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Apple just announced it will be integrating more ads into the App Store because our poor eyeballs must be assaulted at all times. The company plans on littering search results with advertisements beginning next year.
Currently, the App Store only has one ad spot. That's at the very top of search results. If you search for something like Instagram it's likely that top spot will be filled with an ad for a rival social media platform. The new ads will appear further down the actual search results.
Apple says that advertisers won't have to alter their campaigns, as the ads will "run in either the existing position — at the top of search results — or further down in search results." The company says that 65 percent of app downloads happen after a search, so this move will "give advertisers more opportunities."
Google began inundating the Play Store with more ads last year and, well, the results haven't been pretty. The general consensus is that the store has become more frustrating to use. We'll have to wait and see just how intrusive these App Store ads end up being.
Recent reporting also indicates that Apple plans on b
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Trump media, the company behind the president's personal social media platform Truth Social, is inexplicably merging with a Google-backed fusion energy company called TAE Technologies. The deal is worth $6 billion, according to reporting by Financial Times.
Why is an entity known for publishing frenzied hot takes by the president at 3AM combining with a fusion energy company? Who the heck really knows, but a statement says the two organizations will join together to build the "world's first utility-scale fusion power plant." This would be huge, if true, as there are currently no operational commercial nuclear fusion power plants.
Join our joint investor call at 9 am ET today to learn more: https://t.co/3ccBmMY5qr
Read more:… pic.twitter.com/f7TYQS4jQp
— TAE Technologies (@TAE) December 18, 2025
We know what TAE would bring to the table in that scenario. The energy company has been around since the 1990s and has attracted interest from Google, Chevron and others. Trump Media would be a great partner when building a reactor powered by insul
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Looking for a gift for the globe-trotter in your life? The AirFly Pro has been a game changer for me on flights.
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If you're struggling to find your next binge-watch, you can't go wrong with anime. For the holidays, you can save on a Crunchyroll subscription, giving you access to its vast library of anime series to watch. Through December 29, you can sign up for an annual Fan subscription for $67, down from the usual $80, or a Mega Fan subscription for $100, down from $120.
While both the Fan and Mega Fan plans are ad-free, you do get some different benefits depending on which you decide to pay for. Fan subscribers get full access to Crunchyroll's library, new episodes "shortly after they air in Japan" and five percent off select purchases in the Crunchyroll Store. Mega Fan subscribers get all those benefits, plus the ability to stream on four devices at the same time, download HD quality episodes and movies to view offline, play games from the Crunchyroll Game Vault and receive 10 percent off select products in the Crunchyroll Store.
Not
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The Mac Mini delivers big processing power in a small package and now for a smaller price, too.
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When a medical diagnosis changes everything for a store clerk, she decides to do everything she was always afraid to do.
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After a call for app submissions from developers, ChatGPT's beta app feature has arrived.
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Don't know what to watch? Dig through these Netflix movie picks that span every genre.
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OpenAI has introduced an app directory that's now available right inside ChatGPT, the company announced. "Apps extend ChatGPT conversations by bringing in new context and letting users take action like order groceries, turn an outline into a slide deck or search for an apartment," the company wrote in a blog post. OpenAI also noted in a help document that "connector" apps like Google Drive are now simply called "apps."
The new apps section (on iOS, Android and web) is divided into Feature, Lifestyle and Productivity categories, letting you connect to commonly used apps and sites like Booking.com, Spotify and Dropbox. To use an app, simply click on it, hit "Connect" then authorize the app to access ChatGPT. With that done, you can then start a chat related to that app. In the case of Dropbox, for instance, you'll be able to "gather insights, prepare briefs and summarize reports or internal documents," according to the description. Once connected, any app can be accessed by doing an @ mention of it.
A new addition that came along with the store is an Apple Music app that, like Spotify, helps users find music, create playlists and manage their libraries through a chat interface. Another is DoorDash, which lets you transform recipes, meal planning and staples into "an actionable shopping cart."
Along with the app directory, OpenAI is now allowing developers to submit apps for review and publication in ChatGPT according to the company's app submission guidelines. It also published resources to help developers build such apps, including
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 Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone could face supply shortages into 2027 despite a planned launch next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
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You can add Japan to the list of regions where Apple has been forced to do something it would rather not: open up the App Store. On Thursday, the company announced changes to iOS in Japan to comply with the nation's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). The tighter regulations for Apple and Google, which overlap with Europe's, took effect today. Users in the US and elsewhere won't see any of these changes.
Apple's changes in iOS 26.2 in Japan revolve around alternative app stores, payments outside the App Store and browser choice. The company worked with Japanese regulators on new
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There's little reason to pay top dollar for a smartphone. These iPhones and Android devices—ranging from $100 to $600—stood up to WIRED's testing.
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Is the latest iPhone operating system aesthetically appealing? No. But is it useful? Also no. At least I have company among the disgruntled.
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Keep your air fryer in peak condition by cleaning it regularly.
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The new features lets your Ring doorbell greet and chat with visitors at your front door.
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Taking off your headphones for a quick chat is practically Stone Age. Try Conversation Awareness mode to make things more seamless and truly hands-free.
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No need to fret if you missed out on some of the best Black Friday deals this year — some of them have returned already. Case in point: Apple's AirPods Pro 3, which came out in September this year, are back down to $199. That's an all-time-low price and better than the price it was during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. With the new AirPods Pro, Apple made some big improvements, including better battery life and sound quality, and introduced useful new features, such as Live Translation.
The AirPods Pr
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Modern dishwashers typically have a filter that requires regular cleaning, but how often should it be cleaned? I spoke to experts who laid it all out.
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Whether you're a true cord-cutter or you just want to watch the next season of Stranger Things when it drops, everyone's on the lookout for streaming deals nowadays. Plenty have chosen VOD and live TV streaming services over traditional cable in recent years, but the savings that choice got you just a few years ago have somewhat evaporated now. Companies like Netflix, Disney, Max and others have been consistently raising prices to the point where you may question if streaming is even worth it anymore.
We at Engadget still think so, for many reasons, but you can (and should) be smart with your money at the same time. Streaming deals are an option, even if they don't come around with the same regularity as discounts on AirPods do. If you're looking to save money and still stream all of the content you want, Engadget can help by laying out the best streaming deals you can get right now, how you can save with bundles and everything you should know before paying for yet another streaming service.
Best streaming deals
True streaming deals can be hard to come by. Most often, they'll pop up during the Black Friday shopping pe
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Universal Tool Updater is a lightweight console utility that streamlines checking for and updating a variety of software tools in a single operation. Keep in mind that this application is specifically tailored for third-party tools and does not manage Windows updates. [License: Open Source | Requires:
11|10 | Size: 11 MB ]
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Amazon just introduced a new feature for Alexa called Greetings. This lets Alexa answer the doorbell and converse with visitors, which certainly sounds futuristic in a "gated community as dystopia" kind of way.
There are several caveats here. First of all, it only works with certain newer Ring video doorbell models. Customers also have to pony up for a Ring Premium Plan and have access to the Alexa early access build. It's available in the US and Canada and only in English.
If you meet those criteria, this could be a fairly useful little feature. Amazon says it "transforms your Ring doorbell into an intelligent assistant capable of determining who's at your door, understanding what they need and responding conversationally." The company promises that the tool operates whether people or home or out doing errands.
How does this work? It's an AI algorithm that "determines who's there based on what they're wearing, holding or their actions." It will use "visual context, any information the visitor shares and the instructions it's been given to help manage interactions on your behalf."
Amazon says that it can, for instance, distinguish if a person is wearing a delivery uniform and tell them to leave the package at the back door. Most of my delivery drivers don't come to the door in full uniforms because it's winter and that would be ridiculous. I don't even expect that during the summer. In other words, this is modern AI and mistakes will happen.
The company gives other examples of how this could be used, like gathering messages from friends who stop by and telling door-to-door salespeople to (politely) bug off. Amazon also says Alexa will be able to direct visitors to water and snacks that have previously been laid out. Finally, there's a way to avoid those pesky cute k
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Get ready for even more game-key cards on Switch 2.
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 While it appears that the iMac will not be updated in 2025, rumors indicate that Apple is planning some big changes for the all-in-one desktop computer.
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Google's Opal mini app builder is now inside the Gemini web app, letting users "vibe-code" Gems with prompts and edit workflows step-by-step.
The post Google Quietly Added ‘Vibe Coding' to Gemini appeared first on eWEEK.
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A new study reveals which professions are most concerned about AI's impact on jobs — and why anxiety is rising across several industries.
The post Who's Most Afraid of Being Replaced by AI? New Data Reveals the Rankings appeared first on eWEEK.
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The competition between music streaming services is as fierce as ever, especially with the addition of audiobooks and improved audio quality.
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Fire Toolbox is a collection of useful ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tweaks that can be applied to Amazon's Fire Tablets. The Toolbox project aims to help users fully customize and unlock the full potential of their tablets by putting all the power into their hands.? [License: Freeware | Requires:
11|10|8|7|Linux | Size: 64 MB ]
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This time of year is not only a good time to save on gifts, but also to save on tech you may need (or want) for yourself. If you've been thinking about upgrading your computer, you can save right now on Apple's Mac mini M4. The desktop is down to $479, which is 20 percent off its usual price and the same low price we saw during Black Friday.
Apple released the Mac mini M4 in late 2024 and we were impressed with how something so small could be so powerful. We gave it a 90 in our review, thanks to features like its speed and standard 16GB of RAM. The — currently — $479 base model also comes with 256GB of SSD. We were also happy to see it had front-facing USB-C and headphone ports.
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After more than 10 years on Netflix, the Winchesters are relocating to a new streaming home.
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The influential progressive third party announced Thursday that it was putting out a recruitment call for candidates specifically opposed to data centers.
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 The Ultrahuman Ring Air now has the capacity to track snoring and general respiratory health. This is thanks to proprietary technology called Respiratory Health PowerPlug, which is basically a suite of audio analysis tools along with some "advanced biomarker tracking" and AI tomfoolery.
All of this results in "one of the most comprehensive consumer tools ever built for understanding nighttime respiratory stability." It details snoring sessions, of course, but also delivers a holistic and "actionable sleep picture." The company says this "reveals patterns, trends and changes in respiratory health over time."
Ultrahuman
To that end, it can also detect coughing and respiratory disturbances. This data is cross-referenced with movement patterns, sleep fragmentation patterns and resting heart rate to "show exactly how breathing issues shape sleep quality." The company says this can be a good resource when experimenting with interventions, like switching to a new pillow or taping up the nose.
More health data is never a bad thing, but this information isn't free. Ultrahuman is charging $4 per month for access to the tool, though folks can pick up an annual subscription for $40.
The Ultrahuman Ring Air made our list of the best smart rings, and that was before the company introduced this new software. It tracks an impressive amount of data and integrates with third-party devices like glucose monitors.
Th
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The Federal Trade Commission has sent Instacart a civil investigative demand, seeking information about its AI-powered pricing tool, according to Reuters. This comes after a recently published pricing experiment study showed that the online grocery delivery app gave different users different prices for the same items from the same store location at the exact same time. Some of the testers saw prices up to 23 percent higher than what the other testers saw, though the average difference for the same list of items was around 7 percent. Those higher prices could cost customers over $1,000 more in expenses for the year.
"The Federal Trade Commission has a longstanding policy of not commenting on any potential or ongoing investigations," the FTC told Reuters in a statement. "But, like so many Americans, we are disturbed by what we have read in the press about Instacart's alleged pricing practices."
When the study came out, Instacart told Engadget that the pricing variances were caused by some of its retail partners doing "limited, short-term and randomized tests" to better understand consumers. Those randomized pricing tests were enabled by Instacart's AI pricing tool called Eversight developed by a company it purchased in 2022. Instacart told
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We should probably brace for both.
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The eighth and penultimate episode of Pluribus, titled Charm Offensive, premieres tonight.
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You better check your music playlist twice if you want to keep your pets stress-free this Christmas season.
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Say au revoir to mid-season cliffhangers -- season 5 is a binge release.
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The latest AI image model from OpenAI is out now, with a focus on editing tools.
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Amazon is in early talks with OpenAI on a potential investment exceeding $10 billion, a deal that could push the AI company's valuation past $500 billion.
The post Amazon Discussions Could Push OpenAI Valuation Past $500 Billion appeared first on eWEEK.
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Google rolls out Gemini 3 Flash worldwide, making its faster, lower-cost AI the default in Search and the Gemini app for millions of users.
The post Gemini 3 Flash: Google's New AI Model Now Available to Millions Worldwide appeared first on eWEEK.
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 Apple today introduced several changes to the App Store in Japan to meet the requirements of the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) that goes into effect on December 18. The MSCA is similar to Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA) so the Japanese ?App Store? will work a lot like the EU ?App Store?, but there are some differences.
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MIT researchers built an AI robotic system that turns plain-language prompts into 3D designs and assembles objects with prefabricated parts and user feedback.
The post ‘Robot, Build It': MIT's New AI Lets You Build Real Objects Just by Describing Them appeared first on eWEEK.
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The big ticket tech gifts may get the lion's share of attention during the holidays, but it's surprising how much people appreciate small and thoughtful accessories and gadgets. We picked out a dozen such stocking stuffers for under $50 — perfect for a little something extra for a loved one or a welcome gift for a coworker. Just be sure to check the shipping windows to make sure these handy gizmos will arrive in time. Here are some of our favorite techie gift ideas that come in at $50 or less.
Best stocking stuffers for $50 or less
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We compared top web hosting services like SiteGround and Hostinger to help you find the best host for your website, whether it's a hobby site, blog or e-commerce store.
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Start off on the right foot (and buy the grown-ups some time to make coffee) with these excellent, tiny gifts.
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Despite changing its name and using decidedly bird-free branding, X is trying to hold on to its original Twitter trademarks, TechCrunch reports. The xAI-owned social media platform has updated its terms of service to include references to Twitter after previously only mentioning X, and seemingly attempted to counter a startup's petition to cancel the company's Twitter trademarks with a petition of its own.
The startup X appears to be responding to is Operation Bluebird, a company cofounded by former Twitter general counsel Stephen Coates that went public last week with plans to capture what remains of Twitter for its own use. The first step in that process was filing a petition with the US Patents and Trademark Office to cancel X's control of Twitter's trademarks.
"The TWITTER and TWEET brands have been eradicated from X Corp.'s products, services and marketing, effectively abandoning the storied brand, with no intention to resume use of the mark," Operation Bluebird explained in the petition. "Petitioner seeks to use and register the TWITTER and TWEET brands for new products and services, including a social media platform that will be located at the website
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Nvidia's Nemotron 3 open models focus on agentic AI, token efficiency, and enterprise-ready systems built for multi-model reasoning and real-world use at scale.
The post Nvidia Nemotron 3 Nano: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on eWEEK.
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 Apple's AirTag 4-Pack has dropped to $69.99 today on Amazon, down from the original price of $99.00. Prime members can get the accessory delivered today in many locations, while free shipping options put it arriving in time for Christmas, around Saturday, December 20.
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AI deepfaked videos of the protests are circulating the web. AI chatbots are also fact-checking false claims on X.
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Ever have one of those moments where you see some new tech twist — an app, a feature, an idea of some sort — and you just stop in your tracks and think: "Whoa. Now, that's clever"?
I won't lie: Those moments come up far less frequently than they once did. By and large lately, we just haven't been seeing the same sort of awe-inspiring advancements in the mobile-tech arena that we did a decade ago. And most companies — Google very much included — are currently obsessed with chasing a very specific flavor of AI that's overhyped, frequently impractical, and awkwardly out of place in its present implementation.
To read this article in full, please click here
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The New York Attorney General's decision to sue Citibank last week for failing to reimburse customers who'd been victimized by fraud raised some interesting issues for business that go beyond just Citibank. Specificially, when should a customer be reimbursed for fraud and at what point do the customer's own actions come into play?
To be clear, financial institutions have been routinely refusing to reimburse customers who have done nothing wrong. The far trickier issue is when the customer does indeed do something wrong.
To read this article in full, please click here
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IBM is developing a SaaS package to help enterprises securely network heterogenous environments, including edge, on-prem and multicloud resources.
The IBM Hybrid Cloud Mesh is a SaaS service that implements a virtualized Layer 3-7 environment to rapidly enable secure connectivity between users, applications, and data distributed across multiple locations and environments, according to Andrew Coward, general manager of IBM's software defined networking group.
In a nutshell, Hybrid Cloud Mesh deploys gateways within the clouds - including on-premises, AWS or other providers' clouds, and transit points, if needed - to support the infrastructure, and then it builds a secure Layer 3-7 mesh overlay to deliver applications, Coward said. At the application level, the exposure to developers occurs at Layer 7, and the networking teams see Layer 3 and 4 activities, Coward said.
To read this article in full, please click here
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