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‘It’s Moving Slower Than We Want.’ Qualcomm's Still Trying to Figure Out PC Gaming
Gaming Gear

‘It’s Moving Slower Than We Want.’ Qualcomm’s Still Trying to Figure Out PC Gaming

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PC gaming has become Qualcomm’s white whale. The company wouldn’t put it in those terms, but it’s clear the company wants users to know its new Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip will be gaming capable. It’s far from the ideal, and Qualcomm seems to know it. It wants to show off the new chip’s GPU abilities, but for one of the most common uses of graphics processing, Qualcomm will still be behind everyone else.

The looming elephant in the room is the chip microarchitecture Qualcomm is beholden to. Whereas Intel and AMD use x86, Snapdragon is based on ARM. Whatever PC you buy with a Snapdragon X2 chip will run into game compatibility issues. While Qualcomm claims it has 1,400 games optimized for Snapdragon, the actual list of modern AAA titles is relatively small. During its Snapdragon Summit keynote in Hawaii (full disclosure: travel and lodging were paid by Qualcomm, and Gizmodo did not guarantee any coverage as a condition of accepting the trip), the chipmaker showed off a list of games compatible with the platform. This included a few relatively recent games, such as Baldur’s Gate III and Hogwarts Legacy, plus a heap of 10-year-old games and remasters. You won’t port your entire Steam library to these new PCs whenever they come along. If you’re feeling a bit of déjà vu, that’s because Apple’s been suffering from the same incompatibility issues with its ARM-based M-series chips. If you’re being compared to Apple in terms of gaming, you’re already in a rough spot.

A great GPU that can’t play all your games

Who wants to play Raid Shadow Legends on PC? © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

Qualcomm’s chief of mobile and compute, Alex Katouzian, said in a Q&A, “[Gaming on PC] is moving slower than we want.” The 20-year Qualcomm veteran reiterated the anti-cheat compatibility with the original Snapdragon X series, which essentially locked out many of the most popular multiplayer games from its PCs.

“You have to chisel away at that until the game developer or the engine developer who actually works with us on mobile realizes we have the same capabilities coming through on PC,” he said.

Back with the first-gen Snapdragon X launch, Qualcomm made sure to tell buyers these devices were not built for gaming. The messaging has changed. Now they’re good for “casual gaming.” The new top-end Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme PC chip boasts enhanced CPU cores and an upgraded GPU, promising to beat the competition. Qualcomm claims the GPU can top out at higher performance, while drawing less power than either AMD or Intel’s high-end laptop chips.

© Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

Kedar Kondap, Qualcomm’s senior vice president and general manager of compute and gaming, told media that new devices running Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme could hit around 60 fps in some compatible games, whereas the Snapdragon X could only get 30 fps. And still, “We’re very cautious about how we position these devices in the market; they are not gaming platforms.”

Qualcomm can cajole and entice developers to port their games to ARM. It managed to convince Epic Games to enable compatibility with the game’s anti-cheat. The only other option is with emulation or a full compatibility layer. Currently, Windows on ARM depends on Microsoft’s Prism emulator, which simulates the x86 hardware as software. This leads to performance hiccups that make playing unsupported games less than ideal. Katouzian reiterated it was sticking with Prism for the sake of emulation. However, multiple rumors suggest Valve is porting games to ARM for the sake of a supposed standalone VR headset. Qualcomm could ride on Valve’s coattails and make a handy sum off the maker of Steam. If they’re considering it, Qualcomm isn’t yet saying so.

We still have to see what next-gen chips Intel and AMD carve out for tomorrow’s laptops. Qualcomm has promised that by “early next year” we’ll have the opportunity to test devices with the Snapdragon X2 Elite. Which is to say, by CES 2026 we’ll probably have a slew of new Intel, Qualcomm—and perhaps AMD—devices to compare each other to. The other two major PC chipmakers will still try to push battery life and power efficiency just like they did last year, just like Qualcomm is doing now.

Qualcomm has an odd place in gaming

Qualcomm spent a little too much time in its keynote talking about how its new PC chip isn’t meant for gaming, as Qualcomm implied. © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

This week, I sat down with Durga Malladi, Qualcomm’s general manager of technology and edge. After a long conversation about the advent of 6G and on-device AI, he told me the company was working directly with a few gaming hardware makers on future projects. No, of course he wasn’t willing to say with whom. “It’s early days,” he said.

Qualcomm’s chips are some of the most popular for gaming. That’s not a controversial statement. Mobile gaming eclipses both console and PC gaming combined. Qualcomm chips are found in some of the most popular Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy devices. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 should be better for gaming than the company’s previous chip and potentially better than the A19 Pro found in the iPhone 17 Pro.

There’s another end to Qualcomm gaming endeavors that the chipmaker rarely acknowledges publicly. Its chips are found in some of the more popular retro emulation devices around. At Snapdragon Summit, the company laid out several devices from companies like OneXPlayer, Ayaneo, and Retroid, all running Snapdragon chips. These are devices I have yet to handle myself, including the OneXSugar transforming dual-screen handheld, the Game Boy-like Retroid Pocket Classic, and the Ayaneo Pocket DS meant to recreate the feel of the Nintendo DS. The handhelds can run plenty of Android games, but their real benefit is with retro emulators—software recreations of older hardware. Qualcomm doesn’t want to stick its toes in the piranha-infested waters of illegal ROM downloads, so it will simply let the handhelds speak for themselves.

Qualcomm’s narrow focus of working with its tech giant partners, Google and Microsoft, has left the company with tunnel vision. Its work on Android has cemented ARM for mobile gaming, but players are looking for something different than yet another showcase of Honkai: Star Rail or Fortnite.



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NYT Mini Crossword game
Gaming Gear

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Sept. 25

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Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Some of the clues, like 1-Down, took me a while. Want the answers? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Sept. 25, 2025.

NYT/Screenshot by CNET

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Item found behind someone’s ear in a classic magic trick
Answer: COIN

5A clue: Do the Floss or the Griddy
Answer: DANCE

6A clue: Helpful pointer
Answer: ARROW

7A clue: Moody sorts, often
Answer: TEENS

8A clue: Sums up
Answer: ADDS

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Gave a hoot
Answer: CARED

2D clue: “No Turn ___” (street sign)
Answer: ONRED

3D clue: App images
Answer: ICONS

4D clue: One “N” of CNN
Answer: NEWS

5D clue: Numbers to crunch
Answer: DATA



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25 Best MagSafe Accessories (2025): Qi2 Chargers, Magnetic Wallets, and More
Gaming Gear

25 Best MagSafe Accessories (2025): Qi2 Chargers, Magnetic Wallets, and More

by admin


Other Good MagSafe Accessories

The accessories below aren’t as great as the top picks in this guide, but they’re still good options if you’re looking for more MagSafe gadgets.

Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe for $30: Using Apple’s Continuity Camera feature, you can wirelessly use your iPhone as a webcam for a MacBook. It supports various video calling apps too, from FaceTime to Zoom. This circular silicone puck magnetically sticks to the back of your iPhone and can be used as a phone grip or kickstand, but you need to keep your screen close to a 90-degree angle, or else the weight of the iPhone will drag the screen back or forward. There’s also a mount for external displays, in case you want one for your home desk setup.

STM Goods MagPod Smarter Phone Stand for $31: I’ve been carrying this mini tripod from STM Goods all over my apartment. When I’m not using it to see notifications at a glance at my desk, I’ll place it on my kitchen counter to stream TV shows while cooking dinner, on my coffee table to FaceTime with friends while on the couch, or on the bathroom sink to listen to podcasts while doing my makeup. I’ve also used it to shoot video. It has a magnetic disc with a socket that moves around smoothly, allowing you to position it at multiple angles. The retractable legs are sturdy too, even while tapping through notifications or typing out texts. They fold in neatly into a compact size, making it easy to travel with.

Casetify Wireless Car Charger for $70: I’ve been using this for over a year. It’s easy to install, has MagSafe support (with a USB-C cable) and an adjustable ball joint for various viewing angles, and it’s Qi 2-certified with a 15-watt rate. It’s a bit more affordable than Belkin’s and comes in several fun patterns. (I have the Penguin design, and it’s tough not to smile while looking at it.)

iOttie Velox Pro Magnetic Wireless Cooling Charger for $80: This iOttie option has a suction cup (if your vents are awkward, or you just prefer a dash or windshield mount) that has strong magnets to keep it in place. The telescopic arm also has a ball joint to give you a wide range of movement to find the ideal position. The 7.5-watt charging rate is disappointing, but the USB-C charging cable is removable, so you can detach and stow it when your iPhone is charged. The built-in fan also helps to keep the temperature down when the sun is out.

MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) for $60: This little orb has three AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports on the back, and over on the front is a Qi2 wireless charging pad that can recharge your phone. It’s great for workstations where you need to plug in a lot of gadgets. Each of the USB-A ports dishes out 12 watts, and the USB-C ports can output 67 watts, though this lowers if other ports or the pad are in use.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

A MagSafe SSD Enclosure for $60: If you have an iPhone Pro Max and you want to tinker with Apple’s more advanced video recording formats (ProRes 4K at 60 frames per second or higher), well, you’ll run into one big problem immediately: You can’t natively record without an external storage device. You’ll need a solid-state drive plugged into your iPhone, and it will record your video directly to the external storage. But a dangling SSD doesn’t sound very safe, right? They don’t transfer power or data via MagSafe but merely attach to the back as a convenient way to store the SSD while recording.

Casely Grippy for $25: When Octobuddy (the original suction phone mount) started to get popular, I really wanted one. But since it uses adhesive to attach to your phone, the thought of all the dust and germs the suction cups would collect kept me from trying it. This one from Casely is one of the few that has MagSafe support. It works well, for the most part. I’ve stuck it on kitchen cabinets, mirrors, the refrigerator—basically whatever surface is around. But when sticking it on said surface, I recommend applying extra pressure to make sure the suction cups are really stuck on there. Otherwise, it’ll slide off, and your phone will go with it.

AccordionItemContainerButton

MagSafe is the name of Apple’s accessory system integrated into the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 ranges. A ring of magnets on the back of the phone (and in MagSafe cases) can help transfer power more precisely and faster than traditional wireless chargers. However, it’s also a handy way to hold an accessory in place, like a wallet, or to mount the iPhone without requiring clamps.

Although MagSafe is a term made by Apple, Android phones like the Google Pixel 10 are getting MagSafe-like features with the new Qi2 standard. Most of the time, a MagSafe accessory will work without issues with Qi2 devices.

Make Sure Your Case Has MagSafe Too

AccordionItemContainerButton

If you use a case with your iPhone, make sure it’s a MagSafe case (it should have its own ring of magnets inside). A standard case will just weaken the magnetic attachment between the iPhone and the MagSafe accessory. A MagSafe case will maintain the magnetic strength, and sometimes case-makers use stronger magnets for a more secure attachment. We have lots of recommendations in our iPhone case guides:

Is MagSafe Compatible With Android?

AccordionItemContainerButton

Natively, no. MagSafe won’t work with most Android phones. However, there are MagSafe cases for certain Android phones, like the Google Pixel series or Samsung Galaxy phones, and these cases have a similar (if not the same) magnetic ring inside, allowing you to use many of the same MagSafe power banks, wireless chargers, and other accessories, though your mileage may vary. Several accessory companies also include or sell the MagSafe magnetic component that you can stick to the back of your smartphone to enable compatibility, though I’ve never used one I really like.

The Qi2 wireless charging standard is changing all of this. Qi2 adds the Magnetic Power Profile, which is based on MagSafe. That means Qi2 phones feature a similar magnetic attachment system, enabling MagSafe accessories to work with more devices, no case needed. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Android phones with Qi2 natively baked in. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, for example, are “Qi2 Ready” phones because you need a magnetic case to enable the Qi2 functionality as there’s no magnets built into the phone. The recent Google Pixel 10 series is the first range to fully support Qi2, so we should see more devices throughout the next 12 to 18 months.

That’s why you may also start seeing “Qi2” MagSafe devices—the latest iPhones all support Qi2, and any device you buy with Qi2 will offer maximum compatibility.

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Gaming Gear

Early sales on tech from Apple, Roku, Shark, Anker and more

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Now that we know October Prime Day is on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about what you may want to snag at a discount during the sale. If you pay the $139 annual fee for Prime, sale events like these are a great time to stock up on essentials and cross things off your wishlist while you can save some money.

Most discounts will be exclusively available to Prime subscribers, but there are always a few that anyone shopping on Amazon can grab. Similarly, there are always early deals in the days and weeks leading up to Prime Day, and this year is no different. Here, we’ve collected the best October Prime Day deals you can shop for right now and we’ll keep updating this post as we get close to Prime Day proper.

Best Prime Day deals: Engadget’s top picks

Apple

Apple MagSafe charger (25W, 2m) for $35 (30 percent off): The latest version of Apple’s MagSafe puck is Qi2.2-certified and supports up to 25W of wireless power when paired with a 30W adapter. The two-meter cable length on this particular model gives you more flexibility on where you can use it: in bed, on the couch, at your desk and elsewhere.

$35 at Amazon

Apple iPad (A16) for $299 ($50 off): The new base-model iPad now comes with twice the storage of the previous model and the A16 chip. That makes the most affordable iPad faster and more capable, but still isn’t enough to support Apple Intelligence.

Apple Mac mini (M4) for $499 $100 off): If you prefer desktops, the upgraded M4 Mac mini is one that won’t take up too much space, but will provide a ton of power at the same time. Not only does it come with an M4 chipset, but it also includes 16GB of RAM in the base model, plus front-facing USB-C and headphone ports for easier access.

Apple iPad Air (11-inch, M3) for $449 ($150 off): The only major difference between the latest iPad Air and the previous generation is the addition of the faster M3 chip. We awarded the new slab an 89 in our review, appreciating the fact that the M3 chip was about 16 percent faster in benchmark tests than the M2. This is the iPad to get if you want a reasonable amount of productivity out of an iPad that’s more affordable than the Pro models.

Jisulife Life7 handheld fan for $25 (14 percent off, Prime exclusive): This handy little fan is a must-have if you life in a warm climate or have a tropical vacation planned anytime soon. It can be used as a table or handheld fan and even be worn around the neck so you don’t have to hold it at all. Its 5,000 mAh battery allows it to last hours on a single charge, and the small display in the middle of the fan’s blades show its remaining battery level.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus 2025 for $29 (27 percent off): Roku makes some of the best streaming devices available, and this small dongle gives you access to a ton of free content plus all the other streaming services you could ask for: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max and many more.

Anker 622 5K magnetic power bank with stand for $34 (29 percent off, Prime exclusive): This 0.5-inch thick power bank attaches magnetically to iPhones and won’t get in your way when you’re using your phone. It also has a built-in stand so you can watch videos, make FaceTime calls and more hands-free while your phone is powering up.

Leebein 2025 electric spin scrubber for $40 (43 percent off, Prime exclusive): This is an updated version of my beloved Leebein electric scrubber, which has made cleaning my shower easier than ever before. It comes with seven brush heads so you can use it to clean all kinds of surfaces, and its adjustable arm length makes it easier to clean hard-to-reach spots. It’s IPX7 waterproof and recharges via USB-C.

Anker Nano 5K ultra-slim power bank (Qi2, 15W) for $46 (16 percent off): A top pick in our guide to the best MagSafe power banks, this super-slim battery is great for anyone who wants the convenient of extra power without the bulk. We found its proportions work very well with iPhones, and its smooth, matte texture and solid build quality make it feel premium.

Shark AI robot vacuum with self-empty base for $230 (58 percent off, Prime exclusive): A version of one of our favorite robot vacuums, this Shark machine has strong suction power and supports home mapping. The Shark mobile app lets you set cleaning schedules, and the self-empty base that it comes with will hold 30 days worth of dust and debris.

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless vacuum for $250 ($100 off, Prime exclusive): One of our favorite cordless vacuums, this Levoit machine has great handling, strong suction power for its price and a premium-feeling design. Its bin isn’t too small, it has HEPA filtration and its battery life should be more than enough for you to clean your whole home many times over before it needs a recharge.

Best Prime Day deals on tech

Soundcore

Samsung EVO Select microSD card (256GB) for $23 (15 percent off): This Samsung card has been one of our recommended models for a long time. It’s a no-frills microSD card that, while not the fastest, will be perfectly capable in most devices where you’re just looking for simple, expanded storage.

JBL Go 4 portable speaker for $40 (20 percent off): The Go 4 is a handy little Bluetooth speaker that you can take anywhere you go thanks to its small, IP67-rated design and built-in carrying loop. It’ll get seven hours of playtime on a single charge, and you can pair two together for stereo sound.

Anker MagGo 10K power bank (Qi2, 15W) for $63 (22 percent off, Prime exclusive): A 10K power bank like this is ideal if you want to be able to recharge your phone at least once fully and have extra power to spare. This one is also Qi2 compatible, providing up to 15W of power to supported phones.

Rode Wireless Go III for $199 (30 percent off): A top pick in our guide to the best wireless microphones, the Wireless Go III records pro-grade sound and has handy extras like onboard storage, 32-bit float and universal compatibility with iPhones, Android, cameras and PCs.

Shark Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo for $300 (57 percent off, Prime exclusive): If you’re looking for an autonomous dirt-sucker that can also mop, this is a good option. It has a mopping pad and water reservoir built in, and it supports home mapping as well. Its self-emptying base can hold up to 60 days worth of debris, too.

Nintendo Switch 2 for $449: While not technically a discount, it’s worth mentioning that the Switch 2 and the Mario Kart Switch 2 bundle are both available at Amazon now, no invitation required. Amazon only listed the new console for the first time in July after being left out of the initial pre-order/availability window in April. Once it became available, Amazon customers looking to buy the Switch 2 had to sign up to receive an invitation to do so. Now, that extra step has been removed and anyone can purchase the Switch 2 on Amazon.

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





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Apple warns of more feature delays in Europe
Gaming Gear

Apple warns of more feature delays in Europe

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Apple says it’s having to delay bringing some product features to Europe because it’s struggling to make them compliant with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a statement published on Wednesday, Apple said that DMA rules have created “more complexity and more risks for our EU users,” blaming the obligation to open Apple features to third-party devices for the delays.

Features impacted include AI-powered Live Translation for AirPods, iPhone Mirroring, and Visited Places and Preferred Routes on Apple Maps. While interoperability requirements under the DMA specify that companies make proprietary apps and device features available on third-party hardware, Apple says it hasn’t found a way to make these features available on non-Apple devices without compromising users’ data security and privacy.

DMA requirements to make it easier to pair, transfer data, and display notifications between iPhones and third-party devices are bearing some fruit, however. The latest iOS 26.1 beta suggests that a “notification forwarding” feature will allow iPhone notifications to surface on non-Apple devices, such as smartwatch competitors to the Apple Watch. The beta also includes references to a feature that will make it easier to pair iPhones with third-party accessories.

Despite its ongoing opposition to the DMA, Apple insists that it’s “spending thousands of hours” to be compliant with the law’s requirements, and that the “list of delayed features in the EU will probably get longer” due to these impediments. The EU has given Apple until the end of this year to open up most of these features if it makes them available to European users, or risk facing additional fines under the DMA. The company was hit with a $580 million penalty in April after the App Store violated anti-steering requirements under the rulebook.

The iPhone maker has called for the DMA regulation to be repealed “while a more appropriate fit for purpose legislative instrument is put in place,” according to a feedback submission seen by the Financial Times.

While Apple’s concerns around user security may hold merit, the company is also motivated to see the DMA scrapped to prevent the legislation from tearing down the walled garden that incentivizes consumers to stay in its product ecosystem. Denying Europeans access to features over DMA compliance concerns may help Apple keep its user base on-side in its argument with the EU.



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Mock-up images of the rumored Sony A7 IV
Gaming Gear

The first leaked Sony A7 V images suggest the Nikon Z6 III will have some serious competition soon

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  • Two leaked images supposedly reveal the upcoming Sony A7 V
  • One shows sensor resolution, the other the camera’s rear design
  • It could be released in October or November 2025

The year 2021. That’s how long ago it was that Sony introduced the current A7 IV and raised the bar for mid-range mirrorless cameras.

The 33MP full-frame model remains a remarkably capable all-rounder, but it lost top spot in our best mirrorless cameras guide to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and consequently the even-better Nikon Z6 III.

There’s potentially good news for Sony fans, however, because we might just have just seen the first leaked images of the A7 IV’s successor, the A7 V.


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The New Camera has shared what it says are two images of the Sony A7 V that seemingly reveal sensor resolution and welcome design upgrades from the A7 IV.

There’s been a lot of speculation this year about what the A7 V will bring to the table and the leaked images seemingly pour cold water over dreams of a significant upgrade.

However, there’s still a lot that we don’t know and any speculation should be taken with a pinch of salt, no matter how reliable the source. Let’s take a look at what’s being said.

We currently rate the Nikon Z6 III as the best mirrorless camera for most people. Could the A7 V steal back that crown for Sony? (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

A mid-range mirrorless shake up?

Mid-range mirrorless cameras tend to hit the price / performance sweet spot and that’s exactly what the Sony A7 IV did four years ago.

Since then, though, Canon and Nikon have gone on to set new standards in this class – the EOS R6 Mark II and Z6 III both shoot faster, and their video specs blow the A7 IV out of the water.

They’ve put the heat on Sony, who’s original A7 series has long been one of the top sellers. So, will the mid-range market get another shake up if and when the A7 V arrives?

One of the leaked images shows the rear screen with the camera’s resolution being displayed: 33MP large, 14MP medium, 8.2MP small. This suggests the resolution of the A7 V is unchanged from the 33MP A7 IV, which still beats rivals today.


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What we don’t know is if its the same sensor as before, a revised one, or a new kind. For example, the Nikon Z6 III has a speedier partially stacked 24MP sensor, while premium models like the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 II have faster-still fully-stacked sensor.

Such a new kind of sensor would boost performance, effectively eliminating the rolling shutter distortion that plagues the A7 IV in video and burst shooting, as well as form the bedrock for improved performance which could see the A7 V match or surpass its rivals, and with a higher resolution sensor.

We awarded the A7 IV 4.5 stars in our review, but four years on it looks a little dated especially for sports photography and video (Image credit: Future)

The second leaked image reveals a section of the A7 V’s rear, suggesting the A7 V could get a versatile 2-axis tilt / vari-angle touchscreen like in the A1 II, although the grip might remain in a similar style to existing A7 models.

The New Camera has gone on to speculate on other improvements we might sensibly expect, touting 20fps burst shooting, Sony’s AI chip for improved subject detection autofocus, uncropped 4K 60fps video, a higher resolution EVF, and improved in-body image stabilization.

It’s also believed that the Sony A7 V is coming this year, touting an October or November release. There’s word of a Canon EOS R6 Mark III bound for 2025, too, supposedly with the 32MP sensor we saw in the recent EOS C50. Such a flurry of releases really would shake up the mid-range market.

We’ll be sharing further thoughts about the rumored Sony A7 V shortly, unpacking the upgrades we think Sony needs to deliver to make a compelling case over its rivals. Stay tuned for that piece.

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Android Needs to Remember Its Roots Before It Can Become a PC
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Android Needs to Remember Its Roots Before It Can Become a PC

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Google’s getting in on PCs, and it could mean we’ll finally have another option beyond today’s stable of operating systems. After letting ChromeOS moulder in a sea of its own inadequacies, the tech giant confirmed it’s going to offer a true PC operating system alternative to macOS or Windows 11 sometime… eventually. At Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit (full disclosure: travel and lodging were paid by Qualcomm, and Gizmodo did not guarantee any coverage as a condition of accepting the trip), Google VP of Devices and Services Rick Osterloh spoke with Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon and hinted about this new phase of Android.

“I’ve seen it, it’s incredible,” quipped Amon. With no other hints to go on, we need to consider what Google needs to do to make Android work on a big screen. Android on desktops or laptops needs to offer more than an Android-ified version of the latest iPadOS 26. Google could offer an OS that allows for the Mac-style continuity between devices without the walled garden that limits you to apps dictated by Google. I’m one of those PC users routinely miffed that Windows is force-feeding Microsoft’s first-party apps like OneDrive down our throats with annoying popup ads on desktop. A change of scenery would be welcome, but I’m not one ready to abandon my Steam library, either.

Android on PC will be stuffed with AI

Qualcomm CEO Christiano Amon and Google VP Rick Osterloh waxed on about the “incredible” Android for PC brewing behind the scenes. © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

For those curious, here’s Osterloh’s full comments about Google’s plans for Android on PC:

“In the past, we’ve always had very different systems between what we’re building on PCs and what we’re building in smartphones and we’ve embarked on a project to combine that. We’re building together a common technical foundation for our products on PCs and desktop computers, and I think this is another way that we can leverage all of the great work we’re doing together on our AI stack bringing Gemini models—bringing all of our application and developer community into the PC domain. So we’re really excited about this and I think this is another way in which Android is going to be able to serve everyone in every computing category.”

Without specifics, we can only guesstimate what form Android on PC could take. Of course, Google is going to fill its new OS to the brim with Gemini AI features. On Chromebook, this is in the form of Gemini and apps like NotebookLM accessible straight from the taskbar. Google would likely want to utilize the desktop space to stick Gemini directly into the main UI, akin to Microsoft shoving Copilot on the Windows 11 desktop. Already, Google apps like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and more all contain a button that lets Gemini access your files. Sometimes this proves useful. AI is great for quickly filling out spreadsheets. In other ways, the AI can be idiotic. I can ask Gemini to find an email about an upcoming event for a company coming up in October, and it will tell me about an email from last year.

Using AI to its fullest requires retraining users’ expectations. That’s already a hard bargain when desktop or laptop users are used to the standard experience on macOS, Windows—and to a smaller degree—Linux. Android was born as a modified version of a Linux kernel. After so many years, the Android Open Source Project has taken on a life of its own and now rules as the bedrock for all mobile devices that aren’t part of Apple’s steadfast iOS domain. Android’s best option to muscle in on the PC space is to simply regress back to its Linux roots.

Google will have to try letting go

The Quick Access key on ChromeOS won’t be what users need for a full PC experience. © Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

Nobody wants to be beholden to an app store. Google has continued to argue in court that sideloading and third-party app stores ruin the experience. Judges haven’t bought that line of thinking, and neither have users. There’s nothing bad about having full native access to all Android apps, but they need to work well on a larger display. Beyond that, users expect to download all their main productivity and gaming apps. Compatibility is what’s been holding back Qualcomm’s own ARM-based Snapdragon X-based PCs with Windows 11. Google would be better off ensuring users can access all the Linux versions of the most-popular apps than letting them load the mobile version of TikTok.

ChromeOS is dead simple. It borrows the Windows taskbar and enables a spare few features from the control center or through the Quick Access key on recent Chromebook Plus models. File management can feel like a chore. Tasks as simple as cropping photos to specific sizes aren’t simple on Chromebook’s default apps. A desktop OS requires a completely different frame of mind from what Google has done recently.

PC users want something clean, straightforward, and easy to manage. We don’t need the ostentation of Material 3 Expressive. We want to use all our current peripherals and external displays and change our settings to suit our needs. A new OS would need to facilitate users changing out components for their desktops or more customizable laptops. It sure seems like Google has its eye on Qualcomm’s PC chips to start. Still, this can’t be a one-and-done venture. Google, always in mind to take a hatchet to well-established features or apps (remember Stadia game streaming? I sure do) would need to support this new venture long-term. Compared to ChromeOS, this new software suite shouldn’t be beholden to streaming through the Chrome browser.



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NYT Connections: Sport Edition on a phone
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Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for Sept. 25 #367

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Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.

Today’s Connections: Sports Edition is a fun one. If you’re good at spotting other connected words buried within the clues, you’ll do well. If you’re struggling but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.

Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can play it for free online.

Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Throw it in there.

Green group hint: Two by two.

Blue group hint: Like the singer Bennett.

Purple group hint: Sing out.

Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Yellow group: Parts of a baseball glove.

Green group: Items that come in pairs.

Blue group: Famous Tonys.

Purple group: Starts with a music genre.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?

The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

NYT/Screenshot by CNET

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is parts of a baseball glove. The four answers are fingers, heel, pocket and webbing.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is items that come in pairs. The four answers are boxing gloves, shin guards, skis and sneakers.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is famous Tonys. The four answers are Dorsett, Gwynn, Parker and Romo.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is starts with a music genre. The four answers are Popovich, Raptors, Rockies and skateboard.



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Save $50 on Our Favorite Budget Graphics Card
Gaming Gear

Save $50 on Our Favorite Budget Graphics Card

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If you’re building a new gaming PC, I’ve got a sweet deal for you on a graphics card. The PNY Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti OC (7/10, WIRED Review) is currently marked down to just $379 at Walmart. While prices have been in flux since launch, this is anywhere from $50 to $100 off the usual price, a discount that makes it a much more appealing purchase for gaming at 1080p.

Photograph: Brad Bourque

PNY

GeForce RTX 5060 Ti OC

This is the most modest entry from Nvidia’s 50 Series that I think is worth your time, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be disappointed. The 16-GB card can chug right along in most modern games at 1080p, beating 60 fps in every game in our test suite with the settings cranked up and the ray tracing turned on. It struggled to keep up at 1440p, at least with everything set to ultra, but a little tinkering, or Nvidia’s latest tech, can help with that. Common games like Minecraft, Helldivers 2, and Marvel Rivals all ran over 90 fps, which is great news for weeknight Squirrel Girl enjoyers like myself.

As an RTX 50 Series card, the 5060 TI supports the latest version of DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) which includes Multi-Frame Generation. For every traditionally rendered frame of gameplay, the GPU can use machine learning to generate up to three extra frames with low overhead. The result is a much smoother experience, with big fps jumps each time you turn up the setting. The tradeoffs are a slight increase in input lag, as well as the occasional tiny artifact, which I feel makes this a great option for slower, cinematic games, but less optimal for twitchy shooters.

This PNY example isn’t the flashiest, with a plastic housing and only two fans, but I think a lot of gamers will be satisfied with it. It does feature the classic 8-pin PCIe power plug, so it could be an upgrade for an older system too, but I don’t think the performance jump would be that noticeable from the higher-end 30 or even 20 Series cards. If you want to check out your other options, I’ve got a full GPU buying guide that covers the latest from both AMD and Nvidia, from this card all the way up to the $2,000 RTX 5090.

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.



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Qualcomm’s new flagship mobile platform is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

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Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which the company claims is the “world’s faster mobile system-on-a-chip.” It was designed for flagship devices for manufacturers and smartphone brands that don’t make their own mobile platforms, with the first devices equipped with the SoC launching in the coming days. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is powered by the company’s third-generation Oryon CPU, which Qualcomm says “improves performance by 20 percent and CPU power efficiency by 35 percent.” Overall, the company is claiming that the platform has a 16 percent lower power draw, making it more efficient and enabling longer “sustained performance.”

The new platform promises “lightning-fast” app launches and app switching for better multitasking. Qualcomm’s AI Engine allows on-device AI processing, as well, made possible by the company’s upgraded Hexagon NPU that’s apparently 37 percent than its predecessor. “With Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, you are at the center of your mobile experience,” said Chris Patrick, the SVP and generation manager for mobile at Qualcomm. “It enables personalized AI agents to see what you see, hear what you hear and think with you in real time.”

In addition, Qualcomm says the new SoC is the first mobile platform to enable recording in Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, giving creators the ability to film on their phones for professional-level productions. Several smartphone brands have already committed to using the new platform for their flagship devices, including Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, Honor, iQOO, Nubia, POCO, realme, REDMI, RedMagic, ROG, Sony, vivo, Xiaomi and ZTE.



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