It's no secret that AI-generated content took over our social media feeds in 2025. Now, Instagram's top exec Adam Mosseri has made it clear that he expects AI content to overtake non-AI imagery and the significant implications that shift has for its creators and photographers.Mosseri shared the thoughts in a lengthy post about the broader trends he expects to shape Instagram in 2026. And he offered a notably candid assessment on how AI is upending the platform. "Everything that made creators matterthe ability to be real, to connect, to have a voice that couldnt be fakedis now suddenly accessible to anyone with the right tools," he wrote. "The feeds are starting to fill up with synthetic everything."But Mosseri doesn't seem particularly concerned by this shift. He says that there is "a lot of amazing AI content" and that the platform may need to rethink its approach to labeling such imagery by "fingerprinting real media, not just chasing fake."From Mosseri (emphasis his):Social media platforms are going to come under increasing pressure to identify and label AI-generated content as such. All the major platforms will do good work identifying AI content, but they will get worse at it over time as AI gets better at imitating reality. There is already a growing number of people who believe, as I do, that it will be more practical to fingerprint real media than fake media. Camera manufacturers could cryptographically sign images at capture, creating a chain of custody.On some level, it's easy to understand how this seems like a more practical approach for Meta. As we've previously reported, technologies that are meant to identify AI content, like watermarks, have proved unreliable at best. They are easy to remove and even easier to ignore altogether. Meta's own labels are far from clear and the company, which has spent tens of billions of dollars on AI this year alone, has admitted it can't reliably detect AI-generated or manipulated content on its platform.That Mosseri is so readily admitting defeat on this issue, though, is telling. AI slop has won. And when it comes to helping Instagram's 3 billion users understand what is real, that should largely be someone else's problem, not Meta's. Camera makers presumably phone makers and actual camera manufacturers should come up with their own system that sure sounds a lot like watermarking to "to verify authenticity at capture." Mosseri offers few details about how this would work or be implemented at the scale required to make it feasible.Mosseri also doesn't really address the fact that this is likely to alienate the many photographers and other Instagram creators who have already grown frustrated with the app. The exec regularly fields complaints from the group who want to know why Instagram's algorithm doesn't consistently surface their posts to their on followers.But Mosseri suggests those complaints stem from an outdated vision of what Instagram even is. The feed of "polished" square images, he says, "is dead." Camera companies, in his estimation, are "are betting on the wrong aesthetic" by trying to "make everyone look like a professional photographer from the past." Instead, he says that more "raw" and "unflattering" images will be how creators can prove they are real, and not AI. In a world where Instagram has more AI content than not, creators should prioritize images and videos that intentionally make them look bad. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-chief-ai-is-so-ubiquitous-it-will-be-more-practical-to-fingerprint-real-media-than-fake-media-202620080.html?src=rss
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Samsung is arguably the 800-pound gorilla of CES, with a full spectrum of products that range from phones and computers to refrigerators to AI assistants and rolling robots. But for CES 2026, the company is shaking up the schedule a bit: Instead of its longtime midday Monday press conference position, the Korean giant will front-run the entire show with a Sunday night presentation.
Samsung has already given a few hints as to what's on the agenda, but what we're really hoping to see is an update on the Ballie robot a star of previous CES presentations that ostensibly missed its previously promised 2025 release date.
How to watch Samsung's "The First Look" presentation at CES 2026
The event will stream live from the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas on Sunday, January 4 at 10PM ET. There are several ways to tune in: you can watch via the Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Electronics official YouTube channel or via Samsung TV Plus. (We'll embed the stream here once it appears on the channel.)
What to expect from Samsung at CES 2026
Keynote speaker TM Roh, the CEO of Samsung's Device eXperience (DX) Division, will discuss the company's plans for the new year and beyond, which will (of course) include "new AI-driven customer experiences," the company said in a press release. In addition, we'll hear from the President and Head of the Visual Display Business, SW Yong and Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliances Business, Cheolgi Kim. Those two will "share their respective business directions for the upcoming year."
But if you're looking for more specifics, Samsung is following its "Advent calendar" approach to early CES announcements, with new press releases dropping nearly each day. So far, we know that like competitors LG and Hisense the company will be offering details on a line of micro RGB TVs (replete with confirmed screen sizes of 55 to 115 inches). Also confirmed: a full line of appliances infused with what Samsung calls Bespoke AI.
It's likely Samsung will map out its CES plans in greater detail as the January 4 event approaches, so we'll update this story accordingly when it does.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/how-to-watch-samsungs-first-look-ces-2026-presentation-190027604.html?src=rss
Sony has revealed the first batch of PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for 2026. There are three titles to play this month, all of which drop on January 6. As always, youll retain access to these games as long as your subscription remains active.
First up, there's Need For Speed Unbound. This is a racing game that came out at the tail-end of 2022 and was the first entry in the franchise for several years before that. It has a unique visual style, thanks to cel-shaded graphics, with all kinds of vehicles to choose from. There are street racing challenges, weekly qualifiers and a minigame that has you outrunning the cops. The rapper A$AP Rocky also plays a prominent role in the narrative. It'll only available for PS5.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a recently-released remake of a 2010 Wii game, but there's no Wiimote waggle here. This is just a great platformer with plenty of fan service for long-time Disney fans. Warren Spector, the lead designer of Deus Ex, was heavily involved in the making of this one. It'll be playable on both PS4 and PS5.
Core Keeper is a remarkable indie that has been floating around in early access for several years. The mining sim is now finished and offers an emphasis on crafting, base-building and, of course, exploration. While the game is playable solo, it's primarily intended as a multiplayer experience for up to eight people.
As the year ends, so does access to December's PS Plus Monthly titles. Subscribers have until January 5 to download Lego Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality Echo of Ada and Neon White.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/januarys-ps-plus-monthly-games-include-need-for-speed-unbound-and-disney-epic-mickey-rebrushed-182335673.html?src=rss
Chances are that if a VPN is marketed to everyday users, it more or less runs itself. As long as you go with one of the best VPNs instead of setting up your own manual connection, the interface is likely built so you have to engage with it as little as possible. Generally, if you find yourself constantly thinking about your VPN while using it as happened to me with Norton VPN that's a bad thing and you should change providers.That said, it's still useful to get a high-level view of how to use a VPN, especially if you've never used one before. In this article, I'll walk you through how to download, install and configure a VPN on any platform and how to choose servers for specific situations. I'll also discuss specific steps for desktop and laptop computers, phones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles and routers.How to download and install a VPNThere are over 100 VPNs available on the internet and the two big mobile app stores, but most of them follow a similar approach to download and installation. Except for certain free VPNs, you'll need to create an account on the VPN provider's website, install the VPN client, then use your account to log in. Here are the steps.In a web browser, navigate to a VPN provider's website. For suggestions on where to start, check out our list of the best VPN deals. Click any link that mentions getting the VPN or claiming the deal as a rule, they aren't hard to find.Select a plan based on the length of time you need the VPN for, the features you want and the number of devices you'd like to use the VPN on simultaneously. Add a payment method. You'll be prompted to create the username and password for a new account.On desktop, you can start with the Mac or Windows app store, though some VPNs require a download directly from their respective website. Thats generally the way to get the most feature-rich version of the VPN, but just make sure youre downloading from the providers website to ensure you dont get a malicious copycat. On mobile, the app store is your only choice, but don't forget to check the reviews and make sure you're getting the service you paid for unfortunately, rival (and sometimes less scrupulous) VPN brands can use paid placements to appear higher on search results, even for a rival product. Follow the pre-programmed installation flow. Again, don't let a VPN make any changes to your system if you haven't thoroughly vetted the provider (or gone with one of our recommendations). If it's safe, allow the VPN all the setup permissions it needs.Finally, open the VPN client and sign in with the credentials you created in step two. You're now ready to start using your new VPN.Surfshark in Mac downloads folderSam Chapman for EngadgetWith so many VPNs on the market, this process won't always be the same. Sometimes you'll have to make the account before paying, and some mobile VPNs let you handle the whole process in-app. What's always true, though, is that a good VPN will make the signup flow as easy as possible. If you have trouble before you even log in, that's a red flag.How to configure a VPN appMost VPNs are ready to go out of the box. However, even if you don't think you're a power user, it's a good idea to go through the settings and make sure they match what you need. Here are a few steps I recommend taking.Activate the kill switch. This feature monitors your connection to the VPN server. If it ever drops either from problems in the server, your client or somewhere in between the kill switch instantly cuts off your internet until your VPN connection is restored. This saves you from accidentally broadcasting anything sensitive while also ensuring you only connect to legitimate VPN servers (avoiding the Tunnelvision bug).Set up favorites and profiles. VPNs usually let you select servers you'll use regularly, websites you'll often connect to through the VPN and other preferences that will appear immediately when you open the app. Some go further, like Proton VPN, which lets you create user profiles that bundle several preferences together.Decide if you want the VPN to automatically launch and connect when you start up your computer.Check on split tunneling. There may be cases where you want a certain app or site to work outside the VPN, or where you want everything to go unencrypted except one site or app. You can set up a split tunnel when you need it, but if there's one you know you'll use regularly, it helps to build it early.Activate or deactivate any content blockers the VPN comes with, including ad blockers, malware detectors and parental controls, as you see fit.Decide whether you want the VPN to send you notifications, and how.Select a VPN protocol. It's almost always best to let the VPN choose for itself, but it's helpful to at least know where the protocol-switching option is. Occasionally, if one protocol isn't working, you can troubleshoot by selecting another.You can do all this by digging into your VPN's preferences control panel. A gear seems to be the universal icon for that, but Mac users may also find it by picking "preferences" or "settings" from the menu bar. When you find the preferences menu, go through each tab in turn and make sure everything is the way you like it.How to choose a VPN serverPicking a server location is the final box to check before connecting. You nearly always have the option of letting the VPN pick the best server. Most apps tend to determine the best server with a latency test, so it will almost always be a node very close to your physical location.If you just want anonymity online, that's fine it doesn't matter which IP address you use as long as it's not your real one. But several VPN use cases do require a specific server location. For those, follow one simple rule: Pick a server in the place you want your signal to come from.Choosing locations on SurfsharkSam Chapman for EngadgetFor example, let's say you want to watch The Office, but you're only subscribed to Netflix and not Peacock. Luckily, Netflix is licensed to show The Office in the U.K. If you connect to a British server location before opening Netflix, you'll be able to access the show without paying for an extra subscription. (Of course, make sure VPNs arent expressly banned by the streaming services terms of service before accessing it while using one.)Other than streaming, the most common reason you'll need a specific VPN server is to get around firewalls that block websites. Whether it's your school doing the censorship, your workplace or your entire state, the solution is the same: Pick a VPN server outside the restricted region. Censorship systems filter by location they can't block where they don't have jurisdiction. Get a new virtual location and you should be free and clear. (Always be cognizant of the laws on VPN usage in your location before activating them.)When to use a VPN (and when not to)It's good to get into the habit of connecting to your VPN whenever you get online. You can never be sure what information your ISP is gathering on you. If you're using unprotected Wi-Fi, or a public network with a clearly visible password, anybody might be listening in. Even if you don't need a particular location, always be using your VPN.The only reason you might want to be online without a VPN is that certain websites, especially online banks, get suspicious if they note repeated logins to the same account from too many different IP addresses. For those cases, you can either set up a split tunnel to exclude the website from encryption, or temporarily turn your VPN off altogether.Instructions for specific devicesAlthough most VPNs try to keep their apps similar on every platform, the strictures of differing hardware and software lead them to install and operate differently. In case you still have questions after reading the general guide above, this section goes into detail on every platform where you might use a VPN.How to use a VPN on desktopAfter subscribing to a VPN on Windows, you should be directed to download an EXE file if this doesn't happen, log into your account on the website and find the downloads center. Find the folder where the EXE is saved, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.On Mac, the process is more or less the same, except you'll usually get a PKG file instead of an EXE. Go to your downloads folder (either in Finder or through your web browser) and double-click the PKG file. Grant the VPN whatever permissions it needs. (Again, this is why its important to only use a legitimate vendor, such as the ones we recommend.)Once installed, you can open the VPN client at any time by double-clicking the icon again. Some VPNs open as separate windows, while others will add icons to your toolbar. This often varies by platform; if you're concerned that your VPN doesn't look like a screenshot you've seen, check which operating system the image comes from.How to use a VPN on mobileOn Android and iOS, you'll download your VPN app through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, respectively. Even if you get started through a mobile browser, it will probably redirect you to the app store for the actual download and installation.Follow the usual step for downloading an app: search for its name in the app store, click "Get" or "Install," then let your phone cook. As always, so long as it's a vetted VPN, grant it the permissions it needs. You may be able to download and install the VPN first, then create your account and submit payment through the app afterward.One final note: several leading VPNs offer free trials for mobile users. If you see a button that says something like "get free trial," you may be able to use the VPN for several days without paying. Just be warned that if the trial lapses, you might get automatically signed up for a plan that's longer than you'd like.How to use a VPN browser extensionVPNs offer browser extensions as lightweight versions of their main clients. While a desktop or mobile VPN reroutes everything that device sends to the internet, a browser extension only protects traffic through your web browser. You can use one as a primitive form of split tunneling, but they're mainly for basic convenience most of what you do online goes through a browser, so it's nice to be able to protect your connection without opening a separate app.NordVPN browser extension on ChromeSam Chapman for EngadgetTo use a VPN browser extension, just create your account as normal, then download the extension from your VPN's website. You can manage it from your browser's extensions center. That's a jigsaw piece at the top-right corner on most browsers, including Chrome, Edge and Firefox.How to use a VPN on a smart TVYou can use a VPN to change your location and stream international content directly to a smart TV. The catch is that not all smart TV brands support VPN apps. For those that don't, you'll have to find a workaround.The good news is that a ton of the best smart TVs can natively host VPNs, including Google TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV (though only tvOS 17 and above). To use a VPN on Android TV or Apple TV, go through the device's app store. On Fire TV, simply type the name of your chosen VPN provider into the search bar.On smart TVs that don't have native VPN, like LG, Roku and Samsung, you have a few options. You can use a smart DNS feature like ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer to reroute smart TV traffic without full VPN encryption; the steps for this are different for every VPN, so check the provider's website. You can also install a VPN on your router (see below) so your smart TV automatically uses the router's location.Finally, you can get a temporary fix by using your computer as a Wi-Fi hotspot while it has a VPN active. Follow the steps for your operating system.On Windows:In your system settings, go to "Network & Internet" and turn on the obile hotspot.Go to "Network & Sharing Center" and click "Change adapter settings."Right-click the name of your VPN provider and go to "Properties," then "Sharing."Check the boxes next to "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection" and "Allow other network users to control or disable the shared internet connection."Click the "Home networking connection" dropdown and select "Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter."Open your VPN client and connect to a server in your desired location.On your smart TV, open the internet connections menu and select the name of your PC. Your TV is now online through the VPN server.On Mac:Open system settings and go to the "General" tab. Scroll down and click "Sharing."Toggle "Internet Sharing" on, then click on "Configure."Click the "Share your connection from" dropdown, then choose the VPN installed on the Mac. Under "To computers using," select "Wi-Fi."Click on "Wi-Fi options" and enter a name and password for your hotspot network.On your smart TV, connect to the network you just created.How to use a VPN on a game consoleRight now, there's no such thing as a game console with native VPN support. If you want to use a VPN while gaming and I recommend that for safety if you're planning to play online you can use two of the same methods that work for a smart TV: install a VPN on your router, or get your console online through a Mac or PC hotspot.How to install a VPN on a routerWhen you install a router VPN, anything that gets online through your home network will be protected, including game consoles, TVs and smart devices that don't support VPNs natively. It's not a process for the faint of heart, though. You'll need to get a new router and potentially install VPN firmware on it yourself. If you want to go this route, the easiest option is to get an ExpressVPN Aircove router not only does it come with all the settings done for you, but it can be managed through the same clean interface as ExpressVPN's other apps.We don't have space here to go through the entire process, but here's a general overview. First, get a router with firmware that supports VPN configurations most ISP default routers don't, so you'll have to go third-party.Next, go to the downloads center of your VPN's website and look for the section with VPN configurations. A "configuration" is a complete set of the information needed to access a certain VPN server through a certain protocol say, a Proton VPN server in Arizona through OpenVPN. Download a configuration file for the protocol and location you want all your home devices to connect through.Finally, open your router control panel by entering your router's IP address into a web browser address bar, then log in with your router credentials (these should be marked on the router itself unless you've changed them). Go to the VPN tab which should be there if it's a router with VPN firmware and upload the profile you downloaded from the VPN website. Use the same router control panel to activate and deactivate the router VPN connection.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-140000564.html?src=rss
picture alliance via Getty Images
The Lego Group is hosting its first-ever press conference at CES 2026 but what the company is going to announce remains a mystery. While the huge toy brick creators haven't given any hints as to what they'll be showcasing, the possibilities run the gamut from new video games to Formula 1 race cars.
Here's how you can watch Lego's presentation at CES, and what we might expect to see.
How to watch The Lego Group's CES 2026 press conference
The Lego CES press conference is scheduled for Monday, January 5 at 1PM ET. While Lego and the Consumer Technology Association haven't yet provided the details, we expect that the press conference will be available as a livestream. Once the details are confirmed, we'll update this post to confirm them. But if a livestream isn't immediately available, the Engadget team will be liveblogging the Lego presser and posting timely details.
What to expect
Thus far, Lego hasn't shared any public info about its CES plans, so we're largely in the dark as to what to expect. At CES 2025, for instance, the toy production giant partnered with Sony to announce the animated Lego Horizon Adventures online game. As such, Lego may spend some time talking up its new 2026 game, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. The company may also give some stage time to its Lego Group F1 Academy racing car, though that too would be more about brand building than consumer products.
And given Lego's focus on the environment, the company may discuss its efforts to reach its 2032 ecological goals, including making its Lego bricks more sustainable and reducing carbon emissions by 37%.
While there are plenty of new Lego sets for 2026, however, this is CES, not Toy Fair. So we're assuming that the company will be showcasing something that's more tech-cetric. Stay tuned.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/how-to-watch-the-first-ever-lego-ces-2026-press-conference-live-130005307.html?src=rss
Here are some of this year's biggest, most star-studded TV specials you can watch to help you ring in 2026. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images
This year, it seems like there are more ways than ever to celebrate New Year's Eve... from the comfort of your couch, that is. Whether you want to catch the enduring Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest and filmed live out of Times Square in New York City, or check out of one the many other live specials filled with music performances, comedy and celebrity guests, you've got options.
Thursday night's TV schedule also includes New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash, a star-studded celebration of country music featuring five hours of performances from some of Nashville's most beloved stars, airing on CBS and Paramount+, plus CNNs New Years Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, and a livestream of the Times Square ball drop, too.
Here's everything you need to know about some of this year's biggest New Year's Eve TV specials, including channels, streaming info, and more.
How to watch New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+, DirecTV + more
What time is New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash on?
New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash starts at 8:00 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast live in two segments, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT and 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ET/PT on CBS streaming on Paramount+.
Who is appearing at New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash?
Nashville's Big Bash includes performances from, headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman, and special guests CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers who will all perform live from Nashville's Bicentennial Park. Additionally, the five-hour special will feature performances by Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Marcus King, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr. from various venues across the city. The night will be hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY, who will also perform. You can also expect additional appearances throughout the night by comedian Dusty Slay, TV host Cassie DiLaura, Sirius XM host Buzz Brainard and UFC champion Kayla Harrison.
How to watch Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.- 4 a.m. ET
Channel: ABC
Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV + more
What time is Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve?
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest begins at 8 p.m. ET and runs all the way until 4 a.m. ET, marking its longest New Year's Eve broadcast ever. You can tune in live on ABC, or stream it on DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and more.
Who is appearing at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve?
This year's New Year's Eve celebration won't just be taking place in Times Square, the show will span multiple time zones, including hosts and performers stationed in Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico and beyond. In Chicago, Chance the Rapper is co-hosting the broadcast to help welcome in the new year from the Midwest and lead the live Central Time Zone countdown. Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough will be co-hosting the Las Vegas broadcast, and in New York, Ryan Seacrest will be joined by co-host Rita Ora.
The 2026 NYRE broadcast will feature 42 superstar performers across New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico and beyond. Diana Ross will headline the evening with a midnight performance.
Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, and Maren Morris will perform in Times Square. On the West Coast, there will be performances from 4 Non Blondes, 50 Cent, 6lack, AJR, The All-American Rejects, BigXthaPlug, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, DJ Cassidys Pass the Mic Live! featuring Busta Rhymes, T.I., and Wyclef Jean, Goo Goo Dolls, Jess Glynne, Jessie Murph, Jordan Davis, KPop Demon Hunters: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI), Leon Thomas, Mariah Carey, Madison Beer, New Kids on the Block, OneRepublic, Pitbull joined by Lil Jon and Filmore, Rick Springfield, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore, and Zara Larsson. Daddy Yankee will perform from Puerto Rico, Chappell Roan will perform from Kansas City and Post Malone will play from Nashville.
How to watch CNNs New Years Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV + more
Who is appearing on CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen?
CNN's New Year's Eve special will feature performances by Robyn, performing live from Times Square, Shakira performing from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL, Brandy and Monica from The Boy Is Mine Tour presented by BPC, Bryan Adams from Madison Square Garden, Florence + The Machine, RAYE, mentalist Oz Perlman, plus appearances from Amy Sedaris, Brandi Carlile, Aloe Blacc, Patti LaBelle, singer Michelle Williams, Rebecca Romijn and Jerry OConnell, comedians B.J. Novak, Leanne Morgan, Sarah Sherman, Stephen Colbert and more.
NYC Times Square Ball Drop New Years Eve free livestream:
There will be a free livestream of the Ball Drop on Timessquarenyc.org, offering cmmercial-free, webcast coverage of the Times Square festivities leading up to the Ball Drop at midnight. There will also be a livestream with open captions and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation available on YouTube. Both livestreams begin at 6 p.m. ET. Watch free livestream
More ways to watch this year's New Year's Eve specials
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/from-dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-to-nashvilles-big-bash-heres-how-to-watch-this-years-biggest-new-years-eve-tv-specials-120016871.html?src=rss
LG just revealed several new speakers in the xboom line ahead of CES 2026. These speakers are part of an ongoing collaboration with will.i.am from Black Eyed Peas, who is on board as the "experimental architect" involved with "development, design and brand marketing."
These speakers are fairly different from one another, but they all have AI in common. Each speaker includes an algorithm that automatically adjusts the EQ after analyzing the audio content and the listening space. Many also feature an AI algorithm for ambient lighting, which will adjust the lights to match the song being played.
The xboom Stage 501 is intended for parties and karaoke sessions. It features additional AI that can remove vocals from "virtually any song" and even adjust the pitch. The battery lasts for around 25 hours and can operate while plugged in. The speaker delivers up to 220W of power, with dual woofers and full-range drivers. It boasts a five-sided cabinet design that allows for vertical and horizontal placement.
LG
The xboom Blast is a boombox with a 99Wh battery that allows for up to 35 hours of continuous playback. That's a mighty fine metric. This is a modern boombox, so it's designed for durability. There are edge bumpers and a side rope handle for carrying.
LG
The Mini is a tiny doodad that can be placed just about anywhere. It offers ten hours of battery life per charge and a strap for easy placement. The speaker also includes a built-in tripod mount.
LG
The Rock is a, well, rock-shaped speaker that's larger than the Mini but can still be held in the palm of the hand. The battery lasts for ten hours and the design is focused on durability. It has been tested to "seven military standards" to ensure reliability in "challenging outdoor environments." This is an upgrade of the pre-existing XG2 model.
We don't have pricing or exact availability on this stuff yet, though the speakers will be on display at LG's booth at CES. The company has said that all four of these gadgets will come out in 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/lg-announces-new-line-of-xboom-speakers-ahead-of-ces-010052598.html?src=rss
OneXPlayer is quickly establishing itself as a company that isn't afraid to get weird as hell. (Take, for example, its transforming dual-screen gaming portable.) Its latest venture is another retro gaming handheld that, at first glance, looks like a standard dual-screen model. But the Android-powered OneXSugar Wallet uses a single foldable screen instead.The device was teased via a 54-second video on the Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili. Retro Handhelds reports that the Wallet uses an 8.01-inch OLED with a 2,480 x 1,860 resolution. (That's a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded.) The video also shows an asymmetrical analog stick layout with a D-pad and four action buttons.OneXSugar FoldOneXPlayer / BilibiGiven foldable phones long-term durability concerns, we aren't necessarily betting on the OneXSugar Wallet being a wise purchase. We also don't know how much it will cost. (The aforementioned weird dual-screen device retails for a whopping $799.) But at the very least, don't be shocked if the novel form factor ends up sparking a few copycats in the competitive retro gaming industry.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-onexsugar-wallet-is-an-upcoming-retro-handheld-with-a-43-foldable-screen-215528433.html?src=rss
The demand building out AI infrastructure has placed on PC component makers has already led to the death of one consumer-facing RAM brand, but a new report from the International Data Corporation (IDC) suggests it could have an even worse impact on the PC industry at large. In its worst-case-scenario model, the IDC predicts PC shipments could shrink by up to 8.9 percent in 2026 because of the high cost of memory."Instead of expanding conventional DRAM and NAND used in smartphones, PCs and other consumer electronics, major memory makers have shifted production toward memory used in AI data centers, such as high-bandwidth (HBM) and high-capacity DDR5," IDC writes. That's continued to drive up the price of the RAM that is available for PC makers, which has naturally led to them to raise the price of their own products to stay above water. For example, modular PC maker Framework has already had to raise prices on some of its laptops and parts, and says "further cost and price increases are highly likely over the next months." The IDC says prices could rise by 6 to 8 percent in 2026 if its most pessimistic scenario comes true.The timing of this RAM crunch is particularly ironic because selling "AI PCs" computers with neural processing units that can run AI models locally were supposed to be one of the things pulling the PC industry out of its post-pandemic slump. Instead, those computers' larger RAM needs leave them more vulnerable to the effects of the AI industry itself. Computers aren't the only electronics impacted, either. The IDC says the average selling price of a smartphone could grow by 6 to 8 percent in its most pessimistic scenario, and smartphone shipments could shrink by as much as 5.2 percent. Companies like Apple and Samsung, with cash to spare and long-term supply agreements, could weather these higher RAM prices and keep things consistent for a year or two, according to the IDC. For everyone else, though, the near-term is looking much more expensive, and by necessity, much less adventurous.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/idc-warns-of-major-pc-market-downturn-due-to-memory-crunch-214510197.html?src=rss
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Hisense is perhaps best known for its budget-friendly electronics and appliances, like TVs and refrigerators. But at CES 2025, the China-based company showed its high-end chops with a massive 136-inch micro LED TV, which recently became available for a whopping $100,000. So what's on deck for this year's show? New leadership, for starters.
The company has two new hires, including Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Larsen and Chief Commercial Officer James Fishler. In a press release, Hisense said Fishler's experience in home entertainment, appliances and HVAC is important as the company "builds toward a milestone 2026 and its presence at CES."
We'll give you a rundown of what to expect during Hisense's presentation and how you can watch it.
How to watch
Hisense will have a livestream available on Monday, January 5 at 1PM ET on its website. We'll embed the link here once it's available.
What to expect
With its new hires in place, Hisense is clearly aiming to further polish its brand. Between Fishler and Larsen, the new front office is bringing to bear their experience from such high-powered competitors as LG, Samsung and Beats. And in a recent interview with Tom's Guide, Larsen emphasized a continued focus on the company's fast turnaround time from concept to market as a key differentiator for Hisense.
As for actual announcements, while you can expect Hisense to tout its strength in appliances and HVAC systems (really), Larsen's aforementioned interview specifically calls out the emerging RGB TV space as a focus. We expect this year's show will be all about explaining the shades of difference between mini and micro LED display technologies, as both Samsung and LG have already thrown down pre-announcement gauntlets on the latter. Will any of them cost less than six figures? Let's hope Hisense has some good news to share on that front.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/how-to-watch-the-hisense-ces-2026-presentation-live-190040090.html?src=rss
