N e w s C e n t r a l

TikTok reportedly faces a €500 million fine for sending private user data to China

TikTok will reportedly face a fine of over €500 million ($553 million) for transferring Europeans' private data to China. Bloomberg <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-03/tiktok-faces-fine-over-500-million-for-eu-data-sent-to-china">said</a> on Thursday that Ireland's data protection commission, which regulates TikTok owner ByteDance's EU operations, could dish out the penalty before the end of April. The fine results from a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-european-safety-advisory-council-regulators-125252695.html">four-year investigation</a> of TikTok's data handling practices. The probe reportedly concluded that ByteDance broke <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2016-04-14-eu-data-protection-rules.html">Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws</a> by transferring private user data to China to be accessed by engineers. The country is known for its <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-02-22-china-xinjiang-surveillance-tech-spread.html">widespread, high-tech surveillance</a>. "TikTok tells us that EU data is transferred to the U.S. and not to China, however we have understood that there is possibility that maintenance and AI engineers in China may be accessing data," former Irish Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-10/tiktok-may-be-sending-eu-data-to-china-its-data-watchdog-says">said</a> in March 2021 when the probe began. Ireland is taking the lead because, under the GDPR, the country where a company's European operations are located oversees compliance and enforcement. ByteDance's European headquarters are in Dublin. Bloomberg says the decision date and amount of the fine aren't yet finalized and could still change. Of course, this isn't even ByteDance's biggest drama unfolding this week. The <a href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/what-will-happen-to-tiktok-a-look-at-the-potential-buyers-000110723.html">fate of TikTok's US operations hangs in the balance</a> as it approaches an April 5 deadline to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/trump-delays-tiktok-ban-for-at-least-75-days-via-executive-order-014523110.html">find a buyer or face a ban in America</a>. The list of likely outcomes ranges from finding a buyer (Amazon has even <a href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/amazon-reportedly-wants-to-buy-tiktok-now-too-173957102.html">thrown its hat in the ring</a>) to its US investors rolling over their stakes into a new independent global company or <a href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/what-will-happen-to-tiktok-a-look-at-the-potential-buyers-000110723.html">the deadline passing with another deadline extension</a>.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/tiktok-reportedly-faces-a-%E2%82%AC500-million-fine-for-sending-private-user-data-to-china-162214079.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

The world’s smallest pacemaker is injectable and powered by light

Engineers at Northwestern University have developed the <a href="https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/03/worlds-smallest-pacemaker-is-activated-by-light/"><ins>world’s smallest pacemaker</ins></a>. It’s so small, as a matter of fact, that it fits inside the tip of a syringe. This means that it’s injectable, so patients could potentially avoid a painful surgery. It safely dissolves into the bloodstream after a time, so it’s a temporary solution. It’s designed for folks who need heart help on a short-term basis, like newborn babies with congenital defects. However, it can work with hearts of all sizes. <div id="af7126804e154602b5dfcd8580516cfc"></div> It’s also powered by light, which is pretty darned cool. The pacemaker is paired with a wireless wearable device that mounts to a patient’s chest. When that small device detects an irregular heartbeat, it shines a light that activates the pacemaker. These light pulses can penetrate a patient’s skin, bones and muscles. Even though the pacemaker is tiny, measuring one millimeter in thickness, it still delivers as much stimulation as a full-sized unit. The engineers <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=c6c965be-a8ea-473d-89f4-9754f2675a60&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=42f36820-9e33-488c-b480-a022c04b542a&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Nature+Research&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5uYXR1cmUuY29tL2FydGljbGVzL3M0MTU4Ni0wMjUtMDg3MjYtNCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNDJmMzY4MjAtOWUzMy00ODhjLWI0ODAtYTAyMmMwNGI1NDJhIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5uYXR1cmUuY29tL2FydGljbGVzL3M0MTU4Ni0wMjUtMDg3MjYtNCJ9&signature=AQAAAboPGxnAOob0b4f_EuzfjqzfR5Wx41Q-yED1DbPIULSu&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41586-025-08726-4"><ins>published their findings in </ins><ins>Nature</ins></a> and noted that the device works with both animal and human hearts. The team also reiterated that pediatric care is the primary use case here. “About one percent of children are born with congenital heart defects,” said Northwestern experimental cardiologist Igor Efimov, who co-led the study. “The good news is that these children only need temporary pacing after a surgery. In about seven days or so, most patients’ hearts will self-repair. But those seven days are absolutely critical. Now, we can place this tiny pacemaker on a child’s heart and stimulate it with a soft, gentle, wearable device. And no additional surgery is necessary to remove it.” The development of this medical device was co-led by John Rogers, which is a familiar name in biomedical circles. Rogers has been behind a number of astounding innovations throughout the years. He’s advanced technology that could eventually give us <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2011-06-13-metamaterial-printing-method-inches-us-closer-to-invisibility-cl.html"><ins>invisibility cloaks</ins></a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2016-01-06-mc10-wearable-sensors.html"><ins>health-tracking tattoos</ins></a>. He also built a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-01-07-l-oreal-and-john-rogers-built-a-thumbnail-sized-uv-sensor.html"><ins>thumbnail-sized UV sensor</ins></a> and a circuit that <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2012-09-28-john-rogers-dissolvable-circuits.html"><ins>dissolves in the body</ins></a>. That last one eventually led to this innovative pacemaker. Rogers imagines a world in which physicians inject a number of these pacemakers simultaneously, to enable sophisticated synchronization. This could help terminate arrhythmias, as different parts of the heart could be paced at unique rhythms. “Because it’s so small, this pacemaker can be integrated with almost any kind of implantable device,” Rogers said. “Here, the tiny pacemakers can be activated as necessary to address complications that can occur during a patient’s recovery process.” This versatility could eventually open up a diverse array of medical possibilities. The tech could be used to help nerves heal, treat wounds and block pain.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/the-worlds-smallest-pacemaker-is-injectable-and-powered-by-light-153302491.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Nintendo Switch 2: Release date, price, new games and everything else you need to know

With <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-everything-announced-including-a-new-mario-kart-game-new-switch-features-and-more-133105264.html">Nintendo's April 2 Direct showcase</a> over and done, we now know more about the Switch 2 than ever before, including its release date (June 5), price ($450!) and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/pre-order-the-nintendo-switch-2-for-450-starting-april-9-140931997.html">how to pre-order</a>. Thanks to<a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-is-official-with-more-details-coming-on-april-2-2025-131325484.html"> Nintendo's January 16 teaser trailer</a>, we've long known what the Switch 2 will look like, and that it will arrive in 2025 —<a href="https://www.engadget.com/2017-03-01-nintendo-switch-review.html"> over eight years</a> after its predecessor. The Nintendo Switch 2 looks very similar to the original system, albeit with a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons and a sleeker design. The company also reaffirmed that the upcoming console will be backwards compatible with Switch games. Looking to catch up on everything we know about the Switch 2? Read on. <div id="9bd89bb0ed58480faa224835368b51bb"></div> <h2 id="jump-link-what-are-the-key-new-features-of-the-nintendo-switch-2">What are the key new features of the Nintendo Switch 2?</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-display-and-dock">Display and dock</h3> The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 1080p 7.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh and HDR compatibility. It also supports up to 4K output at 120Hz (with variable refresh rates) when docked. <h3 id="jump-link-joy-con-and-pro-controller">Joy-Con and Pro Controller</h3> The new Joy-Con for Nintendo Switch 2 attaches magnetically with a button to release them. They have larger SL and SR buttons (the ones hidden when the Joy-Con are attached) to make playing multiplayer games on one Joy-Con more feasible. The analog sticks are no longer tiny nubs, and are closer in size to the ones you might find on a PS5 or Xbox controller. They have what Nintendo is calling “HD Rumble 2” built in, which seems to be a refinement of the original (and still very good) vibration function. Finally, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-switch-2s-joy-cons-can-double-as-mouse-like-controllers-133355339.html">each Joy-Con has an optical sensor that allows you to use it as a mouse</a>, and a C button, which we’ll get to in a minute. <figure><img alt="Nintendo Switch 2" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/66c93d70-0fe4-11f0-bd59-d976f95410c4" style="height: 1080px; width: 1920px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Nintendo</div></figure> The new Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with everything you’d expect based on the refreshed Joy-Con: Namely HD Rumble 2 and the C button. There are also remappable GL/GR buttons around the back and a standard audio jack for connecting a headset. Both options come with Amiibo support built in. The Switch 2 comes with two Joy-Con as you’d expect, and additional pairs are priced at $90. The Pro Controller will cost $80. <h3 id="jump-link-the-c-button-stands-for-chat">The C button stands for “chat”</h3> The new C button is a dedicated way to enter a chat session with friends. As well as the standard features you’d expect from voice chat, Nintendo has built a Discord-like video-sharing feature, which lets you show your gameplay to others and see other people’s screens while you’re playing.  The chat function works with a mic built into the console, though headsets are also supported. Nintendo will also sell a $50 camera that plugs into the USB-C port on the top of the console, which will allow you to stream your face along with your game. <figure><img alt="Nintendo Switch 2" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/351f9df0-0fe4-11f0-b7ed-d27e3588aec9" style="height: 1080px; width: 1920px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Nintendo</div></figure> <h3 id="jump-link-gamecube-support">GameCube support</h3> The <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-nintendo-switch-2-will-play-gamecube-games-141025334.html">Switch 2 will work with GameCube games</a> via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. The three titles available at launch will be F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Soul Calibur II. <h3 id="jump-link-improved-specs">Improved specs</h3> Perhaps the biggest feature, though, is one you can’t see: The Switch 2 has an all-new processor and GPU and significantly more storage (256GB vs 64GB in the Switch OLED), along with support for faster and more capacious microSD cards. This will obviously lead to better first-party games and upgraded Switch experiences, but more importantly it will mean multi-platform games that had to skip the original, underpowered Switch will be able to be ported over. With <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/cyberpunk-2077-and-split-fiction-are-third-party-launch-titles-for-nintendo-switch-2-135648661.html">games like Cyberpunk 2077 coming to the Switch 2 at launch</a>, it seems like far more ports will be feasible than on the original console. Another major improvement comes in the form of networking — the Switch 2 supports WiFi 6, which will improve the original's often glacial download speeds. Similarly, the new dock sports an ethernet port for a rock-solid connection. <h2 id="jump-link-whats-it-like-to-play">What's it like to play?</h2> Nintendo gave the press a chance to check out the Switch 2 and a few of the games it highlighted. You can read our <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-hands-on-no-oled-no-problem-130002712.html">impressions of Mario Kart World</a> as well as more general thoughts on <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-hands-on-no-oled-no-problem-130002712.html">how the Switch 2 feels in person</a>. Right off the bat, Mario Kart World feels like an outstanding launch title, with more depth and better visuals than we've ever seen from a Mario Kart game. The core formula is intact, but there are a lot of new features and play styles to dig into.  As for the Switch 2 hardware, it feels like a major step forward from the original Switch — it has grown up a lot and feels far more polished and refined. And while it may not have an OLED screen, the 7.9-inch LED display Nintendo did use is outstanding. <h2 id="jump-link-how-much-will-nintendo-switch-2-cost">How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?</h2> The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for $450 standalone, or for $500 with a bundled digital copy of the new Mario Kart game, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/mario-kart-world-headed-to-switch-2-with-24-player-races-and-an-80-price-tag-134117599.html">Mario Kart World.</a> That’s significantly more expensive than the original Switch, which launched at $300, and has remained at that price ever since. It’s also more expensive than the entry-level current-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft. The comparison looks a little better up against <a href="https://www.engadget.com/steam-deck-review-small-hands-180026719-180026139.html">Valve’s Steam Deck</a>, which costs $400 for the LCD model or $550 for the basic OLED model. The Steam Deck is more affordable than most PC handhelds. <h2 id="jump-link-when-will-the-nintendo-switch-2-come-out">When will the Nintendo Switch 2 come out?</h2> June 5, 2025. <h2 id="jump-link-when-do-pre-orders-open-for-nintendo-switch-2">When do pre-orders open for Nintendo Switch 2?</h2> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/how-to-pre-order-the-nintendo-switch-2-140931639.html">Pre-orders</a> begin on April 9, from a variety of retailers and Nintendo itself. <h2 id="jump-link-how-long-will-the-switch-2s-battery-last">How long will the Switch 2's battery last?</h2> Nintendo says that the Switch 2 will last between 2 and 6.5 hours. This is similar to the original Switch, which was rated for 2.5-6.5 hours, though later revisions upped that figure significantly. The company cautions that "this time is an estimate ... battery life will depend on the games you play and usage conditions." <h2 id="jump-link-when-can-i-try-the-nintendo-switch-2">When can I try the Nintendo Switch 2?</h2> Nintendo is planning a worldwide roadshow to let gamers go hands-on with the console. These events start in New York and Paris on April 4-6, with others taking place throughout the following two months.  Ticket registration for many of the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events has closed, but<a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-switch-2-experience/"> waitlists</a><a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-ca/nintendo-switch-2-experience/"> are available</a>. However, given that Nintendo is taking a first come, first served approach, your chances of attending the roadshow if you don't already have a ticket (or unless you signed up for the waitlist immediately) seem very small at this point. The full list of Nintendo Switch 2 Experience dates is as follows: North America: <ul> <li>New York, April 4-6, 2025</li> <li>Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025</li> <li>Dallas, April 25-27, 2025</li> <li>Toronto, April 25-27, 2025</li> </ul> Europe: <ul> <li>Paris, April 4-6, 2025</li> <li>London, April 11-13, 2025</li> <li>Milan, April 25-27, 2025</li> <li>Berlin, April 25-27, 2025</li> <li>Madrid, May 9-11, 2025</li> <li>Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025</li> </ul> Oceania: <ul> <li>Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025</li> </ul> Asia: <ul> <li>Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025</li> <li>Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025</li> <li>Hong Kong, To be announced</li> <li>Taipei, To be announced</li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-is-the-nintendo-switch-2-backwards-compatible">Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatible?</h2> Nintendo confirmed in November 2024 that the<a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/youll-be-able-to-play-your-nintendo-switch-games-on-its-successor-045657774.html"> Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible.</a> It will also feature access to Nintendo Online, so users will be able to play all of those old retro titles. In the initial Nintendo Switch 2 press release, Nintendo reiterated that physical and digital Switch games will work on the new system. However, it noted that "certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2." We now have more information on which games are working thanks to <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/transfer-guide/compatible-games/">a guide Nintendo put together</a>. <figure><img alt="Nintendo Software Compatability Chart" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/1ceac240-0fe5-11f0-a76f-8ff6a36796aa" style="height: 884px; width: 1800px;" /><figcaption>Nintendo's software compatibility chart on April 2, 2025.</figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Nintendo</div></figure> As of April 1, the vast majority of Switch 2 games are marked as compatible, but many popular games are said to have some issues. Nintendo has marked most of these as “under investigation,” suggesting a fix may be on the way in time for launch. Nintendo says it is manually testing every Switch game for compatibility. Only one title is marked as incompatible: Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit. This was part of Nintendo’s Labo range of games that worked with Cardboard accessories, and is incompatible as the Switch 2 doesn’t physically fit in the VR headset. <h2 id="jump-link-will-old-games-be-enhanced-in-any-way">Will old games be enhanced in any way?</h2> The original Switch has, to put it mildly, struggled to run<a href="https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/the-legend-of-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-nintendo-switch-game-frame-rate/"> some of the late-generation software</a> that's come down the pike. Could these games be enhanced to take advantage of the increased horsepower of the Switch 2? That’s unclear. In an “<a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-16-nintendo-switch-2-part-4/">Ask the Developer</a>” page on its site, Nintendo says that old games are working through a real-time translation system, which sounds similar to how Rosetta allows modern Macs to run old software. With that said, the new and old Switch are much closer in hardware than that. In the same developer interview, it’s said that in its testing of old games for compatibility, there were some occasions “where loading times became faster, or game performance became more stable,” but we don’t have any detail beyond that. <div id="5c530a71f54e49998c127a627b0ad6a6"></div> As well as backward compatibility, Nintendo is also offering up premium ‘Switch 2 Edition” upgrades for a select few games, which have improved resolutions and frame rates, and (in some titles) some bonus features and content. What exactly that means will vary, but Nintendo did confirm that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have 4K/60 and 1080p/120 options on the Switch 2. In the case of the two mainline Zelda games, those will be free to Switch Online Expansion Pack members, while others will be paid upgrades. Games confirmed to have a Switch 2 Edition to date include: <ul> <li>Super Mario Party Jamboree</li> <li>The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild</li> <li>The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom</li> <li>Kirby and the Forgotten Land</li> <li>Pokémon Legends: Z-A</li> <li>Metroid Prime 4: Beyond</li> </ul> Nintendo has not said how much the paid upgrades will cost. <h2 id="jump-link-what-will-the-cartridges-taste-like">What will the cartridges taste like?</h2> You may remember that the original Switch cartridges<a href="https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/1/14784140/nintendo-switch-cartridges-taste-awful-psa"> taste absolutely awful</a>. This was on purpose, to discourage folks from putting the games in their mouth. Will the successor follow suit and continue to dip cartridges in a foul-tasting bitter coating? Only time will tell. <h2 id="jump-link-what-are-the-launch-games">What are the launch games?</h2> We expect this list to change substantially over the coming weeks and months, but the titles currently confirmed to be available on day one follow: <ul> <li>Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer</li> <li>Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster</li> <li>Cyberpunk 2077</li> <li>Deltarune</li> <li>Fast Fusion</li> <li>Fortnite</li> <li>Hitman: World of Assassination</li> <li>Hogwarts Legacy</li> <li>Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess</li> <li>Mario Kart World</li> <li>Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour</li> <li>Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S</li> <li>Split Fiction</li> <li>Street Fighter 6</li> <li>Survival Kids</li> <li>Yakuza 0: Director's Cut</li> </ul> <hr /> That's everything we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 today. We'll update this article with any information we can gather directly from sources. Any changes made to the article after its initial publishing will be listed below. Update, January 24, 2025, 12:36 PM ET: This story has been updated to include speculation about price, potential game enhancements and the taste of cartridges. Update, February 5, 2025, 9:30AM ET: This story has been updated to note the time when the April 2 Nintendo Direct starts. Update, February 24, 2025, 12:30 PM ET: This story has been updated to include speculation about storage and information about the new microSD Express standard. Update, March 6, 2025, 2:30PM ET: This story has been updated to note recent FCC filings to indicate the presence of Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support. Update, March 14, 2025, 12:15PM ET: This story has been updated to include pricing and sales speculation from analysts. Update, March 20, 2025, 12:45PM ET: Updated to include a note about the Seattle Mariners new jersey patches featuring Nintendo and the Switch 2. Update, March 27, 2025, 3:50PM ET: Updated to add details about the C button, Nintendo Today! and Virtual Game Cards. Update, April 1, 2025, 10:16AM ET: Updated to add link to livestream and details on its length. Update, April 2, 2025, 4:40PM ET: Added details from the April 2 Nintendo Direct event, including specifications, price, release date and launch titles. Jeff Dunn contributed to this report.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-release-date-price-new-games-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-195136723.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Donkey Kong Bananza is a brand new 3D platformer for Switch 2

Nintendo just held a livestream to drop more details on the forthcoming Switch 2 console. At the very end, it revealed a brand-new 3D platformer starring Donkey Kong. This is the first game of its type since Donkey Kong 64 hit the Nintendo 64 all the way back in 1999. It’s called Donkey Kong Bananza and launches exclusively for the Switch 2 on July 17, which is just over a month after the console hits store shelves. It looks cool! Much of the environment is destructible, so DK can get in there and break stuff. It also features sidescrolling segments, sort of like how modern Mario 3D platformers dip into their 2D roots every once in a while. We got to try it out in our <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-hands-on-no-oled-no-problem-130002712.html">hands-on with the Switch 2</a>, and while it looks fabulous, it also feels like the kind of game that would have looked great on the original Switch. With Nintendo's stylized graphics for titles like this, the impact of the Switch 2's upgrades doesn't quite hit the same way it might in other games. That's not a big knock, but just something to be aware of. <div id="45e4135578e44eaea407341b82738070"></div> The whole thing has a funky and cartoonish vibe one would expect from our favorite gorilla. However, I didn’t hear one lick of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npuuTBlEb1U">famous Donkey Kong rap</a> during the trailer but the equally iconic "ooh banana" sound effect from DK64 does make a brief cameo. The trailer does show DK climbing up the sides of mountains (getting his BOTW-era Link on) and rollicking through several locations. These include a forest and an ice region, among others. The footage also shows the meanest looking Kong I’ve ever seen. <figure><img alt="A mean Kong." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/800c7de0-0fcd-11f0-bbb6-727db5978f1a" style="height: 1067px; width: 1892px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Nintendo</div></figure> We don’t know too much about this game beyond what the trailer shows, but we don’t have that long to wait. Once again, Donkey Kong Bananza comes out on July 17. Update: April 3 2025, 10:10AM ET: Updated with a few impressions from our Switch 2 hands-on demo.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/donkey-kong-bananza-is-a-brand-new-3d-platformer-for-switch-2-143108835.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 for $450 starting April 9

The most recent <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/everything-revealed-at-the-switch-2-nintendo-direct-133105950.html">Nintendo Direct</a> went into great detail on the new Switch 2, including when fans will be able to get their hands on the console. According to <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402229347/en/Nintendo-Switch-2-Launches-June-5-at-%24449.99-Bringing-New-Forms-of-Game-Communication-to-Life">Nintendo's press release</a>, pre-orders for the Switch 2 open up on April 9 in North America, and the console will be widely available on June 5. The starting price is a whopping $450, and in addition to Nintendo’s online store, you’ll be able to get the Switch 2 at participating retailers. We expect those to include <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=615c9f9f-b1ce-4beb-aa21-bab5ea796a29&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=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&signature=AQAAAV1-4zJ6SdqWT6-eWvQfcRtaySiyrEe3zqzmt3h3njux&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2FNintendo%2Fpage%2FBE0EB5D0-0AD6-4564-8BC5-4A129A3A9CFD">Amazon</a>, <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://sovrn.co/1qu1iuu">Best Buy</a>, <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=ffe106af-8248-4af3-9098-a2d4fd637766&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=615c9f9f-b1ce-4beb-aa21-bab5ea796a29&featureId=text-link&merchantName=GameStop&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5nYW1lc3RvcC5jb20vcG9wdWxhci1jb25zb2xlcy9uaW50ZW5kby1zd2l0Y2giLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjYxNWM5ZjlmLWIxY2UtNGJlYi1hYTIxLWJhYjVlYTc5NmEyOSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2FtZXN0b3AuY29tL3BvcHVsYXItY29uc29sZXMvbmludGVuZG8tc3dpdGNoIn0&signature=AQAAAUonejCHcLSDitpae8s_wWNi0dXwgY-bF6mV2v-YBDbG&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamestop.com%2Fpopular-consoles%2Fnintendo-switch">GameStop</a>, <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=3719d8d4-5edd-4817-998a-91f3229e7323&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=615c9f9f-b1ce-4beb-aa21-bab5ea796a29&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Walmart&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53YWxtYXJ0LmNvbS9jcC9uaW50ZW5kby1zd2l0Y2gvNDY0NjUyOT9wb3ZpZD1FVFNfdmdfbmF2cGlsbHNfbmludGVuZG9zZWFyY2hicm93c2Vfc2hvcGFsbG5pbnRlbmRvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI2MTVjOWY5Zi1iMWNlLTRiZWItYWEyMS1iYWI1ZWE3OTZhMjkiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LndhbG1hcnQuY29tL2NwL25pbnRlbmRvLXN3aXRjaC80NjQ2NTI5P3BvdmlkPUVUU192Z19uYXZwaWxsc19uaW50ZW5kb3NlYXJjaGJyb3dzZV9zaG9wYWxsbmludGVuZG8ifQ&signature=AQAAAaPSKvyVhw_lEKf-cSlzZAKB9kujMj7KR__wfW21TS-g&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fcp%2Fnintendo-switch%2F4646529%3Fpovid%3DETS_vg_navpills_nintendosearchbrowse_shopallnintendo">Walmart</a> and others. The $450 price tag is for the Switch 2 console alone, but Nintendo said it will also offer a bundle with the Switch 2 and a copy of the new <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/mario-kart-world-features-24-player-races-off-roading-and-sick-grinds-134117381.html">Mario Kart World</a> game, a Switch 2 exclusive, for $500. There's some fine-print attached to pre-ordering directly from Nintendo. According to the <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/how-to-buy/">pre-order page</a> on Nintendo's site, you must be 18 years or older, sign in with your Nintendo account and register your interest in pre-ordering. Then, you'll be sent an invitation email when it's time to play your pre-order, and the invitation will be valid for 72 hours. And then there's this bit of info: "Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025." That seems to mean those who have paid for Switch Online in the recent past and those who have spent a good amount of time playing Switch games as of late will get first pick at buying a Switch 2. There's no telling if these same restrictions will apply if you want to pre-order from third-party retailers. We knew from the teaser trailer for the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-nintendo-switch-2-arrives-on-june-5-132838214.html">Switch 2</a> that Nintendo's new hardware would be bigger and would have a new approach to the detachable Joy-Cons. The new Joy-Con 2 have a new C button, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-switch-2s-joy-cons-can-double-as-mouse-like-controllers-133355339.html">mouse controls</a> and a built in gyroscope for tilt control. The console has a built-in mic to support a new feature called Game Chat that will let you communicate with friends in-game. The device is indeed a bit larger, with a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR and a 1080p resolution. When docked, you'll be able to play at up to 4K on your TV, and Nintendo says it improved the consoles internal speakers as well. The new dock also has a built-in fan to keep the console cool and help maintain performance during long play sessions. The Switch 2 has dual USB-C ports for charging, and the base storage amount has increased to 256GB. The Switch 2's storage can be expanded like the previous model, but it will only work with newer <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-microsd-card-130038282.html">microSD</a> Express cards. The Switch 2 has a number of <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/accessories/">accessories</a> that you'll be able to purchase separately as well, including the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-nintendo-switch-2-offers-built-in-voice-chat-and-screensharing-133334225.html">new Switch 2 camera</a> for $50, a new Switch 2 Pro controller for $80, an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers for $90, a Joy-Con 2 charging grip for $35 and more. <h3 id="jump-link-pre-order-the-nintendo-switch-2-starting-april-9-from">Pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 starting April 9 from:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/how-to-buy/">Nintendo</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=615c9f9f-b1ce-4beb-aa21-bab5ea796a29&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3N0b3Jlcy9OaW50ZW5kby9wYWdlL0JFMEVCNUQwLTBBRDYtNDU2NC04QkM1LTRBMTI5QTNBOUNGRD90YWc9Z2RndDBjLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI2MTVjOWY5Zi1iMWNlLTRiZWItYWEyMS1iYWI1ZWE3OTZhMjkiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20vc3RvcmVzL05pbnRlbmRvL3BhZ2UvQkUwRUI1RDAtMEFENi00NTY0LThCQzUtNEExMjlBM0E5Q0ZEIiwiZHluYW1pY0NlbnRyYWxUcmFja2luZ0lkIjp0cnVlLCJzaXRlSWQiOiJ1cy1lbmdhZGdldCIsInBhZ2VJZCI6IjFwLWF1dG9saW5rIiwiZmVhdHVyZUlkIjoidGV4dC1saW5rIn0&signature=AQAAAV1-4zJ6SdqWT6-eWvQfcRtaySiyrEe3zqzmt3h3njux&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2FNintendo%2Fpage%2FBE0EB5D0-0AD6-4564-8BC5-4A129A3A9CFD">Amazon</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=3719d8d4-5edd-4817-998a-91f3229e7323&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=615c9f9f-b1ce-4beb-aa21-bab5ea796a29&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Walmart&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53YWxtYXJ0LmNvbS9jcC9uaW50ZW5kby1zd2l0Y2gvNDY0NjUyOT9wb3ZpZD1FVFNfdmdfbmF2cGlsbHNfbmludGVuZG9zZWFyY2hicm93c2Vfc2hvcGFsbG5pbnRlbmRvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI2MTVjOWY5Zi1iMWNlLTRiZWItYWEyMS1iYWI1ZWE3OTZhMjkiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LndhbG1hcnQuY29tL2NwL25pbnRlbmRvLXN3aXRjaC80NjQ2NTI5P3BvdmlkPUVUU192Z19uYXZwaWxsc19uaW50ZW5kb3NlYXJjaGJyb3dzZV9zaG9wYWxsbmludGVuZG8ifQ&signature=AQAAAaPSKvyVhw_lEKf-cSlzZAKB9kujMj7KR__wfW21TS-g&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fcp%2Fnintendo-switch%2F4646529%3Fpovid%3DETS_vg_navpills_nintendosearchbrowse_shopallnintendo">Walmart</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=ffe106af-8248-4af3-9098-a2d4fd637766&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=615c9f9f-b1ce-4beb-aa21-bab5ea796a29&featureId=text-link&merchantName=GameStop&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5nYW1lc3RvcC5jb20vcG9wdWxhci1jb25zb2xlcy9uaW50ZW5kby1zd2l0Y2giLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjYxNWM5ZjlmLWIxY2UtNGJlYi1hYTIxLWJhYjVlYTc5NmEyOSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2FtZXN0b3AuY29tL3BvcHVsYXItY29uc29sZXMvbmludGVuZG8tc3dpdGNoIn0&signature=AQAAAUonejCHcLSDitpae8s_wWNi0dXwgY-bF6mV2v-YBDbG&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamestop.com%2Fpopular-consoles%2Fnintendo-switch">GameStop</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=5e0bed65-d2f8-4b34-9b8f-955218c0e37a&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=615c9f9f-b1ce-4beb-aa21-bab5ea796a29&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Best+Buy&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iZXN0YnV5LmNvbS9zaXRlL3ZpZGVvLWdhbWVzL25pbnRlbmRvL3BjbWNhdDE3NDI0MDczMDU3MTAuYz9pZD1wY21jYXQxNzQyNDA3MzA1NzEwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI2MTVjOWY5Zi1iMWNlLTRiZWItYWEyMS1iYWI1ZWE3OTZhMjkiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJlc3RidXkuY29tL3NpdGUvdmlkZW8tZ2FtZXMvbmludGVuZG8vcGNtY2F0MTc0MjQwNzMwNTcxMC5jP2lkPXBjbWNhdDE3NDI0MDczMDU3MTAifQ&signature=AQAAARUh5hG4XqDi4mFCyz5mo5EIW7MalDFd2-HrtInFyGBS&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fvideo-games%2Fnintendo%2Fpcmcat1742407305710.c%3Fid%3Dpcmcat1742407305710">Best Buy</a></li> <li><a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=827d7835-78d6-4491-ae04-c042cab1d6e7&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=615c9f9f-b1ce-4beb-aa21-bab5ea796a29&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Target&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXJnZXQuY29tL2MvbmludGVuZG8tc3dpdGNoLXZpZGVvLWdhbWVzLy0vTi00aG55MCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNjE1YzlmOWYtYjFjZS00YmViLWFhMjEtYmFiNWVhNzk2YTI5Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXJnZXQuY29tL2MvbmludGVuZG8tc3dpdGNoLXZpZGVvLWdhbWVzLy0vTi00aG55MCJ9&signature=AQAAASh38WLg_WPQhGdwxyXmNC8a1ZK26Gb2P54gU1KYOuXg&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fc%2Fnintendo-switch-video-games%2F-%2FN-4hny0">Target</a></li> </ul>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/pre-order-the-nintendo-switch-2-for-450-starting-april-9-140931997.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Bang & Olufsen's new Beosound Balance speaker model comes with a marble plinth

What do modern speakers need? Good sound quality? As little distortion as possible? Longevity? Well, yes. Plus, according to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bang-and-olufsens-new-earbuds-with-replaceable-batteries-dont-seem-to-be-very-repairable-174949894.html">Bang & Olufsen</a>, marble plinths. Bang & Olufsen is debuting a partnership with Italian marble and granite company Antolini at Milan Design Week. The Beosound Balance Natura speaker features a sculptural base from Antolini that the audio company says elevates the device to its optimal height. Apparently, the plinth isn't just there for aesthetic — it's a functional audio element. Let's face it, though: You wouldn't buy a speaker with a marble stand unless you wanted that marble pedestal. And that is why they're making the model available with various Antolini stones. You can get it with natural quartz, as well as with petrified wood and fossilized wood, if you're looking for something with earthy colors. The options have different translucency and color depth, but one common feature is the anodized aluminum ring that serves as the transition between the plinth and the bottom of the speaker.  In addition to the Natura version of the Beosound Balance speaker, Bang & Olufsen is also presenting a Beovision Theatre 55-inch TV and a pair of Beolab 28 speakers customized with Antolini's Amazon quartite at Milan Design Week. All the products it's showcasing during the event are made to order with prices available upon request, which says all you need to know about its price range, especially since the basic Beosound Balance <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2020-03-05-bang-olufsen-beosound-balance-layer-speaker.html">isn't cheap</a> to begin with and will <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=d0bd21ed-5e23-4bce-a27b-53b76f65359a&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=b0123248-44b7-4472-a34a-7ac505056d86&featureId=text-link&merchantName=B%26O+PLAY&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYW5nLW9sdWZzZW4uY29tL2VuL3VzL3NwZWFrZXJzL2Jlb3NvdW5kLWJhbGFuY2UiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImIwMTIzMjQ4LTQ0YjctNDQ3Mi1hMzRhLTdhYzUwNTA1NmQ4NiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmFuZy1vbHVmc2VuLmNvbS9lbi91cy9zcGVha2Vycy9iZW9zb3VuZC1iYWxhbmNlIn0&signature=AQAAAVZHgCSvGwNM_Pmxnp2rGzp3fkuCiiCBaidT638Ary_l&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bang-olufsen.com%2Fen%2Fus%2Fspeakers%2Fbeosound-balance">set you back $3,300</a>.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/bang--olufsens-new-beosound-balance-speaker-model-comes-with-a-marble-plinth-131555070.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Mario Kart World hands-on: The perfect launch game for the Switch 2

<a href="https://www.engadget.com/2014-05-15-mario-kart-8-review-hover-conversion.html">Mario Kart 8</a> and its <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2017-04-28-mario-kart-8-deluxe-switch.html">Deluxe</a> update have been around so long it's easy to forget that the game actually predates the Switch and can trace its origins way back to the Wii U. But every good run must come to an end, and with the forthcoming arrival of the Switch 2 on June 5, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/mario-kart-world-headed-to-switch-2-with-24-player-races-and-an-80-price-tag-134117599.html">Mario Kart World</a> is looking like the ideal launch partner. Now there hasn't really ever been a bad Mario Kart game, but World feels like Nintendo has jammed nitrous into every corner and crevice. Even during my demo session where not all the characters were unlocked, I got the sense that its roster is massive. All the big names are there like Peach and Yoshi, but you also have baby versions of many of them alongside Toadette, Pauline, Nabbit and so much more. This feeling extends to a range of vehicles too, which includes standard karts in addition to stuff like jet skis and scooters. <figure><img alt="Vehicles including a jet ski and a scooter are available to drive in Mario Kart World 2 for the Nintendo Switch 2. " src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/0ca0c3b0-103c-11f0-bdff-9fac3f99ec29" style="height: 2000px; width: 3333px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Sam Rutherford for Engadget</div></figure> But more importantly, the world feels huge. Not only can you freely roam around tracks as they seamlessly connect from one to another, there are also little details like weather effects and day/night shifts that make things feel more alive. And there's also a seemingly huge range of tracks to choose from, organized into several Grand Prix circuits. The most fun I had, though, was when I got a chance to play the Knockout Tour mode, which is like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/f-zero-99-blends-the-classic-nintendo-racer-with-utter-chaos-145040406.html">Mario Kart meets F-Zero 99</a>. In this setting, you have 24 people in a single race that progresses across multiple tracks. Every few laps, the last four places get eliminated, so it's your job to dodge shells and use every last mushroom boost, shortcut and power slide to stay at the front of the pack. It's a non-stop frenzy that just keeps going and, though I don't have the same reaction speed I did when I was younger, this old-head still got first place. And even after a win, I just wanted more. (For the record, Nintendo's photography policy required me to have a person in the frame, so a friendly staff member stood in my place, but here's my receipt.) <figure><img alt="Engadget Senior Reporter Sam Rutherford placed first in a Knockout Tour demo of Mario Kart World at Nintendo's Switch 2 hands-on demo. " src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/d203baa0-103b-11f0-abfd-2ea17883c039" style="height: 2000px; width: 3333px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Sam Rutherford for Engadget</div></figure> I also need to call out that Mario Kart World has a 120 fps mode and it's damn good. Racing has never looked this smooth on any Nintendo console and this game might be the best first-party showcase of the Switch 2's upgraded display and performance. That said, the best part is that I'm sure I missed some features because I didn't even have a chance to try out the outfit customization Nintendo teased in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pE23YTYEZM">World's trailer.</a> And I was so focused on winning that I didn't fully explore the expanded list of tricks like grinding on rails and hopping off vertical walls. Granted, it's a bummer that Nintendo has raised the price of many Switch 2 games, particularly with Mario Kart World coming in at $80 for a digital copy or $90 for a physical cart. But that can be largely avoided by purchasing the <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/how-to-buy/">Switch 2 bundle</a> that comes with the game, which effectively brings its price back down to $50. So if you are planning on getting a Switch 2 at launch, opting for this combo feels like a no-brainer.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/mario-kart-world-hands-on-the-perfect-launch-game-for-the-switch-2-130003924.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Amazon will start launching its Project Kuiper Starlink rival next week

Following <a href="https://www.engadget.com/amazons-first-internet-satellite-launch-was-a-success-202130763.html">recent tests</a>, Amazon is finally ready to launch its Project Kuiper space internet project in a bid to rival Elon Musk's Starlink, the company <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/innovation-at-amazon/project-kuiper-satellite-internet-first-launch">announced.</a> The first batch of 27 satellites on the KA-01 (Kuiper Atlas 1) mission are set to launch into low earth orbit (LEO) aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on April 9th next week from Cape Canaveral if conditions allow. Amazon hopes to start offering the high-speed internet service "later this year," it said.   Amazon's network will eventually comprise 3,200 satellites launched from partners including ULA, Arianespace, Blue Origin and even SpaceX. Much like that company's Starlink, Project Kuiper's service will cover the entire planet when completed. It will work with a dish as small as seven inches that will deliver speeds up to 100Mbps, smaller than <a href="https://www.engadget.com/starlink-mini-is-now-widely-available-and-doesnt-need-a-residential-subscription-150039444.html">Starlink's Mini</a>, or up to 1Gbps with larger dishes. The company said the cost of terminals will be under $400.  The satellites will cruise at 17,000 mph at 392 miles above earth, circling the planet in about 90 minutes. They'll use a dialectic mirror film coating that's supposed to scatter light and make them less visible to ground-based astronomers, Amazon said. SpaceX's constellation currently uses over 7,000 satellites, so the Project Kuiper and Starlink fleet will use over 10,000 LEO satellites once Amazon's network is complete.  <figure><img alt="Amazon will start launching its Project Kuiper Starlink rival next week" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/def97b50-1077-11f0-afbf-16cfc8a1acc3" style="height: 743px; width: 1109px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Amazon</div></figure> Amazon <a href="https://www.engadget.com/the-first-two-amazon-kuiper-satellites-are-heading-to-space-on-october-6-054335694.html">launched</a> two test satellites in October 2023 and proclaimed its early tests a success, with the pair sending and retrieving data at speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second. Later in December, it <a href="https://www.engadget.com/amazon-boosts-its-satellite-internet-network-with-the-help-of-space-lasers-123535946.html">bolstered</a> the network with a network of high-speed laser cross-links that promise further speed boosts. The company claims its mesh network can move data about 30 percent faster than terrestrial fiber optic cables.  Project Kuiper’s first launch will be the heaviest payload yet for the Atlas V, which will fly in its most powerful configuration. The rocket will include five solid rocket boosters in addition to the main booster, and a payload fairing 77 feet high and 16.4 feet wide. Despite past successful tests, the mission isn't without risk. "We’ve done extensive testing on the ground to prepare for this first mission, but there are some things you can only learn in flight, and this will be the first time we’ve flown our final satellite design and the first time we’ve deployed so many satellites at once," Project Kuiper vice president Rajeev Badyal wrote. "No matter how the mission unfolds, this is just the start of our journey, and we have all the pieces in place to learn and adapt as we prepare to launch again and again over the coming years."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/amazon-will-start-launching-its-project-kuiper-starlink-rival-next-week-123011012.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Nikon's Z5 II is the cheapest full-frame camera yet with internal RAW video

After years of lagging behind rivals when it comes to video capture (and then suddenly <a href="https://www.engadget.com/nikon-buys-high-end-cinema-camera-company-red-100243796.html">buying</a> cinema camera manufacturer RED), Nikon is pushing new boundaries in that area. Its latest salvo <a href="https://imaging.nikon.com/imaging/lineup/mirrorless/z5_2/">is the $1,699 24-megapixel full-frame Z5 II</a>, perhaps the cheapest mirrorless camera so far to support internal RAW video. It also offers improved autofocus with new AI powers, cleaner images and enhanced image stabilization.  The Z5 II is a wholesale remake of the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/nikon-z5-full-frame-mirrorless-entry-level-camera-082248837.html">original Z5</a> and that starts with video. While still limited to 4K 30 fps and cropped 4K 60 fps, it can now capture those formats internally using the company's 12-bit N-RAW format with N-log, along with 10-bit H.265 and 8-bit H.264. Interestingly, it will record in N-RAW to SDXC UHS-II cards, since the camera lacks high-speed CFexpress slots. That likely means you'll need to buy very fast (<a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=c0bc5c60-6fe5-4b47-ab7a-a2d1fd6cc195&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=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&signature=AQAAATW4wQgMt4BGmSuD4J05MtRBLr1e_gy9xrmpb0SwCwCj&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSanDisk-128GB-Extreme-UHS-II-Memory%2Fdp%2FB0DLWTWM4R%2Fref%3Dsr_1_4">and expensive</a>) cards and that the N-RAW video will be highly compressed. Still, it's a feature available on no other camera in this price range.  <figure> <img alt="Nikon's full-frame Z5 II is one of the cheapest mirrorless cameras yet with internal RAW video" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/e1b75d70-1064-11f0-987b-62385e82e519" style="height: 1609px; width: 2657px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Nikon </div> </figure> Nikon is also promising much-improved autofocus bolstered by a new image-processing engine and tech borrowed from its high-end Z9 and Z8 models. The Z5 II can now lock onto subjects more quickly, particularly human eyes, faces and bodies, and works in lower light down to -10 EV, compared to -3 EV before. Meanwhile, the AI system can detect up to nine subject types ranging from animals (including a Bird Detection mode) to bicycles. When working in Auto-Area AF, these subjects can be detected, focused on, and tracked automatically.  Native ISOs have been boosted to 100-64000 (50-204,800 in expanded modes), up from a maximum 51,200 before. That should improve noise levels across the ISO ranges, the company said. However, resolution is still limited to 24 megapixels.  <figure> <img alt="Nikon's full-frame Z5 II is one of the cheapest mirrorless cameras yet with internal RAW video" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/f3640dc0-1064-11f0-b33f-ab1e7d5716a7" style="height: 1758px; width: 2500px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Nikon </div> </figure> In-body stabilization has been boosted to 7.5 stops with supported lenses, way up from five stops on the Z5. That's paired with electronic stabilization designed to keep handheld video steady.  The Z5 II's viewfinder still offers a decent 3.69-million dots of resolution, but brightness has been boosted to 3,000 nits with 13 levels of brightness control. And it now comes with a 1.7-million-dot vari-angle display that's a big improvement from the previous model's tilt-only screen. The body now has a deeper grip to improve handling and comes with a one-touch Picture Control button for previewing and switching between color profiles in real time, matching a recent trend started by Fujifilm's X100 VI. <div id="8a8989f1db3341508cf6d1b2df7d42c5"> </div> Other features including dual SD UHS-II card slots, 3.5mm headphone and mic jacks, camera to cloud connectivity via Nikon's Imaging Cloud and a new weather-proof build "on par with the Z6 III," according to Nikon.  The Z5 II looks to be an impressive hybrid full-frame camera for the money and rivals Sony and Canon don't really have anything in the same price range that can match it. However, it also comes at a price $300 higher than the Z5 was at launch. Still, it could tempt filmmakers and others away from similarly priced crop sensor cameras from the likes of Fujifilm and Sony. The Z5 II is <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=95276f3c-7b79-4c1e-803f-981cd9f7a968&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=c0bc5c60-6fe5-4b47-ab7a-a2d1fd6cc195&featureId=text-link&merchantName=B%26H+Photo&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iaHBob3RvdmlkZW8uY29tL2MvcHJvZHVjdC8xODg5ODIzLVJFRy9uaWtvbl8xNjgwX3o1X2lpX21pcnJvcmxlc3NfY2FtZXJhLmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImMwYmM1YzYwLTZmZTUtNGI0Ny1hYjdhLWEyZDFmZDZjYzE5NSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmhwaG90b3ZpZGVvLmNvbS9jL3Byb2R1Y3QvMTg4OTgyMy1SRUcvbmlrb25fMTY4MF96NV9paV9taXJyb3JsZXNzX2NhbWVyYS5odG1sIn0&signature=AQAAAdNANWkcPapRJjVxGr93L9EzdLM09hKD-YqAFBDnVEQk&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1889823-REG%2Fnikon_1680_z5_ii_mirrorless_camera.html">now on pre-order for $1,699</a> (body only) or <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=95276f3c-7b79-4c1e-803f-981cd9f7a968&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=c0bc5c60-6fe5-4b47-ab7a-a2d1fd6cc195&featureId=text-link&merchantName=B%26H+Photo&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iaHBob3RvdmlkZW8uY29tL2MvcHJvZHVjdC8xODg5ODI1LVJFRy9uaWtvbl8yMDE4X3o1X2lpX21pcnJvcmxlc3NfY2FtZXJhLmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImMwYmM1YzYwLTZmZTUtNGI0Ny1hYjdhLWEyZDFmZDZjYzE5NSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmhwaG90b3ZpZGVvLmNvbS9jL3Byb2R1Y3QvMTg4OTgyNS1SRUcvbmlrb25fMjAxOF96NV9paV9taXJyb3JsZXNzX2NhbWVyYS5odG1sIn0&signature=AQAAAVUX6YKc2SOF3nWXnfh1Zzdv1523smuCq9Q14ce7FNHr&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1889825-REG%2Fnikon_2018_z5_ii_mirrorless_camera.html">$1,999 with a 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens</a>.  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/nikons-z5-ii-is-the-cheapest-full-frame-camera-yet-with-internal-raw-video-113041486.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

The best smartwatches for 2025

Smartwatches do more than just track your steps and deliver phone alerts to your wrist. The best smartwatches go even further, giving you the ability to pay for a cup of coffee, take calls and connect to apps like Spotify all without whipping out your smartphone. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you already know all of the benefits of a smartwatch. You’re ready to invest, or upgrade from an aging accessory, but we wouldn’t blame you if you if you didn’t know where to start. There are dozens of smartwatches available now, including <a href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-gps-running-watch-141513957.html">GPS running watches</a>, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-fitness-trackers-133053484.html">fitness trackers</a> that look like smartwatches and multi-purpose devices. Plus, you’ll want to consider factors like durability, battery life and operating system before you spend a lot of money on a new wearable. We’ve tested and reviewed most major smartwatches available today and these are our top picks. <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-best-smartwatches">Best smartwatches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-stylish-smartwatches-fossil-and-more">Stylish smartwatches: Fossil and more</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-factors-to-consider-before-buying-a-smartwatch">Factors to consider before buying a smartwatch</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-other-smartwatches-our-experts-tested">Other smartwatches our experts tested</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml#jump-link-smartwatch-faqs">Smartwatch FAQs</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-smartwatches-of-2025">Best smartwatches of 2025</h2> <h2 id="jump-link-stylish-smartwatches-fossil-and-more">Stylish smartwatches: Fossil and more</h2> <figure> <img alt="Michael Kors Access Gen 5e MKGO at CES 2021" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-01/7b17f630-523e-11eb-a357-6290b19b6ed5" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Fossil </div> </figure> Yes, there are still companies out there trying to make “fashionable” hybrid smartwatches. Back when wearables were novel and generally ugly, brands like <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=b7221669-d5e1-47ff-8df7-36fe8547019c&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Fossil&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiJiNzIyMTY2OS1kNWUxLTQ3ZmYtOGRmNy0zNmZlODU0NzAxOWMiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm9zc2lsLmNvbS9lbi11cy93YXRjaGVzL3NtYXJ0d2F0Y2hlcy8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjdmNDM0ZTE2LWFhYmUtMzE0ZC04OGYwLWZhYzdkM2YyNmQ1MSJ9&signature=AQAAAUP_s7ymco96jdPrWx1c2okIoCB3frKOa87__I4_1XMR&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fossil.com%2Fen-us%2Fwatches%2Fsmartwatches%2F">Fossil</a>, <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=9b64e7e9-b6f0-4d91-bb71-eef8d80fabea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Michael+Kors&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI5YjY0ZTdlOS1iNmYwLTRkOTEtYmI3MS1lZWY4ZDgwZmFiZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWljaGFlbGtvcnMuY29tL3dhdGNoZXMvc21hcnR3YXRjaGVzL18vTi0xbHExaThvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3ZjQzNGUxNi1hYWJlLTMxNGQtODhmMC1mYWM3ZDNmMjZkNTEifQ&signature=AQAAAW1mPU5BdK0D4GfHnK-OELERLJpl7xgeNhrWI8klrS77&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.michaelkors.com%2Fwatches%2Fsmartwatches%2F_%2FN-1lq1i8o">Michael Kors</a> and <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=de835634-eb1e-4390-bd94-e5983b38f543&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Skagen+Denmark&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiJkZTgzNTYzNC1lYjFlLTQzOTAtYmQ5NC1lNTk4M2IzOGY1NDMiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2thZ2VuLmNvbS9lbi11cy9zbWFydHdhdGNoZXMvc21hcnR3YXRjaGVzLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2Y0MzRlMTYtYWFiZS0zMTRkLTg4ZjAtZmFjN2QzZjI2ZDUxIn0&signature=AQAAAclP_RzzZAQxGjhXKXymQLCukDvA9vfycrZ6Yr2Imrtu&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skagen.com%2Fen-us%2Fsmartwatches%2Fsmartwatches%2F">Skagen</a> found their niche in stylish smartwatches that took cues from analog timepieces. You also have the option to pick up a “hybrid” smartwatch from companies like <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9XaXRoaW5ncy1TY2FuV2F0Y2gtSHlicmlkLVNtYXJ0d2F0Y2gtT3hpbWV0ZXIvZHAvQjA4RDZMTkJQTj90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0yeS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2Y0MzRlMTYtYWFiZS0zMTRkLTg4ZjAtZmFjN2QzZjI2ZDUxIn0&signature=AQAAAe3LQONW6fvKqYduhC8jHy9-Qw3EyKc2lHlBSrwvW2MA&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWithings-ScanWatch-Hybrid-Smartwatch-Oximeter%2Fdp%2FB08D6LNBPN%3F">Withings</a> and <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4c7f75f5-4803-438a-a506-12a0ccb4ede4&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Garmin&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI0YzdmNzVmNS00ODAzLTQzOGEtYTUwNi0xMmEwY2NiNGVkZTQiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2FybWluLmNvbS9lbi1VUy9jL3Nwb3J0cy1maXRuZXNzL2Zhc2hpb24taHlicmlkLXNtYXJ0d2F0Y2hlcy8_IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3ZjQzNGUxNi1hYWJlLTMxNGQtODhmMC1mYWM3ZDNmMjZkNTEifQ&signature=AQAAAeNJTAOsCqs6v23yXaK7EXzpP8D5f_uxY0Tu1mWW0RXO&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.garmin.com%2Fen-US%2Fc%2Fsports-fitness%2Ffashion-hybrid-smartwatches%2F%3F">Garmin</a> – these devices look like classic wrist watches but incorporate some limited functionality like activity tracking and heart rate monitoring. They remain good options if you prefer that look, but thankfully, wearables made by Apple, Samsung, Fitbit and others have gotten much more attractive over the past few years. Ultimately, the only thing you can’t change after you buy a smartwatch is its case design. If you’re not into the Apple Watch’s squared-off corners, all of Samsung’s smartwatches have round cases that look a little more like a traditional watch. Most wearables are offered in a choice of colors and you can pay extra for premium materials like stainless steel for extra durability. Once you decide on a case, your band options are endless – there are dozens of first- and third-party watch straps available for most major smartwatches, and for both larger and smaller wrists, allowing you to change up your look whenever you please. <h2 id="jump-link-factors-to-consider-before-buying-a-smartwatch">Factors to consider before buying a smartwatch</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-compatibility">Compatibility</h3> Apple Watches only work with iPhones, while Wear OS devices play nice with both iOS and Android phones. Smartwatches made by Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit and others are also compatible with Android and iOS, but you’ll need to install a companion app on your smartphone. The smartwatch OS will also dictate the type and number of third-party apps you’ll have access to. Many of these aren’t useful, though, making this factor a fairly minor one in the grand scheme of things. <h3 id="jump-link-price">Price</h3> The best smartwatches generally cost between $300 and $400. Compared to budget smartwatches, which cost between $100 and $250, these pricier devices have advanced operating systems, communications, music and fitness features. They also often include perks like onboard GPS tracking, music storage and NFC, AMOLED displays, and long battery life, things that budget devices generally don’t have. Some companies make specialized fitness watches: Those can easily run north of $500, and we’d only recommend them to serious athletes. Luxury smartwatches from brands like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/tag-heuer-connected-calibre-e4-golf-edition-093031897.html">TAG Heuer</a> and Hublot can also reach sky-high prices, but we wouldn’t endorse any of them. These devices can cost more than $1,000, and you’re usually paying for little more than a brand name and some needlessly exotic selection of build materials. <h3 id="jump-link-battery-life">Battery life</h3> Battery life remains one of our biggest complaints about smartwatches, but there’s hope as of late. You can expect two full days from Apple Watches and most Wear OS devices. Watches using the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor support extended battery modes that promise up to five days of battery life on a charge — if you’re willing to shut off most features aside from, you know, displaying the time. Other models can last five to seven days, but they usually have fewer features and lower-quality displays. Meanwhile, some fitness watches can last weeks on a single charge. If long battery life is a priority for you, it’s worth checking out the watch’s specs beforehand to see what the manufacturer estimates. <h3 id="jump-link-communication">Communication</h3> Any smartwatch worth considering delivers call, text and app notifications to your wrist. Call and text alerts are self explanatory, but if those mean a lot to you, consider a watch with LTE. They’re more expensive than their WiFi-only counterparts, but cellular connectivity allows the smartwatch to take and receive phone calls, and do the same with text messages, without your device nearby. As far as app alerts go, getting them delivered to your wrist will let you glance down to the watch face and see if you absolutely need to check your phone right now. <h3 id="jump-link-fitness-tracking">Fitness tracking</h3> Activity tracking is a big reason why people turn to smartwatches. An all-purpose timepiece should function as a fitness tracker, logging your steps, calories and workouts, and most of today’s wearables have a heart rate monitor as well. Many smartwatches' fitness features include a built-in GPS, which is useful for tracking distance for runs and bike rides. Swimmers will want something water resistant, and thankfully most all-purpose devices now can withstand at least a dunk in the pool. Some smartwatches from companies like Garmin are <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-07-16-the-best-gps-running-watches-for-2019.html">more fitness focused</a> than others and tend to offer more advanced features like heart-rate-variance tracking, recovery time estimation, onboard maps and more. Health tracking on smartwatches has also seen advances over the years. Both Apple and Fitbit devices can estimate blood oxygen levels and measure ECGs. But the more affordable the smartwatch, the less likely it is that it has these kinds of advanced health tracking features; if collecting those kinds of wellness metrics is important to you, you’ll have to pay for the privilege. <h3 id="jump-link-music">Music</h3> Your watch can not only track your morning runs but also play music while you’re exercising. Many smartwatches let you save your music locally, so you can connect wireless earbuds via Bluetooth and listen to tunes without bringing your phone. Those that don’t have onboard storage for music usually have on-watch music controls, so you can control playback without whipping out your phone. And if your watch has LTE, local saving isn’t required — you’ll be able to stream music directly from the watch to your paired earbuds. <h3 id="jump-link-displays">Displays</h3> Most wearables have touchscreens and we recommend getting one that has a full-color touchscreen. Some flagships like the Apple Watch have LTPO displays, which stands for low-temperature polycrystalline oxide. These panels have faster response times and are more power efficient, resulting in a smoother experience when one interacts with the touchscreen and, in some cases, longer battery lives. You won’t see significant gains with the latter, though, because the extra battery essentially gets used up when these devices have always-on displays, as most flagship wearables do today. Some smartwatches have this feature on by default while others let you enable it via tweaked settings. This smart feature allows you to glance down at your watch to check the time, health stats or any other information you’ve set it to show on its watchface without lifting your wrist. This will no doubt affect your device’s battery life, but thankfully most always-on modes dim the display’s brightness so it’s not running at its peak unnecessarily. Cheaper devices won’t have this feature; instead, their touchscreens will automatically turn off to conserve battery life and you’ll have to intentionally check your watch to turn on the display again. <h3 id="jump-link-nfc">NFC</h3> Many new smartwatches have NFC, letting you pay for things without your wallet using contactless payments. After saving your credit or debit card information, you can hold your smartwatch up to an NFC reader to pay for a cup of coffee on your way home from a run. Keep in mind that different watches use different payment systems: Apple Watches use Apple Pay, Wear OS devices use Google Pay, Samsung devices use Samsung Pay and so forth. Apple Pay is one of the most popular NFC payment systems, with support for <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2VuLXVzL0hUMjA0OTE2IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3ZjQzNGUxNi1hYWJlLTMxNGQtODhmMC1mYWM3ZDNmMjZkNTEifQ&signature=AQAAAT0rwaJ5r70d13bEq45AmZjeHIkXLUYaxQAHdothfWjt&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.apple.com%2Fen-us%2FHT204916">multiple banks and credit cards</a> in 72 different countries, while Samsung and Google Pay work in fewer regions. It’s also important to note that both NFC payment support varies by device as well for both Samsung and Google’s systems. <h2 id="jump-link-other-smartwatches-our-experts-tested">Other smartwatches our experts tested</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-apple-watch-ultra-2">Apple Watch Ultra 2</h3> The <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQ0hYOU41OTQvcmVmPWZzX2Ffd3QyX3VzMD90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0yeS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2Y0MzRlMTYtYWFiZS0zMTRkLTg4ZjAtZmFjN2QzZjI2ZDUxIn0&signature=AQAAAYVrUYwpLVmM1OnC6DJgV0UHXten0GB7L1f2LI_c2_SV&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CHX9N594%2Fref%3Dfs_a_wt2_us0">Apple Watch Ultra 2</a> is probably overkill for most people, but it has a ton of extra features like extra waterproofing to track diving, an even more accurate GPS and the biggest battery of any Apple Watch to date. Apple designed it for the most rugged among us, but for your average person, it likely has more features than they'd ever need. If you’re particularly clumsy, however, its high level of durability could be a great reason to consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2. <h3 id="jump-link-apple-watch-se">Apple Watch SE</h3> The <a href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQkRIVFFEUlovcmVmPWZzX2Ffd3QyX3VzND90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0yeS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2Y0MzRlMTYtYWFiZS0zMTRkLTg4ZjAtZmFjN2QzZjI2ZDUxIn0&signature=AQAAAZrZg4pVPXDVws5oJSmSnVlWRt9yIiovZv_9mIYgDixh&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BDHTQDRZ%2Fref%3Dfs_a_wt2_us4">Apple Watch SE</a> is less feature-rich than the flagship model, but it will probably suffice for most people. We actually regard the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-se-2022-review-battery-life-workout-health-tracking-144551799.html">Watch SE</a> as the best smartwatch option for first-time buyers, or people on stricter budgets. You’ll get all the core Apple Watch features as well as things like fall and crash detection, noise monitoring and Emergency SOS, but you’ll have to do without more advanced hardware perks like an always-on display, a blood oxygen sensor, an ECG monitor and a skin temperature sensor. <h3 id="jump-link-garmin-forerunner-745">Garmin Forerunner 745</h3> Garmin watches in general can be great options for the most active among us. The Garmin Forerunner 745 is an excellent <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-gps-running-watch-141513957.html">GPS running watch</a> for serious athletes or those who prize battery life above all else. When we tested it, we found it to provide accurate distance tracking, a killer 16-hour battery life with GPS turned on (up to seven days without it) and support for onboard music storage and Garmin Pay. <h2 id="jump-link-smartwatch-faqs">Smartwatch FAQs</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-is-there-a-difference-between-a-smartwatch-and-a-fitness-tracker">Is there a difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker?</h3> While smartwatches and fitness trackers share some similarities, they’re designed for slightly different purposes. A fitness tracker is primarily focused on health and activity tracking. It keeps tabs on your steps, heart rate, sleep and workouts, and some even offer advanced metrics like blood oxygen levels and stress tracking. Fitness trackers are generally more compact, have longer battery life and are built with activity in mind. A smartwatch, on the other hand, is like a mini smartphone on your wrist. It offers fitness tracking features, but also lets you do things like reply to texts, take calls, use apps and control smart home devices. Many smartwatches support voice assistants, mobile payments and even LTE connectivity, so you can leave your phone behind in some cases. If you mainly want health and activity tracking with long battery life, a fitness tracker is the way to go. If you want a more connected experience with extra features, a smartwatch is the better choice. <h3 id="jump-link-how-long-do-smartwatches-last">How long do smartwatches last?</h3> How long a smartwatch lasts mostly depends on two things: battery life and overall durability. Smartwatch battery life varies a lot depending on the brand, features and how you use it. Basic models with e-ink displays or monochrome screens can last a week or more, while full-featured smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch usually need a charge every day or two. If you're using features like always-on display, GPS tracking or LTE connectivity, expect the battery to drain faster. Physically, a good smartwatch should last several years before you need to upgrade. Premium models with scratch-resistant glass, water resistance and strong build materials tend to hold up well over time. However, software support matters too — brands like Apple and Samsung typically provide updates for at least a few years, while some budget smartwatches may not get long-term software support. You can expect to charge most smartwatches daily or every few days, and if you take care of them, they should last 3-5 years before an upgrade is necessary. <h3 id="jump-link-how-much-should-you-spend-on-a-smartwatch">How much should you spend on a smartwatch?</h3> How much you should spend on a smartwatch depends on what features you need and how often you plan to use it. If you just want the basics — step tracking, notifications, heart rate monitoring and basic fitness tracking — you can find some solid budget-friendly options from brands like Amazfit, Fitbit and some Wear OS models. These usually have decent battery life but may lack premium features like LTE, advanced health tracking or third-party apps. In the mid-range smartwatch price bracket, you’ll find popular models like the Apple Watch SE and Fitbit Versa series. These offer a good mix of fitness tracking, smart features and design quality. You’ll get better build materials, more accurate sensors and app support, but battery life might still be limited to a day or two. High-end smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Garmin Fenix/Epix series offer advanced health tracking, rugged designs, LTE connectivity and longer software support. These are great for serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, or anyone who wants the latest and greatest features. If you just want a simple smartwatch for notifications and fitness tracking, a budget or mid-range model will do the job. But if you want a premium feel, advanced health tracking or LTE connectivity, it’s worth spending a bit more. For most people, $200 - $350 hits the best balance of features and value. <h3 id="jump-link-do-all-smartwatches-have-gps">Do all smartwatches have GPS?</h3> Not all smartwatches have built-in GPS. Some rely on your phone’s GPS, while others have it built-in for independent tracking. High-end and fitness-focused smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch and Garmin models have their own built-in GPS. This means they can track your runs, walks, bike rides and hikes without needing to be connected to your phone. It’s a must-have for serious athletes or anyone who wants accurate location tracking without carrying a phone. Some budget and mid-range smartwatches (like some Fitbit and Amazfit models) don’t have built-in GPS but can use your phone’s GPS when connected via Bluetooth. This works fine if you usually carry your phone while working out, but it’s less convenient if you prefer to leave it behind. Some very basic or budget smartwatches skip GPS entirely and rely solely on step tracking or motion sensors. These are fine for casual users who don’t need location tracking. <h3 id="jump-link-can-you-leave-your-phone-at-home-and-still-use-a-smartwatch">Can you leave your phone at home and still use a smartwatch?</h3> Yes, but it depends on the smartwatch and what you want to do without your phone. If your smartwatch has LTE or cellular connectivity , you can make calls, send texts, stream music, use maps and even access apps without your phone nearby. However, you’ll need a separate data plan from your carrier, which usually comes with an extra monthly cost. Even without LTE, some smartwatches can still do plenty on their own, including track workouts and GPS routes (if they have built-in GPS), play music offline (if they support downloads from Spotify or Apple Music), may contactless payments with features like Apple Pay and Google Wallet and control smart home devices. If going phone-free is important to you, look for a smartwatch with LTE and built-in GPS for the best experience. <h3 id="jump-link-can-a-smartwatch-make-calls-without-a-phone">Can a smartwatch make calls without a phone?</h3> Yes, a smartwatch can make calls without a phone — but only if it has the right features. Some smartwatches have built-in LTE connectivity, meaning they can work independently from your phone. You can make and receive calls, send texts, stream music and use apps as long as you have a mobile data plan for the watch. However, you’ll need to pay for a separate cellular plan and battery life drains faster when using LTE. If your smartwatch doesn’t have LTE, it can still make calls, but only when connected to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It essentially acts as a remote speaker and microphone for your phone’s calls. Watches like the standard Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch (Wi-Fi versions) can do this. However, if your phone isn’t nearby or connected to Wi-Fi, calling won’t work. Some fitness-focused smartwatches (like certain Garmin, Fitbit and Amazfit models) don’t have a built-in speaker or microphone, so they can’t make or receive calls at all — only show notifications. If calling without a phone is a must, make sure to choose an LTE model with a built-in mic and speaker. <h3 id="jump-link-whats-the-difference-between-an-android-and-apple-smartwatch">What's the difference between an Android and Apple smartwatch?</h3> The biggest difference between Android and Apple smartwatches comes down to compatibility, features and ecosystem integration. Apple smartwatches (Apple Watch) only work with iPhones. If you have an Android phone, you can’t use an Apple Watch at all. Android smartwatches (Wear OS, Samsung Galaxy, Garmin etc.) mostly work with Android phones, but some also support iPhones with limited features. If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best choice. If you have an Android phone, go for a Wear OS or Samsung Galaxy Watch. Apple Watch (watchOS) has the best app support with seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem (iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Pay, Apple Fitness+, Siri etc.). Android smartwatches offer more variety, with access to Google services (Google Assistant, Google Wallet and Google Maps), and some support Amazon Alexa or Samsung’s Bixby. In terms of design, Apple Watch has a single design but comes in different sizes and materials. It’s sleek, but your only real customization comes from bands and watch faces. Android smartwatches, on the other hand, come in tons of styles and brands (Samsung, Google Pixel Watch, Garmin, Fossil etc.), meaning you can pick a round watch, a rugged design or a luxury-looking model. If battery life is important to you, the Apple Watch lasts about a day or two per charge, depending on usage and model. Many Android smartwatches (especially Garmin, Amazfit or Mobvoi TicWatch) last multiple days or even weeks on a single charge. Georgie Peru contributed to this report.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-smartwatches-153013118.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

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