YouTube TV keeps NBC with a last-minute extension but loses Univision

YouTube TV has announced that it has reached a “short-term extension” agreement with NBCUniversal so that it can continue offering its programs while they negotiate a new long-term deal. The service warned customers last week that its partnership with NBCUniversal was going to expire on September 30 and that they haven’t signed a new deal yet. It said at the time that NBC was asking the service “to pay more than what they charge consumers for the same content on Peacock, which would mean less flexibility and higher prices for [its own] subscribers.” 

While YouTube TV was able to prevent the removal of NBC programs at the last minute, it wasn’t able to reach a similar deal with Univision, the largest Spanish-language broadcaster in the US. It sent out an email to customers, telling them that it has failed to reach an agreement with TelevisaUnivision that reflects the value of its content. “Unfortunately their current demands aren’t supported by their performance on YouTube TV over the last four years,” it said in the email. The broadcaster has “over 160 million subscribers and billions of views across YouTube,” a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement. However, it apparently “only represents a tiny fraction of overall consumption” on its TV subscription service. 

In early September, TelevisaUnivision warned customers that Google was planning to remove its programs from YouTube TV’s standard package and to charge viewers an extra $15 to be able to access its network. The broadcaster called it the “Hispanic tax” and questioned Google’s ethics at “a time of economic uncertainty for many.” The broadcaster called YouTube TV’s actions “tone-deaf and egregious on the eve of a potential government shutdown” in a new statement regarding its network’s removal from the service. “To add insult to injury, YouTube TV chose to take this step during Hispanic Heritage Month — an act that is deeply insensitive and offensive,” it added.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-tv-keeps-nbc-with-a-last-minute-extension-but-loses-univision-121508916.html?src=rss 

Prime Day Lego deals: Get up to 38 percent off Star Wars and Super Mario sets

October Prime Day is nearly here, and new early deals are popping up every day. Amazon uses October Prime Day to kickstart the holiday shopping season — even if you haven’t even thought about the holidays yet, you should give the latest Prime Day Lego deals a look. A number of Lego sets from the Super Mario and Star Wars collections are already on sale for up to 38 percent off.

When shopping for Lego sets on Amazon, we highly recommend checking a price tracker like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel before buying. It’s not difficult to find Lego sets “on sale” at Amazon, but often those discounted prices have been around for a long time. We’ve clocked “deals” in which the sale price has been available for months already, going back as far as late spring and early summer 2025. Here, we’re mostly highlighting discounts on new Lego sets, recent price drops and record-low (and close to them) prices on popular Lego sets from franchises like Star Wars, Super Mario and others.

Best October Lego Prime Day deals

Lego City Advent Calendar 2025 60475 for $25 (29 percent off)

Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 75418 for $38 (16 percent off)

Lego Minecraft Advent Calendar 2025 21280 for $38 (16 percent off)

Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2025 76456 for $38 (16 percent off)

Lego Star Wars: The Mandalorian Paz Vizsla and Moff Gideon Battle set 75386 for $25 (38 percent off)

Lego Star Wars Brick-Built Star Wars Logo set 75407 for $55 (8 percent off)

Lego Star Wars R2-D2 set 75379 for $80 (20 percent off)

Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Donkey Kong & DK Jumbo set 72033 for $28 (19 percent off)

Lego Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi Building set 71438 for $104 (20 percent off)

Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 for $18 (49 percent off)

Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses 10328 for $48 (20 percent off)

Lego City F1 Garage & Mercedes-AMG & Alpine Cars set 60444 for $68 (15 percent off)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-lego-deals-get-up-to-38-percent-off-star-wars-and-super-mario-sets-121513961.html?src=rss 

Tesla’s updated Model Y Performance launches for $57,490

Tesla’s updated Model Y Performance “Juniper” EV has finally arrived in the US for those who want some extra acceleration and are willing to pay for it. First launched last month in Europe, Tesla’s fastest Model Y arrives a good nine months after the long-range AWD model started selling stateside. 

We already knew that the new Model Y Performance was quick with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, just 0.8 seconds slower than a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. What we didn’t know yet was the EPA range, which is 306 miles, compared to 327 miles and 357 miles for the Long Range AWD and Long Range RWD versions, respectively. So faster, but faster to the charging station as well. 

There are subtle changes to the front and rear end, along with 21-inch Arachnid wheels and a more sporty suspension with adaptive damping. It also supports faster charging, thanks to the higher-density battery cells. Inside, it has racier looking seats with bolstered side cushions and electric thigh cushion extenders. 

For all that, you’ll pay $57,490 which is $12,500 more than the base Long Range RWD model and an $8,500 bump over the LR AWD version (that’s almost exactly the same price as Tesla’s original Model S, by the way). If you were hoping to buy one and get the $7,500 federal tax credit discount, unfortunately that has now expired — but state credits may still apply.  

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/teslas-updated-model-y-performance-launches-for-57490-123018911.html?src=rss 

Peloton updates its Bike, Tread and Row machines with form-checking cameras, rotating screens and lots of AI

It’s been a rough time for Peloton. Last year was marred by deep staff cuts, a change of CEO and a reckoning of where the home fitness company belonged, post-Pandemic boom. The answer is, unfortunately, AI-tinged, but that shouldn’t distract from some major hardware upgrades across its Bike, Tread and Row family of machines. It’s an almost-entire overhaul, with new software, programmable workouts and an array of collaborations. There are also some tentative steps toward wellness, because why not?

Peloton’s 2025 lineup is called the Cross Training series, with five different fitness devices — Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+ and Row+ — all benefiting from new hardware, varying levels of AI smarts with Pelpton IQ and software improvements.

All of the new machines have a 21.5-inch screen that rotates away from the bike/track/rower. (Previously, the Bike+ had this feature, with a bigger 23.8-inch display.) This turns it into a more versatile screen for cross-discipline workouts that Peloton has already dabbled in, including yoga and strength training. Peloton explained at the launch event that strength training is actually its second most-popular class offering.

Image by Mat Smith for Engadget

Peloton’s Guide camera, if you remember, has been fused into the ‘plus’ machines. A new movement tracking camera (which can be flipped off) can count your reps automatically and show that on screen while also monitoring form and offering light guidance. During a demo, while doing weight training next to the bike, the machine suggested improving squat movements by imagining sitting deeply into a chair. It seems like relatively surface advice, but it’s more guidance than Peloton’s fitness equipment has offered in the past.

Senior Vice President of Product Brent Tworetzky said that the Guide device informed how Peloton’s cameras track workout movements, which was all folded into these Cross Training machines. There are voice commands to pause workouts, adjust weights and even skip moves when needed.

Peloton has also folded in some of the most-requested hardware features from its members. While a phone tray won’t blow your mind, a new three-speed fan and a reengineered seat are all included with the plus machines. Peloton has also worked with Sonos to upgrade the speaker system, and the plus machines are the first to have a woofer built-in.

Peloton IQ features go further than computer vision. Across all the new machines, it can generate and track personalized workout plans, and can even control strength training workouts that you can tackle at your own pace, if instructor movements prove too confusing.

Turning on your Peloton of choice on a Monday, for example, you can program in a week of workouts, with the AI working in the background to offer balanced workouts or a training program geared at your fitness goals, whether that’s weight loss, cardio fitness or strength.

Peloton IQ will also analyze your workout history and give personalized target metrics and goals to help them select their workout. Select a more challenging (or longer) workout and IQ will note that the workout will be “Harder than your usual” when browsing the class library.

Image by Mat Smith for Engadget

Peloton is expanding its membership offerings even further, although several intriguing additions aren’t yet available. For example, the company is collaborating with New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery to develop workout programming that focuses on injury prevention and recovery. It also acquired Breathwrk, a breathing exercise app that’s now folded into services for both All-Access and App+ Members.

There’s even more. Peloton is also collaborating with Respin Health on an eight-week program, curating Peloton classes to target symptom relief and overall quality of life improvement for members experiencing perimenopause through to postmenopause. And – don’t tell your competitive exercise buddy – Peloton is expanding its collaboration with Hyrox with new classes to help train towards those manic races.

There is a cost to all these additions. The new Cross Training versions are priced several hundred dollars higher than their predecessor. Peloton’s Cross Training Bike is priced at $1,695, while the Bike+ jumps up to $2,695. The Cross Training Tread starts at $3,295 , while the Tread+ is $6,695. And if you’re looking for an upgraded rower, the Row+ starts at £3,495. All of the machines require a Peloton subscription, priced at $50.

And that’s an increase there, too. Effective starting this month, Peloton has raised its All-Access Membership from $44 to $49.99 and App+ Membership from $24 to $28.99. The app-only service is also being nudged up from $12.99 to $15.99.

The new Cross Training range is available to buy now at onepeloton.com, Peloton’s own retail stores, Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/peloton-cross-training-bike-tread-row-plus-machines-form-checking-cameras-rotating-screens-ai-price-launch-date-110042677.html?src=rss 

Roland just released a follow-up to its most famous drum machines from the 1980s

If you’ve ever listened to music released in the 1980s, you’ve likely heard the iconic TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines. Artists like New Order, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston and Beastie Boys all used these machines during that decade and newer artists like Daft Punk, Outkast and Bjork continued the tradition as the years rolled on. Roland understands this legacy and just introduced a sequel instrument, the TR-1000. It only took 40 years.

The TR-1000 looks to be an amalgamation of the analog grit of the original machines and modern digital features. It includes true analog voices, along with digital sampling technology. The company says it worked with “creators across scenes and geographies” to ensure the machine meets the “real-world needs and workflows of today’s most innovative producers.”

Roland

It features re-designed engines from the original 808 and 909 machines, along with a new sequencer and over 2,000 pre-installed factory samples. However, users can easily import their own samples. It also comes with 46GB of internal storage, dozens of effects and a full suite of connection ports.

“The TR-1000 feels like the true, classic lineage of the 808 and 909, not a digital remake,” El-P of the rap group Run The Jewels said in a press release. Roland fans are no doubt aware that there have been multiple digital remakes of these machines throughout the years, and none of them quite managed to capture the mojo of the original units.

Roland

The drum machine is available right now to order, but there’s a spot of bad news. The Roland TR-1000 costs a whopping $2,700.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/roland-just-released-a-follow-up-to-its-most-famous-drum-machines-from-the-1980s-070046806.html?src=rss 

Disney sends cease and desist letter to Character.AI

Disney has demanded that Character.AI stop using its copyrighted characters. Axios reports that the entertainment juggernaut sent a cease and desist letter to Character.AI, claiming that it has chatbots based on its franchises, including Pixar films, Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition to claiming copyright infringement, the letter questioned whether these protected characters were being used in problematic ways in conversations with underage users.

“Character.ai’s infringing chatbots are known, in some cases, to be sexually exploitive and otherwise harmful and dangerous to children, offending Disney’s consumers and extraordinarily damaging Disney’s reputation and goodwill,” the letter said.

Character.AI has been subject to legal and government scrutiny multiple times already over concerns that it has not provided sufficient safety guards for minors. The platform has been implicated in failing to protect two different teenagers who discussed suicide with its chatbots and then took their own lives. It has also drawn the attention of the Federal Trade Commission and US Attorneys General.

For now, at least, the platform appears to be responsive to Disney’s demands. “It’s always up to rightsholders to decide how people may interact with their IP, and we respond swiftly to requests to remove content that rightsholders report to us,” a representative said, per the Axios report. “These characters have been removed.”

Disney has shown that it is willing to take legal action against AI companies. It sued Midjourney along with Universal Studios in June on allegations of copyright infringement.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/disney-sends-cease-and-desist-letter-to-characterai-220204094.html?src=rss 

It looks like an M5 iPad Pro is coming very soon

Apple may be releasing a new iPad Pro with an M5 chip in the very near future, according to an unboxing video made by a Russian YouTuber. This is the same creator that leaked the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip last year, so the information in the video is likely credible.

To that end, the creator unboxes what appears to be a new 13-inch iPad Pro with an M5 chip and 256GB of storage in a Space Black finish. The exterior design doesn’t look noticeably different from current models, as the tablet still has a single rear camera, four speakers and a Smart Connector. 

Previous leaks had indicated that the next iPad Pro would feature a second front camera, but this video doesn’t confirm that. It also looks like this new model is still plenty thin.

The video even puts the tablet through some testing. A Geekbench 6 benchmark shows a 12 percent increase in multi-core CPU performance when compared to the previous generation. This benchmark result suggests a 36 percent faster GPU. It also indicated that the 256GB model of this tablet will include 12GB of RAM. Current models with 256GB of storage ship with just 8GB of RAM.

The footage shows that this tablet is running iPadOS 26, which makes sense, and that the battery was manufactured in August of this year. This could all be a ruse but, again, the leaker has been proven correct in the past. It’s likely that Apple will announce the refreshed iPad Pro with the M5 chip sometime in October, which tracks with previous reporting.

It was also recently reported that the company is working on a refresh of the MacBook Pro laptop with the M5 chip. These computers could be available later this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/it-looks-like-an-m5-ipad-pro-is-coming-very-soon-184406117.html?src=rss 

Amazon Echo Show 8 and Show 11 hands-on: A cuter, more unified smart display

It’s been a couple years since the Echo 8 has gotten an update and even longer for the aging Echo Show 10. But today Amazon is fixing that with two brand-new smart displays: The fourth-gen Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11.

Right away, the first thing you notice about Amazon’s refreshed lineup is their designs. In front, there’s a slim tablet-based HD display (either 8.7 inches or 11 inches depending on the model). Around back there’s a curvier housing covered in a mesh fabric for the display’s internals and speakers that borrows a lot from the new Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max. This is a pretty big departure from Amazon’s wedge-shaped predecessors and I think it’s a success. Both models look more elegant and refined, while their rounded bases make it easier to angle them properly in whatever room they’re in. 

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

That said, while both models feature new 13MP cameras with auto-framing tech (meaning they can track your face if you need to move around the room while on a video call), neither version has a built-in motor that would allow the entire display to rotate and spin like you got on the old Echo Show 10. I suspect this is a tacit admission by Amazon that a movable display is a bit of a gimmick, at least on a smart display. Or it’s just not super necessary when you can just have the device’s camera re-compose your video framing dynamically in software. 

Elsewhere, there are a few handy physical controls for volume located on the right side of the Echo Shows’ displays along with a toggle for disabling the onboard mics and camera. Aside from that, there’s a single barrel plug in back for power (which is slightly annoying, I wish it was USB-C) and not much else. So if for some reason you want to connect the new Echo Shows to wired internet, you’re going to need to get pretty creative. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see how the audio on the new Echo Show models compares to the refreshed Echo Studio or Dot Max. However, Amazon’s updated displays are a big improvement. They have huge viewing angles so it’s never hard to see what’s on the screen from wherever your standing. And while Amazon hasn’t provided official brightness figures, based on what I’ve seen, the panels are rather vibrant, so there shouldn’t be any major issues viewing things in sunny rooms. 

Amazon’s refreshed UI is also rather straightforward. All you need is a couple taps or swipes to open things like the video tab, music controls, settings and a list of upcoming calendar events. Meanwhile, the addition of Amazon’s AZ3 Pro chip has greatly improved the responsiveness of touch and gesture input to the point where it felt a bit faster than the Google Nest Hub Max I have at home. 

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Of course, the real impact of the new Echo Shows is yet to be seen, because while updated hardware is nice, the real value of these smart displays is how they are now better positioned to be the center of Amazon’s smart home ecosystem. Both devices support Zigbee, Matter and Thread so it should be easy to use them to control other devices, while features like a Wi-Fi radar enables a wider range of contextual interactions from Alexa. And while I think the ability to create routines and automations strictly using your voice is a major upgrade for the average user, I wasn’t able to test that functionality out myself at the event. 

The other potential omission is that while Amazon’s two largest smart displays got much needed refreshes today, the same can’t be said for the Echo Show 5. So while that model continues to be on sale, I wouldn’t be surprised if it got discontinued when supply runs out or re-imagined as something closer to a smart alarm clock sometime in the future, as it’s smaller screen makes it’s role as a smart home hub a bit more limited. 

The new Echo Show ($180) and Echo Show 11 ($220) are available for pre-order today and will come with early access to Alexa+ before official sales begin on November 12. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/amazon-echo-show-8-and-show-11-hands-on-a-cuter-more-unified-smart-display-173918264.html?src=rss 

Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios is the latest game company to announce layoffs

Avalanche Studios is following in the footsteps of so many game developers this year. Today, the company posted a notice to its website announcing plans for a restructuring. Avalanche said it will close its studio in Liverpool, impacting all staff members in the city. The company said it will also “reduce our workforce and restructure the teams” at its studios in Malmo and Stockholm, but did not provide specifics about the scope of those layoffs.

Although the statement simply credited the decision to “current challenges to our business and the industry,” it’s hard not to think that the cancellation of Avalanche’s planned game Contraband had something to do with the current need to consolidate. Microsoft ended active development on the project in August during the fallout from the massive layoffs the tech giant announced over the spring and summer. Those cuts appeared to impact the fate of many other upcoming games and game studios that were working with Microsoft as either a developer or a publisher.

Since we won’t get to know them for Contraband, Avalanche Studios will remain best known for its Just Cause games of open-world mayhem for now. Contraband is the only game currently listed as a forthcoming title on the company website, so it’s unclear what the next moves for the remaining team members will be. The notice closes by saying, “Despite these changes, we remain deeply committed to providing amazing games to our passionate player communities.” Hopefully they’ll be able to bounce back.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/just-cause-developer-avalanche-studios-is-the-latest-game-company-to-announce-layoffs-180048615.html?src=rss 

Imgur has left the UK

Imgur has shut off its image-hosting platform for users in the UK, displaying a “content not available in your region” notice across the site and on third-party embeds. The move comes after the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) warned that it intended to levy fines against Imgur’s owner, MediaLab AI, after an investigation into the service’s handling of children’s data, age verification and privacy protection. Exact details of the fine, or what the findings of the investigation were, have not been shared.

“We are aware of reports that the social media platform Imgur is currently not available in the UK. Imgur’s decision to restrict access in the UK is a commercial decision taken by the company,” said regulators in a statement. They also stressed that “exiting the UK” does not mean a company can avoid any levied penalties, and that the investigation is ongoing.

“Our findings are provisional and the ICO will carefully consider any representations from MediaLab before taking a final decision whether to issue a monetary penalty,” said regulators.

In recent years, the ICO has stepped up enforcement of its policies governing data privacy for minors. In 2023, the watchdog fined TikTok $15.8 million for what it said were several violations of data protection laws. The regulator alleged that in 2020 TikTok allowed as many as 1.4 million children under the age of 13 to use the app, against its own policies. TikTok found itself under investigation yet again this year over similar alleged violations. The ICO also previously raised concerns surrounding a Snapchat generative AI chatbot named My AI, alleging that it placed children’s privacy at risk.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/imgur-has-left-the-uk-181715724.html?src=rss 

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