News-Technology

 1.Google Eyes Desktop Market with New Aluminium OS Launch

Google's Making a Huge Change: ChromeOS is Out, Android is In for Desktops

For like, ever since it came out, ChromeOS has been kinda stuck in the shadows of Windows and macOS. Google tried to make fancy Chromebooks a thing, but the OS never really took over from regular PCs, you know, the good ones that cost a bit more. It wasn't that Chromebooks looked bad or were badly made, most of them were pretty slick. The problem was ChromeOS itself. It was quick and safe, but it just didn't have the stuff people who really *use* their computers needed, all those special programs and features that Windows and macOS have.

Because of that, when rumors started last year that Google might ditch ChromeOS for Android, it started to sound like it could actually happen. At first, a lot of people thought it was just talk, but Google came out and said it at the Snapdragon Summit this year. They're basically going to roll ChromeOS into Android and make one OS for desktops. They're calling it Aluminium inside the company. Someone found the name in a job ad online before they took it down.

Aluminium: All About That AI

The job they were advertising for was for a Senior Product Manager for Android, for laptops and Tablets, and the description was pretty interesting. It said Aluminium was a brand operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) front and center. That means Google is jumping on the AI bandwagon that everyone in tech is crazy about right now. Microsoft is already putting AI all kinds of things into Windows, but some people complain about privacy and worry whether it's any good. Google will have to be careful not to mess that up.

The name, Aluminium is the British way to spell Aluminum”, that's kind of strange. Maybe they just name things that way internally, or it could mean Google wants people to think of the OS as polished and high-end. ChromeOS was always the cheap laptop for school kids, but Aluminium is supposed to be for fancy gadgets and a great experience. It looks like Google wants Android on desktops to fight with Macs and good Windows PCs, not just the cheap stuff.

Keeping Things Working for Businesses

One big thing from that job ad was that Google wants to make sure businesses don't have any problems when they switch over. ChromeOS is popular in schools and companies because it's easy to use, safe, and works with Google Workspace. Switching to Aluminium could cause problems if they don't do it right. Google seems to know this, and they're saying they'll make sure everything keeps working smoothly. Keeping businesses happy is a big deal for them.

Still, not every Chromebook will be able to run it. Aluminium might need more power than some older ones have. Google will probably keep sending out security updates for those until they're too old to support. Microsoft does something similar with older versions of Windows so people don't get left behind right away.

Coming in 2026

At the Snapdragon Summit, a guy from Google, Sameer Samat, said the operating system will probably be here in 2026. That gives them lots of time to get Aluminium right, but it also makes you wonder whether people will lose interest. Tech moves fast, and two years is a long time. Microsoft and Apple will keep making their AI operating systems better during that time. Google has to make something really good to make people wait.

Big Problems to Solve

Google doesn’t have the best track record with operating systems. Besides ChromeOS, they've tried other versions of Android, like Android TV, Wear OS, and Android Auto. Some did okay, but others didn't because Google didn’t always support them or the branding wasn’t clear. Some worry about whether Aluminium can do what ChromeOS couldn't.

The biggest thing they have to do is convince people that Android can work well on a desktop. Phones run on Android, but that app store is mostly for phones. Windows and macOS have better programs for getting work done, making art, and running businesses. Google needs to get developers to make Android apps for desktops, or make it so people can use their Windows/macOS programs without any problems. If they don't, Aluminium might just be another interesting failure.

AI Could Be the Answer

AI could be what makes it different. If Aluminium comes with smart features that really help people get things done, like knowing what you need, doing lots of things at once, or working with cloud services, it could stand out. But, Google can't just rely on AI hype. People are worrying about privacy and too much automation. Google has to be innovative but also open and give people control.

In Conclusion: A Big Risk, But It Could Pay Off.

Moving from ChromeOS to Android on desktops is a big move by Google. By putting everything on Android, they hope people will stop thinking of ChromeOS as a simple operating system for students and see them as a real competitor to Windows and macOS. Putting AI first and focusing on high-end machines shows they're serious, but they need to get it right.

If Google does a good job, Android on desktops could finally give people a real third option for good computers. If they mess it up, Aluminium could be another Google project that promised a lot and didn't deliver. With the launch in 2026, the clock is ticking. This is a big deal.

2.RAM Prices Soaring: Consumers Pay Premium as If It’s Luxury Seafood 

RAM prices are totally bonkers right now!

So, I saw this piece from PCWorld, and it hit the nail right on the head about how weird things are in the computer random access memory market. Apparently, shops are pricing random access memory like it's fresh fish – the prices change daily based on what's going on.

I actually saw this happening at Central Computers near San Francisco. They put up a sign basically saying they can't even keep set rates on the RAM because the costs are all over the place due to how little there is and how much people want it. It's like getting lobster where they give you the market price. Micro Center is doing the same thing, telling people to ask a salesperson to find out what the price is at that moment.

This just goes to show how fast it's getting more expensive to own a computer. Random access memory used be something you barely thought about, it's now wild. Given that everything from gaming rigs to phones uses memory, this'll hit everyone.

**Seriously, prices have TRIPLED.**

The speed at which the prices have gone up is insane. Just three months ago, you could find a 32GB DDR5 memory set for about $130. And now? It's $440! That's a huge jump of over $300! Some of the other versions have jumped from $105 to $400. You might still see a few 32GB kits for about $230 bucks, but if you wanted more, like 64GB, you're looking at around $700, $800, or maybe even $900. That’s crazy!

If you love playing computer games or need a lot of memory for your job, this is a real pain. The cost of building a new computer just went way up, and the worst part is that the prices of graphic interface cards were returning to normal, and this random access memory situation might make them increase once again! Graphic interface cards depend on memory, and more memory is always good. If random access memory keeps getting more expensive, the companies making graphic interface cards may need to raise prices.

**The new products are getting messed up too.**

It's not just people who want to purchase computer hardware, this mess is also messing up companies who are looking to launch new products. Valve said that one of the reasons why they can’t promise a price for their Steam Machine is because of the shortage in random access memory. There are people who are suggesting that Microsoft might have to increase the price of the Xbox again. Luckily, Sony figured out that this may happen in advance and bought enough random access memory to keep making PlayStation 5s for the time being.

This is a very clear example of how important it is to be aware of your supply chain. Companies that expected this coming and purchased more random access memory in advance are doing okay. Those that weren’t ready will need to raise prices, delay product launches, or limit features to use less memory.

**Why Is This Happening? Thank AI.**

Tim Sweeney, big man at Epic Games, thinks the random access memory situation could take some years to solve because of artificial intelligence. Now, this is a really worrying idea! Plants are making less of the kind of random access memory that goes into our computers and more of the stuff that goes to the data warehouses for artificial intelligence. Those companies are willing to spend much more.

Artificial intelligence needs huge amounts of memory to operate. Training big language models, running artificial intelligence programs, all of it needs a ton of high-speed random access memory. Since data warehouses pay top price, individuals are stuck with the increased rates. Essentially, the boom in artificial intelligence is causing more problems for the computer market.

**Do you remember the Graphics Card problem? It's something like it, but maybe worse.**

This is similar to when virtual currency made graphic interface cards extra expensive. That's gone now. The memory shortage might stay longer since artificial intelligence is changing how computers operate. There's a very high possibility that the demand for random access memory in data warehouses will stay, which means we will keep paying more.

Graphics cards shouldn't be purchased yet and gamers should wait until the prices come down because it is reasonable to suggest this to gamers.

**Things may change soon**

All the chaos in the price of random access memory shows how everything can be unbalanced. Building computer chips are complicated, takes a lot of cash, and can be impacted by problems all over the Earth. When there's a new need for chips, like ai, chaos begins.

If you are purchasing computer parts, you may want to adjust to changing rates in random access memory. Companies will have to find out how to sell to data warehouses and individual buyers.

**This will take time**

The shortage in memory is more than a minor issue. The boom in artificial intelligence is changing everything, including the global tech world. Computer users, gamers, and people in tech will feel it.

If Tim Sweeney is correct, things will take a long time to return to normal. We might have to lower our expectations and learn new means of coping with modern tech.

3.Black Friday 2025: OLED TVs Up to $1,300 Off

Alright, heads up! Black Friday 2025 TV deals are already popping off! If you're thinking about grabbing a new TV, now's the time to look around because some of these early discounts are pretty wild. I'm talking like, you can find some of the higher-end TVs marked down, like maybe around $1,600 off.

OLED TVs? Yeah, you might see savings of around $1,300. And don't stress if OLED isn't your thing. QLED and Mini LED TVs also have some awesome options that could save you hundreds. The cool thing is, these sales are already live at places like Amazon, Best Buy, and even Walmart. No need to wait for November 28th to try your luck then.

This year, there's something for pretty much everyone. Need a small TV for the bedroom, a solid QLED for the living room, or you want to go all out with a 100-inch screen to create your own movie theater at home? You’ll find deals that work for you, if you do some looking. So, let's peek at some of the best deals that are available so far:

**The Cheapest One: Amazon 32-inch 2-Series Smart Fire TV — A measly $99.99 (Normally $149.99)**

Need something cheap for a small space? The Amazon 32-inch 2-Series Smart Fire TV gets the job done. The picture isn’t going to blow you away, but it works, and it has the Fire TV OS. You can easily watch Apple TV+ or HBO Max. Plus, it works with Alexa, and it’s small. Just put it in the kitchen, a dorm room, or wherever.

It’s actually crazy that you can get a decent smart TV for under $100 these days. It proves you can still find a bargain without emptying your wallet.

**Good Deal For The Size: Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV — Only $199.99 (Usually $329.99)**

Hisense is doing something interesting since they're throwing QLED tech into TVs that don’t cost a fortune. The 50-inch QD6 is a really good example. Best Buy has it for under $200. It’s got Dolby Vision HDR, alright sound with DTS Virtual X, plus Alexa. It's a decent all-around TV for a smaller room, or even a kids room.

Because of the quantum dot thing, the image actually has better colors than a plain old LED screen. It's not as good as the fancy QLEDs, but you'll still see a difference. Considering the price, it's a pretty awesome offer for a mid-size TV.

**A Step Up: Amazon Omni Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV (55-inch) — $694.99 (Originally $819.99)**

The Amazon Omni series has gotten better over time, and this 55-inch Mini LED QLED Fire TV is a solid choice if you want good performance and features without spending a ton. It's $694.99, which isn't super cheap, but it's worth the cost. You're getting Mini LED for better dark colors, the Fire TV OS built-in, and Alexa voice control.

Want something better than your average TV, but not trying to buy something crazy expensive? This is the way to go. It works great for family rooms too. Streaming and casual gaming should be smooth.

**The 65-inch Winner: TCL QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV — Just $899.99 (Normally $2,499!)**

A lot of people think 65-inch TVs are the perfect size. If you feel like that, check out the TCL QM8K Mini LED QLED. It usually goes for around $2,499, but Best Buy has cut it down to $899.99. That’s a $1,600 discount, which is insane!

This TV looks extremely bright and vivid. The backlighting is nice, and it shows everything clearly, even if it's shadowy. From reviews you can read, it looks good whether your room is full of light or totally dark. I mean, it’s easy to see how, for under a grand, you probably can't find much better.

**Big Screen Bargain: TCL QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV (75-inch) — $698 (Down From $999.99)**

Need a big screen that doesn’t cost a fortune? Check out Walmart's deal on the TCL QM6K. At about $700, this 75-inch Mini LED QLED TV will provide you with quality colors, Google TV, and a 144Hz refresh rate. If you love gaming, you will love this model.

One CNET review said that this is the best TV under $1,000, and for good reason! It's not the QM8K, but the basic parts and how it does its job is great for the price. If saving money is your thing, you should buy it.

**Going All Out: Hisense 100-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV — A Giant $1,299.99 (Save $700)**

If you're a movie buff, the Hisense 100-inch QD6 QLED is a must-have. At $1,299.99 (after the $700 off), you're getting a super larger screen as well as a fair price.

This deal shows how much cheaper the larger TVs have gotten. Sure, projectors can still get you a huge picture, but you'll have a brighter image with this 100-inch QLED. It's important for any media room in the house.

**If Style Is Key: Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV — $897.99 (Save $300)**

Samsung’s The Frame is still popular because it looks really cool. The 2025 model sits flush on your wall with its thin look and the fact that the screen isn't reflective. You only have to pay $897.99 after a $300 discount. Any friends who appreciate things such as decorations will love this television.

The picture isn’t as good as an OLED, but the screen turns into art when you’re not watching TV. This makes it very unique compared to other TV models. If you like design and how things look, this TV is your style.

**Best Picture: Samsung 65-inch S90F 4K OLED Smart TV — $1,397.99 (Originally $1,997.99)**

When you want the best picture, OLED is the way to go. Samsung’s 65-inch S90F is a good choice here. You can buy it for the discounted price of $1,397.99 ($600 off). The blacks are dark, colours are excellent, and the contrast is amazing, which OLED is known for.

If you like movies or gaming and want the absolute best, get an OLED. These higher quality screens are becoming more affordable.

**Important: You Have To Act Fast!**

These early Black Friday sales show you don’t have to wait to save money. The hottest TVs are likely to sell out quickly, so you might miss out if you hold off until November 28th. If you see a TV you like, grab it.

Black Friday 2025 includes everything from cheap Fire TVs to the best OLEDs. With these prices, you won't regret spending money to upgrade the older TV in your house.

4.Black Friday 2025: Eight Nintendo Switch Exclusives Half Off at Walmart

Black Friday is always a big deal if you're into gaming, but this year, Nintendo's sale for 2025 is something else. Nintendo started doing their Black Friday thing earlier in the week, but Walmart came in swinging with some crazy discounts when their own sale started. What we're seeing now: some really good Nintendo Switch games are down to just $30 each. That's half what they usually cost! If you love Nintendo's main games, this is about as good as it gets for sales. It’s rare to see those big titles get that kind of price cut.

**Walmart Throws in Some Extras**

At first, everyone thought only a few games would get those super low prices. But then Walmart surprised everyone and added Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe to the list. So, now there are eight awesome Switch games going for half price. These deals are open early to people who pay for Walmart+ and will be available until midnight. It costs $49 for the whole year. Even with that catch, people are going crazy for these deals, and games are selling fast.

**Here’s a Look at the Switch Games on Sale at Walmart:**

*   Donkey Kong Country Returns HD — $30 (usually $60)

*   Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe — $30 (usually $60)

*   The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom — $30 (usually $60)

*   Luigi’s Mansion 3 — $30 (usually $60)

*   Princess Peach: Showtime — $30 (usually $60)

*   Nintendo Switch Sports — $30 (usually $50)

*   Paper Mario: The Thousand‑Year Door — $30 (usually $60)

*   Splatoon 3 — $30 (usually $60)

* Super Mario Odyssey - $30 (usually $60)

**Where to Find These Deals**

Amazon's practically out of stock on all these games already. That means Walmart and Target are pretty much the only places left to grab things like Echoes of Wisdom, Princess Peach: Showtime, and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Target’s all sold out of Paper Mario: The Thousand‑Year Door, but you can still find it at Best Buy and Walmart. And Splatoon 3? Good luck finding it anywhere but Walmart – it’s the hot thing this year.

It's kind of a mess right now. All the stores are trying to beat each other on price, but everything’s selling out, so you gotta be quick. If you see a game for $30, just grab it.

**Switch 2 Deals: Something New**

So, Walmart's also got some deals on five of the main games for Switch 2. Although they are marked down by a third-party. But they are brand new and will be eligible for Walmart's Holiday return window. The prices are at $56-$64. So the discount is not that great.

*   Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star‑Crossed World — $61 (usually $80)

*   The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — $56 (usually $70)

*   The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — $63 (usually $80)

*   Mario Kart World — $63 (usually $80)

*   Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV — $64 (usually $80)

According to Walmart's Website, Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree are expected to sell out the fastest because of their exclusive Switch 2 add-ons.

**Play Games Across Different Systems**

Nintendo might not be dropping prices on Switch 2 games officially. But all nine games that are on sale can be played on the new console. And Some of them – Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 3, and Echoes of Wisdom – get free new additions if you play them on Switch 2. They've got better graphics and new features. Pretty much looks like brand-new games.

That fits with how Nintendo usually does things. They want people to have reasons to get the new systems, but without making their old games useless.

**A Closer Look at a Few Games**

Time to talk about some of the games you should definitely check out:

*   **The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom**: It's the first Zelda game where you get to play as Princess Zelda. It feels like the older games but is still like the newer ones. At $30, any Zelda fan should grab it.

*   **Princess Peach: Showtime**: Peach's first big role. since 2005. It has a mix of platforming, fights, and action. It’s really cool for Nintendo to put Peach in the spotlight, and it’s a steal at this price.

*   **Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD**: Both are updated versions of older Wii games. They're great for playing with family. Kirby is easier for beginners, and DKC has an easier setting from when it was on the 3DS.

*   **Luigi’s Mansion 3**: People love hunting ghosts. And it has cool multiplayer stuff.

*   **Nintendo Switch Sports**: If you liked Wii Sports, you’ll like this. Good for family game night.

**Amiibo Discounts**

Best Buy and Amazon also dropped prices on Amiibo figures. The newest Zelda Amiibo (Tulin, Riju, Yunobo, and Sidon) are down to $10 (originally $30). The Street Fighter 6 Amiibo (Luke, Jamie, Kimberly) are $15, (originally $40).

These things don’t usually get this cheap. Good for collectors. Best Buy has all three Street Fighter Amiibo for $45. Amazon’s got the same Zelda prices as Best Buy, but they’re running out fast.

**More Storage?**

Switch 2 Lets you add storage. Amazon has the Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express card for $75 (originally $100). Games need more space now, so it's a smart buy.

**What This All Means**

This Nintendo Black Friday sale in 2025 tells us a few things:

*   **Good Deals on Old Games**: By cutting prices on Switch games, Nintendo’s getting rid of old stock but still gets attention for Games.

*   **Games That Work on Different Systems**: Games runs better on new hardware.

*   **Stores Fighting for Your Money**: Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon all want your money, but things are selling out fast.

*   **Accessories are also on sale**: Amiibo and storage deals round out the sale, encouraging people to invest in Nintendo.

**To Wrap It Up: A Black Friday Worth Checking Out**

If you're a Nintendo person, Black Friday 2025 is the time to buy. Games are cheap, and figures are cheap. Something for everyone.

Thing is, stuff's selling out fast. Amazon’s almost gone. Walmart’s got the best stuff. If are keen on a particular discounted games, buy it now. And if you collect figures, this is a rare opportunity to get them cheap.

Nintendo may not be the one to do a huge discount, but in 2025, they are rivalling other stores. All gamers should go and see what they have to offer!

5.Samsung Considers Perplexity AI for Bixby Upgrade, Ditching Gemini

Samsung might be giving Bixby a major makeover. You know, Bixby? Their voice assistant that most people forgot about. Word is, they might link up with Perplexity, that AI search engine that everyone's chattering about.

Bixby showed up back in 2017 with the Galaxy S8. It was meant to rival Siri and Google Assistant, but let's be real, it didn't quite catch fire. Google's assistant was just too far ahead. Bixby did have a few neat features, but it gave the impression that Samsung was just checking boxes – Yup, we have our own voice assistant!

**What's the Hype About?**

A tech guy, @chunvn8888, has dropped hints that Samsung is thinking about using Perplexity to power up Bixby. Similar to what Apple's doing, by adding ChatGPT to Siri, it'll be a similar result. Bixby would still take care of the easy stuff – setting alarms, controlling your smart home, starting apps, your usual phone assistant things. But if you ask complicated questions, the kind that needs online research, that's where Perplexity comes in.

This could totally change Bixby. Rumor has it that we might see this new and improved Bixby on the Galaxy S26 phones, which should come out early next year. Honestly, it makes me consider buying this phone already.

**Why Choose Perplexity?**

Perplexity is gaining traction rapidly. People seem to like it because it can chat with you and search the web at the same time. It combines search engines with smart AI to give you useful answers. It feels like they want to be separate of Google's grasp.

That makes Perplexity a solid choice for Samsung. By teaming up, Samsung can help their devices be unique. It also fits with what Samsung has said about Gemini – that it won't be the only AI on Galaxy phones. They want you to pick the AI that works for you.

**The Apple Game Plan**

Samsung's plan sounds a lot like what Apple's up to with Siri and ChatGPT. Apple said that Siri would pass tougher questions to ChatGPT, giving users the benefits of AI without losing Siri's usual features. Samsung wants to copy that strategy, but with Perplexity instead.

It shows that voice assistants are not created equal. Tech companies are partnering with AI companies to improve their assistants, instead of trying to make it all. For Samsung, Perplexity might be what Bixby needs to become helpful.

**The Galaxy S26 Reveal**

The timing is interesting. The Galaxy S26 phones might come out a little later than usual next year. Normally, a new Galaxy phone launches all their most impressive pieces of tech, like better cameras, screens, and so on. If Perplexity comes to the S26, that'd be a big selling point and reason to buy the phone now.

By including Perplexity on the S26, Samsung can say that the phone is just better equipment – it's also an advancement in how AI can improve. If Samsung wants to be a leader in the AI world, where everyone expects their devices to be smart and effective, this might do the trick.

**The effect it will have on you**

If Perplexity is added to Bixby, here’s a few ways your life may be impacted:

*   **Bixby is now helpful:** Most people find Bixby pointless. Adding Perplexity would it into a helpful AI assistant. Then people might decide to use it.

*   **Relying less on Google:** Samsung uses Google’s Gemini a lot, so Perplexity gives additional alternatives. This helps people who only want to use one ecosystem.

*   **More choices:** Apple is going to use ChatGPT, so Samsung might convince other companies to consider something similar – leading to better products as a whole.

*   **The user must choose:** If you can decide which AI assistant to use, you could select Gemini for work tasks, Perplexity for research, and Bixby for your phone functions. This will show you what the future is truly like.

**Problems to Expect**

It won't be easy. Getting Perplexity and Bixby used together, by protecting user info. Samsung will probably not want contradicting questions or overlapping answers. Then how will Perplexity continue to make money, will it still be a free to use, or cost money and require a subscription?

Samsung also has to get people to start using Bixby. Lots of Galaxy owners haven’t used Bixby a lot in recent years. To get people to start, Samsung needs to prove that Bixby is advantageous to use.

**Bixby's Moment of Truth?**

If it's true, Samsung's deal with Perplexity could change Bixby's fate. By matching Bixby's standard commands with Perplexity's AI, it could become helpful and applicable.

The Galaxy S26 phones will be tested. If Samsung makes it easy to use, Bixby could go up the ranks quickly. If it doesn't succeed, it will stay behind Siri and Gemini.

6.The 20 Greatest PS4 Games of All Time (2025 Update)

## PlayStation 4: 20 Games You Absolutely Have to Play

The PlayStation 4, with over 117 million units sold around the world, is a total rockstar in the gaming world. It's been a hit for so long because it's got the goods where it counts. It's not just about the powerful tech inside or how easy it is to use; it's all about the games. The PS4 boasts some seriously awesome games! Some are made by Sony and completely changed what we expect from certain types of games. Others, made by different companies, were just plain better on PS4. For almost ten years, this console was *the* thing to have.

So, what games are absolute must-plays? Here are 20 of the best PS4 games, listed in no particular order. These titles really show off how diverse, creative, and influential the PS4 really was.

**God of War (2018)**

Reboots can be tricky, but let me tell you, God of War nailed it. The team at Sony Santa Monica took Kratos, who used to hang out in Greek myths, and dropped him into Norse mythology. And get this, he's got a son, Atreus. The game focuses on their relationship as they go on this really emotional adventure together. They changed the camera so it's over-the-shoulder, and the fighting system is totally new. Plus, the story just feels like you're watching a movie. It makes the game feel both familiar for old fans while grabbing the attention of new ones, making it one of the most memorable games to come out on the PS4.

**The Last of Us Part II**

Naughty Dog isn't afraid to push boundaries, and they really went for it with The Last of Us Part II. This sequel is super intense, both in terms of the story and how you feel while playing it. The combat is brutal, the graphics are amazing, and the storyline? People are *still* talking about it. It's dark, it's daring, and it really shows what the PS4 could do in terms of creating a cinematic experience. It wouldn't be out of place in Hollywood.

**Bloodborne**

If you like a challenge and love gothic horror, then Bloodborne is your jam. This action RPG from FromSoftware has a huge following. The creepy atmosphere, the fighting where you barely survive each battle, and the detailed story have all made Bloodborne a crown jewel in the Soulsborne world. Gruesome enemies and really fast combat? Yes, please. This is a must-play for people who enjoy a video game kicking their butt and also want something pretty to look at.

**Horizon Zero Dawn**

Guerrilla Games blew everyone away with Horizon Zero Dawn. It's a beautiful open-world game set way, way into the future where machines rule. You play as Aloy who is trying to piece together what happened to humanity. The fighting is a ton of fun. Plus, the story is really interesting. This game had some of the most amazing graphics on the PS4, and the sequel on the PS5 made everything even better.

**Marvel’s Spider-Man**

Have you ever wanted to be Spider-Man? Insomniac Games totally nailed it with Marvel's Spider-Man. Swinging through New York City feels exactly how you'd imagine it, and the story about Peter Parker is surprisingly heartfelt. The fighting is smooth and flows well, there are tons of side missions to keep you busy, and Manhattan is recreated in loving detail. It's easy to see why this became a quick favorite for PS4 owners.

**Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End**

Nathan Drake's last adventure was great. Uncharted 4 has those huge, over-the-top action scenes that you'd expect. But they also took the time to look at the characters and focused on things like family and what it means to leave a legacy. Naughty Dog's skill with storytelling and all their technical know-how really make this game shine as one of the best on the PS4.

**Persona 5**

For those who love Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), Persona 5 is a title you just can't miss. Everything about it is stylish and cool, starting with the way it looks. The music is great, and there are lots of different things you can do to build relationships with characters in the game. It's easy to see why this game introduced the genre to a whole new generation. The story about the Phantom Thieves taking a stand against corruption really resonated with people. Persona 5 is one of the most popular RPGs to come out in the last decade.

**Ghost of Tsushima**

Ghost of Tsushima came out pretty late in the PS4's life, but it made a huge splash. Sucker Punch created this massive open world based on feudal Japan. You can have these intense samurai duels or sneak around using stealth tactics, the choice is yours. The game looks like an old Kurosawa film and has a really emotional story, making it a pretty great sendoff for the PS4.

**Red Dead Redemption 2**

Rockstar is known for going big, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is no exception. The world is so detailed, you'll just get lost in it. The weather changes, and the characters you meet feel like real people. Some people thought the story was a bit slow, and it's definitely a realistic game. But hardly anyone can deny just how ambitious and artistic this game became.

**Monster Hunter: World**

Monster Hunter had been around for a while, but it really took off with Monster Hunter: World. Capcom made the game more welcoming to newcomers while still keeping all the depth that longtime fans loved. Teaming up with friends to take down giant monsters was a blast on the PS4's online service, and the game became a worldwide success.

**Other Essential Titles**

There are just so many great games on the PS4 that it's hard to pick just 20. Here are some other must-play games:

*   **Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice**: Action game from FromSoftware is hard, but so satisfying when you win.

*   **Final Fantasy VII Remake**: Takes the core of a classic and reimagines it in new ways.

*   **Resident Evil 2 Remake**: What we consider perfection in the survival horror genre, but modernized.

*   **Death Stranding**: A unique game from Hideo Kojima that you need to experience for yourself.

*   **Control**: Remedy delivers with this unusual action game with cool powers.

*   **Nier: Automata**: A philosophical action RPG that combines deep ideas with great fighting.

*   **Journey (PS4 edition)**: A classic indie game about exploration and creates intense emotional experiences.

*   **Dark Souls III**: The final installment in FromSoftware series becomes a big culmination of their legendary work.

*   **Ratchet & Clank (2016)**: Colorful reboot which really shows off what the PS4 can do.

*   **Until Dawn**: This interactive horror story became a hit among fans.

**In Conclusion: A Truly Great Console**

The PlayStation 4 wasn't a hit just because it sold a lot of units. It was the awesome experiences it gave us that made it special. From the feels you got playing The Last of Us Part II to the sheer adrenaline rush that came with swinging through the streets of New York in Spider-Man, there was a game for everyone on the PS4. Its library really defined a generation of gaming, and it paved the way for the PS5 to take over. The PS4 will be remembered as one of the best consoles ever made.

7.Amazon Drops Price on $60 2-in-1 Laptop & Tablet to Just $5

Amazon is running this crazy Black Friday thing. They're selling a ZZB Android 15 that's *both* a laptop *and* a tablet for only *fifty-five bucks*. Yes, you read that right.

Seriously, these days everyone seems to need either a laptop or a tablet. It's not like they're cool accessories anymore. They're often just necessities. People need them for work, to shut up the kids on roadtrips, or to just relax on the couch. But nobody wants to shell out a fortune on one. It could be hard to find something that isn't trash and doesn't destroy your checking account. The price of this ZZB deal is what's making everyone online ask questions.

**Why is this deal so unusual?**

A lot of folks wind up buying a laptop *and* a tablet. This ZZB doohickey, though? It tries to do both. It's small enough to carry around and look like a tablet. But also it can do real work such as papers for grad school. Or at least they say it can, who knows if it can actually be both without some compromise.

The thing that people are pointing out is this the 18GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. How is that even possible? This device is less than $60. Also, get this: you can put an SD card, and add up to *2 terabytes* of storage. I mean, come on. A lot of tablets can’t even handle that, so you could cram it with movies, games, pictures, whatever tickles your fancy.

**How does it run?**

So, supposedly, the ZZB Android 15 has a chip that can handle a lot of stuff going on at once. It isn't supposed to slow down. You know how cheaper tablets can get all frozen and gross when you have a bunch of apps open? This one says it can avoid doing that, so it's supposed to let you watch videos, check the web, do assignments, anything without wanting to smash it.

It uses Android 15, which is Google's newest operating system. It could be easy to use, and it says it has AI of some kind working in the background. That AI is supposedly trying to do things like set reminders, save battery life, and suggest apps. In practice that may not be true, but hey, what do you want from something that costs $55? It is nice that it at least tries some things.

**What about the screen, and sounds?**

There is a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen. That panel has IPS, which can mean the colors look nice no matter what angle you look from. There are two cameras, and stereo speakers, so you can definitely check out Youtube videos and do video calls.

When it's in the box, it looks like a normal tablet. But it's got a cover that becomes a stand, plus a wireless mouse, a wireless keyboard, and a stylus. Hook up the keyboard ,and you have a mini-laptop. Taking it off, it becomes just a tablet again. Students, work-from-home folks, or anyone who wants one thing to do lots of things might be able to benefit greatly.

**So what the word of mouth on this device?**

Looking at Amazon, the people who bought appear content. One person mentioned being great for daily tasks plus the screen quality looks good. Another reviewer said that it feels solid which is good for something that's pretty cheap. Apparently, it's not a gimmick. Real people are trying this device, and they're enjoying it

**Get yours now!**

They even offer it in different colors, which is great. It makes the whole thing feel a bit more personal.

**Is there more deals like this?**

On Black Friday, Amazon also has other deals on similar devices, such as:

*   Tabwee T80 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet for $89 (normally $105)

*   Aiprotablet K12 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet for $59 (normally $74)

*   Tuohaitime 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet for $70 (normally $110)

It is worth considering some of these options, but the ZZB really has the best specs for the price.

**More than just tablets: Other deals**

Tablets and laptops aren’t the only items getting discounted. You can find some other cheap bargains:

*   JBL deep bass wireless earbuds for $35

*   Macy’s Eddie Bauer flannel sheet set for $38 (normally $135)

*   Walmart Bluetooth speaker for $15 (normally $120)

*   Amazon down jacket for $100

*   SwissGear backpack for $26

*   Columbia full-length parka for $60 (normally $120)

*   Walmart hair dryer for $24 (normally $80)

*   Amazon 2-pack indoor security cameras for $45 (normally $90)

**How big of a deal is this?**

Tech can be available to a wider audience thanks to cheap devices. A $55 2-in-1 allows a child to complete assignments when their family doesn't have a spare computer. It lets you can stream movies without needing to spend a large sum. It also makes it easier to have a backup device on trips.

In the present day, losing Internet access can affect you negatively. Bargains ensure people can participate more easily in online degree programs, distributed work, and digital communities.

**Keep some things in the back of your mind.**

Since it costs $55, so don't expect it to have the same construction, specs, and features, as a top-end laptop or tablet. If you're into hardcore gaming or require software hungry for processing power, think about getting something else. But for streaming shows, quick work, reading the news, or taking notes, this should work fine.

Take note that super-cheap devices don't get long term software updates. Be sure to check Amazon to if they will send out fixes for bugs.

**Basically, is it worth getting?**

I would say it's good especially when it's both a laptop and tablet for $55. Besides, it's apparently got lots of memory, expandable storage, Google's newest android version, and many accessories. This could work well for students, families, or the budget conscious.

These deals won't stay around forever. People are sharing opinions, so it would be smart to snag one or two till it's all gone. Amidst all the Black Friday promotions, this one may let people get access to tech that will improve their life if they're looking for ways to cut back on costs.

8.Apple Prepares Black Friday Discounts for iPhone 17 Series 

**Apple's Holiday Gift Event vs. iPhone 17 Black Friday Sales: Which Deal is the Real Winner?**

Okay, so Black Friday's almost here, and everyone's trying to get you to upgrade your phone, right? Apple's jumping in with this Holiday Gift Event centered around the shiny new iPhone 17. What they're basically doing is trying to get people to buy the latest model. If you buy an iPhone 17 from Apple starting November 28th, they'll throw in a gift card, maybe up to $75. Also – and this is pretty standard – you can trade in your old phone to get a discount. If you're trading in something recent and fancy, like an iPhone 16 Pro Max, you could get around $670 off! The good thing here, especially if you don't like being stuck with a specific phone company, is you're buying an unlocked iPhone directly from Apple. If that sounds appealing, their deal's not bad.

**Apple's Main Play: Trade-In and a Little Something Extra**

This trade-in thing from Apple is old news. It's how they usually try to make new iPhones more affordable right off the bat. With the iPhone 17, it looks like they might be a little more generous with the trade-in values. Like I said earlier, if you have a fairly new, higher end phone, you'll get the most back. But even if you have an older phone, it is kind of nice to get something for it.

The $75 gift card is a cool little perk too. It's not a ton of money, not when you think about how much the phone costs in the first place. But it's still something you can use for stuff you'd be buying anyway – a new case, a faster charger, maybe some AirPods if you're feeling fancy. For anyone who likes the freedom of month-to-month phone plans, or who just doesn't want a contract, buying an unlocked iPhone from Apple is usually the easiest way to go. You just buy the phone and do what *you* want with it.

**Cell Carrier Deals: Deeper Discounts, But There's Always a Catch**

While Apple's deal isn't terrible, the big phone companies are getting in on the action, too. They're all fighting for your attention with their Black Friday specials. Sometimes, they make it sound like they're practically giving the phone away! Of course, there's always a catch, and it usually means signing up for one of their unlimited plans for a few years. It's worth checking out the different carrier offers.

**Verizon: An iPhone 17 for Free (Sort Of)**

One of Verizon's offers is the iPhone 17 for free, but you need to sign up for their Welcome Unlimited plan. That plan is roughly $65 a month for one line. Usually, the phone itself would add another $23.05 per month for 36 months (three years!), but with this deal, you just pay for the plan. The thing is, you're stuck with Verizon for three years and you're paying whatever they charge for their plan the whole time.

If you're already a Verizon customer and planning to stick with them, this could be good. But if you like switching things up or want cheaper options – especially prepaid deals – being locked in like that isn't great.

**Verizon's Bundle: Three Apple Devices Under One Contract.**

Verizon's also tempting people with a bundle deal. They're throwing in the iPhone 17, an Apple Watch (probably the Series 11), and an iPad (likely the 11th generation) all in one package. To get the free devices, you must subscribe to their Welcome Unlimited plan. At first, that sounds amazing, but understand that you’ll be paying monthly fees for cellular on both the watch and the tablet. If you need all three devices and need them all connected wherever you are, this might be awesome. Just do the math and see what it will cost you over the long term and what the cancelation fees might be.

**AT&T: A No-Cost iPhone 17 Pro... With a Trade-In**

AT&T's trying to reel in people who are ready to upgrade. You can have the iPhone 17 Pro at no charge... sort of. You have to trade in your current phone and sign up for one of their unlimited plans. So, if you don’t mind giving up your current device and you're already with AT&T, this is an easy path to becoming a Pro model user without paying so much. If you're not with AT&T, you have to figure out if their unlimited plans fit with your data use and, even most importantly, whatever fits your budget. Like the Verizon deals, you're signing on for the long haul.

**Verizon: The iPhone 17 Pro for Free... If You're Willing to Pay More Every Month**

For those who are craving the Pro iPhone, Verizon has another option. You can get it with no upfront costs, but you have to get on their premium Ultimate Unlimited plan, which costs more each month than the Welcome Unlimited plan I was talking about earlier. A lot of people will probably be scared by the price difference alone. But you get the better cameras and the faster processor of the Pro model, and you can get it without any initial expense for the phone itself. But again, you have to agree to pay the higher monthly price for a certain amount of time.

**Verizon: The iPhone 17 Pro Max for Just a Few Bucks a Month**

And for those who want the biggest, most powerful iPhone, Verizon's trying to get you with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. They try to make it sound almost free with one of their plans. If you pick one of the right unlimited plans, you can the phone for as little as $4.99 per month. For that, you get Apple's super-fast A19 Pro processor, a bigger, brighter 6.9-inch screen, faster charging, and the best battery ever on an iPhone.

If you want all the fancy features without paying a bunch upfront, it seems attractive. But you have to want their unlimited plan.

**Xfinity Mobile: A Discount on the iPhone 17 Pro Max**

Xfinity Mobile has a deal where you can receive a discount on Apple's bigger phone. If you buy it through them and getting their Premium Unlimited plan, with correct deals, you can bring the price down from $400 to $1,100. So, while it's not exactly down to zero dollars, it's still a good deal on par with everything else being offered.

**How to Decide Which Deal's Best**

Figuring out whether to go with Apple directly or one of the carrier deals boils down to a few things about your own preferences:

*   **Want to stay unlocked?** If you hate the idea of a contract and want to use a smaller, budget carrier, Apple's trade-in programs are for you.

*   **Already like your phone provider?** If you're comfortable with Verizon, ATT, or Xfinity, then the carrier plans might save you a lot of money with those long-term contracts.

*   **Want multiple devices?** The bundles that Verizon offers paired with various devices might entice you. Just make sure the total ends up being worth it or not, as well as making sure you can cancel the extra devices if you don't need them anymore.

*   **Big fan of pro?** For the Pro Max, deals between Verizon and Xfinity make the phones very affordable, potentially getting you the deals you're looking for.

**The Fine Print: Many Paths to a New iPhone This Year**

With the deals floating and bobbing all around, holiday shoppers might start to spin with all the options. Some retailers want you for the contract plans, while others want you purchasing directly through them. Apple themselves are also in the mix, making Black Friday for phones very competitive.

Figuring out the best plan to go with can be difficult! If you hate the idea of contracts, going with Apple might be the safest bet. But, if you want the lowest monthly payments, Verizon or AT&T could be for you. For those who want the newest deal on a device, Verizon and Xfinity are great deals you might want to look at, especially if you like Apple's products. Before buying just be sure to look over the deals and fine print!

This Black Friday, getting a new phone isn't just that easy: it's a gauntlet run of finding out what the most important thing you like is. What type of cost fits well. And finally, what is the best-rated phone.

9.Xbox Teams Up with Crocs for Limited-Edition Gaming Clogs

Xbox and Crocs? Yeah, they're doing a collab! Who would've guessed gaming and comfy shoes would team up. But think about it: when you're kicking back, eyes on the screen, controller in hand, what do you want on your feet? Something comfy. And Crocs are all about that life!

So, they're dropping a limited-edition line of Crocs on the Crocs shop thing soon. If you even think you might want a pair, set a reminder because these are gonna sell out super quick. Seriously, like gone in a flash.

**Controller Shoes for Real?**

Yep, you heard right! Imagine your regular Crocs, but with Xbox controller buttons and D-pads all over them, so awesome looking, if that makes sense to you to want them! It's a whole vibe, for sure. It's basically saying, I'm a gamer, and I value my chill time. Maybe.

But wait, there's more! They say Player Left and Player Right on the footbeds. It's like a little shout-out to all those hours spent gaming with friends. And even with the crazy design, they're still Crocs, super comfy. Awesome for those all-day, all-night gaming binges. Spill something? No biggie! They're easy to clean.

**Make Them Your Own**

You can't have Crocs without Jibbitz, right? Xbox gets it, so they're including a five-pack. We're talking characters and stuff from games like Halo, Fallout, DOOM, World of Warcraft, and Sea of Thieves.

The Jibbitz are so cool because they're from such great games. Whether you love first-person shooters, post-apocalyptic adventures, demon-slaying, massive online worlds, or pirate games, there's something for you. I wonder if they'll make more in the future?

**Gift Alert!**

Releasing these Crocs now is smart with the holidays coming up. Everyone wants something a little weird and fun, good white elephant gift at family parties!

Think about all the extra gaming with family coming up. These Crocs are perfect for lounging on the couch. Know someone who has everything? Done. Get these for your gamer friend who has it all. It's a wacky but useful gift!

**Gaming Everywhere You Go**

This Xbox Crocs thing shows how huge gaming has become. It's not just consoles and PCs anymore. It's a massive part of pop culture and seeping into fashion, music, and other stuff. Crocs always partners with different groups, so the Xbox thing shows they're paying attention.

For Xbox, it shows they're still on top of things. Community! Fashion! It's about making a statement even when you're not gaming, showing your love for the community!

**Feelin' Good!**

Ignore the weird looks for a sec. Bottom line is, you still get that Crocs comfort. Wear them around the house, shopping, wherever. That comfy fit is great!

And those Player Left/Right markings? Adds so much personality, right?

**Don't Sleep On It!**

These limited edition deals don't last. You HAVE TO get these Crocs when they drop on the Crocs site. Don't even second-guess it! Since they're limited, expect them to be super popular. If you want to show off your favorite games, act fast!

**In Short: Game On!**

The Xbox and Crocs collection? It's more than just shoes. It represents all those relaxing moments of comfy gaming. The Crocs are useful and cool-looking. Plus, you can add Jibbitz from your favorite game series.

If you're looking for a cool holiday present and want to have some fun with the fam you should purchase these Crocs. 2024 Collab of the Year? We'll see!

10.Nano Banana Pro Accused of Generating Fake Aadhaar, PAN Cards — Our Investigation

**Google's New AI: Cool Tech, But... Fake IDs? Seriously?!?**

AI is everywhere now, isn't it? It’s not just in movies anymore. People are using it for art, automating work, all sorts of things. Google just released something new - let's call it Gemini Whatever because those names are getting silly - and the internet’s buzzing. Apparently, it makes images like crazy - great quality, consistent characters, even photo editing and its own search. People are making cool portraits, turning boring LinkedIn pages into infographics, and even turning long emails into summaries you can understand. Sounds great, right?

But there is always a “but,” isn’t there?

Some clever people started testing it, to see what it could do. And they found something a bit scary. This Gemini thing can make really believable fake Indian IDs, like Aadhaar and PAN cards. And here’s the wild part – it does it without even a warning message asking if you’re supposed to do that. That’s a bit alarming, don't you think? It makes me wonder about privacy, how it could be misused, and if Google really has things under control.

**The Fake ID Thing: Too Easy?**

So, people were playing around, checking what this AI could really do. And they got Gemini to make these fake Aadhaar and PAN cards that look… well, they look real. Photos uploaded, fake info entered, and the AI just went ahead and made them. The strange thing is that the AI didn’t give any warnings. It didn't even suggest that it wasn't OK.

Now, nobody will say exactly how they did it, because that would make even more fake IDs possible. But believe me, the results were convincing. If you had them in your hand a lot of people could mistake them for the real thing, if they weren't looking closely. OK, Google *does* put a watermark on the pics and something invisible, but those can be removed or missed.

**Why This Is a Real Problem**

Think about it: those ID documents are our keys to doing things, right? In India, Aadhaar and PAN cards are basically vital. You need them to open a bank account, use government services, get a new phone SIM card - everything! If it's simple to fake them, that’s a big issue starting up.

This isn’t just some impossible idea situation. People *will* try to use this for bad things. Cheating, stealing identities, getting away with breaking the law - you name it. Even with a watermark, most regular people either won't see it or won't think much about it, mostly if they're in a hurry.

**Where's the Stop Button?**

Google always talks about AI being safe. People complain that their AI is *too* careful. It won't create anything that seems even a little risky. So how did something like making fake IDs pass unnoticed? People are wondering if Google’s people in charge of safety thought about this. I mean, it’s not some unusual, crazy thing. This isn’t the first time Google’s been called out for being too fearful about easy things while missing big problems.

**Seen This Before...**

Also, this isn't the first time an AI's been caught making IDs! Remember when OpenAI released GPT-4o earlier? People said they could trick it into making realistic Aadhaar and PAN card images, too. This new Google model is a little more alarming so far because the images look even more real. Here's the thing: as AI gets better at copying reality, it becomes more tempting for scammers.

**AI: The Great, the Bad, and the Worrying**

This whole Gemini Whatever idea shows you both sides of AI. That same tech that lets you design cool things, fix photos, or create visualizations can also be used to make these fake documents.

It's not just a Google thing. All the tech companies are struggling with how to make sure their AI is used well. Watermarks, detecting program, and user promises are all part of it, but they're not a perfect fix. And as AI gets better, it’s going to be harder to stop bad people from using it badly.

**What's Being Said?**

On X and Reddit, people are posting examples of the fake IDs Gemini Whatever can create, and discussions are going on. Some people want Google to block anything that has to do with ID documents. Others worry that rules will end up stopping artists and creative work.

The main question is: How do we use all the amazing things AI can do, without causing lots of bad things? People see this fake ID situation as an important lesson, a sign that AI isn’t just for fun. It has results in the real world.

**So, What Comes Next?**

Government people are paying attention, too. In India, where Aadhaar is everywhere, officials could see fake ID making as a bad issue, possibly leading to new AI safety laws, better systems for seeing fake IDs, or solid fines for AI misuse.

Globally, this just adds more pressure for more AI rules. The European Union, for example, is creating an AI law that would put solid rules in place for high-risk AI uses. Fake ID making would almost certainly fit into that.

**In Short: Make It Real**

Google's Gemini Whatever is great tech with lots of hope. But the fact that it can so simply make fake Aadhaar and PAN cards shows how risky this stuff can be. Watermarks are nice, but they aren't enough. Tech companies need to start thinking seriously about how their AI could be misused and add some safe systems.

We, the users, should be careful how we use these new AI tools, government people need to act now, and companies need to show that safety is a basic idea, not something they think about it later. This Gemini Whatever problem might not be big news for long, but it's a lesson people should pay attention to. We need to ensure that good AI use is as important as AI progress.

11.Multiplayer in Pokémon Legends: Z-A Is Stuck on One Overpowered Team 

**Pokémon Legends: Z-A Multiplayer – From a Fun Free-for-All to a Predictable Pattern**

When Pokémon Legends: Z-A first came out, jumping into the multiplayer was a blast. It felt so new and exciting. For those first few nights, battles were just crazy, totally random, and a lot of fun. It was like the game was all about trying things out and seeing what would happen. The battle system, where you fought in real-time, made you think on your feet. Even if you didn't have the perfect team, you could still win. Pulling off a huge Surf attack that hit a bunch of opponents was awesome, and it felt like you could actually use your favorite Pokémon and do well.

But that good time didn't stay around for long. After just a few days, players started figuring out what worked best. Now, the competitive battles have turned into a loop where everyone's using the same three Pokémon over and over: Metagross, Xerneas, and Garchomp. It went from being a place where you could try different strategies to a very predictable back-and-forth.

**How the Best Strategy Took Over**

It's normal for players to find the strongest way to play in competitive Pokémon games. People are always going to pick what gives them the best chance to win, and that means some Pokémon are going to become more popular than others. The thing that's different about Legends: Z-A is how fast this happened. The multiplayer matches put four players against each other, and each player has three Pokémon. You're all trying to knock each other out in a short amount of time. The best way to win in this setup is to have Pokémon that can do a lot of different things and can survive for a while. That's why Metagross, Xerneas, and Garchomp are so good.

*   **Metagross (Steel/Psychic):** This Pokémon can take a lot of hits and deal a lot of damage with its Steel-type attacks. It has good defenses against many common attacks, and it can hit a lot of different types of Pokémon.

*   **Xerneas (Fairy):** Xerneas is a legendary Pokémon that can hit super hard. Its Fairy-type moves are really good against Dragon-types like Garchomp, and it's tough enough to take some hits itself.

*   **Garchomp (Dragon/Ground):** Garchomp is fast, strong, and can do a lot of different things. Earthquake is still one of the best moves in the game, and it can really hurt Metagross and other Steel-types.

Together, these three Pokémon can handle almost anything. They're strong against different types of attacks, they cover each other's weaknesses, and they have moves that work well against a lot of different opponents. This means that almost every team you see has at least two of them, and a lot of teams have all three.

**How It Changed the Game**

Because these three Pokémon are so popular, the multiplayer battles aren't as fun as they used to be. Instead of seeing lots of different strategies, you're mostly seeing the same teams over and over. The matches feel less like creative battles and more like watching the same thing play out every time.

I tried playing recently, and every person I fought had at least two of those three Pokémon. And it's not just me that's noticed this—people online are saying the same thing. Someone on Reddit said that the online battles went from pretty fun when the game came out to the most boring thing ever in just a short time. Someone else mentioned that letting legendary Pokémon like Xerneas into the ranked battles so early made everyone use the same teams, which didn't leave people much to try out.

**Why Different Groups of Pokémon Are Needed**

The official Pokémon competitions have used different groups of Pokémon for a long time to keep things balanced. By putting Pokémon into different groups based on how strong they are, players can pick the kind of competition they want to play. That way, Pokémon that aren't as strong still have a chance to be used in battles.

Legends: Z-A doesn't have anything like this right now. Without different groups, the ranked battles put everyone together, and the strongest Pokémon always win. This makes it hard for people who just want to use their favorite Pokémon. They have to either use the same Pokémon as everyone else or get beaten a lot. Even worse, you have to play these ranked battles to get Mega Stones, so even people who don't care about competition have to play the same boring matches to get items in the game.

**The Problem with Cheating**

The game also has a problem with people cheating, which makes it even less fun. People have reported seeing Pokémon that have been hacked and other ways that people are cheating the game. It's hard to enjoy a fair battle when you're dealing with both cheaters and the same three Pokémon all the time.

The game company has tried to make it a little better by making it easier to move up in the rankings. You don't lose your rank if you lose a battle, so you can still get rewards even if you keep losing. This helps people who just want to play casually, but it doesn't fix the problem that the battles are all the same.

**What's Coming: The Mega Dimension DLC**

There's still hope, though. The Mega Dimension DLC is coming out on December 10, and it's going to add some new Pokémon to the game. These new Pokémon could change things up and give players new ways to counter the popular Pokémon and make different kinds of teams. Usually, when new Pokémon are added to a game, it makes the battles feel fresh again. Players are hoping that this DLC will stop everyone from always using Metagross, Xerneas, and Garchomp.

But this only works if the new content is done right. If the game company still lets legendary Pokémon be used without any restrictions, the best Pokémon might just change to a different set, and people won't really be using more different Pokémon. It would be better if the game had different groups of Pokémon or different kinds of ranked battles.

**The Bigger Picture**

The problems with Legends: Z-A's multiplayer show how hard it is to make a competitive game that's easy for everyone to play but also has enough depth. The real-time battles are a cool idea, but the game doesn't have enough ways to keep things balanced. This has caused everyone to use the same teams, which makes the game less fun.

People who just want to play with their favorite Pokémon aren't having as much fun because they feel like they have to be like everyone else. People who like to compete aren't as excited because the matches are too predictable. And the cheaters are making things worse for everyone.

**In Conclusion: Fun at First, Not So Much Now**

Pokémon Legends: Z-A's multiplayer started out great—it was crazy, exciting, and easy to get into. But after a few weeks, everyone started using Metagross, Xerneas, and Garchomp, and the battles became repetitive. Since there aren't different groups of Pokémon or any restrictions, everyone is forced to play the same way, which makes the game less diverse and less fun.

The Mega Dimension DLC might help, but the game needs to change the way it's set up to keep things balanced in the long run. Until then, players are going to be stuck using the same Pokémon over and over, and a game that was supposed to be new and different has turned into a warning about what happens when games don't stop players from using the same strategies all the time.

12.Google Denies Claims That Gemini Was Trained on Gmail Data 

Last week the internet practically exploded over some nonsense about Gmail and AI. People went nuts thinking Google was secretly feeding our emails into its Gemini AI to make it smarter or something. The rumor was that Google just signed everyone up for this without even bothering to ask. Like, remember those smart features in Gmail that try to finish your sentences? Yeah, those were the culprits according to the internet.

The whole thing blew up fast. Tweets went totally viral, and even some news outlets jumped on the bandwagon before actually checking if any of it was real. Then they had to print corrections, but by that point, the damage was done. What a joke, right?

Google was all, Whoa, hold on! They released a statement pretty much saying, Chill out, people, that's not happening. They stated directly that Gmail messages are absolutely not used to teach Gemini anything. And they swear they didn't mess with anyone's settings to allow AI training. Google promised that if they ever did something like that, everyone would get a big memo first.

**Where Did This Even Start?**

It all started with some claims about Google changing the rules without telling anyone. People pointed to Gmail's smart features and said, See? They're totally using our emails! Yeah, those features do use some machine learning to work, but that's been there for a while. It wasn’t suddenly out of nowhere. So, thinking the company using the data now is quite a big jump.

Still, the story kept going. One security blog even posted an article repeating the claims, only to add a correction later. Doesn't matter at that point. Because of how fast things spread online (especially when it's about tech companies and also our personal stuff), people were already in total panic. Stopping that bandwagon was nearly impossible.

**Google’s Take on All This**

Google's message was relatively simple, even if some people think they should have spoken up faster. They made three things very clear:

*   Gmail messages don't teach Gemini thing.

*   They haven't turned on any settings that would let AI training happen without our knowledge.

*   If they change something, they'll give everyone the memo ahead of time.

If you believe them, this whole viral freakout was just completely false. It just shows how wrong information spreads if people are already worried about keeping their stuff private, which, let's be honest, many of us are. A lot of people don't want to worry about their data getting out; they want to know what the big tech companies are up to.

**Why Is Everyone So Worried, All the Time?**

I don't think you can blame people for always double-checking. Big tech companies have had issues over how secretive they can be about what they're doing with our information for years, now. They get hacked, and they find ways to profit off our data, and it all just feels uncomfortable. We've all learned not to blindly trust them. The companies get sued for sharing data improperly or selling information for money constantly. And that makes people feel cheated.

AI has made this whole mess even more complicated. Training those AI programs needs a mountain of data, and the feeling that our personal emails could be mixed in there is, well, a little bit scary. Even if Google says Gmail isn't used for Gemini, plenty of people still have some serious questions. We've seen companies use user data without permission before. Everyone remembers!

**Social Media's Part**

The Gmail rumor is an excellent example of how social media works. Stories that make people mad or scared go viral super fast, if they're even accurate or not. People can believe stuff more if it comes across their screens. Remember back when people would copy and share posts to try and stop companies from changing service?

Now, things are getting wilder. Making things up has never been easier. Social media will encourage people to crazy statement to attract, and people's eyes are money in the online economy. Even if someone corrects what you have heard later, it's too late for most people. After the lie has already spread, hardly anyone sees the retraction.

**Trust, But Double-Check**

The Gmail thing teaches us something: we have to not trust tech companies blindly and not blindly trust everything people share online. An average Joe can make some stuff up and it may even be easier to get people to believe a wild social media story than to believe some corporate statement these days.

Do some digging yourself: read what the companies say, check for corrections, and see what the news says. Be doubtful, not just of the companies, but of the people who are gaining fame/money for spreading stuff.

**Key Messages**

Let's talk about what we can learn from this whole mess:

*   Being straightforward is what matters most. Google answered pretty quickly, but people are still doubtful because they have not been the most transparent over recent years. Being open about this before the problem is there is vital. Come prepared.

*   What is wrong can spread fast. Media posts can sway people's opinions before the factual account has been presented. Companies need to be prepared to respond instantly.

*   Be aware. Get familiar with reasons people make viral posts, maybe it's for attention or dollars, so that people think critically about information more. Internet users require media literacy so they can be liable for their use of the internet and can be more difficult to sway.

*   AI = Big Fears. As AI develops, people are going to worry even more about their data. If a company seeks to maintain its reputation for customer trust, they need to prepare for fear mongering.

**In Short: Fears vs. Facts**

The Gmail/AI thing shows how easily trust of the tech world is weakened. Google has said that the statements aren't factual and that Gmail messages are never used to train their AI. However, this situation did show people's anxieties, and the misinformation spread no matter how few factual claims were made.

Customers should push Big Tech to be upfront and have integrity. Regardless, users should remember that some online posts may play the audience, and they could be doing it for attention. In order to understand the modern tech world, it's important to be doubtful of the reports floating around social media, as well as what is coming from major corporations.

This event had less to do with the actions of Google. The event really emphasized how fast wrong material can spread when you have a worried audience. This is an important lesson for customers as well as companies. You can lose people's trust fast, so think before blindly sharing something online and stay informed.

13.Ikea’s Vibrant New Bluetooth Speakers Are Meant to Be Seen 

**Ikea's Got New Bluetooth Speakers: Finally, Ones You Might Actually *Want* to Look At**

Ikea, come on, they just *know* how to pull it off. They mix stuff you need with stuff that looks good without costing you a fortune. They're not just about furniture anymore; it's about setting the whole vibe of your place. So, next month, they’re dropping a couple of new Bluetooth speakers: the Solskydd and the Kulglass after the Blomprakt speaker lamp that they put out sometime ago. It sounds like, after splitting with Sonos earlier this year, Ikea's jumping back into the speaker game.

Apparently, these speakers are part of a bigger dealie that they were hinting at earlier in 2025. Looks like Ikea’s thinking of tech as just another thing that goes in your house. One of their product folks, Sara Ottosson, said it best: They are treating speakers like everything else in your house, so they look and feel like they belong, instead of feeling like an afterthought. And to do that, they brought in Tekla Evelina Severin, a designer who's brilliant with colors and shapes. End result? Speakers that don't look like those ordinary black boxes you try to hide.

**Solskydd: Speakers or Serving Trays? You Decide.**

The Solskydd line is where Ikea really nails the design. They come in three sizes and honestly, you could mistake them for serving trays.

*   **Small (8-inch, $79.99):** This little guy is meant to be portable. It’s got a single 2.5-inch speaker inside a fabric wrap, looks kinda like an orange checkerboard. But don't think it's weak, because this thing can get pretty loud. And, it's the only Solskydd with a battery, it lasts up to 25 hours. Making this the perfect speaker to moving from room to room or out on the deck.

*   **Medium (11-inch, $99.99):** Now we're getting somewhere. This one has a 1-inch tweeter *and* a 4-inch woofer. The front's got this green fabric with brown and beige stripes, so it should fit right into your living room. Like the little one, you can hang it on the wall or set it on a shelf.

*   **Large (18-inch, $139.99):** This big sucker is designed to hang on the wall, make sure it's secure. It's got a 1-inch tweeter plus *two* 4-inch woofers, all wrapped in orange, textured material. It's the loudest of the bunch. The medium and large versions also let you adjust the sound, so you can adjust the bass and treble to your liking.

Oh, and if you don't like the colors, all the Solskydd models also come in plain old white. So, they’ll fit in anywhere, no matter your style.

**Cool Features That Could Matter to You**

Obviously, it's not just the looks. The Solskydd speakers have features to match. They support Bluetooth, and they also work with Spotify Tap.Basically, tap and pick up your playlist where you paused. Also, Ikea likes it when stuff works together, so you can pair two speakers for stereo sound with your TV or connect a whole bunch of them for a crazy wall of sound.

That multi-speaker thing is a great idea, especially if you're thinking about throwing a big party. Instead of spending a fortune on some multi-room audio setup, Ikea's making it pretty easy and cheap to get sound all over your place.

**Kulglass: Ice Cream Lamp/Speaker – Why Not?**

If the Solskydd is about blending in, the Kulglass is the opposite. This guy costs $129.99 and looks like an ice cream cone, but it's also a Bluetooth speaker *and* a lamp. The lampshade is shaped like a swirl of ice cream. The base has a 1-inch tweeter and a 3.5-inch woofer, so it's no joke when it comes to sound. It can get pretty loud, so don't think it's just a pretty face.

Forget complicated buttons, the Kulglass has an old sound knob which is a good addition. It comes in green or red, and it works as a lamp *and* a speaker. Who wouldn't want that? If you like cool gadgets that do two things at once, this one's a winner.

**Ikea's Audio Plans Post-Sonos**

Alright, so this is a turning point for Ikea. They used to work with Sonos on the Symfonisk series, in which was a nice way to mix Ikea design with Sonos’s audio smarts. But that's over, and now they are joining the game.

The long and the short of it is, Ikea wants to handle both the look and the way it sounds. These Solskydd and Kulglass models probably won't compete with real audiophile gear, but they do what Ikea does best: cheap stuff that looks decent and is halfway ok. Most people aren't sound freaks, they just want something that looks okay and doesn't sound like crap.

**When Do I Get One?**

So, the new speakers should be in stores in December 2025, but the exact date depends on where you live. If you're in the US, you're probably looking at January 1, 2026. The launch is staggered.

**Bottom Line: Speakers as Decoration**

With the Solskydd and Kulglass, Ikea is trying to shake things up. It's not just about how it sounds; it's also about design and style. A speaker shaped like a tray, a lamp that looks like an ice cream? It's all about breaking traditions.

If you like design and ease of use, Ikea's new gadgets are defintiely worth a look. They may not beat your high-end audio system, but your friend will think its pretty neat to have decent sound and still have money in your bank.

14.Amazon’s Starlink Rival Debuts with the ‘World’s Fastest Satellite Antenna’ 

**Amazon's Leo Ultra Antenna: A Challenger Appears in the Satellite Internet Arena**

Okay, so Amazon's officially throwing its hat into the satellite internet ring. They've just given us a peek at their new antenna, the Leo Ultra. The Leo Ultra is Amazon's way of saying, Hey, Starlink, we're coming for you! because SpaceX has kind of had this area to itself for a while now. The current buzz is that Amazon is doing some testing behind the scenes, trying to prepare the Leo Ultra for consumers.. They are thinking about officially launching it around 2026.

Now, don't go thinking this Leo Ultra is just some run-of-the-mill dish. Amazon's aiming this thing at businesses and government agencies. This indicates that they're targeting customers with big needs. Think companies or organizations that are struggling with slow or unreliable internet. Everyone is excited to find out what the price will ultimately be and how to get their hands on one. But so far they at least got to see a quick look .

**What Exactly Is It?**

The Leo Ultra is around 20x30 inches. But get this: Amazon is claiming it will be the turbo charged customer antenna available. They are saying it should be able to download at rates as high as 1Gbps and upload at 400Mbps, and it can do both at the same time. That's some outstanding performance, particularly when you consider older satellite options where the satellites are hundreds of miles away.

And here's the kicker: the antenna is able to deal with private networking and connect easily into Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other cloud services. This is crucial. The Leo Ultra isn't really designed for simply viewing stuff online. It's meant to directly integrate with Amazon's cloud platform. This direct route to AWS could really shake up how businesses and government organizations handle their cloud usage.

**Other Antennas in the Lineup**

The Leo Ultra is the biggest of the bunch, but it's not the only antenna Amazon's cooking up. They have the other options of course:

*   **Leo Pro (11-inch):** This one should pull in downloads at around 400Mbps. It's not as big as the Ultra, but it's still packs a punch.

*   **Leo Nano (7-inch square):** This little guy is expected to get downloads at about 100Mbps. It's the smallest size, which seems like it would be suitable for everyday people.

It appears each antenna is designed to suit varied needs.

**Comparison: Amazon Leo vs. Starlink**

Whenever most people think about satellite internet, Starlink is often the name that first comes to mind, since they've really become the standard. Starlink's Performance Kit gets downloads at roughly 400Mbps, so those generally meet most people's needs.

SpaceX has dropped hints recently that they're trying for speeds as fast as 1Tbps with the new V3 satellites. If they're successful, Starlink users may have gigabit speeds really soon. Amazon's AWS integration and private networking might attract businesses and governments, where cloud integrations can be even more vital than just raw speed numbers.

**Security: Is It Safe?**

It really seems like Amazon is pushing the security feature hard. Satellite networks, traditionally, haven't had the best track record when it comes to security. On older systems, your phone calls, messages, logins, emails, and other private details might not have been secure.

Amazon's Leo provides private networking, which might help people feel much more secure. Since the information never has to use public networks, this may protect it from people trying to peek at private information. This factor alone could make government groups and businesses want to go with Leo.

**What This All Means for the Market**

Amazon's getting into this market at a really opportune time. There are tons of people who really need better internet options. Remote work, cloud services, and companies with more remote workers have all pushed the need for more and better internet.

Starlink did prove that a good satellite option is something that can work. However, Amazon will try to push to the cloud integration angle. The Leo antennas want to directly connect businesses straight into the cloud. If security and cloud connections are prioritized, this could make users more willing to pay more for these services.

**Possible Issues**

Amazon may have a few problems. Satellites are costly, and SpaceX is already ahead, since they've got many of them in space.

Pricing might be an issue. Bigger clients may be okay with paying a bit more for super secure connections. But the money spent needs to be practical. So, if we can see some real-world pricing, we can see how it compares to Starlink and other options.

**Key Takeaways**

Amazon's Leo Ultra is new to the satellite internet discussions. The high speed, secure networking, and AWS capabilities will be appealing to anyone shopping for good internet outside of regular lines.

Starlink does have a lead, but Amazon is after government groups and business,. These business value stability, security and cloud connections. Whether Leo can find its spot in this world is something only time will tell.

Overall, Amazon's Leo Ultra suggests they're planning a link between space and the cloud.

15.$25 High-Speed Internet Coming Soon to Parts of L.A. County — How to Enroll 

**L.A. Getting Some Love: Affordable Internet Is Coming!**

Let's face it, internet access nowadays isn't a luxury; it's as basic as running water or electricity. Think about how much we rely on it! Kids need it for homework, adults use it to work from home, and everyone uses it to video chat with doctors or family who live far away. It’s crucial! A reliable internet connection just makes life easier.

That's why L.A. County is working on a solution. They're teaming up with WeLink, an internet service, to provide affordable internet to neighborhoods that need it most. The goal is to bridge the gap, so everyone can get online.

Here's the situation:

If you live in certain areas of East L.A., Boyle Heights, or South L.A., you might be able to get this service by the end of 2025. So, if you're in one of those areas, you can sign up now to get updates when it becomes available in your neighborhood. Seriously, do it ASAP!

**Why Should You Take Note?**

A huge portion of the country isn't connected, and people are missing out as a result. Guess what? Nearly 23% of homes in East L.A. and Boyle Heights don’t have internet! That's over 20,000 families! In South L.A., the number is even higher, with over 40,000 homes without internet. This hits low-income families with kids who need it for school, and seniors who are isolated and want to stay in touch with family. Getting a job, finding info, talking to doctors, or accessing basic help is harder without internet. Offering internet for around $25 a month could really make a difference.

**Where's the Money Coming From?**

That's a valid question! The American Rescue Plan Act and a grant from the California Public Utilities Commission are putting serious money towards this. The government recognizes this is important, and that's why they're investing in this initiative.

L.A. County has already launched a program called Delete the Divide and is trying to work on the Digital divide. They have been giving out equipment and tutorials to teach people how to use the internet. Partnering with WeLink is a big move because it gives people the tools to stay connected long-term.

**What kind of plans are there?**

WeLink said this about plans.

*   **Low-Income Plan:** For people who are eligible? Around $25 a month!

*   **Standard Plan:** For others? Only around $65 a month, which is still a great deal!

*   **Deal For Small Business :** Local companies and business owners can obtain exclusive discounts.

The best part? They all include unlimited data, so you can stream as much as you want, plus a router and parental controls! You won't have to worry about going over your data limit or unexpected fees. And to make it even better, the prices are set until at least September 2027.

**How WeLink Works. What's the tea?**

WeLink does things in its own way! Instead of digging up roads to put in cable lines, which is slow and annoying, they install a Wi-Fi router in your house and a small radio on your roof. This receiver connects you to the WeLink network, giving you fast internet access.

The installation is quicker and easier, which is great for neighborhoods where running cable lines would be difficult.

**Sounds Good, How Do I Sign Up?**

Go to the WeLink website and sign up for updates. They'll let you know when it's available in your neighborhood. Seriously, sign up now! The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can get connected! They're starting with East L.A., Boyle Heights, and South L.A., but if all goes well and they get more funding, they might expand to other areas.

**Reason To Be Excited?**

This isn't just about streaming video games without interruption. The pandemic showed everyone how essential internet access is. Kids couldn't attend school, and parents couldn't work. People without internet access were seriously disadvantaged. L.A. County is setting an example of how governments can work with companies to make internet affordable and available. If it works, it could be adopted in other places!

**Where things can go wrong**

Of course, there will be challenges. The biggest challenge is making sure people understand the program and how to register. Differences in language, tech skills, and trust could cause problems. Also, the connection needs to be good and reliable. No one wants slow or unreliable internet, even if it’s cheap. WeLink and L.A. County need to make sure the service is fast and dependable!

**Sum It Up!**

The WeLink program is a real moment for L.A. County. Making internet affordable and unlimited is a big plus for people who aren't connected. If you live in East L.A., Boyle Heights, or South L.A, this gives you a chance to get educated, access healthcare, and find work. L.A. County and WeLink want to show people that internet access isn't a luxury, despite things happening along the way; it belongs to everyone. So sign up when the rollout starts later this year!

16.New X Feature Raises Concerns by Revealing Iran Users Accessing Unblocked Internet 

Okay, here's a more human-sounding rewrite of that text, expanding on the details and avoiding those forbidden words:

X, that social media site once called Twitter, just rolled out a new thing called About This Account. It's supposed to give you some basic details on who's behind an account, like where they're located and how they get online to use X. Sure, it's not a perfect system because people can use tricks like VPNs to hide where they really are. Still, it's already shown us some interesting stuff about how people in Iran use X, even though their government has been putting up roadblocks for years.

So, Iran's been blocking X since way back in 2009. That means most people there have to jump through hoops, using VPNs to get around the rules. VPNs basically send your internet stuff through computers in other countries, so it looks like you're not even in Iran. This made it hard to figure out where someone *really* was.

But now, with this About This Account thing, it turns out there's a small bunch of accounts that just go straight to X from Iran, no VPN needed. These people are using what's called white SIM cards. Apparently, those cards give you open access to the web, because Iran has a special system where internet access isn't equal for everyone.

Okay, so what's this tiered internet all about? Well, there's this group called Filterwatch, and they say this tiered setup means that instead of everyone having a right to use the internet, it's turned into a special bonus for certain people. Most regular Iranians are stuck with a heavily controlled internet. But some people, and groups get to see the whole wide web, no problem.

With the About This Account feature, people can now spot who's getting this special treatment. All you have to do is look at the About This Account page and see if it says they're in Iran and getting onto X through the Iranian app store. That's a sign they've got open internet access.

So, who are these lucky folks? Well, the rules say some businesses, college teachers, and reporters are supposed to get this open access. But it turns out other people are getting it too. Accounts connected to groups and people who support the government seem to have no trouble getting online.

For, instance, there are the Fars and Tasnim news places, who are known to work with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). And get this some hard-line politicians who go around saying the internet *should* be restricted are using unrestricted internet themselves!

This situation really throws light on how unequal this tiered internet thing is. As Amir Rashidi from Filterwatch put it, now everyone can see that most people are struggling to get online, while some group are benefiting from this unfair practice.

But wait, there's more! This new X feature has also given us a peek into how Iran tries to influence things in other countries. There was this account called Jessica that was really popular for posting stuff in favor of Scotland leaving the UK back in 2014. Well, it turns out that account was actually based in Iran. After that came out, the account was shut down.

Iran's been suspected for ages of funding online stuff to mess with politics in other countries, including those Scottish independence campaigns and Brexit. Now, being able to trace accounts back to Iran gives us a new way to spot and stop these kinds of efforts.

Now, Amir Rashidi makes the point that even though this About This Account tool isn't perfect, it's still helpful for understanding what's going on. Online debates in Persian communities can get pretty intense. Knowing if someone is just giving their honest opinion, or if they're pushing some kind of agenda, can really help people understand the conversation.

Iranian rulers keep a pretty tight grip on the internet. Popular places like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp, and X are often blocked or severely restricted. And forget about using VPNs to get around the blocks that's against the law.

The government wants to keep people stuck on a local, Iranian version of the internet, where they can watch what everyone's doing and what they're saying. Freedom House even said that the Iranian government is trying to make it harder and more costly to get on the regular internet, so they can force people to use this local version where they can control everything.

So, what does all this mean for X's About This Account feature? It's got some immediate effects:

*   **It shows who's privileged:** It shows which accounts are getting the open internet access, bringing inequality out into the open.

*   **It spots secret campaigns:** It assists in revealing accounts involved in messing with foreign politics.

*   **It gives power to users:** It lets ordinary people to judge how believable different accounts are, especially in the middle of heated political debates.

Sure, VPNs can still hide locations, and people who are good at this stuff can get around the system. But this feature is still a step in the right direction, making online spaces more see-through.

Basically, X's About This Account feature has opened a window into how Iran runs its internet, showing how some people get open access while most are stuck with controls and censorship.

It also strengthens efforts to spot people meddling in foreign politics, giving us better vision in a digital world that's often full of fake info. Even though it's not perfect, it underscores how important it is to have tools that help us tell who's being honest and who's pushing an agenda.

In a country where the internet is controlled tightly, what's been revealed by this new feature shows how resourceful ordinary people are and how some people connected to the government have special advantages. For people in Iran and around the world, it's a reminder that getting information is still a battle and that tech can both show inequality and push for things to be more see-through.

17.Black Friday iPad Deals: Big Savings on iPad Air, iPad & More

*Subject: Black Friday iPad Deals Are HERE! Which One Should You Grab?**

Hey everyone,

So, Black Friday's here, and you know what that means: Apple deals! It's seriously one of the best times to snag an iPad for less. This year, they're knocking down prices on pretty much the whole iPad family – from the basic iPad to the super-powered iPad Pro. Whether you just want a tablet to chill with on the couch, something easy for the kids to use, or even a laptop replacement, there's a deal with your name on it.

Let's break down the best iPad deals out there right now:

**iPad Air (M3 Chip): The Goldilocks Choice**

Honestly, for most people, the iPad Air with the M3 chip is where it's at. It's got enough power to run most apps and do a bunch of stuff at once, but it doesn't cost as much as going Pro. And guess what? Every single model is $150 off this week. Seriously good deal.

*   **11-inch iPad Air (M3):**

    *   128GB: $449 (Normally $599)

    *   256GB: $549 (Normally $699)

    *   512GB: $749 (Normally $899)

    *   1TB: $949 (Normally $1,099)

*   **13-inch iPad Air (M3):**

    *   128GB: $649 (Normally $799)

    *   256GB: $749 (Normally $899)

    *   512GB: $949 (Normally $1,099)

    *   1TB: $1,149 (Normally $1,299)

If you want a fast chip without totally blowing your budget on the Pro, this is where you should be looking. That bigger 13-inch screen is especially awesome if you like having more room to work or watch stuff.

**iPad (A16 Chip): Super Affordable, Great for the Family**

On the other end, you've got the regular iPad with the A16 chip. It's the newest entry-level one. With its 11-inch screen, it's great for just kicking back, watching videos, browsing the web, or letting the family share it. Plus, because it's cheaper, you won't freak out as much if the kids drop it.

*   128GB: $274 (Normally $349)

*   256GB: $379 (Normally $349)

*    512GB: $579 (Normally $349)

That 128GB model for under $280 is a steal. Seriously, for a brand-new iPad, that's one of the lowest prices I've seen. Perfect if you just need a solid tablet without emptying your wallet.

**iPad mini 7: Small But Mighty**

The iPad mini 7 is the most travel-friendly iPad. People love it because it's small and easy to use with one hand. It's not for everyone, but if you want something that fits in your bag, this is it. This is also a very affordable option that supports Apple Intelligence features.

*   128GB: $399 (Normally $499)

*   256GB: $499 (Normally $699)

*   512GB: $699 (Normally $799)

At $399, the base model is a pretty good deal, but ask yourself if spending just $50 more for the M3 iPad Air is worth it. If you need that portability, the mini's a winner.

**iPad Pro (M5 Chip): The ULTIMATE Power Tablet**

Alright, this is the top dog. The iPad Pro with the M5 chip is Apple's fanciest tablet. With that blazing-fast chip, amazing screen, and up to 2TB of storage, it's made for people who need serious power. It can seriously replace a laptop.

The Black Friday savings aren't huge – about $100 off – but hey, when you're spending this much, anything helps.

*   **11-inch iPad Pro (M5):**

    *   256GB: $899 (Normally $999)

    *   512GB: $1,099 (Normally $1,199)

    *   1TB: $1,488 (Normally $1,599)

    *   2TB: $1,859 (Normally $1,999)

    *   Nano-texture glass: $1,999 (Normally $100 off)

*   **13-inch iPad Pro (M5):**

    *   256GB: $1,199 (Normally $1,299)

    *   512GB: $1,399 (Normally $1,499)

    *   1TB: $1,769 (Normally $1,899)

    *   Nano-texture 1TB: $1,899 (Normally $1,999)

    *   2TB: $2,155 (Normally $2,299)

If you're a creative professional or just want the best of the best, the M5 Pro is it. That nano-texture glass option is awesome for artists and designers because it cuts down on glare.

**Don't Forget the Goodies: Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil**

You can't talk iPads without mentioning the accessories! The Magic Keyboard turns your iPad Pro into a serious laptop alternative. They're discounted right now:

*   Magic Keyboard Case (13-inch M4/M5 Pro): $279 (Normally $349)

*   Magic Keyboard Case (11-inch M4/M5 Pro): $289 (Normally $299)

And the Apple Pencil? Still the best way to take notes, draw, and get really precise on your iPad.

*   Apple Pencil (USB-C): $49 (Normally $79)

*   Apple Pencil Pro: $95 (Normally $129)

That USB-C Pencil for $49 is a killer deal. Perfect gift for anyone with an iPad. The Pro version, with Find My and wireless charging, is also a solid buy for under $100.

**So, Which iPad Should YOU Get?**

It all depends on what you need:

*   **Simple stuff/family use?:** The basic iPad (A16) at $274 can't be beat.

*   **Best all-around?:** The M3 iPad Air gives you good power without the crazy price tag.

*   **Want something small?:** The iPad mini 7 is your pick.

*   **Need all the power?:** iPad Pro (M5). Enough said.

Things like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil take the iPad to another level, making it more useful for work, creativity, and play.

**Final Thoughts: Don't Miss Out!**

Apple stuff doesn't go on sale that often, so Black Friday is the perfect time to buy. These deals cover everyone's needs and budget. Whether you're treating yourself or getting a gift, you can get Apple's tablets for prices that won't be around for long.

Now's the time to figure out which iPad fits your life – and grab the deal before it's gone!

18.New ROG Xbox Ally Profiles Boost Battery Life with Game-Specific Optimization

Microsoft is still working on making their ROG Xbox Ally a better handheld gaming machine. They've just dropped a sneak peek at a new thing—default game profiles. The idea is to make playing games on the go a bit easier and smoother. Basically, this thing adjusts the game settings for you, so you don't have to mess around with frame rates and power settings. This news came out over the weekend, and from the looks of it, this system will automatically set the best settings for a bunch of games.

Think of it like this: you know how annoying it is to try and figure out the best settings for each game you play? What resolution to use? What FPS to aim for? This update is supposed to take all that guesswork away. Instead of spending time tweaking settings, you can just fire up your game and know that the Ally is already doing its thing to make it run well. Since the Ally is trying to be both a console and a portable PC, this feels like another move to just simplify the whole handheld experience.

**So, how do these default game profiles actually work?**

Well, when your ROG Xbox Ally is running on battery (as opposed to plugged into the wall), these profiles kick in automatically. So, each game has a set of instructions for how it should run, balancing how good it looks and how long the battery lasts. Now, if a game is having trouble hitting a smooth frame rate, the Ally will boost the FPS, even if it means using up the battery a little faster. On the other hand, if the game is running super smoothly and doesn't need all that power, the Ally will limit the FPS to save battery.

The cool thing about this is that you get a pretty consistent gaming session without having to constantly pause to go into menus and make changes. This is specially important for something like a handheld, where battery life is a major deal, but you still want your games to play nicely. It is a delicate balancing act!

**Which games are included?**

Right now, Microsoft says that this works with about 40 games. Here are a few examples:

*   Fortnite

*   Gears of War: Reloaded

*   Hollow Knight: Silksong

*   Forza Horizon 5

*   Minecraft

*   Halo: The Master Chief Collection

*   Sea of Thieves

*   Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

This is a pretty solid mix of big-name franchises and smaller indie titles, showing that Microsoft wants to cover a broad spectrum of games. And, hopefully, they'll add even more games over time.

**Let's look at an example: *Hollow Knight: Silksong***

Microsoft used *Hollow Knight: Silksong* to explain how this all works. With the default profile turned on, the Ally can run the game at 120 FPS, all while giving you nearly an hour of extra battery life compared to just running it in Performance mode.

That kind of sums up the whole point of this thing, doesn't it? You don't have to pick between a good-looking game and a long battery life. The Ally figures out the best balance itself, so you get a better experience without having to do any extra work.

**Okay, but what if you like messing with settings yourself?**

Don't worry, Microsoft hasn't taken away your control. If you want to, you can turn these default profiles on or off in the Armoury Crate Command Center which is the Ally's control panel for all of this stuff.

So, if you're the kind of person who likes to tweak every single setting to get it just right, you can still do that. But if you just want to play without the trouble, these automatic settings are there for you.

**What else is new?**

This preview of the game profiles is part of a larger update for the ROG Xbox Ally. Microsoft is also throwing in:

*   Faster loading times for your game library. No one likes waiting.

*   Better cloud gaming performance. Streaming your games should be smoother.

*   Improved gamepad response after you log in. Your controls should feel better right away.

All of these improvements together should make the Ally feel better to use, both in terms of performance and just overall feel.

**Why does this matter?**

Handheld gaming is tricky. You're trying to cram as much power as possible into a small device, but you also have to worry about things like battery life and keeping the thing from overheating. And, you want it to be easy to use! What Microsoft is doing with these default game profiles is trying to address all of these issues directly.

For us players, it means less time messing with settings and more time actually enjoying the games. For Microsoft, it's a chance to make the Ally stand out from other handhelds by offering smarter performance.

**What's the big picture?**

The ROG Xbox Ally is Microsoft's play in the handheld market which has gotten pretty hot recently thanks to things like the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch. By using the games and services they already have, Microsoft is trying to make the Ally a solid option for all kinds of gamers.

Features like these default game profiles highlights how they're focused on the user experience. It also reflects a trend in gaming hardware where devices are becoming smarter and adapting to how we play, instead of making us constantly adjust things ourselves.

**What's next?**

Microsoft says that they'll be adding more games to the default profile list soon. As the Ally supports more and more games, this feature could become important to why people like the device.

For now, this preview gives us a taste of what's coming. We can probably expect smoother gameplay, longer battery life, and fewer interruptions, without us having to lift a finger.

**In Conclusion**

Adding default game profiles to the ROG Xbox Ally is a big step forward for handheld gaming. By automatically setting the best performance and power usage for a lot of games, Microsoft is making gaming on the go easier and more fun.

With these other updates, like faster loading times and better gamepad responsiveness, the Ally is slowly becoming a more polished device. Generally, for anyone who wants to play games on the go, this recent update is a great addition and a sign that Microsoft cares about the future of handheld gaming.

---

19.Walmart’s $9 Google TV Stick Is the Best Black Friday Bargain

**Black Friday Streaming Device Bonanza: Google TV vs. Walmart's Onn – Which Wins?**

Streaming devices? We all need one these days. They've turned our regular TVs into smart entertainment hubs. And with Black Friday sales in full swing, there are a TON of cheap streaming options to pick from. If you want the best, Google's Google TV streamer is a solid pick. It's an Android-based powerhouse that normally sells for $99, but let's face it, a lot of folks just want the CHEAPEST way to get Google TV on their screens. That's where Walmart's Onn streaming stick comes in, grabbing attention with its CRAZY $9 Black Friday price. Seriously, nine bucks!

**The $9 Wonder: Onn Google TV Streaming Stick**

Yeah, you read that right. Nine dollars. Walmart's Onn streaming stick is practically giving it away. It's gotta be one of the cheapest streaming devices EVER. Think of it for those extra TVs, you know? Guest bedrooms, the kids' playroom, or maybe that old set out on the patio (protected from the rain, of course!). It's not built for high-end performance.

This little stick maxes out at 1080p resolution and has 1.5GB of RAM. So, it’s not gonna blow you away on a fancy OLED TV, and it might get a little sluggish if you try to do too much at once. That said, it's perfectly fine for basic streaming. Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, those typical Google TV apps? No problem.

If your family wants to add streaming to more TVs without emptying your wallet, this deal is a no-brainer. Think of it as a stocking stuffer! Almost anyone can plug it in and start watching. Grandma, the kids, even that tech-challenged uncle. It's that simple.

**Stepping it Up: Onn 4K Pro Streaming Box**

Okay, so you want something with a bit more juice? Check out the Onn 4K Pro streaming box. It still from Walmart , and it goes for $45. That's five times the price of the $9 stick, but still way cheaper than Google's streamer.

The biggest difference? The 4K Pro supports Ultra HD resolution. That mean it's a much better fit for your main living room TV, especially if you have a bigger screen. Now, $45 isn't the lowest price ever, but it's still a solid deal and can compete with Google's alternative. For people searching for a mix of good price and solid performance, the 4K Pro might just be the best option for the lineup.

**The Premium Pick: Google TV Streamer**

Now, let's talk about the high-end choice. The Google TV Streamer is usually $99 but is down to $75 this Black Friday. This is the most powerful Android streaming experience you can get for your TV.

It's got better hardware, runs smoother, and goes deep with Google's whole system. If you hate glitching and want something that just works, This is for you. It's also a smarter pick if you depend on Google services a lot or like the reassurance of support from the people who made it.

Seventy-five bucks is still a chunk of change compared to what Walmart offers, but people who value performance and want things to last will buy it no matter what.

**Let's Break it Down**

Just to make things crystal clear, here’s a quick rundown of how these three devices compare:

**Onn Streaming Stick ($9)**

*   **Resolution:** 1080p

*   **RAM:** 1.5GB

*   **Best For:** Guest rooms, extra TVs, casual watchers

*   **Pros:** Crazy cheap, super easy to set up

*   **Cons:** Not the fastest, not a great match for high-end TVs

**Onn 4K Pro Streaming Box ($45)**

*   **Resolution:** 4K Ultra HD

*   **Hardware:** beefier, so things run smoother

*   **Best For:** Your main TV, people watching their budgets

*   **Pros:** 4K on the cheap, a real challenger to Google

*   **Cons:** More expensive than the stick

**Google TV Streamer ($75, Usually $99)**

*   **Resolution:** 4K Ultra HD

*   **Features:** Smooth hardware, Google-everything built in

*   **Best For:** Tech lovers, people with many google devices

*   **Pros:** Quick, never fails, Google support staff

*   **Cons:** The priciest of the group

**So, Which One Should You Grab?**

Well, that all comes down to what you want.

*   If you're after the lowest price, you can't beat the $9 Onn stick. It's perfect if you casually use it or for not main displays.

*   If you want 4K without killing your wallet, the $45 Onn 4K Pro.

*   The $75 Google TV Streamer is worth the extra money if you are looking for best quality.

**The Takeaway**

What all this shows is just how cutthroat the streaming device market has gotten. With prices all over the place, you pick what you want. The crazy prices at Walmart means almost anyone can now stream, while the streamer from Google ensure that most users are not left with a bad experience.

This Black Friday, don't ask whether to get get something that streams, but ask how what suits your lifestyle. You can get a new TV or upgrade an old one, so claims are worth grabbing.

**The Bottom Line**

Google TV Streamer might have your living room in the highest quality, but the stick from Walmart can still stream Google TV for nine dollar. Get the 4K pro to find more value. No matter what anyone chooses, there is deals.

20.Google’s Aluminium OS Reveals the Future of Android on Desktops

Google seems to be working on something internally that they are calling Aluminium OS. Someone found a job listing and posted it. This might be their big move for years. Think of it as Android, but for PCs. According to the job listing, this new operating system might run on regular PCs. This job post might be a project name they are using for now; however, Google is seriously breaking out from ChromeOS and seeing where they can take Android on desktops.

**Where Did This Come From?**

So, a Telegram user, Frost Core, saw a job listing on LinkedIn. (Android Authority noticed it, too). The listing mentioned this new Aluminium thing, an Android-based operating system Google is working with. The listing says ChromeOS will probably not be Aluminium. No one knows the final name, but the project is actually happening.

**Why Do It?**

Android runs on most phones and tablets. ChromeOS does have fans, especially schools looking for something cheap. Google has not had much of a presence on PCs. Microsoft with Windows, and Apple with macOS, run desktops. Aluminium OS could let Google utilize things like the Android app selection plus users, and then challenge desktops.

**It's All About Machine power**

What is amazing is Google is intending to place their Gemini system in Aluminium OS. Because Gemini is better by steps, this operating system is not just a new coat of paint. Google looks to be recreating everything completely, and machine power is the core of it all.

Their job posts stated the machine program should run on laptops, detachables, tablets, and smaller Pcs. If Google puts Gemini models as the baseline system, it would be much more than just running machine programs. We might see machine support tools, doing better work, and providing advice rapidly. Done right, it would blow ChromeOS away.

**Things To Get**

We have clues regarding the things for Google. There were categories: AL Standard, AL Good Taste, and AL Top Tier with Chromebook and Chromebook Plus. This shows computers will use Aluminium, and ChromeOS is getting ready for changes. ChromeOS may not be dead, yet.

Aluminium is not for those low-end computers. ChromeOS does its best on these computers; however, it has difficulties. These tiers should cover the basics, all the way to professional tiers. ChromeOS had issues with it. The machines get a bad rap for not having enough juice compared to Windows. Aluminium OS lets Google try for cheap and rich markets.

**Slow Build**

Documents indicated tools were being migrated from ChromeOS towards Aluminium, with business as usual. Google is planning a change slowly, not fast. ChromeOS is sticking around, and Aluminium OS will attract new customers.

It is a very slow way. Google does not want to alienate their current fans in ChromeOS, while trying to be real in the desktop range. Aluminium might replace ChromeOS completely at some time, but they're going to be careful.

**What Is That Name?**

Aluminium sounds like a name used internally. If it gets released, the name may not be that. ChromeOS sounds familiar to those in schools. Google may decide to call the operating system something totally different, or make the name correlate with current Chromebooks.

The computers are currently named Aluminium. The PCs are supposed to hit the market in 2026. Google must figure out what people will call it.

**Does It Matter?**

Aluminium OS represents Google has things to get better. ChromeOS may do well in certain areas, but it may need better things. Google utilizing Android on machines could mean an world machine program; whilst providing more power and features.

Windows and macOS could be competing here. Aluminium can possibly provide features to others. It could make the computer a power to reckon with.

**What Is Next?**

Expect Aluminium OS to be here in 2026. Google will improve it while joining forces. Both should be in one desktop, utilizing Android and machine intelligence.

Google has an chance. Everything will work; it includes your phone, computer, all utilizing the same operating system.

**In Other Words:**

Google has a big step with Aluminium OS. Android running on PCs will be machine driven. The name could be changed, still Google wants ChromeOS to compete with things. 2026 is the date for Aluminium, with Google really. People see and know Android running on computers.

21.GPU Prices Finally Fall as RAM Costs Skyrocket

*RAM Prices Are Absolutely Insane Right Now!**

So, you're thinking about boosting your computer or building a completely new one? Well, get ready for some serious price shock. Remember when GPUs were crazy expensive not too long ago? Well, it seems like *those* prices are finally starting to come down. But guess what? RAM and SSDs (your storage) are suddenly costing a fortune. Seriously, some DDR5 RAM kits are, no joke, costing like three times what they did just a few months back. And the SSDs? Their prices are also moving up.

What's causing this? Here's the deal: There's a global shortage of memory and flash chips, and all this A.I. stuff has made the problem so much worse! The craze has caused a frenzy, shooting demand sky-high! Businesses are freaking out and grabbing every chip they can find because they're afraid things will only worsen. So, yeah, you might get lucky and get a good deal on a graphics card these days, but for RAM and storage, prepare to pay a lot.

**Breaking Down the Prices: Check Out These Jumps**

To show you how ridiculous this all is, look at how much prices have jumped since August:

*   Patriot Viper Venom 16GB DDR5 6000: Went from a decent $49 to a crazy $110.

*   Silicon Power 16GB DDR4 3200: Almost tripled in price, from about $34 to $89. Yeah, no thanks.

*   Team T-Force Vulcan 32GB DDR5 6000: Brace yourself. It jumped from $82 to a whopping $310!

*   Team Delta RGB 64GB DDR5 6400: This one will really make you mad, rising from $190 to a completely insane $700!

*   Western Digital Blue SN5000 500GB SSD: Went up from $45 to $69.

*   Western Digital Blue SN5000 1TB SSD: Jumped from $64 to $111.

*   Western Digital Blue SN5000 2TB SSD: That was $115 now goes for $154.

*   Western Digital Black SN7100 2TB SSD: Rose from $130 to $175.

As you can see, DDR5 RAM has been hit the hardest, especially those larger capacity kits. SSDs are costing more, too, but not *quite* as bad...at least, for the time being. If you had RAM on your upgrade list, you might want to keep your old memory sticks installed and hope they last a little longer.

**So, Why the Heck is This Happening?**

Chip problems are the absolute worst. Building new factories and getting them up and running takes forever. And also, these companies need to predict how much demand there will be in the future. And that is impossible right now. During the pandemic, manufacturers thought few people would be buying computers. Then things got slow, and bam! Too much inventory.

Memory companies now have a difficult decision. They could choose to start making a ton of more chips now, but what if the A.I. craze suddenly ends? Then they'll have too many chips, everyone will complain that they're worthless, and prices will crash, which would be great for buyers but bad for the chip makers personally. This kind of thing has happened a lot. Remember back in 2016 and 2017 when chips were nowhere to be found? In 2018 and 2019, there were way too many. Samsung and SK Hynix were badly affected in the process.

**That Big Bad A.I. Monster**

The #1 reason for this is Artificial Intelligence. Training A.I. needs tons of memory and storage, putting a lot of pressure on everything. Because of that, everyone is worried about shortages, and they're stocking up on chips like crazy. This is making the problem even worse.

The memory market is wild right now. It's hard to guess where prices are going, so making any plans for what might happen is extremely annoying to deal with.

**How This Mess Affects You and the Big Guys**

If you're building a PC, this sucks. RAM upgrades are expensive, and building a brand-new system is impossible. SSD upgrades are somewhat doable in comparison, but they're cost more to buy these days. Big companies can deal with this situation better. For example, they buy chips in large quantities, with agreements and contracts that keep them safe from prices changes. Bloomberg says that Lenovo is stocking up on memory and parts to make it through 2026 without issues and they don't want to raise prices for us..

Apple will probably be okay, too. Analysts at Morgan Stanley and Bernstein Research think that Apple has been anticipating this and bought lots of RAM to deal with prices that are slightly higher.

**The Trouble for Smaller Companies**

Everything is hard to deal with. Framework (the repairable laptop maker) says that they are going to have to raise prices sometime soon. They stopped RAM sales on their website to keep prices from being boosted. Smaller companies don't have the financial resources that Apple or Lenovo have, so they are not in a good spot.

**Video Card Prices Might Also Go Up**

Video card prices are remaining the same at the moment, but they could change later on in the future. Tom's Hardware suspects that AMD might increase sales prices by potentially 10% next year. Also, Nvidia might have stopped production of their newer RTX 50 cards because it is too hard to produce as a result of money trouble. Memory problems also could increase video card prices as well.

**What's Going to Happen Next?**

Your guess is as good as mine. Chip prices are going up now, but there is no way to know after this week. Any details on what could happen are all theories. With high demand and low supply, shortages could potentially last for a long time. Though it still stays true that if demand dies down fast, prices could decrease and companies could suffer losses.

If you're building PCs, keep the parts you have, don't upgrade, unless you need to, and try to just wait for prices to come back down. If you're in business, get ready to revise your financial budget.

**To Sum It All Up**

An increase of 3x in only three months is proof of how damaged the storage market is. Shortages that are caused by A.I. demand and buyer panic has turned the market into a rich-person's dream. Like the past, prices will change for a number of reasons one day, but we can't know more. Until then, take care of the things you have, and have plans for the changes that are coming very soon.

22.Valve’s Steam Machine Has Console Looks, But Not Console Pricing 

Valve's giving this TV gaming thing another shot with something they're calling the Steam Machine. Think about a mini PC specially built to run SteamOS and plug straight into your TV. It's all about getting proper PC-level games going without some computer tower taking over your whole living space.

Initially, some folks hoped Valve would sell these cheap – get 'em into homes, then make money on game sales through Steam. Kinda like the usual console trick, where Sony and Microsoft sometimes take a hit on the console price early on, knowing they'll make it back (and then some) from game sales plus subscriptions.

But Valve's being straight up, saying that's not how they're doing it. Steam Machines will probably cost about what you'd pay for building a similar PC yourself. So, forget about any dreams of a crazy-affordable gaming box, at least for now.

**No Skimping on Parts**

Valve's Pierre-Loup Griffais was saying they're not planning to sell the Steam Machine at a loss. What you pay will pretty much match the cost of the parts inside.

So, what does this mean for you? Work out what it would cost to buy all the parts for a PC. Griffais mentioned the Steam Machine uses an AMD Zen 4 CPU and an RDNA3 GPU. That combo should give a lot of power compared with pre-built PCs. Seems they're aiming for a decent mid-range machine and not some super-budget thing.

**That $500 Wish is Over**

Linus Sebastian from Linus Tech Tips brought this up on his podcast. He kinda joked about suggesting they sell the hardware for $500, and the Valve guys weren't really feeling it. The price might be similar to a normal game console, but not exactly.

Research shows that building a desktop PC with a Ryzen 5 7600X CPU and a Radeon RX 7600 GPU would land you around $700. That puts the Steam Machine somewhere close to the rumored price of the PS5 Pro when that drops, which is saying something. Even if the parts inside only cost Valve $400-$500 to make, they're aiming for prices closer to what you'd pay for a regular PC.

**Prices Could Change**

Nothing's set in stone yet, mainly Because parts prices change, particularly memory and storage. Supply chain issues recently bumped up the price of DDR5 memory kits. It's hard to guess what the final cost will be, given how much can change between now and when it's released, as Griffais mentioned.

When the Steam Machine gets here around early 2026, part prices could be completely different. That would make a huge difference to how much folks will pay. Memory, in particular, can change quickly.

**DIY Still Works**

If money's tight, you can always build your own PC and install SteamOS on it. This way, you can grab exactly the parts you want and avoid issues that might come up with the Steam Machine. like limited RAM, or maybe just 8GB of VRAM, which some people think won't cut it for new games.

If you build your own rig, you can upgrade parts later on. That might be tricky on a pre-built Steam Machine because of its size. If you know how to build, doing it yourself might be the best bet. Just remember it takes time and you gotta know what you're doing.

**Why Get One, Then?**

Even if it's not gonna be super cheap, Valve is saying the Steam Machine will offer some things you can't get with custom PC. Griffais pointed out these things:

*   ***Small:*** Fits nicely in a living room, without sticking out.

*   ***Quiet:*** They're working on keeping the noise down while you're using it, which is good for streaming or heavy gaming.

*   ***TV-Friendly:*** Plugs right into a regular TV.

*   ***Easy to Use with Controllers:*** The Steam Controller should work well for those laid-back gaming sessions.

The Steam Machine focuses on keeping things simple, even if it's got the same gaming power as a normal PC.

**Striking a Balance**

Valve wants to find a middle ground between the freedom to customize a PC and the ease of a console. Griffais agreed that some people will want to build custom PCs. He thinks the Steam Machine will fill a need for those who don't want to deal with the hassle.

He said that the Steam Machine isn't trying to replace custom PCs. It's another way to play Steam games without having to do all the building and setup stuff yourself.

**Good, But Not Exactly Cheap**

To sum it up, the Steam Machine isn't trying to beat game consoles on price. Similar PC costing around $700 might scare off some customers. Valve is hoping the Steam Machine's small size, quiet operation, the ease of using SteamOS, and good controller support will make the price worth it.

If you want something easy to set up in your entertainment setup, the Steam Machine might be good for you. But if you like changing hardware, building your own PC is still a strong option. So, Valve thinks this could be helpful for people.

23.The Best Android Tablet Just Dropped to a Shockingly Low Price

Samsung might just win Black Friday with their Galaxy Tab S11 deal. Their newest, top-of-the-line Android tablet? You can snag it straight from Samsung for only $149.99 if you trade in an old tablet. Seriously! That's like, $650 off the regular price of $799.99. Crazy, right?

Think about it: a super-powered Tab S11 for $150 is even cheaper than those super basic Android tablets. And this is Samsung's best one! Even if you don't have anything to trade, they're still dropping the price quite a bit. Hands down, could be the best tablet deal you'll see this year for Black Friday in 2025.

Let's see how it stacks up...

So, Best Buy's got the Galaxy Tab S11 for $649.99. Which is cool and all, a $150 price cut from the usual $799.99. Not bad at all. But Samsung's own deal just destroys it. Like I said, $149.99 with a trade-in if your old tablet applies.

That trade-in thing is the catch. Not everyone will be able to get the full discount, of course. If you have a compatible tablet lying around, you are in luck. Even if you don't, Samsung is still knocking down the price, and that helps a lot.

Who should jump on this?

✅ Get it if:

You want the best Samsung tablet out there without buying the gigantic Tab S11 Ultra.

You want a really nice Android tablet that plays well with your other Samsung stuff.

You want a tablet that isn't going to be slow in a year given it has beefy hardware and works well with AI.

❌ Pass if:

You really, really need a bigger screen, like what the Tab S11 Ultra has.

You need to have a SIM card slot (this standard Tab S11 doesn't have 4G or 5G connectivity).

This Tab S11 is a great sweet spot for most people. It's fast, easy to carry around, and priced decent too (especially now!). You are getting a flagship device for the price you would expect on a mid-tier product...specifically during Black Friday.

Top-Notch Design and Performance

Samsung is known for making great tablets. And the Tab S11 keeps that reputation going. It looks good, the screen is super sharp, and it's got all the power you'd need. Good for getting work done or just watching videos.

Even if you aren't already a Samsung user, the Tab S11 is still a really great tablet on its own. People who have Samsung phones, watches, or any of those wireless ear buds. This tablet is a good match with all of them.

The Switch to MediaTek

So. One thing that people talked about with the Tab S11 was that Samsung used a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chip in it, instead of a Qualcomm Snapdragon. Some people were worried about that.

But it seems to be working out really well. Samsung and MediaTek claim the Dimensity 9400+ is about 30% faster at running AI stuff than last year's model. And AI is becoming more important in Android now, for everything like making your work faster to improving image editing and helping you when you need it.

By using MediaTek's latest tech, Samsung is getting the Tab S11 ready for all the new AI features coming out.

All About That AI

AI is becoming a big deal for our devices, and the Tab S11 is ready for it. That Dimensity 9400+ chip can do a lot of stuff. Samsung says it will make the tablet better at doing multiple things at once, suggest apps better, and help you get creative easier. And since Android is using more and more AI, having a tablet that's built for it means it'll be useful for a long time.

For you, that means the Tab S11 is not just a tablet for right now.

Here's a quick look at the deals you can find right now:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (128GB)

Amazon: $799.99 --> $649.99

Best Buy: $859.99 --> $709.99

Samsung's Website: $799.99 --> $149.99 with a trade

These prices are all pretty good, but Samsung's trade-in deal is the best. If you have something to trade, you can get this tablet for a really cheap price.

Wrapping It Up: A Black Friday Must-Buy

The Galaxy Tab S11 is already an awesome Android tablet. The design is slick, it's got a fast MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ inside, and it's great with AI. But during Black Friday 2025, it's in a league of its own.

At only $149.99 with a trade-in, you are paying less than many budget tablets, which is a total steal. And even if you don't have a tablet to trade, you can still save a lot of money at different stores.

If you are looking for a powerful tablet that works well with all your Samsung stuff, look no further. This Tablet can do it all. Black Friday always has lots of tech deals. But not all of them are this good. This Tab S11 deal is the real deal, don't miss out.

24.Apple’s AirPods 4 Drop to Just $69 in Black Friday Deal

Apple's AirPods have always been the default wireless earbuds, right? Especially if you're all-in on iPhones. They just work so nicely, and you know the look. With the AirPods 4, Apple gave their basic model a nice little upgrade – better sound, works even smoother with your other Apple stuff, the overall experience is nicer which is cool. And guess what? Black Friday is coming, and they're cheaper than ever before.

If you missed the early sales, now's your chance. You can grab these newest entry-level AirPods for only $69. Seriously, that's practically half off the normal $129 price. Amazon, Walmart, Target – they all have the same deal, so it shouldn't be hard to find.

**The Regular AirPods 4: Cheap and Still Good**

At $69, the regular AirPods 4 are a super deal for what you get from Apple. The sound is better compared to the older ones. It's more clear and balanced in the spectrum. They also added spatial audio with head tracking, so when you're watching movies or listening to music, it feels more immersive, like things are happening around you. It's cool.

The way they connect with iOS is still a big selling point. AirPods 4 have a hands-free Siri that you can use to ask questions/commands. They also switch between devices so easy that they will automatically work with your iPad, iPhone, and MacBook without needing to mess with Bluetooth settings. For just everyday use, it is so easy to use.

**Everyday Use**

The AirPods 4 were made to be used every day. They're IP54 rated, so sweat and some light rain isn't going to ruin them. So you can get a good workout in. The battery lasts a solid amount time – up to 5 hours on one charge. And the charging case holds extra power, so you can get through a whole day without stressing.

The microphone is improved on these so calls are clearer and things sound less noisy in the background. If you're a student, work in business, or just talk on the phone, it really matters.

**Where They Could Be Better**

Okay, so the basic AirPods 4 aren't perfect. They don't have active noise cancellation (ANC) which blocks out background sound. You have to pay more for that feature. Also, they don't support conversation awareness. So the basic AirPods 4 may feel incomplete.

Still, for $69, you will have a great device for the price. If you're upgrading from old AirPods or getting wireless earbuds for the first time, the basic ones are a good option.

**AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: A Nice Upgrade**

If you want a little more, Apple has an AirPods 4 model with active noise cancellation. Right now they’re on sale for $99.99 at Amazon and Target. That's 80 dollars off the normal cost.

This higher-end model comes with a wireless charging case so it works with Qi pads and Apple Watch chargers for convenience. Oh, and the case beeps so you can find it which is a small but important detail to its appeal. This model blocks out all background noise. So these are really useful for traveling, or if its noisy environment.

At $100, it's way less than the AirPods Pro 3, which are still Apple's best model. If you want ANC without spending the big bucks, here is a great deal.

**How They Compare**

*AirPods 4 (Regular)*

Price: $69 (Normally $129)

Stuff you get: Better sound, spatial audio, Siri, automatic device switching, water and dust-resistant, 5 hours of battery.

Perfect for: People on a budget with an iPhone, who casually listen to music, or students.

*AirPods 4 with ANC*

Price: $100 (Normally $179)

Stuff you get: Active noise cancellation, wireless charging, beeping case, and all the regular features.

Perfect for: People who travel or who need something for work to avoid noise.

*AirPods Pro 3*

Price: Eh, they're more expensive (not on sale at the moment).

Stuff you get: ANC, can sense when someone is talking to you, all the best parts.

Perfect for: People who really want the best of the best that Apple has.

**Why It's a Big Deal**

Apple stuff doesn't get discounts often. It’s even rarer when the product isn't even old. For iPhone owners, this is an infrequent occasion to buy something.

It's a great deal for the holidays. Everyone likes AirPods. At $69, they are inexpensive as a gift while still being like a present.

**In Conclusion: Buy Them on Black Friday**

The AirPods 4 are Apple's newest wireless earbuds. These deliver better sound, and work great for Apple devices for a cheap price.

But if you want more upgrades, then the AirPods 4 with ANC might be the best deal out there. You're upgrading from old AirPods, buying your first pair of AirPods. These are hard to pass up.

Apple doesn't usually discount products, but now you know what to do on Black Friday.

---

I tried to make it sound like a friend was telling you about the deal, and I hope this works.

25.ChatGPT Drops Separate Voice Interface for a Unified Experience 

## ChatGPT's Voice Got a Whole Lot Better

Okay, let's be real, talking to a computer *should* be like chatting with a friend, right? But getting AI to feel natural has always been tough. Remember when ChatGPT first had voice? You had to jump to a completely different page to use it. And there was that blue circle thing that was... okay. You could hear ChatGPT talk, but you couldn't see the text it was spitting out without switching screens. Pretty clunky, huh?

Well, guess what? The folks behind ChatGPT fixed it! Now, using your voice is a breeze because everything's together. Just talk to the chatbot in the regular chat window. That means you can chat back and forth, see its answers - text, pictures, whatever - all in one spot.

### No More Jumping Around

Before, the voice thing felt like an add-on. It had its own little place with a mute button and a way to go back to typing. It worked, but it wasn't smooth. If you missed something ChatGPT said, you had to leave voice mode to see the text, which stopped the convo. Super annoying!

The new setup fixes that mess. Now, when you talk, ChatGPT’s replies show up on the screen like regular messages. You can scroll back to see what you talked about, check out any pictures or maps it shared, and keep the conversation rolling. It’s way more like talking to a real person.

### Seeing Helps You Understand

Being able to see stuff while you chat is a total win. If ChatGPT sends you a picture, a graph, whatever, you can see it while you hear what it's saying. It makes everything way easier to grasp.

Think about asking for directions. You can hear them *and* see the map at the same time. Or, a graph? Hear the explanation while you look at the numbers. It makes ChatGPT way more useful, kind of like a friend and work assistant.

### Still the Boss

Even with everything together, OpenAI made sure you’re still in control. You still have to tap the end button to stop the voice chat and type. That way, you don’t accidentally leave the voice on. Plus, you can pick how you want to interact.

And, if you miss the old voice setup, there’s a Separate mode thing in the settings. Turn that on, and you get the old voice screen back. They get that everyone wants something a bit different.

### Why This Is Cool

This shows that AI is getting better at being easy to manage. Voice chatbots are nice, but it can be annoying when you have to switch back and forth between screens or can't see what's going on. By putting voice and text together, OpenAI makes ChatGPT a more friendly program.

It puts ChatGPT on par with other voice stuff like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Those all use voice and show you stuff, and now ChatGPT's there, but it can also do all those chatbot things such as writing and creating images.

### Now On Everything

This new voice setup is now standard. It happens in the web and phone apps. So, no matter if you’re on your computer, tablet, or phone you can talk to ChatGPT and see its answers in one window all times.

It also shows what's up at OpenAI. By making voice easier, they’re hoping more people will try talking to AI, even if they normally type.

### What's Next?

Putting voice and text together is just the start. As AI gets better, expect even better stuff, like easier switching between voice and text, better-looking pictures, and AI that gets what you’re trying to say.

For now, this update makes things easier and less frustrating. It makes ChatGPT feel more like a real chat. If you like voice – whether because it’s helpful, something you're used to, or just what you prefer – then this is for you.

### The Summary: A More Natural ChatGPT

OpenAI hit the mark by putting voice right into the regular chat. By letting you talk and see answers together, they fixed the biggest problem with the old way.

Adding picture support, making it easy to switch between talking and typing, and letting you switch back to the old style if you want - this voice update is a collection of thoughts and choices. It’s on the web and phones, and it shows where AI is headed: making it harder to tell if you're talking to a machine or another human. ChatGPT is coming closer to being a natural, easy, and great tool.

26.Sony’s WH-1000XM6 Headphones Just Got Their Biggest Discount Yet 

**Subject: Dude, You HAVE to See This Headphone Deal!**

Hey! So, I know we've both been on the hunt for some killer headphones forever, right? It's like, every company throws a bunch of jargon at you, and you're stuck trying to figure out what's actually worth your money. Well, I think I found a winner, and it's on sale!

I'm talking about the Sony WH‑1000XM6. Seriously, these things are legendary. Everyone I know who has them raves about how well they kill outside noise, how awesome the music sounds, and mainly how your ears don't feel like you've been wearing a torture device after a few hours. I see these mentioned from audiophiles to those who just want to enjoy on a busy train.

The big heads up? Black Friday deal! Right now, I see them for $398. They normally retail for $460. I did the math, and sales is a 13% savings. This isn't a crazy sale but amazing for what it delivers. Seriously, if you've been thinking about new headphones at all, you need to get these. I did!

**Want to know what sets the XM6 apart?**

The Sony WH‑1000X series has been top-tier for wireless and noise-canceling. And the XM6 is a level up! Key to its success is the HD Noise‑Canceling processor. Sony says this thing is seven times quicker than the chips from older models. The better processing means sounds from the train, cafe, or plane are gone!

True noise cancellation isn't only about cutting noise, it is also the enjoyment of calls, videos, and music around you!

**Sound matters!**

These headphones, they sound good! Sony tweaked the audio, and the bass can be heard with crisp highs.

XM6 wireless sounds great, since it has support for great output! I can't tell if it's even wired.

**But, what about comfort?**

Have you had headphones that can crush your head? Forget that! The headphones are comfy and soft on the ears. And I can wear it all day!

Style? Rock the look with all your fits! You can bring this anywhere without looking bad!

**Does the battery last?**

Yes, and a lot! XM6 has a super long lasting battery. A full charge can stretch to 30 hours. Now you can enjoy long trips without a charger!

Speaking about charging, give it three minutes for three hours of listening. What?!

**More than headphones.**

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is not just an headphones. You can pair it in a variety of ways! The sound will adjust if it is loud or quiet, so you can hear everything clearly! The pause feature will stop playing it music while conversing! Also, for a relaxed experience, ask Google Assitant or Alexa for help!

Those with Iphone, it is compatitble! But, for those using Android, it works great with LDAC codec. Have two devices you use a lot? Connect two and switch together!

**Who likes these?**

They have a crazy high score because people like using it! And they work well!

**Is this the right choice?**

$398? Dude, that's a steal! The Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Apple AirPods Max? Forget it. They are costly!

For a low price, you get power!

**My thoughts?**

I know it can take forever trying to search all these headphones and all the technical words. You can cut the chase with the Sonys! It's a solid pair of cans with hours of battery life and great sound!

I don't see a sale this good. Time to pick one now!

27.Black Friday Slashes Prices on iPad, iPad Air & More — Starting at $274 

**Black Friday 2025: Hot iPad Deals – Find the Right One for You!**

Alright, Black Friday is here and guess what? Apple's iPads are actually on sale! I'm talking about discounts you don't see every day, which is kind of a big deal with Apple stuff. Whether you're hunting for a tablet the whole family can share, something to watch movies on during your commute, or a serious machine that could actually replace your laptop, there's probably an iPad deal that'll catch your eye. From the basic iPad with the A16 chip (still a solid performer!) all the way up to the super-powered M5 iPad Pro, getting your hands on an Apple tablet is easier on your wallet right now.

**M3 iPad Air: The Goldilocks Choice**

Honestly, for most people, the M3 iPad Air is where it's at. You get that zippy M-series chip performance without having to shell out the big bucks for the Pro models. And the great news? They're knocking $150 off *every* configuration during Black Friday Week. Seriously, check these out:

*   **11-inch M3 iPad Air**

    *   128GB: $449 (Usually $599)

    *   256GB: $549 (Usually $699)

    *   512GB: $749 (Usually $899)

    *   1TB: $949 (Usually $1,099)

*   **13-inch M3 iPad Air**

    *   128GB: $649 (Usually $799)

    *   256GB: $749 (Usually $899)

    *   512GB: $949 (Usually $1,099)

    *   1TB: $1,149 (Usually $1,299)

That larger screen option is really nice, and with the M3 chip inside, it's a great fit for students taking notes, professionals working on the go, or just anyone who wants a snappy tablet for everyday use. It’s priced so competitively, it becomes the most versatile choice available.

**iPad (A16): Budget-Friendly Fun for the Whole Crew**

Now, if you're on a tighter budget, take a look at the standard iPad with the A16 chip. It's their newest entry-level model, and it's perfect for a lot of things. The 11-inch screen is a good size for just kicking back, watching videos, or letting the kids play games. Speaking of kids, it's a pretty sweet option since it's not going to break the bank if something happens to it.

The Price:

*   128GB: $274 (Normally $349)

*   256GB: $379 (Normally $349)

*   512GB: $579 (Normally $349)

For under $300, the A16 iPad is one of the most affordable current-generation iPads you'll see during Black Friday. If you just need a simple, reliable tablet for the house without spending a fortune, this is a really good pick. It's not the fastest thing out there.

**iPad mini 7: Small Size, Big Perks**

Okay, let's talk about the iPad mini 7. This thing is all about portability. People love it because it's small and easy to use just about anywhere. It's not as popular as the bigger Air, but if you want something that slips right into your bag or is easy to hold with one hand, this is it. The new iPad mini is a sweet spot for people that need that balance.

Here's the deal:

*   128GB: $399 (Regularly $499)

*   256GB: $499 (Regularly $699)

*   512GB: $699 (Regularly $799)

That makes the base model mini a pretty tempting deal.

**M5 iPad Pro: The King of the Hill**

Alright, at the top of the food chain, we've got the M5 iPad Pro. This is Apple's most advanced tablet, no question. We're talking a cutting-edge M5 chip, gorgeous display options, and you can load it up with storage all the way to 2TB. It's really aimed at professionals and people who need serious power. For a lot of folks, this could flat-out replace their laptop.

The Black Friday discounts aren't huge here – we're talking $100 off – but hey, when you're spending this much, every little bit helps:

*   **11-inch M5 iPad Pro**

    *   256GB: $899 (Normally $999)

    *   512GB: $1,099 (Normally $1,199)

    *   1TB: $1,488 (Normally $1,599)

    *   2TB: $1,859 (Normally $1,999)

    *   Nano-texture glass: $1,999 (Usually $100 off)

*   **13-inch M5 iPad Pro**

    *   256GB: $1,199 (Normally $1,299)

    *   512GB: $1,399 (Normally $1,499)

    *   1TB: $1,769 (Normally $1,899)

    *   Nano-texture 1TB: $1,899 (Normally $1,999)

    *   2TB: $2,155 (Normally $2,299)

If you're a creative professional, or just someone who demands the best possible tablet experience, the M5 Pro really is in its own league.

**Don't Forget the Goodies: Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil**

You can't talk about iPads without mentioning the accessories! The Magic Keyboard basically turns your iPad Pro into a laptop with a really nice keyboard. It's awesome to type with. And of course, there's the Apple Pencil.

*   Magic Keyboard Case (13-inch M4/M5 Pro): $279 (Normally $349)

*   Magic Keyboard Case (11-inch M4/M5 Pro): $289 (Normally $299)

The Apple Pencil is still the go-to for taking notes, sketching, and doing detailed work on your iPad screen. Black Friday has prices slashed on them:

*   Apple Pencil (USB-C): $49 (Normally $79)

*   Apple Pencil Pro: $95 (Normally $129)

That USB-C Pencil at $49 is an amazing deal. It's a great gift idea too. And the Pro version gives you some cool wireless charging.

**So, Which iPad is Right for You?**

Honestly, with this many choices, it can be tough picking an iPad! Here's a super-simple guide.

*   **Just need something for basic stuff / the family:** Get the standard iPad (A16) – you can't beat the price.

*   **Want a good balance of power and price:** The M3 iPad Air is your best bet.

*   **Need something super portable:** Go with the iPad mini 7.

*   **Need the most power possible:** The M5 iPad Pro is the way to go.

Adding some accessories is a very good choice.

**Bottom Line: Don't Miss Out!**

It's pretty rare for Apple to discount their products, so Black Friday is one of the best chances to save money. From the cheap iPad to the expensive iPad Pro, there's something for pretty much everyone. Whether you're buying for yourself or doing some holiday shopping, these deals are a great opportunity to snag an iPad.

With money decreased across the lineup, now is the perfect moment to think through what kind of iPad fits to your tastes and to move quickly prior to these deals expire.

28.Samsung’s Black Friday Deals Blow Amazon’s Offers Out of the Water 

## Black Friday 2025: Samsung's Dropping Prices Like Crazy on Galaxy Stuff!

Black Friday's a madhouse, right? Everyone's hitting up Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart – the usual suspects. But wait up! Don't snooze on Samsung's actual website. Seriously, they're bringing the heat this year with price drops on Galaxy phones, tablets, watches, and earbuds. And here's the kicker: if you've got some old tech you're willing to part with, the savings get *insane*. We're talking half-price or even better on some goodies!

Let's check out the best bargains Samsung's got going for Black Friday, why they're cool, and how they measure up against what the other big stores are offering.

**1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: $1,000 Off – Seriously!**

So, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung's big show-off in the folding phone world. It's got that slick folding screen, the best parts, and some smart tricks. Usually, it's around two grand, but Samsung's slicing off up to $1,000 if you swap an old gadget. That makes the cost a little under a grand! Even if you *don't* have something to trade, you can still grab it for $400 off, making it $1,599.99.

*   **Samsung cost:** $999.99 (with a trade) | $1,599.99 (without)

*   **Amazon/Best Buy cost:** $1,599.99

Why is this good? Well, it levels the playing field with regular phones, but you still get that sweet folding screen. If you've been wanting one but the cost was too much, now's the time.

**2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Up to $700 Off the Coolest Android!**

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung's all-out phone. It's got a super-fast chip, a huge 6.9-inch screen that looks awesome, and a pen for notes and doodles. If you want the best of the best on Android, this is it.

For Black Friday, Samsung knocks up to $700 off if you trade something in. This means you only have to pay $599.99. And if you don't want to trade in anything, the company cut its price to $949.99 from it's original price, a $350 off.

*   **Samsung cost:** $599.99 (with a trade) | $949.99 (without)

*   **Amazon/Best Buy cost:** $949.99

If you're after the best Android deal you can fine, jump on this one.

**3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: $199.99? Yes, Please!**

Smartwatches are really helpful, and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic rocks. It's normally $499.99, but Samsung's taking off up to $300 with a trade, landing it at just $199.99. If you're not trading, you still save $100, and you only have to pay $399.99.

*   **Samsung cost:** $199.99 (with a trade) | $399.99 (without)

*   **Amazon/Best Buy cost:** $399.99

This deal makes the Watch 8 Classic really cheap, especially if you're thinking about getting something new. It's cool, has exercise tracker, it's really useful for anyone who wants to be healthy or just wants to check how they're doing.

**4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S11: A Tablet Deal That's Too Good**

Tablets can be ignored during Black Friday, but Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 is awesome. It has a CPU, RAM, and a smooth screen. It's good for working *or* watching videos.

Samsung takes up to $650 off with a trade, so it's only $149.99! If you don't have anything to trade in, it's $649.99.

*   **Samsung cost:** $149.99 (with a trade) | $649.99 (without)

*   **Amazon/Best Buy cost:** $649.99

Really, it's a very good deal. With a trade, you're getting a good tablet for less than what some of the cheap ones cost.

**5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Save Money and Get Free Stuff with it!**

If you want good sound, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are Samsung's best earbuds. It sounds good. They're $249.99 all the time, but Samsung’s subtracting $125 off if you trade in something, that means you only have to pay $124.99. You don't have to do anything? They're only $169.99.

If you buy it, you get a free case and also a free health thing. Amazon and Best Buy are more expensive and don't give you free stuff.

*   **Samsung cost:** $124.99 (with a trade) | $169.99 (without) + get case & health thing

*   **Amazon/Best Buy cost:** $159.99 (no case)

This deal is really good because you get extra stuff.

**So, Where Does Samsung Rank?**

Everyone has Black Friday prices, but Samsung’s site has all the biggest prices, *especially* if you're trading old stuff.

*   The Z Fold 7 is $1,599.99 at Amazon and Best Buy, but $999.99 at Samsung if you're trading.

*   The S25 Ultra is $949.99 at Amazon and Best Buy, but $599.99 at Samsung with a trade.

*   The Tab S11 is $649.99 at Amazon and Best Buy, but $149.99 at Samsung if you trade something in.

Samsung likes to have free things which make their deals better too.

**Why Trading Stuff Gets You the Best Deals**

Trading gets you the best deals at Samsung. You can trade old or broke stuff too, making it really easy. They boost sales and also recycle old tech.

If you don't wanna trade, that's okay. Samsung has good prices to begin with. But you can see those deals on Amazon or Best Buy a lot of times, so check around.

**Overall: Check Samsung Out This Black Friday!**

Black Friday has a lot, but Samsung’s site is really good. They have good prices, you can trade stuff for a new thing, and they sometimes give you free stuff. If you want to get a new tech or you need gift ideas, you can see if you can get good prices this Black Friday 2025.

29.ASUS ROG Strix G16 (RTX 5070) Gets Its Lowest Price Ever in Amazon’s Black Friday Blowout 

Valve's Steam Deck totally flipped the script, right? Who'd have guessed a handheld gaming PC would cause such a stir? But they're not resting on their laurels. I am hearing some chatter about what they're cooking up next. First, there's talk of a Steam Controller 2.0 (yay!). Second, a VR headset thingy called Steam Frame. Also, get this: they might be bringing back the Steam Machine. Remember that? The living-room console idea? Yeah, that one.

That whole Steam Machine concept is a head-scratcher, I'll admit. They gave it a shot before, and it didn't exactly light up the sales charts. BUT, they've learned a ton since then. And SteamOS is actually pretty sweet now. So, just maybe, it could actually give Xbox and PlayStation a run for their money. But who knows? I am not holding my breath.

The big question is the price, of course. Valve's not saying a word about that. And the other thing is when are these things coming out? So, if you're itching for an upgrade *now*, waiting around isn't exactly fun. That's why a lot of folks are eyeing gaming laptops instead. Big power in a portable package. Speaking of which, there's a killer deal on the Asus ROG Strix G16 over at Amazon for Black Friday. Check this out...

**Asus ROG Strix G16: Black Friday Steal Alert!**

Okay, the Asus ROG Strix G16 is a beast of a gaming laptop that's worth looking at in 2025. It usually sells for around $2,100 – crazy, right? – but Amazon's slashing 19% off for Black Friday. That's about $400 off, bringing it down to a much more reasonable $1,700. Not bad for a machine this powerful.

Look, I know gaming laptops can be pricey, especially when you compare them to desktops. But the Strix G16 has the goods to back it up. It's aimed at gamers who want that desktop experience but in an easy-to-carry form factor. And with this discount, it's actually within reach for more people.

**What's Inside?**

Under the hood, it's packing an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX processor, one of the fastest mobile CPUs out there. Plus, there's an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. In everyday terms, this thing will obliterate current games without even sweating, no matter if you like fast-paced shooters or huge story-driven RPGs.

It's also loaded with memory and storage. We're talking 32GB of DDR5 RAM. That means you can run a ton of stuff at the same time, and it'll still be a snappy machine for years to come. And the 1TB SSD will make your games load up lightning fast, and you'll have room for a bunch of them.

**Eye Candy**

The display on the Strix G16 is the real deal. Asus calls a ROG Nebula display, and it runs at 240Hz with a 3ms response. If you're into competitive gaming online, that's a huge thing. Everything looks incredibly smooth and responsive.

The screen's also a good size – 16 inches – and it fills the display panel well, which is a bonus. Also, it's got this coating that cuts down on glare and makes the colors really pop. Plus, it supports NVIDIA G-Sync, which gets rid of screen-tearing so everything looks even cleaner.

**Staying Cool**

All that power makes a lot of heat, naturally. But Asus prepped for it. The Strix G16 has *three* fans, a big heatsink, and vents everywhere to keep things cool. That keeps it from slowing down in the heat of battle. And, it won't sound like a jet taking off. Trust me, good cooling is a must if you plan on long gaming sessions, and this laptop delivers.

**Lights and Stealth**

You can't have a gaming laptop without RGB lighting, can you? You can set it up however you like. The light bar goes all the way across the laptop itself, and it syncs up with the keyboard and other ROG stuff. But here's a cool feature: if you're in a meeting or something, just hit a button and turn all the lights off. The laptops's ready for regular business.

**Why This Matters**

So, Valve's new gear sounds awesome, but we don't know when that's coming or what it's going to sell for. If you need a gaming rig *now*, the Asus ROG Strix G16 is a solid pick. Great parts, pretty slick looks, and it's on sale right now.

I know, $1,700 is still a lot of money. But if you're after serious power that you can take wherever, it's worth checking out. Skip the Steam Machine wait (who knows what it'll be!), and get the Strix and game right away.

**The Deal: Worth It**

Alright, Valve's trying to make big things with the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame. What happens with the Steam Machine, we'll have to wait and see.

But the Asus ROG Strix G16 is a great deal for Black Friday. It's got a Ryzen 9 processor, RTX 5070 GPU, a ton of RAM for games, and a very gorgeous display. The cooling keeps it from overheating, the lights can be customized, and it's seriously discounted. It's among the better gaming laptops this holiday season.

No matter if you're thinking about upgrading your current rig or jumping into PC gaming, the Strix G16 will handle almost anything you can throw at it in 2025 and beyond.

30.Modder Behind Skyrim’s Thomas the Tank Engine Returns With Morrowind Reboot, Defies Lawyers

Thomas the Tank Engine is wreaking havoc in Morrowind now. Crazy, right? It started with some online jokes, a modder who's super passionate, and Mattel, who, let's be honest, probably aren't thrilled about it.

Basically, if a game lets you mess around with it, it's only a matter of time before someone sticks Thomas the Tank Engine in there, usually for the lols. People just love turning this innocent little train into a nightmare fuel. It's a thing.

The mastermind behind all this is Kevin Trainwiz Brock. You might know him as the dude who shoved Thomas into Skyrim. Guess dragons weren't cutting it anymore. Now he's invaded *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind*. Those godawful flying pests, the cliff racers? He's replaced them with Thomas. Yep, you read that right. Can you imagine wandering around Morrowind, suddenly being attacked by a swarm of grinning trains instead of those winged nuisances? It's as bonkers as it sounds.

Trainwiz has history with Mattel, the big shots who own Thomas. He even announced the mod on social media, basically daring them to do something about it! His Skyrim mod got Mattel's attention, and they sent him some legal letters. Then, his Fallout 4 mod got taken down after Mattel complained that seeing Thomas blow up was bad for their brand. Brock jokes that Mattel probably wants him to disappear. Can you believe getting legal threats over a Thomas the Tank Engine mod?

This Morrowind mod is next level weird. In Skyrim, Thomas replaced dragons, so you only saw him during big fights. Kind of strange, but not too bad. But cliff racers in Morrowind? They're EVERYWHERE. Constantly on your butt, attacking you. Replacing them with Thomas means you're constantly being attacked by killer trains. I can't imagine the game turning into a complete horror show! In a moment of insanity, Brock even made a version of the mod where every Thomas you kill makes two more appear. Godspeed!

Brock said that he made this mod a while ago, but never released it. Then, boom, he suddenly did. He's not bothered if he gets sued or threatened; he's committed to keeping the joke alive. He admitted that he isn't a huge fan of authority. He said that he stood up to bullies back in school, so he feels like he has to keep doing it.

Here's the thing: Brock's doing it for more than just a laugh. He's deliberately provoking a major corporation, almost begging Mattel to come after him. He says he's doing it to be creative and to stop companies from bullying regular people. He believes that ordinary people should not be intimidated by big corporations.

So, why is Thomas the Tank Engine such a massive meme? He's a cheerful, innocent childhood icon suddenly showing up in a bloody, violent game. It's unexpected and completely outrageous which is what makes it work!. From Skyrim, Dark Souls, or Resident Evil, no game is safe with Thomas lurking.

Because of our childhood memories of Thomas, people are now seeing the character turn into something terrible.

Mattel is not happy about it. They want their brand to look family-friendly. Their business is children entertainment, and they are not happy that their mascot is in this horror situations.

This brings a question: How much control should companies have over their characters? Companies get happy if they are making revenue. The lines get iffy when their characters are getting affected. Thomas and Brock are both pushing the line further and further.

Morrowind is already weird, with its strange environments, enemies, and lore. Thomas makes the game that much weirder.

Brock wants to feel useful. He turned a kids character into a funny, disturbing figure.

Brock doesn't show too much emotion. It's the combination of his attitude mixed with the hilarious situation that makes him famous. He's like a leader who wants to do the funniest stuff, and the fans love it. He is more chaotic than evil, so the fans adore him!

31.Bungie Unveils In-Depth Look at Star Wars-Inspired Destiny 2: Renegades 31.

**Destiny 2: Renegades – Is Bungie Going Full Star Wars This December 2nd?**

So, Bungie loves to shake things up with Destiny 2, right? But this next expansion, Renegades, which drops on December 2nd, might be the wildest thing they've ever done. There’s a Star Wars thing going on, and things are getting... familiar. Think sci-fi mixed with the Destiny world. You see the trailers? Lots of recognizable stuff – weapons kinda like lightsabers, soldiers give major stormtrooper vibes and a big bad who could totally pass for a Sith Lord. Bungie says to chill out, that it's still Destiny, and they're trying to walk a tightrope, giving a nod without straight-up copying everything.

**No Actual Lightsabers or Sith Lords, Pinky Swear**

I get it. Watching the clips, Renegades totally feels like Destiny dressing up as Star Wars for a costume party. But Bungie is trying hard to keep to its own story. Those glowing swords? Not lightsabers. They're calling them Praxic Blades, which are special weapons using kinetic energy. The armored guys? Not stormtroopers; they're part of the Barant Imperium, a brand new group joining the party. And the main bad guy? Not a Sith Lord, but Dredgen Bael, a super dark and intimidating new villain.

This matters, really. Bungie wants Renegades to take inspiration from Star Wars, without turning into a weird crossover that ruins what Destiny's built. They want the expansion to make Destiny richer, not just replace it with something else. It's like getting ideas for a school project, not just copying someone else's answers.

**The Drifter's Finally Getting His Time to Shine**

One of the main stories in Renegades puts the Drifter in the spotlight. We all know this guy is shady, always making backroom deals. He is never the hero type. But in Renegades, he’s our guide, leading us into the solar system's criminal world.

Yeah, you see the comparison. Han Solo, anyone? The Drifter's a charming rogue, bends the rules like crazy, and always gets out of messy spots. Bungie's playing that kind of character, taking what makes Star Wars stories awesome, but still keeping it based in Destiny. He's the perfect guy to lead the way in this kind of storyline.

**Aunor Mahal: Destiny's Closest Thing to a Jedi**

Another key character in Renegades is Aunor Mahal. She's been mentioned in Destiny lore, but now she’s stepping into action, wielding a Praxic Blade against Dredgen Bael. She gives off that Jedi feeling – disciplined, powerful, and fighting for good.

Alright, Bungie is not calling her a Jedi, but when she's fighting, it looks like a lightsaber duel. It's gonna make fans happy. She's Destiny's version of the Jedi, with their own differences. She's not just a copy paste character.

**Into the Lawless Frontier: New Groups to Meet in Destiny?**

Renegades adds a new place to explore called the Lawless Frontier, which includes Tharsis Outpost. Players can side with certain groups and get a reputation by doing quests.

These groups sound pretty interesting:

*   The Pikers – an anarchist group of Eliksni bikers.

*   The Tharsis Reformation – a group of smart Vex machines.

*   Totality Division – Cabal soldiers going rogue.

Players will do different tasks for these groups – things like stealing, hunting, and sabotage. These will influence story preferences.

**Praxic Blades and All the Cool New Gear**

The best thing? Definitely the Praxic Blade, kind of like a lightsaber. Bungie said it would always be around.

Renegades adds Blasters, inspired by Star Wars blasters and Heirloom, a crossbow that looks like Chewbacca uses.

**Renegade Tricks and Faction Chemistry**

There will be totally new skills. These skills look like they connect to the group you support, giving unique powers and ways to play. Siding with certain groups could change how players approach fights and quests.

**The Music:**

The score is awesome. Bungie drew inspiration from Star Wars’ music. The background music will affect the overall expansion.

**Conclusion:**

Destiny 2: Renegades looks like it's going to be one of the most ambitious expansions. With its Star Wars-like images, groups and a rogue that are going to be very charming, promising a refreshing experience that still feels from Destiny series.

32.Steam Ban Pushes Indie Studio Santa Ragione to the Brink of Closure

There's this indie game studio from Italy named Santa Ragione. They're known for making pretty unusual games. Some might even call them super *weird*. Well, they've hit a snag. Valve said no way to their new horror game, Horses, on Steam. That's a significant problem.

Horses is dropping on December 2nd, 2025. If you want to grab a copy, you can find it on the Epic Games Store, GOG, Itch.io, and the Humble Store. It'll only cost five bucks. Now, here's the deal. Steam is the go-to for PC games. Santa Ragione is afraid that without Steam, they won't make enough money to even cover the game's development costs. Getting rejected like this hurts since Steam can pull a lot of views.

Valve told Santa Ragione that Horses has stuff that breaks Steam's rules, mentioning the game's themes and visuals. To add insult to injury, Santa Ragione didn't get a chance to fix or even get an exact reason for the rejection. The studio put out a statement that they were really bummed out. They were counting on Steam to get the word out to more players, and the door has been shut, and they can't say anything about it.

Santa Ragione planned to fix bugs and make some upgrades after the game came out. Steam was key to that plan. Now, they're worried that the game won't sell as much on the smaller sites, and it's unsure if they will stay in business.

So, what's Horses about? It's a first-person horror game that messes with your head. It will make you question what you think is real. You walk around this strange farm and see people in horse masks being ridden like, well, horses. The game makes you uneasy while discussing power, religion, and harsh actions.

Santa Ragione has been straight up about the game's dark themes, even adding warnings to their website. They don't want people thinking they're just going for shock value. They see it as important art, and they want to treat their player base with respect. The studio doesn't think it's right that one store can stop a legal product, especially for a small company.

So, what led Steam to say no to the game? Steam's bots flagged content that could be seen as sexualizing kids. Santa Ragione says that's not the case. There aren't any kids being sexually mistreated in the game at all.

The studio thinks the problem may have started due to an older version of the game they sent to Steam in 2023. The last version showed a dad and his daughter who were looking at the farm. The daughter was on the shoulders of a lady who was wearing nothing but a horse mask. It wasn't supposed to seem alluring. To be safe, they made the character a woman in her twenties.

But even after making those changes, Steam wouldn't budge nor give further reasons. Santa Ragione thinks one problem is the absence of specified rules. Which means Steam can refuse a game for pretty much any reason.

Here's the tough truth:

Santa Ragione thinks Steam's choices have a very big effect since a lot of people use Steam. Indie studios may get kicked for vague reasons if the rules are not clear. Santa Ragione feels that this type of power can either make or ruin studios, deciding their success or their failure. Santa Ragione is afraid that Valve is judging the game artists, similar to other times when artists would get put on trial if their work was disliked.

Steam uses bots and people to filter content that is not okay to all communities. Santa Ragione is nervous that this will end up pushing game artists to make works that are more mainstream, in order to sneak around Steam's filters. This can put the developers' souls at risk.

Santa Ragione has spent around $100,000 on Horses, and half of that came from crowdfunding. Without Steam, it isn't likely that they will get returns on the investment. Pietro Righi Riva, one of the studio's founders, said the last few years have been rough, citing how hard it can be.

The worst part, according to Riva, is that companies can stop any game for no good reason. He says that artistry will never grow if unclear suggestions dictate everyone's work.

Riva was bothered that Valve, who's been making money from publishing their games for 14 years, couldn't provide an exact reason for the rejection. He wants to be treated better to show the company's working history.

So, what is the team going through?

This has put a lot of stress to the small team. Andrea Lucco Borlera, the writer, put his heart and soul into the game. Riva says they're all worried sick. He said that everyone is facing that they can't create the art they had made because of one company's views.

The team tried all solutions to get Valve to change their belief, but they couldn't. They're concerned about talking so that they don't affect their current campaign. But Riva says it's key to talk to the public.

Even if Horses isn't on Steam, the team is happy that the game is done and coming soon. They will keep making more art.

So, is this the end?

Santa Ragione's story shows how difficult it is for small game artists. Steam's lacking guidelines and ability to appeal can say whether a poor studio can do great. It's unsure if players will purchase Horses on the other platforms. But, this has created conversations, like censorship and corporate influence, and whether it's fair to show art to everyone.

33.Meta Launches Wearables Trade-In Program With Discounts on Ray-Ban and Oakley

Meta's got this thing going on where you can send in your old stuff – like, your old smart glasses, or even some earbuds (yeah, I know, earbuds are a little weird) – and get a discount on a shiny pair of their new smart glasses. Basically, it's like trading in your old phone when the newer version comes out. Just so you know, the program is not available perpetually. The end of the line date for this deal is around December 2025, so keep that in mind!

**Which Glasses Can I Trade In?**

Did you get those Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses when they first dropped? Cool! The first and second versions, plus the Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard editions, are all good to go for the trade-in. But, if you have the Meta Ray-Ban Display – sorry, not this time. And those super-rare ones that you can never find? Yeah those aren't getting traded in either. They're only accepting specific models. It seems like a bunch of folks have been eyeing these deals!

**Wait, They Want My Earbuds Too?**

Okay, this is where things get a little weird. Meta's not just after your glasses; they're also taking some earbuds off your hands. Here's the list of the earbuds:

*   Apple AirPods Pro 2

*   Apple AirPods Pro

*   Apple AirPods Pro 4 (even though it's not on the market yet!)

*   Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

*   Beats Studio Buds +

*   Beats Fit Pro

*   Samsung Galaxy Buds3

*   Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

*   Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

It seems that Meta’s probably trying to get the attention of people who might not be thinking about getting smart glasses. If someone's got AirPods or Galaxy Buds, this trade-in could be the extra push they need to try out smart glasses! I think that would catch a lot of people's attention since those earbuds seem to be really popular. After all, who doesn't appreciate new glasses? Lots of people are looking for better upgrades to their devices. I hope people are interested!

**Okay, How Do I Actually Trade Something In?**

You have to buy the new glasses from Meta's website. When you put the glasses in the shopping cart, you *should* see a button or something that starts the whole trade-in thing. I have heard that some people on Reddit are saying that the trade-in option disappears sometimes. What the people have tried is using a different internet browser – like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Meta hasn't told anyone about it, but hopefully that fixes the problem!

**Show Me the Money! How Much Will This Save Me?**

The amount of the discount will change depending on what you are trading in and what condition it's in. Some shoppers saw somewhere around $113 off. Those Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses usually cost around $379, so that's good cash in your pocket. If you want to buy the new ones, it would be useful to get credit for it.

**Why Should I even Bother With the Gen 2 Glasses?**

The second-gen glasses are better than the first ones. More specifically, they’re improved. The battery *should* last longer, which is a huge help if you want to wear the glasses all day. Also, the camera’s better, which is great if you like taking photos or doing live streams. I'm pretty sure people will prefer these over the older versions.

If you want the best glasses, they cost around $379, but you can probably lower that price if you trade something in. You might get them down to be around $266! I believe this would be an amazing way to get your hands on the glasses.

**The First-Gen Glasses, Are They Useful?**

If getting the best isn't the most important thing to you – like you don't really need the best battery or camera – the first-gen glasses are being sold for less. So, if you don't have anything to trade in, or you're just trying out smart glasses without paying too much, the older models could be a good starting point. Everyone appreciates a good deal!

**Why Is Meta Doing This?**

Trade-in programs aren't new. It's a pretty common thing for big tech companies like Apple and Samsung. It keeps all the customers coming back to buy more of their products!

It could also get people to come over from other systems. Meta might be trying to get people to come over to smart glasses, which could happen if they try them out. In recent times more and more people that I know are looking to get new things! I can definitely see that.

**A Few Other Important Things**

Remember that you can't trade those really rare glasses you may have. Collectors might even want them in the future, so you can't turn them in. This trade-in thing is just for a limited time. Also, I saw people talking that Meta might have leaked something about the Apple AirPods Pro 4. I might be a good idea to clear that up if you plan on trading those earbuds in. And always read the fine print!

**Basically:**

Meta's testing this trade-in program to see if they can get more people to get their smart glasses. So, if you've been thinking about getting a pair for yourself, this could be the thing that pushes you to get a pair. I'm sure the discounts are enough to satisfy anyone's curiosity! And, your old device can get a second life, right? I'm interested in seeing how this plays out, and I'm hoping that it's a positive for anybody that wants the glasses.

34.Pony Tales Masterwork Research Focuses on Shiny Keldeo 

**Shiny Keldeo is Finally Coming to Pokémon GO! Get Ready for the Pony Tales Masterwork Research**

Guess what?! Pokémon GO is keeping things fresh with new events and, of course, super rare Pokémon. The upcoming Final Justice event is a BIG deal because, for the first time ever, you can get your hands on a Shiny Keldeo! This Water/Fighting-type Mythical Pokémon is a real prize. You can grab it through a special paid Masterwork Research called Pony Tales. It's not just about getting a rare shiny, it connects to the whole story about the Swords of Justice. So it’s gonna be a cool and rewarding thing for those serious trainers out there.

**How Do I Snag This Pony Tales Research?**

Alright, so the Pony Tales Masterwork Research isn't free. You’ll need to buy a ticket in the in-game shop. It’ll set you back $7.99 (or whatever that is in your local money, plus any taxes). The ticket will be up for grabs starting Tuesday, November 25th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and will hang around until Sunday, November 30th, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. (local time).

Now, here's the cool part: you HAVE to claim the research during those dates. But once you've got it, it's yours forever! No need to rush. You can take your time doing the tasks whenever you want. That's what Masterwork Research is all about—rewarding players who stick around for the long haul. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon!

**Pony Tales Masterwork Research: Stage 1 Breakdown**

We already know what Stage 1 of Pony Tales looks like, and it's gonna be a grind, no doubt about it. You gotta catch a bunch of Pokémon from different generations. So, this really ties into the whole idea of going back through Pokémon history.

Here's the breakdown:

*   Catch 151 Pokémon originally from the Kanto region → 647 XP

*   Catch 100 Pokémon originally from the Johto region → 647 XP

*   Catch 135 Pokémon originally from the Hoenn region → 647 XP

*   Catch 107 Pokémon originally from the Sinnoh region → 647 XP

*   Catch 156 Pokémon originally from the Unova region → 647 XP

*   Catch a Pokémon on 10 different days → 647 XP

If you finish all of that, you get some stage rewards that connect to the Swords of Justice:

*   25 Cobalion Candy

*   10 Terrakion Candy

*   25 Virizion Candy

See? That really shows how Keldeo is tied to those other Pokémon. Plus, it's a reason to go back and catch Pokémon from the older games you maybe haven't thought about in a while.

**What's Coming Up? Stages 2-7: Get Ready to Guess!**

Okay, so Stages 2 through 7 of the Pony Tales research are still a mystery. Niantic is keeping it under wraps for now. I think that is smart, getting the playerbase excited about what's coming next.

If we look at past Masterwork Research tasks, we can guess we'll get stuff like catching TONS of Pokémon, battling in raids and maybe some Team GO Rocket fights, and walking around to visit PokeStops.

Of course,the big reward is gonna be a Keldeo encounter, and the chance to get the shiny one! For Pokémon collectors, this is huge. Shiny Mythical Pokémon are super rare, so having a chance to get one is a great thing.

**Why is Shiny Keldeo So Special?**

Keldeo has been a favorite of a lot of players, ever since it showed up in the Gen V games. It is part of the Unova story. You know, that group of Pokémon: Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion. Keldeo is like a symbol of being a hero and never giving up. The shiny version is different so people want it for their shiny collection.

In Pokémon GO, you usually can only get Mythical Pokémon through special quests or events that make them way tricky than Legendary Pokémon. Being able to get Shiny Keldeo in Pony Tales is an way to catch it, but it will still some money and work.

**How it Fits the Final Justice Event**

The Pony Tales event is coming out during the Final Justice event. The event to highlight the Swords of Justice. The task, catching Pokémon from various region, mimicks Keldeo's growth quest. As well, you get Candies for Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion. You get to strengthen them for your team, as well as Keldeo.

**Is it Worth that Money?**

At $7.99, Pony Tales is similarly priced to older research task. For casuals, they might find it steep, especailly because of the grind. However, collectors see it as a chance to guaratee getting Shiny Keldeo. A Pokémon might never be seen again.

As well, since the research never expires, players have time to complete it. It will be an easier decision for those with long goals.

**What the Community is Saying**

The Community mixed feelings about it. Many players are very hype about getting Shiny Keldeo. Others worry that Mythical Pokémon are getting locked behind paywalls. Stage 2-7 has made some speculate to see Raid Battles or PVP battles.

But many are talking about it to make sure people do participate.

**Finally: A Great Opportunity**

Shiny Keldeo through Pony Tales is the event for Pokémon GO's Justice Event. Niantic has created an event with task for rewards and determination.

At $7.99, players get access to rare Shiny, Candies and XP to make their team stronger. The grind is hard but pays well with collections. As the other stages are revealded, trainers will learn the full extend of Pony Tales, this quest is ready to embark.

35.Report: Rockstar Let Go Staff After Slack Policy Discussion Leaked to External Discord 

Rockstar Games, the *Grand Theft Auto* people, stuff is getting messy. Earlier this year, they fired 34 people, and now everyone's wondering if it was because they were trying to start a union. It really makes you think about how much control companies try to have over what their employees say, even when they're not at work.

Here's the story: it all started with a Discord server. Apparently, some reporters found out these employees were fired for chatting about Rockstar's updated Slack rules on this private Discord server. Can you believe the drama?

**Discord Disaster: What Happened?**

So, this Discord server had been around since 2022. It was basically a hangout spot for Rockstar employees interested in starting a union. Some people from the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) union were involved, too. They had separate channels for union members, but also a general chat for all Rockstar employees, whether they were in the union or not, where they could just hang out and talk about things.

That general chat? That's where the drama started. People were sharing what they knew on Rockstar's new rules. Rockstar shut down a bunch of Slack channels people were using for hobbies and interests to keep people from messing around at work. They even closed a game forum where people talked about game news. On top of that, Rockstar was limiting what employees could say in their Slack statuses. It's strange, right?

**Emails, Secrets, and Getting Fired**

It gets weirder. Rockstar decided employees couldn't check their work email unless they were in the office. These email updates about the Slack changes got sent out, but some people in the UK couldn't see them because they were working from home. So, they had someone copy the info into the Discord server, to let the others know what was going on.

Sources say one employee got worried about emails being shared outside the company and told management on everyone. Then Rockstar started looking around the Discord server and ended up firing those 34 employees, saying they screwed up majorly. It sounds like a bad movie.

**What Were They Talking About?**

Here's where it gets wild: Employees who were interviewed said they don't remember *any* private company information being shared on the Discord server. They said it was mostly about salaries, company rules, and bonuses--normal office talk.

Alex Marshall, head of the IWGB union, was not impressed. To him, it's just employees talking.

Marshall thinks Rockstar went too far. He thinks the company is just scared of people talking freely.

**Rockstar's Side (or None at All)**

Take-Two, Rockstar's parent company, hasn't really said much outside of the canned corporate speak from the lawyers. It's still not clear if sharing those internal emails about Slack broke any rules. The company's not giving details, so the employees are still in the dark.

Rockstar claims they're not trying to stop the union, but the IWGB has filed a claim, saying the firings were meant to affect union activities. The union thinks Rockstar unfairly fired them.

**Employees Are Fighting Back Hard**

Understandably, a lot of people at Rockstar are angry about the firings. Over 200 employees signed a letter asking for the fired employees to get their jobs back. People are also protesting outside, showing support for the union's claims of being treated unfairly.

A lot of the employees think the firings are a perfect example of how messed up the relationship between companies and employees has become. It's making people nervous and think about what employees are allowed to say, even at home. It's lowering morale.

**What It Means for Everyone**

The Rockstar situation comes as the gaming world is also experiencing layoffs, a push to unionize, and conversations about the work environment. It's easy to talk with apps, but it's tougher knowing whether what's said stays in the company or it goes out into the world. The Rockstar case shows just how this can become a problem.

The IWGB wants others to join the push to unionize. They also said Rockstar's confusing rules show workers need someone to speak for them. Businesses everywhere are feeling the pressure to answer questions: How do you make things work without disrespecting workers? It's a common problem that needs to improve.

**The Main Point: How Much Say Should Bosses Really Have Over Employee Talk?**

The firing of those Rockstar workers over Discord chats has turned into a big discussion about companies and employees.

Rockstar can say the dismissals had a good reason. But others think the employees were penalized because they were chatting about starting a union. Because it's now a wrongful termination claim, it could change how studios treat people from now on. Things need to be really clear, so people know where they stand.

Right now, Rockstar's rep is getting hit, and those who still work there are watching everything. Whether the 34 employees get their jobs back is still unknown. One thing is for sure: there's now a conversation about how much businesses should really be able to tell their employees what to do outside of work.

36.GPU Prices Drop While RAM Costs Soar to New Heights

**RAM Prices Are Bonkers! What's the Deal?!**

So, you're thinking about slapping together a new PC? Brace yourself! Remember like last year when getting a decent graphics card felt like it included having to find a money tree or something? Yeah, thankfully that's *mostly* over. But here's the thing: RAM and SSDs are suddenly super expensive! I am talking about DDR5 RAM kits going for *triple* what they cost just a few months ago, and SSDs are catching up quickly.

What's the story here? Well, it comes down to a shortage of those memory and flash memory again(!!!). That big AI rush (insert air quotes) is gobbling up chips like crazy. People, plus companies with a large amount of capital, are in panic mode (again!) and buying whatever they can get their hands on. Everyone's worried they won't be able to get parts later. So, yeah, finding a graphics card that doesn't make you faint from the cost should be obtainable currently, but if you plan on getting more RAM or going all-in on a new computer, maybe get ready to skip a few vacations.

**Let's Look at Some Price Differences: August Compared to Now (November 2025)**

Okay, how bad is it getting? Here is a quick comparison, and trust me, it's not pretty:

*   Patriot Viper Venom 16GB DDR5-6000: Went from $49 to $110 (Ouch!)

*   Silicon Power 16GB DDR4-3200: Went from $34 to $89 (Ugh...)

*   Team T-Force Vulcan 32GB DDR5-6000: Went from $82 to a crazy $310 (Seriously?!)

*   Team Delta RGB 64GB DDR5-6400: Went from $190 to a bonkers $700 (Are you kidding me?!)

*   WD Blue SN5000 500GB SSD: Went from $45 to $69 (Annoying, but not the worst)

*   WD Blue SN5000 1TB SSD: Went from $64 to $111 (Starting to feel it now)

*   WD Blue SN5000 2TB SSD: Went from $115 to $154 (Okay, this is getting irritating)

*   WD Black SN7100 2TB SSD: Went from $130 to $175 (Yeah, screw this!)

As you can see, the bigger DDR5 RAM kits are getting murdered. SSDs are rising, but they are not at the same level of ridiculousness *yet*. So I would advise if you mainly game on your system or depend on your computer for memory-heavy work, just cross your fingers that nothing breaks!

**Why Do Shortages Always Happen?!**

Why does this cycle exist? It feels like these chip shortages just are unresolvable. Factories take a long time to get fully working, and these companies make their plans *way* before seeing something like a change in request. Remember back during the pandemic? I remember vividly when it was near impossible to get anything from Amazon!

Memory companies are in a tough spot. If they make everything super available to catch up now, and then the AI hype drops down a bit, it creates an overabundance! Then, prices plummet for both the companies and us. This up-and-down situation has happened before. We can look at 2016-2017, we had shortages. 2018-2019, we went the other way - the cost of RAM crashed which directly hurt Samsung and SK Hynix.

**The Odd Coupling: Artificial Intelligence and Panic**

The people working on AI technology are in charge right now. Teaching these machines requires crazy amounts of memory and space, which puts force on the manufacturing side. Furthermore, those who are afraid of a lack of items hoards whatever is available. This does not create the best result; it makes the price change.

This is why RAM costs are doing what they are currently. This makes upgrades and new machines too much to bear.

**PC Builders (and Businesses) React**

If you like building your own gaming PC, it is clear as day on what to do. Currently, RAM prices are a dumb thing to spend money on, which hurts if you are building a DDR5 gaming PC. SSDs are okay, but the values keep going up.

Bigger businesses tend to be a little tough. They have special contracts to give them equipment in bulk. That helps protects them from immediate prices. Bloomberg said that Lenovo prepared for the memory requests for the next two years for a good amount of volume. This makes it so that they still get the best original cost.

The professionals expect Apple to be safe out of this, too. That is because they can store memory while holding power to fight cost changes.

**This Harms Smaller Businesses**

However, they lack much strength. Framework, a business known for their computers that can be upgraded or fixed, already increased their RAM values because of the situation. Framework even cut down the number of RAM that you can purchase so that customers don't turn around and resell it.

Framework proves they do not have the volume purchase strength that large businesses like Apple and Lenovo can obtain.

**What's Next? Graphics Card Prices**

Graphics card prices are stable right now, but things will shift soon! Tom's Hardware said recently that AMD may increase the cost of their graphics cards. Nvidia's Super refresh series changed plans by having some of their cards that would have used 2GB GDDR7 chips go to 3GB.

Prices for graphics cards may go up if there remains a lack of memory materials.

**So, What Is Going to happen?**

I can't see the future - I'm just a guy looking at RAM prices. Memory is crazy now - predicting what happens next is nearly unfeasible to predict from my end. The amount of memory requests will create material shortages for the foreseeable future. If that number goes down, there will be excess materials! It would make people happy, but will make memory creating businesses sad.

Do not make large spends on upgrades, unless your storage dies. Think what to do, and wait for prices to change. For the manufacturers, be careful on how much to make that does not undercut anyone. This is not a situation anyone will enjoy.

**In Conclusion**

Just remember, RAM tripled over a couple of months. Because AI is a trending topic, people are spending all of their money into it. From this, RAM prices are at all-time highs for a computer! The only thing good about that is that graphics cards are reasonable once again. Large businesses are protected, while smaller ones barely made it through.

The shortage usually turns into something else. Ride the wave until the costs are better - if that will even happen! Take care of your hardware and save up to prevent these cost increases from catching up to you.

37.Panasonic Releases Firmware Updates for LUMIX S1II, S1IIE, and S1RII to Fix Overheating 

## Hot off the Presses: Free Updates Coming to Your LUMIX Cameras!

Hey LUMIX fans! Get ready to upgrade your gear on November 26th, 2025! Panasonic is releasing free updates for the LUMIX S1II, S1IIE, and S1RII cameras. Think of it as a free upgrade to make your camera even better. This update targets a solution to little problems, adds features, and generally makes your camera better to use, whether you are a movie maker or a casual camera user that enjoys pictures outdoor more.

#### The Heat Problem is Gone!

So, a big problem the customer wants to know is if the overheating is going to be fixed. The S1II and S1RII cameras tend to overheat when you shoot videos for long periods. The update aims to improve this and improve how the cameras manage heat. That means you can record longer without the camera overheating. The engineers have changed how the camera handles heat, so you can now record longer.

Here’s a few example:

*   **S1II C4K 120p:** The old limit was around 20 minutes, and now you can record up to an hour.

*   **S1II C4K 60p:** It can record until the card is full.

*   **S1IIE 6K 60p:** It can record without limits from one hour.

*   **S1RII 8K 30p:** You can record 50 minutes from 20 minutes.

*   **S1RII C4K 30p:** Unlimited Recording!

Real world recording results may not be similar to the ones in the lab because temperature, camera usage, and camera setting all affect heating. If you use setting like Crop Zoom, Hybrid Zoom, E-Stabilization at High, Dynamic Range Boost (only on S1II), Dynamic Range Expansion (Log) (only on S1RII), and False Color, they add heat to the camera.

#### New MP4 (Lite) Recording Mode

A new MP4 (Lite) recording has been added! Videos are recorded in 3.8K and can take up less storage space. If you share all your videos on social media, you will love it. Keep in mind that image quality is going to be lower quality than the other recording options.

#### Autofocus Improvements

Small changes were made to the autofocus system. You can now change how many auto-recognition frames are on the screen, and you can set the AF frame to rectangular when using eye recognition. These changes can make focusing easier when taking pictures.

There is also a new low-speed option for continuous shooting in the S1II & S1RII.

#### Better External Monitor Compatibility

When monitoring external monitors, LUMIX Flow version 1.4 has additional controls. LUTs can be viewed on Live View, markers shown, and focus frames shown on the external screen.

#### Simple ISO System and Changes to False Color

The ISO settings are now much more simple. The ISO system now affects color schemes. The false colors are also now the same in standby and recording modes.

#### Lens Compatibility Changes

The update improves compatibility with the Panasonic LUMIX lenses like the 100-500mm.

#### How to Download

The update for the S1II (v1.2), S1IIE (v1.2), and S1RII (v1.3) can be downloaded on the Panasonic website. The website can be found by just searching Panasonic support. The update will be free for all users, and it becomes available on November 26th, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. EST. LUMIX Flow 1.4 downloads can be found on app stores on the same day.

#### In Conclusion

This should make your camera much better. These updates improve recording times, the new autofocus, simple ISO settings, a new recording mode, and better integration of external monitors. If you own a S1II, S1IIE, or S1RII, this free download is a must to download to make the camera that much better!

38.Huge Sports Tech Black Friday Deals — Updated Constantly! 

Black Friday Sales are Here!

HUGE discounts on sports tech, live now!

*   Garmin Fenix 8: $250 off (Fenix 8 Pro: $100 off!)

*   Apple Watch Ultra 3: On Sale

*   Garmin inReach Mini 2: $249

*   GoPro Hero 13 Black

*   DJI NEO

*   Deals from Wahoo, Oura, Whoop, Polar, Samsung, Google, and 100+ more!

**Check out the deals:**

*   Watches & Wearables

*   Cycling Gear & Trainers

*   Action Cameras & Drones

*   Other Sports & Fitness

I've sorted the deals by type, with notes to help you pick.

I'm updating this list daily. Retailers hate refund requests, so don't expect better deals on Black Friday if something's already discounted. Most companies release deals early anyway, so there aren't many new deals ON Black Friday.

Thanks for using the links – it helps the site!

Most deals work in Europe & Canada (especially Garmin). But prices might vary a bit.

**Watch & Wearable Deals:**

Find deals on watches, activity bands, and sensors. These are mainly products I've written about before.

| Product                      | Sale Price      | Amazon | Notes                                                                                                                                                                       |

| :--------------------------- | :-------------- | :----- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

| AirPod Pro 3                | $30 off! $219   | YES    | New! Has heart rate sensors. Accuracy is great,                                                                                                                                        |

| AmazFit T-Rex 3              | $75 off $226    | YES    | Was $199 in July. Wait for a better deal.                                                                                                                                               |

| Amazfit Active 2             | $20 off $79    | YES    | Amazing features for the price.                                                                                                                                             |

| Apple AirPods 4              | $80 off! $99    | YES    | Great price, lowest to date.                                                                                                                                                    |

| Apple Watch SE 3             | $50 off! $199   | YES    | First big sale! Budget-friendly but has same software as Series 11.                                                                                                                    |

| Apple Watch Series 11        | $50 off! $349   | YES    | New WatchOS26.                                                                                                                                                                |

| Apple Watch Ultra 3          | $100 off! $699  | YES    | First sale, typical holiday price.                                                                                                                                                  |

| FORM Smart Swim 2 Goggles     | $80 off $199    | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles | $30 off $299    | YES    | New model, stronger anti-scratch lens.                                                                                                                                                 |

| Fitbit Ace LTE Kids          | $80 off $99    | YES    | Lowest price ever! First smartwatch for kids.                                                                                                                                       |

| Fitbit Charge 6              | 38% off! $99    | YES    | Best value fitness tracker.                                                                                                                                                             |

| Garmin Bounce LTE Kids       | $30 off $119   | YES    | Tracker my daughters use. New Bounce 2 is better but costs more.                                                                                                                                  |

| Garmin Descent G2 (Dive)     | $100 off! $599  | YES    | Garmin's dive watch on Instinct 3.                                                                                                                                                 |

| Garmin Descent MK3 (Dive)    | $250 off! $949  | YES    | Top-tier dive watch, based on Fenix 7.                                                                                                                                                |

| Garmin Descent MK3i (Dive)   | $250 off!$1349 | YES    | Pro dive watch with air tank integration.                                                                                                                                            |

| Garmin Enduro 3              | $100 off $749  | YES    | Fenix 8 w/ MIP/Solar, loses scuba/voice.                                                                                                                                                  |

| Garmin Epix Pro (42/47mm)    | $300-$400 off!  | YES    | Flashlight, new HR sensor w/ ECG! May sell out, check back.                                                                                                                                      |

| Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire  | 31% off $439    | YES    | Fenix MIP battery life, saves vs Fenix 8. Flashlight & Gen5 HR/ECG.                                                                                                              |

| Garmin Fenix 8               | $250 Off! $749  | YES    | Gets new Fenix 8 Pro software (minus LTE/Satellite). Best sports watch except the Pro.                                                                                                     |

| Garmin Fenix E               | $250 off! $499  | YES    | Skip it! Epix Gen 2 with Fenix label, BUT gets Fenix 8 software.                                                                                                                                   |

| Garmin Forerunner 165        | $50 off $199   | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Garmin Forerunner 255        | $150 off! $249  | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Garmin Forerunner 265        | $150 off! $299  | YES    | Lowest price ever? Garmin said hi to COROS                                                                                                                                 |

| Garmin Forerunner 55         | $50 off $149   | YES    | Great cheap runner's watch.                                                                                                                                                           |

| Garmin Forerunner 965        | $150 off $449   | YES    | Lowest price, new Forerunner 970 is out.                                                                                                                                              |

| Garmin Instinct 3            | $100 off! $399  | YES    | Flashlight, sports upgrades.                                                                                                                                                           |

| Garmin Lily 2                | 20% off $199   | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Garmin Tactix 8 AMOLED        | $250 off!$1049 | YES    | Like Fenix 8 Pro software.                                                                                                                                                            |

| Garmin Venu 3                 | $100 off! $349  | YES    | Venu 4 is pricier.                                                                                                                                                                  |

| Garmin Venu X1                | $200 off!$599  | YES    | Amazing Price, Garmin is figuring it out!                                                                                                                                                 |

| Garmin Vivoactive 5           | $100 off! $199  | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Garmin Vivoactive 6           | $50 off! $249   | YES    | First sale! Venu 4 without voice/ECG. Best Garmin deal and newest release.                                                                                                                |

| Google Pixel Watch 3          | $100 OFF $200+  | YES    | Pixel Watch 4 is newer, satellite SOS, replaceable battery.                                                                                                                     |

| Oura Ring 4                 | $100 off! $249  | YES    | Best Oura deal ever!                                                                                                                                                               |

| Pixel Watch 4               | $50 off! $299   | YES    | LTE models: $100 off, satellite SOS is included.  Get the LTE version!                                                                                                                   |

| Polar H10 Chest Strap         | $20 off $84    | YES    | Great ANT+/Bluetooth strap for testing.                                                                                                                                           |

| Polar H9 Chest Strap          | $10 off $59    | YES    | Good ANT+/Bluetooth strap at a fair price.                                                                                                                                    |

| Polar Verity Sense            | 15% off $89    | YES    | Use for HR accuracy tests.                                                                                                                                                           |

| Samsung Galaxy Ring           | $120 off $279  | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra      | $100 off! $549  | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Samsung Galaxy Watch8        | $70 off $279  | YES    | Lowest to date                                                                                                                                                          |

| Suunto Race              | $50 off! $296   | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Suunto Race S             | $70 off! $279   | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Suunto Run                  | $50 off! $199   | YES    | Solid deal! Full software features(except for the app store)                                                                                                                          |

| Suunto Vertical (Solar)       | $320 off $519   | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Suunto Vertical              | $150 off! $339  | YES    | Vertical 2 is out, but get Vertical 1 if you want MIP. Lowest Vertical 1 price ever.                                                                                                |

| Wahoo TRACKR HR Sensor       | $15 off $84    | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Whoop 5.0 (12-Month)        | $40 off! $199   | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Whoop 5.0/MG (12-Month)     | $60 off! $60    | YES    |                                                                                                                                                                             |

**Cycling Gear & Trainer Deals:**

For bikes: bike computers, lights, trainers.

| Product                   | Sale Price      | Amazon | Notes                                                                                                                                 |

| :------------------------ | :-------------- | :----- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |

| Garmin Edge 1040          | $150 off! $399  | YES    | Great computer, awesome battery.                                                                                                      |

| Garmin Edge 540           | $100 off $249   | YES    | Best computer for the price! No touchscreen, but not a big deal.                                                                    |

| Garmin Edge 540 Solar     | $150 off $249   | YES    | Lowest price, Edge 1050 features. Cheaper than non-solar!                                                                           |

| Garmin Edge 840           | $100 off $349   | YES    | Good mid-range GPS, wife uses it.                                                                                                    |

| Garmin Edge 840 Solar     | $150 off $399   | YES    | Lowest price.                                                                                                                         |

| Garmin Varia RCT715       | $50 off $349    | YES    |                                                                                                                                       |

| Garmin Varia RVR315       | $50 off $99     | YES    | Smaller radar, no light.                                                                                                              |

| Garmin Varia Radar        | $50 off $149    | YES    | Standard price, still most accurate. USB-C soon, Garmin?                                                                               |

| Garmin Varia Vue          | $50 $499       | YES    | First sale.                                                                                                                           |

| Hammerhead Karoo 3        | $55 off! $420   | YES    | Better than Wahoo: features, display, stability.                                                                                      |

| Peloton Bike               | $300 off $1,395 | YES    | Mid-range model.                                                                                                                      |

| Peloton Bike+            | $700 off! $1,995 | YES    | Top-end model.                                                                                                                        |

| Tacx NEO 2T               | $200-$300 off! $899     | YES    | Great trainer.                                                                                                                      |

| Tacx NEO 3M               | 25% off! $1,499 | YES    | Lowest Price and amazing                                                                                                                        |

| Wahoo CLIMB Accessory     | $190 off $569   | YES    | Simulates hills. Always on sale.                                                                                                       |

| Wahoo KICKR BIKE SHIFT    | $580 off! $1,912 | YES    | Solid deal, lowest price. Like this better than V2/Pro: quieter, less problems.                                                       |

| Wahoo KICKR V6            | $262 off! $787   | YES    | Lowest price ever. No new KICKR this fall.                                                                                            |

**Action Camera & Drone Deals:**

Record it all!

| Product      | Sale Price | Amazon | Notes                                                                                                                            |

| :----------- | :--------- | :----- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

| DJI Action 4 | $100 off $199  | YES    | Two years old but still great!                                                                                                 |

| DJI Action 5 Pro | $70 off $259  | YES    | Old model. New Action 6 is out, early reviews not great.                                                            |

| DJI Avata 2 | $110 off!$619  | YES    | Bundle with Goggles N3 and RC Motion 3                                                                            |

| DJI Flip     | $90 off $349    | YES    | Don't buy it! Breaks easily, doesn't do anything well. Get another DJI drone.                                          |

| DJI Mini 4K  | $60 off $239    | YES    | Solid start.                                                                                                               |

| DJI NEO      | $40 off!        | YES    | Great firs

drone, tracks sports well, crash-proof!                                                                        |

39.Wyze Unveils Security Camera That Monitors Your Yard From Indoors 

Wyze Window Cam... Wyze is known for its cheap smart home gadgets. They just dropped this new thing, the Window Cam. Instead of being outside, it sticks *inside* on your window. The point is to watch your yard from the inside. Pretty clever, huh?

It's like your own Rear Window but for security. The cool thing is, you don't need to deal with the usual outdoor cam stuff. No replacing dead batteries all the time. The Wi-Fi reaches easily without help. No outdoor plugs needed, and no stressing when it storms.

It's on the Wyze site for about $35. This isn't just a normal indoor cam stuck on a window. They made it *only* for windows, so they made changes.

**What's the Difference?**

Wyze sells those small window mounts for their normal indoor cams. This Window Cam was made for looking *through* glass. They got rid of the lights to avoid glare and reflections. Also, it has a wide lens (f/1.0) that really brightens things up. It gets all the light it can, so you still see colors, even at night. They say it's like having awesome color night vision, so you get good nighttime video even without light bouncing off the window. You can record your whole yard and get good quality.

The camera records in 1080p HD. That's clear enough to zoom in on license plates. It sees about 101 degrees across and 54 degrees vertically. It's not as wide as some outdoor cams, but it's enough to watch your driveway, yard, or the path to your door.

**How it connects.**

The Window Cam has a ring around the camera. This stops light from inside from reflecting on the window at night. The camera sticks to the mount with Velcro, so you can take it off to clean. The mount then sticks to the window with a sticker.

Heads up: the sticker can only be used one time. Want to move the camera? You'll need a hairdryer to soften the sticker and a scraper to peel it off. Wyze gives you a backup sticker, so you get another shot. The mount is made to stay put, so stick it somewhere you like.

**Power and Extras**

Wyze gives you a 10-foot microUSB cable. USB-C is more common now, but Wyze likely picked microUSB to save some money. Want to record everything? Get your own microSD card. It works with cards up to 512GB, which is plenty for videos.

It also has a mic and a speaker, so you can talk to anyone outside. But Wyze says the sound might be bad since it has to go through glass. You may not hear them well, and they might not hear you well either.

**Smart Features (and Costs)**

The Window Cam sends you alerts when it sees movement. If you pay for Cam Unlimited Pro from Wyze ($20 a month or $200 a year), AI can tell you what the camera sees. It knows if it's a person, a car, or a squirrel.

Wyze has cloud storage options from $3-$20 a month, depending on what you want. You can store videos online. Or, you can skip cloud storage and save everything to a microSD card.

**Past Issues**

Heads up: Wyze hasn't always been the best at security. They had a big data thing where some users could see other people's camera feeds. They also didn't reveal security issues with older products that could let hackers see your camera streams.

Wyze says they're doing better now and are dedicated to security. You need to decide if you trust Wyze to keep your stuff safe if you get the Window Cam.

**Good Things:**

Here are some good parts about the Window Cam:

*   **Easy to Place:** Easy setup. No wires or drilling.

*   **It's Cheap:** For $35, it's cheaper than a whole security system.

*   **Safe Inside:** The camera is inside, protected from weather and people.

*   **Nice Night Vision:** The lens lets the camera see colors in the dark, which helps at night.

The Window Cam is a nice, easy, and cheap option if you rent or just don't like using tools.

**Watch Out For:**

Here are a few less great parts:

*   **Bad Sound:** Talking through a window might be tough.

*   **Sticker Issue:** You need a new sticker if you relocate the camera.

*   **Small View:** It doesn't see as much as outside cameras.

*    **Need Payment to Work**: To get all features, an additonal purchase has to be made.

The Window Cam isn't a full security system, but it can help.

**In short:**

The Wyze Window Cam is a neat idea. By putting it inside, Wyze fixes the usual problems with outside cameras. For about $35, it's a cheap way to keep an eye on things. It has some issues, but it shows Wyze is trying to think of something for your house.

40.8 Little-Known Microsoft Office 365 Features You Should Be Using 

I'm guessing you're like me and only use a tiny bit of your Microsoft 365 stuff. I basically just used Word and Outlook, but there's a bunch of other goodies tucked away in there.

Microsoft 365 gives you a load of tools, apps, cloud storage, and safety stuff that you might not even know exists. What you get depends on your plan – I'm skipping the Business/Enterprise stuff, so this should all apply if you've got a Personal plan. If you're on a Family plan, some things only work for the main person. Student plans might have limits, too, depending on how they're set up.

Whether you actually need any of this stuff is up to you. But most of it's fun to mess around with, and it's good to know it's there. So, next time you want to cut out a background from a picture or put the Madagascar anthem in a spreadsheet, you'll know you're already paying for it.

Copilot

Copilot, Microsoft's AI helper, is pretty in your face – they're pushing it hard. You can chat with it even without Microsoft 365 if you just want to ask simple stuff. But if you have Microsoft 365, Copilot lives right inside other apps. It can draft stuff for you, fix your writing, or sum things up in Word. It can also look at data, make charts, and create formulas in Excel. Or it can write emails, shorten long email chains, and suggest what to write in Outlook. And in PowerPoint, it can almost make the whole presentation for you. Just type something like Ways to make more money and get better at what we do, and see what it makes. Some things use AI credits, which you can see on your Microsoft account page. They refresh every month.

Copilot can be hit or miss – sometimes it helps, sometimes it annoys. I usually like AI, but even I thought it was too much sometimes. I'll talk about Copilot more later since it's all over Microsoft apps now. If you want to turn it off, go to File > Options in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Then, find the Copilot thing and uncheck the box. In Outlook, it's in the settings. Just so you know, turning off the AI won't get you money back on your Microsoft 365.

OneDrive

Microsoft 365 gives you up to 1TB of cloud storage on OneDrive, not just the tiny 5GB you get for free. This might be the whole reason you're paying for this. OneDrive can also bring back older versions of files using the file's background, and it has something called Personal Vault. This is a safe spot in your OneDrive where you can keep files super protected using things like your fingerprint, face ID, or a PIN. You can try out Personal Vault for free, but you only get to store three files. If you have 365, you can lock up as many as you want.

OneDrive also has Copilot, because why not? If you open OneDrive and pick a file, you can hit the Copilot button and ask it questions about the file. It can sum things up, write FAQs, or answer questions like, What's the most expensive thing on this bill? You can pick a bunch of files in one place, and it works with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and even PDFs. But it’ll also answer questions not about the file. I asked it what the capital of Belgium was, and it knew, which makes sense if you want it to make the document better or check facts. Still, be careful if you just want it to use the file.

Microsoft Clipchamp

Clipchamp is Microsoft's video maker. I had never even heard of it, even though it was already on my computer. If you don't have it, you can get it or use the online version. The free one is okay, but with 365, you get more, like 4K video, a bigger pile of stock stuff, and more filters. If you make videos a lot, this might be a good option that you're already paying for. If you're like me and have never made a video, it's pretty easy to learn. You pretty much just drag and drop things. And you can make a practice video using stock video, music, and a computer voice so you don't have to show your face.

You can mix pictures, music, sound, and text. Click on something to see what you can do on the right side. Like, for music, you can change the loudness and speed, and make it start soft and fade out. You can also turn on Noise stuff to get rid of background noise. You can upload pictures, videos, and sound files, and there's also a big bunch of free stuff to look through. You can use it for work or fun, like making social media posts or company videos. If you're a pro, it might not be as good as something like Adobe Premiere. But if you just want to make TikTok or Instagram videos, it might be all you need.

Excel Data Types

Excel Data Types is a neat thing you might not know about. If you have an Excel sheet that needs the latest info on stocks, exchange rates, or a country's carbon stuff, you can put it in easily. Just open an Excel sheet and type a company name, currency, or country, state, or city into a cell. Then, go to Data > Data Types and choose Stocks, Currencies, or Geography. If there are a few of things, pick the right one. The cell will then have a little picture – a map for geography, or a stock market building for stocks and currency.

Go to the cell and click the Insert Data picture (a table with a green plus sign). Then, you can choose Show Data Type Card or pick something to insert. Show Data Type Card will open a window with info about your location, stock, or currency. It's just for looking at – it doesn't put it in the spreadsheet. If you want to add new things, you can do that with the field list.

What you see depends on the data. For example, for New York City, you can get State, Latitude, Longitude, Population, Time Zone, and Image. For the U.S.A., you'll see things like official language, carbon stuff, and the national anthem. The data changes sometimes, so if you pick Price for a stock, it'll be updated in your sheet, but slower than on the stock market. Data for non-U.S. markets is slow, so stock prices will be about 15-30 minutes behind, depending on who's sending the data.

Microsoft Forms

Microsoft Forms is for making online surveys. It comes with Microsoft 365. I thought it was pretty quick and easy to use. Choose what you want to make – a quiz, form, invite, or something else – and follow the template. Pick what kind of answers you want, like multiple choice or a text box, and you can add an Other thing that makes a text box. You can also make some questions depend on earlier answers. There are ways to add colors, pictures, and even videos, with some free music, if you really want to be mean to whoever's taking your survey. (Luckily, they can turn that off.)

Since it's a Microsoft 365 tool, Forms works with other Microsoft apps, so you can copy a list of quiz questions from a Word document. It only really worked when I used numbered lists; otherwise, it just made my whole quiz one question. You can also put Forms into PowerPoint if you want to add survey questions to a presentation. The live thing lets you get responses from people using a QR code. If you're wondering how many forms you can make, you can have up to 400 surveys and quizzes. Each one can have up to 200 questions, and each can get up to 5 million answers.

Microsoft Designer

At first, Microsoft Designer looks a lot like other design tools, like Canva. I pay for Canva Pro, so I got excited about maybe saving $15 a month by using design stuff I already pay for. Now I think Designer is more like an AI picture maker with some picture-editing things. If you want to make something just using AI, Designer makes it simple. Choose Create with AI and say what you want, like in other AI picture tools. The Edit with AI thing is pretty simple too. You upload a picture, and then choose from the editing things. You can blur backgrounds, add filters, delete something from the picture, or put AI-made stickers on it.

But the Start From Scratch thing is tricky. I wanted to start with a blank screen, but it wasn't so easy. Putting in pictures isn't that simple. I could only find one way to upload many photos which to ask Copilot to create a collage and then fixing it. It feels buggy. If you pick an A4 paper, it makes a square one, and it opens old designs when you pick a new project. I kept getting an error saying, Something's wrong on our end. I'm sure if I used it more, I'd get used to it.

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access isn't some secret tool. People have just forgotten about it and might be pretty confused it's still around. I used it all the time in the late 90s, and it's still going. Microsoft still puts it in the Office 365 thing and isn't getting rid of it just yet. Access is worth checking out if you like spreadsheets, but they're getting too big and hard to handle. Access is better than Excel when your info is more than just a simple list. For example, if you run local things, data can add up fast. You might have a list for members, one for things, one for who's bringing snacks, and maybe one for gear you lend out. Access lets you keep those lists neat and connected, so everything stays linked without having to fix three things.

The reporting thing is nice since it lets you show helpful info simply and clearly. There are also a bunch of tools and choices to try out. Unlike some of the other apps here, I actually had fun looking at Access and seeing what it can do. Maybe I'm just being nostalgic – like looking at old websites from the 90s, but Access doesn't seem to have changed that much in the last 20 years. That Microsoft hasn't put Copilot here might be why.

Focus and Accessibility Things in Word

Everyone knows Microsoft Word. But there are things here that people don't know about, especially regarding getting to things easily. Focus mode is simple and great: Click the Focus button at the bottom right of a Word document, and all the toolbars go away. Whether you like this depends on how you think. I happen to like it a lot. But Focus mode doesn't get rid of Copilot, which still hangs around offering to redo your work, like a modern, annoying Clippy. The AI in Word can be nice for getting to things. You can have Word's AI read your document to you by clicking Read Aloud on the Review toolbar. Or you can open AI writing stuff by clicking the microphone picture on the Home toolbar.

Besides AI, there's the Provide feedback with sound thing. It's hidden, but you can find it by clicking File > Options >; . This gives you a quick sound when you do things like paste stuff or when Word fixes your writing. The sounds are quiet, but they give you helpful alerts. The sound when you delete a load text is kind of great. Here's something else -- not for getting to things, but still hidden: Go to a Word document, type =rand() and hit enter. Boom! Windows will give you around 200 words of filler text. You can also type =rand.old() or =lorem() for different results.