LG will present a home robot named CLOiD at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. With humanoid robotics sure to feature heavily at this year's tech conference, LG has teased its home assistant before a full unveiling in January.
The company says CLOiD's two articulated arms with five individually actuated fingers are designed to help with a variety of household tasks. However, LG has not yet given a specific example of a task CLOiD can handle. We're also not sure what it looks like, because aside from a couple of very close-up images of CLOiD's hands, LG is keeping what the robot looks like under wraps until the show.
LG said CLOiD is part of the company's vision that Zero Labor Home, Makes Quality Time. It said its robot is a step toward a company goal of "freeing customers from the time-consuming demands of housework."
CLOiD's chipset is housed in its head, which also sports a display, speaker, camera and a bevy of sensors meant to enable expressive communication. LG says its new robot is powered by its "Affectionate Intelligence" technology and is designed to interact in a neutral, user-friendly way. It's also designed to refine its responses through repeated interactions with a user.
CES often plays host to proof-of-concept products that offer a window into the future but may not make it to market. It remains to be seen if CLOiD is simply a booth-side attention-getter or something with real potential. Visitors can see CLOiD handle some real-life scenarios at LG's booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/lg-will-show-off-a-humanoid-robot-for-household-chores-at-ces-2026-145411218.html?src=rss
Brazilian regulators have reached a settlement with Apple after a yearslong investigation into the company's App Store fee practices as well as its policies against third-party app stores. As first reported by Brazilian tech site tecnoblog, the nation's Administrative Council of Economic Defense (CADE) said it has accepted Apple's proposed agreement that will address claims of anticompetitive practices.
The agreement will allow for third-party payment processing methods for in-app purchases and reins in Apple's anti-steering efforts by allowing links to external websites for transactions. The settlement requires that these payment options be shown next to Apple's own. Apple must also allow third-party app stores to be installed on its devices, though the company is allowed to display warnings to users if they are written in a neutral and objective way.
A new fee structure has also been agreed to, with Apple applying no fee if users are directed to outside payment methods in a text-only way. The use of a clickable link or button for an external payment option will incur a 15 percent fee. Purchases made within Apple's App Store will still be subject to a 10 percent or 20 percent commission. Developers using Apples payment system would also be subject to a 5 percent transaction fee.
Additionally a 5 percent "Core Technology Fee" would be levied against all app downloads from third-party app stores. This new structure bears similarities to policy and fee changes made after the EU passed its Digital Markets Act, with Apple allowing third-party app stores and external purchases subject to varying fees.
Apple will have 105 days to comply under the new agreement and could face fines of up to $27 million for failure to implement the changes. The iPhone maker has been facing mounting pressure from regulators worldwide over its anti-steering practices and was recently handed a $587 million fine by the EU for violating its Digital Markets Act. Apple is appealing the fine. In the US, Apple has been embroiled in a court battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games over commissions on purchases that take place on third-party payment platforms.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-allow-third-party-app-stores-and-payment-processing-in-brazil-135114824.html?src=rss
Losing AirPods happens to the best of us. Theyre small, they slide into couch cushions and they love disappearing into bags or pockets when you least expect it. Luckily, Apples Find My system makes it easy to track down misplaced AirPods, whether you dropped the case somewhere or cant find one of the individual earbuds. With the right settings enabled, your iPhone can show the last place they were connected, play a sound to help you hunt them down or even guide you with on-screen directions. Heres how to use Find My to locate lost AirPods and how to track down the left or right earbud if only one has gone missing.How to use Find My to locate AirPodsIf your AirPods are paired with an Apple device linked to your Apple ID, they automatically appear in the Find My app. You dont need to enable this manually, but you do need Bluetooth turned on during regular use so the system can refresh their location.Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and go to the Devices tab. Your AirPods should appear in the list. If theyre online or recently connected to your device, Find My will show their current location on a map. If theyre offline, the app will show the last place they were detected, which can help narrow down where to start searching.For many people, this alone is enough to jog a memory. Find My might show your gym, a friends house or the bus stop where they slipped out of your pocket. If the location seems familiar, head there first and refresh the app once you arrive so it can update if the AirPods reconnect.If Find My says your AirPods are nearby but you still cant see them, you can make them play a locating sound. Tap Play Sound in the device menu and the earbuds will emit a rising chirp that gets louder over a few seconds. This is especially helpful for finding AirPods hiding under blankets, inside bags or behind furniture.Keep in mind that AirPods need enough battery to make noise, and the charging case itself cannot play sound unless you have AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3 that support that feature. If nothing plays, try refreshing the app or checking the last location again.AirPods models, like the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) and AirPods Pro (3rd gen) with MagSafe charging cases support Precision Finding. This feature uses the U1 chip inside your iPhone to show a directional arrow, distance estimate and haptic feedback as you get closer. Not all models have this feature, but if yours do, the Find My app will display a Find Nearby button.Follow the on-screen prompts and slowly rotate your phone. The iPhone will show when youre walking in the right direction and tell you when youre close enough to start looking under cushions or inside drawers.How to locate individual AirPodsAirPods have a habit of separating from each other, and losing only the left or right earbud may happen as frequently as misplacing the entire case. One of the most useful features in Find My is the ability to track each earbud individually. Heres how to do it:Locate your AirPods in the Find My app and select the option to locate the Left or Right earbud.Select the earbud thats missing. The map will update to show its location. If the missing bud has nearby location support, you can use Find Nearby to get directional guidance. If not, you can still use Play Sound, as long as it has enough battery.If Find My shows your lost earbud as Offline, youll still see its last known location. This can be enough to help you retrace your steps. Once you get within Bluetooth range again, the status may change to Online and let you use Play Sound.If you think the earbud is still somewhere in your home, try refreshing Find My while walking slowly from room to room. The device may reconnect once you get close enough.How to find a missing AirPods caseFinding the AirPods case is a little trickier because only newer models have support for sound playback or Precision Finding. If your case supports Find My, youll see options similar to locating the earbuds themselves. If it doesnt, the app will only show the last place the case was connected.If your earbuds are in the case but the case is not supported by Find My, you may not be able to play sound until you open it or pull one of the earbuds out.Find My is a powerful tool for tracking down misplaced AirPods, and knowing how to use all of its features makes the search much easier. Whether youre trying to find the entire set, one stray earbud or a case that wandered off, the app can lead you back to them with sound alerts, location markers and even directional guidance on supported models. With a few minutes of searching, youll usually have your AirPods back in your ears and your music playing again.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/how-to-find-lost-airpods-120000144.html?src=rss
Xiaomi just launched its flagship 17 Ultra by Leica phone that may make you feel bad about your current device's cameras. Naturally it's a spec monster, with a 1-inch sensor 50MP f/1.67 main camera and 1/1.4-inch 200MP periscope telephoto camera. But it also offers an interesting new mechanical feature: a manual zoom ring that also activates the camera automatically when you rotate it.
Both the regular Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leica edition come with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, along with a 6.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display that can hit up to 3,500 nits of peak brightness. On top of the impressive main and telephoto lenses, they also offer a 50MP ultrawide and a 50MP selfie camera. And battery life shouldn't be an issue, thanks to the 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 90 watt wired and 50 watt wireless charging.
Xiaomi
The 17 Ultra by Leica adds some very, well Leica touches. Those include a two-tone finish, red dot status symbol on front, textured edges and film simulations like Leica's Monopan 50 black and white. As for the zoom ring, Xiaomi says "its rotation [eliminates] the need for tedious screen taps... and can detect displacements as small as 0.03mm." It can also be reprogrammed for functions like exposure compensation and manual focus.
Other features unique to that model include a "Leica Moments" 3:2 aspect ratio, special encryption chip, and dual-satellite connection. And as befits a special edition, it comes in a custom box with a lens cap, lanyard, magnetic case and branded cleaning cloth.
The one caveat is the price. Where phones for the Chinese market are often cheaper than North American models, Xiaomi's 17 Ultra by Leica and the regular 17 Ultra start at CNY 7,999 ($1,140) and CNY 6,999 ($995) respectively with 512GB or storage and 16GB of RAM right up there with the latest high-end Pixel 10 and Galaxy 25 models. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/xiaomis-17-ultra-leica-edition-smartphone-comes-with-a-manual-zoom-ring-093502893.html?src=rss
Setting up a PS5 for a child means you can offer an age-appropriate and safe platform for them to play. Sony made its parental control tools more comprehensive in recent years and they allow families to manage screen time, block unsuitable content, guide online interactions and approve purchases. The process is straightforward once the right menus are in view, but it helps to understand how each feature works before handing over the controller.
The system uses individual accounts for each family member, and these accounts determine what a child can access. A parent or guardian assigns restrictions to the childs profile and the console enforces them more consistently than earlier PlayStation systems. The process begins with creating a child account, then linking it to the Family Management section of the adult account, and finally adjusting controls on the console itself.
Create a child account through Family Management
A child account is required before you can use any parental controls. This account is linked to the family managers PlayStation account and cannot be converted into an adult account until the child reaches the appropriate age under local regulations.
From the PS5 Home screen, navigate to Settings, Family and Parental Controls then choose Family Management. The system will request the family managers password before any changes can be made. Select Add Family Member and choose Add a Child. The console generates a QR code that opens a secure PlayStation webpage on a phone or browser. This page guides the setup process and ties the new account to the family group.
The form asks for the childs date of birth first. Sony uses this to assign default age restrictions and to determine which features are allowed. A small credit card charge may be requested to verify the adults identity. The next steps involve entering an email address for the child, creating a password and selecting basic settings for content access, communication and spending. The child account must then be verified through a link sent to the provided email address. This ensures the account can use PlayStation Network features including any future purchases through the PlayStation Store.
Once complete, the new profile appears in the Family Management list on the PS5. This profile is now ready for fine-tuning.
Manage parental controls on the console
The PS5 keeps all parental controls in Family and Parental Controls within the main Settings menu. This section is organized into Playtime Settings, Content Restrictions, Communication and User-Generated Content and Spending controls. Each area can be adjusted separately for every child account in the family group.
How to set limits on playtime
Playtime controls help set boundaries for gaming sessions. Select the childs profile, then open Playtime Settings. Limits can be set by total daily hours or by specific time windows. The console can be configured to notify the child when time is nearly up, or to log them out automatically once the limit is reached. These settings apply across the childs account, so they remain active even if the child switches between PS5 consoles in the same household.
Parents can choose how strictly the system enforces these rules. For example, the console can continue to display warnings without blocking gameplay or it can stop activity when the allotted time ends. Playtime reports can also be viewed through the family managers PlayStation account or the PS App.
How to restrict content based on age ratings
Sonys content filters are based on age ratings from the ESRB in the United States and equivalent regional boards in other countries. In Family Management, select the childs profile and then select Parental Controls. Here, parents can set an age level for games. Titles above this level will not launch without approval from the family manager.
Blu-ray and DVD content can also be restricted and the system browser can be disabled entirely. If the family uses services that stream movies or TV shows through the console, those apps often apply their own content filters, but the PS5 can serve as a first line of control.
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How to manage communication and online interactions
Online communication can be limited to prevent unwanted contact. In Parental Controls, select Communication and User-Generated Content. This area controls messaging, voice chat, profile sharing and the ability to see or share player-created media such as screenshots and video clips.
Online play can also be adjusted. For younger kids, it may be helpful to block online multiplayer entirely until they better understand online etiquette and safety. For older children, communication can be limited to friends only. The PS5 respects these limits across all supported games.
How to set spending limits for purchases
A child account cannot use payment cards directly, but it can spend funds from the family managers wallet. Spending limits can be set in the childs profile under Family Management. Parents can choose a monthly spending cap or block purchases altogether. Any attempt to exceed the limit requires approval from the family manager.
This feature covers games, add-ons, subscriptions and in-game currency. It ensures surprises on the credit card are less likely, especially in titles that promote quick digital purchases.
How to sign your child into the PS5
Once controls are set, the child can be added as a user on the console. Return to the home screen and select the user icon to switch users. Choose Add User, then select Get Started. Sign in using the child accounts email address and password.
The console guides the profile setup process and prompts for an online ID, avatar and privacy preferences. These steps help personalise the childs space on the PS5. The system may request a locally created passcode that prevents access to parental controls without the family managers approval. This passcode should be unique and not shared with the child.
After setup is complete, the child will see a version of the PS5 tailored to the restrictions applied. Games that exceed the assigned age rating will appear with a lock icon and the console will block any actions that the family manager has limited.
Use the PS App and PlayStations online tools for ongoing management
Playtime and permissions can be managed remotely through Sonys PS App or the PlayStation website. This makes it easier to adjust rules without taking over the TV. The app also provides notifications when playtime is running low or when the child attempts to access restricted content.
Sonys Family Management tools synchronise across devices. Changes made from a phone appear on he PS5 within seconds. This helps maintain consistent rules, especially in homes with more than one console.
A child-ready PS5 is more than a restriction tool. It creates a safer environment for learning how to navigate digital spaces, interact with friends and handle screen time. Sonys updated controls take much of the pressure off parents by enforcing rules in predictable ways that are difficult to bypass. Once everything is configured, the child can enjoy the consoles library while staying within the boundaries that support healthy gaming habits.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/how-to-set-up-a-ps5-for-a-child-160039866.html?src=rss
Upgrading to the Switch 2 is a big step forward, thanks to the larger screen, new features and improved performance. But shifting to a new console naturally raises the question of what happens to all your games and save data on the one you already have. Thankfully, Nintendo has built a clear System Transfer process that lets you move your account, digital purchases, save files and other key data from your original Switch to the Switch 2. If you prepare ahead of time, you can be back to playing your favorite titles on new hardware in minutes.Well walk you through everything you need to know, including what transfers, how to start the process and what to check once youre set up. Before you transfer: A quick checklistRunning through these steps first will save you time later:Charge your original Switch and your Switch 2, and keep them near each other.Connect to a stable Wi-Fi connection, as this is required to verify your Nintendo Account and manage redownloads.Update your original Switch by installing the latest system software so the transfer can run without interruptions.Confirm your Nintendo Account is linked, and each user you want to move is tied to a Nintendo Account.Most Switch titles work on Switch 2, but a few may have issues, so its worth checking Nintendos compatibility list ahead of time.Back up screenshots and videos if needed. These should transfer, but it never hurts to have your own copy.How to start the transfer of data from your old Switch to the Switch 2With your original Nintendo Switch to hand, navigate to System Settings, select Users then select Transfer Your User & Save Data. Pick the user profile you want to move, confirm your Nintendo Account information and follow the on-screen prompts.Power on your Switch 2 and go through the initial setup. When the console asks if you want to transfer data from another system, select Start System Transfer. Make sure both consoles are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and remain powered on during the process.Once the Switch 2 detects your original console, it will guide you through pairing the systems for the transfer. After the connection is established the original Switch will begin sending your user information, save data and settings.When the transfer is complete, your new console will automatically log in using your Nintendo Account. Your digital games will appear in the Redownload section of the eShop so you can pull them onto your Switch 2 as needed.What to do after your transfer is completeOnce everything has moved to the Switch 2, there are a few final steps that help round out the process. You can redownload your digital games from the eShop and start reinstalling your favorites. Any controllers, Joy-Con or Bluetooth accessories you used with your original console will need to be paired again (provided they are Switch 2-compatible accessories), which only takes a minute. Its also a good time to update your games to their latest versions and restore any parental controls or family group settings you had before. When youre confident that all your data has transferred and everything is working as expected, you can then decide whether to keep your old console, hand it down or perform a factory reset if you plan to sell it.What data transfers to the Switch 2Nintendos System Transfer moves everything tied to your Nintendo Account, including digital games youve purchased, save data, user profiles, parental controls, system settings and screenshots and video captures. Your Nintendo Switch Online membership moves as well, and youll be able to immediately re-download your digital games on the Switch 2 once the transfer completes. Physical Switch game cards also work on the new console, though some titles may require patches or updates for the best performance. Nintendo has noted that a small number of older games may have temporary compatibility issues, but these are being reviewed.What data doesnt transfer automaticallyA few settings wont carry over on their own, so you may need to handle them manually once your Switch 2 is set up. Bluetooth pairing for controllers or headphones will need to be reconnected, since those device links stay tied to the original console. Your Wi-Fi passwords also wont transfer, so youll have to sign in to your home network again. Some game-specific preferences, as well as language or region settings, may require another quick adjustment on the Switch 2, but these are simple to reconfigure and only take a few moments.Troubleshooting and other things to considerIf you run into issues while getting settled, a few common scenarios are worth keeping in mind. Some older titles may have temporary compatibility problems on the new console, so if a game behaves unexpectedly, check Nintendos updated compatibility list for known issues. You may also notice slower download speeds as the Switch 2 queues up your full library after the transfer. It helps to prioritize the games you want to play first so they can download ahead of the rest. Storage can also play a role. If you use a microSD card, wait until the system transfer is complete before inserting it into the new console, since the Switch 2 may need to reformat the card. And finally, dont reset your old Switch right away. Keeping it powered on and accessible ensures you can confirm that all your saves and data made it across safely.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/how-to-transfer-your-games-to-the-nintendo-switch-2-130000702.html?src=rss
Christmas Day famously belongs to football. This Dec. 25, there are three NFL games to watch: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders, the Detroit Lions vs. the Minnesota Vikings, and the Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs. Here's what you need to know about Thursday's football slate, and the rest of the Week 17 schedule.
How to watch the NFL Christmas Day games:
Date: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Start times: 1 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, 8:15 PM ET
TV channels: N/A
Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
2025 Christmas Day NFL game slate:
Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Cowboys vs. Commanders: 1 p.m. (Netflix)
Lions vs. Vikings: 4:30 p.m. (Netflix)
Broncos vs. Chiefs: 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
Where to stream football this Christmas:
NFL Week 17 schedule:
All times Eastern.
Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Cowboys vs. Commanders: 1 p.m. (Netflix)
Lions vs. Vikings: 4:30 p.m. (Netflix)
Broncos vs. Chiefs: 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
Texans vs. Chargers: 4:30 p.m. (NFL Net, NFL+)
Ravens vs. Packers: 8:00 p.m. (Peacock)
Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025
Steelers vs. Browns: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Patriots vs. Jets: 1:00 p.m.(FOX)
Seahawks vs. Panthers: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Cardinals vs. Bengals: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Jaguars vs. Colts: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Buccaneers vs. Dolphins: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Saints vs. Titans: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Eagles vs. Bills: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Giants vs. Raiders: 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
Bears vs. 49ers: 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Monday, Dec. 29, 2025
Rams vs. Falcons: 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/2025-christmas-day-nfl-games-how-to-watch-full-streaming-schedule-and-more-233022362.html?src=rss
Steam is experiencing an outage thats impacting users ability to access the game store and play games online. Valve hasnt acknowledged the outage publicly, but SteamDBs unofficial Steam Status page reports that the Steam Store, Steam Community, and Steam Web APIs are all offline.DownDetector received over 6,000 outage reports around 1:15PM ET, and Steam is also inaccessible from Valves mobile apps. The outage appears to be affecting APIs for Valves online games, like Team Fortress 2, Dota 2 and Counterstrike 2, as well.Steams last major outage was in October, when the store and online services were unavailable for an hour. Earlier in September, the launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong temporarily took down Steam, the Xbox Store and Nintendos eShop due to how many people tried to download the game at the same time.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/steam-and-valves-online-games-are-down-191033978.html?src=rss
Back in November, Sony started selling PS5 consoles at a $100 discount as part of a Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion. The deal officially sunsets at 3AM ET, so now is a good time to bite the bullet on a gaming console given that prices aren't likely to go down anytime soon.
You can pick up a regular disc-based PS5 for $450 and a digital model for $400. The beefy PS5 Pro is available for $650. All of these deals are active on Amazon, but also directly from Sony.
If the costs here still sound a bit high, that's because Sony raised console prices by $50 back in August. In other words, these $100 discounts are pretty much $50 discounts when factoring in that recent increase. Still, cheaper is cheaper. This puts the digital PS5 at the same price as an Xbox Series S and the disc-based version at the same price as a Switch 2.
Both standard PS5 configurations won't arrive until December 28. The PS5 Pro, however, is available for same-day shipping if you're jonesing for one last holiday gift.
The PS5 has a fairly large stable of exclusive titles made by Sony-owned studios. These include games like Horizon Forbidden West, Astro Bot, Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yotei.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/todays-the-last-day-to-get-100-off-the-ps5-and-ps5-pro-181454333.html?src=rss
