My favorite 24-year-old MMO finally got the generous free trial it deserved all along

I’ll be honest with you: while everyone else is getting ready to dive into Final Fantasy XIV’s upcoming expansion Evercold, I’m still stuck on the latter half of Endwalker. Part of the reason is that Final Fantasy XI has been taking up all my MMO time. What can I say? It still holds up even today.

William Garcia
Boston

OpenAI To Watermark ChatGPT Text In The EU, Opens API Opt-In

OpenAI will add an invisible watermark to ChatGPT and Codex text in the EU. Its tests show editing can weaken it. The post OpenAI To Watermark ChatGPT Text In The EU, Opens API Opt-In appeared first on Search Engine Journal.

Darlene Jackson
United States

Enterprise hard drives fail at wildly different rates, and Backblaze’s data proves the label means almost nothing

When I built my NAS, I bought used enterprise drives, partly due to their reputation for being rock solid for long periods of time. Backblaze's latest Drive Stats report is a great reminder that the "enterprise" label isn't always a guarantee of reliability. Across 354,415 hard drives, almost all of...

Michael Johnson
Chicago

I’m not paying $20 for ChatGPT or Claude because a free local LLM does everything I need

I've spent some time reflecting on my LLM usage habits, and, inevitably, three names from the biggest cloud AI providers were on my list. ChatGPT and Claude, which together covered a broad chunk of my daily workflow and the menial things that I used to spend a lot of my...

Mladen Tošić
Serbia

The best October Prime Day tech deals we found

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event has begun, and it lasts through 3AM ET on Thursday, October 8th. We’ve spun through the company’s huge list of deals to find products that Verge readers will like (and that we personally like, too). There are plenty of headphone deals, plus some great products in the home entertainment space. Also, the discounts are spectacular on Pixel 11 phones, the A17 Pro-equipped iPad Mini, and the M5 MacBook Air.We’re changing up how we’re presenting the deals. Usually, these posts are huge and require a lot of scrolling, but we wanted to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. All of the deals are in a table that you can sort by category.We’ll add more deals as we find them, and we’ll also include links to various category-specific roundups we’ll be publishing throughout the sale..duet--layout--rail { pointer-events: none;}.duet--layout--rail div { pointer-events: auto;}iPhone AirThe iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet at 5.6mm, featuring a 6.5-inch ProMotion display, a 48MP fusion camera, and an 18MP front camera with Center Stage support. But its single rear camera and “meh” battery life mean it’s not for everyone.Where to Buy: $999.99 $839.99 at Best Buy (256GB)iPhone 16EThe iPhone 16E is the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE, bringing flagship-level performance for less than the standard 16. We really wish it included MagSafe for $599, but those upgrading from older iPhones will probably be satisfied with what’s included.Where to Buy: $599.99 $489.99 at Best Buy (128GB)Belkin Charging Case ProWhile it won’t charge your Switch 2 any faster than the cheaper Belkin option, the clever battery-meets-kickstand with a built-in display simply looks better.Where to Buy: $99.99 $80.74 at Amazon (sand) $99.99 $84.99 at Belkin (sand)Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung recently increased the price of all its S26 phones, but you can get the best of the bunch, the S26 Ultra, at one of its best prices of the year. Read our review.Where to Buy: $1299.99 $979.99 at Amazon (256GB) $1299.99 $1099.99 at Best Buy (256GB) $1499.99 $1179.99 at Amazon (512GB)Bose QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2If all you want is great sound, strong noise cancellation, and physical buttons to navigate, you can’t do better than the Bose QC headphones at this price. Read our review.Where to Buy: $359 $169 at Amazon $359 $319 at Best Buy $359 at BoseAnker Laptop Power BankAnker’s 25,000mAh power bank sports two built-in USB-C cables (one of which is retractable), plus one USB-C and USB-A port. It tops out at 165W when charging two devices simultaneously, or 130W when charging three or four.Where to Buy: $119.99 $95.99 at Amazon $119.99 $95.99 at Best Buy $119.99 $95.99 at Anker Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8The passport-style Z Fold 8 is the closest thing to an iPhone Duo on the Android side, at least in the US. It’s an awesome phone at its biggest discount to date. Read our review.Where to Buy: $1899.99 $1549.99 at Amazon $1899.99 $1649.99 at Best BuySoundcore Liberty 5 ProIf you like to yap on the phone, these earbuds yield the best call quality of any we’ve tried (it’s not even close), and they sound great for music, too. Read our review.Where to Buy: $169.99 $135.99 at Amazon $169.99 $135.99 at AnkerSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraWhile not as head-turning of a foldable as Samsung’s Z Fold 8, the Ultra delivers better camera quality. It’s cheaper than ever right now. Read our review.Where to Buy: $2099.99 $1699.99 at Amazon $2099.99 $1849.99 at Best BuyRoku UltraRoku’s latest Ultra streamer has built-in ethernet, a rechargeable voice remote with backlit buttons, and AirPlay 2 support. You can also control it with Amazon Alexa through a compatible smart speaker. The Roku Channel app lets you stream over 400 free live TV stations, plus exclusive movies like Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.Where to Buy: $149.99 $99.99 at Amazon $149.99 $99.99 at Best Buy $149.99 $99.99 at B&H PhotoRoku Streaming Stick PlusRoku’s Streaming Stick Plus supports 4K playback and features a slim design, so it won’t block nearby ports. It plugs straight into your TV’s HDMI port and can be powered by your TV’s USB port, so you don’t need an additional plug. It also comes with Roku’s Voice Remote, giving you hands-free control.Where to Buy: $59.99 $34.99 at Amazon $59.99 $34.99 at Walmart $59.99 $34.99 at Best BuyWiiM MiniThe WiiM Mini makes it easy to wirelessly stream music from your phone, a streaming service, or other local storage to existing speakers you already have. It supports AirPlay 2 and a variety of streaming services.Where to Buy: $125 $84.15 at Amazon $125 $84.15 at CrutchfieldSonos Sub 4The Sub 4, while not cheap, is the best sub for your Sonos setup. It can sit upright, or you can lay it down to fit under a couch or entertainment system.Where to Buy: $899 $749 at Amazon $899 $749 at Sonos $899 $749 at Best BuySonos Beam (second-gen)The latest Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that supports a virtual Dolby Atmos effect and can stream music from a plethora of services. Read our review.Where to Buy: $499 $359 at Amazon $499 $359 at Sonos $499 $299 at Sonos (refurbished)SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro OmniThe Omni delivers small, but welcome improvements over the 2022 Nova Pro, most notably a true platform-agnostic design that works with all consoles. Read our hands-on.Where to Buy: $399.99 $359.99 at Amazon $399.99 $359.99 at Best BuySamsung Galaxy S26While the S26 isn’t particularly impressive in any way, it’s one of the most affordable (yet most powerful) flagship phones you can currently get. Read our review.Where to Buy: $899.99 $724.99 at Amazon (256GB) $899.99 $799.99 at Best Buy (256GB) $1099.99 $899.99 at Amazon (512GB)Google Pixel 11The Pixel 11 recently debuted at $899, but it recently got a whopping $150 price cut for the 256GB version. It’s the cheapest way to try Google’s new software features. Read our review.Where to Buy: $899 $749 at Amazon $899 $799 at Google Store $899 $749 at Best BuyGoogle Pixel 11 ProIf you value better picture quality and trust that Google might improve on the HiLight LED feature, the Pixel 11 Pro is the one to get, and it got a big discount for Prime Day. Read our review.Where to Buy: $1099 $849 at Amazon $1099 $899 at Google $1099 $849 at Best BuyGoogle Pixel 11 Pro XLGoogle’s biggest Pixel 11 Pro got a sizeable price cut, too, making it $300 cheaper than the base iPhone 18 Pro Max model.Where to Buy: $1299 $999 at Amazon $1299 $1049 at Google $1299 $999 at Best BuyBose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (second-gen)The best wireless headphones that Bose makes are discounted, and the company recently made them even better. Read our latest coverage.Where to Buy: $449 $369 at Amazon $449 $369 at Walmart $449 $369 at Best BuyWiiM AmpEnjoy a big discount on the WiiM Amp, which supports AirPlay 2, as well as several other wireless options. It also hosts a bunch of ports, allowing for passive stereo output, plus optical audio, HDMI ARC, and more. Read our coverage.Where to Buy: $329 $263.2 at AmazonApple AirPods Max (second-gen)Apple’s new iteration of its priciest, most powerful headphones deliver minor updates for first-gen owners. But those who are jumping in will especially appreciate their big, bold sound. Read our review.Where to Buy: $549 $429 at Amazon $549 at Apple $549 $429 at Best BuyRoku Pro Series 4K TVRoku’s latest Pro 4K TV has a 120Hz refresh rate, four HDMI ports (two of which are 2.1), full-array local dimming for even brightness, and support for both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR 10 Plus for better color accuracy. It also works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, making it easy to integrate into most smart homes.Where to Buy: $899.99 $599 at Amazon (55-inch) $1199.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (65-inch) $1199.99 $799.99 at Amazon (65-inch)Kindle Scribe ColorsoftThe Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is Amazon’s first note-taking e-reader with a color screen. It features an 11-inch display, a slimmer design, an improved interface, an updated stylus, and a new AI-powered search feature that can quickly summarize documents.Where to Buy: $629.99 $479.99 at Amazon (32GB) $629.99 $479.99 at Best Buy (32GB) $679.99 $519.99 at Amazon (64GB)Kindle Scribe 32GBThe third-gen Kindle Scribe 32GB is even bigger than its 10.2-inch predecessor; it offers an 11-inch display with 300ppi resolution and the same great battery life that Kindles are known for. Where to Buy: $499.99 $379.99 at Amazon $499.99 $379.99 at Best BuyKindle Colorsoft (16GB)Amazon’s last-gen Kindle Colorsoft features a color E Ink screen, offering similar performance to the new 2026 model. It also offers eight weeks of battery life and a 7-inch display that’s great for comics and graphic novels. Read our review.Where to Buy: $249.99 $189.99 at Amazon $249.99 $189.99 at Best Buy $249.99 at TargetKindle PaperwhiteThe last-gen Kindle Paperwhite received a nice discount for Prime Day. It has the same screen as the new model, so you aren’t missing out on much. Read our review.Where to Buy: $199.99 $149.99 at AmazonBeats Powerbeats FitA new version of the Fit Pro wireless earbuds, which are upgraded with a redesigned wing tip that Beats says is 20 percent more flexible, a smaller case, and other advantages.Where to Buy: $199.99 $159.95 at Amazon $199.99 $159.99 at Best Buy $199.95 $159.95 at B&H PhotoBeats Powerbeats Pro 2The latest Powerbeats Pro are a no-brainer for athletes. They pack fantastic sound and thumping bass, along with active noise cancellation, IPX4 water resistance, and heart rate monitoring. Read our review.Where to Buy: $278.99 $179.95 at Amazon (with 2 years AppleCare+) $249 $224.95 at Walmart $249.99 $179.99 at Best BuyBeats Studio ProDespite the familiar design, there were plenty of upgrades in the latest Studio Pro, including noise cancellation, transparency mode, and lossless USB-C audio. Here’s our review.Where to Buy: $349.99 $119.95 at Amazon $349.99 $119.95 at Walmart $349.99 $149.99 at Best BuyApple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5)Powered by Apple’s new M5 chip, the latest MacBook Airs are more powerful than prior models and offer double the base storage (512GB). They also support faster wireless standards, specifically Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Read our review.Where to Buy: $1299 $1099 at Amazon $1299 $1099 at Best BuyApple MacBook Air (15-inch, M5, 2026)For a slightly bigger MacBook Air, the 15-inch version is the one to get. It offers similar performance, but its battery is larger, and it has more speakers.Where to Buy: $1499 $1299 at Amazon $1499 $1299 at Best BuyiPad Mini (2024)The seventh-gen iPad Mini comes with Apple’s A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence. It’s also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and offers faster Wi-Fi and USB-C speeds. Read our review.Where to Buy: $599 $499 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $599 $449 at Best Buy (128GB, Wi-Fi) $699 $599 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi)Bose SoundLink MaxBose’s SoundLink Max improves on the smaller Flex with true stereo sound — and very powerful sound at that. It’s got a removable handle for easy transport, and there’s an aux input for playing audio when you want to listen at a higher quality than what Bluetooth can deliver. Read our review.Where to Buy: $399 $279 at Amazon $399 $279 at Best Buy $399 $279 at BoseBose SoundLink PlusFor something between Bose’s SoundLink Flex and the Max, the Plus strikes a good balance with booming bass, loud volume that doesn’t get distorted, and an easy-to-clean design. Read our review.Where to Buy: $269 $179 at Amazon $269 $179 at Best Buy $269 $179 at BoseBose Soundlink Flex (second-gen)The second-gen SoundLink Flex builds on the original with more intuitive controls, including a new play / pause button. It also adds adjustable EQ and support for higher-quality audio via AAC and aptX, while retaining a rugged IP67-rated design and the ability to pair two speakers for stereo sound.Where to Buy: $159 $119 at Amazon $159 $119 at Walmart $159 $119 at Best BuyBelkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2The case features an integrated power bank and a small pocket to stow an AirTag (or other similarly sized Bluetooth tracker).Where to Buy: $69.99 $56.61 at Amazon (in black or sand) $69.99 $59.49 at Best Buy $69.99 $59.49 at BelkinBelkin MagSafe 15W 2-in-1 wireless charging dockA slick 2-in-1 charger that can charge your magnet-friendly iPhone or Pixel at a relatively speedy pace. Its extra charging pad supports AirPods, the Apple Watch, and other Qi-ready accessories.Where to Buy: $120 $59.99 at AmazonAsus ProArt 27-inch 1440p USB-C monitorAn affordable color-accurate monitor that can easily connect to a MacBook or Windows machine that has USB-C video support. It’s a good price for a fully-featured 1440p monitor.Where to Buy: $299 $249 at AmazonBelkin Qi2.2 25W 2-in-1 foldable charging dockSlap a recent iPhone onto this charging pad and it’ll charge at fast 25W speeds. It can also charge AirPods, and includes a cord and wall adapter.Where to Buy: $60 $42.99 at Amazon $100 $75 at Amazon (w/ Apple Watch support)Xreal xbx A01 PlusXreal’s most affordable set of USB-C display glasses yet. They lack three degrees of freedom, but are otherwise an awesome value for gaming or watching movies with your own huge, private screen. Read our hands-on.Where to Buy: $299.99 $254 at Amazon $299.99 at Best Buy $299.99 $254 at XrealNothing Ear 3A earbudsThe Ear 3A are fantastic (and visually-striking) wireless earbuds for iPhone or Android selling at their best-ever price. Read our review.Where to Buy: $99 $79 at Amazon $99 $79 at Walmart $99 $79 at NothingEufy FamiLock S3 MaxGet you a smart lock that has a digital peephole, and that can be unlocked with a wave. This is a nice discount off its original $400 price. Read our review.Where to Buy: $399.99 $279.99 at Amazon $399.99 $319.99 at Best Buy $399.99 $279.99 at EufyRoborock Qrevo Curv 2 FlowRoborock’s first roller-mop robot vacuum, the Curv 2 Flow, features flagship specs at a midrange price, including excellent mopping, a retractable mop cover, 20,000Pa suction, AI-powered obstacle avoidance, and a compact design.Where to Buy: $999.99 $634.99 at Amazon $999.99 $699.99 at Best Buy $999.99 $699.99 at RoborockRoborock Saros 20Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design. It also combines powerful 36,000Pa suction with great spinning mop pads, which is why we recommend it for homes with multiple floor types and tricky transitions between rooms.Where to Buy: $1599.99 $1179.99 at Amazon $1599.99 $1194.99 at RoborockAqara Smart Lock U400This innovative new smart lock uses the U1 ultra-wideband (UWB) chip in many iPhones and Apple Watches to automatically unlock your door as you approach. It will also work with the new Aliro standard and be compatible with Android phones for hands-free unlocking.Where to Buy: $269.99 $219.99 at Amazon $269.99 at AqaraAqara Doorbell Camera G400 with chimeThe G400 was the first wired-only video doorbell to work with Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video feature. It has solid specs for the price, and includes a chime to sound indoors.Where to Buy: $99.99 $84.99 at AmazonHatch Restore 3The Restore 3 features more than 50 sleep sounds and 18 adjustable light colors, with access to hundreds more through the optional Hatch Plus subscription, which runs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year.Where to Buy: $169.99 $135.99 at AmazonKodak Charmera Keychain Digital CameraDescribed by our writer Andrew Liszewski as “terrible,” the Charmera is still worth getting if you want a keychain camera that’s a ton of fun to use. Read our coverage.Where to Buy: $34.99 $29.74 at AmazonLifeStraw personal water filterLifeStraw’s basic filter removes unwanted bacteria and microplastics as you drink, giving you a safe way to hydrate no matter where you are.Where to Buy: $17.95 $12.98 at Amazon $17.95 at Walmart $17.95 at LifestrawTP-Link Tapo Matter-Certified Smart Plug MiniA smart plug adds functionality to an existing gadget rather than replacing it. Once the plug is connected to your Wi-Fi network and a gadget, you can turn it on and off using an app. TP-Link’s Tapo smart plug supports Matter, so you can add it to whichever smart home platform you use. Where to Buy: $19.99 $7.99 at AmazonTP-Link Tapo 2K Outdoor pan/tilt wired floodlight cameraA semi-affordable (subscription-free) outdoor security camera that supplies both a floodlight and a pan/tilt design so that you can easily track visitors.Where to Buy: $99.99 $69.99 at AmazonUgreen two-bay DH2300 NASIf you’re itching to locally host photos, files, videos, and more instead of paying for cloud storage, this entry-level NAS from Ugreen is discounted. You’ll just need to pack it with NAS-ready HDDs.Where to Buy: $269.99 $204.99 at AmazonApple Watch SE 3The Apple Watch SE 3 is a major glow-up, adding an always-on display, wrist-temperature sensor, a more powerful processor, and fast charging. Read our review.Where to Buy: $249 $199 at AmazonAirPods Pro 3The AirPods Pro 3 have a new design that improves their fit, superior noise cancellation, better bass, and fairly accurate heart rate sensors. Read our review.Where to Buy: $249 $179 at Amazon $249 $179 at Walmart $249 $179 at Best BuyAnker UFO 3-in-1 Qi2 15W charging dockWhile not the fastest wireless charger at this price, Anker’s unique, UFO-styled 3-in-1 charging puck unfolds with pads for a phone, AirPods, and an Apple Watch.Where to Buy: $89.99 $59.99 at AmazonAnker Nano 100W universal travel adapterAnker’s powerful Nano international travel charger is great if you have a lot of USB-C gadgets to keep charged. While it lacks an AC plug, it supplies a screen that shows how much power you’re pushing to each port.Where to Buy: $79.99 $63.99 at AmazonAnker Nano 45W charger with displayAnker’s latest single-port USB-C charger offers up to 45W of power, foldable prongs, and a front-facing “smart display” that lets you see the charge level, power flow, and other useful information at a glance.Where to Buy: $39.99 $23.99 at Amazon $39.99 $25.99 at AnkerPhilips Hue Festavia string lightsThese smart lights have beautiful colors, a nice selection of festive scenes, and an easy-to-use app. They are super reliable when paired with a Hue Bridge and also work over Bluetooth. They come in three lengths, work with all the major smart home platforms, and are Matter-compatible.Where to Buy: $259.99 $186.99 at Amazon (65-foot) $395.99 $305.97 at Amazon (130-foot) $259.99 at Philips Hue (65-foot)Philips Hue Essential four-pack of bulbsPhilips Hue bulbs can be pricey, which is why the company’s four-pack of Essential A19 bulbs are a great buy. They’re cheaper, costing less now during Prime Day than usual. They have adjustable colors, brightness, and can be controlled with Bluetooth or with a Hue Bridge (sold separately).Where to Buy: $59.99 $44.97 at Amazon (four-pack)Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus carpet cleanerBissell’s Little Green is handy, but doesn’t cut it for big jobs. If you have pets and a lot of carpet to clean, this is one of the most powerful upright carpet cleaners in its price range.Where to Buy: $279.99 $209.99 at Amazon $279.99 $237.99 at Best Buy $279.99 $209.99 at BissellGovee LightwallIt’s a Lightwall. What more do you need to know? Fine, it’s a curtain of lights that’s 8.5 feet wide and 6.2 feet tall with 1,536 LEDs. You can program them to show anything you want.Where to Buy: $449.99 $369.99 at Amazon $449.99 $369.99 at GoveeGovee outdoor lamp post lightThe outdoor lamp post light boasts full support for Google Assistant, Alexa, and Matter, so you can easily incorporate the lights into your smart home setup. Where to Buy: $259.99 $149.99 at Amazon (at checkout) $259.99 $159.99 at GoveeGovee Table Lamp 2The color-changing Govee Table Lamp 2 is an especially great pick for grads looking to make a new space feel like home. With adjustable warmth and brightness, plus lights that sync to music, it’s easy to set the mood for relaxing, focusing, or partying. It can also be controlled with voice assistants or a simple tap for added convenience.Where to Buy: $79.99 $53.99 at Amazon $79.99 $69.99 at Best Buy $79.99 $53.99 at TargetBaseus AM52 power bank (with built-in cable)This 10,000mAh power bank is one of the best ones available at this price. It has a built-in USB-C cable, and it’s MagSafe-ready, supporting up to 25W wireless charging speed for recent iPhones. Read our coverage.Where to Buy: $79.99 $56.99 at AmazonThe Blood of DawnwalkerA new third-person adventure game made by several developers responsible for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Dawnwalker is similar in terms of its branching storyline and great side quests, but unique with how vampirism affects gameplay.Where to Buy: $69.99 $59.99 at AmazonElgato Key LightA 2800-lumen light that can illuminate your desk area for video meetings, close work, and other uses. It includes a desk clamp to make it easy to fix to your working surface.Where to Buy: $179.99 $134.99 at AmazonRetroid Pocket 5One of the most well-rounded Android gaming handhelds you can buy is the Retroid Pocket 5. It has a gorgeous 5.5-inch OLED screen, a PS Vita-like design, and enough power to play games up to the PS2 era thanks to its Snapdragon 865 processor.Where to Buy: $310 $219 at AmazonGoogle Pixel Watch 5Google’s latest smartwatch that launched in August has already had a big price drop. While the fourth iteration is cheaper, this model has superior GPS and gesture controls. Read our review.Where to Buy: $399.99 $334.99 at Amazon $399.99 $350 at Google $399.99 $350 at Best BuyNothing Headphone 1Nothing’s first pair of over-ear headphones feature a retro transparent design and high-end features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio with head tracking, and plush ear pads. They also feature a paddle button that allows you to control music playback. Read our review.Where to Buy: $299 $189 at Amazon $299 $189 at NothingCorsair Xeneon Edge screenThe Xeneon Edge is a multipurpose touchscreen for your PC that gives you easy access to controls, various metrics, and widgets of your choosing through Corsair’s marketplace.Where to Buy: $250 $199 at AmazonLenovo Slim 7i Aura Edition laptop$1,000 doesn’t usually get you all that much in a laptop these days, but it does during October Prime Day. This model has a 14-inch OLED screen, 16GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a capable Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU.Where to Buy: $1178 $999.99 at AmazonToniebox 2 music player for kidsA screen-free device for kids that plays songs or stories when you tap collectible Tonie figures on the top of it. It’s for entertainment, but can double as an alarm.Where to Buy: $209 $119.99 at AmazonRazer DeathAdder V3 Pro wireless mouseAn incredible value if you want one of the most comfortable right-handed wireless mice currently available. This price applies to the black or white versions.Where to Buy: $150 $64.99 at AmazonElgato PrompterA teleprompter is a luxury. They help you make it look effortless to look at your camera as you read from a script or a chat log. Elgato’s option includes a small screen and a mirror, the latter of which allows you to see what you need to look at without breaking eye contact with viewers.Where to Buy: $299.99 $219.99 at Amazon $299.99 $219.99 at B&H PhotoElgato Stream Deck MK. 2The MK.2 version of the standard Stream Deck comes with 15 programmable buttons, a swappable faceplate, and a detachable stand.Where to Buy: $149.99 $109.99 at Amazon $149.99 $119.99 at Best Buy $149.99 $119.99 at B&H PhotoAnker Laptop Wall Charger (140W)This wall adapter can deliver up to 140W when you’re using just one of its four ports. But even with to four gadgets, it can divvy up 140W so each gets a good amount of power.Where to Buy: $79.99 $59.99 at Amazon $79.99 $55.99 at Best Buy $79.99 $55.99 at eBay (via Best Buy)Samsung Q990F Soundbar SystemIf you want to bring your home theater to the next level, the Samsung Q990F is the answer. The Q990 series has been at the top of best lists for years, and for good reason. It delivers an excellent Atmos experience with clear dialogue and booming bass to fully immerse you in whatever you’re watching.Where to Buy: $1997.99 $999.99 at Amazon $1999.99 $950.99 at Best BuySonos Era 300The hourglass-shaped Sonos Era 300 is designed from the ground up for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. It supports the same Bluetooth and line-in features as the Era 100. Where to Buy: $499 $399 at Amazon $499 $399 at Sonos $499 at Best BuyAcer Aspire Lite 14Those in need of a capable, compact, and somewhat affordable Windows laptop should consider the Aspire Lite 14. It’s an ARM-based machine with 16GB of speedy RAM, half a terabyte of storage, and a slick design.Where to Buy: $749 $649 at AmazonShokz OpenRun Pro 2The OpenRun Pro 2 are Shokz’s best bone conduction headphones yet, with better sound and more bass than their predecessor. Our reviewer Victoria Song praised their cozy fit as well as their USB-C charging (goodbye, proprietary charger!). Read our review.Where to Buy: $179.99 $124.99 at Best Buy $179.95 $124.99 at REIStar Wars Zero CompanyThis XCOM-inspired twist of a Star Wars tactics game is as good as it sounds. Snag the game on its first-ever discount.Where to Buy: $59.99 $47.99 at Amazon $59.99 $47.99 at Best BuyWiiM Sound Smart SpeakerA smart speaker with a HomePod-like design that’s compatible with many more services. It even has a cool, little screen on the front.Where to Buy: $299 $239.2 at Amazon $299 $239.2 at WiiMMeta Quest 3SThe Meta Quest 3S is a battery-powered standalone VR headset that has the same chipset as the pricier Quest 3, but with the same lenses and screen resolution as the Quest 2. In addition to being able to play many games from the Meta Store, it can also be connected to a gaming PC to play VR games like Half-Life Alyx. Read our review.Where to Buy: $349 $297.99 at Best Buy (128GB) $299.99 $249.99 at Target (128GB) $399.99 $349.99 at Best Buy (256GB)Microsoft Surface Laptop (13.8-inch, 2026)A powerful tablet that can turn into a laptop when you purchase the keyboard+trackpad accessory. This model features an OLED screen, the Snapdragon X2 Elite, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. Read our coverage.Where to Buy: $1599.99 $1999.99 at Best Buy (16GB RAM/512GB) $1599.99 $1299.99 at MicrosoftOzlo Sleepbuds 2Launched in late July, the Sleepbuds 2 have a small design that’s ideal for side sleepers. They can supply audio with 14 hours of battery life, and even a private alarm that’ll wake you (and not others in bed).Where to Buy: $279 $237 at Best BuyFujifilm Instax Mini EvoFujifilm’s stylish Instax Mini Evo is the best instant camera overall. With it, you can choose which photos to print, while also boasting good image quality.Where to Buy: $234 $199.99 at Amazon $234.99 $199.99 at Best Buy $234 $199.99 at B&H PhotoLG C6 OLED TVWhile a relatively minor upgrade over the C5 if you’re getting a 65-inch or smaller screen, the 77- and 83-inch C6 utilize an improved Tandem OLED screen with incredible brightness.Where to Buy: $2699 $1499.99 at Amazon (65-inch) $2699 $1499.99 at Best Buy (65-inch)Microsoft Surface Pro (13-inch, Snapdragon X2 Elite)The latest Surface Pro is speedy and elegant, with a 13-inch OLED touchscreen and the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor. It doesn’t include a keyboard, though.Where to Buy: $1799.99 $1299.99 at Best Buy (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)Apple iPad Air M4The latest iteration of Apple’s iPad Air features an M4 processor and better connectivity under the hood, resulting in great performance whether you’re gaming or doing AI-related tasks. Read our review.Where to Buy: $749 $649 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $749 $649 at Best Buy (128GB, Wi-Fi)Fujifilm Instax Mini 13The Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 is a fun gift for students starting a new chapter. It prints credit card-sized photos in seconds, and the new self-timer makes it easier to snap group photos with friends.Where to Buy: $93.95 $79.99 at Amazon $93.99 $79.99 at Best Buy $93.99 $79.99 at TargetiPad (2025)Apple’s entry-level iPad is an excellent tablet for casual use, even if it is getting a little long in the tooth. Its high-res screen is great for watching video, and its A16 processor is still fast enough to handle light games and productivity apps. Read our review.Where to Buy: $449 $399 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $449 $399 at Best Buy (128GB, Wi-Fi)Sony WH-1000XM5The XM5 deliver better audio and noise cancellation than the XM4 (and even the refreshed XM4C that cost more), though they aren’t as compact. Read our review.Where to Buy: $399.99 $198 at Amazon $399.99 $198 at Best BuySony WH-1000XM6 headphonesSony made subtle improvements to every facet of the WH-1000XM6, from sound quality to ANC performance, while wisely bringing back the foldable, travel-friendly design last seen on the XM4.Where to Buy: $458 $378 at Amazon $458 $378 at Best Buy $458 $378 at B&H PhotoSony Bravia 6 OLED TVThe first Sony OLED with four HDMI 2.1 ports. It competes with the LG C6 in terms of brightness and specs, and this is its first big price drop.Where to Buy: $1500 $1098 at Amazon (55-inch) $2000 $1298 at Amazon (65-inch)M6 Mac MiniApple’s latest Mac Mini is just as small as the last-gen model, but more powerful. The M6 chip is about 20 percent faster than the M4. Read our review.Where to Buy: $899 $779.99 at AmazonSony WF-1000XM6 earbudsThe Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds have top-notch noise-canceling performance with excellent, balanced sound, if you can get a good seal in your ears. Read our review.Where to Buy: $329.99 $258 at Amazon $329.99 $258 at Best Buy $329.99 $258 at SonyNothing Ear 3Fantastic audio and great design are hallmarks of Nothing earbuds, but the Ear 3 push the boundaries with a case that can record audio. Read our review.Where to Buy: $149 $99 at Amazon $149 $99 at Best Buy $149 $99 at NothingApple Watch Series 12The latest iteration of Apple’s Watch lineup is already discounted at Amazon.Where to Buy: $399 $349.99 at Amazon (42mm, GPS) $499 $489 at Amazon (42mm, 5G + GPS)AirPods 4Apple’s AirPods 4 are the latest update to the company’s base-model wireless earbuds. The hard, plastic buds feature improved audio over the third-gen model, along with deep iOS integration and spatial audio with head tracking. Read our review.Where to Buy: $129 $79 at Walmart

Layla Turner
Australia

Amazon Alexa Plus keeps creepily singing ‘lalala’ for minutes on end

The Amazon Echo Studio is one of the speakers that runs Alexa Plus. | Photo by John Higgins / The Verge An unsettling Alexa Plus bug has seen some Amazon Echo smart home speakers reduced to saying - and sometimes singing - nothing but "lalala" on repeat for minutes at...

Olivia Miller
Seattle

An AI agent took over my blank Windows machine and finished in minutes what would take me hours

Setting up a new Windows PC is the same chore every time, and I've done it enough times to have an opinion on every single toggle. There are updates to chase, preinstalled junk to rip out, a dozen installers to click through, and a backup plan I always swear I'll...

Emily Brown
Houston

This Linux project runs Bloodborne’s PS4 code directly on your CPU, and you can try it too

There has been a huge wave of unofficial console ports to the PC over the past few days. Our gaming editor, Patrick O'Rourke, has been hard at work documenting them all, with the latest being Super Mario Bros. Wonder making its way onto PC. Now, someone has gotten Bloodborne running...

Brent Pearson
United Kingdom

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL phones are $250 off

The Pixel 11 Pro’s HiLight feature in action. During Amazon’s October sale, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are discounted by $250 or more. The base model Pixel 11 Pro with 256GB of storage is only $849 (originally $1,099), $50 lower than the usual price for the base Pixel 11, while the 256GB 11 Pro XL is $999, a $300 price break. Even the regular Pixel 11 with 256GB of storage is cheaper, selling at $749, $150 off the normal price. But with the Pro at just a $100 premium over the Pixel 11 right now instead of $200, its superior cameras alone is a pretty convincing reason to spend more.Google Pixel 11 ProWhere to Buy: $1099 $849 at Amazon $1099 $899 at Google $1099 $849 at Best BuyWe praised the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL for their new camera modes, as well as the Magic Capture mode. We liked some of the Gemini-assisted features, like Rambler for smoothing out voice texting, but others, like proactive assistance, felt a bit more narrow.Read our Pixel 11 Pro review and our Pixel 11 review. window.HYPE_DESK_CONFIG = { productImageUrl: "https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-16-2026-12_50_24-PM.png", productImageAlt: "Roborock F25 Steam", productTitle: "Roborock F25 Steam", shortDescription: "A wet-dry floor cleaner combining high-temperature steam with powerful suction for sticky messes, stains, and pet hair.", longDescription: "When unexpected messes happen, F25 Steam is ready to clean them instantly — especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The Roborock F25 Steam is designed for busy households and pet owners who regularly encounter wet spills, dried stains, grease, and hair. Its 356°F VaporFlow steam helps loosen stubborn messes without harsh chemicals, while 25,000Pa suction and the JawScrapers anti-tangle system collect wet and dry debris with minimal hair wrapping. It also offers up to 80 minutes of runtime, a 1,000ml clean-water tank, a low-reaching FlatReach design, and automated thermal roller cleaning with 203°F hot-air drying.", purchaseUrl: "https://fas.tl/4b4d2515", purchaseLinkText: "SHOP AT AMAZON" };

William Garcia
Boston

The planetary wave headed for California isn’t what you think it is

An aerial view of equipment moving fresh sand during an emergency replenishment project along eroding shoreline at North Beach on August 15th, 2024, in San Clemente, California. | Photo: Getty Images A rather strong "planetary wave" recently slammed into South America and is making its way toward California. In case...

Christy Horton
United States

This remote-controlled wagon is silly but so very useful

Confession: When BougeRV told me about its remote-controlled wagon with animated lighting, I called it in for a laugh, expecting to eviscerate it in a review. It's ridiculous, to be sure. But the DuneRover also proved very capable, with enough torque to flatten hills even when carrying over 200 pounds...

Lydia Hernandez
United States

I turned my NAS into a subnet router, so devices without Tailscale finally became accessible while traveling

The Tailscale subnet router solved a problem I always had while traveling. I have used many private mesh VPNs in the past. Tailscale, NetBird, Tailscale via Headscale, ZeroTier — you name it, I’ve probably used it. But each one of my setups had one specific issue: if a device doesn't...

Azra Fleury
Switzerland

The Verge’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days (also known as October Prime Day) is here, serving as a precursor to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There are a ton of good deals, and bundling them all into this package is the easiest way to keep the blast of upcoming coverage under control....

Jane Smith
Los Angeles

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