If you and your Pals are struggling to take down the tower bosses and Alpha Pals in Palworld, it might be time to upgrade your gear with legendary schematics. Legendary schematics can help you get that extra oomph that you need by increasing your damage output or defense.Read on for a full legendary schematics list in Palworld, plus details on where to find and how to get all legendary schematics.How to get legendary schematics in PalworldLegendary schematics can be found in chests or as rare drops from specific Alpha Pal bosses. There is a low chance that youll find a legendary schematic when you open a chest around the map or at the end of a dungeon. As for Alpha Pal bosses, legendary schematics can be received after you catch, defeat, or butcher them.Currently, the most efficient way to find legendary schematics in Palworld is to catch the Alpha Pal and then butcher them with the meat cleaver to essentially double your chances. If you really want to increase your odds, we suggest that you change the following world settings:Day Time Speed 5Night Time Speed 5Pal Capture Rate 2Pal Appearance Rate 3With these settings, Alpha Pals will spawn quicker, be easier to catch, and spawn in multiples of three. If three bosses are too tough to deal with, drop the Pal appearance rate down to a multiplier that youre comfortable with.As a small note, legendary equipment require a lot more resources than your normal quality gear. In some cases, you may need to gather almost 10 times the materials to create your legendary gear.Where to get legendary schematics from Alpha PalsNot every piece of equipment has a legendary schematic with a fixed location, but there are currently 17 fixed legendary schematic locations. Check out the map below to learn where you can find the legendary schematics in Palworld, and peep the table beyond that to see a list of all legendary schematics.There are 21 legendary schematics you can get from Alpha Pals, with one Pal potentially dropping two schematics. Weve ordered the legendary schematics list below corresponding to the numbers on the map above.NumberLegendary SchematicAlpha PalLocation1Old bowKingpacaOpen world (50, -460)2Cloth outfitChilletOpen world (173, -418)3Feathered hair bandPenkingSealed Realm of the Frozen Wings (114, -352)4Pelt armorAzurobeOpen world (-53, -388)5CrossbowBushiSealed Realm of the Swordmaster (-116, -491)6MusketQuivernSacred Realm of the Winged Tyrant (-256,-131)7Metal armorElizabeeDevouts Mineshaft (32, -183)8Metal helmWarsectSealed Realm of the Stalwart (161, -224)9Handgun, Makeshift HandgunBeakonOpen world (-345, -253)10Single-shot RifleVerdashSealed Realm of the Swift (294, 11)11Double-Barreled ShotgunVaeletSealed Realm of the Guardian (138, -38)12Refined metal helmMenastingDessicated Mineshaft (494, 82)13Heat resistant refined metal armorAstegonDestroyed Mineshaft (-578, -418)14Cold resistant refined metal armorLyleen NoctIceberg Mineshaft (-142, 322)15Pump-action shotgunSuzakuOpen world (404,255)16Assault rifleBlazamutScorching Mineshaft (-434, -532)17Pal metal helmetFrostallionOpen world (-357, 509)18Heat resistant Pal metal armorNecromusOpen world (447, 679)19Rocket launcherJetragonOpen world (-789, -322)20Cold resistant Pal metal armorPaladiusOpen world (447, 679)Where to get Sakurajima legendary schematicsAs part of the Sakurajima update that launched in June 2024, more legendary schematics were added to Palworld. However, unlike the schematics above that can be found both in dungeons and as a drop from Alpha Pals, these can only be found in the big chests on the oil rig in the southeast of the map. The oil rig is a tough area guarded by strong enemies, so it should be treated as an endgame area.That said, the schematics you can find on the oil rig are as follows, courtesy of the Pal Professor (which you should check out to see some specific drop rate information):Quad Missile LauncherMissile LauncherGatling GunGrenade LauncherFlamethrowerLaser RiflePlasteel HelmetPlasteel ArmorLightweight Plasteel ArmorCold Resistant Plasteel ArmorHeat Resistant Plasteel ArmorYou can also find some of the pre-update legendary schematics, like the Assault Rifle or Rocket Launcher, in the oil rig chests.For morePalworldguides, weve got you covered. If youre just starting out, weve got abeginners guide, a list ofall Pals, and atype chart. We also have explainers onbreeding,eggs, and a rundown of howmultiplayerworks.On the hunt for resources? Check out our guides on how to getore,coal,polymer,leather,sulfur,wheat seeds,pure quartz,Ancient Technology Points, andancient civilization parts. For advanced players, consult our lists of alltower boss locations, allpassive skills, allflying mounts, and thebest base locations.

Registration is now open for stress testing Larian Studios last major content update for Baldurs Gate 3.As the name implies, this test will give players the opportunity to check out all the fancy new stuff coming to Baldurs Gate 3 early while also helping the devs find any funny business that may still be lingering in the update. All you need to do is follow this link to register. If youre on Xbox, be sure to register for the Xbox Insider Program and wait for further instructions.Not everyone who registers for the stress test will be able to take part. Invites, however, will roll out in waves starting in January, so dont get discouraged if you dont gain access at the same time as your friends and other community members.Larian previously announced Baldurs Gate 3 Patch 8 will consist of three main components apart from the expected bug fixes: cross-play between all platforms, 12 new subclasses (one for every existing class), and a photo mode complete with extensive camera and sticker options. A firm release date is still forthcoming.Baldurs Gate 3 will always have a heart a warm spot in our hearts, Larian founder Swen Vincke said while explaining the studios future at the Game Developers Conference on March 21. Well forever be proud of it, but were not going to continue it. Were not going to make new expansions, which everybody is expecting us to do. Were not going to make Baldurs Gate 4, which everybody is expecting us to do. Were going to move on, were going to move away from D&D, and were going to start making a new thing.

Fashion icon, rap legend, and famously married to the queen herself, what could be next on A$AP Rockys to do list? The New York native has tapped into the interiors sphere which feels like a natural step yet another medium to foster his creative flow. Hommemade, his interior design brand, returns with iconic furniture manufacturer Gufram to produce the New York edition of the Skyline Carpet, their second venture so far. Only nine pieces will be produced, adding to the hyper-limited nature of the collaboration. The Skyline Carpet features a scenic view of downtown Manhattan, with sculptural buildings jutting out of the floor, just like New York. Immersive, fun, and inherently rare, this piece debuted at the Hommemade by A$AP Rocky booth at Design Miami this year.All the historic building shapes are represented here, from Modernist to Cubist, crowding around the edge of the island with little space to spare (much like the real thing). Central Park blooms up the center of the carpet, adding a natural respite that we all need from the hustle and bustle. Tenement-style blocks extend out from Central Park, alike to wings on a shuttle. The combination of the base carpet providing the frame for so many types of imaginative fun, and the extruding footprints of the buildings that we know and love, create an inviting space for families to collaborate and play.Harlem-born, A$AP Rocky understands what its like to step beyond the mold while staying true to home. New York is a city I am deeply connected to, representing innovation and dynamism, exactly like our design projects, he says. For this second collaboration with Gufram, we wanted to create a piece that embodies the spirit of this city by merging art, architecture, and functionality. As a creative, my goal is to design objects that not only furnish but also stimulate and inspire.Founded in 1966, Gufram has always been on the forefront of pop design, known for instantly recognizable pieces such as the Bocca sofa and Pratone seating. Gufram is a brand that, for its nature, attracts the most radical and unconventional creative experiences, explains Charley Vezza, Global Creative Orchestrator of the brand. The collaboration with Rocky and his Hommemade brand, which began in 2022, continues to embody the subversive spirit that brought Shroom CACTUS to life. We love transforming Rockys dreamlike and aesthetic vision into tangible objects that blend imagination and functionality. Skyline Carpet is not merely a carpet or a piece of furniture but a true space. It does not just represent a city; it creates a domestic environment that transports users to another dimension, turning an everyday object into an immersive experience.For more on the Skyline Carpet with Hommemade by A$AP Rocky for Gufram, visit gufram.it.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.The naughty Christmas movie is a venerable sub-genre, going back at least as far as 1974's Black Christmas, a movie that scandalized audiences with the dual ideas that not only are people super horny during the holidays, they also are occasionally contemplating murder. Black Christmas does not make our list of Christmas movies to avoid watching with your family because you should absolutely watch Black Christmas with your family: Everyone needs to understand the dangers of sorority house slashers during the holiday season. Meanwhile, theres a new David Harbour-starring action-comedy about the literal Santa Claus fighting off hostage-taking mercenaries that you definitely dont want to try to explain to your Aunt Carol (who is, let's face it, exhausting).Here are more movies that are best watched after the kids and/or Grandma have gone to bedwhich isnt to assume Grandma is uncool, only that you might not want to sit around after Christmas dinner watching Eyes Wide Shut with her.Eyes Wide Shut (1999) Though Id generally suggest not watching Eyes Wide Shut with the family at any time of year, Tom Cruises erotic journey through the holiday season might actually be an effective way to clear the house of stray aunties, uncles, and assorted other relatives who might have been preferred some sort of football situation to a depressing masked orgy. You can stream Eyes Wide Shut on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. Eyes Wide Shut (1999) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Tangerine (2015) On this particular Christmas Eve in Hollywood, Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a trans sex worker fresh out of jail, learns that her boyfriend has been cheating on her while she was away. She enlists a couple of friends on a mission to find and confront the one-time pimp. Though its utterly delightful, with some of the beats of an old-school girlfriend/buddy comedy, the language and adult-ish situations mean its probably not meant for the littlest ones (A Kid Like Jake, while not as good a movie as Tangerine, works pretty well if youre looking for something trans- and enby-friendly that you could safely watch with the family). You can stream Tangerine on Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Kanopy or rent it from Prime Video. Tangerine (2015) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu The Apartment (1960) This ones less overtly filthy than many other movies on this listmore appropriately categorized as a sex farce or even a romantic comedy than anything particularly raunchy. But its nonetheless about an insurance clerk (Jack Lemmon) who loans out his apartment to his bosses for their various extramarital affairs while falling for the elevator operator (Shirley MacLaine) who's sleeping with his boss. Kids probably wouldnt get it anyway, but its definitely not Miracle on 34th Street-level wholesome. You can stream The Apartment on Tubi, Freevee, and Prime Video. The Apartment (1960) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) The already-solid core cast of Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn gained strength with the addition of Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski and Cheryl Hines for this Bad Moms sequel, taking things to a whole other level. It arrived just over a year after the first movie, giving it a bit of a slapdash feel, but one that works for a raunchy, women-led Christmas comedy. It mostly avoids the salty/sweet balance that made the original a hit, and instead aims right for the sassy jokes surrounding a holiday debacle. You can stream A Bad Moms Christmas on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video. A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Night Before (2015) What else are you gonna do Christmas Eve other than spend the night with your best friends (Seth Rogan, Anthony Mackie, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) at something called the Nutcracker Ball? Yeah, sounds awful to me, too. Luckily theyve got a ton of drugs to get them through the night. If youre worried about your kids absorbing a message that more or less boiled down to drugs make things fun and funny, this is best avoided. There is a slightly weird anti-steroid message here too, though, so I suppose it depends on what youre most worried about. You can stream The Night Before on Starz or rent it from Prime Video. The Night Before (2015) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Ref (1994) Denis Leary crams plenty of adult language into The Ref, but thats really not the reason (or at least not the only reason) you probably dont want to watch it with your family. Leary plays a crook who winds up taking a couple (Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey) hostage when a job goes wrong. The jokes on him, because theyre at each others throats every moment. Theyre the most bitter, hateful people imaginable, and Learys robber/hostage-taker winds up as not only the movies most likable character, but also the peacemaker, especially when the rest of the family shows up for Christmas Eve dinner. If you want to be horrified by a bunch of terrible in-laws, you probably dont need to turn on the TV, is what Im saying.You can rent The Ref on Prime Video. The Ref (1994) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Office Christmas Party (2016) Though it ultimately lets down with a bit of holiday sentimentality at the end, theres still plenty of raunch to be found in this Christmas comedy with a surprisingly stacked cast (Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Kate McKinnon, Olivia Munn, etc.). Still, that general air of naughtiness is an argument against sitting your family down for a Christmas Day viewing. On the other hand, maybe its good to teach your kids early on that a booze-, cocaine-, and sex-fueled office party is the kind of thing that should never, ever happen in real life for all sorts of reason. Trust me, you dont want to do coke with your co-workers at office functions. You can rent Office Christmas Party from Prime Video. Office Christmas Party (2016) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Go (1999) The story of a bungled Christmas drug deal wends its way through a rave, a pedestrian hit-and-run, a strip club, a Vegas threesome, and more than one shooting, Go sometimes gets overlooked amid the run of much inferior Pulp Fiction imitators of the late 1990s, but as unconventional Christmas movies go its right up there with Die Hard. But unless you want your kids to ask lots of questions about why shirtless, drug-dealing (but nevertheless hot) Santa is brandishing a gun and coming on to Katie Holmes, its best to leave it until they are nestled all snug in their beds. You can stream Go on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. Go (1999) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Friday After Next (2002) Im not entirely sure that you should watch Friday After Next (which I would definitely not say about the non-seasonal original), and certainly not with your familybut as shamelessly filthy Christmas comedies go, it holds a certain appeal. In its favor, theres not a ton of learning, sharing, or caring on display, which I can respect in a bit of cinematic holiday counterprogramming. If all you want for Christmas is a whole lotta prison rape jokes, this is definitely your movie. You can stream Friday After Next on Tubi. Friday After Next (2002) at Tubi Learn More Learn More at Tubi Coopers' Christmas (2008) Shot in only 11 days, Coopers' Christmas (AKA Coopers' Camera) has a slightly tossed-off feel, and it's all the better for it. Starring Jason Jones and Samantha Bee from The Daily Show, it's set in 1985 and presented as a bit of found footage: The whole thing is presented as a recovered tape from an old family Christmas that also happens to have been taped over an old sex tape that pokes through every now and again. A wildly dysfunctional family celebrates a holiday together, with a nearly relentless run of often extremely raunchy jokes that hit more often than they miss. It's a solid bit of holiday counter programming. You can stream Coopers' Christmas (2008) on Prime Video and Tubi. Coopers' Christmas (2008) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (2011) Sure, John Cho has become one of Hollywoods more bankable actors, while Kal Penns been a White House staffer and an academic lecturer in media studies (while also continuing to act). None of that means that we cant still enjoy their goofier sides in this stoner Christmas comedythe last in the Harold & Kumar saga, and very much on par with the better-than-youd-guess previous movies. Its the kind of Christmas flick in which Santa smokes a bong on his holiday rounds and replacement urine for a drug test more than qualifies as a nice Christmas present. Other than the crude jokes and the pot humor, theres a sweetness that makes it among the least objectionable of these offbeat holiday films. And I suppose if you were to put it on for the kids, you could talk about how well Harold and Kumar turned out despite (or because of) all the weed. Never mind, Im reclassifying this one as wholesome fun for the whole family.You can stream A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas on Tubi or rent it from Prime Video. A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (2011) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Ice Harvest (2005) An entirely under-the-radar neo-noir from the late Harold Ramis, The Ice Harvestsituates its action on Christmas Eve, a time when only the most interesting (and/or shadiest) people are out and about in the world. John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton play con men who just ripped off a mobster to the tune of $2 million. All they want to do is get out of towna goal complicated by an ice storm thats closed the roads, forcing them to cool their heels while avoiding their pursuers. You can rent The Ice Harvest from Prime Video. The Ice Harvest (2005) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Bad Santa (2003) The platonic ideal of a rude Christmas movie, Terry Zwigoffs Bad Santa stars Billy Bob Thornton as Willie Soke, a mall Santa whos actually a con man, using his seasonal gigs to scope out stores that he can rob at night. He represents everything that you probably dont want your kid to be around during the holidays (or anytime, really): hes foul-mouthed, cynical, and abusive whenever hes not putting on the merest hint of a front for the children. The film does offer a solid Christmas redemption arc in-between scenes of Santa fucking Rory Gilmores mom in a car, but thats probably not enough to make you want to watch it with the littl'uns. You can stream Bad Santa on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. Bad Santa (2003) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Calvaire (2004) A psychological thriller with satirical overtones, Calvaire (a.k.a. The Ordeal) follows a singer, Marc (Laurent Lucas), who lives out of his van and makes his (rather meager) living by offering up covers of easy listening hits at retirement homes. On his way to a Christmas gig, he has a breakdown during a stormbad luck. But it gets worse: The man who comes to his aid turns out to be a retired standup comedian, a dire warning sign if ever there was. Soon poor Marc is in an increasingly disturbing rural nightmare filled with amateur porn, animal sex, and forced cross-dressing of the kind that can completely ruin a holiday. We're taught that singing for old people at Christmas is just about the nicest thing you can do, but Calvaire warns entertainers that it ain't worth it without reliable transpo. You can stream Calvaire on Shudder or rent it from Prime Video. Calvaire (2004) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Female Trouble (1974) Christmas is the kickoff for the chaos that unfolds in this twisted John Waters classic. When she fails to receive the cha-cha heels she wanted from Santa, juvenile delinquent Dawn Davenport sets off on a lifetimes worth of troublemaking, starting with a memorably nasty sexual encounter at the dump. Its one of the most memorable holiday moments in movie history, and a stark lesson about the importance of giving your kids what they really want. You can rent Female Trouble on Fandango at Home, or buy it on Prime Video. Female Trouble (1974) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video

We may earn a commission from links on this page.Some people read for pleasure, some people read for work, some people read for school, but no matter what the goal is, there are lots of avid readers out there who find themselves tucked away at night with a book. It might seem like common sense to gift them more books, but choosing something they'll enjoy can be tricky. You're better off getting the reader in your life some of these useful gadgets to make the time they spend engaging with their hobby even better. Best tech gifts for readersObviously, an e-reader is always a great giftand they're surprisingly inexpensive. The new Kindle Paperwhite is on sale right now for $134.99 (regularly $159.99) and even comes with three free months of Kindle Unlimited so your reader has access to all the books they want. It's got a larger screen, is super thin, and has anti-glare technology, so it's an upgrade if they already have an older version. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $134.99 at Amazon $159.99 Save $25.00 Shop Now Shop Now $134.99 at Amazon $159.99 Save $25.00 Orand hear me outconsider the Paperwhite Kids. Sure, it can be for kidsor it can be for adults. It's a great machine that's on sale right now. The 16 GB Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids is $149.99 (regularly $189.99), the lowest price it's ever been, according to price-tracking tools. The kiddie Kindle comes with a free case, saving you about $30, an ad-free experience that saves $20, six months of an Amazon Kindle Kids + subscription that's usually $36, and a two-year warranty that lasts twice as long as the warranty on the regular version. You can toggle off the kid-safe mode easily, though that will bring ads back to the home screen. Of course, there's cool reader-focused tech out there that goes beyond e-readers. Book lights, for instance, make great stocking stuffers because they're small, useful, and a little nostalgic. I've always loved using these at night so I don't overwhelm myself with too much overhead light, plus they're inexpensive enough to justify bringing everywhere at under $15.I also usually recommend the Scanmarker Pal for students, since it can translate words on paper into a bunch of other languages, but it's also useful for anyone who wants to hear their written works read aloud. It's $149, it's light and portable, plus your reader can connect bluetooth headphones to it so it can be used in public. Other cool gifts for book loversI'll admit I don't own this yet, but it's on my Christmas list this year: A reading pillow ($56.99). I love reading in bed or on the couch, but I also love resting my elbows on something, so this pillow that sits across the lap and provides sturdy space to hold a book (or laptop) plus your arms is genius to me. cooloo8 Lap Desk with Cushion $56.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $56.99 at Amazon You can also get a similar version that is a lap desk with an attached tablet holder for anyone who prefers an e-reader. It's $45.98. For something more personalized, I love the idea of book stamps or embossing machines. You can custom-order them with the reader's name, so they stamp or emboss "From the library of..." on their treasured copies. A stamp is $19.95 while an embosser is $24.99. Personalized gifts are always a hit and this one is really thoughtful.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.We're now all the way up to the 11th version of the Microsoft Surface Pro: The tablet-laptop hybrid made its first appearance in 2013, and we've seen plenty of tweaks and changes to the device since then. This latest 2024 version brings with it a couple of notable internal upgrades, together with a familiar design.The Surface Pro 11 is the first to run a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, with ARM architecture that isn't quite as widely supported as Intel's x86 platform. Thanks to that chip, it's also the first Surface Pro with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which means much better on-board AI processing. Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet (2024) $1,499.99 at Amazon $1,799.99 Save $300.00 Shop Now Shop Now $1,499.99 at Amazon $1,799.99 Save $300.00 I've been using the new Surface Pro 11 for a couple of weeks now, to see if the potential benefits of Qualcomm and ARMbetter power efficiency, less heat, better battery lifeactually work out in real-world testing. Here's what I found, and how you can tell whether or not the Surface Pro 11 is for you.Hardware and design In tablet mode, with the kickstand. Credit: Lifehacker While the shift to Qualcomm chipsets is significant, on the outside there's not a lot that's new with the Surface Pro 11: My review model brings with it a 13-inch touchscreen OLED display, running at a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels (an LCD version is also available). As with Surface Pros past, it's a fantastic screen, bright and sharpand personally I'm a fan of the 3:2 aspect ratio, as it works well for reading documents and websites.If you've never used a Surface Pro before, these are not particularly thin and light tablets. This model is 9.3 mm (0.37 inches) thick and weighs in at 895 g (1.97 lbs)compare that to the 5.1 mm (0.2 inches) and 582 g (1.28 lbs) of the 13-inch iPad Pro launched in 2024. Unlike the iPad Pro, however, you do get a built-in kickstand, so you can easily prop it up for making video calls and watching movies.And it is, of course, thin and light if you think of it as a laptop rather than a tablet, and assuming you're ready to pay another $140 at least for a Surface snap-on keyboard ($449 if you want the latest Flex keyboard, and the stylus as well). With a keyboard attached, it works fine as a laptop, but you do need a deskit's not easy to use on your lap, due to the kickstand design, which can be an annoyance if you're using it on the couch or sitting at an airport or train station. This model unit is in Sapphire Blue. Credit: Lifehacker Various configurations are available, and my review model came fitted with a 12-core Snapdragon X processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. There's no discrete graphics processor, but the Snapdragon chip comes with both a GPU and the aforementioned NPU built in, and it's very capable overall. As yet there's no cellular option, so it's just Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.Connectivity is covered by two USB-C ports with support for USB 4 and DisplayPort 1.4a, and the standard Surface charging port is here as well (though you can charge via USB-C as well). There are two 2W stereo speakers that produce sound that's merely OK, two mics that work in sync, a 10MP camera on the back, and what Microsoft calls a "Quad HD" selfie camera for video calling and Windows Hello facial recognition.This new Surface Pro follows its predecessors in feeling well put together, made of premium materials and with a good amount of heft to it. Typing away on a device this size is inevitably going to feel a little cramped, but I didn't have any problems using it for extended periods of time (including typing out several parts of this review).Software and performance It's not the lightest or thinnest tablet around. Credit: Lifehacker Windows 11 is Windows 11, and needs little introductionexcept it does, because this is Windows 11 for ARM, so applications need to be coded for the different architecture. Native software support remains a work in progress, though the computer does a decent job of emulating x86 processor architecture for apps that need it. Programs such as Google Chrome and Adobe Photoshop are now available in ARM versions, but it may be worth checking that your most vital apps (including VPNs and messaging tools) will work.I like what Microsoft has done with Windows 11 in recent years, on the whole. It feels like a modern operating system, with configuration settings that are a lot easier to get around than they used to be, and plenty of help in terms of program management, personalization, and notification settings.Performance on the Surface Pro 11 is impressive for day-to-day computing tasks, but with the Snapdragon chip and the thin-and-light form factor, there isn't enough oomph here for serious graphics work or for high-end gamingthat said, if those are priorities for you, you're not going to be shopping for devices like the Surface Pro 11 anyway. As on previous models, the OLED screen is outstanding. Credit: Lifehacker You can game on the Surface Pro 11, but not to any advanced levelbut you wouldn't expect this thin slate to match a bulky Nvidia graphics card in terms of performance, especially with the x86 emulation going on. You can play older premium games at lower settings, and simpler, less demanding games (such as puzzlers), but performance is an issue on demanding titles such as Cyberpunk 2077.There was very little in the way of lag or slowdowns when switching between apps or managing multiple tabs in a web browser. For me, having access to a desktop operating system, and specifically a desktop browserwhich you don't get on an iPadmakes a huge amount of difference in terms of what I can get done on the go. From Slack to Google Docs to Photoshop, I'd much rather be using the full desktop experience than the equivalent iPadOS apps.As for battery life, I found I regularly got around 12-13 hours between charges, though obviously there are lots of variables involved in terms of how bright the screen is and how many demands you're putting on the processor. While that's not stellar battery life for a tablet or a laptop, it will comfortably get you through a working day (and perhaps a bit more) without you having to worry about recharging.AI features Copilot comes included with Windows 11. Credit: Lifehacker This is a Copilot+ PC, which means you get built-in help from Microsoft's AI assistant, as well as access to tools such as Studio Effects and Cocreator. (There's also Windows Recall, though that remains in testing for now.) If you invest in one of the new keyboard attachments made by Microsoft, you'll find it has a dedicated Copilot key too.Your mileage will vary when it comes to these AI features, but they're not something I find particularly useful. Studio Effects adds a few neat tricks to your video calls (like background blur), and Cocreator in Microsoft Paint lets you produce AI-generated picturesand they work well; they're just not features I need.Copilot is the same AI assistant as you get on the web, and while it has some clever capabilitiesinventing alternative endings to movies or thinking up ideas for a birthday party, for exampleI can't say it's something I turn to a lot. It's no secret that AI hallucinates and makes mistakes, and I'd rather trust other sources for my information. But if you're an AI enthusiast, go for it.Verdict The Surface Pro 11 isn't for everyonebut it's perfect for some. Credit: Lifehacker The 11th edition of the Surface Pro doesn't really alter who this device is going to appeal to. It's still very much for those people who need the flexibility of both tablet and laptop form factors, with access to a powerful desktop computing environment and good-enough performance to carry out most tasks well. If you just need a tablet, or just need a lightweight laptop, then there are better options out there.If you are in the target demographic for the Surface Pro, however, this is the best combination of the benefits of a tablet-plus-laptop that Microsoft has managed yet. Performance is noticeably better; battery life is noticeably better; and the solid build quality and superb screen remain (as do little annoyances like not being able to use it comfortably on your lap).Pricing starts at $1,000 for the base model Surface Pro 11, and that can quickly go up for higher-spec versionsand even more so if you're buying a keyboard and stylus as well. It's definitely not cheap, which unfortunately puts it out of the budget of a lot of users. Perhaps that's something Microsoft can look to change with the Surface Pro 12.

Netflix has inked a deal with FIFA to snag exclusive US broadcasting rights to the next two Womens World Cup tournaments, according to a report by ESPN. This contract covers both the 2027 and 2031 events.Neither entity has described the financial value of the deal, but it has been reported to be the most significant contract that FIFA has ever signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called it a landmark moment for sports media rights and a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women's football.This happened because FIFA unbundled the media rights for the womens event for the very first time, which goes into effect after Fox airs the next Mens World Cup in 2026. The 2027 Womens World Cup is being held in Brazil. The 2031 event doesnt have a home yet, but the US is expected to make a bid.This is a fairly big deal for Netflix, given that FIFA reported that a full 1.12 billion people watched the 2019 Womens World Cup, which the US won. This is a global number, of course, but the 2023 tournament recorded the highest-ever US domestic viewership. The sport is certainly catching on over on this side of the pond.Netflix has been making big moves into the world of live sporting events as of late. There was that utterly ridiculous Jake Paul/Mike Tyson fight, but the platform will soon be home to the weekly WWE Monday Night Raw broadcast.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-scores-the-broadcasting-rights-to-the-fifa-womens-world-cup-174017963.html?src=rss

The big ticket tech gifts may get the lion's share of attention during the holidays, but it's surprising how much people appreciate small and thoughtful accessories and gadgets. We picked out a dozen such stocking stuffers for under $50 perfect for a little something extra for a loved one or a welcome gift for a coworker. Just be sure to check the shipping windows to make sure these handy gizmos will arrive in time. Here are some of our favorite techie gift ideas come in at $50 or less. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-best-stocking-stuffers-for-50-or-less-130049421.html?src=rss

We're less than a week from Christmas, and if you haven't finished your holiday shopping, well, you should probably get on that. While it's likely too late to get most items shipped by Wednesday morning, there are still tons of decent tech deals available for those you're seeing after the holiday or if you just want to treat yourself. For one, Sony's WF-1000XM5, our pick for the best wireless earbuds, is down to an all-time low of $198, while the 10th-gen iPad is back at its best-ever price at $250. Several other gadgets we recommend are similarly discounted, including the PlayStation 5, Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Apple AirTags. Here are the best tech deals from this week you can still get today.Sony WF-1000XM5 for $198 at Amazon ($102 off MSRP): The XM5s are the top pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds, offering exceptional noise cancellation, a warm yet customizable sound, 8-12 hours of battery life and loads of handy bonus features. The design may not fit everyone's ears comfortably, but it's slimmer and lighter than previous versions. This discount matches the lowest price we've seen and undercuts the pair's Black Friday deal by $30. Also at Target and Best Buy.Apple iPad (10th gen) for $250 at Amazon ($99 off): This matches the best price we've seen for the budget pick in our iPad buying guide. Just note that it only applies to the silver model, and you'll need to clip an on-page coupon to see the full discount at checkout. While the entry-level iPad lacks the laminated display, faster chip and wider accessory support of the iPad Air, it gets close enough to be a strong value for casual web browsing, reading and gaming.Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $29 at Amazon ($21 off): A pick from our guide to the best streaming devices, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is snappy and easy to navigate, with support for all the major HDR formats, streaming apps (Twitch aside) and Apple AirPlay. Its search function isnt as comprehensive as some competing streamers, however, and the UI isn't the most exciting to look at. This deal ties the price we saw on Black Friday; it's a few bucks above than the stick's all-time low but still $5 off its typical going rate in recent months. Also at Target and Best Buy.The Roku Streaming Stick 4K.Will Lipman Photography for EngadgetPlayStation 5 (slim) for $424 at Amazon ($76 off): This 15 percent discount has been live since before Black Friday, but Sony says it'll end on December 24, so consider this a last call. While it's not the best price we've seen, larger drops have still been uncommon over the last year. This bundle throws in a few Fortniteskins and V-Bucks, while the console alone is available for the same price. You can also pair it with the RPG Dragon Age: The Veilguard or an EA sports game for $450 at Walmart and Best Buy. Also at Target, GameStop and PlayStation Direct.PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (slim) + NBA 2K25 for $374 at GameStop ($76 off): If you don't care about owning physical media, you can still save an extra $50 upfront by getting the all-digital PS5. This bundle includes the latest NBA 2K game, though the Fortnite bundle noted above and the standalone console are each available for $375 too. Also at Target, Best Buy and PlayStation Direct.$100 PlayStation Store gift card + $15 Target gift card for $100 at Target ($15 off, Target Circle only): If you pick up a digital PlayStation gift card worth $100 or more at Target, the retailer will toss in its own $15 e-gift card with your purchase. The catch is that you need a Target Circle membership to take advantage, though it's at least free to sign up for that. If you often shop at Target and planned to pick up some PlayStation credit anyway, it's hard to complain about bonus money either way. The same offer is available for Xbox gift cards as well. Target says both promos will expire on Friday.The Sony PlayStation 5 (left) and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.PlayStationApple AirTags (4-pack) for $70 at Amazon ($29 off): Apple's Bluetooth tracker is our top pick for iPhone users, unsurprisingly, as it accurately locates tagged items right from the Find My app. Its waterproof design and replaceable battery are nice, too, though you'll need to grab a holder or case if you want to attach one to your keys. This deal isn't quite an all-time low for a four-pack, but it beats the street price we've seen for most of the past month by a couple bucks. Also at Best Buy.Apple Pencil (2nd gen) for $80 at Amazon ($49 off): This discount comes within a dollar of the best price to date for Apple's second-gen Pencil stylus, which remains an accurate tool for sketching and notetaking. To be clear, though, you should only get it if you have an older iPad Air, Pro or mini and don't plan on upgrading anytime soon. Otherwise, go for the Apple Pencil Pro, which works with the newer models and adds built-in Find My support, among other conveniences. Also at Target.LG B4 OLED TV (48) + $50 Best Buy gift card for $600 at Best Buy ($250 off): The B4 is LGs entry-level OLED TV for 2024. It gets you the core benefits of any good OLED set excellent contrast with deep black tones, wide viewing angles, fast motion, etc. but its not as bright as some upper-tier OLEDs, so its better off in a darker room. That said, this is a stellar value if you dont mind a smaller panel. This offer ties the largest cash discount we've seen and, unlike the deal we saw on Black Friday, it also includes with a $50 digital gift card.The Apple AirTag.Photo by Chris Velazco / EngadgetHalf-Life: Alyx for $20 at Steam ($40 off): In case you missed it, Valve kicked off its annual Steam Winter Sale yesterday, bringing its usual buffet of PC game discounts along with it. There are simply too many deals to list everything here, but this one ties the lowest price to date for Half-Life: Alyx, which remains a must-try FPS for VR newbies. A few other quick-hit highlights: Halo: The Master Chief Collection for $10, The Orange Boxfor $2, Grand Theft Auto IV(plus DLC)for $6, Titanfall 2 for $3, Pizza Tower for $13 (trust me on this one) and The Witcher 3: Wild Huntfor $8. Valve says the sale will last until January 2.Super Mario RPG for $30 at GameStop ($30 off): The SNES classic Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars didnt really need a Switch remake, but it got one last year anyway. Thankfully, the new version keeps the originals oddball spirit intact as it spruces up the visuals for true 3D. If you're in the mood for a lighter RPG, this price is an all-time low.Backbone One (2nd gen) for $50 at Best Buy ($50 off): The Backbone One is a comfy mobile gamepad that connects directly to your phone's USB-C port and makes playing console-style games feel a little more natural. This matches the all-time low for the most recent model.The Keychron Q3 Max mechanical keyboard.Photo by Jeff Dunn / EngadgetAnker Soundcore Space A40 for $45 at Amazon ($40 off): The Soundcore Space A40 is the longtime top pick in our guide to the best budget earbuds. While it can't match the Sony XM5s in terms of sound quality and noise-canceling strength, it gets admirably close for way less cash. Wireless charging, multipoint connectivity, 8-10 hours of battery life and a compact design all help, though call quality is mediocre, and there's no auto-pausing when you remove an earbud. This is the same deal we saw on Black Friday; outside of a couple drops for Costco members, it ties an all-time low. Also at Anker with an on-page coupon.JLab Go Air Pop for $10 at Target ($15 off): The Go Air Pop is another pair we highlight in our budget earbuds buying guide. It's about as basic as the price would suggest, with no active noise cancellation (ANC), an all-plastic design and a relatively boomy sound. JLab released a new ANC version in October. That said, the older model's audio quality is still passable, its built-in touch controls actually work and it gets a solid 8-9 hours of battery life. If you just want a competent pair for as little money as possible, it's hard to beat $10. This deal ties the Pop's all-time low.Keychron Q3 Max for $182 at Keychron ($32 off): The Keychron Q Max series is the top pick in our guide to the best mechanical keyboards, pairing an upscale (if heavy) aluminum case with a delightful typing experience and deep customizability. This ties the all-time low we saw on Black Friday for the tenkeyless model, but other sizes are discounted as well. Also at Amazon for $188, but only for Prime members.The Google Pixel 8a.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetBeats Pill for $100 at Amazon ($50 off): We gave the latest Beats Pill a score of 83 over the summer and currently recommend it in our Bluetooth speaker buying guide. It's not the best pure value, and it struggles at maximum volume, but in general it pumps out strong bass without sounding imbalanced. A clean, water-resistant design, ample battery life and wired audio support over USB-C add to the appeal. This deal ties the speaker's all-time low. Also at Target and Walmart.Samsung Pro Plus (512GB) for $38 at Amazon ($38 off): The Pro Plus is the top pick in our guide to the best microSD cards. It's not the cheapest option, but it was faster than most in our benchmark tests, with a particular edge in random performance. That helps it play a bit nicer in a portable gaming PC or a device like the Raspberry Pi, where itd more frequently have to access smaller bits of data in random locations. The 512GB model here has previously sold for less, but this discount marks its lowest price since March. Also at Samsung and B&H.Google Pixel 8a for $399 at Amazon ($100 off): This is the second-best price we've seen for an unlocked Pixel 8a, which we consider the best midrange phone for Android fans. It has most of the headline features you'd get from a flagship Pixel phone excellent cameras, a crisp 120Hz OLED display, clean software with updates through 2031, solid performance and battery life only it puts them in a slightly cheaper plastic frame with slower charging speeds. At this price, though, that should be easier to live with. Also at Target and Best Buy.The Anker Prime Power Bank.Photo by Amy Skorheim / EngadgetAnker Prime Power Bank for $78 at Amazon ($52 off): The Anker Prime is the premium pick in our guide to the best power banks. It may be overkill for most, but its hefty 20,000mAh capacity and pair of 100W USB-C ports mean it can recharge multiple laptops let alone mobile devices at full speed. There's a 65W USB-A port as well, plus a handy display that keeps you updated on the battery's status. This deal ties the lowest price we've seen. Also at Anker with an on-page coupon.Anker 525 Charging Station for $30 at Amazon ($26 off, Prime only): We recommend this 67W desktop charging station in our remote worker gift guide. It's not the fastest model around, but it packs four USB ports (two USB-C, two USB-A) and three AC outlets in a design that's compact enough to fit on a crowded desk. This deal is another all-time low, though it's only available to Prime members.Twelve South AirFly Pro for $40 at Amazon ($15 off): Another holiday gift guide recommendation, the AirFly Pro is a Bluetooth transmitter that lets you pair up to two sets of wireless headphones to an inflight entertainment system, older treadmill or most other devices with a 3.5mm jack. This discount marks the lowest price we've seen in a couple of years. Also at Best Buy.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-sony-earbuds-hit-an-all-time-low-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-173211089.html?src=rss

Thanks to news of Valve attending a CES 2025 event, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 will most likely have SteamOS instead of Windows 11.