This 2TB external game drive from Seagate is at its lowest price and officially-licensed for PlayStation consoles.
The post Seagate 2TB Hard Drive for PlayStation Returns to Nearly Free Per TB Pricing as Amazon Blows Out Remaining Stock appeared first on Kotaku.
Facebook and Instagram users in the UK will soon be offered paid subscriptions that remove ads. In the coming weeks, those over the age of 18 can pay £3 ($4) per month on the web, or £4 ($5) per month when using Meta’s iOS or Android apps. If you’re wondering why the mobile version is more expensive, Meta blames that on fees levied by Apple and Google in their respective app stores.
A no-ads subscription will apply to any Facebook and Instagram account added to a Meta Accounts Center, which is what Meta uses to let users connect various Meta logins on its different platforms. Any additional account listed in a user’s Accounts Center will automatically gain their own subscription for an extra £2 ($3) per month on the web or £3 ($4) per month for iOS and Android. Anyone who chooses to decline Meta’s offer will continue to see ads on its free platforms as normal, and can still use Ad Preferences to choose which ads they would prefer to see more or less of.
Meta says the change is a response to new regulatory “consent or pay” guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), whereby users are given the choice between consenting to an organization using their data to personalize ads, or paying to avoid it. Meta previously introduced a similar change for its EU users, offering an ad-free subscription option for €10 ($11), but was fined €200 million by the European Commission for allegedly failing to comply with its stricter Digital Markets Act (DMA) laws. The company later offered a revised, cheaper, ad-free plan that was still being assessed by the EC earlier this year.
Meta praised the ICO for its “constructive approach” to personalised ads, which it insists provide the best experience for both its users and businesses, and criticised EU regulators for continuing to “overreach” with its privacy regulations. As reported by Bloomberg, digital advertising accounted for around 97 percent of Meta’s revenue in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/meta-announces-paid-subscriptions-for-both-instagram-and-facebook-in-the-uk-140913304.html?src=rss
The openSUSE project is nearing the release of Leap 16, its
first major release since openSUSE Leap 15
in May 2018. This release brings some changes to the
core of the distribution aside from the usual software upgrades; YaST has been retired,
SELinux has replaced AppArmor as the default mandatory access control
(MAC) system, and more. If all goes according to plan, Leap 16
final should be released in early October, with planned support
through 2031.
PlayStation keeps making more money as it keeps raising prices
The post PS5 Is Sony’s Most ‘Successful’ Console Generation Ever And It’s Not Even Close appeared first on Kotaku.
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If you’re in the market for a solid mid-range model that vacuums, mops, and has plenty of hands-free cleaning features, the Eufy Robot Vacuum + Mop Omni C20 is a great option, and it’s currently 46% off on Amazon, marking its lowest price ever according to price tracking tools.
The Omni C20 has an auto-empty dustbin, and while the mop heads are not washed with hot water, they are automatically cleaned and dried with room-temperature air. This makes the cleaning process low-maintenance, but it does take a bit longer than heated drying systems. It features dual rotating mop pads with 180 rotations per minute and 6N of pressure, while the vacuum function delivers 7,000Pa suction with both a rolling brush and a side brush that better pick up debris, fur, and crumbs. While 7,000Pa performs well for everyday use, it may not pick up embedded dirt and debris on carpeting as effectively, sometimes requiring multiple passes. Still, it’s considered one of the best robot mops of 2025, according to PCMag.
It only supports 2.4 GHz wifi, and while battery life is advertised at around 132 minutes on a single charge, it receives mixed reviews on Amazon. Some users say it needs more frequent charging compared to brands like Dreame, and also takes longer to recharge (around three hours). However, unlike Dreame and some other competitors, the C20’s slim height of 3.35 inches allows it to fit under low-profile furniture and get into tight spaces, so you don’t have to struggle to manually reach tough spots like under beds and couches.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a sub-$400 robot vacuum that also mops, your home has mostly hard floors with low clutter, and you’re seeking the convenience of automation over top-tier performance and AI features, the Eufy Robot Vacuum + Mop Omni C20 is a solid option.
Digital ID will be mandatory in order to work in the UK, as part of plans to tackle illegal migration. From a report: Sir Keir Starmer said the new digital ID scheme would make it tougher to work in the UK illegally and offer “countless benefits” to citizens. However, opposition parties argued the proposals would not stop people crossing the Channel in small boats.
The prime minister set out his plans in a broader speech to a gathering of world leaders, in which he said it had been “too easy” for people to work illegally in the UK because the centre-left had been “squeamish” about saying things that were “clearly true.”
Addressing the Global Progressive Action Conference in London – attended by politicians including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney – Sir Keir said it was time to “look ourselves in the mirror and recognise where we’ve allowed our parties to shy away from people’s concerns.”
“It is not compassionate left-wing politics to rely on labour that exploits foreign workers and undercuts fair wages,” he said. “The simple fact is that every nation needs to have control over its borders. We do need to know who is in our country.”
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
PostgreSQL 18 open-source RDBMS brings 3× faster I/O, easier upgrades, OAuth 2.0 authentication, and new developer tools.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is already available on Amazon, and you can pick up select color and case combos for $10 less than Apple’s base price. The newest generation of Apple’s smartwatch was just revealed this month at the company’s iPhone 17 event in Cupertino.
The Series 11 packs some new features like 5G connectivity on cellular models, a more scratch-resistant screen, new sleep features, improved battery life and a hypertension alert system that just received FDA clearance. The GPS-only version is our top pick for Best Apple Watch in 2025.
In our hands-on review, we gave the Apple Watch Series 11 a score of 90 out of 100, noting its thin and light design, the excellent battery life, a nifty new wrist-flick gesture and its comprehensive approach to health and fitness monitoring. It is relatively pricey however, and the Watch SE 3 is probably enough for most users, but the Series 11 has a brighter and larger display, a thinner design, longer battery life and more advanced health features.
For anyone who hasn’t bought a new Apple Watch in a few years, the Series 11 is a worthy upgrade. If you’re in the market for your first Apple Watch, then this model would be a great one to start with. If you’re rocking a Series 10, then you probably don’t need to upgrade now unless the improved battery life will mean that much to you.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is available on Amazon in all sizes, colors and connectivity options. There are a few case color and band combinations that are $10 off Apple’s base price.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-watch-series-11-models-are-already-on-sale-at-amazon-135020611.html?src=rss
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a new requirement for all working adults in the country to carry a digital identification called the Brit Card. In practice, the Brit Card will be based on the One Login infrastructure already used by the UK government.
Supporters of the plan say digital ID cards can ensure that people have the right to work in the UK, and thus could help crack down on illegal immigration and exploitative employment schemes. “It will send a clear message that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to work, deterring people from making these dangerous journeys,” Starmer’s office wrote bluntly in the announcement. The UK government also plans to have an “outreach programme, including face-to-face support” for those “who aren’t able to use a smartphone” or those who “aren’t as experienced with the digital world, like the homeless and older people.”
The announcement claims the scheme will use “state-of-the-art encryption and authentication technology” and that “digital credentials will be stored directly on people’s own device.” However, critics say the IDs may infringe on civil liberties by requiring citizens to give the government additional personal information. They also raise concerns about how the administration plans to protect all those sensitive details from misuse or theft.
“No system is immune to failure, and we have seen time and again governments and tech giants fail to protect people’s personal data,” said David Davis, a Conservative MP and former cabinet minister. “If world-leading companies cannot protect our data, I have little faith that Whitehall would be able to do better.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/uk-announces-plans-for-digital-id-cards-133833359.html?src=rss
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With this live blog, you can keep up with the best deals the Lifehacker team finds every day, all in one place. Bookmark this page to keep an eye on what we’re finding. As always, we use price-tracking tools to suss out the deals that are actually worth paying attention to, not just hype designed to instill a false sense of urgency.
Forefront kicks off its open beta in two weeks for the 32-player Battlefield-style FPS.
Developed by Triangle Factory, Forefront will host open beta testing from October 9 until October 20. Compared to last month’s open alpha, this features a new map, a new mode, more vehicles, plus additional weapons and gadgets. Though the alpha test was only for Quest 3 and 3S, the studio confirmed that this upcoming beta will also support Quest 2 and SteamVR.
More details on how to join the beta test will be available soon and, much like before, this upcoming beta test should not be confused with the early access launch later this year. Alongside the wider Meta Quest platform and PC VR via Steam, Forefront will also launch on Pico.
Originally announced in March, Forefront is a 16v16 VR shooter that splits each team into four-person squads. This promises expansive maps with semi-destructible environments, over 20 types of weapons, and 10 different vehicles covering land, air, and sea. Four classes can be selected with unique abilities, while two gameplay modes will be available at launch.
It’s a notably different approach to Triangle Factory’s previous game, Breachers, a tactical 5v5 shooter reminiscent of Rainbow Six Siege and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. After launching in 2023 at $29.99, the studio announced earlier this week that it’s getting a permanent price reduction across all platforms to $19.99.
Forefront targets an early access launch “later this fall” on Quest, Steam, and Pico. A full release will follow in 2026.
Save up to $91 for a limited time on the Kingston NV3 SSD internal drive at Amazon.
The post Amazon Clears Out 4.8-Star Kingston SSD in All Capacities at Record Low, Cheaper Than Samsung or Crucial appeared first on Kotaku.
The
Microsoft and ASUS first revealed the ROG Xbox Ally handheld PC gaming line back in June and promised an October 16 launch date back in August. But they waited all the way until Thursday night to reveal preorder pricing set at $599.99 for the base ROG Xbox Ally hardware and a whopping $999.99 for the souped-up ROG Xbox Ally X.
Those prices put the baseline ROG Xbox Ally units in the same general price tier as competition like Valve’s Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo’s Legion Go S, and even Nintendo’s Switch 2. But the higher-grade ROG Xbox Ally X is significantly more expensive than almost all competing gaming handhelds, thanks in part to components like a Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and an NPU that Asus says will ensure it is ready for a future when “AI enhancements” are rolling out in new games.
That may seem like overkill when Steam Deck users seem content using their handheld mainly for low-end games like Vampire Survivors and Hades. But Asus said that, in pre-release hardware tests, the ROG Xbox Ally X gets “up to a 30% performance boost” over 2024’s ROG Ally X on high-end games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The newer hardware also gets “up to twice the battery life” over the ROG Ally X on a game like Hollow Knight Silksong, Asus said.
You can save big today on a new Roomba. The flagship Roomba Max 705 + AutoEmpty dock, which launched in April, is available for $320 off. The robovac, which typically costs $899, is on sale for $579. Enter our exclusive code ENG320 at checkout to snag the deal.
iRobot says the Roomba Max 705 offers 180 times the suction power of its budget Roomba 600. The high-end model has dual multi-surface rubber brushes with an anti-tangle design. That could be especially handy for pet owners.
The robovac includes an edge-sweeping brush to handle corners and edges. There’s also a feature called Carpet Boost that automatically increases suction when it reaches carpet. And it uses LiDAR for precision navigation and obstacle avoidance.
The AutoEmpty dock lives up to its name, allowing the vacuum to dump its own debris automatically. iRobot says it can do that for up to 75 days before you need to manually empty the dock.
This model doesn’t mop, which may be harder for some to justify at its typical $899. But for $579, a high-powered vacuum with an auto-emptying dock starts to look more sensible. Just remember that code: ENG320.
If you’re looking for something more affordable (but with a different feature set), there’s the Roomba Plus 405 Combo. Although its suction isn’t as powerful as the aforementioned 705 model, this one does mop. Its AutoWash dock supports up to 45 days of auto-emptying and four weeks of mopping and pad washing before requiring your attention.
The iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo robot + AutoWash dock typically retails for $799. With our code ENG320, you can have it for $479.
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When a home security camera drops to half its price, it usually means you’re giving up something in return. With the Blink Mini 2, that’s not the case. It’s currently $19.99 on Amazon, down from $39.99, which is the lowest price it’s ever been, according to price trackers.
For a camera that can be used indoors or outdoors (with a $9.99 weather-resistant power adapter, sold separately or bundled), that’s compelling. The Mini 2 is tiny (just two inches square) but packs a 143-degree field of view, more than the first-gen model’s 110 degrees. During the day, the 1080p video looks crisp and colorful. At night, it offers both black-and-white infrared and color vision thanks to a built-in LED spotlight. The color mode isn’t perfect (hues aren’t as vibrant as daylight footage), but it gives more detail than plain grayscale.
Blink leaned into small upgrades with the Mini 2 that make a noticeable difference. The custom-built chip inside allows features such as smart notifications and person detection, so the camera can tell whether it spotted a person, package, or pet. The catch is you’ll need a subscription for that. The Blink Basic Plan runs $3.99 per month per camera ($39.99 annually) and gives you 60 days of video history, smart alerts, activity zones, and extended live streams. The Plus Plan, at $11.99 monthly ($119.99 annually), covers unlimited cameras. Without a plan, you’re limited to live viewing, unless you pick up a Sync Module 2 ($49.99) and an SD card for local storage.
The Blink Mini 2 also fits neatly into smart homes, at least if you use Alexa. It supports voice commands and IFTTT integrations, but not Google Home or Apple HomeKit. That could be a deal breaker if you’re invested in those platforms. Setup is straightforward through the Blink’s companion app, and you can adjust everything from motion sensitivity to light brightness within the settings. Performance is solid for the price, but reviews note black-and-white night footage isn’t as sharp as competing budget cameras like the TP-Link Tapo C120 or Eufy Indoor Cam. Still, for $19.99, you’re getting flexible placement, decent video quality, and features that usually live behind higher price tags.
Longtime Slashdot reader hackingbear writes: President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that he says will allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States in a way that meets national security concerns. Trump’s order will enable an American-led of group of investors to “buy the app” (up to 80% ownership) from China’s ByteDance, though the deal is not yet finalized and also requires China’s approval. However, much about the deal is still unknown. So, did the U.S. successfully snatch TikTok from ByteDance? It is probably up to individual’s interpretation.
As with any deals between U.S. and China, the devil is in the details. According Shen Yi, an internet influencer and a professor at Shanghai’s Fudan University, what the U.S. investor will eventually take control of is an entity known as TikTok U.S. Data Security Company (“USDS”), which is a subsidiary of TikTok U.S. and is exclusively responsible to handle data security in the U.S.. ByteDance will continue, through its U.S. subsidiary “ByteDance TikTok U.S. Company,” to operate business and other related activities (such as e-commerce, advertising for brands, and cross-border commercial activities). It is important to stress that “Byte TikTok U.S. Company” remains 100% owned by ByteDance through its global TikTok subsidiary — this arrangement has not changed. The TikTok algorithm remains the property of ByteDance, only licensed to USDS for use. This point was in fact explicitly clarified by a relevant official of China’s Cyberspace Administration at the press conference following the Madrid talks.
After reaching the TikTok deal, Beijing and Washington are now selling it to their respective domestic audience, each highlighting the part of the deal that it can characterize as a win. Shen’s details are not in conflict with the widely-reported account given by Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, who emphasized “a new board with six American directors out of seven.” Observers can also find the TikTok arrangement being very similar to that of Apple’s iCloud operation in China being run by GCBD (AIPO Cloud (Guizhou) Technology Co. Ltd.) while Apple retain controls of the brand and business.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Welcome to Edition 8.12 of the Rocket Report! We often hear from satellite operators—from the military to venture-backed startups—about their appetite for more launch capacity. With so many rocket launches happening around the world, some might want to dismiss these statements as a corporate plea for more competition, and therefore lower prices. SpaceX is on pace to launch more than 150 times this year. China could end the year with more than 70 orbital launches. These are staggering numbers compared to global launch rates just a few years ago. But I’m convinced there’s room for more alternatives for reliable (and reusable) rockets. All of the world’s planned mega-constellations will need immense launch capacity just to get off the ground, and if successful, they’ll go into regular replacement and replenishment cycles. Throw in the still-undefined Golden Dome missile shield and many nations’ desire for a sovereign launch capability, and it’s easy to see the demand curve going up.
As always, we welcome reader submissions. If you don’t want to miss an issue, please subscribe using the box below (the form will not appear on AMP-enabled versions of the site). Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets, as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar.
Sharp words from Astra’s Chris Kemp. Chris Kemp, the chief executive officer of Astra, apparently didn’t get the memo about playing nice with his competitors in the launch business. Kemp made some spicy remarks at the Berkeley Space Symposium 2025 earlier this month, billed as the largest undergraduate aerospace event at the university (see video of the talk). During the speech, Kemp periodically deviated from building up Astra to hurling insults at several of his competitors in the launch industry, Ars reports. To be fair to Kemp, some of his criticisms are not without a kernel of truth. But they are uncharacteristically rough all the same, especially given Astra’s uneven-at-best launch record and financial solvency to date.
Buying a car in America is usually a hellish experience involving pushy salespeople, mysterious fees, and hours-long financing negotiations. That’s something Carvana aimed to solve with its online used car marketplace when it launched 13 years ago. In this episode, Devindra chats with Carvana Chief Product Officer Dan Gill about how the company moved beyond the flashy marketing of its early car vending machines, and how it’s still trying to perfect the online car buying experience. We also dive into some of the issues the company has faced – including delayed registrations and vehicle issues – and how it’s trying to learn from them.
Hosts: Devindra Hardawar
Guest: Dan Gill
Producer: Ben Ellman
Music: Dale North and Terrence O’Brien
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-how-carvana-is-trying-to-fix-the-broken-car-buying-world-123045020.html?src=rss
