Dauntless and Fae Farm studio Phoenix Labs lays off "majority" of employeesAs part of "unfortunate but necessary changes to our operations".Image credit: Phoenix Labs/Eurogamer News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 28, 2025 Dauntless and Fae Farm developer Phoenix Labs has announced another round of layoffs - its fourth since May 2023 - this time affecting the "majority" of staff at the studio.Phoenix Labs enjoyed early success with its first game, free-to-play Monster-Hunter-like Dauntless, and the studio released its second title, Fae Farm, in 2023. However, the developer has faced multiple rounds of layoffs since its acquisition by blockchain company Forte Labs in 2023, starting with job cuts impacting 9 percent of its workforce in May that year. A further 34 layoffs followed seven months later, with an additional 140 jobs being cut last May. And, unfortunately for employees, layoffs have continued into 2025."Today is another difficult day at Phoenix Labs," the developer wrote in a message posted to LinkedIn on Monday. "We have made the tough decision to part ways with the majority of the studio as part of unfortunate but necessary changes to our operations."To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Newscast: Four promising Xbox games also coming to PlayStation.Watch on YouTubeWe recognise and deeply appreciate the contributions of every individual impacted," it continued. "Their talent, dedication, and creativity have left an indelible mark on our company and our games... To our industry peers, we encourage you to reach out to these exceptional individuals - they are some of the best in the business."As for Dauntless and Fae Farm, the studio says it'll share more on their fate "in the coming weeks", but notes its current focus is on "supporting those affected through this transition."Phoenix Labs' announcement follows a devastating 2024 for the games industry - in which around 13000 employees are believed to have lost their jobs - and continues a January dogged by further layoffs and studio closures. Ubisoft, for instance, announced it was cutting 185 jobs this week, while Jar of Sparks - the studio founded by Halo Infinite head of design Jerry Hook - confirmed it had laid off "all" its team earlier this month. Last year, Chris Dring shared his thoughts with Eurogamer on why these layoffs are happening.

Broadband bulk billing FCC chair helps ISPs and landlords make deals that renters cant escape Brendan Carr dumps plan to ban bulk billing deals that lock renters into one ISP. Jon Brodkin Jan 27, 2025 4:13 pm | 7 Credit: Getty Images | Javier Zayas Photography Credit: Getty Images | Javier Zayas Photography Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreFederal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has dropped the previous administration's proposal to ban bulk billing deals that require tenants to pay for a specific provider's Internet service.In March 2024, then-Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed a ban on arrangements in which "tenants are required to pay for broadband, cable, and satellite service provided by a specific communications provider, even if they do not wish to take the service or would prefer to use another provider."Rosenworcel's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was opposed by Internet providers and sat on the FCC's list of items on circulation throughout 2024 without any final vote, despite the commission having a 3-2 Democratic majority at the time. Carr, who was elevated to the chairmanship by President Trump, emptied the list of items under consideration by commissioners on Friday.With bulk billing deals in which a company agrees to provide service to every tenant of a building, residents are billed a prorated share of the total cost. Tenants may be billed by either the landlord or the telco provider. Bulk billing contracts are only banned by the FCC when they give a provider the exclusive right to access and serve a building. But when tenants are forced to pay for one provider's service, other providers aren't likely to see much opportunity in entering the building.Technically, Rosenworcel's plan would have allowed bulk billing arrangements to continue as long as tenants are given the ability to opt out of them. In March, Rosenworcel's office said her plan would "increase competition for communications service in these buildings by making it more profitable for competitive providers to deploy service in buildings where it is currently too expensive to serve consumers because tenants are required to take a certain provider's service.""Too often, tenants living in these households are forced to pay high prices with limited choices for Internet or other services," Rosenworcel's office said in March, arguing that her plan would "lower costs and address the lack of choice for broadband services" in apartments, condos, and public housing.Lobby groups thank new FCC chairHousing industry lobby groups praised Carr in a press release issued by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), National Apartment Association (NAA), and Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center (RETTC). "His decision to withdraw the proposal will ensure that millions of consumersrenters, homeowners and condominium ownerswill continue to reap the benefits of bulk billing," the press release said.The industry press release claims that bulk billing agreements negotiated between property owners and Internet service providers "typically secur[e] high-speed Internet for renters at rates up to 50 percent lower than standard retail pricing" and remove "barriers to broadband adoption like credit checks, security deposits, equipment rentals, or installation fees.""Bulk billing arrangements have made high-speed internet more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans, especially for low-income renters and seniors living in affordable housing," NMHC President Sharon Wilson Gno said.While the FCC prohibits deals in which a service provider has the exclusive right to access and serve a building, there are other ways in which competitors can be effectively shut out of buildings. In 2022, the FCC said its existing rules weren't strong enough and added a ban on exclusive revenue-sharing agreements between landlords and ISPs in multi-tenant buildings. The revenue-sharing ban was approved 40, including votes from both Rosenworcel and Carr.Comcast, Charter, Cox, and cable lobby group NCTA opposed Rosenworcel's plan for a bulk billing ban, saying that "interfering with the ability of building owners to offer these arrangements to their tenants will result in higher broadband and video prices and other harms for consumers, with questionable and limited benefits."Carr issued a statement today, saying, "During the Biden-Harris Administration, FCC leadership put forward a 'bulk billing' proposal that could have raised the price of Internet service for Americans living in apartments by as much as 50 percent. This regulatory overreach from Washington would have hit families right in their pocketbooks at a time when they were already hurting from the last administration's inflationary policies. That is why you saw a broad and bipartisan coalition of groups opposing the plan. After all, seniors, students, and low-income individuals would have been hit particularly hard." Carr also said that he plans more actions "to reverse the last administration's costly regulatory overreach."Deals preserve in-building monopoliesConsumer advocacy group Public Knowledge and 30 other groups urged the FCC to approve Rosenworcel's proposal in July. "As they exist now, bulk billing arrangements sacrifice consumer choice to preserve in-building monopolies at the expense of tenants," the groups said in a letter to the commission. "For the many tenants trapped with high-cost or less-capable Internet that does not meet their needs, an opt-out option provides a vital escape. This is especially true for those eligible for low-income plans or Lifeline subsidy, which by definition are not available in a bulk billing arrangement."Because Rosenworcel's plan was in the form of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC would have sought public comments before making a final decision. "The best way to determine whether bulk billing does more harm or more good, whether providers genuinely need 100 percent sign up to make service viable, or other questions as to whether allowing opt out better serves the public by offering more competition, is to move forward with the item," the advocacy groups' letter said.John Bergmayer, legal director at Public Knowledge, told Ars today that a bulk billing ban would have made the commission's rules more effective "by eliminating one of the ways that landlords, HOAs, and telecom and cable companies collaborate to bypass the intended effort of those rules, and require people to pay for Internet service they don't want or need. It's a shame. The arguments on the pro-bulk-billing side were spurious or overblown, and the MTE [multiple tenant environments] access rules have broad, bipartisan support, as well as a lot of industry support."Jon BrodkinSenior IT ReporterJon BrodkinSenior IT Reporter Jon is a Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica. He covers the telecom industry, Federal Communications Commission rulemakings, broadband consumer affairs, court cases, and government regulation of the tech industry. 7 Comments

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Image: Nintendo, The Pokmon CompanyAhead of the launch of Pokmon Legends: Z-A this year and Pokmon Day next month, Nintendo has this week added the Pokmon Legends: Arceus soundtrack to its music application.This soundtrack comes loaded with a total of 102 tracks and has a whopping runtime of four hours and one minute. This includes songs for all of the different locations in the game, battle encounters and more. Here's the full rundown (warning: possible spoilers):The BeginningTransportedProfessor LaventonA Meeting in HisuiJubilife VillageThunderGalaxy HallBattle! (People of Hisui)To a New LandObsidian Fieldlands 1-1A Prelude to BattleA Prelude to Battle 2A Prelude to Battle 3Battle (Wild Pokmon)Survey Report (Day)Pokmon HealedObsidian Fiendlands 2-1A Prelude to Battle (Alpha Pokmon)Battle! (Alpha Pokmon)Blacking OutAn AudienceA Tense SituationHeartwoodCelestica FluteEvolutionThe Seat of a NobleKleavor, Lord of the WoodsBattle! (Noble Pokmon)ResolutionCase ClosedNew RankTarget PracticeCrimson Mirelands 1-1DistortionSettlementCrimson Mirelands 2-1Lilligant, Lady of the RidgeJubilife Village 2Cobalt Coastlands 1-1The Sound of the FluteFeelingsNightSurvey Report (Night)Cobalt Coastlands 2-1Firepit IslandCourageStrengthArcanine, Lord of the IslesCoronet HighlandsWayward CaveBattle! (People of Hisui 2)Electrode, Lord of the HollowReady to Go!Alabaster Icelands 1-1Deep in the NightDawnAlabaster Icelands 2-1Snowpoint TempleAvalugg, Lord of the TundraSuspicionExiledDisaster LoomingBattle during a Disaster (Prelude)Battle during a Disaster (Alpha Prelude)Battle during a Disaster (Pokmon)Ancient RetreatCave in the LakeStone PortalTemple of SinnohThe Arrival of Dialga/PalkiaBattle (Dialga/PalkiaThe Other Almighty SinnohTemporary RetreatOriginBattle! (Origin Forme Dialga/Palkia)FinaleEnding ThemeJubilife Village 3Mystery GiftObsidian Fieldlands 1-2Obsidian Fieldlands 2-2Crimson Mirelands 1-2Crimson Mirelands 2-2Cobalt Coastlands 1-2Cobalt Coastlands 2-2Alabaster Icelands 1-2Alabaster Icelands 2-2The Clefairy's Moonlit DanceThe LakesBattle! (Azelf / Mesprit / Uxie)Batte! (Remarkable Pokmon)Volo's GoalBattle! (Volo)Giratina AppearsBattle (Giratina)Azure FluteHall of OriginBattle! (Arceus)Battle! (Arceus 2)Battle! (Arceus 3)Battle! (Areceus 4)Title ScreenSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube794kWatch on YouTube To be able to use this app and listen to this latest soundtrack, you'll need to have an active Switch Online base tier membership. You can see every other game album added in our full guide: A mobile music app exclusive to Switch Online membersWhat do you think of the latest addition to Nintendo Music? Let us know in the comments.Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Expands Switch Online's SNES Library With Three More TitlesIncluding a special Super Famicom release...Opinion: My Daughter Made Me Realise That Mario Wonder's Difficulty Options Need WorkYoshi or Nabbit, make your choiceSega Launches Its Own Free Account Service With Unique Member RewardsSign up! Y'know, if you wantXenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Metal Poster Pre-Order Bonus RevealedAvailable now in the USCeleste Dev Makes "Difficult Decision" To Cancel New Game EarthbladeFollowing "a disagreement about the IP rights of Celeste"

Google will rename the Gulf of Mexico and Alaskas Denali mountain in Google Maps once a federal mapping database reflects changes ordered by the Trump Administration, the company announced Monday.Google is complying with an executive order issued last week by President Donald Trump that changed the names of several American landmarks. The executive order was followed up by a statement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which said the name changes were now official and Americas geographic naming bodies were working expeditiously to fulfill Trumps order.We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources, Google wrote in a post on X. The Gulf of Mexicos name in Google Maps will soon be the Gulf of America for U.S. users, an entirely new name created by the Trump administration.Denali, which is North Americas highest peak, will soon show up in Google Maps for all global users as its previous name of Mount McKinley. The Alaskan mountain was named Mount McKinley in 1917 to honor Americas 25th president, William McKinley; the peak was renamed Denali during the Obama administration in 2015. The Trump administration is changing it back, despite protests from some Alaskan senators.However, not everyone in the world using Google Maps will see the Gulf of America.Geographic names that are contested between different countries show up in Google Maps under each countrys official name for their citizens, according to a social media post from Google. That means the Gulf of Mexicos name will not change for Mexican users of Google Maps, where the countrys president, Claudia Sheinbaum, mocked Trump for suggesting a new name for the body of water. In other countries, Google Maps will display both America and Mexicos names for the gulf side by side.Google says it will make these changes when the official American naming database, the Geographic Names Information System or GNIS, is updated. Though the Interior Department announced the Gulf of America and Mount McKinleys name changes were official on Friday, GNIS still reflects that both are named the Gulf of Mexico and Denali as of Monday evening.

In BriefPosted:5:19 PM PST January 27, 2025Image Credits:David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty ImagesReid Hoffmans Manas AI raises $24.6M, a fraction of other AI drug discovery startupsLinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and Siddhartha Mukherjee, cancer researcher and author of the book The Emperor of All Maladies, have co-founded an AI-powered drug discovery startup, Manas AI. The company, which will initially focus on breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma, has raised $24.6 million in seed funding from Hoffman, General Catalyst, and Greylock.Manas AIs capital haul pales compared with some other startups trying to use AI models to develop novel drugs. Last year, Xaira, which claimed that it was ready to start developing drugs, launched with a massive $1 billion in initial funding. Treeline Biosciences is another company that uses AI for drug discovery and raised $422 million last year, Endpts reported.Manas AI claims it will design molecules with AI, then test them in a wet lab, Hoffman reportedly said during the presentation of his new book Superagency. Manas says it will use Microsofts cloud computing platform, Microsoft Azure, and Microsofts deep domain knowledge in AI to develop novel medicines.Hoffman has close ties to Microsoft, which famously acquired his earlier company, LinkedIn, in a blockbuster deal in 2016.Topics

Forget TikTokDeepSeek is the real deal.VCG via Getty ImagesTiming really is everything. A week on from TikToks short-lived ban over fears of Chinese harvesting U.S. data, despite consistent denials from the platform and its parent that its doing anything of the sort, here comes another app that admits to doing exactly that. And if you still think TikTok is bad this is so much worse.DeepSeek has shocked the U.S. in many ways almost overnight. Seemingly beating leading Generative AI platforms with a cut-price, software-led approach that has taken a sledgehammer to their business plans. Seemingly running blatant China-friendly censorship in plain sight, not via a subtle algorithm no-one sees. And seemingly taking worries about AIs privacy and data risks to a whole new level.DeepSeek isnt hiding any of this far from it. The personal information we collect from you may be stored on a server located outside of the country where you live, it tells users. We store the information we collect in secure servers located in the People's Republic of China. As for what that information might be everything.We collect your information in three ways: Information You Provide, Automatically Collected Information, and Information From Other Sources. And that includes personal data when you set up your account, anything you enter into its platform, including your text or audio input, prompt, uploaded files, feedback, chat history, or other content that you provide to our model and Services.MORE FOR YOUBut theres more. We automatically collect certain information from you, DeepSeek says, including internet or other network activity information such as your IP address, unique device identifiers, and cookies We collect certain device and network connection information This information includes your device model, operating system, keystroke patterns or rhythms, IP address, and system language Where you log-in from multiple devices, we use information such as your device ID and user ID to identify your activity across devices to give you a seamless log-in experience and for security purposes.This data is much more powerful than anything ever shared with or harvested by TikTok whatever the reality of where that data is sent. Most of it is not needed for the purpose of the platform. And once its gone, its gone. Just ask yourself what a powerful AI engine in state hands could do with all that personally identifiable data.None of that information is stored in the U.S. Everything goes to China. The same China whose controversial national security laws with their obligation on Chinese firms to share any and all data with government agencies has wrought so much political TikTok hand-wringing around the world. I asked DeepSeek about their adherence to these laws with the data they collect. Nothing from them yet.This month, Harmonic Security warned about the huge enterprise risk from Generative AI platforms, through user prompts and uploads. And they didnt have anything as blatantly high-risk as DeepSeek when they compiled their report.DeepSeek is in some ways a U.S. invention. Funded by a Chinese investment firm, it has set out to deliver ChatGPT outcomes without access to ChatGPT levels of expensive hardware spend, given U.S. restrictions. That means innovation and workarounds. And whatever the realities behind the scenes, given Chinas heavily interlinked and state subsidised tech sector, the results are extraordinary. Has Chinese industry launched a U.S.-beating AI platforms on the U.S. independently of state support. Perhaps. But this is strategic in a way TikTok never was.Privacy PolicyDeepSeekThe worlds top companies typically train their chatbots with supercomputers that use as many as 16,000 chips or more, The New York Times explains. DeepSeeks engineers said they needed only about 2,000 Nvidia chips DeepSeeks research paper raised questions about whether big U.S. companies could maintain a significant lead in A.I. Many experts believe that A.I. technology will become a commodity, with many companies selling much the same product.And now with those U.S. stocks reeling from a surprise DeepSeek hit, and the Chinese app topping Apples App Store, we are firmly out on thin ice. There are all kinds of implications here. AI security in a world where users cannot help themselves but venture into whatevers newest and shiniest. A complete lack of regard for security and privacy when using AI chat, as was evident before this. And a finger in the dam moment for Chinese viral apps that wont be stayed by a TikTok ban or change of ownership and clearly needs something more expansive to be kept at bay.Meanwhile meanwhile, if you really must use Chinas latest viral toy, please do bear in mind where all that data is going and staying. Be very careful what you share, whether its your own personal information or worse your employers.

MLB The Show 25Credit: Sony San DiegoSony San Diego Studio (SSDS) is cranking up their pre-release teasers for MLB The Show 25, and I love the way theyre starting things off.On Monday, January 27, SSDS released not one, not two, but three cover athlete declarations via social media. Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz, Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson, and Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes all announced they are cover athletes for MLB The Show 25.What does this mean? In short, there are at least three cover athletes and likely one legend who will be on the cover of the special edition. SSDS could opt to have separate covers for the special edition, but with most games purchased digitally, that seems unlikely.MORE FOR YOUIt seems more likely there will be one cover featuring all three young stars. Users will likely have the option to choose if their home screen features De La Cruz, Henderson, or Skenes. Quite honestly, SSDS couldnt go wrong with any of the three, even if they opted for the single cover athlete approach.CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 06: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts to the three-run home ... [+] run hit by Spencer Steer #7 in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park on April 06, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Aaron Doster/Getty Images)Getty ImagesDe La Cruz, 23, led the majors in stolen bases with 67 while clubbing 25 home runs and driving in 76 runs. The dynamic switch-hitter is seemingly on the cusp of superstardom.BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 02: Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) bats during the Wild ... [+] Card Playoff game between the Kansas City Royals versus the Baltimore Orioles on October 2, 2024 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesHenderson, 23, captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2023. He followed that up with a Top-5 finish in American League MVP voting following his .281, 37 HR, 92 RBI season in 2024.NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 28: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game ... [+] between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, September 28, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)MLB Photos via Getty ImagesSkenes, 22, won Rookie of the Year in 2024 while finishing third in the National League Cy Young race. In 23 starts, Skenes managed an 11-3 record with a 1.97 ERA and 170 strikeouts in just 133 innings pitched.Quite honestly, if he avoids a catastrophic or chronic injury, Skenes could be the best pitcher of his generation and one of the greatest of all time.The partial cover athlete reveals came a day after the games official social media accounts posted another short teaser to get the conversation moving.With information dropping in consecutive days, it would appear the official announcement and revealcomplete with cover reveal, release date, legends edition info, and pre-order detailsis imminent.It could arrive as early as Tuesday, January 28. From a timeline standpoint, were in alignment with last years schedule. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was revealed as the cover athlete on January 30, 2024. Because of that, it seems safe to say the announcement for MLB The Show 25 should come before the end of the week.When it comes to cover athletes for the legends editionassuming there is onethere are so many options. It would have been nice to see the late Rickey Henderson on the cover as a tribute. However, the decision to add players to the cover often happens nearly a year or so before the game releases.Henderson passed away on December 20, 2024. SSDS wouldnt have had enough time to put a proper tribute together, and their decision on a cover for the legends edition was probably already made.Id look at legends who werent in the game as possibilities. Ichiro Suzuki and Bo Jackson are two options that would move the needle for MLB The Show fans. I still expect The Show to be released in the third or early in the fourth week of March.The Road to the Show feature should be vastly improved, while tons of new packs are possibilities in Diamond Dynasty, along with a slew of new legends joining the game.Stay tuned as we learn more details on the upcoming release.

Boom Supersonic is just hours away from performing the first supersonic flight of its XB-1 test plane. A successful test will take it a big step toward its goal of launching supersonic passenger flights before the end of this decade.Boom Supersonic will live stream the first supersonic flight of Booms demonstrator aircraft, which is set for Tuesday morning at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California. Read on for full details on how to watch.Recommended VideosXB-1 is the worlds first independently developed supersonic jet and the first civil supersonic jet built in the U.S. The aircraft has so far completed 11 test flights since its first one in March 2024. Its most recent outing saw it reach speeds of Mach 0.95 just below the supersonic threshold of Mach 1.Please enable Javascript to view this contentTuesdays test, however, will see the aircraft break the sound barrier for the first time, setting the stage for the return of supersonic travel that was lost with the retirement of Concorde in 2003, Colorado-based Boom said.XB-1 contains the technology that will help Boom build its supersonic commercial airliner, Overture, with the likes of United and American Airlines having already placed orders.Overture will have a top speed of Mach 1.7, slower than Concordes maximum speed of Mach 2.04, but still fast enough to cut in half the seven hours that it takes to fly from New York to London on a conventional passenger jet.Powered by sustainable aviation fuel, Overture will fly up to 80 passengers at a cruising altitude of about 60,000 feet, more than 20,000 feet higher than todays commercial jets.The first-ever supersonic flight of Booms XB-1 test plane is set to take place at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California, at at 7:45 a.m. PT (10:45 a.m. E.T) on Tuesday, January 28, though the schedule could change depending on weather conditions or any last-minute technical issues that surface.You can watch the live stream on Booms website.Viewers will get to see air-to-air footage of the XB-1 aircraft during its supersonic flight, as well as a Q&A session hosted by former Concorde pilot Mike Bannister with Boom CEO Blake Scholl and chief test pilot Tristan Geppetto Brandenburg.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsBest for WellnessBest for Fur BabiesBest for the Grill MasterBest When on a BudgetBest for Those Always On-the-GoBest for the Eco-ConsciousBest for the Coffee LoverBest for Hot Cocoa DrinkersBest for Movie NightsBest for Beauty MavensBest for the Safe HomeBest on the RoadBest for the Road TripperBest for the MessBest for Milk Shakes and SmoothiesBest for MindfulnessBest for the Fitness FiendBest for the ForgetfulBest for the Fashion ForwardBest for Clean EarsValentines Day is all about celebrating the people who matter most in your life, and what better way to show your love than with a thoughtful, cutting-edge gift? Whether youre shopping for your spouse, partner, family member, or close friend, finding the perfect present can feel daunting. Thats where we come in. This Valentines Day gift guide is packed with innovative and practical items that are sure to impress. From the Oura Ring, which blends style and health tracking, to state-of-the-art Bluetooth headphones for immersive audio experiences, and practical gadgets like smart car chargers, theres something here for everyone.These gifts are as unique as the people receiving them, combining modern technology with meaningful utility. Gender-neutral and suitable for all relationships, this collection is designed to inspire and delight. Whether youre surprising your partner with a tech upgrade or gifting a friend something they didnt know they needed, these items strike the perfect balance between thoughtful and forward-thinking.Recommended VideosSo, skip the clich chocolates and flowers this year. Dive into our roundup of the most innovative gifts thatll make Valentines Day unforgettable for the ones you loveand maybe even for yourself.RelatedBest for WellnessOura Ring 4Image used with permission by copyright holderThe Oura Ring 4 is the ultimate health-tech gift for the Valentine in your life who values wellness. This sleek, titanium smart ring adapts to your body, tracking over 30 metrics, including sleep, activity, stress, and heart health. With up to eight days of battery life and water resistance, its perfect for 24/7 wear. Your gift recipient will also love the Smart Sensing technology, which provides personalized insights. That means they can optimize their daily habits. Thoughtful, stylish, and cutting-edge, its a Valentines gift that shows you care.Litter Robot 4Image used with permission by copyright holderThe Litter-Robot 4 Core Bundle is the ultimate Valentines Day gift for cat parents who demand convenience and cleanliness. This self-cleaning litter box eliminates the need for scooping with its patented sifting system, and the Whisker app tracks waste levels and your cats health data. I have one, and it is a total game changer in my familys life. Each Litter-Robot bundle varies, but at minimum, you should buy a kit that includes the Litter-Robot 4, mat, and bag refills. Compatible with most clumping litters, it ensures odor control and reduced tracking, making it a thoughtful, tech-savvy gift.TempSpike Pro Bluetooth Wireless Meat ThermometerImage used with permission by copyright holderThe TempSpike WiFi Bluetooth Wireless Meat Thermometer is the perfect Valentines Day gift for the grill master or cooking enthusiast in your life. With dual WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, it serves precise temperature tracking from anywhere. Its thinner, color-coded probes preserve juices and presentation, while the app offers real-time monitoring, cooking estimates, and alerts. It operates on high-heat, plus is also water-resistant. Think: BBQs, grilling, and slow cooking.Raycon Everyday Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear HeadphonesImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Raycon Everyday Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones are a thoughtful Valentines Day gift for the music lover or multitasker in your lifeespecially if youre on a budget. For just $69.99, these headphones deliver premium sound with active noise cancellation, a sleek foldable design, and an impressive 38-hour battery life. With water resistance and a quick-charge option, theyre perfect for travel, workouts, or daily use.Belkin Car ChargerImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Belkin MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Car Charger is the ultimate Valentines Day gift for the tech-savvy traveler. Offering 15W fast wireless charging, a secure vent mount, and seamless magnetic alignment for iPhone 12 and newer, it combines convenience with elegance. Its portrait-to-landscape adjustability makes navigation or media playback effortless while charging. Crafted with eco-friendly materials and backed by a two-year warranty, this sleek and practical accessory ensures your loved one stays connected and organized on the go.AquaSprouts Aquaponics GardenImage used with permission by copyright holderThe AquaSprouts Aquaponics Garden is a perfect Valentines Day gift for the eco-conscious loved one or the hobbyist who adores both gardening and caring for pet fish. This self-sustaining aquarium and hydroponic kit transforms any standard 10-gallon aquarium into a natural ecosystem. Fish fertilize plants, while plants purify the water. Minimal maintenance is required, making it a low-effort yet high-impact gift. Ideal for home, office, or school, its both functional and educational, blending nature with modern living.Gevi Drip Coffee MakerImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with a built-in grinder is a standout Valentines Day gift for coffee snobs. This easy-to-program coffee maker with an integrated burr grinder can customize your brew strength with eight grind settings. Your Valentine will achieve the perfect cup every time. And while Keurig or Nespresso machines are perfectly fine single-serve coffee makers, the Gevi provides freshly ground coffee without the use of pods.Gevi Hot Chocolate MakerImage used with permission by copyright holderPerhaps your loved one is more of a chocolate fiend instead of a coffee nut. In that case, this Gevi Hot Chocolate Maker with 5-in-1 Milk Frother and Steamer will be a welcomed gift for it serves cozy, cafe-quality cocoa. In addition to chocolatey goodness, it can also transform milk into a luxurious froth for lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. Beyond surpassing basic packet mixes, your gift recipient will appreciate its stainless steel design, detachable base (easy to clean!), and large 17-ounce capacity.Optoma ML1080 Ultra-Portable Full HD Laser ProjectorImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Optoma ML1080 Ultra-Portable Laser Projector is compact yet powerful. Delivering stunning 1080p visuals with 4K input support and vivid RGB Triple Laser color accuracy, this gift will transform their movie nights. Its advanced auto-focus and low 23ms input lag ensures seamless viewing and gaming. Gift it to the tech-savvy cinephile or gamer.Ilios Cordless Bright LED Rechargeable Wall Mounted Lighted Makeup MirrorImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Ilios Cordless Bright LED Rechargeable Wall-Mounted Makeup Mirror will change the beauty enthusiasts beauty game. Its rechargeable LED light mimics natural daylight for flawless makeup application, while the 5x magnification promises precision (as long as they have a steady hand, that is). The folding extension arm, 360-degree tilt, and detachable magnetic design also means you gift recipient can use it at home or during travel.Canary Pro Indoor Home Security CameraImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Canary Pro Indoor Security Camera can be their all-in-one solution for monitoring their home, pets, or even loved ones. With 1080p HD video, two-way talk, a 90+ decibel siren, and night vision, its perfect for real-time security or as a pet or baby monitor. Features like motion alerts, climate monitoring, and privacy settings add functionality and peace of mind. This sleek, Alexa-compatible camera guarantees their home is secure and connectedall with effortless setup.Nextbase Piqo 1k Smart Dash Cam with AppImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Nextbase Piqo 1k Smart Dash Cam combines practicality with cutting-edge features for safety and convenience on the road. Its 1080p ultra-wide HD resolution ensures clear video capture, while Smart Parking records bumps or hits when youre away. Theyll get peace of mind with features like Emergency SOS, real-time tracking via GPS, and voice-activated Witness Mode during emergencies. Ideal for frequent travelers or safety-conscious drivers, this dash cam transforms every journey into a secure experience.PHILIPS 12-Volt Car RefrigeratorImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Philips TB7101 12-Volt Refrigerator is a game-changer for road trips, camping, and home use. With dual temperature zones and a 39-quart capacity, it stores everything from frozen food to beverages. Its powerful compressor cools to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in just 15 minutes, while touch controls enable precise settings. Designed for rugged travel, it resists vibrations and inclines up to 40 degrees. Quiet and energy-efficient, this portable fridge is convenient and reliable.Shark WANDVAC POWER PET Cordless Handheld VacuumImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Shark WANDVAC POWER PET Cordless Handheld Vacuum is a powerhouse in a compact, lightweight package. Gift it to the pet owner or parent who is short on patience and time. This gadget offers HyperVelocity suction to tackle pet hair, crumbs, debris, and messes on any surface. With Boost Mode for tough spots, a pet tool, a sleek charging dock, and 50 percent more runtime than its original model, its perfect for quick cleanups at home, in cars, or on furniture.Ninja SLUSHiImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Ninja SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink Maker will elevate your loved ones beverage experience by turning wine, coffee, soda, or juice into smooth, perfectly textured frozen drinks. What more could one want? With innovative RapidChill Technology and three preset programs, it delivers in a matter of. This machines customizable texture settings, easy-clean design, and ability to keep drinks frozen for up to 12 hours make it ideal for slushies, cocktails, or iced coffees.Our editors tested it, and one said, The slushi drinks turn out absolutely amazingjust like something youd get at a juice bar, restaurant, or frozen drink stand! Testers were also impressed by its easy the setup and cleanup process. Win-win!Hyperice Core Premium BundleImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Core Premium Bundle from Hyperice revolutionizes meditation by pairing a device with a robust app that tracks heart rate and biofeedback in real time. With soothing vibrations and guided audio, it simplifies mindfulness while making it more immersive. Perfect for anyone seeking stress relief, better focus, or an introduction to meditation, this device includes personalized sessions, biometric insights, and guidance from experts like Naomi Osaka. Its a transformative tool to enhance mental clarity and relaxation.A ClassPass Gift CardImage used with permission by copyright holderGift your loved one a ClassPass gift card so they can sign up for fitness classes, wellness experiences, and more. The subscription-based service makes it very easy to book sessions for activities like yoga, pilates, spinning, boxing, and even massages and spa treatments. Just make sure there are classes available in your gift recipients city.A Dashlane MembershipImage used with permission by copyright holderHave a family member who constantly needs you to troubleshoot and be their own personal geek squad? Get them Dashlane, a secure password manager that simplifies online life by storing, generating, and autofilling passwords across devices. It offers advanced encryption, dark web monitoring, and easy password sharing. But yes, you may have to show them how to set it up, but once youve done that, you can rest easy!Lux & Nyx Origami Belt BagImage used with permission by copyright holderThe Lux & Nyx Origami Belt Bag is a chic and functional accessory for any fashionista who appreciates innovation. Its versatile design allows it to be worn as a belt or sling. With smart storage features like a spacious main compartment, credit card slots, and a signature Victory pocket, it keeps essentials organized and secure in great detail. Crafted from weather-resistant materials with a sleek magnetic buckle, its perfect for on-the-go elegance. We love the Cardinal Red color bestperfect for Valentines Day!Hashed Cleaner Kit for AirPods ProImage used with permission by copyright holderIf you thought there was no right way to clean AirPods, think again. The Hyashee Cleaner Kit (meant for the AirPods Pro) is a must-have accessory AirPod users. This 3-in-1 cleaning pen, featuring a flocking sponge, soft brush, and metal tip, removes dust and stubborn dirt with ease, transforming your earbuds and its case like new. Its portable, pocket-sized design makes it perfect for travel or daily use. This thoughtful gift enhances sound quality and hygiene, elevating the AirPods experience for any tech enthusiast.Editors Recommendations