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The recent wave of good deals on Apple gear doesn’t stop at iPad, MacBook Air or Apple Watch models. A four-pack of Apple AirTags has dropped back down to a record low price of $64.49. That’s 35 percent off the regular price of $99.

The AirTag is our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users. AirTags are deeply integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, making them a cinch to set up using an iPhone. They’re easy to use as well as they work with Apple’s Find My app.

In large part thanks to the many, many iPhones that are out in the wild, AirTags can help you find misplaced items. Whenever someone with an iPhone is close enough to such an item with an AirTag attached, it will appear in your Find My app. 

In addition, if you happen to accidentally leave something with an AirTag somewhere, you’ll likely receive a left-behind alert once you’re a certain distance away from it (1,200 feet or so, based on our testing). It’s possible to disable these alerts for certain trackers and set up exceptions for such notifications when your AirTags are at, say, your home or place of work.

If you have an iPhone 11 or later (not including an iPhone SE or iPhone 16e), your phone’s ultra-wide band chip can point you in the direction of an AirTag using arrows and a distance meter once you’re within 25 feet of it. One major reason that this is useful is because the AirTag has the quietest ring of any tracker we’ve tested. It also comes in handy when the AirTag is out of sight.

The AirTag has a replaceable battery and it has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. However, the device’s audible ring only lasts for seven seconds, so you might end up having to trigger it a few times to find your AirTag. There’s no attachment point built in either, so if you’d like to affix an AirTag to a set of keys, for instance, you’ll probably need to buy an AirTag accessory.

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/a-four-pack-of-airtags-is-back-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-144735100.html?src=rss 

Since its debut at the end of last year, Gemini 2.0 has gone on to power a handful of Google products, including a new AI Mode chatbot. Now Google DeepMind is using that same technology for something altogether more interesting. On Wednesday, the AI lab announced two new Gemini-based models it says will “lay the foundation for a new generation of helpful robots.”

The first, Gemini Robotics, was designed by Deepmind to facilitate direct control of robots. According to the company, AI systems for robots need to excel at three qualities: generality, interactivity and dexterity.

The first involves a robot’s flexibility to adapt to novel situations, including ones not covered by its training. Interactivity, meanwhile, encapsulates a robot’s ability to respond to people and the environment. Finally, there’s dexterity, which is mostly self-explanatory: a lot of tasks humans can complete without a second thought involve fine motor skills that are difficult for robots to master.

“While our previous work demonstrated progress in these areas, Gemini Robotics represents a substantial step in performance on all three axes, getting us closer to truly general purpose robots,” says DeepMind.

For instance, with Gemini Robotics powering it, DeepMind’s ALOHA 2 robot is able to fold origami and close a Ziploc bag. The two-armed robot also understands all the instructions given to it in natural, everyday language. As you can see from the video Google shared, it can even complete tasks despite encountering roadblocks, such as when the researcher moves around the Tupperware he just asked the robot to place the fruit inside of.

Google is partnering with Apptronik, the company behind the Apollo bipedal robot, to build the next generation of humanoid robots. At the same time, DeepMind is releasing Gemini Robotics-ER (or embodied reasoning). Of the second model, the company says it will enable roboticists to run their own programs using Gemini’s advanced reasoning abilities. DeepMind is giving “trusted testers,” including one-time Google subsidiary Boston Dynamics, access to the system.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/deepminds-latest-ai-model-can-help-robots-fold-origami-and-close-ziploc-bags-151455249.html?src=rss 

There’s a sale on some of our favorite Sonos devices happening on Amazon right now. One of the best deals comes thanks to a 36 percent discount on the Sonos Ray compact soundbar. It’s currently available for just $179, down from $279 in either black or white. It’s our runner up for best midrange soundbar. 

The Sonos Ray debuted in 2022 and garnered an 82 in our review thanks to compact, sleek design and easy setup. We also liked its bass performance and overall sound quality for either TV or music. However, it didn’t create as immersive a sound as larger options, so people with a big space might want to opt for something else. 

Then there’s our favorite midrange speaker, the Sonos Era 100. The speaker is currently down to $199 from $249 — a 20 percent discount. It offers great sound quality and has two tweeters. 

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonos-soundbars-and-speakers-are-up-to-36-percent-off-right-now-153107885.html?src=rss 

Mike Verdu has left Netflix, according to Game File with Stephen Totilo. Netflix brought the former Oculus and EA exec onboard to launch and lead its gaming efforts in 2021. Under Verdu’s leadership, the company released a bunch of new and ported titles, as well as establishing an internal game development operation. In mid-2024, however, Netflix changed its gaming strategy and hired Alain Tascan, the executive vice president for game development at Epic Games, to lead its gaming efforts. Verdu still served as the VP for games until November 2024, after which he was named as the Vice President of generative AI for games. 

On LinkedIn, Verdu wrote that his role was about “driving a ‘once in a generation’ inflection point for game development and player experiences using generative AI.” He added that he was “focused on a creator-first vision for AI, one that puts creative talent at the center, with AI being a catalyst and an accelerant.” Verdu has yet to update his LinkedIn profile with a new role. As Totilo said in his newsletter, Netflix’s gaming efforts have undergone some big changes since Tascan took over. 

In 2022, Netflix hired former Overwatch boss Chacko Sonny to lead an internal AAA studio known as Team Blue. It then brought on Halo exec Joseph Staten, as well as God of War art director Rafael Grassett to work on a multi-platform AAA game for an all-new IP. But in October 2024, Netflix shut down Team Blue. The company had also lost Leanne Loombe, who headed up its second and third-party gaming development and publishing efforts. Loombe recently became the head of games at Annapurna Interactive following a mass exodus, wherein all 25 members of the studio’s team collectively resigned. And in early February, Netflix canceled its release plans for six games that were previously heading to iOS and Android, including Thirsty Suitors and Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/netflixs-first-gaming-boss-has-left-the-company-124555235.html?src=rss 

There are many reasons Devil May Cry fans will enjoy the upcoming show adaptation’s new trailer. But, I must warn you, after watching it Papa Roach’s “Last Resort” will be stuck in your head for days. The early 2000s song plays alongside a two-minute trailer that showcases Dante and, notably, his twin brother Vergil. 

There are many great takeaways from this peek at the show, but one of the most amusing might be when Lady rips of Dante’s shirt and he responds, “Ripped and irresistible dream boat, I know. You still can’t just tear a guy’s clothes off.” It’s that kind of lighthearted banter mixed with the action sequences that make us so excited for the Devil May Cry series. 

A television series version of Capcom’s Devil May Cry game has been in the works for years now. We first got a teaser back in 2023, but we only learned in January that it will premiere on Netflix on April 3. The animated series from Korean company Studio Mir is actually Devil May Cry‘s second go as a show — in 2007, a 12-episode anime based on the game ran in Japan. 

Not familiar with the video game? Here’s Netflix’s synopsis for the Devil May Cry TV show: “Sinister forces are at play at the portal between the human and demon realms. In the middle of it all is Dante, an orphaned demon hunter for hire, unaware that the fate of both worlds hangs around his neck.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-devil-may-cry-netflix-series-has-a-real-trailer-and-now-papa-roach-is-stuck-in-my-head-131853378.html?src=rss 

We’ve come a long way from the days of discarding smartphones as soon as a new model comes out. Many shoppers are now demanding devices that will last for years, and they are being more conscientious about what happens to those gadgets when the need for an upgrade does arrive.

You may want to trade in your smartphone or sell it when the time comes; either option can keep your device out of a landfill in addition to scoring you some extra cash. There are also options to recycle part or all of your phone if it’s too old to make a trade-in worthwhile. Whatever path you choose, there are important steps to take to prepare a phone you’re about to get rid of. These instructions apply to any model you might have, including both iPhones and Android phones. Here’s what you need to know.

Back up your data

Let’s start with a very important reminder to do regular backups for all of your gear, not just your phone. It’s a task you should keep up with routinely even when you aren’t about to recycle or trade-in a device.

Most hardware manufacturers have an automatic cloud backup system, but you’ll like your new phone a lot less if it doesn’t have your full, up-to-date library of contacts, photos and other information. This is the time to manually back everything up with all of your latest data.

Also, before you get any further into the process, make sure that you know the critical details for your phone and the main accounts associated with it. Halfway through is the worst time to lose access to your device because you can’t remember your username or password.

Unpair wireless accessories

Most people connect their phone to many other gadgets via Bluetooth. There are obvious ones, like smartwatches and wireless headphones, but you might also have your phone paired with something like a car stereo or a portable speaker. All of them should be unpaired from the phone you’re about to trade in.

If you use your phone in two-factor authentication for sensitive accounts, you’ll want to make sure that you disconnect the device from those services, too.

Log out of apps and services

Next, you’ll sign out of the device’s cloud-based service. For iPhone owners, that’s iCloud, and on Android, it’s the Google suite. This will avoid any confusion with your new device. You’ll also want to turn off Find My on iPhones or Find My Device on Android phones. iPhone users should also deregister iMessage on their old iPhone, particularly if they’re moving to a non-Apple smartphone. These steps might seem unnecessary when you’ll end up wiping your device entirely, but you don’t want to risk having your personal information accidentally made available to whoever might get your phone next.

Also, if you are under a plan that protects your phone, such as Apple Care or Preferred Care, you can usually cancel that coverage early. You’ll get a refund on any unexpired coverage, and given how expensive gadgets can be now, it’s worth getting that money back if you can.

Swap to the new device

At this point, your to-do list will vary. If you’re planning to trade up to a newer model from the same manufacturer and you already have your new phone, then you’ll want to transfer your data before moving on to wiping your old phone. Either in the store or on your own, in most cases you can wirelessly migrate your data from the old device to the new one.

If you’re changing lanes between the Apple and Google universes, you can also do most data swapping yourself. There’s a Google Play app called Move to iOS and one in the App Store called Android Switch that can walk you through the process. Just be sure that your device meets the requirements to use those programs.

However, if you aren’t immediately setting up a new device, then you can skip this and move on to the next phase.

Factory reset your old device

Once you double-check that you have everything backed up (seriously, don’t take chances on this), then it’s time to perform a factory reset. This will remove all of your data and apps, and bring the phone back to its original state. It’s ideal to do this reset as the final step of trading in, selling or recycling a device.

Whatever phone model you have, the reset option will be in the Settings app. It will commonly be nested under a tab like General or About, or you can search “reset” within Settings to find exactly where it is on your device.

Remove any accessories

This might seem obvious, but right before handing off your phone, make sure that you remove any accessories. Cases, grips and screen protectors should stay with you, not with the phone when it goes to its new home.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-prepare-your-phone-for-trade-in-120000724.html?src=rss 

It’s no secret that Spotify isn’t a big money maker for most artists. But, in its annual Loud & Clear report, the music streamer is trying to change the narrative, reiterating an earlier claim that it paid artists $10 billion in 2024 ($60 million since launching) and adding that these payments increased tenfold over the last 10 years. 

Spotify throws in quite a few other big numbers into the 2024 report. It claims that the 100,000th most streamed artist also saw a tenfold increase over a decade, receiving $6,000, up from $600. Meanwhile, the 10,000th most streamed artist reportedly received $131,000, up from $34,000. Plus, it reports that almost 1,500 artists generated over $1 million.

Despite these numbers, Spotify still doesn’t hold much goodwill from artists. For starters, a report from music catalog buyer Duetti found that Spotify paid out $3 per 1,000 streams in 2024, while the same figure gave artists $4.80 at YouTube, $6.20 at Apple Music and $8.80 at Amazon Music. In a statement after the report’s release, Spotify told TechCrunch, “These claims are ridiculous and unfounded,” and argued that music platforms don’t pay by stream. 

In January, Billboard reported that four of the five artists nominated at the Grammys for songwriter of the year chose to skip Spotify’s Grammy party for songwriters — all of Spotify’s Grammy parties were eventually canceled because of the Los Angeles wildfires. Songwriters, including Jesse Jo Dillon and Amy Allen, both cited Spotify’s decision last year to bundle audiobooks and songs in subscription tiers. The publication had previously reported that the new premium, duo and family tiers meant songwriters got paid a discounted bundle rate, losing an estimated $150 million in US mechanical royalties over the first 12 months. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/spotify-tries-to-defend-its-artist-payout-rates-120021659.html?src=rss 

NASA’s SPHEREx observatory is now in space for a two year year mission to create a 3D map of the entire celestial sky. The telescope left the ground on top of a Falcon 9 rocket from a launch pad in California, four years after NASA announced that a SpaceX flight will launch the mission, along with NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) microsatellites. SPHEREx separated from SpaceX’s vehicle at 12AM Eastern time on March 12 and will remain in low Earth orbit, where it will maintain a position relative to the sun that will remain the same throughout the year.

Every 98-minute orbit the observatory makes will allow it to view a 360-degree strip of the sky in both optical as well as near-infrared light. The telescope can capture more 360-degree strips as the Earth moves around the sun, enabling it to map the entire celestial sky within six months. SPHEREx was designed to image the entire sky every six months in two years, with its goal being to create a 3D map of over 450 million galaxies. The telescope will also image and gather information on over 100 million stars in the Milky Way.

SPHEREx’s map is bound to be colorful: It will separate infrared light emitted by the stars and galaxies into 102 individual colors using a technique called spectroscopy. NASA likens it to the “way a prism splits sunlight into a rainbow.” The agency says observing the objects in different colors will reveal various properties about them, such as their composition. For galaxies, their colors could help scientists determine their distance from our planet. The data SPHEREx provides will give scientists information about what happened right after the Big Bang and could provide evidence of cosmic inflation, or the rapid expansion of the early universe. SPHEREx will shed its telescope lens’ protective cover in four days and will start its science operations in a little over a month once its temperature has cooled down. 

Meanwhile, the four PUNCH satellites, which will also take on a Sun-synchronous orbit, will map the sun’s corona by taking polarized white-light images of the celestial object. It will gather data to help us better understand how the corona turns into solar wind, which could lead to accurate predictions of space weather events affecting spacecraft orbiting the Earth. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/nasas-spherex-space-telescope-launched-into-orbit-by-a-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-055518752.html?src=rss