Nicole Lee

Senior Editor

Nicole Lee worked at Yahoo as a senior commerce editor covering tech. With 20+ years of experience in technology journalism, she has contributed to outlets such as Engadget, CNET and Wired. Media appearances include ABC News and BBC World Service, plus various podcasts. Her passion lies in gadgets of all kinds, including kitchen and home tech.

Articles by Nicole Lee

What to expect from an online-only CES 2021
CES 2021 will officially take place from January 11th to 14th, but it’ll look very different this year. In the meantime, here’s an idea of what we can expect from CES 2021. We’ll likely see some continuation of trends from previous years too. But, CES 2021 promises to be a relatively slow show.
Lenovo's Tab P11 Android tablet is targeted at families
It’s called the Lenovo Tab P11, and it appears to be a more budget-friendly and lesser version of last year’s Tab P11 Pro. While the P11 Pro is aimed at professionals, the P11 is aimed more at families.
Amazon's Haven healthcare venture is reportedly disbanding
Three years after Amazon started a healthcare venture with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase, the trio have decided to call it quits.
Apple's iOS 12.5 adds COVID-19 exposure notifications for older iPhones
Earlier this year, Apple rolled out iOS 13.7, which added a COVID-19 exposure notification framework. This Exposure Notifications system allowed you to opt in and find out if you’ve been in contact with someone who tested positive with COVID-19. Now, however, Apple has released iOS 12.5, which finally adds the same COVID-19 notification to older iPhone models as well (iPhone 6 and older).
Apple Watch can now warn if your cardio fitness is low
The latest iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 updates have introduced a new way to measure your health, specifically your cardio fitness level. Not only can Apple Watch users now view their cardio fitness level in the Health app, they’ll also receive a notification if it falls to a low range.
Amazon's redesigned Fire TV interface adds user profiles and a new look
Back when Amazon announced its latest Fire TV products -- namely, the third-generation Fire TV Stick ($40) and the Fire TV Stick Lite ($30) -- it also said it was going to roll out a new Fire TV interface this year. Not only does the Fire TV UI have a new look, it has a few additional features such as the addition of User Profiles. According to Amazon, these changes are all aimed at improving content discovery and making it easier to find what you want.
Anova's Precision smart oven is good at both baking and sous vide
Read Engadget's review of Anova's steam-powered Precision smart oven.
Airbnb starts non-profit for those who need a place to stay during a crisis
For a few years now, several Airbnb hosts have opened up their homes for those in need, like those escaping Hurricane Sandy or COVID-19 responders. Today, Airbnb has decided to formalize the process by starting a new non-profit appropriately called Airbnb.org designed to provide shelter in emergency situations. In a statement, Airbnb said that the new non-profit will focus on “emergency response and to help provide stays to evacuees, relief workers, refugees, asylum seekers, and most recently, frontline workers fighting the spread of COVID-19.”
Amazon Sidewalk will be enabled by default on Echo devices
Last year, Amazon announced Sidewalk, a shared network designed to keep your smart devices connected beyond the reach of the typical WiFi router. In order to do that, it’ll utilize certain devices as “Sidewalk Bridge” connections, such as Ring cameras and Echo products.
The best Instant Pot for most of us is down to $50 for Black Friday
But since the more recent Instant Pot Duo Nova is essentially an updated version of the Duo, that’s now arguably the best Instant Pot model for most people.
The Google Home Max is half off for Black Friday this year
Google’s smart speakers and displays have steadily improved over the years, and luckily for us, a few of them are on sale for Black Friday. The biggest discount by far is the Google Home Max, which is now selling for $149.99, a whopping 50 percent off its regular price of $299.99) Sure, it’s a few years old now -- we gave it a review score of 88 in 2017 -- but it’s still a very good device, with stellar audio that outclasses most other Google-powered smart speakers, especially in terms of volume and bass. The Google-powered Nest Hub Max is on sale for $179.99 this week as well, which is $50 less than its usual price of $229.99.
The Sonos Beam is $100 off for Black Friday
Sonos speakers are on sale for Black Friday, including the Beam soundbar which is $100 off.
Hulu to increase live TV bundle by $10 a month
The new $10 increase in the Hulu + Live TV bundle will go into effect on December 18th.
Squarespace now lets customers add paywalls to their sites
The “Members Area” is available now as an add-on to any Squarespace subscription, with plans starting at $9 a month.
Dell’s UltraSharp U2720Q 4K monitor is a welcome addition to my WFH setup
Every month, Engadget features what our editors are currently into, whether it be video games, podcasts or gadgets. This week, Senior Editor Nicole Lee tells the tale of one of her latest pandemic purchases: a Dell UltraSharp 4K monitor. The monitor was a clunky CRT model whose brand I can’t even remember.
Amazon Echo Dot (2020) review: Well-rounded in every sense
The new Echo Dots are here along with a striking new design.
Lenovo Smart Clock Essential review: Basic doesn't mean bad
The latest smart alarm clock from Lenovo is a lot simpler.
Impossible Foods is working on plant-based milk that tastes like the real thing
During a press conference this morning, Impossible Foods announced that it’s branching out from just faux meats and is planning on producing a plant-based milk alternative called Impossible Milk. According to the company, it is not designed to be just another soy milk or nut-based milk alternative. Instead, it’s designed to function and behave just like the animal-derived cow’s milk.
'Where Cards Fall' is coming to PC and Nintendo Switch in early 2021
One of the highlights of last year’s Apple Arcade launch was Where Cards Fall, a slice-of-life puzzle game where you would create houses of cards to guide your character through an artfully geometric landscape. It was an Apple Arcade exclusive at the time, and was certainly one of the more compelling reasons to subscribe to the service. Now, however, it will finally be arriving for the Nintendo Switch, Steam and the Epic Games Store early next year.
US charges Russian government hackers for NotPetya cyberattack
The United States has officially filed criminal charges against six Russian intelligent officers for releasing the NotPetya ransomware virus as well as disrupting Ukraine’s power grid.

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