Here’s the absolutely massive Tamagotchi Paradise next to other objects in the wild, for scale

No product launch excites me more than the release of a new Tamagotchi. So when it comes time to review one, I like to first give myself a little while to just live with the device — to feel that initial delight and let it die down before I try to look at it critically. That way, I can more fairly assess whether we’ve actually got a toy that’s worth the price tag and will hold a person’s attention once the novelty wears off. 

But Tamagotchi Paradise arrived a few days ago, and while a proper review will be coming down the line, there’s one thing we need to address right off the bat: This thing’s fucking huge. 

It is slightly larger overall than the previous reigning beast of the Tamagotchi family, the Tamagotchi Pix (but a hair thinner). Tamagotchi Paradise is so big, it makes me want to resurrect out-of-fashion internet terms to describe it: absolute unit; “oh lawd, he comin'”; etc., etc. Leading up to the device’s release, there were a lot of questions about how big it really is, so for anyone who hasn’t yet had a chance to get their hands on one, here you go, I’m going to do my best to illustrate it for you.

Here’s how Tamagotchi Paradise compares in size to:

Now, don’t get me wrong, Tamagotchi Paradise’s comically large build isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Actually, I’m kind of into it. It’s certainly harder to juggle this device with anything else I might be holding, like my phone or a drink, but it does have a nice heft to it and it feels pretty good in the hand. And thanks to its sheer bulkiness, I’m probably less likely to misplace it around the house, as I’ve been known to do with smaller models that easily slip between couch cushions. 

Will I be running two of these at the same time? Probably not, beyond the brief moments when I want to use the Connection features. My bag only has so much room. But is Tamagotchi Paradise so cumbersome that I won’t be bringing one everywhere with me for the foreseeable future? I think we all know the answer to that. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/heres-the-absolutely-massive-tamagotchi-paradise-next-to-other-objects-in-the-wild-for-scale-172017149.html?src=rss 

Tesla shuts down in-house Dojo AI supercomputer project

As first reported by Bloomberg, Tesla is disbanding the team behind Dojo, its in-house AI-training supercomputer, and reassigning remaining staff to other projects within the company. This marks a shift in the company’s compute sourcing strategy for its AI-focused initiatives such as autonomous driving and the Optimus robot. Head of Dojo Peter Bannon is leaving Tesla, which is the latest departure after roughly 20 Dojo team members recently left to form DensityAI.

In a response to the Bloomberg report on X, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said, “It doesn’t make sense for Tesla to divide its resources and scale two quite different AI chip designs. The Tesla AI5, AI6 and subsequent chips will be excellent for inference and at least pretty good for training. All effort is focused on that.”

Musk is referring to Tesla’s next-generation AI6 chip that will be made by Samsung following a $16.5 billion deal. These chips will drive the real-time decision-making onboard Tesla vehicles and robots. Shutting down Dojo effectively ends Tesla’s long-shot ambition of creating its own in-house training architecture and consolidates the company’s efforts on the AI5 and AI6 platforms.

While Musk says these chips are “pretty good” for training, the company will now rely heavily on vendors like NVIDIA for training-specific silicon, and is spending billions on those chips. AI5 production is targeted to begin in 2026 with AI6 to follow.

Like the rest of the big tech world, Musk’s companies have been on an AI tear, with xAI’s Grok chatbot now available in Tesla vehicles. The company is also piloting its Robotaxi fleet to mixed results.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/tesla-shuts-down-in-house-dojo-ai-supercomputer-project-155420734.html?src=rss 

Ask Engadget: What are my options when Windows 10 support ends on October 14?

Q: I’m hearing that Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10 later this year. What does that mean for my current Windows 10 PC, and what are my options?

A: Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, a little over 10 years after the operating system was released. While you can continue to use Windows 10 PCs after that date — and it’s understandable why, I gave it a glowing review at launch — you’ll no longer receive any customer support, security updates or any other sort of upgrades. Windows 10 will effectively become a zombie operating system, shuffling along until some sort of malware or massive security breach renders it far too insecure. (Think about it this way: Would you actually feel safe running Windows XP, a notoriously malware-prone OS that hasn’t received a significant security update since 2019, today? I would hope not!)

So what’s a Windows 10 user to do? Let’s consider your choices.

The best option: Upgrade to Windows 11

For most users, the simplest way to move on from Windows 10 is to step up to Microsoft’s new OS. Windows 11 is a free upgrade for Windows 10 users running the latest 22HS update and who also meet the minimum hardware specifications. Microsoft isn’t asking for much — just a 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage -— but security requirements may be a problem for very old PCs. Those include the ability to launch in Secure Boot mode, as well as having a TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform 2.0) module. Windows 11 relies on the latter for biometric logins, BitLocker data encryption and other security features. If you don’t have TPM 2.0, you’ll be stuck with Windows 10 until you get a new PC. )

If that all sounds too complicated, Microsoft’s PC Health Check app can also let you know if your system is ready for Windows 11. And if you’ve been bombarded by Windows 11 upgrade notifications over the past few years, that’s also a not-so-subtle nudge that your PC is likely ready for the new OS. (There are various hacks that can let you install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, but they’re risky and could make your OS installation vulnerable.

If you do choose to upgrade, you can expect a relatively painless process. Gone are the days when a Windows upgrade could easily wipe out your entire system. Assuming you’ve got enough hard drive space to hold the new OS, now the upgrade process is merely a matter of sitting back and watching your system reboot a few times. I’d still recommend backing up any essential data before upgrading, though, just in case you run into any issues. (Pairing a cloud-based Microsoft OneDrive backup with a local hard disk is a good belt and suspenders solution.)

The pricey option: Buy a new PC

If your system is too old to support Secure Boot mode and TPM 2.0, it’s probably just time for an upgrade. (Expert users can find workarounds on YouTube and elsewhere, but you need to be adventurous enough to handle the likes of Github downloads and security overrides.) Luckily, we’ve got a slew of buying guides to help you out. Be sure to check out our best laptop guide, which includes some tips on the best specs to seek out, as well as some of our favorite systems like the Dell 14 Premium and MacBook Air (because it’s also a good time to consider switching from Windows to Macs). Our best Windows laptops guide also highlights systems like the ASUS ZenBook S14 and the Surface Pro Copilot+ tablet. While the sweetspot for new PCs tends to be in the $750 to $1,200 range, with current back-to-school promos, you can find very capable laptops and desktops for as low as $500, and occasionally less. But if you’re looking for something higher end ($1,400 and up), our best gaming laptop guide would be helpful. 

The risky option: Keep on trucking with Windows 10

Windows 10 won’t self-destruct when its support ends, so you could conceivably just use your older PC until it dies. But that’s a risky option since you won’t be getting any security updates. All it takes is for one intrepid hacker to find a new security flaw and you could easily fall victim to any number of issues. That includes getting malware, which could slow down performance and leak your data to hackers, or falling victim to a ransomware data theft scheme. And every day past October 14 just raises the likelihood of OS-level vulnerabilities that third-party antivirus software would be ill-equipped to fight off. Trust me – you don’t want to do this. At the very least, buy yourself another year to figure things out

The procrastinator option: Pay to extend Windows 10’s security updates

If your hardware can’t support the move to Windows 11, you can at least hit the snooze button while you figure things out. For a one-time payment of $30 (or 1,000 Microsoft reward points), you can subscribe to the Windows 10 extended security update (ESU). As its name implies, the ESU will get you Windows 10 security updates, bug fixes and technical support until October 13, 2026. Sure, it’s only a year of additional support, but that can at least buy you enough time to do more research on a new PC, or wait for a holiday sale. For what it’s worth, this marks the first time Microsoft has offered any sort of ESU to consumers. Typically, they’re just a way for corporate IT admins to get additional support without migrating to a new OS.

Have a tech question you’d like Engadget to answer?

As tech reporters, the Engadget staff is always answering questions from friends and family about electronics, software, gaming, big tech policies and more. So we decided to write down our answers. This question is a composite of ones we’ve been asked recently. If you’ve got a tech-related question you’d like us to answer for you, please email ask@engadget.com.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/ask-engadget-what-are-my-options-when-windows-10-support-ends-on-october-14-160534495.html?src=rss 

Apple’s iPad Air M3 is $150 off and down to a new all-time low

For a lot of people, the iPad Air is Apple’s goldilocks tablet. It’s more powerful and available in a larger size than the entry-level iPad, but a lot less expensive than the iPad Pro, which can be overkill for some. Right now, Apple’s 2025 iPad Air M3 can be picked up for $150 off at Amazon.

This deal applies to each configuration of the 11-inch and 13-inch versions of the most recent iPad Air. So, the 11-inch model is as low as $449, while the 13-inch model is down to $649. The same deals can be found at Best Buy and Target if you prefer to shop somewhere other than Amazon. This is an all-time low price and beats the deal we saw on Prime Day by $30.

The iPad Air M3 is more of an iterative refresh than a grand overhaul, but the spec bump means it’ll last you a long time before the tablet’s performance becomes a problem. This iPad occupies the position of “best for most” in our iPad buying guide, reinforcing that goldilocks analogy. The M3 chip is the main draw here, with Geekbench 6 scores proclaiming it around 16 percent more powerful than the M2 iPad Air, which is no slouch itself.

Beyond the chip, it has a superior display and speakers to the entry-level model, and wider accessory support. You also get the option of a 13-inch display, which is great for artists or anyone who sees the iPad as a viable laptop replacement.

If there’s an obvious downside to the iPad Air M3, it’s that it doesn’t have the nice 120Hz OLED display of the iPad Pro. This is hardly surprising, as Apple often focuses on display tech to differentiate its Pro and non-Pro devices, but it’s probably time the refresh rate on the middle-of-the-road iPad at least jumped up to ProMotion. Face ID is long overdue too. If you can live with these caveats, though, the iPad Air is an excellent option, particularly at this price.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-ipad-air-m3-is-150-off-and-down-to-a-new-all-time-low-162908159.html?src=rss 

How to watch Google’s Pixel 10 event

Believe it or not, Big Tech’s fall hardware events are already upon us. (Heck, Samsung already got a jump on things in July.) Up next: Google’s big Pixel shindig. You can learn all about the new Pixel 10 lineup, along with new watches and earbuds, on August 20.

Google’s new hardware has leaked far and wide. But that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be a few surprises. If you want to be the first to hear the official scoop, you can tune into the Made by Google YouTube channel (or right here!). The event kicks off at 1PM ET on August 20.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

What’s on tap? You can expect a more power-efficient Tensor G5 processor in all the new Pixel 10 phones. (That could help power new Gemini AI features, too.) The base-level Pixel 10 should get a big camera upgrade: a 5x telephoto lens. Before this generation, you had to splurge on a Pro or Fold model to get optical zoom. Cameras will be higher-res across the board, too.

In other areas, Qi2 magnetic charging is expected to come to the new Pixels. Expect a new accessory ecosystem, a la Apple’s MagSafe, dubbed “Pixelsnap.” We’ll also likely see the Pixel Watch 4 with a larger battery and smaller bezels. And the Pixel Buds 2a could bring refinements to the company’s budget earbuds.

Engadget’s Pixel 10 roundup will give you a much more detailed dive into the leaks. You can head back here on August 20 at 1PM ET to watch live.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-watch-googles-pixel-10-event-163933494.html?src=rss 

Google Finance redesign goes all in on AI, complete with a chatbot

The Google Finance web app is getting a major overhaul with an emphasis on AI. This redesign includes an AI-powered chatbot, which will answer finance-based queries and provide relevant links. Here’s hoping the chatbot will keep hallucinations to a minimum, given that people use the app to make financial decisions with real world consequences.

The platform is also introducing new charting tools that the company says should help users understand asset performance. There will be options to view technical indicators and candlestick charts.

Google boasts that the app will soon feature a broader range of market data. This includes an increased emphasis on cryptocurrencies. The app will also display an “up-to-the-minute” live news feed, which should be a decent resource for tracking market fluctuations.

However, not everyone wants to use a chatbot to make major financial decisions. The update includes a toggle that reverts everything back to the traditional Google Finance design. It begins rolling out to US customers in the coming weeks. 

This is just the latest app in Google’s roster that is getting stuffed to the gills with AI. We all know about Gemini’s hold on search, but the company’s various productivity apps like Docs and Sheets have all gotten AI tools to some degree. The same goes for the Discover feature of the Google app.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-finance-redesign-goes-all-in-on-ai-complete-with-a-chatbot-151923704.html?src=rss 

Google’s latest Nest Learning Thermostat is $50 off right now

We’re into the back half of summer already (which may be good or bad news depending on how hot it is where you reside), and it won’t be too long before the weather outside becomes decidedly more frightful. When that happens, a smart thermostat becomes an especially wise addition to your home.

They help to optimize the temperature to ensure you stay comfortable, while also keeping your energy bills down. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the more popular options for a variety of reasons, and right now you can pick one up for $230, which is $50 off the regular price. Just use the code ENGA50 at the checkout to apply the discount. 

This is one of the best prices you’ll find this particular thermostat at, and $10 cheaper than it was at the beginning of the year. When you factor in the additional savings it can help you make on your bills, Google’s thermostat is an even more compelling proposition.

The latest Google Nest Learning Thermostat leverages AI to deliver more accurate readings, offering advice on how to reduce your energy consumption. This is in addition to automatically adjusting various settings in your home depending on factors like the ambient temperature it’s reading. It features a wireless temperature sensor that Google says is able to last for up to three years before you’ll need to replace it. You can buy these separately, too, and dot them around your home, connecting up to six to a single thermostat.

The LCD display is 60 percent larger than that of its predecessor and can be customized with smartwatch-like faces, while more color options help the device to blend in with your particular home style. It also uses Soli radar sensors to determine your proximity to the device, adjusting things like font size accordingly. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/googles-latest-nest-learning-thermostat-is-50-off-right-now-140033869.html?src=rss 

Apple will bring GPT-5 to Apple Intelligence in iOS, iPad OS and macOS 26

OpenAI finally released its long-awaited GPT-5 model this week, unsurprisingly proclaiming it its best yet with regards to coding, accuracy, safety and more. CEO Sam Altman even compared the jump up in quality to when the iPhone first adopted a Retina display in a press briefing ahead of the announcement. Big talk indeed.

Given ChatGPT’s integration with Apple Intelligence, you might be wondering when the latest model will arrive on the devices that support it. The answer is sooner rather than later, according to 9To5Mac. Apple told the publication in a statement that Apple Intelligence will leverage GPT-5 in iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26. Those software updates are set to arrive in their final form, as they traditionally do, at the tail end of the summer, so you won’t have to wait long.

Currently, ChatGPT is an optional add-on to Apple’s own AI model. It can be accessed by Siri when you’re making a request that Apple Intelligence on its own might not be able to handle, with Apple using the example of questions about photos and documents. ChatGPT also integrates with Camera Control in your iPhone’s Camera app to learn more about your environment, and if you connect your ChatGPT account you can save your requests in your personal history.

ChatGPT has to be activated as an extension to Apple Intelligence in settings, and if you turn it off you won’t have to worry about Siri turning to an external model if you’re concerned about it doing so. OpenAI says GPT-5 is its safest model to date, thanks in part to a new feature called Safe Completions, which means it will attempt to give the most helpful answer it can within safety parameters imposed by its maker.

GPT-5 is free for everyone, but OpenAI offers tiered paid plans for heavier users, from its $20 per month ChatGPT Plus subscription, right up to the $200 per month Pro plan that offers unlimited use. If you have one of these plans, you can log in through Apple Intelligence and gain all the same benefits.

Engadget has reached out to Apple for comment as we’ll update this article if we get a response. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-will-bring-gpt-5-to-apple-intelligence-in-ios-ipad-os-and-macos-26-143210831.html?src=rss 

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