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Google extends update support on some Chromebooks until 2025
Google's Auto Update Expiration (AUE) policy is something of a controversy among fans of the company's tech. In a nutshell, it means its products, such as smartphones and Chromebooks, will only get updates for a certain period of time. After that, they won't receive the latest security or feature enhancements. The AUE can be an important consideration for buyers, who could end up with a model whose lifespan is about to run out -- but Google has now issued a surprise reprieve for a set of Lenovo devices.
The best streaming boxes (and sticks)
It’s all about streaming nowadays, and TV networks are embracing the space with apps that showcase the content they have to offer. But, in order to use these apps, you're going to need some hardware. Here’s a breakdown of the best streaming boxes and sticks you can buy right now.
McDonald's will sell plant-based Beyond Meat burgers in Canada
McDonald's has revealed its answer to Burger King's plant-based Impossible Whopper. On September 30th, the fast food giant will start serving the P.L.T. or Plant Lettuce Tomato burger in 28 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario. It created the new item using plant-based patties from Impossible Burger rival Beyond Meat, which also has an ongoing partnership with KFC to test its plant-based chicken.
Who needs the Rift S when the Oculus Quest can do everything?
With a slew of updates on the horizon, the Oculus Quest ($399) is now a must-have purchase for anyone getting into VR. Today's Oculus Connect 6 keynote was jam-packed with major new features for the Quest: Oculus Link will let it connect to PCs and play any Rift title; hand-tracking is coming next year; and it's even getting Go apps and better passthrough support. All of this begs the question, what purpose does the Rift S ($399) serve now? Not much, I'd say.
These are all of the Alexa devices Amazon unveiled today
Today, Amazon held its second-annual hardware deluge. Like last year, the company had a lot to unveil. It revealed a slew of Echo devices, Alexa-powered wearables, Ring's first indoor security cam and a smart oven. The company also shared Alexa updates -- like the voice assistant's ability to impersonate celebrities.
You can now buy PS4 consoles and accessories directly from Sony
As of today, you can purchase PS4 consoles, physical games and accessories directly from Sony. The company has just launched its own dedicated store, meaning you'll no longer be directed to retailers like GameStop. Unfortunately, goods will only be available to consumers in the US. But Sony says the store will help fans around the world discover products and compare the prices of other retailers.
Impossible Burger is now available at east coast grocery stores
After launching last week at grocery stores in Southern California, Impossible Foods' plant-based package of ground "meat" is heading east. Starting tomorrow, September 25th, all 100 Wegmans grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and North Carolina will sell the Impossible Burger. Additionally, Fairway Market in New York will offer the Impossible Burger at its 74th and 86th Street locations in Manhattan. Both chains will sell the company's 12-ounce package for $8.99.
How and why to buy a projector in 2019
A 100-inch 4K screen? To get that the usual way you might be looking at paying close to six figures. Luckily, there's another option that can get you even more, up to a 150-inch screen for a fraction of that price. Yes, film aficionados are increasingly turning their attention toward home theater projectors. You may think of projectors as either expensive, dim or janky, but with the latest technology, that's all changed. It's possible nowadays to find reasonably bright 4K HDR projectors with near theater-quality images for $1,500 or less. Before you start running to the store for popcorn, it's important to learn a few things and beware of the pitfalls, so we're here to help.
If you're feeling brave, the Pixel Slate and keyboard are on sale for $549
When we point our readers to deals here at Engadget, it's almost always for products we have personal experience with and would recommend based on that experience. This one is... a little different. Last fall, I reviewed Google's Pixel Slate and found it had excellent hardware with software that was lacking on a number of fronts. It was also far too expensive to recommend given those faults. But what if it cost just half of what Google was asking? I'd probably have a different take on things.
Save $180 on one of our favorite gaming laptops of the year
If you're in the market for a new gaming laptop, one of our favorite models from the past year, the Alienware M15 with Nvidia RTX 2060 GPU, is currently discounted on Amazon. Currently, you can get the m15 for $1,500, instead of the $1,680 it typically costs direct from Dell.
How to set up your own 'streaming service'
Video streaming is great -- until you lose access to the movie or TV show that you assumed would always be available on Netflix and Amazon Video. With downloads or physical media, this isn't an issue, because once you've bought it, you'll have access to it for life (that's the theory anyway).
How to pick a 4K TV in 2019
Making your way through the sea of flat-panel TVs that fill big box stores and online shopping carts in 2019 is tougher than ever before. Even though many of today's televisions have a baseline picture quality that was nearly unreachable just a few years ago, trying to find one that fits you among identical-looking screens with differences that are only apparent in their price tags will require some skill. The good news? After a few years on the market, availability of the latest technology buzzwords has largely stabilized, so you don't have to spend a lot to get a great looking television.
On Nintendo's 130th birthday, here are five books about its history
Today is Nintendo's 130th birthday. No, that's not a typo. The company's been around since before video games or even televisions. It started way back in 1889 making hanafuda — that's a type of playing card with flowers on it. In fact, the company still makes them, and you can even buy a set with Mario's face on the cards ($22).
How to buy a soundbar
It's no secret that the built-in speakers in most TVs are trash. Soundbars are a must-have if you care about your home audio setup. Here's what you need to consider when picking a soundbar, plus our best picks.
Disney+ public pre-orders are open, but without deep bundle discounts
If you didn't already buy into the three-years-upfront D23 plan for Disney+ streaming, the doors are open for subscribers, at the promised rates of $69.99 annually, or $6.99 per month. The service started taking sign-ups tonight during the Emmys while other streamers (mostly Amazon) took home trophies, but with more than 25 original series and ten films promised in the first year, it will be interesting to see if they're on the stage next year. Going for the annual plan is the only way to get a discount at this point, as those wanting to bundle their subscription with access to ad-supported Hulu and ESPN+ at a $12.99 rate will have to wait until the service launches November 12th to sign up. If you're still not sure if the service will be worth it at the start, there is a free 7-day trial period.
Ask Engadget: How can I improve my rural internet?
In the latest installment of Ask Engadget, we tackle the topic of rural broadband.
Amazon Prime perks now include mobile game add-ons
Amazon Prime members are getting another perk, and it's something mobile gamers would appreciate. The e-commerce giant is making free mobile game loot a part of its subscriber offerings, starting with exclusive in-game items for Tencent's popular battle royale game PUBG Mobile. It has already dropped the Infiltrator Mask, which will be available until October 3rd, and will release more items one by one in the coming weeks. The other items in the Prime exclusive set are the Infiltrator Jacket, Shoes and Pants, as well as the Epic Level Gun and Magma Parachute.
‘Untitled Goose Game’ arrives today on Mac, PC and Switch
Geese are jerks, and now you can be one too. Untitled Goose Game is available today on Mac, Windows and Switch. The odd ball game puts you in the role of a goose that's determined to annoy residents of a village. You'll prank them, steal items and honk, a lot. As the description puts it, "it's a lovely morning in the village and you are a horrible goose."
One of the best mice on the market is on sale for $67
The Logitech MX Master 2S is on sale at Amazon for $67 -- that's a $33 drop from its typical list price of $100. The mouse is one of our longtime favorites, and it was listed in our 2017 gift guide. While it's not the newest model, it's still a great mouse and an excellent deal at $67.
The best headsets for the Switch Lite
The new Switch Lite is finally here. It's smaller than the original, so it'll be easier to take on the go, whether it's your daily commute, a long flight or a week-long road trip. However, such close quarters mean you're going to want to invest in a pair of headphones for your new handheld, something that can do justice to the audio on games like Breath of the Wild, Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Splatoon 2. The bad news is, any wireless headsets you might already be using with your Switch won't work with the Lite. The good news is, you don't need anything fancy and won't have to spend a lot to find a new pair of cans. Just something with excellent audio and a 3.5mm jack will do.
