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I recently moved and, before I had a chance to set up my smart plugs again, I found myself turning on my living room lamps manually — I sort of hated it. Reaching, twisting and visiting each one like some Victorian gaslighter felt almost silly to me after having experienced the ease of asking Alexa to “turn on all the lights.” True, there are worse problems, but like all smart home stuff, smart plugs simply make life a bit more convenient and, honestly, a little more fun.In the two years or so that I’ve been testing smart plugs, I’ve come across models that were just plain bad and others that were pretty good. I like TP-Link’s EP25 best of all, but a few others have their advantages — outdoor use, energy monitoring, dual outlets, Matter compatibility — that might make those options better for you. Here are our top picks for the best smart plugs you can buy, along with how to get the most out of your plug once you buy it.

Table of contents

Best smart plugs for 2025

Best outdoor smart plugs for 2025

What to consider when buying a smart plug

How we tested the best smart plugs

Other smart plugs we tested

Smart plug FAQs

Best smart plugs for 2025

The best outdoor smart plugs for 2025

Most people will likely use outdoor plugs for two things: patio lighting and holiday string lights. The devices are designed for the outdoors with a weatherproof protection rating of IP64 or higher, which means they’re impervious to dust and can handle splashing water from rain and sprinklers. They have a longer Wi-Fi range than indoor plugs, for obvious reasons, and many have dual outlets, with individual control over each one.

Setup is the same as for indoor plugs: you’ll use your phone to help the plug find your Wi-Fi using its companion app. The only tricky part is getting your phone within Bluetooth range of the plug (which it uses to initialize setup) and in Wi-Fi range at the same time. I had to awkwardly stand at a triangulated point in the middle of my driveway to get things communicating properly. Once set up, the plugs will communicate using your router for voice and app control and your phone needn’t be anywhere near the plug.

What to consider when buying a smart plug

Before you buy one, it helps to know how a smart plug works best. They are designed for things that have an on/off switch, making them great for turning lamps into smart lights. If you want a plug-in fan to move some air around before you get home, a smart plug can help. You can load a basic coffee maker with grounds and water the night before and wake up to a fresh pot in the morning. And instead of an air purifier running all day, you could set it to just run when you’re away. But gadgets that needs to be programmed further, or requires a stand-by mode, isn’t ideal. If you want to control built-in lights, you’ll need a smart light switch, which are more involved than smart plugs as they can involve in-wall installation. Smart bulbs are also an option for automation, and we have an entire guide devoted to those.

Some smart plugs can even monitor how much energy they use and display those figures within their companion app. That might not be much use on its own, as lamps with LED light bulbs consume very little energy, but it could help you keep tabs on your overall energy consumption.

Setup and use

Adding a smart plug to your home is relatively simple. You’ll use the manufacturer’s app to initially connect, after which you can add the plug to a compatible smart home ecosystem so you can use voice control and other features. Both the brand’s app and your smart home app will let you name the plug, set schedules and program “routines” which provide automation for multiple smart devices at once. But as you can guess, a manufacturer’s app only lets you control products from that brand. If you want whole-home automation, operating, say, a plug from TP-Link’s Kasa, a smart bulb from Philips Hue, a smart thermostat from Honeywell and a camera from Arlo without switching apps, you’ll need to use a smart home platform, which means you’ll need to consider compatibility.

Compatibility

Smart home devices connect through wireless protocols, often using more than one to communicate with your phone, smart speaker, router and in some cases, one another. The majority of smart plugs use Wi-Fi, but some have recently incorporated Matter, a relatively new wireless standard intended to solve integration issues between different brands and manufacturers, while also improving security and reliability.

More of these smart plugs are coming to market and, for now, most Matter devices work via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a low-power mesh network called Thread. Matter requires a controller that stays at home, like a hub or smart speaker, to manage things when you’re out and about.

As for Bluetooth, most plugs, including all Matter plugs, use the short-range protocol to get the device set up for the first time. Some can continue to run on Bluetooth in the absence of another option, but the connection isn’t as reliable and you won’t be able to control the plug when you’re away from home, or perhaps even just on the other side of the apartment.

Because Matter is relatively new, it may be easier to consider the manufacturer’s system you’d use the most. There are four major “branded” smart home platforms: Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, Apple’s HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings. The first two work with the widest range of brands and are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. HomeKit not only limits app access to Apple devices, but it’s also compatible with fewer plugs. You can also turn to open-source software like Home Assistant or go with the larger functionality of IFTTT if you want to, say, have your lights turn off when your Uber arrives. For the purposes of our testing, we stuck with the four big players. Nearly every plug we looked at clearly stated which platforms it works with, both on the packaging and retail product pages.

Of course, there’s no rule that says you have to stick with one home assistant. You might have an Echo Dot in the basement, a HomePod in the living room and a Google Nest Mini in the kitchen, each controlling any compatible devices. My kid has a great time telling Alexa to turn on a light then asking the Google Assistant to turn it back off.

Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Hubs and smart plugs

All of our top picks recommended here don’t require a hub and connect directly to your home’s Wi-Fi router. That means if you already have wireless internet and a smartphone or tablet, you can quite literally plug and play. The exception is Apple’s HomeKit. If you want to pair up a compatible plug with that platform, you’ll need a HomePod speaker, Apple TV or an iPad that stays in your home to enable remote control when you’re away.

Some smart plugs require a hub regardless of which platform you use. For our guide, we focused on the simplicity (and lower cost) of options that work on their own, but hub-dependent devices may make sense in certain situations. Some companies, like Aqara for example, make a vast range of smart home products, adding automatic shades, window sensors, smart locks and air quality monitors to the more traditional cameras and plugs. If you’re going all-in on one brand and plan to get a plethora of connected devices, a hub can keep your Wi-Fi network from getting too crowded and provide a more seamless setup with reliable connectivity.

Sharing

Once a plug is set up with your platform and voice assistant of choice, anyone can control the plug just by talking. If someone else wants to control things with their phone, things get more complicated. Google makes it easiest, allowing you to invite another person just by tapping the + button within the Home app. Whomever you invite will have full access to your connected devices – including cameras – so this is only for people you trust the most.

HomeKit makes it similarly easy to grant app access to someone else, but as with most things Apple, it only works for other iOS users. Amazon only allows you to share access to your Echo, not your connected home devices.

Many smart plug manufacturers allow you to share control through their app by inviting another person via email. But this only grants access to devices of that brand. Hopefully as Matter expands, multi-admin features will become more widespread.

If you get a new Wi-Fi network

Most people will wirelessly connect their smart plugs to their home’s Wi-Fi router. Matter, Z-Wave, Thread and other smart home protocols can work over local networks, but for most setups, the signals telling your plugs what to do will be dispatched through your router. If you happen to get a new one (like I did when it became clear my very basic gateway could not handle the number of smart home devices being tested) you’ll need to take a few steps to get everything reconnected.

Depending on the brand, the steps may simply involve using the plug’s companion app to update your credentials (network name and password). Or it will require deleting the device in the companion app, doing a factory reset (typically by pressing the onboard button for 10 seconds) and setting up the plug like it's brand new. GE Sync and Emporia plugs allow for a credentials update via their apps, others, like TP-Link Kasa and Meross plugs require deletion and a factory reset to get along with your new network. Amazon’s smart plug updates automatically after updating the associated Echo device.

How we tested the best smart plugs

Before we decided which smart plugs to test, we considered brands Engadget staffers have had the best experiences with, both in review capacity and personally. We also checked out other online reviews. We then looked at factors like price, compatibility and relative popularity. I got ahold of ten indoor smart plugs and four outdoor versions from eight manufacturers.

I set up each one using its companion app, then added it to all compatible smart home platforms. Plugging in a cadre of lamps and string lights, I tested the plugs using an iPhone 11, Galaxy S10e, Echo Dot, HomePod mini and Nest Mini. I accessed the plugs via the apps and through voice commands and controlled them in my home and away from it. I programmed schedules and routines and moved the plugs to different outlets, including ones in the basement to gauge range. For the outdoor devices, I plugged them into an outlet in the garage (approximately 85 feet from my Wi-Fi router) and an outlet attached to the back of the house.

Here’s every smart plug tested before settling on our top picks:

The Amazon Smart Plug

Emporia Smart Outlet*

GE Cync Indoor

Wyze Plug

Roku Indoor Smart Plug SE

Belkin Wemo smart plug with Thread

TP-Link Kasa EP25

TP-Link Kasa Ultra Mini EP10

Meross Wi-Fi Dual

TP-Link Kasa KP125M (Matter)

Eve Energy (Matter)

Aqara Smart Plug (hub required)

AmazonBasics Outdoor Smart Plug (outdoor)

Wyze Plug Outdoor (outdoor)

TP-Link Kasa Outdoor EP40A (outdoor)

TP-LINK Outdoor Dimmer KP405 (outdoor)

*Emporia issued a recall on its smart plugs purchased before August 1, 2023 due to a potential fire risk, though no incidents were reported. The plugs have since been updated to resolve the issue and are back on sale. We tested the revised version and recommend it as the energy-monitoring pick.

As new smart plugs are released, we'll continue to try them and update this guide accordingly. We plan to add smart power strips to this guide as well.

Other smart plugs we tested

Meross Matter plug (MSS115)

I wasn’t able to test the Meross Matter plug fully. It requires Wi-Fi splitting, a process that’s certainly possible for the average consumer, but more involved than it should be, considering the more than dozen other plugs I’ve tested don’t require such a step. The plug itself also blocked the other outlet. Meross has an updated version of the Matter device on the way, one that looks to solve both issues and we’ll update this guide accordingly once we’ve had a chance to test it.

Roku Smart Plug

Roku’s smart home gear is basically Wyze equipment with an app and packaging that are more purple. The Roku smart plug performed just fine with both compatible voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant). The companion app doesn’t offer scheduling that revolves around the timing of the sunset in your area, but the plugs go for less than $10 each and if you’ve got a Roku TV or streaming device set up and want to keep everything on-brand, it could be a fit.

Aquara Smart Plug

The Aqara plug requires an Aqara hub. In tests, the connectivity was solid and the companion app allowed for useful if/then automations that can rope in other Aqara devices like locks, window shades, cameras and more. The plug also worked well with voice assistants from Amazon, Google and Apple. As a stand-alone plug, however, it’s tough to recommend the nearly $100 combo to anyone who isn’t planning to get a complete Aqara smart home setup.

Smart plug FAQs

What should you not plug into a smart plug?

Anything with controls that are more complicated than on/off won’t work well with a smart plug. For example, a dimmable lamp with touch controls won’t turn on when the smart plug does. A programmable coffee maker, smart TV, microwave, Instant Pot, robot vacuum — none of these make sense to use with a smart plug as they all require further input from you to start working. Appliances like a lamp with a twist knob, a basic humidifier, a coffee maker with a red-rocker switch are all good options for using with smart plugs.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the wattage and amperage rating of your smart plug. All smart plugs work with 120V outlets, and most are rated to 15A, which should handle even power-hungry appliances like a 1500 watt space heater. But be sure to check that the plug can handle whatever you’re plugging in. It’s also not wise to use a smart plug to automatically turn on appliances that require supervision, like things with heating elements (heaters, curling irons, etc).

What are the disadvantages of a smart plug?

While they’re great when everything is working properly, smart plugs can be frustrating, adding a layer of complication to the simple act of turning on a light, if something goes wrong. For example: If your Wi-Fi goes out, your smart plug won’t work. If the smart plug loses its connection to your router, it won’t work. If you change your Wi-Fi password or provider, you’ll have to re-program your smart plugs. If you forget what you named a particular plug during setup, you may be faced with an irritating conversation with your voice assistant. The best way to avoid some of those problems is to get a plug that works reliably, which is one of the features we considered for this guide.

How much power does a smart plug draw?

Smart plugs don’t draw much more power than whatever you’re plugging into them. True, they remain on standby to await instructions from your smart assistant or other controller, so they’re always using a small amount of power. But if, for example, you set a light to automatically turn off at night, and that light would otherwise stay on unnecessarily, the smart plug will save far more energy than the watt or two extra that it draws.

Do smart plugs use Bluetooth?

Some smart plugs use Bluetooth to connect to your phone during setup. After that, most connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-plug-131542429.html?src=rss

The UK Government has announced a £121 million investment into quantum technologies, a move it says will help “tackle fraud, prevent money laundering, and drive growth”.The government hopes to achieve this by bolstering the UK’s world-leading research programmes, which it says will bring a “range of benefits to working people, including improved healthcare systems and boosted energy efficiency in the grid.”These are the perfect combination of big, impressive promises that are vague enough to evade any real scrutiny, with a budget that seems huge, but will most likely fall seriously short of making any real difference. Will these research projects actually bring about an end to fraud? Well, let’s start by looking at a breakdown of the spending.

An expensive venture

The new investment starts with £46.1 million through Innovate UK, and a further £21.1 million for the National Quantum Computing Centre, including a testbed programme with Innovate UK, to “to accelerate the discovery of more ways that quantum can overhaul how we work and solve problems”.To me, this suggests the government wants more sectors to adopt quantum computing, but it’s not quite sure what for yet.Quantum computing is in its infancy, and its potential is huge, but the British government is pledging hundreds of millions to a solution it hasn’t yet matched to a problem - just to avoid falling behind.These cash injections come alongside a further £10.9 million for the National Physical Laboratory’s quantum measurement programme, in order to encourage more businesses to “make full use of the technology”.Here’s the thing, though: quantum computing in its current form is outrageously expensive. Mass production of quantum computers for commercial use is still, at best guess, years away - and one single mid-range quantum computer (with 50-100 qubits) costs upwards of $1 million, SpinQ estimates.Included in the £121 million figure is £24.6 million in funding from EPSRC for five previously announced research hubs, and £15.1 million spread between 11 Quantum Technology Acceleration Fellowships to help find “more real-world applications for quantum, from drug discovery to disease diagnostics” - yet more potential uses of the new emerging technology.

Great expectations

To be clear, research is always positive, and the government should be establishing public research projects into potential use-cases for quantum computing, an area that has huge potential for public benefit - and if quantum technology can eliminate fraud then that’s fantastic.That being said, at this stage, quantum computing isn’t ready for commercialisation, and it is so expensive that £121 million is just a drop in the ocean for the technology, whereas that funding could be used to make a real, tangible difference elsewhere - like for the nature-friendly farming budget (recently cut by the government), costing the same amount, but protecting 239,000 hectares of land, or the £120 million project to help the UK transition to zero-emissions vehicles - a measurable benefit for the British public.The UK has a well-developed technology sector, but struggles with a serious skills shortage, low wages, and a productivity problem. As great as quantum technology has the potential to be, these underlying issues will taint any new developments until they’re resolved - and the government’s promise to “save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country” with this relatively small cash injection seems like a stretch.For context, it’s estimated that China has invested over $15 billion into public quantum funding, out-spending both the EU ($7.2 billion), and the US ($1.9 billion). To suggest that such a small investment by the UK will simultaneously tackle crime, fraud, and money laundering, as well as delivering thousands of jobs and cementing the UK as a world-leader in quantum is incredibly optimistic, and quite frankly, the money could be used elsewhere.The UK’s current 10 year plan for quantum spending commits just £2.5 billion to development, an investment level likely to be overshadowed by a host of other states. Although investments are needed, without a coherent quantum strategy and guided public policy, these are likely to be lacking.

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The riskiness of AI development results from the fact that modern AI tools are pushing ethical boundaries under the existing legal frameworks that weren’t made to fit them. However, the way regulators choose to proceed in light of this varies greatly between different countries and regions.The recent AI Action Summit in Paris highlighted these regulatory differences. Notably, its final statement focused on matters of inclusiveness and openness in AI development while only broadly mentioning safety and trustworthiness and without emphasizing specific AI-related risks, such as security threats or existential dangers. Drafted by 60 nations, the statement was not signed by either the US or the UK, which shows how little consensus there is in this space.

How different regulators tackle AI risks

Countries and regions differ from each other in how they regulate AI development and deployment. Nonetheless, most fit somewhere between the two poles constituted by the United States at one point of the extreme and the European Union at the other.

The US way: innovate first, regulate later

The United States has no federal-level acts regulating AI in particular; instead it relies on voluntary guidelines and market-based solutions. Key pieces of legislation include the National AI Initiative Act, which aims to coordinate federal AI research, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) voluntary risk management framework.In October 2023, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, establishing standards for critical infrastructure, enhancing AI-driven cybersecurity and regulating federally funded AI projects. However, the US regulatory landscape remains fluid and subject to political shifts. In January 2025, President Trump revoked Biden’s executive order, signaling a potential pivot towards promoting innovation and away from regulation.Criticisms of the US’s approach include its “fragmented nature,” leading to a complex web of rules, “lack of enforceable standards,” and “gaps in privacy protection.” However, the country’s laissez-faire approach to regulating AI may very well change in the future. For instance, in 2024 alone, state legislators introduced almost 700 pieces of AI legislation and there have been multiple hearings on AI in governance, AI and intellectual property, etc. This shows that the US government doesn’t shy away from regulation but is looking for ways of implementing it without compromising too much on innovation.

The EU way: damage-prevention approach

The European Union has taken a very different approach. In August 2024, the European Parliament and Council introduced the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), widely regarded as the most comprehensive piece of AI regulation to date. Employing a risk-based approach, the act imposes the most stringent rules on high-sensitivity AI systems, e.g., those used in healthcare and critical infrastructure, while low-risk applications face only minimal oversight. Certain applications, such as government-run social scoring systems, are explicitly prohibited.Similar to the GDPR, the act mandates compliance not only within the EU’s borders but also from any provider, distributor, or user of AI systems operating in the EU or offering AI solutions to its market (even if the system has been developed outside it). This may pose some challenges for US and other non-EU providers of integrated products. Criticisms of the bloc’s approach include its alleged failure to set a gold standard for human rights, excessive complexity and lack of clarity and highly exacting technical requirements at a time when the EU is seeking to bolster its competitiveness.

Regulatory middle ground

The United Kingdom has adopted a “lightweight” framework somewhere between the EU and the US. The framework is based on certain principles and core values like safety, fairness and transparency. Existing regulators, such as the Information Commissioner's Office, are empowered to implement these principles within their respective domains.In November 2023, the UK founded the AI Safety Institute (AISI), evolving from the Frontier AI Taskforce. AISI is tasked with evaluating the safety of advanced AI models, collaborating with major AI developers to conduct safety tests and promoting international standards. The UK government has also published an AI Opportunities Action Plan, outlining measures to invest in AI foundations, implement cross-economy adoption of AI and foster “homegrown” AI systems. Criticisms of the UK’s approach to AI regulation include limited enforcement capabilities (“all eyes, no hands”), a lack of coordination between sectoral legislation and a lack of a central regulatory authority.Other major countries have also found their own place somewhere on the US-EU spectrum. Canada has introduced a risk-based approach with the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), designed to balance innovation with safety and ethical considerations. Japan has emphasized a “human-centric” approach to AI, publishing guidelines to promote trustworthy development.In China, AI regulation is tightly controlled by the state, with recent laws requiring generative AI models to align with socialist values and undergo security assessments. Australia, meanwhile, has released an AI ethics framework and is exploring updates to its privacy laws to address emerging challenges.

Establishing international cooperation

As AI technology continues to evolve, the differences between regulatory approaches will become even more apparent. Whatever the individual approach certain countries take regarding data privacy, copyright protection and other aspects, a more coherent global consensus on key AI-related risks is badly needed. International cooperation is crucial in establishing baseline standards that both address key risks and foster innovation.Currently, global organizations like the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United Nations and several others are working to establish international standards and ethical guidelines for AI. The path forward requires everyone in the industry to find some common ground. And if we consider that innovation is moving at light speed, the time to discuss and agree is now.

We've listed the best laptop for computer science students.

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Chromebooks have become a go-to choice for students, casual users and anyone who wants a simple, fast and affordable laptop. Powered by Google’s lightweight ChromeOS, these devices are great for web browsing, streaming, word processing and using popular apps like Google Docs or Zoom. Whether you need something for school, work or everyday use, the best Chromebook can offer solid performance, long battery life and a surprisingly premium experience — all without breaking the bank.With so many models to choose from, finding the best Chromebook depends on what you need most: a bright display, solid build quality, tablet-style 2-in-1 features or just the lowest price possible. Here, we’ve collected our top picks for the best Chromebooks you can get right now, all of which have a combination of the most important features anyone would be looking for.

Table of contents

Best Chromebooks in 2025

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

Acer Chromebook Plus 514

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE

Chromebook FAQs

Other Chromebooks we tested

Best Chromebooks in 2025

Chromebook FAQs

What is Chrome OS, and why would I use it over Windows?

This is probably the number one question about Chromebooks. There are plenty of inexpensive Windows laptops on the market, so why bother with Chrome's operating system? Glad you asked. For me, the simple and clean nature of Chrome OS is a big selling point. Chrome OS is based on Google’s Chrome browser, which means most of the programs you can run are web based. There’s no bloatware or unwanted apps to uninstall like you often get on Windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you can completely reset to factory settings almost as quickly.

Of course, simplicity will also be a major drawback for some users. Not being able to install native software can be a dealbreaker if you’re a video editor or software developer. But there are also plenty of people who do the majority of their work in a web browser, using tools like Google Docs and spreadsheets for productivity without needing a full Windows setup.

Google and its software partners are getting better every year at supporting more advanced features. For example, Google added video editing tools to the Google Photos app on Chromebooks – it won’t replace Adobe Premiere, but it should be handy for a lot of people. Similarly, Google and Adobe announced Photoshop on the web last year, something that brings much of the power of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.

Chromebooks can also run Android apps, which greatly expands the amount of software available. The quality varies widely, but it means you can do more with a Chromebook beyond just web-based apps. For example, you can install the Netflix app and save videos for offline watching. Other Android apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly capable as well. Between Android apps and a general improvement in web apps, Chromebooks are more than just portals to a browser.

What do Chromebooks do well?

Put simply, web browsing and really anything web based. Online shopping, streaming music and video and using various social media sites are among the most common daily tasks people do on Chromebooks. As you might expect, they also work well with Google services like Photos, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Keep and so on. Yes, any computer that can run Chrome can do that too, but the lightweight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and stable platform.

As I mentioned before, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so if you’re an Android user you’ll find some nice ties between the platforms. You can get most of the same apps that are on your phone on a Chromebook and keep info in sync between them. You can also use some Android phones as a security key for your Chromebook or instantly tether your 2-in-1 laptop to use mobile data.

Google continues to tout security as a major differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s definitely a factor worth considering. Auto-updates are the first lines of defense: Chrome OS updates download quickly in the background and a fast reboot is all it takes to install the latest version. Google says that each webpage and app on a Chromebook runs in its own sandbox as well, so any security threats are contained to that individual app. Finally, Chrome OS has a self-check called Verified Boot that runs every time a device starts up. Beyond all this, the simple fact that you generally can’t install traditional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer ways for bad actors to access the system.

If you’re interested in Google’s Gemini AI tools, a Chromebook is a good option as well. Every Chromebook in our top picks comes with a full year of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the usual Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 percent back in purchases from the Google Store with a bunch of AI tools. You’ll get access to Gemini in Gmail, Google Docs and other apps, Gemini Advanced (which runs on the 1.5 Pro model) and more. Given that this plan is $20/month, it’s a pretty solid perk. Chromebook Plus models also include tools like the AI-powered “help me write,” the Google Photos Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you can create by filling in a few prompts.

As for when to avoid Chromebooks, the answer is simple: If you rely heavily on a specific native application for Windows or a Mac, chances are you won’t find the exact same option on a ChromeOS device. That’s most true in fields like photo and video editing, but it can also be the case in law or finance. Plenty of businesses run on Google’s G suite software, but more still have specific requirements that a Chromebook might not match. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll also miss out on the way the iPhone easily integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the big downside is not being able to access iMessage on a Chromebook.

Finally, gaming Chromebooks are not ubiquitous, although they’re becoming a slightly more reasonable option with the rise of cloud gaming. In late 2022, Google and some hardware partners announced a push to make Chromebooks with cloud gaming in mind. From a hardware perspective, that means laptops with bigger screens that have higher refresh rates as well as optimizing those laptops to work with services like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Game Pass and Amazon Luna. You’ll obviously need an internet connection to use these services, but the good news is that playing modern games on a Chromebook isn’t impossible. You can also install Android games from the Google Play Store, but that’s not what most people are thinking of when they want to game on a laptop.

What are the most important specs for a Chromebook?

Chrome OS is lightweight and runs well on fairly modest hardware, so the most important thing to look for might not be processor power or storage space. But Google made it easier to get consistent specs and performance late last year when it introduced the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any device with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimum requirements, which happen to be very similar to what I’d recommend most people get if they’re looking for the best laptop they can use every day.

Chromebook Plus models have at least a 12th-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series processor, both of which should be more than enough for most people. These laptops also have a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, which should do the trick unless you’re really pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus models have to have a 1080p webcam, which is nice in these days of constant video calling, and they also all have to have at least a 1080p FHD IPS screen.

Of course, you can get higher specs or better screens if you desire, but I’ve found that basically everything included in the Chromebook Plus target specs makes for a very good experience.

Google has an Auto Update policy for Chromebooks as well, and while that’s not exactly a spec, it’s worth checking before you buy. Last year, Google announced that Chromebooks would get software updates and support for an impressive 10 years after their release date. This support page lists the Auto Update expiration date for virtually every Chromebook ever, but a good rule of thumb is to buy the newest machine you can to maximize your support.

How much should I spend on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks started out notoriously cheap, with list prices often coming in under $300. But as they’ve gone more mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being essentially modern netbooks to some of the best laptops you’ll want to use all day. As such, prices have increased: At this point, you should expect to spend at least $400 if you want a solid daily driver. There are still many Chromebooks out there available at a low price that may be suitable as secondary devices, but a good Chromebook that can be an all-day, every-day laptop will cost more. But, notably, even the best Chromebooks usually cost less than the best Windows laptops, or even the best “regular” laptops out there.

There are plenty of premium Chromebooks that approach or even exceed $1,000 that claim to offer better performance and more processing power, but I don’t recommend spending that much. Generally, that’ll get you a better design with more premium materials, as well as more powerful internals and extra storage space, like a higher-capacity SSD. Of course, you also sometimes pay for the brand name. But, the specs I outlined earlier are usually enough.

See Also:

Best Laptops for 2025

Best Gaming Laptops

Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2025

Best Cheap Windows Laptops

Best Laptops for College Students

Other Chromebooks we tested

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook Plus is one of the more unique Chromebooks out there. It’s extremely thin and light, at 0.46 inches and 2.6 pounds, but it manages to include a 15.6-inch display in that frame. That screen is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and bright, but its 16:9 aspect ratio made things feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Performance is very good, and the keyboard is solid, though I’m not a fan of the number pad as it shifts everything to the left. At $700 it’s not cheap, but that feels fair considering its size and capabilities. If you’re looking for a big screen laptop that is also super light, this Chromebook merits consideration, even if it’s not the best option for everyone.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-chromebooks-160054646.html?src=rss

Car rental giant Hertz confirms suffering a data breachThe attack occurred through Cleo, a file transfer service providerThe threat actors abused a zero-day to get in

Car rental giant Hertz has confirmed suffering cyberattack which saw it lose sensitive customer information.In a data breach notification letter published on its website, the company said that the incident involved Cleo Communications, a software company that provided file transfer services for Hertz “for limited purposes”.The report says an unidentified threat actor exploited a zero-day vulnerability in the Cleo platform to exfiltrate sensitive data in October and December 2024. The attack was spotted in mid-February 2025, prompting an investigation, with the analysis concluding some customer data was taken.

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Hallucinating malware

“We completed this data analysis on April 2, 2025, and concluded that the personal information involved in this event may include the following: name, contact information, date of birth, credit card information, driver’s license information and information related to workers’ compensation claims,” the announcement reads.“A very small number of individuals may have had their Social Security or other government identification numbers, passport information, Medicare or Medicaid ID (associated with workers’ compensation claims), or injury-related information associated with vehicle accident claims impacted by the event.”The exact number of affected individuals is not known at this time, with a company spokesperson saying it would be, “inaccurate to say millions” of customers are affected.The identity of the attackers, or the nature of the breach, is also unknown at this time. It most likely wasn’t a ransomware attack, since it took the company months to realize it was hacked. That being said, this was most likely a simple data smash-and-grab.To mitigate the damages, Hertz is offering two years of identity monitoring and dark web monitoring services to potentially impacted individuals, through Kroll, at no cost.At press time, there was no evidence that the stolen data was misused in any way.Via TechCrunch

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OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 13T will be announced on April 24This initial launch is just for ChinaThe company has also revealed the screen size and colors of the phone

The OnePlus 13T will be announced on April 24, the company has confirmed, although in typical OnePlus fashion you won’t have to wait until then to get an official look at the phone, as it has already been shown off.A short teaser video posted to Chinese social media platform Weibo (via GSMArena) shows the front and back of the OnePlus 13T in full, complete with a flat back, curvy corners, and a choice of gray, pink, or black shades, as you can see below.You can also see that there’s a new button on the side in place of the alert slider we’re used to on OnePlus phones, and the company has previously confirmed that it's a customizable key that sounds similar to the Action button on iPhones.

The OnePlus 13T (Image credit: OnePlus)

A small screen and a big battery

In another post the company revealed that the 13T will have a 6.32-inch screen, and in an earlier teaser OnePlus said its battery would be at least 6,000mAh, which is especially impressive given that the OnePlus 13T sounds fairly compact by modern smartphone standards.That’s all the official news we have, but leaks have suggested that the OnePlus 13T will have a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16GB of RAM, a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto (with 2x optical zoom), and possibly an ultra-wide camera, the specs of which haven’t yet been the subject of leaks or rumors.So this is sounding like an impressive phone – if the price is right. We should have a clearer idea of how good the OnePlus 13T is very soon, although note that, as mentioned, the April 24 announcement is just for China.Hopefully though we won’t be waiting too much longer for a global launch, as it sounds like a promising compact alternative to the OnePlus 13.

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The Switch-compatible version of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 can be pre-ordered now in the USIt's available at Amazon for $69.99In the UK, just the Windows and Android-compatible model is available

Looking to buy a new controller in anticipation for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2? You may want to check out the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, which has just had its pre-orders go live at Amazon US.US shoppers can pre-order the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for $69.99 at Amazon, and the controller is due to ship between April 21 - 28 depending on your location and delivery options.Pre-orders have also been available in the UK for a while; here, you can place an order down for an impressively affordable £49.99 at Amazon.That's a good deal cheaper than its US counterpart. In the UK, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is slated to release on April 25. However, it's worth noting that this model is specifically the Windows and Android-compatible model. No Switch version in this region as of yet.

Pre-order the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is worth considering especially if the lack of Hall effect sticks on the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a factor of disappointment for you. By all accounts, this looks to be an improved version of the Ultimate, which is currently sits atop our best Nintendo Switch controllers guide.UK pre-order price: Amazon - £49.99View Deal

While I've yet to personally test and review the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, it does seem like a straight upgrade over the original 8BitDo Ultimate which still sits as our 'best overall' entry in our best Nintendo Switch controllers buying guide.According to the manufacturer, the Ultimate 2 boasts TMR thumbsticks which are essentially a Hall effect variant that offers even greater precision and longevity. We've also seen TMR sticks employed in the GameSir Tarantula Pro to great effect.If you've already managed to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, then I highly recommend checking out the 8BitDo Ultimate 2. While I thought the Switch 2 Pro Controller was a marked upgrade in my recent hands-on impressions, the Ultimate 2 is slightly cheaper ($69.99 as opposed to $74.99) and is confirmed to have drift-resistant sticks.And of course, if you're sticking with the original Nintendo Switch, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 will be compatible with it as well as PCs and Android devices.

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Metro 2033 was first released on March 16, 2010To celebrate the game's 15th anniversary, its 2014 remake is now free to keep on SteamThe developers have also shared some small details on the next Metro game

Post-apocalyptic first-person shooter Metro 2033 originally released on March 16, 2010. The debut title from developer 4A Games, the game spawned multiple sequels and even a recent VR (virtual reality) spin-off in Metro Awakening.Now, the studio has shared a new blog post to commemorate the game's 15th anniversary. "The legacy and success of Metro over the past decade and a half is something we at 4A Games are incredibly proud of," the post begins. It then reveals that long-time collaborator Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of the Metro book series upon which the games are loosely based, will continue working closely with the studio on "our next Metro title.""It is amazing to see the advancement from the pages of a novel, into a fully realized game, through ever-improving sequels, and now into a global franchise with million of players," it continues. The anniversary will be marked with "events, deals and celebratory content on the Metro social media channels" with fans encouraged to share their fondest memories and favorite moments with the hashtag #Metro15.Originally founded in Ukraine, 4A Games is now headquartered in Silema, Malta - though retains a 150 strong team in Kyiv. In addition to a new Metro game, the studio is currently working on "a brand-new unannounced IP" and wants to assure fans that "work is continuing on both of our projects despite missile strikes, air-raid sirens, and terror still raining down on Ukraine.""These circumstances are incredibly challenging, the situation remains dangerous and not within our control, but we are currently as safe as possible," the post reads. "We want to manage your expectations around the reveal of the next Metro title, it will be ready when it is ready, and we can’t wait for you to see it."With this in mind, I wouldn't expect much more news about the upcoming game any time soon. Still, the post reveals that it will feature "an even darker story" with an emphasis on themes like "conflict, the struggle for power, the horrors of tyranny, and the price of freedom" for a "hard-hitting, political, anti-war" story.If you head over to Steam right now, you are able to claim a free copy of Metro 2033 Redux, the 2014 remaster of Metro 2033, to keep which would be the perfect introduction to the franchise for newcomers. This offer is only available to until April 16, so I would act fast if you want to get your hands on it.

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Android 15 devices require at least 32GB of storageThis is double the previous requirementThey also require the ability to share emergency contacts with emergency services

If you’re reading this site then – as a tech fan – there’s a good chance your phone has 128GB of storage or more, but that’s not true of all handsets. In fact, some Android phones ship with just 16GB of storage. With Android 15 though, that's no longer allowed.Digging into a GMS (Google Mobile Services) requirements document, Android Authority has found that Google has raised the minimum storage requirement from 16GB to 32GB for any devices that ship with or get updated to Android 15.At least 75% of that storage must be allocated to the data partition, which is the area used for apps and files.

Many cheap phones – like the Galaxy A54 – already have more than 32GB (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

A big boost for the cheapest phones

This should be of major benefit to the very cheapest Android phones, as 16GB simply isn’t enough in 2025 – especially when some of that is eaten up by the operating system itself. Arguably 32GB isn’t enough either, but it’s a step in the right direction.That said, there are a couple of potential downsides. For one thing, as noted, existing 16GB devices won’t be able to get Android 15 – though we doubt many phones that shipped with just 16GB of storage would have been getting much in the way of Android updates anyway.For another, this requirement could push manufacturers to increase the price of their cheapest phones. But it’s likely some people were buying 16GB phones without realizing how restrictive that would be, so at least this prevents that happening.Along with the new 32GB requirement, Google has also made it a requirement that phones running Android 15 or later allow users to share their emergency contacts during emergency calls. Users have to opt into this but it’s a handy feature that would allow emergency services to update emergency contacts on what’s going on.Technically, phone makers will still be able to avoid these requirements, but they’ll be locked out of GMS like the Google Play Store if they do, so we don’t imagine many will choose to do that.

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VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e brings back the free version of the hypervisorIt was removed in February 2024 when VMware went subscription-onlyBroadcom has addressed customers’ concerns

VMware has resumed offering a free hypervisor once more, an announcement quietly included in the release notes for ESXi version 8.0 Update 3e has revealed.The company had previously offered a popular free version of its hypervisor, but this was discontinued in February 2024 when VMware shifted fully to a subscription-based model, which meant the free version had to go.However it now appears to be available once more as a free download from the Broadcom Support portal, which requires users to be signed in.

Broadcom offers free VMware hypervisor again

Broadcom hasn’t explained why it reversed its decision, but it could be a strategic decision to attract new customers.The company got a lot of criticism when it changed its subscription models – CEO Hock Tan acknowledged widespread “unease” shortly after Broadcom’s VP for Cloud Platform addressed “questions and concerns.”Moreover, VMware’s competitors, like Nutanix and Platform9, offer free community editions of their hypervisors, while open-source alternatives also offer a free option, potentially prompting Broadcom to reconsider its decision.The company also recently reversed a licensing policy change, reducing the minimum license purchase back from 72 cores to 16 cores, thus making it cheaper for certain customers to access VMware services.Apart from reintroducing a free version, VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e also addresses a number of critical bugs and security vulnerabilities.Still, the company continues to face sharp criticism from customers, who have been unhappy with the licensing model shift to subscriptions, the product portfolio simplification and reported price increases.All of this has happened amid the relocation of Broadcom’s headquarters to VMware’s Palo Alto campus, while VMware’s workforce has been reduced by around half from 38,000 to 16,000 under its Broadcom ownership (via Business Insider).TechRadar Pro has asked Broadcom to share more context behind its decision to reinstate the free hypervisor, but we did not receive an immediate response.

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Right after the Ghibli-style AI image trend began to wear off, ChatGPT and similar tools found a new way to encourage people to upload their selfies into their system—this time, to make an action figure version of themselves.The drill is always the same. A photo and a few prompts are enough for the AI image generator to turn you into a packaged Barbie-style doll with accessories linked to your job or interests right next to you. The last step? Sharing the results on your social media account, of course.I must admit that the more I scroll through feeds filled with AI doll pictures, the more concerned I become. This is not only because it's yet another trend misusing the power of AI. Millions of people have agreed to willingly share their faces and sensitive information simply to jump on the umpteenth social bandwagon, most likely without thinking about the privacy and security risks that come with it.

A privacy deceit

Let's start with the obvious – privacy.Both the AI doll and Studio Ghbli AI trend have pushed more people to feed the database of OpenAI, Grok, and similar tools with their pictures. Many of these had perhaps never used LLM software before. I certainly saw too many families uploading their kids' faces to get the latest viral image over the past couple of weeks.That's true; AI models are known to scrape the web for information and images. So, many have probably thought, how different is it from sharing a selfie on my Instagram page?There's a catch, though. By voluntarily uploading your photos with AI generator software, you give the provider more ways to legally use that information—or, better yet, your face.

🚨 Most people haven't realized that the Ghibli Effect is not only an AI copyright controversy but also OpenAI's PR trick to get access to thousands of new personal images; here's how:To get their own Ghibli (or Sesame Street) version, thousands of people are now voluntarily… pic.twitter.com/zBktscNOShMarch 29, 2025

As co-founder of the AI, Tech & Privacy Academy, Luiza Jarovsky explained, the Ghibli trend just exploded; by voluntarily sharing information, you give OpenAI consent to process it, de-facto bypassing the "legitimate interest" GDPR protection.Put simply, in what Jarovsky described as a "clever privacy trick," LLM's libraries managed to get a spurge of fresh new images into their systems to use.We could argue that it worked so well that they decided to do it again – and raise the bar.

Losing control – and not just of your face

To create your personal action doll, your face isn't enough. You need to share some information about yourself to generate the full package. The more details, the closer the resemblance to your real you.So, just like that, people aren't only giving consent to AI companies to use their faces but also a sheer amount of personal information the software wouldn't be able to collect otherwise.As Eamonn Maguire, Head of Account Security at Proton (the provider behind one of the best VPN and secure email services on the market), points out, sharing personal information "opens a pandora's box of issues."That's because you lose control over your data and, most importantly, how it will be used. This might be to train LLMs, generate content, personalize ads, or more – it won't be up to you to decide.

Check out my new #Barbie AI doll 🤩 🙌🏾Box includes:✔️ First ever elected African-Caribbean woman to serve as a UK Government Minister✔️ First Black woman to sit on the Panel of Chairs✔️ First MP to use BSL to ask a question✔️ Chair of London PLPMore upgrades to come 😁 pic.twitter.com/bvnynWwMlBApril 11, 2025

"The detailed personal and behavioral profiles that tools like ChatGPT can create using this information could influence critical aspects of your life – including insurance coverage, lending terms, surveillance, profiling, intelligence gathering or targeted attacks," Maguire told me.The privacy linked to how OpenAI, Google, and X will use, or misues, this data is only one side of the problem. These AI tools could also become a hackers' honeypot.As a rule of thumb, the greater the amount of data, the higher the possibility of big data breaches – and AI companies aren't always careful when securing their users' data.Commenting on this, Maguire said: "DeepSeek experienced a significant security lapse when their database of user prompts became publicly accessible on the internet. OpenAI similarly had a security challenge when a vulnerability in a third-party library they were using led to the exposure of sensitive user data, including names, email addresses, and credit card information."This means that criminals could exploit people's faces and personal information shared to create their action figure for malicious purposes, including political propaganda, identity theft, fraud, and online scams.

Worth the fun?

While it's increasingly more difficult to avoid sharing personal information online and stay anonymous, these viral AI trends tell us the privacy and security implications aren't perhaps properly considered by most people.No matter if the use of encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp keeps rising alongside the use of virtual private network (VPN) software – jumping on the latest viral social bandwagon looks more urgent than that.AI companies know this dynamic well and have learned how to use it to their advantage. To attract more users, to get more images and data – even better, all of the above.It's fair to say that the Ghibli-style and action figures boom is only the start of a fresh new frontier for generative AI and its threat to privacy. I'm sure some more of these trends will implode among social media users in the next months.As Maguire from Proton points out, the amount of power and data accumulating in the hands of a few AI companies is particularly concerning. "There needs to be a change – before it's too late," he said.

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Google has stopped issuing Android 12 and 12L updatesIt means devices with the software are open to security issuesThe recommended option is to upgrade older devices

Google has stopped providing updates for Android 12, three and a half years after its launch in October 2021, so if you've got any older devices still running the software it's a good idea to start thinking about upgrading.As spotted by Android Authority and then confirmed by Google, Android 12 and the tablet variant, Android 12L, were left out of the latest round of Android security updates. Support for these software versions was officially pulled on March 31, 2025.If you've still got a phone or tablet running Android 12 or Android 12L that can't be upgraded to newer software, it won't suddenly stop working – but it will now be more vulnerable to security bugs and hacking attacks.There's a slim chance that your device manufacturer may issue further updates, but given the age of Android 12 and Android 12L now, it's unlikely. So this might be a good time to treat yourself to one of the best Android phones or best Android tablets running the latest Android 15 software.

Looking back

Android 12 introduced the Material You design (Image credit: Google)

While it's now the end of the road for Android 12, it was at one time the latest and greatest software update from Google. As with all recent Android releases, it was first showcased at the Google I/O event in the year of its release, in this case 2021.The OS ushered in a significant design change, with a visual overhaul that Google called Material You and which is still largely in place today. The design tweaks included better use of color, more rounded menus and buttons, and smoother animations.There were a raft of security and privacy updates too, which included a new privacy dashboard for Android users, easier permission management, and improved control over how apps could use your device's location information.While we're in a nostalgic mood, Google launched the Google Pixel 6 and the Google Pixel 6 Pro at the same time as Android 12. The new phones marked the debut of the distinctive rear camera bar, as well as several internal upgrades.

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ColorWare has released a Crayola-inspired Apple Pencil ProThe device strongly resembles a colorful wax crayonYou can still use it like a regular Apple Pencil Pro

Apple products are known for their distinctive visual style that usually combines sleek minimalism and metallic professionalism. What it is not generally known for is a childish sense of whimsy, yet that’s exactly what you get with ColorWare’s latest custom Apple Pencil Pro. It could turn out to be one of the best iPad accessories around.Dubbed the Apple Crayon Pro, the device is an Apple Pencil Pro in function, but definitely not in form. Instead of the usual stripped-back white stylus, ColorWare’s version looks arrestingly like a wax crayon. It comes in seven colors – black, mint, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow – with the familiar paper-like wrapper around the body of the product. If you didn’t look too closely, you might not realize they were Apple Pencils at all.And although ColorWare’s modified Apple Pencil Pro looks very different to Apple’s original, it functions in the same way. You get the same accurate drawing and wireless charging as you do with a regular Apple Pencil Pro, albeit in a vastly dissimilar form factor.

A quirky custom crayon

(Image credit: ColorWare)

ColorWare is known for its reskins of popular devices and has released a slew of custom models across different product lines. You can buy a pair of retro AirPods, for example, or an original PlayStation-inspired DualSense controller. The company publishes many different designs that are available from its shop.It’s not the first time ColorWare has trained its eye on the Apple Pencil Pro, either. Last year, the company released the Apple Number 2 Pencil Pro, which was an Apple Pencil designed to look like a standard wood-and-graphite pencil.The main drawback to these fun overhauls is the price. The crayon-inspired Apple Pencil Pro costs $215 (around £160 / AU$340), for instance – an $86 markup over the $129 / £129 / AU$219 Apple Pencil Pro that Apple sells.Still, if you’re after a quirky accessory to pair with any of the best iPads, ColorWare’s Apple Pencil Pro might be worth a look. But whatever you do, don’t try to sharpen it.

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Just before the weekend, the US Customs and Border Protection published a list of products excluded from Trump’s tariffs, including smartphones, PCs, memory chips and let’s say 80 percent of everything we write about at Engadget.

However, that’s more because they’ll be siloed into a specific product category. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in an interview on Sunday: “Those products are going to be part of the semiconductor sectoral tariffs, which are coming.”

The new exclusions would exempt many devices and parts from both the 10 percent global tariff and the steeper tariff on China. Lutnick told ABC News’ Jonathan Karl that, in doing this, the president was “just making sure everyone understood that all of these products are outside the reciprocal tariffs and they are going to have their own separate way of being considered.”

He added that semiconductor tariffs are coming “in probably a month or two.” Maybe reassess that Switch 2 pre-order.

— Mat Smith

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The Espresso 15 Pro is a pricey, good portable monitor

It’s bright, it’s portable, it’s expensive.

Engadget

At $699, it's a bit pricey, but the Espresso 15 Pro has pretty much everything you could want in a travel-friendly 15-inch display. And if you’re regularly wielding two screens on the go, this could be an investment. It’s brighter than predecessors, has a slick design and a stand and can even add touch support to Macs — if you want that.

Continue reading.

OpenAI is phasing out GPT-4.5 for developers

GPT-4.1 is actually newer and, importantly, cheaper to run.

OpenAI is sunsetting GPT-4.5 from its developer API in favor of its new GPT-4.1 model. (Yeah, confusing. When it launched, OpenAI described GPT-4.5 as its best and most capable model so far, in part because it was a more natural conversationalist. Can’t find it? OpenAI says GPT-4.1 is exclusively for developers using OpenAI’s API. So you won’t find it as an option in the public-facing ChatGPT interface.

Continue reading.

Samsung keeps rugged gadgets alive with new phone and tablet

IP-rated for enterprise.

Samsung

Samsung has announced two new rugged devices, the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro, which feature removable backplates and user-replaceable batteries.

It’s an enterprise affair but comes with all of Samsung’s Galaxy AI features and Google’s latest features, like Circle to Search. The toughness credentials include IP68 water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification for drops, programmable buttons and a battery you can replace yourself.

Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111558256.html?src=rss

Composer Joris de Man has said he would "love to be onboard" for another Killzone gameDe Man thinks Guerrilla Games is focused on its Horizon Zero Dawn series right nowThe Killzone composer thinks "it's been long enough" for him to come back for another entry

Joris de Man, the composer best known for Guerrilla Games' Killzone and Horizon series, has expressed interest in returning to create the music for another Killzone game.Speaking to TechRadar Gaming ahead of PlayStation: The Concert Tour, a live event dedicated to PlayStation's most iconic games like The Last of Us, God of War, and Bloodborne, Joris de Man discussed his career and the process of creating music for Killzone and Horizon Zero Dawn.When asked if he would ever be interested in returning to work on another Killzone game for Guerrilla Games, de Man said he would "love to be onboard" if the opportunity arose."I think they're [Guerrilla Games] kind of firmly focused on what they're doing now," de Man said, "because, in a way, Horizon was kind of a reaction to having done five or six Killzones, and it was like, we want to do the antithesis of this, because we've been doing it for so long, and creatively we need a change, and because that's what starts happening if you keep churning these things out for the people working on them."The composer explained that developers work on one game for up to five years compared to players who may only spend a couple of months with one, so he can understand why Guerrilla wanted to move away from the Killzone series to work on a new IP, like Horizon."If you're doing that two three times in a row, that could be almost your entire career, and so I can understand that from their perspective, that they're probably not too keen to revisit that, but that doesn't mean that someone else couldn't do it," he said."And I'm curious if that's going to happen, but honestly, I don't know. But if it happens, I'd love to be on board, because it's been long enough for me to come back to it again if that were to happen."The last Killzone game, Killzone Shadowfall, was released as a PS4 launch title back in 2014, so it's been some time since we've heard anything about the series.For now, Guerrilla Games is putting all its focus on developing its popular Horizon series and is seemingly working on the next game, but its rumored Horizon Zero Dawn MMO has reportedly been canceled.

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Google is bringing Gemini to Wear OSIt's part of a broader rollout to replace Google Assistant across its ecosystemThe AI assistant has been spotted again, this time in code for Google's Wear OS Assistant app

Google is planning to replace Assistant across its ecosystem with its potent Gemini AI, and Wear OS could be the next platform to get the treatment, with code suggesting the upgrade could be very close at hand.We've known about Gemini coming to Wear OS for a while, and now the feature has been spotted buried in the code of the Assistant app for Wear OS, possibly indicating that a launch could be imminent.As spotted by 9to5Google, the Google Assistant app for Wear OS has been updated and now features several references to Google Gemini buried within its code. Here's what we know, and what it tells us about Gemini.

Google Gemini on Wear OS

The code strings reveal the usual popups you might expect to see following a Wear OS Gemini update, specifically "Gemini is now on your watch" and "Get started with Gemini: Speak naturally and get more done with a personal AI assistant on your watch."However, the leak also includes some details about how the feature will work and what you might be able to do with it.“You’re using Gemini on your phone and now it’s the assistant on your watch. To talk to Gemini, hold down the side button, or just say “Hey Google,” if you’ve turned on that setting," another prompt says.Furthermore, 9to5 reports functions found in the code strings, including "set alarms, timers, message your contacts, and more." As the report notes, that's broadly similar to Google Assistant's current suite of functions.Google Gemini has plenty of advanced features for Mail, weather updates, and beyond. Whether these more advanced features will come to Wear OS remains to be seen. However, the limited processing power and battery of even the best Android smartwatches indicates that we're unlikely to get every Gemini feature on Wear OS.As to a rollout timeline, there's no firm date as yet, but this code sighting seems to indicate that Gemini is very close indeed. One possibility is that Google could reserve the rollout for the advent of the Pixel Watch 4, which we'd expect to see as the replacement for the Pixel Watch 3 later this year.

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Game consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 will reportedly be hit by a 145% US tariff on goods made in ChinaAn internal assessment memo by a "major Apple and Nintendo supplier" states that electronics made in China will be impacted by the ongoing trade warCertain tech products were initially exempt from "reciprocal" tariffs, but the Trump administration has now confirmed otherwise

The Nintendo Switch 2 and other game consoles will reportedly be hit by a 145% US tariff on imported goods made in China.That's according to an internal assessment memo by a "major Apple and Nintendo supplier" seen by Nikkei Asia, which stated that consoles made in China, like the highly anticipated Switch 2, are likely to be hit by the ongoing trade war.Although the Trump administration recently announced that certain tech products will be exempt from "reciprocal" tariffs, US President Donald Trump has now confirmed (via BBC) this won't be the case and that Chinese-made smartphones and other electronics will be moved into a different levy "bucket".This means any electronics made in China, like some Nintendo Switch 2 units, will be affected and potentially cost more.Following the long-awaited Switch 2 Direct and the imposed tariffs, Nintendo announced that US pre-orders have been delayed from its original April 9 date "in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions."Since then, Canada pre-orders have also been delayed, but Nintendo has confirmed that the console's launch date is unchanged and will provide US and Canadian buyers with a new pre-order date soon.The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches on June 5, 2025, and will cost $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for a Mario Kart World bundle. Pre-orders are now live in the UK.

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Washing and drying your clothes is a regular part of household chores and cleaning. But as the cost of living continues to rise, many people are having to cut back on household tasks to keep energy costs down and save money on monthly bills.One of the most common areas that people look at to make cuts is laundry, as it's often seen as something that racks up energy usage and prices – but that’s not the case with Miele.To help customers save money on their bills while keeping clothes fresh, clean and lasting a lifetime, Miele has completely reinvented its laundry collection for 2025. The new Miele A+++ rated washing machines and tumble dryers offer more capacity, gentler cycles and time-saving washes than ever before – and they’re more cost and energy-efficient too.

Feel the power with PowerWash

With the new Miele laundry range, power is at the forefront of its design, thanks to its PowerWash technology, which guarantees A+++ rated wash results in as little as 49 minutes. All Miele washing machines and tumble dryers are A+++ rated, meaning they have the highest level of energy efficiency, so not only are you getting the best cleaning results every time, but you’re saving money and energy as you do so.The new Miele washing machines, including the standout of the range – the Miele WWG880WCS Freestanding Washing Machine, uses PowerWash technology for the ultimate cleaning performance. Combined with its internal honeycomb drum surface, the Miele WWG880WCS Freestanding Washing Machine protects your clothes’ fibres during cleaning to keep them in perfect condition, whether you’re washing wool, shirts or athleisure.Along with its TwinDos automatic detergent dispenser, the Miele WWG880WCS Freestanding Washing Machine perfectly adds the right amount of detergent to your wash to keep your clothes smelling fresh. Its digital display makes it easy to flick through the different cycles, and it even has a Quick Mode where you can do a full cotton wash in less than half the time you would with a standard washing machine.

Save time, money and energy with EcoSpeed

When it comes to saving money around your household, tumble dryers have gotten somewhat of a reputation and are often avoided as much as possible. While it’s true that tumble dryers are more expensive to run compared to other appliances, heat pump dryers are more energy and cost efficient – and Miele’s new A+++ rated tumble dryer range is no exception.The Miele TWC640WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer and the Miele TWH780WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer are both heat pump models that help you save time and money on your dryer. As Miele tumble dryers are A rated, you won’t have to worry about high drying costs as they’ve been engineered to use energy efficiently to get the best results while keeping prices low.For example, Miele’s new tumble dryers have EcoSpeed technology that can tackle a full load of laundry 20 minutes faster than its predecessors. The dryers also have multiple drying programmes to choose from to help keep costs and energy usage even lower.

Achieve the Perfect Dry

What’s most impressive about the new Miele tumble dryers, especially the Miele TWD640WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, is its Freshen Up programme. Whether you’ve left your clothing in the washer for too long and it’s started to smell, or you don’t quite get the stench out of your gym clothes, the Miele TWD640WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer can sort that for you.The Freshen Up programme on the Miele TWD640WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer helps get rid of unwanted odours. Working alongside the dryer’s special steam cycles, like PowerFresh, users can freshen up clothing without wasting water. Its PerfectDry feature also helps save energy as it adjusts the drying process for different loads so your clothes are perfectly dry every time.Miele dryers also have a SteamFinish setting which helps smooth out wrinkles, keeping your clothes in top condition throughout the entire washing-drying process.

Make it smart

(Image credit: Miele)

Like most of today’s home appliances, select models from the new Miele laundry range come with smart technology. The Miele WWG880WCS Freestanding Washing Machine and the Miele WWR860WPS Freestanding Washing Machine are compatible with the Miele app so you can use your smartphone to control and customise your washes.Alongside the two washing machines, the Miele TWD640WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, the Miele TWC640WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, the Miele TWH780WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer and the Miele TWL780WP Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer also have smart connectivity.Users can start, stop, pause and schedule a wash from anywhere around your home, as well as creating programmes and checking in on the laundry’s progress. With the Miele app, you’ll also be alerted when your washing machine or tumble dryer has finished, plus you can monitor their energy consumption.