We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone that gets the job done, the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024, Unlocked) is currently $179.99 (down from $299.99)its lowest price ever, according to price-trackers. Available in midnight blue and pale lilac, this PCMag Editors Choice winner features a vegan leather finish, which while giving it a premium feel tends to attract dust and pet hair (so a case might be a smart investment). On the upside, the textured surface provides a secure grip, making accidental drops less likely. It also packs a side-mounted fingerprint scanner in the power button, a decent single speaker with Dolby Atmos support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio. Moto G Power 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/128GB | 50MP Camera | Midnight Blue $179.99 at Amazon $299.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $179.99 at Amazon $299.99 Save $120.00 For an affordable device, it performs surprisingly well, thanks to its MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor and 8GB of RAM. Everyday tasks feel smooth, and its 6.7-inch 120Hz display makes scrolling and animations feel more fluid than youd expect at this price point. Additionally, its 128GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD), gives you plenty of space for apps and media. And with NFC support for mobile payments, it adds a small but significant convenience thats often missing in budget phones. Battery life is another strong point, with a 5,000mAh capacity lasting well over 12 hours. And when its time to charge, 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging ensure youre not stuck waiting for too long.Where the Moto G Power 5G (2024) starts to show its budget roots is in the camera department: Its 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization sounds promising, but the results can be inconsistent, with oversaturated colors and pixel blurring, notes this PCMag review. If capturing crisp, high-quality shots is a priority, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G ($299.99) might be a better option.

It's sort of out of character for Amazon to be hosting a devices event in February, as opposed to its usual Fall launch. But this Wednesday (February 26) at 10am ET, the company is holding a presentation in New York City. As it's done in the past, Amazon won't be livestreaming this event, and you won't be able to watch Panos Panay and his colleagues present to members of the media. Don't worry about FOMO, though, because we've got you. Engadget will be attending and liveblogging the event, so if you follow our updates it'll almost feel like you're right there with us! We'll have commentary on the announcements, as well as the in-person vibes and quality of snacks. Our Sam Rutherford will be sharing pictures, too, so you won't miss a thing. Bookmark this page and come back on February 26 to stay informed!In case you were curious if it'll be worth your time, here's a quick refresher on what we expect to see at Amazon's devices event this week: Alexa. The company has teased its next-gen assistant for what feels like years at this point, promising a conversational cadence and the ability to process and execute complex requests.Rumors are sparse on what Amazon has up its sleeve, so we're not too sure whether there will be any new hardware. It's quite likely the company will show us updated Echo speakers to go along with the smarter Alexa, or a refreshed model of the Echo Buds that serve as a conduit for the assistant. For now, though, we assume there won't be new Kindles at the event, since Amazon released those late last year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-follow-the-amazon-devices-event-on-february-26-200022212.html?src=rss

Everyone's favorite sorta-poker game Balatro is set to cause yet another dip in global productivity levels. The roguelike which encourages you to bend and twist the rules of poker in all kinds of wild ways is available on Game Pass Ultimate, PC and Standard. Apple Arcade subscribers also have access to it at no extra cost.A trailer that premiered during Monday's ID@Xbox showcase also revealed the latest batch of cosmetic crossover card decks that are now available on all platforms. They include tie-ins with Critical Role, Dead by Daylight, Assassin's Creed, Fallout, Bugsnaxand Rust. Those follow collabs with the likes of Cyberpunk 2077, Stardew Valley, The Witcher 3 and Vampire Survivors. Seems like everyone wants to be pals with Balatro developer LocalThunk!Meanwhile, it emerged on Monday that PEGI, the body that runs the age rating system for games in Europe, has reclassified Balatro after determining it is suitable for players aged 12 and older. The board upped the age rating from 3+ to 18+ shortly after Balatro was released just over a year ago due to it containing "prominent gambling imagery and material that instructs about gambling," per publisher Playstack. The game was also temporarily removed from digital console storefronts in some markets.Playstack contended at the time that "Balatro does not allow or encourage gambling." Following an appeal, PEGI's complaints board has at last lowered the age rating to 12+. "Although the game explains the various hands of poker, the roguelike deck-building game contained mitigating fantastical elements that warranted a PEGI 12 rating," the complaints board concluded. Following that and a separate successful appeal for Luck Be A Landlord (which is also now rated 12+), PEGI plans to revise its guidelines for games that have gambling-related elements. "At this moment, any teaching or glamorization of simulated gambling automatically leads to a PEGI 18 rating," it said in a statement on Monday. "On the basis of these appeals, the PEGI Experts Group will develop a more granular set of classification criteria to handle gambling themes and the simulation, teaching and glamorization of gambling in different age categories, which will now include 12 but also keep 18 as an age category for games that simulate gambling typically played in casinos and betting halls."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/balatro-is-about-to-hook-a-lot-more-players-now-that-its-on-game-pass-192958603.html?src=rss

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Starbucksplans to lay off 1,100 corporate employees and eliminate hundreds of open and unfilled positions, CEO Brian Niccol said on Monday.In a memo, Niccol said the cuts will remove duplication to create smaller, more nimble teams, and the company will inform employees who are being laid off by midday Tuesday. Starbucks, which has 16,000 corporate employees, said the cuts will not affect staff at cafs.We believe its a necessary change to position Starbucks for future success, Niccol said in the statement. Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity, and drive better integration.Shares of the coffee giant (NASDAQ:SBUX)rose nearly 2% on the news in midday trading Monday.Like many fast-food chains and retail stores, Starbucks has been struggling with declining in-store sales as customers are less interested in the chains high-priced drinks. The cuts come just one month after the Seattle-based coffee chain reversed its popular open-door policy, which allowed anyone to sit in its cafs or use the bathroom without making a purchase.Last week, Niccol told the Wall Street Journal he plans to speed up wait times and improve mobile ordering.He also said Starbucks will be offering smaller menus in the future. According to Today.com, starting March 4, these 13 drinks will be off the menu:Iced Matcha LemonadeEspresso FrappuccinoCaff Vanilla FrappuccinoWhite Chocolate Mocha FrappuccinoJava Chip FrappuccinoChai Crme FrappuccinoCaramel Ribbon Crunch Crme FrappuccinoDouble Chocolaty Chip Crme FrappuccinoChocolate Cookie Crumble Crme FrappuccinoWhite Chocolate Crme FrappuccinoWhite Hot ChocolateRoyal English Breakfast LatteHoney Almondmilk Flat WhiteThe chain will instead focus on customer favorites like the new Cortado and will be bringing back the Iced Cherry Chai and Jalapeo Chicken Pocket this spring.

Want more housing market stories from Lance LambertsResiClubin your inbox?Subscribeto theResiClubnewsletter.National home prices have risen by 2.6% year-over-year from January 2024 to January 2025, according to the Zillow Home Value Index, a slightly decelerated rate from the 4.6% year-over-year rate last spring. However, not every housing market is seeing rising home prices. Among the 300 largest metro area housing markets, 31 markets are seeing falling home prices on a year-over-year basis.While home prices continue to rise in regions with tight inventorysuch as much of the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern Californiasome housing markets in states like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, where inventory has now surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels, are experiencing modest price corrections.These year-over-year declines are evident in major metros such as Austin (-3.4%); Tampa (-2.8%); San Antonio (-1.8%); New Orleans (-1.1%); Jacksonville, Florida (-0.9%); Phoenix (-0.8%); Dallas (-0.7%); and Orlando (-0.6%).\]The markets seeing the most softness, where homebuyers are gaining leverage, are primarily located in Sun Belt regions, particularly the Gulf Coast and Mountain West. These areas saw major price surges during the pandemic housing boom, with home price growth outpacing local income levels. As pandemic-driven migration slowed and mortgage rates rose, markets like Tampa and Austin faced challenges, relying on local income levels to support frothy home prices.This softening trend is further compounded by an abundance of new home supply in the Sun Belt. Builders are often willing to lower prices or offer affordability incentives to maintain sales, which also has a cooling effect on the resale market. Some buyers, who would have previously considered existing homes, are now opting for new homes with more favorable deals.Will this softening continue this year? A key indicator to watch will be active inventory levels. If weaker markets like Tampa continue to see substantial increases in active inventoryalready above pre-pandemic levelsit may signal ongoing softening, potentially creating more opportunities for homebuyers.

In an unexpected move that challenges traditional computer accessory design, ASUS has unveiled a first-of-its-kind innovation: a computer mouse with built-in fragrance capabilities. Announced today in Taipei, this unique device marks the companys venture into multisensory computing experiences. While computer peripherals have long focused on visual appeal and tactile comfort, the ASUS Fragrance Mouse introduces an entirely new dimension to desk accessories.Designer: ASUSThe concept reflects a broader shift in how we think about our work environment, particularly as remote work becomes more permanent in our lives. Rather than treating computer accessories as purely functional tools, ASUS recognizes that our desks are personal spaces where we spend countless hours. This release suggests a growing attention to the quality of our everyday work experience, where even the smallest details can contribute to a more pleasant and personalized environment.A Fresh Take on DesignLooking at the mouse, youll notice its not your typical tech gadget. The design feels natural and flowing, with smooth curves that fit comfortably in your hand. Theres nothing flashy or unnecessary just clean, simple lines that make it look elegant on any desk.The colors are particularly striking. The Rose Clay version has a warm, earthy feel, while the Iridescent White option catches light in interesting ways, creating subtle color shifts as you move it. When photographed, the mouse looks right at home next to things like glass vases and flowers, showing how well it fits into a natural, stylish workspace.Even the parts you dont usually see, like the bottom of the mouse and the battery compartment, have been carefully designed to maintain the same flowing lines and smooth finish. The battery door and wireless dongle storage are tucked away neatly, showing attention to detail in every aspect.What Makes It Special and How Well Does It Work?Of course, the most interesting feature is the scent holder. Theres a small compartment at the bottom of the mouse with a refillable vial to which you can add aromatic oils. When you want to change the scent or clean the vial, you can simply remove it, wash it, and put in a different fragrance.The mouse itself is designed to be comfortable, with a special rest for your thumb on the right side. It also has some subtle lighting underneath that gives off a soft glow, making it look nice on any desk.Beyond the scent feature, this is still a proper computer mouse. It has smooth-gliding feet made from PTFE (a special material that helps it move easily), and you can adjust its sensitivity with three different speed settings 1200, 1600, or 2400 DPI. This means you can make the cursor move exactly how you want it to, whether youre doing detailed work or just regular browsing.The clicks are designed to be quiet, and ASUS says the buttons will last for 10 million clicks. You can connect it to your computer in two ways: either with a wireless USB connector or through Bluetooth. This means you can easily use it with different devices, from laptops to desktop computers.Practical Features & Real-World UseOne of the best things about this mouse is that it only needs one AA battery, which can last up to a year. This long battery life means you wont have to worry about frequent battery changes.This mouse could be useful in many different settings:Home offices where you want a pleasant scent while workingRegular office spacesAnyones desk that could use a bit of freshening upPlaces where you spend a lot of time on the computerThe mouse works with most modern computers, and since it has both wireless and Bluetooth options, you can easily switch between devices if necessary.Looking AheadThis mouse achieves a rare balance of beauty and practicality. Its soft, curved shape serves dual purposescreating visual appeal while ensuring comfortable use during long periods. The clean, minimalist design harmonizes with other desk accessories, and the subtle colors add refined style to any workspace.While ASUS hasnt yet announced pricing or exact availability dates for different countries, they plan to roll out the Fragrance Mouse worldwide. This unique device brings genuine innovation to computer accessories, combining aromatic features with thoughtful design and practical functionality.The ASUS Fragrance Mouse represents a fresh approach to everyday computing tools one that could transform how we personalize our work environment.The post ASUS Unveils Fragrance Mouse: A New Sensory Experience for All Users first appeared on Yanko Design.

Claude 3.7, the latest model from Anthropic, can be instructed to engage in a specific amount of reasoning to solve hard problems.