Not every game makes the best first impression to gamers when they first see it. This can be a harsh reality for some games that are released on consoles, where the first impression to the gaming audience can mean the difference between success and failure. But sometimes everyone can believe a game is going to turn out to be a failure at first, and instead turn into one of the most beloved releases of all-time. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's truly an indication of something special.

I absolutely love OPNsense, and it's the perfect place to tinker with my home network, learn more, and do some pretty cool stuff in general. Yet every now and again, something happens that leaves me scratching my head trying to figure out what's going on. This isn't an OPNsense quirk before people tell me that I should have used pfSense instead; no, this is a security-by-default quirk, and it affects pfSense, too.

The Snapdragon Summit is currently underway, and our editor-in-chief, Rich Woods, has been soaking up all of the new reveals and mingling with folk at the event. The last time I checked in with him, he was drooling over the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, so it's safe to assume he's having a blast.

An e-bike battery featuring several smaller 18650 lithium-ion battery cells packed inside. | Image: Lumafield Lumafield has released the results of a new study of lithium-ion batteries that “reveals an enormous gap in quality between brand-name batteries and low-cost cells” that are readily available through online stores including Amazon and Temu. The company used its computed tomography (CT) scanners, capable of peering inside objects in 3D using X-rays, to analyze over 1,000 lithium-ion batteries. It found dangerous manufacturing defects in low-cost and counterfeit batteries that could potentially lead to fires and explosions.The study tested 18650 lithium-ion battery cells, which are used in various products including electric toothbrushes, power tools, e-bikes, power banks, and even electric cars. The batteries were purchased from ten different brands: three OEMs, including Samsung and Panasonic, sourced from “highly reviewed, specialized suppliers,” three vendors selling rewraps (typically OEM batteries with their plastic outer wrapping replaced) sourced from “specialized battery sites” or the brand’s own web stores, and four companies selling low-cost or counterfeit batteries sourced from “large, general online retailers such as Temu.”Lumafield scanned 1,054 batteries – around 100 from each brand – and found 33 of them had a serious manufacturing defect known as negative anode overhang. The defect “significantly increases the risk of internal short-circuiting and battery fires” and can reduce the overall life of the battery,” according to Lumafield. All 33 of the batteries with the defects came from the 424 sold by low-cost brands or brands selling counterfeits. One of the counterfeits was identified by its pink wrapper designed to match the one Samsung uses on its 30Q cells. Other low-cost brands claimed capacities of 9,900 mAh while brand-name 18650 batteries have capacities in the range of 3,000-3,450 mAh. Not only were the counterfeits’ specs overinflated, but in real-world testing Lumafield found their capacities were less than 1,300 mAh.When taking only low-cost/counterfeit batteries into consideration, there’s nearly an 8 percent chance they could have the dangerous negative anode overhang defect, based on Lumafield’s findings. For two of the counterfeit brands that were reporting impossible specs, the percentage of tested batteries from those brands that were found to have the defect were even higher – upwards of 12 and 15 percent. None of the name brand OEM batteries were found to have any problems, and while there was some deviation in anode overhang for rewrap batteries, the deviations were seven times worse for the low-end cells.When looking at other indicators of build quality, all of the batteries from the low-cost brands also had much worse edge alignment of their internal wound layers than those made by reputable OEMs, increasing the risk of short circuits and performance loss.Defects like negative anode overhang and bad edge alignment don’t mean an affected battery is guaranteed to explode or catch fire, but they can increase the risk of those incidents occurring, particularly when combined with other factors such as being left in a hot car or an accidental drop causing additional damage.The results of Lumafield’s study suggest that batteries from reputable OEMs like Samsung, Panasonic, and Murata are safer and more reliable. And while rewrap batteries fared well in Lumafield’s test, their replaced wrapping makes it difficult to know exactly where they’ve been sourced which increases risks due to a potential lack of quality control in supply chain management. Not everyone has access to an X-ray CT machine to test the quality of the cells in every battery-powered device they purchase, but the study is a reminder that purchasing devices from reputable brands can increase the chances that their batteries are free of dangerous manufacturing defects. Trying to save money with less-known brands could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

Sony has announced new Pulse Elevate wireless speakers that you can use with your PS5, PC, Mac, and even a PlayStation Portal or smartphone. The company promises that they offer “lifelike desktop audio,” a built-in mic for voice chat, and support Sony’s PlayStation Link ultra-low latency technology.The speakers have a built-in rechargeable battery, so if you want to use them in places that aren’t your computer desk, you can pick them up bring them somewhere else. When you want to charge them back up, you can use the included charging docks.The speakers are set to launch sometime in 2026, and you’ll be able to buy them in black or in white, though the white version will be available “while supplies last.” Sony is promising more details on a specific launch date in “the coming months.”The Pulse Elevate speakers join Sony’s growing lineup of Pulse-branded audio accessories for gaming, which already includes things like the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds and the Pulse Elite headset.

Google’s Sameer Samat explains what’s next for Android and ChromeOS. One of the biggest stories out of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit in Maui isn’t just about Qualcomm — it’s how Google is finally merging Android and ChromeOS to create a new operating system for computers. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon revealed that it’s finally happening, and now, a Google exec has revealed when it’s happening, too.It’s “something we’re super excited about for next year,” said Google’s Sameer Samat, head of Android Ecosystem, at the tail end of Qualcomm’s announcement keynote.More:If you think about the laptop form factor, we’ve had ChromeOS for a long time and we’re super committed to that platform and it’s been really successful for us, we’ve learned a lot from it as well. We also have Android tablets that have been super successful, they’re becoming more productivity machines all the time. So I think the opportunity for us that we see is how do we accelerate all the AI advancement that we’re doing on Android and bring that to the laptop form factor as rapidly as possible, and also have the laptop and the rest of the Android ecosystem work seamlessly together. So what we’re doing is we’re basically taking the ChromeOS experience and re-baselining the technology underneath it on Android. So that combination is something we’re super excited about for next year, and we’re working with yourselves and others on it, and we can’t wait.(I’m not sure about that whole “Android tablets have been super successful” part, but hey.)Neither Qualcomm nor Google have said precisely how they’re working together on the combined OS, but Qualcomm doesn’t just make the most popular flagship Android phone processor — here’s the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 that’ll likely appear in the next Samsung Galaxy — but also PC chips now.Today, it announced the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Elite Extreme with claims that they’re the most efficient chips available for Windows PCs. That announcement came without a mention of Google or Android or Chrome, but it wouldn’t be surprising if an Android for PC targeted those chips or similar.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is currently down to $649, matching its lowest price to date. If the past is any indication, Prime Big Deal Days — Amazon’s upcoming fall Prime Day event — should deliver a wave of deals on Apple devices, letting you save on everything from AirPods and AirTags to the latest iPad. But if you can’t wait until the sale kicks off on October 7th to land a bargain, you don’t have to. A few Apple products are already receiving sizable discounts at Amazon and other retailers, giving you the chance to save ahead of Amazon’s two-day sales event next month.Admittedly, the current discounts aren’t as steep as what we’ve seen during previous Prime Day events — and possibly this year’s October Prime Day — but they’re still a solid way to save on a lot of older Apple devices if you can’t wait. The last-gen Apple Watch Ultra 2 has returned to its all-time low, for instance, while the M1-powered MacBook Air is available at its best price to date. We’ve rounded up a handful of other Apple deals worth taking a look at below, so let’s dive in.The best wireless earbud and headphone dealsThe best iPad dealsThe best MacBook dealsThe best Apple Watch dealsAirTags and other miscellaneous dealsThe best wireless earbud and headphone dealsApple AirPods Pro (second-gen) with USB-C charging caseThe second-gen AirPods Pro improve upon Apple’s original pair with much better noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and onboard volume controls. The latest refresh also ships with a USB-C charging case, as opposed to Lightning. Read our review.Where to Buy: $249 $199 at Amazon $249 $199 at Walmart $249.99 $209.99 at Best BuyYou can buy a pair of the AirPods 4 on sale for $119 ($10 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Staples. Apple’s entry-level wireless earbuds offer better sound than their predecessor, with richer bass and much clearer voice quality. The earbuds also feature an upgraded IP54 water and dust resistance rating, deep integration with iOS and other Apple products, and support for spatial audio with head tracking. Read our review.Alternatively, you can buy the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for around $169 ($10 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Staples. Like the aforementioned base model, they deliver strong noise cancellation and a solid transparency mode, although they’re still not quite on par with Apple’s Pro models. The step-up ANC model also supports wireless charging and comes with a case that features a built-in speaker, making it easier to locate via Apple’s Find My network. Read our review.Apple EarPods (USB-C)Apple’s wired earbuds are comfortable, offer great microphone quality for the price, and feature a built-in remote for controlling audio playback.Where to Buy: $19 $16.99 at Amazon $19 $16.99 at Walmart $19.99 at Best BuyYou can buy the latest AirPods Max at Amazon and Best Buy in select colors starting at $499, which is a far cry from their all-time low of $399 but still a solid $50 discount. The plush over-ear headphones feature a luxe stainless steel and aluminum design, along with excellent active noise cancellation and an exceptionally natural-sounding transparency mode. They also support lossless audio, deliver up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge, and sport a USB-C port. Read our original review.Beats Studio BudsThe Studio Buds feature support for iOS and Android as well as noise cancellation, a cozy fit, and good sound quality for the price. They don’t offer the same features as Apple’s iconic AirPods, but their broader compatibility may make them a fine choice on a budget. Read our review.Where to Buy: $149.99 $79.95 at Amazon $149.99 $95.97 at Best Buy $149.99 $99.95 at WalmartThe best iPad deals11-inch iPad Air M3The latest 11-inch iPad Air features Apple’s fast M3 chip with GPU upgrades like dynamic caching for smoother performance in demanding apps. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the newest Magic Keyboard, which features a larger build and a 14-key function row. Read our review.Where to Buy: $599 $449 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $599 $449 at Best Buy (128GB, Wi-Fi) $599 $449 at Walmart (128GB, Wi-Fi)The 13-inch version of the M3-powered iPad Air with 128GB of storage is also on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, where you can buy it for an all-time low of around $649 ($150 off). Aside from a larger screen and better speakers, it’s identical to the aforementioned 11-inch model. Read our review.13-inch iPad Pro M4The newest iPad Pro comes in either an 11- or 13-inch configuration with Apple’s M4 processor. Both models also feature an OLED display, a much thinner and lighter build, new horizontal placement for the front camera, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. Read our review.Where to Buy: $1299 $1196 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi) $1499 $1382.92 at Amazon (512GB, Wi-Fi) $1899 $1724.5 at Amazon (1TB, Wi-Fi)You can buy the latest iPad with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart for $299 ($50 off), which is $20 shy of the tablet’s all-time low. It offers twice the base storage of its predecessor and faster performance thanks to the inclusion of Apple’s A16 Bionic chip; however, it still lags behind its higher-end siblings in performance and doesn’t support the newest Apple Pencil, nor does it support any of the AI-based Apple Intelligence features baked into the latest iterations of iPadOS. Read our review.The best MacBook deals2020 MacBook Air with M1 (256GB)The 2020 MacBook Air has been discontinued but remains a great value. It comes outfitted with the company’s original M1 chip in one of three different colors (silver, space gray, and gold).Where to Buy: $649 $599 at WalmartThe 13-inch M4-powered MacBook Air is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy in all four colors starting at $799 ($200 off) with a 10-core CPU, an eight-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The fantastic laptop — which we consider to be the best option for most people — builds upon its predecessor with additional RAM and Apple’s faster, more powerful M4 chip. It can also connect to two external displays with the lid open, as opposed to just one. Read our review.If you need more screen real estate, you can grab the latest 15-inch MacBook Air at Amazon and Best Buy with a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage starting at $999 ($200 off). It offers the same features as the 13-incher, but features an improved six-speaker sound system and your choice of either a 35W Dual USB‑C Port Compact Power Adapter or a 70W USB‑C Power Adapter.The best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Ultra 2The rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in one size: 49mm. It offers a large, bright display along with long battery life and excellent performance. It sports Apple’s last-gen S9 SiP, too, allowing you to take advantage of Apple’s double tap feature. Read our review.Where to Buy: $799 $649 at Best Buy (with Alpine Loop) $799 $679 at Best Buy (with an Ocean Band)The last-gen Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale at Amazon and Walmart in the 42mm configuration with GPS starting at $329 ($70 off), which is $50 shy of its all-time low. While it lacks the Series 11’s more scratch-resistant glass and only lasts 18 hours, as opposed to 24, the wearable still delivers a bright, wide-angle OLED display along with depth and water-temperature sensors. It also includes FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection and supports Apple’s new hypertension notification feature. Read our review.AirTags and other miscellaneous dealsApple AirTagApple’s AirTag is unobtrusive, waterproof, and taps into the massive Find My network for out-of-range locating. Read our original review.Where to Buy: $29 $21.75 at Amazon $29 $21.75 at Walmart $99 $74.99 at Walmart (four-pack)The Apple Pencil Pro is down to $99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Target, which is $10 shy of its best price to date. Unlike Apple’s entry-level USB-C stylus, the Pro model charges wirelessly and offers other advanced capabilities, including Find My support, pressure sensitivity, and a “Barrel Roll” gyroscope that allows you to adjust the angle of your pen or brush strokes with a simple twist. However, compatibility is limited to the latest iPad Pro, iPad Mini, and M2- or M3-based iPad Air models.Apple MagSafe Charger (2m)Apple’s latest MagSafe charger now fully supports the Qi2.2 standard, allowing it to charge compatible devices (including the iPhone 17 series and Google’s Pixel 10 lineup) at 25W rates.Where to Buy: $49 $34.9 at Amazon $49.99 $34.9 at Best Buy $49 at Apple

Qualcomm has just announced its latest compute products with the Snapdragon X2 Elite lineup of processors at the Snapdragon Summit event. But that's not the only exciting news for Windows on Arm fans — Qualcomm has also announced that more important apps are coming to Windows on Arm PCs, including Cinema 4D, ZBrush, and Razer's Synapse software.

For years, Trello was my go-to for project management. It’s simple, a card-based interface was perfect for visualizing my tasks and keeping my personal projects organized. But as my needs evolved with confidential projects, so did my desire for better control. Being a self-hosting enthusiast, with a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device running in the corner, I realized I could do better.

If you're looking for a speaker system that won't take up a lot of room but still produces a good sound, this Monster S220 soundbar is going to be a good option. The best part is that you can use this soundbar on a number of devices, as it offers both wired and wireless connections. And if all of that wasn't enough, you can now grab this soundbar for less, coming in with the 40% discount that drops it to just $50.

Better performance, bigger battery savings. Qualcomm has formally unveiled its latest flagship SoC, destined for Android flagships in the very near future: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The name was revealed by way of a blog post last week, and if it seems like the company skipped forward a generation or two, that’s kind of the point. It features a third-generation Oryon CPU with boosted single- and multi-core performance, as well as a faster Hexagon NPU, with an emphasis on personalized, on-device AI experiences. The updated CPU comprises two prime cores of up to 4.6GHz and six performance cores up to 3.62GHz. Qualcomm claims up to 35 percent better power efficiency from the CPU, contributing to a 16 percent improvement in overall SoC efficiency. The updated Adreno GPU claims an increase of up to 23 percent in overall gaming performance, along with a 20 percent drop in power consumption.The updated Hexagon NPU likewise claims 37 percent faster performance as well as power savings over the previous version. Qualcomm suggests these improvements — along with use of its Snapdragon Sensing Hub — could enable more personalized AI that continues to learn about the user over time. On the camera side of things, the updated ISP supports the APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec. Qualcomm also claims to enable a “computational video pipeline.” Qualcomm’s Alex Katouzian explained at the company’s announcement keynote that this allows for AI enhancements to video on a frame-by-frame level. The ISP also enables context-aware autofocus, auto exposure, and auto white balance.The 8 Elite Gen 5 uses an X85 modem, announced earlier this year, which boasts 50 percent lower gaming latency thanks to “AI-enhanced Wi-Fi.” We’ll start seeing devices with the 8 Elite Gen 5 from all the usual Android suspects soon enough.

Podcaster Theo Von and The Pokémon Company probably don’t have a lot in common. But one thing they can apparently agree on is that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should probably stop using them to promote deportation campaigns. The DHS posted a montage of ICE raids to X on Monday accompanied by the original Pokémon theme song and the caption “Gotta Catch ‘Em All.” The clip also features images from the anime and text overlays using a sort of Temu version of the Pokémon font. A day later, the agency posted a video featuring a viral clip of Theo Von where he stares into the camera and says “heard you got deported, dude… bye,” then tacked on stats about how many people had been deported so far under President Donald Trump.Both The Pokémon Company and Theo Von objected to DHS using them to promote ICE raids. Von quickly took to X, saying, “Yooo DHS i didnt approve to be used in this. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and please keep me out of your ‘banger’ deportation videos.” The statement from The Pokémon Company was, unsurprisingly, a little more diplomatic. “Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property,” the company told the Daily Beast. Fans have taken to social media to urge The Pokémon Company and Nintendo to sue, but at least one legal expert sees that as unlikely — despite the companies’ notoriously litigious nature. The Pokémon Company’s ex-legal chief Don McGowan told IGN that “This will blow over in a couple of days and they’ll be happy to let it.”The post featuring Theo Von has since been removed, suggesting that DHS is perhaps a little wary of angering the podcaster’s fan base. The Pokémon clip remains, however, and the Customs and Border Patrol X account even replied with a GIF of Detective Pikachu under the caption “Border Patrol’s newest recruit.”