There are few video game weapons as immediately recognizable as Halos Needler. Made to commemorate the launch of Halo Infinite, the Nerf dart-launching version of the Needler is currently on sale for its lowest price ever on Amazon, allowing you to pick up this iconic Covenant weapon for just $67.18 (was $99.99).The Nerf Needler is a stunning recreation of the in-game weapon, complete with accent lighting on the spikes and muzzle that activates when the toy is fired or placed on its included display stand. This motorized blaster features a 10-dart capacity, but just note that youll need a whopping six AA batteries (not included) to keep it powered.Just like the Nerf recreations of the Bulldog Shotgun and MA40 Assault Rifle, the Needler also comes packaged with a code that can be redeemed for cosmetic items in Halo Infinite. In this case, earning you an Epic Nameplate bearing the likeness of your new purchase.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), is in full swing, displaying some exciting tech products you'll be able to have in your hands over the next year and beyondbut don't forget that this is also one of the best times to shop for last year's flagship models. After the announcement of a Pro version of The Frame TV, the 2024 versions dropped in price. The 43-inch The Frame from 2024 is on sale for $797.99 (originally $997.99), the lowest price it has been, according to price tracking tools. The bigger sizes are also discounted, going up to $1,000 off for the 85-inch class. Display Technology: QLED, Resolution: 4K, Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, Special Feature: Built-In Speaker. 43-inch The Frame QLED 4K LS03D $797.99 at Amazon $997.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $797.99 at Amazon $997.99 Save $200.00 Display Technology: QLED, Resolution: 4K, Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, Special Feature: Built-In Speaker. 50-inch The Frame QLED 4K LS03D $897.99 at Amazon $1,297.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Get Deal $897.99 at Amazon $1,297.99 Save $400.00 Display Technology: QLED, Resolution: 4K, Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, Special Feature: Built-In Speaker. 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K LS03D $997.99 at Amazon $1,497.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Get Deal $997.99 at Amazon $1,497.99 Save $500.00 Display Technology: QLED, Resolution: 4K, Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, Special Feature: Built-In Speaker. 65-inch The Frame QLED 4K LS03D $1,597.99 at Amazon $1,997.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,597.99 at Amazon $1,997.99 Save $400.00 Display Technology: QLED, Resolution: 4K, Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, Special Feature: Built-In Speaker. 75-inch The Frame QLED 4K LS03D $1,997.99 at Amazon $2,997.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,997.99 at Amazon $2,997.99 Save $1,000.00 Display Technology: QLED, Resolution: 4K, Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, Special Feature: Built-In Speaker. 85-inch The Frame QLED 4K LS03D $3,297.99 at Amazon $4,297.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal Get Deal $3,297.99 at Amazon $4,297.99 Save $1,000.00 SEE 3 MORE Samsungs The Frame smart TVs have come a long way since their 2017 release. Launched to appeal to the crowd that wants a big TV but doesnt want that TV to dominate their decor, its main feature is an anti-reflection matte display that took the framed artwork aspect to new levelsand with 4K picture quality. As the name implies, the allure of this TV is that it can double as a digital art frame, with its anti-glare matte display and customizable frame.I first saw the 2022 version up close when it was released, admittedly having been fooled by my brother into thinking it was an actual painting (it really does look like one). The matte screen does a good job of making the TV seem like a painting, and it's great for bright rooms that might otherwise get a lot of glare from the screen. That version had an "average" review from PCMag due mainly to poor contrast and its price. However, the new 2024 version is the latest generation of this series and has notable improvements.You'll get an improved refresh rate of 120Hz, the same QLED display, and 4K resolution with a Quantum 4K processor. You can buy frames separately to your taste, and even design them with a Harry Potter theme, like this guy on TikTok did.

The start of a new calendar year is the perfect time to take a look at your retirement savings and make sure you're on track. That being said, there is such a thing as being a little too vigilant. You might be the type of saver who gets antsy to open up your retirement accounts to assess the damage after every little bit of financial news. But I implore you, no matter the news: Stop looking at your 401k so much. Whenever theres alarming news about the stock market, or inflation, or unemployment, it's certainly natural to obsess over how your retirement savings are faring, but donteven if the balance is listed clearly on the dashboard of your banking app. Just ignore it. Heres why.Unless you're of retirement age, your 401(k) is for laterJim Keenehan, a senior consultant with AFS 401(k) Retirement Services, LLC, has been a financial adviser for years. He advises you to stop thinking of your 401(k) as money in the bank. Instead, think about it as a way for you to be able to provide yourself with a paycheck in retirement, he says. You stop working, your paychecks stop coming, and you can fall back on money you put away through a plan with your employer. Its money for later. What the balance looks like right now doesnt matter, unless you are currently at or very near retirement age.Thats hard to remember when you know a drop in the stock market means a dip in your balances. Its only natural to want to repeatedlyrush to check on the extent of the damage, particularly in times of economic turmoil. But doing so, Keenehan says, is only to your detriment. That can be a fun thing to do when the stock market is doing well and your investments are doing well, he concedes. However, the stock market doesnt always go up. And whether its up or down today, youre in it for the long haul.How often should you check your 401k?Keenehan said there are other reasons you might check your 401k beyond seeking the thrill of the balance going up or anticipating the crush of it going down, like changing how much youre contributing or updating your beneficiary.Thats fineyou should certainly allocate your investments, but once you've done that, you should do your best to forget about it, unless life changes (and not market volatility) prompt you to change your plans. Otherwise? Do it annually, Keenehan said. In fact, to the best of your ability, only go in and change things around annually too, and do so with the assistance of a financial advisor if you can.What can you do to feel better and stop checking your 401k?Keenehan warns against driving yourself mad by focusing on your day-to-day balance. Instead, take back a measure of control by looking at the big picture of your finances. Once again, seek out a financial advisor, or check with your employer to see if they offer access to one who can answer your questions. (If theyre offering a 401k plan, they should.)Sit down with a fiduciary financial advisor. Fiduciary is a key word there because that means that financial advisor is going to be acting in that persons best interest, he says. A lot of times people are looking headlines about the stock market crashingthats really meant for shock value. Theyre trying to get people to click on the links and they want eyeballs on the screen. Thats not intended to be advice that anybody should be acting on in their retirement accounts.Put simply, dont make financial decisions based on an article or a social media post or a gut feeling. Sit down with an advisor who has the knowledge and experience to make sense of fluctuating markets and who can guide you a little more calmly. Do this once per year. Otherwise, stop logging in.

The most downloaded podcast on Spotify is no longer The Joe Rogan Experience. Rogans long-running show has been overtaken by The Telepathy Tapes, a new, 10-part documentary series that aims to explore the supernatural abilities of non-speakers with autisma subject a lot of people are getting very wrong.Created and hosted by mainstream documentarian Ty Dickens, The Telepathy Tapes is a professionally produced, serious-seeming podcast that claims non-verbal people with autism are telepathic, can see the future, and can talk to the dead. They all meet each other in a telepathic chat room called The Hill, too. Basically, ifThe Telepathy Tapes is correct, everything we know about the mind and reality itself is incorrect.Im the opposite of convinced. Despite its captivating production, sincere interviews, and experts with advanced degrees, everything presented in The Telepathy Tapes has a non-supernatural explanation. Nothing here is even new: its all slightly spun versions of claims that were debunked over 100 years ago.Explaining the extraordinary claims of The Telepathy TapesThe structure of The Telepathy Tapes is telling. It begins with the relatively "modest" claim that non speakers with autism can tell what people are thinking, even if they can't communicate it in traditional ways. The podcast seems to honor listener skepticism by acknowledging how "out there" its claims are, and it saves its more esoteric claimsa "telepathic chat room" where non speakers gather, communication through lucid dreaming, etc.for later episodes, when presumably a baseline of belief has been established in listeners. Much of episode one, "Unveiling the Hidden World of Telepathic Communication in a Silenced Community," consists of descriptions and recording of scientific-seeming tests where non speakers seemingly read the minds of others, and the podcast's more extreme claims are built on these foundations. It feels designed to convincethere's a skeptical member of the podcast crew whose mind is changed, and there's even video evidence on the podcast's site (behind a paywall) so you can judge for yourself. But The Telepathy Tapes leaves an important piece of information out of its first, trust-establishing, episode: all of the non speakers' communications are being facilitated, usually by the person whose mind is supposedly being read. A brief history of facilitated communicationFacilitated communication (FC), also known as supported typing, is a technique which claims to allow non-verbal people to communicate. The theory is that non speakers lack the fine motor skills to speak, write, or point, but if they are supported by another person who steadies their hands or holds their elbows, they can point at or type, the letters they want and thus communicate. Proponents liken the technique to a person with wobbly ankles using a cane to help them walk. Something like facilitated communication began in Europe in the 1960s and Australia in the 1970s, but it wasn't until 1989 that educator Douglas Biklen brought FC into the United States. Biklen and other early FC researchers tried the techniques with people with cerebral palsy, head injuries, Down syndrome, and autism, and reported extraordinary results: people previously thought of as unable to communicate at all were able to speak to their parents for the first time. Some wrote poetry, went to college, and gave TedX Talks. The scientific community was dubious, but not the mass media, which aired pieces like this: But along with these uplifting stories came numerous allegations of sexual abuse, and the thus the necessity to prove the veracity of Facilitated Communications in court. The first such case was heard in 1990 in Australia and involved a 28-year-old woman who had severe disabilities. "Carla" was removed from her home by state authorities after messages obtained through FC indicated she was being sexually abused. Carla's parents' defense team conducted double-blind tests that demonstrated that the only meaningful responses obtained through FC were when the facilitator knew the questions being asked of Carla, ending the case. The rest of the FC abuse cases resolved in much the same way. The scientific community thoroughly debunked the claims of FC proponents, and FC disappeared from mainstream view. Until The Telepathy Tapes. The videos provided by The Telepathy Tapes demonstrate the shortcomings of facilitated communication. Below is an image of a non speaker and guide using Spelling to Communicate, aka The Rapid Prompting Method or Spelling, a more recent variation of FC where the facilitators don't touch the subject. Many of the subjects in The Telepathy Tapes are spellers. Credit: The Telepathy Tapes - Fair Use RPM involves pointing to letters "to form words on a letter board, typing device, and/or by handwriting." One of its prime rules is the facilitator doesn't touch the non verbal person. But as you can see in the image above, the communicator holds the letter board, which allows the facilitator to move to the board to provide the "communication," but that's only one way facilitators could be guiding their partners' responses.To be fair, in episode 8 of The Telepathy Tapes, Dickens discusses the controversy around FC, but frames it in terms of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association suppressing spelling because of "outdated research, stigmas, and the long held belief that non speakers just aren't competent," leaving out the fact that no scientific study of spelling (or any other FC technique) has ever passed a double-blind study, a bar you have to clear long before you start talking about telepathy. As the ASHA puts it: "There is no research showing that RPM is effective in producing independent communication. Indeed, there is active resistance by RPM proponents to conducting research on the technique."The ideomotor reflex and Facilitated CommunicationMost claims of paranormal or psychic abilities are spread by conmen or magicians, but this doesn't seem to be the case for Facilitated Communications and spelling. I don't doubt that proponents of spelling believe it's real. I don't think facilitators are consciously guiding their subjects, and I don't think the parents are trying to trick anyone. But there's an explanation for all of this that doesn't involve the supernatural: the ideomotor reflex.The ideomotor reflex describes involuntary physical movements in response to ideas, thoughts, or expectations. Thinking about something can unconsciously trigger a physical action. This is why Ouija boards produce conversations with ghosts and how water dowsers can find underground springs. In Facilitated Communication, the facilitator is guiding the subject towards a specific response, even though they're not aware they're doing it. Anyone can be fooled by ideomotor effectintelligence and training doesn't make you immuneand realizing that you have been mistaken can be devastating. Watch this interview from 60 Minutes with a couple of smart, well-meaning facilitators to see what I mean: The kind of unconscious "cueing" that seems to explain FC can work even if the facilitator isn't guiding the subject's hands or touching them at all. People can pick up on subtle movements and give a desired response. So can horses. The strange case of Clever Hans, the horse who did mathIn the early twentieth century, mathematics teacher and amateur horse trainer Wilhelm von Osten announced that his horse, Hans, could do math. To demonstrate, Von Osten would ask things like, "If the eighth day of the month comes on a Tuesday, what is the date of the following Friday?" and Hans would answer by tapping his hoof eleven times. Clever Hans, the intelligent horse, drew crowds, but also skepticism, so a panel of professionals consisting of a veterinarian, a circus manager, a cavalry officer, a number of schoolteachers, and the director of the Berlin zoological gardens was convened to test the claims. The panel separated Hans from its trainer to ensure he wasn't cueing the animal. They performed tests without any spectators to make sure no one else was helping the horse cheat. They wrote the questions themselves, and made sure Hans couldn't see the answers, but even under these conditions, Hans could still correctly answer math questions. The panel initially concluded the that there was no trickery involved, but they passed the investigation on to psychologist Oskar Pfungst, who looked deeper. Pfungst's more rigorous tests showed Hans could only give correct answers when the questioner knew the answer and the horse could see the questioner. Clever Hans was a smart horse, but its seeming ability to do math was actually the result of reading the ideomotor movements of the questioner, whose body language would change unconsciously when the right answer was arrived at. (Unrelated sidenote: After Wilhelm von Osten died, Hans was drafted into World War I as a military horse and "killed in action in 1916 or was consumed by hungry soldiers.")I'm not comparing non speakers with autism to horses, but Facilitated Communications and Clever Hans' math skills fall apart at the same point: If the subject can't see, hear, or touch the facilitator, or the facilitator doesn't know the "correct answer," there is no meaningful result. In many cases in The Telepathy Tapes, the facilitator is the parent of a non speaking child, and unspoken communication between thema subtle guiding of the hand, a small change in posture, a change in breathing, etc.seems a more likely explanation than mind reading.The problem of testing for telepathy"Traditional" Facilitated Communication can be disproved relatively easily by showing the non speaker an image, then showing the facilitator a different image, as you can see here: But telepathy, as presented in The Telepathy Tapes, is "protected" from this kind of scrutiny. Because the mind that is supposedly being read is that of the facilitator, there's no way of presenting information that the facilitator doesn't know, and no way of separating the non speaker from the facilitator. The podcast even flips things upside down in a segment involving Uno cards. In this test, only the facilitator knows what Uno card has been chosen, but the subject guesses the right answer again and again. Instead of being seen as evidence that the communication must be from the facilitator because the subject hasn't seen the card, it's presented as evidence that the non-verbal subject is telepathic. In later episodes of the podcast, the claim is made that some of subjects can read everyone's mind. This should make it easy to test telepathic powershave a third party write down a number without showing it to anyone, then have the non speaker read their mind and facilitate the resultbut tests of this type aren't conducted in The Telepathy Tapes. Nor are there any test involving subjects who have more than one facilitator. I suspect this is because those tests would fail.The Telepathy Tapes does offer a preemptive explanation for tests of telepathy that don't work. It's a familiar argument for why supernatural effects can't be demonstrated in a laboratory: psychic abilities, by their nature, resist scientific experimentation. The vibe of skepticism upsets the psychic balance, or the disbelief of the experimenters is too upsetting to the psychic, so the power can only be demonstrated to people who believe in them. And no one can prove that isn't true, but it highlights the difference between an invisible force that is supported by research, like electricity, and one that isn't, like telepathy: Electricity doesn't care if you don't believe in it: Flip the switch and the lights will come on, whether you think they will or not.The problem with The Telepathy TapesPart of the argument of The Telepathy Tapes is that scientific skepticism is silencing the voices of non-verbal people. "Why should anyone deny the lived experience of parents who have found a connection to their children?" the podcast seems to ask. "These assertions carry the serious danger of undermining more empirically grounded modes of communication," explains Dr. Sham Singh, a psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic. "There are scientifically validated tools and techniques that let non speakers express their thoughts and emotions. These include augmentative and alternative communication devices and interventions based on behavioral science. To dismiss these in favor of unproven methods of telepathic communication risks undermining the progress that many individuals and their families have made with established methods."That's not the only problem with the podcast. Mainstream society is denying or discounting the abilities of handicapped people is nothing new, and some autistic people really do demonstrate remarkable talents in different areas, but imagining non-verbal people have mystical powers distorts their lived experiences too. "The deeper question such claims raise touches on how society perceives neurodiversity," explains Dr. Singh. "This fascination with telepathy can reflect a desire to ascribe unique, even mystical abilities to people with autism, which, though well-intentioned, may belittle their experiences. Rather than superpowers, we should focus efforts on supporting non speakers through accessible, evidence-based resources that help them interact with the world on their own terms."

Amazon shared the latest list of video game titles that Prime members can snag for free this month. Members can pick up a code for BioShock 2 Remastered right now, and if you're patient, you can also grab a free copy of Deus Ex GOTY Edition or Super Meat Boy Forever later in January.The cloud-based Amazon Luna gaming service has also shared its current lineup of titles that Prime members can play. Airhead, Guacamelee! 2 Complete, The Magical Mixture Mill, Metro Exodus and Super Meat Boy are in the rotation for that service this month alongside Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition, Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition, Fortnight, LEGO Fortnite, Fortnite Festival, Fortnite Battle Royale, Rocket Racing and Trackmania.Some of Prime Gaming's freebies last for longer than 30 days, so you've also got some time left to pick up a copy of some of the December titles if you haven't already loaded up on those deals. But if you're looking ahead, here's the full lineup of upcoming free Prime Gaming titles this month and when they'll be available.NowBioShock 2 Remastered (GOG)The Bridge (Epic Games Store)Eastern Exorcist (Epic Games Store)SkyDrift Infinity (Epic Games Store)Spirit Mancer (Amazon Games App)January 16Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader (Epic Games Store)GRIP (GOG)SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech (GOG)January 23Deus Ex GOTY Edition (GOG)Spitlings (Amazon Games App)Star Stuff (Epic Games Store)To the Rescue! (Epic Games Store)Zombie Army 4: Dead War (Epic Games Store)January 30Blood West (GOG)ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights (Epic Games Store)Super Meat Boy Forever (Epic Games Store)This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/pick-up-bioshock-2-remastered-and-deus-ex-in-prime-gamings-january-freebies-215515330.html?src=rss

I wouldnt go as far as to say its been dethroned, but Mirumi the clingy fluffball with a staring problem now has some serious competition for the title of cutest robot at CES 2025. I just met Ropet, a wide-eyed companion robot with warm, soft fur, little flapping arms and big feelings. And damn is that thing adorable. Ropets sole mission is to love and be loved. Think of it like a living plushie; it has a personality, will listen to your deepest darkest secrets without judgement, and will reach out to hug you when youre sad. Its appearance is customizable and it has optional ChatGPT integration, so its there if you want it for advanced conversations with the robot but youre not forced into it. Its little button nose is a camera that it uses for face and object recognition; Ropet can identify and bond more closely with its owner, but it will remember other people too. All of this data is stored and processed locally, meaning it never leaves the device itself. If you dont trust that (fair), you can keep Ropet entirely disconnected from the internet, and itll still be capable of performing all of its functions minus ChatGPT. That includes reacting to audio, touch and gesture inputs. If you pet or cuddle it, its expression will change to visible happiness. Or, it might look grumpy if you shake it around. (What are you, evil? Dont do that). Show it one of the few dozen objects it knows, like a hot dog or a banana, and youll see an emoji of that pop up in its eyes. You can give it the shush sign to quiet it down, and itll dance along if youre listening to music. Karissa Bell for Engadget Were at the point of CES week where were all running on fumes, and Ropet brought unexpected childlike glee to this burnt-out gremlin for a few minutes. Emotional companion robots are a ubiquitous presence at CES, but the ones that actually have some degree of smarts are not usually so snuggleable. And the ones that are snuggleable usually arent very smart, tending to come across more like animatronics. Ropet looks kind of like a fluffy baby seal but not realistic enough to dip into uncanny valley territory and its body gives off heat to simulate the feeling of holding a living creature. Its hard not to draw comparisons to Furby, which is probably the best-known example of a robotic creature pet that responds to voice and touch commands. But Ropet takes the whole idea to another level. You can change the color of its eyes in the app, and buy different face plates and furs if you want to mix things up or just cant decide on how you want its appearance. There are also little outfits you can purchase. A Kickstarter campaign for Ropet managed to pull in $228,091, wildly surpassing its $1,285 goal, so Im definitely not the only one who thinks this little guy seems pretty promising. There are two purchase options for anyone who is interested: Ropet Basic ($299), which comes with a case and a USB-C charging cord, and Ropet Pro ($329), which comes with those things plus a charging base that has light effects and lets Ropet rotate a little. The Kickstarter doesnt end until January 21, so if you catch it before then you can get it for significantly cheaper. Early bird orders are expected to begin shipping in March, and the rest will be unleashed upon the world later this year. Now, we sit back and see whether Ropet will follow in the footsteps of Furby to develop its own mildly sinister lore that endures for decades to come. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/ropet-is-the-cute-as-hell-emotional-robot-at-ces-2025-that-the-modern-furby-wishes-it-could-be-214046211.html?src=rss

CES 2025 is coming to a close, and team Engadget is ready to leave Las Vegas. Our reporters and editors have scoured endless carpeted convention halls, braved lines of chain smokers and fielded thousands of emails a day to find the best and most credible products at the show.As expected, the vast majority of things we saw this CES had an AI component, with a noticeable uptick in AR glasses, hearing aid earbuds, solar-powered tech, emotional support robots and robot vacuums. Apparently people really like robovacs that can pick up socks. Our team was encouraged to see more growth in tech built to improve the lives of those with disabilities and mobility issues, too.Our list of CES 2025 winners covers a variety of categories, ranging from typical areas like home entertainment, transportation and smart home to theme-based topics like sustainability and accessibility. After our team shortlisted nominees and voted on the best for various categories, we then conducted another round of voting to decide on the best product of the show.That said, heres the full list of our picks for the Best of CES 2025.ASUS Zenbook A14ASUSThe ASUS Zenbook A14 feels impossibly light, weighing between 2.2 and 2.4 pounds, and it has a gorgeous 14-inch OLED screen and a decent array of ports (USB-C, USB-A and HDMI)! What else ccould you want in a MacBook Air competitor? After years of basically copying Apples MacBooks, ASUS proves it can out-innovate Apple without resorting to gimmicks like dual screens or flashy lights. The Zenbook A14 is simply a tiny laptop that feels great in your hands, thanks in large part to ASUSs unique Ceraluminum case material. ASUS claims it can last up to 32 hours while playing video, well above the 18 hours Apple estimates for the MacBook Air. It may seem odd that the least flashy laptop of CES 2025 is one of our favorites, but sometimes pure practicality is undeniable. Devindra Hardawar, Senior reporter, reviewsBioLite BackupBioliteWere always looking for brand new, never-seen-before stuff at CES, but sometimes its the clever reinterpretation of existing tech that catches our attention. Thats the case with Backup by Biolite. Its essentially a cross between a universal power supply (UPS) and a whole-home backup battery, but improves on both.The thin, 40-pound 1.5 kWh battery lives between a wall outlet and your fridge (or any other plug-in device) and keeps those things running in the event of a power outage. It doesnt require professional installation, just a user-installed wall mount, and its thin enough to hide behind your fridge or tuck under a counter. Though if it were on display, the matte-silver finish wouldnt spoil any aesthetic.The Backup Complete includes two units that supply up to 3 kWh, which is enough to power a fridge, microwave, lights, as well as refill phones and a laptop. The 3 kWh capacity and the fact that its an installed battery currently qualifies it for a 30 percent federal tax credit, which would bring the cost down to $2,100 for the Complete. The single-unit Backup Core packs 1.5 kWh and goes for $2,000. Both are available for pre-order now and should ship this summer. Amy Skorheim, Reporter, buying adviceJackery Solar RoofJackeryJackery is already an established name in domestic solar generator systems, and its latest product fills a wavy gap in its product lineup. Jackerys XBC curved solar roof shingles mimic some of the most common house styles in the country, and they come in terracotta or obsidian colorways for optimum HOA appeasement. These are the first curved solar tiles to hit the United States market and they deliver a cell conversion efficiency of more than 25 percent. They can withstand extreme weather conditions, including temperatures between -40 degrees F and 185 degrees F, and theyre designed in line with traditional roofing installation practices, featuring a modular setup that allows for flexible maintenance. Jackerys new wavy solar tiles connect with the companys existing solar generation and storage products, making them an accessible and attractive option for whole-home sustainability. Jessica Conditt, Senior reporterLenovo Legion Go SLenovoThe plight of the modern handheld-PC gamer is trying to decide which OS to use. There are a ton of Windows 11-based devices that offer unparalleled compatibility and strong graphics support. But all that comes on a platform that isnt optimized for smaller gadgets with attached controllers. Alternatively, SteamOS offers a much more cohesive experience with a better UI and less performance overhead. The problem is that Valves operating system was basically only available on a single device the Steam Deck. That changes now with the Lenovo Legion Go S, which will be available in two flavors: a Windows version and for the first time on any handheld not made by Valve, a model powered by SteamOS.Aside from the choice of platforms and different colored shells, we appreciate that the two variants feature almost identical specs including an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, up to 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and a decently large 55.5Whr battery. Its 8-inch touchscreen looks great too, as it offers a 120Hz refresh rate with support for VRR, 500 nits of brightness and a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution. And with prices starting at $600 (or $500 for the SteamOS model), its rather affordable too. Perhaps the biggest downside is that while the Windows model will be out later this month, were going to have to wait until May for the one powered by SteamOS. But with the latter sort of finally making good on the nearly decade-old promise of Valves Steam Machines, holding out for a few extra months doesnt seem so long. Sam Rutherford, Senior reporter, reviewsLG OLED evo M5LGLGs Best of CES crown is safe for another year. The company is consistently at the top of the best TVs we see each year in Las Vegas, and it frequently comes out the winner. For this years OLED evo M5, the company managed to further improve its most premium displays, adding the latest (Alpha) 11 AI processor Gen2 to improve the look of lower-resolution content and power advanced features.For gamers, theres a 165Hz refresh rate, alongside both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium certifications. This should smooth things out and keep lag to a minimum. The companys new Brightness Booster Ultimate can achieve levels that are three times brighter than conventional OLED models, according to the company. Plus, the feature contributes to a UL Solutions' "Perfect Black" and "Perfect Color" verification on the M5. Its truly stunning picture quality.Lastly, LGs Zero Connect Box thats been available on the M-series for a while now is finally available on screens below 77 inches. This device allows you to connect all of your consoles and streaming gear without running multiple HDMI cables to the TV. LG now says it doesnt need line-of-sight clearance either, and that it can be hidden in a wooden cabinet near the M5. Billy Steele, Senior reporter, reviewsMoonbird MoonbuddyMoonbirdGadgets made for relaxation shouldnt be complicated. Moonbuddy has one purpose to make guided breathwork accessible and appealing to children and it nails the execution with no unnecessary frills. The company behind it first made a similar stress relief device for adults, and Moonbuddy simplifies that experience and puts it into a cuter package. Moonbuddy is an egg-shaped device with a soft area that expands and contracts in set rhythms, so kids can follow along and sync up their own breathing. It fits into an animal themed sleeve, so it looks like a toy. There are four different breathing modes, each lasting a few minutes and designed to promote a state of calmness.The whole thing is tactile and screen-free, which is especially good considering many parents may want to incorporate it into the nighttime routine. And as much as I love the little animal outfits as a person who gravitates toward cute things, I also like that if your kid gets to that stage where they reject everything babyish, they can take the sleeve off and keep using it in its more nondescript form. Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editorOhSnap MCONOhSnapThe MCON by OhSnap basically transforms any smartphone into a modern Xperia Play, complete with modern conveniences like Hall effect analog sticks, silent buttons, flip-out grips, and a full bumper and trigger layout. Its a mobile gamepad that can slide into your pocket without the sticks or handles getting caught on anything, and it works with pretty much every smartphone on the market today. The MCON uses MagSafe to snap onto the back of any recent iPhone and it comes with an adapter for Android devices to join in on the fun. It even works with the Galaxy Z Fold, and its creator, Josh King, is working on a solution for the Z Flip, too.The mockup that King brought to CES 2025 felt lightweight yet solid and comfortable to hold, and the phone-snapping action was supremely satisfying. After gaining a bit of viral fame with his idea, King partnered with established MagSafe accessory manufacturer OhSnap to push the MCON into full production, and its due to hit the market in August for $150. Jessica Conditt, Senior reporterRoborock Saros Z70RoborockRobot vacuums got a bunch of new and sometimes strange powers at CES 2025. But none made a bigger impression than Roborocks Saros Z70, which comes with a mechanical arm that can pick up socks, lift cords and grab other objects.The OmniGrip arm can pick up objects up to 300 grams (a little more than half a pound) in order to clean under them or deposit them in the location of your choice. Functionality of the arm is controlled via Roborocks app and is extremely customizable so you can program it to pick up loose trash and cat toys, but lift up cords to clean underneath.When we saw it in action at CES, it deftly picked up socks and placed them in a basket. But Roborock promises it can do much more. The vacuum will automatically recognize 108 different objects yes, like seemingly every other gadget we saw at CES, it uses AI but you can also teach it to detect up to 50 additional items so it will know how to handle obstacles its most likely to encounter in your home.Surprisingly, the Saros Z70 wasnt the only robot vacuum with an arm we saw at CES, but it will be the first that you can actually buy. Karissa Bell, Senior reporterTechnics EAH-AZ100 earbudsTechnicsTechnics new Magnetic Fluid drivers have garnered a lot of headlines this week, but all you really need to know about the EAH-AZ100 earbuds is that the sound quality is massively improved. Powered by those new components, theres more clarity, detail and bass, all of which are upgrades from the already impressive AZ80. Technics revised its earbud shape for the AZ100 in the name of comfort and fit, while also making the buds smaller and lighter. Features like touch controls, multipoint connectivity for three devices, spatial Dolby Atmos audio and LDAC support are here as well. And unlike most of what we see at CES, these new earbuds are already available to purchase. Billy Steele, Senior reporter, reviewsUrtopia Titanium ZeroUrtopiaSince the pandemic, e-bikes, not electric cars, have been at the forefront of the EV revolution, and its easy to see why: Electric bikes are a lot more affordable than their four-wheeled counterparts. Plus, here at Engadget, were all for devices that promote healthier living, and for many, getting an e-bike can be transformational.So when Urtopia showed up at CES 2025 with a concept e-bike that features a novel motor design, I was excited. As my colleague Daniel Cooper notes in his writeup, e-bike motors have traditionally come in two form factors, each with their own set of considerations. The custom-designed Quark DMI.2 mid-drive motor Urtopia showed off alongside its Titanium Zero e-bike offers a third path. Its not as powerful as traditional mid-drive motors, but it still features more power output than even the best hub motors. Best of all, the motor is small enough to fit inside a bottom bracket and weighs just 2.6 pounds.Urtopia hasnt said when it will start manufacturing the Titanium Zero, but its easy to see a scenario where the design of the Quark DMI.2 inspires other bike makers and pushes the industry forward. Igor Bonifacic, Senior reporterWeWalk Smart Cane 2WeWalkOf all the products at CES 2025 that had AI stuffed into them, WeWalks Smart Cane 2 stood out. The smart cane for people with visual impairments got an update this year that not only adds AI, but also addresses the originals shortcomings. It brings more advanced sensors, and best of all, still works as a conventional folding cane when these technological features arent engaged. The Smart Cane 2 can detect obstacles and offer turn-by-turn navigation, and it has a ChatGPT-powered assistant that can provide answers to questions while someone is walking, without the need to reach for a smartphone. WeWalk also refined the actual cane by making its handle slimmer, replacing the originals touchpad with tactile buttons and shaving a bit of weight off.Sure, you might not be able to trust ChatGPT to give you correct answers to every question imaginable yet, but at least in this implementation, the product isnt likely to harm users even if the AI fails. Plus, it has useful hardware, including time-of-flight and motion sensors to improve navigation, speakers to provide answers and feedback, as well as a flashlight to make the visually impaired more noticeable at night. And again, if the battery dies, you can still use this as a traditional, albeit pricier, cane. Cherlynn Low, Deputy editor, reviewsYukai Engineering MirumiYukai EngineeringOne of the most memorable robots at CES this year was the one that arguably does the least. We found ourselves powerless against the heart-melting charm of Mirumi, a tiny, fluffy robot made by Yukai Engineering that literally just stares at people and looks around like a baby discovering the outside world. Its small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but even better than that, it has long posable arms that allow it to hang onto objects. So if you put it on your bag strap, it will stare down everyone you encounter, and maybe become a little shy when they return the attention.Mirumi has no purpose other than to spread joy, and I love it for that. Yukai previously brought us the weird Qoobo pillow (the one with the tail) and the cat that nibbles your finger, and this is another case in which it did not miss with one of its odd creations. Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editorBest in show: WeWalk Smart Cane 2WeWalkAt CES this year, AI was unsurprisingly everywhere, often in places it didnt really seem like it needed to be. But the WeWalk Smart Cane 2, a high-tech version of the mobility cane for people who are blind, struck me as an application where it could actually be really helpful. With a new voice assistant thats powered by GPT, users can speak directly to the cane to get detailed navigation guidance and on-demand information, like public transportation options and menu items. The smart cane is also packed with sensors that allow it to alert the users of upcoming obstacles. It does this with haptic feedback in the handle and by calling out a verbal warning.WeWalk co-founder Kursat Ceylan, who is blind, gave a demonstration of the cane in the chaotic environment of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and it was impressive. The voice assistant responded quickly and accurately to his prompts, and the obstacle detection alert was loud enough to be heard over the buzz of the CES crowd. It can also pair with headphones or earbuds via Bluetooth. Since the cane can handle things like turn-by-turn navigation, users dont have to worry about also holding a smartphone while theyre trying to get around.The smart cane takes an existing tool that people are already familiar with and enhances it. Importantly, it also seems like the company heard the feedback of users who had the first version of the cane and improved the design to better meet their needs. It has a slimmer handle than the first model and tactile buttons, and weighs about the same as a traditional white cane. Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editorThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-of-ces-2025-211535752.html?src=rss

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