 Pro</li> <li>iPhone 16 Pro Max</li> </ul> Not listed here are the presumed new <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-17-pro-max-and-air-everything-we-know-about-apples-new-phones-153024282.html">iPhone 17 models</a> (or maybe iPhone 26?) that are all but certain to be announced and released in September.  <h2 id="jump-link-when-will-the-ios-26-beta-be-available">When will the iOS 26 beta be available?</h2> The iOS 26 public beta will become <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apples-ios-26-betas-are-available-next-month-180213420.html">available this month (July)</a> via the <a href="https://beta.apple.com/">Apple Beta Software Program</a>. If you're not already a member, you'll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Just visit <a href="http://beta.apple.com/">beta.apple.com</a> and sign up with your phone number or email address. It's free. Once you're in and the beta is available, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta. A word of caution: Don't sign up with your main iPhone unless you're OK with any risks that occur with using an OS that isn't finalized. <h2 id="jump-link-when-will-the-final-version-of-ios-26-be-released">When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?</h2> iOS 26 will be released to the public this fall. It usually comes in September, within a week of the Apple iPhone event. Last year, it rolled out to iPhone users on September 16 — exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced. If you're more interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming, here's <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-intelligence-announcements-at-wwdc-everything-apple-revealed-for-ios-macos-and-more-171133645.html">everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more</a> during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/ios-26-screenshots-could-be-an-intriguing-preview-of-apples-delayed-siri-rework-183005404.html">intriguing preview of Apple's delayed Siri rework</a>. Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta. Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.  Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-ios-26-all-the-latest-features-for-iphones-new-operating-system-including-facetime-updates-135749454.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Anthem is officially shutting down on January 12

EA's beleaguered online shooter Anthem is shutting down for good <a href="https://www.ea.com/games/anthem/news/anthem-game-update"><ins>on January 12, 2026</ins></a>. The game will be removed from the company's storefront ahead of that on August 15. It'll be available for download after that date so long as it's already in your library. Some aspects of the game have already begun winding down. Players can no longer purchase premium in-game currency as of today, though they can still use existing balances to buy stuff. Anthem is a game that can only be played online, so once the servers shut down in January it will be bricked. <div id="68bddb81f02b4b3393ac955f6500b88b"></div> The game launched in 2019 to poor reviews that called out the reliance on grinding and an overall lack of polish. This wasn't helped by a number of bugs <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-03-19-bioware-anthem-fixes-still-coming.html"><ins>that plagued early builds</ins></a>. Developer BioWare promised fixes, but those <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-04-04-anthem-crunch-bioware-ea-game-development.html"><ins>took a while to get implemented</ins></a>. By then, the damage to the brand was too severe. BioWare <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/anthem-development-ceases-bioware-to-focus-on-dragon-age-mass-effect"><ins>ceased active development</ins></a> of Anthem in 2021, which was followed by the game's director <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/anthem-game-director-jonathan-warner-departs-bioware-after-nearly-10-years"><ins>leaving the company</ins></a>. In other words, we all kind of knew this shutdown was coming. EA says that no layoffs occurred at the company as a result of this decision. However, that's likely because BioWare has already been through several steep staffing cuts. EA <a href="https://www.engadget.com/bioware-cuts-around-50-jobs-to-become-a-more-agile-and-focused-studio-211513365.html"><ins>laid off 50 BioWare employees</ins></a> in 2023. This was followed by <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-01-31/electronic-arts-slashes-bioware-after-dragon-age-sales-miss"><ins>even more layoffs</ins></a> after Dragon Age: The Veilguard underperformed. BioWare currently has an operating staff of less than 100 people. The company is currently focused on the <a href="https://www.neogaf.com/threads/ea-is-restructuring-bioware-to-focus-on-mass-effect-5.1680189/"><ins>development of </ins><ins>Mass Effect 5</ins></a>.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/anthem-is-officially-shutting-down-on-january-12-185236926.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Negative

MindsEye dev warns staff about layoffs amid talk of saboteurs and 'relaunch'

Microsoft isn't the only gaming company talking about layoffs this week. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/clones-sandworms-scrapbooking-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110031834.html">MindsEye</a> developer Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) notified around 300 employees that they risk losing their jobs. However, the drama doesn't end there. The studio has reportedly blamed saboteurs for its woes… again. BARB workers posted on LinkedIn this week about receiving "risk of redundancy" emails. (That followed confirmation last month that the company formally <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mindseye-developer-build-a-rocket-boy-begins-layoff-process-amid-disastrous-launch-studio-sources-say">began</a> a layoff process.) Unfortunately, layoffs are par for the course these days. As for the rest of BARB's story? That's where things get weird. IGN <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/mindseye-devs-uk-workforce-of-around-300-receive-at-risk-emails-as-former-gta-lead-leslie-benzies-finally-addresses-staff">reported</a> that BARB founder Leslie Benzies addressed staff in a video call this week. (He's a former Rockstar North president and GTA producer.) Benzies is said to have blamed BARB's and MindsEye's problems on internal and external saboteurs. That echoes comments made by co-CEO Mark Gerhard ahead of MindsEye's launch. He <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.eurogamer.net/mindseye-boss-claims-games-negative-reaction-ahead-of-release-has-been-paid-for-in-concerted-effort-against-studio">claimed</a> pre-release negative feedback was "100 percent" financed by someone. Who did Gerhard blame? Well, he didn't say outright. But he seemed to hint that Rockstar was involved. "Doesn't take much to guess who," he said. (Benzies <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2016-01-12-rockstar-north-gta-boss-leslie-benzies-resigns.html">departed the GTA developer</a> on rocky terms, legal disputes in tow.) <figure><img alt="Over-the-shoulder view of the game MindsEye's protagonist shooting at drones." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/a1420010-583a-11f0-bfef-eb78a65ac335" style="height: 1080px; width: 1920px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">BARB / IOI</div></figure> In yesterday's call, Benzies also reportedly vowed to relaunch MindsEye. That's a tough trick to pull off. Just look at the industry's few success stories. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2013-02-21-the-battle-is-joined-starting-new-and-fighting-through-final-fa.html">Final Fantasy XIV</a> is part of an established franchise that has been a gaming household name for decades. And then you have titles like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/no-mans-sky-update-adds-billions-of-stars-and-even-more-planets-165102362.html">No Man's Sky</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/cyberpunk-2077s-free-20-update-arrives-september-21-064242975.html">Cyberpunk 2077</a> that were gradually updated. They both arrived with considerably more interest from the gaming world than MindsEye. The latter's appeal largely came from Benzies' involvement. Will that even carry much weight after all the drama surrounding the launch? That isn't to say MindsEye couldn't improve dramatically and find a following. The single-player action-adventure game has a noticeable GTA influence, which will appeal to many. Criticism was aimed at its bugs (fixable), well-worn storyline (greedy humans and robot armies) and gameplay (drive, shoot, repeat). But it also has impressive cinematics and a tight linear arc. A tighter, bug-free version could scratch an itch for fans of Cyberpunk and Watch Dogs. MindsEye is also published by IO Interactive, which worked on <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hitman-world-of-assassination-is-coming-to-ios-and-table-tops-160036401.html">Hitman: World of Assassination</a> for years after launch. If BARB can hustle to regain players' trust, perhaps it could at least live to fight another day. Still, MindsEye's list of ingredients doesn't exactly scream "gamers will come back." And with around 300 fewer employees working on it, that's an even taller order.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/mindseye-dev-warns-staff-about-layoffs-amid-talk-of-saboteurs-and-relaunch-183934780.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Helldivers 2 is coming to Xbox on August 26

Helldivers 2, the third-person co-op shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, is finally coming to Xbox on August 26. The sequel to the 2015 top-down shooter was released for PlayStation 5 and Windows in early 2024 and supports cross-platform play. After launch, Helldivers 2 was a huge success, selling over 15 million copies and reaching 450,000 concurrent players on Steam, the <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/helldivers-2s-concurrent-steam-player-record-is-playstation-studios-highest-yet/">highest number ever</a> among PlayStation games released for the PC. In fact, there were so many players online that Sony <a href="https://www.engadget.com/what-the-heck-is-going-on-with-helldivers-2-163829512.html">briefly attempted to mandate</a> PlayStation Network account linking, which set off a wave of negative reviews from frustrated gamers. The policy was eventually reversed. In the <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/03/helldivers-2-xbox-release-date-pre-order/">announcement</a> of the game's Xbox launch, Game Director Mikael Eriksson said, “we know gamers have been asking for this for some time and we are so excited to bring more Helldivers into our game. We have so much more in store for the future months and years – and the more players we have the more stories we can tell! The fight for Super Earth has only just begun.” This is a rare instance of a Sony-published game coming to Xbox systems, following the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mlb-the-show-24-features-women-ballplayers-for-the-first-time-160007024.html">MLB: The Show</a> series. Time will tell if this is just another rare exception, or the start of a new trend by Sony allowing their <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-unlocks-regional-restrictions-for-some-pc-games-in-more-than-100-countries-162228948.html">games to reach more players</a>. Players can pre-order digital copies of both the standard edition and the Super Citizen Edition for Helldivers 2 now. It's unclear if a physical copy of the game will be released. Correction, July 3, 2025, 2:02PM ET: This story originally stated that Helldivers 2 was a first-party PlayStation game. While it was published by Sony Interactive, the company doesn't own Arrowhead.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/helldivers-2-is-coming-to-xbox-on-august-26-172937757.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

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