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Everything announced at Amazon’s fall hardware event

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It’s not technically Techtober yet since we’re one day shy, but we’ve already had a bunch of fall hardware events from some of the bigger companies in the tech space. Today, it was Amazon’s turn to step up to the plate. 

Going into its event, the company teased new Echo speakers and Kindle news. Rumors suggested Amazon was ready to ditch its long-standing Android-based OS on Fire TVs in favor of the Linux-based Vega OS it’s already using on the Echo Show 5, Echo Hub units and Echo Spot.

Indeed, Echo, Kindle and Fire TV are all being featured at the event, along with Ring and Blink devices. Oh, and lots of Alexa+ updates, of course.

Amazon doesn’t usually livestream its product events and that remained the case here. However, we’ve got you covered with all the news and announcements with both our liveblog and this here rundown of everything Amazon announced at its fall hardware event:

Echo speakers

The Echo lineup was beyond overdue for a refresh — it’s been five years since the 4th-gen Echo arrived, while the most recent Echo Studio debuted a couple of years later. And, with Amazon looking to push Alexa+, it’s certainly time for some new models.

To that end, the $100 Echo Dot Max and $220 Echo Studio are up for pre-order and will ship on October 29. No sign of a new standard Echo this time!

The Echo Dot Max delivers almost three times the bass of the fifth-gen Echo Dot and sound that adapts to your space, Amazon claims. The company added that the updated design integrates the speaker directly into the device’s housing, freeing up extra space for more bass. In fact, the Echo Dot Max has two speakers: a “high-excursion woofer optimized for deep bass and a custom tweeter for crisp high notes.”

Amazon has shrunk down the Echo Studio to 60 percent of the size of the last version. Even so, it has a “powerful high-excursion woofer that delivers deep, immersive bass and three optimally placed full-range drivers to create immersive,” room-filling sound, according to the company. The latest model supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.

If you’re in the US and you snap up either of the new Echo speakers — or the latest Echo Show devices — Amazon says you’ll get early access to Alexa+. We’ve had a chance to try the speakers, so be sure to check out Engadget senior reporter Jeff Dunn’s first impressions.

Alexa Home Theater with Echo

Amazon is looking to take on the likes of Sonos with a home theater feature. You’ll be able to connect as many as five Echo Studio or Echo Dot Max devices to a compatible Fire TV stick for surround sound.

The company says that, with the Alexa Home Theater feature, Alexa will take care of everything after you plug in your speakers. That includes tuning them for your space automatically. Amazon will sell the Echo speakers in Alexa Home Theater bundles too.

Echo Show

2025 Echo Show smart displays

(Amazon)

Quelle surprise, Amazon has refreshed the Echo Show smart displays. As with the rest of its new products, Amazon built the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 with Alexa+ in mind.

They boast new front-facing stereo speakers and upgraded microphones, all the better to bolster the chats you might have with Alexa+. The new units have improved cameras with 13MP lenses. Alexa will be able to recognize you when you approach the device and display personalized information. It might show you, for instance, an AI-powered summary of footage from your Ring devices. The Echo Show smart home hub supports devices in the Zigbee, Matter and Thread ecosystems too.

As for the display, both of the new Echo Show units have a negative liquid crystal screen designed to maximize viewing angles. Amazon also said there are new color-coded calendars to help everyone in the family to stay on top of their schedules. Alexa will keep an eye out for scheduling conflicts. Such a clever cookie.

The new Echo Show 8 costs $180, while the Echo Show 11 will run you $220. Pre-orders for the latest Echo Show models open today. They’ll ship on November 12.

The new Echo Show 8 costs $180, while the Echo Show 11 will run you $220. Pre-orders for the latest Echo Show models open today. They’ll ship on November 12. Be sure to check out Engadget senior writer Sam Rutherford’s initial impressions of the latest models.

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft

(Amazon)

The Kindle Scribe 2 and Kindle Colorsoft appear to have been smushed together, as there’s now a full color version of Amazon’s writing tablet (which has some other upgrades). The company is using its custom display tech for the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which has a color filter and “light guide” with nitride LEDs. The idea, according to Amazon, is to boost color without washing out details.

The company says it developed a new rendering engine for the Kindle Colorsoft too. It claims this helps make sure writing on the device feels fluid, natural and fast. Moreover, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is said to run for several weeks on a single charge. 

You’ll be able to choose from 10 pen colors for writing, drawing and annotation. There are five highlighter colors as well.

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft will be available in the US later this year, starting at $630. It’s coming to the UK and Germany in early 2026. 

We’ve been able to try out the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. You can check out Engadget managing editor Cherlynn Low’s initial hands-on impressions.

Refreshed Kindle Scribe

Amazon is refreshing the regular Kindle Scribe too. It has a larger, 11-inch display to match the proportions of a sheet of paper. It’s 5.44mm (0.2 inches) thin and weighs 400g. Amazon also says it’s 40 percent faster than the previous model when it comes to page turns and writing. 

The standard 2025 Kindle Scribe shares a bunch of features with the Colorsoft model. Both boast a front light system with miniature LEDs, a texture-molded glass that’s designed to improve friction for writing and revamped display tech that’s said to make it feel like you’re writing directly on the page.

The latest devices have a quad-core chip and more memory than previous models. That helps to power new AI-driven features. You’ll be able to get an AI-generated summary of information that you search for across your notes and the option to ask follow-up questions. Starting in early 2026, you’ll be able to send notes and other docs from your Kindle Scribe to Alexa+, and have a conversation with the chatbot about them.

There’s support for Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, so you can pull in documents from there to mark them up. There’s an option to export annotated PDFs, as well as to export notes as converted text or an embedded image to OneNote. 

The home screen has a new Quick Notes function to help users start jotting down their thoughts faster. You’ll have swift access to recently opened or added books and documents from there too. 

Meanwhile, there’s a new pen that attaches to your Kindle Scribe. This refreshed Kindle Scribe will go on sale in the US by the end of the year, and it starts at $500. A version without a front light will be $430. Again, these models will be available in the US and Germany in early 2026.

Fire TV

The image Amazon sent out as part of its event invite included the corner of a television, hinting that Fire TV would get some time in the spotlight during today’s event. And, yup, that turned out to be the case.

There’s a new 4K streaming stick called the Fire TV Stick 4K Select ($40). Amazon says it supports HDR10+ and your favorite streaming services. Support for Alexa+, Luna and Xbox Cloud Gaming is on the way too. As with the other Fire TV devices Amazon announced today, pre-orders are open and the Fire TV Stick 4K Select will ship next month.

If you’d rather have the Fire TV ecosystem baked into your television, Amazon’s got you covered there. The latest Omni QLED Series models have displays that are 60 percent brighter than previous versions, Amazon says. The TVs adjust their display colors automatically depending on the ambient lighting and can turn on by themselves when they detect your presence. The TV can also display your photos or artwork and switch off when you exit the room. The Omni QLED Series TV come in 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch variants and start at $480.

The Omnisense feature is available on the latest 2-Series Fire TV models too. These budget-friendly 4K options are said to be 30 percent faster than their predecessors. A Dialogue Boost feature will be present on all the latest Fire TV models. You can snap up a 2-Series Fire TV in either a 32-inch or 40-inch variant, starting at just $160.

Janko Roettgers of LowPass reported last week that Amazon was set to bring its Vega operating system to Fire TV by the end of this year. Whaddya know? The company confirmed that it’s bringing Vega to Fire TVs and streaming devices, including the 4K Select. So, it’ll debut in October on at least one device. Amazon didn’t say when it would roll out the OS more broadly, but helpfully noted that Vega is “responsive and highly efficient.”

Blink

2025 Blink camera lineup

(Amazon)

No, you didn’t miss it: there are new Blink devices as well. All of them can capture 2K video, and pre-orders for all three go live today.

Amazon says the $90 Blink Outdoor 2K+ has a 4x zoom, two-way talk with noise cancellation, enhanced low-light performance and, for Blink Plus subscribers, smart notifications when people and vehicles are detected.

The $50 Blink Mini 2K+ is primarily designed for indoor use, but you can place it outside thanks to a weather-resistant power adapter. Otherwise, it has the same features as the Blink Outdoor 2K+.

Blink had an entirely new device to show off as well. The Blink Arc looks quite odd, almost like a pair of goggles. It houses two Blink Mini 2K+ cameras and combines the footage into “a single, seamlessly stitched feed.” If you have a Blink Plus subscription, you’ll have access to a 180-degree view. The Blink Arc can also be used outside with the weather-resistant power adapter. It costs $100, and the mount is an extra $20.

Ring

Retinal Vision is a concept that Ring has built its latest devices (for what it’s worth, the name reminds me I’m probably due for an eye exam). The idea is to use AI to optimize image quality. It taps into back-side illumination sensors to deliver superior low-light performance, Amazon says.

A function called Retinal Tuning samples your Ring camera’s video quality several times per day for up to two weeks in a attempt to improve it. Large-aperture lenses in the new devices will help with all of that.

To that end, Amazon has announced a Wired Doorbell Plus with 2K visuals for $180 and the Indoor Plus Cam 2K for $60. There are 4K models too: Outdoor Cam Pro 4K ($200), Spotlight Cam Pro 4K ($250), Wired Doorbell Pro 4K ($250) and Floodlight Cam Pro 4K ($280). Pre-orders for all of them open today.

Of course, there are Alexa+ features for the new cameras. Alexa+ Greetings is a function that will enable the AI to make “informed decisions about how to greet certain visitors.” Amazon will roll this out for the new cameras in December.

Familiar Faces, meanwhile, is a facial recognition feature. It identifies known faces, so Ring will be able to notify you when they’re at your door (or if someone unfamiliar is there). That’s coming in December too.

There’s another new feature called Search Party, which Amazon says is about helping people find lost dogs. When a neighbor reports a missing pooch in the Ring app, a Search Party commences on nearby Ring cameras. These will keep a look out and notify camera owners if they spot what may be the missing dog. The camera owner will then see a photo of the pet alongside relevant camera footage, and can then choose whether to alert the dog’s owner. Search Party will roll out in November.

Alexa+ and other AI features

Zero prizes for anyone who guessed that Amazon was going to talk up Alexa+ features. That one was a gimme. All of the devices Amazon just announced will support Alexa+ out of the box.

AI features for books are coming to the Kindle Scribe devices and other compatible Kindles in early 2026. The Kindle iOS app will be the first to gain access later this year. Amazon says the Story So Far option will catch you up on everything you’ve read in a book to that point without any spoilers — which could be handy if you’re returning to a digital tome after a break. With the Ask this Book option, you’ll be able to highlight any text, ask questions about it and get “spoiler-free answers.” Amazon says thousands of Kindle books will support these features.

On Fire TV devices, Alexa+ will be able to find scenes in movies using natural language prompts. You’ll be able to ask the assistant to find a scene where a certain thing happens and it will try to find that for you. This feature is coming soon.

You’ll be able to ask the voice assistant to find a show like one you watched a couple of nights earlier, a family-friendly movie or something that features your favorite performer. This isn’t limited to Prime Video as Alexa+ can tap into a variety of streaming services, including Netflix and HBO Max.

You can ask the assistant questions about what you’re watching too, such as details about an actor (handy if you recognize them from another show or movie but you’re not sure what) and behind-the-scenes info. This works for live sports as well, so you can find out stats and other nuggets about what you’re watching on Prime Video, Sling TV, DirecTV and Fubo.

On the new Echo Show devices, there’s an Alexa+ shopping widget. From here, you’ll be able to keep tabs on your Amazon, Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh deliveries; access detailed info on products; and re-order items with a voice command or a tap.

Amazon claims Alexa+ can help you figure out what gift to get someone based on responses to questions it asks you. The assistant will offer personalized recommendations from Amazon.

Alexa+ is going to hook into all manner of devices and services. Through the Alexa+ Store (which will be available soon), you’ll be able to access services from the likes of TaskRabbit, Fandango, Priceline, Uber, Lyft, Thumbtack, GrubHub and Yahoo Sports. You can manage your various Amazon subscriptions via Alexa+ too.

In addition, Alexa+ is coming to speakers, TVs and in-car systems from other brands. Those include Bose, Sonos, LG, Samsung and BMW.

As things stand, Alexa+ is currently free with Prime. Non-Prime members can use it for $20 per month — but you may as well pay $15 per month or $139 per year for Prime if you really, really want access to Alexa+.

Smart remote

Amazon had another product to unveil today, but this one wasn’t highlighted during the event. The company has revealed a $20 smart remote for Echo devices. Pre-orders are open and it’ll ship on October 30.

You can use the Alexa app or Alexa+ to customize the Smart Dimmer Switch and Remote. There are four buttons to which you can map individual actions (like making a change to your smart lights) and multi-stage routines. Amazon might also suggest routines for you to set up based on your habits. As well as using this device as a traditional remote, you can attach it to wall, which might be the way to go if you’re going to use it primarily for managing your lights.



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JBL Charge 6 review: a beefier Bluetooth speaker that's excellent value
Product Reviews

JBL Charge 6 review: a beefier Bluetooth speaker that’s excellent value

by admin



Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

JBL Charge 6: Two-minute review

The JBL Charge 6 portable wireless speaker isn’t as closely related to the outgoing JBL Charge 5 as it might first appear. Oh, in physical terms they’re closely related – but the Charge 6 adds some nice new specification upgrades, as well as a very useful carry handle, in an effort to maintain the Charge’s position as the pre-eminent mid-priced option among the best Bluetooth speakers.

So as well as 45 watts of power and an impressive frequency response of 54Hz – 20kHz, the JBL Charge 6 can be hard-wired via USB-C in order to deliver true hi-res audio. It will run for 24 hours from a single charge – longer if you don’t mind sacrificing some bass response – and can act as a charger for your smartphone.

Two JBL Charge 6 units can form a stereo pair, and it can connect to any Auracast-enabled speakers for as numerous a speaker system as you fancy. An IP68 rating and a predictably robust standard of build and finish means it is happy in pretty much any environment.

And in action, the Charge 6 is a deft and assertive listen with a whole lot of positives about the way it deals with your audio files. Over Bluetooth, it’s punchy and detailed in equal measure, with a nice tonal balance and fairly even frequency response. Up the ante with some hi-res stuff via USB-C and it gains additional dynamism, insight and rhythmic positivity.

Really, only lowering volume to ‘background’ levels can upset it – quite a lot of its direct and expansive nature goes astray when you try to listen quietly. This thing is made for fun.

So yes, ‘Charge 6’ turns out to be a little more than just ‘Charge 5 +1’, and it’s as good as speakers this size, at this price, get right now.

  • JBL Charge 6 (Black) at Amazon for $199.95

JBL Charge 6 review: Price and release date

  • Released in April 2025
  • Officially priced at $149 / £129 / AU$229.95

The JBL Charge 6 is on sale now, and in US you can find it for $159, in the the United Kingdom it sells for £169 (unless you decide you fancy the rather lively purple or red finishes, which for some reason are £5 less expensive), while in Australia it goes for AU$229.

That’s a similar price to the JBL Charge 5 at its launch, though the older model can now be found in the $120-$140 region regularly, or is £119 in the UK at the time of writing.

The Charge 6 is a good price for this kind of speaker – for example, it’s priced similarly to the Sonos Roam 2, which is much smaller and less powerful than this, but the JBL doesn’t have the multi-room Wi-Fi skills of the Sonos.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Charge 6 review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Weight:

1.37kg

Dimensions:

229 (W) x 99 (H) x 94 (D) mm

Battery life (quoted):

Up to 24 hours (28 with boost mode)

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC and AAC codecs

Drivers:

53 x 93 mm mid/bass ‘racetrack’ driver, 20mm tweeter

Aux-in:

No (USB-C audio passthrough)

Charger port:

USB-C

Microphone:

No

Waterproof rating:

IP68

JBL Charge 6 review: Features

  • 45 watts of power
  • 54Hz – 20kHz frequency response
  • 24 hours of battery normally, can be boosted to 28 hours

When it comes to a wireless connection, the Charge 6 uses Bluetooth 5.4 (good) and is compatible with SBC and AAC codecs (less good, but normal).

Unlike a lot of nominal rivals, though, the JBL has a USB-C slot that can be used for data transfer as well as for charging its battery, meaning that if you connect it to an appropriate source, hi-res audio of up to 24bit/96kHz can be yours (very good indeed).

The battery itself will run for around 24 hours (as long as you’re not absolutely blasting the volume), and if you switch ‘playtime boost’ on, that number rises to 28 hours in exchange for a rather obvious curtailing of low-frequency presence.

This is basically as long as battery life gets for portable speakers – certainly for speakers that are actually easy to carry around.

The JBL will even act as a power bank, so you can connect your phone to the USB-C port to charge it if push comes to shove – but this will, of course, eat into the Charge 6’s own battery life. From ‘flat’ to ‘full’, by the way, takes a fairly leisurely three hours.

No matter how the audio information makes it onboard, it’s attended to by 45 watts of Class D power driving a 20mm tweeter and a racetrack mid/bass driver. It’s basically the same speaker setup as the JBL Flip 7, but with bigger speakers in all cases and more power – lovely.

In conjunction with the passive radiator at each end, JBL claims this arrangement is good for a frequency response of 54Hz up to 20kHz.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Charge 6 review: Sound quality

  • Big and punchy (but also deft and detailed) sound
  • Capable of significant volume
  • Loses interest at lower levels

You might think you know what you’re getting, sound-wise, when you look at the Charge 6. And in some ways, you’d be right – give it a stream of Outkast’s The Way You Move and the JBL delivers it with scale and considerable substance. Its sound is big and weighty, and there’s plenty of drive and momentum to ensure the rhythm is expressed with real positivity.

But the Charge 6 is no blunt instrument. It retrieves and reveals plenty of detail, is more than capable of handling the transient or minor events in the recording, and is just as adept at describing the harmonic variations as it is the broad dynamic strokes of ‘quiet’ and ‘loud’. Sure, it’s an energetic and quite forceful listen – but it pays just as much attention to the light and shade of a recording as it does the attack.

Its frequency response is fairly even; there’s a slight skew to the bottom end, sure, but it’s nothing fatal. And its tonal balance is equally well-judged, so there’s crisp presence at the top end to balance the punchy lower frequencies – and in the midrange, the JBL makes the character and technique of a vocalist pretty apparent.

Switch to a 24-bit/96kHz FLAC file of The Past is a Grotesque Animal by of Montreal, served to the Charge 6 via USB-C, and the entire presentation steps on. The soundstage opens up yet further, detail levels enjoy a big uptick, and the amount of space available to each element of the recording makes for greater overall scale.

Dynamic headroom increases, the unity of the frequency range is made more apparent, and the control of low-frequency activity makes for a rhythmically positive and articulate sound.

It’s worth noting that many of these uncomplicatedly enjoyable aspects of music-making are rather diminished should you decide to listen to the Charge 6 at volumes levels of ‘modest’ or below.

The JBL is not especially tolerant of being treated as a ‘background listening’ device, and a fair amount of its directness and assertiveness deserts it in the circumstance. No one puts Baby in the corner, so it seems…

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Charge 6 review: Design

  • IP68-rated for dust and waterproofing
  • Seven finishes, and useful carry handle
  • Reasonably compact at 229 x 99 x 94mm

In broad terms, it’s JBL Charge business as usual here. The speaker is almost cylindrical, with a flattened area on the bottom for it to rest on. Each end of the almost-cylinder features some sturdy rubberization to protect the passive radiator (and its rather alarming ‘!’ branding) at each end.

A few physical controls are arranged across the top, at the rear there’s a USB-C slot, and the entire thing is wrapped in hardwearing fabric.

Changes in design over the outgoing Charge 5 are very few – but they’re all significant. Those rubber end caps are now even more robust than before. The material that covers almost the entire speaker is now 100% recycled material. The controls are in two rows for even greater ease of operation.

The IP rating has risen from a very acceptable IP67 to IP68 – which indicates the Charge 6 is virtually impregnable. And there’s now a flexible, branded carry-handle that fits to the top of the speaker and means it’s more easily portable than before.

A choice of seven different finishes runs from a business-like black to a camo number JBL calls ‘squad’. No matter the color you choose, though, you’ll be in possession of a carefully designed and beautifully built portable speaker.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Charge 6 review: Usability and setup

  • JBL ‘Portable’ control app
  • A few physical controls
  • Auracast and stereo pairing

The two rows of physical controls on the Charge 6 cover volume up/down, play/pause, power on/off, Bluetooth pairing and Auracast pairing – as long as the other speakers in your prospective group are Auracast-enabled, there’s no practical limit to the number of speakers you can join together or the amount of space you can cover.

Each of the controls is reliable, and very positive in its action – and the ability to pair two Bluetooth devices at a time is very welcome too.

The company’s ‘Portable’ control app is a useful little number too. Here’s where you can form a stereo pair with another Charge 6, check out a number of EQ presets or establish some of your own, check on battery life, and turn on ‘playtime boost’.

It’s a clean and stable app that’s a cut above the sort of thing some rival portable speakers are accompanied by.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Charge 6 review: Value

If you want it for background listening, look elsewhere for your Bluetooth speaker, and spend less money while you’re at it – the five-star JBL Flip 7 would work nicely.

But if you decide to let it do its thing, the JBL Charge 6 has more than enough sonic talent to justify its asking price – and the fact that it’s so well made, so hardy and so very usefully specified only seals the deal.

Should I buy the JBL Charge 6?

Swipe to scroll horizontallyJBL Charge 6

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Can’t fault the battery life, USB-C connectivity, or Auracast option – higher-res wireless would be nice, though

4.5/5

Sound quality

Powerful, well-balanced and more detailed than you expect – especially in its USB-C mode

4.5/5

Design

Tougher than ever, made from more recycled material, and with a useful handle

5/5

Usability and setup

Very easy, with just the right amount of controls on the device, and a good app

5/5

Value

Reliable, long-lasting, great-sound – feels like a superb option for the price

5/5

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

JBL Charge 6 review: Also consider

How I tested the JBL Charge 6

(Image credit: Future)

  • Tested for over a week
  • Tested in a variety of real-world locations
  • Connected wireless and wired, with a variety of file types

I connect the JBL Charge 6 via Bluetooth to an Apple iPhone 14 Pro, an Apple MacBook Pro and a FiiO JM21 digital audio player.

I also connected it to the laptop via USB-C, where the Colibri software on the machine allowed the Charge 6 to play authentically hi-res content.

I listened indoors and outdoors, at a variety of volume levels and to a variety of types of music. And I did all this for well over a working week (and sometimes at the weekend too).

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: September 2025

JBL Charge 6: Price Comparison



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A lost kid sitting in a room crying from 99 Nights in the Forest.
Product Reviews

How to craft bandages in 99 Nights in the Forest

by admin



It gets harder and harder to survive as the days pass, so you’ll want to stock up on as many bandages as you can get your hands on in 99 Nights in the Forest. They’re your priority item for reviving other players, and come in clutch if you’re playing alone and can’t self-revive.

You’ll find the bulk of them while roaming the woods, but it’s also possible to craft bandages in 99 Nights in the Forest after locating one of the Tool Workshop variants and collecting a few fairly common resources.

How to craft bandages in 99 Nights in the Forest

(Image credit: Grandma’s Favourite Games / Roblox)

You can craft bandages at the Anvil in 99 Nights in the Forest, though the crafting station may not look the same every time you play. Depending on your world and the current event, the map icon can be a different color and surrounded by alternative enemy types, but the principle is always the same.


Related articles

To craft a bandage , you’ll need:

  • Campfire Level 4
  • An upgraded axe or chainsaw
  • (2) Rabbit’s Foot
  • (2) Wolf Pelt

The Tool Workshop—a big, grey building marked with an anvil icon—typically houses the crafting station. You can chop the branches blocking the entrance down with any upgraded axe or a chainsaw.

The meteor shower update later added a lava version that’s destroyed in a fiery rain of spacerocks a few days into random matches. You’ll just have to pick up the pieces of the Anvil around the building and put it back together to get it up and running again.

(Image credit: Grandma’s Favourite Games / Roblox)

How to use the Anvil

Before you can make anything, you’ll need to interact with the bench beside the Anvil and select the bandage recipe. Then place the ingredients on top of the station one by one, and they should snap into place—it can be a little finicky, so if it says you’re missing something, pick it back up and try again.

There’s a cooldown between crafts, so you’ll have to make one bandage per day if you have extra materials. I usually just dump surplus at the station instead of hauling them back to camp to save myself a trip.

How to get more bandages in 99 Nights in the Forest

You can get more bandages by finding them in chests, buildings, or just hanging around out in the open. Unfortunately there’s a bit of RNG involved, so you may hurt for them more in some runs while struggling to find enough storage space in others.

Here’s a quick list of other ways to get bandages:

  • Locate the hospital after upgrading to Campfire Level 3, there’s usually at least two or three inside (plus a medkit and other valuable resources)
  • Unlock the Medic class to start with two extra bandages (and a handy buff to revive 99 Nights in the Forest teammates)



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The Moment the 'KPop Demon Hunters' Crew Knew They Had a Hit in 'Golden'
Product Reviews

The Moment the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Crew Knew They Had a Hit in ‘Golden’

by admin



As KPop Demon Hunters continues to take over the world, dominating the movie and music charts with its infectious songs and badass heroines, it’s no surprise that two empowering women behind the scenes played a major role in bringing it all to life. Director Maggie Kang and songwriter (as well as the singing voice of main character Rumi) EJAE recently sat down with the press to talk about their collaboration in creating the film’s iconic pop idols and their music catalog.

And yes, “Golden” did start off on a trip to the dentist.

EJAE clarified the lore behind the hit song while speaking to io9 and other outlets at a press conference for KPop Demon Hunters today. “It was on the way to the dentist—and guess what I got in the dentist? Gold fillings. Isn’t that insane?” EJAE recalled of the experience, which seemed like one with a huge payoff, as visits to the dentist typically involve a painful cost. This one, at least, would prove worth it. “It was in the car. I got the track [idea],” she continued.

EJAE added that she didn’t know at the time of writing the songs for the film’s soundtrack that “Golden,” among other hits, would go viral after KPop Demon Hunters‘ launch, let alone become one of the songs of the summer. But she did think that golden dentist visit felt like a special moment when she cracked the song’s melody on the drive home.

“I was so excited to get my gold filling done and go home and put it down. [I] had my co-writer [Mark Sonnenblick] come on Zoom, and that’s how we would write. And I was like, ‘Oh my God, Mark, I have this melody. I think it’s pretty epic,” she continued, motioning towards Kang, who also played a pivotal part in the brainstorming of the title track. “It was all meant to be, and then the melody idea came out really fast. But obviously there was fine-tuning that was back and forth. But the main hook idea we got, and we’re like, ‘we’re done with that.’ And we’re like, ‘Wait.’ Literally Mark and I and Zoom were like, ‘Did we just write a hit?’ Like, it sounded so good.”

Kang shared that soon after that, she got to hear the rough early version of “Golden.” “I think it was in Vancouver. I know exactly where I was. I was going to the airport,” Kang recalled, saying that the film’s executive music producer, Ian Eisendrath, had urged her to get on a phone call with him.

“We were on a phone call and he’s like, ‘Maggie, I just want you to, I just need you to listen to it right now,’” Kang continued. “I was like, ‘Okay,’ so I just take my AirPods out, and I’m listening to it. And I’m just like… I heard the few notes in the beginning and then I just had tears. I knew it was it. I was like, ‘this is it.’ It’s so magical; like right from the beginning, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, we finally got it.’ Then I started crying, and then I cried more because it’s getting better and better.”

The process to land on the song as we know it came down to the perfect balance of K-Pop and movie musical magic. “It’s definitely a different approach because you have to follow the story a lot, and you have to understand the characters and what they’re going through [in] each scene,” EJAE said of striking the balance between making a good pop song and a good song for a musical. Kang wanted the trio of Huntr/x—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—to feel like a fully fleshed-out band, to the point where the co-director requested that EJAE stay on as the singing voice for Rumi.

Kang also closely guided EJAE and Sonnenblick on how to use the music they were creating to propel KPop Demon Hunters‘ story. “I come from a K-pop world, so I’m all about: ‘What’s a great melody? What’s a catchy hook? What’s a good concept?’ That’s always what I’m thinking about,” EJAE explained. “Even with ‘Golden’, I needed a title that just sticks—’Golden’ sticks, you know? That’s what I’m focusing on, and Mark is focusing on the storyline, so it was a lot of us going back and forth, policing each other.”

“I love musicals, by the way, but in pop form, it can get a little different,” she continued. “Sometimes musicals, you could, because you’re saying a lot of things, it could get wordy sometimes. As a pop writer, we try to avoid that.”

Ultimately, EJAE and Sonneblick leaned on each other to remind themselves of balancing the fine line in making the film’s songs. “[I’d] say, ‘oh, that sounds weird’, and then Mark would tell me, ‘Hmm, that’s off the storyline. I know that’s a really cool line, EJAE, but let’s get back to the story,’” EJAE concluded.

“So that was a lot of back and forth; it was really, really challenging, and I remember Mark and I were like, ‘This is so hard, but if we pull this off, we’re freaking geniuses.’ And we pulled it off.”

KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.



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40 Best Early Amazon Prime Day Deals on WIRED-Tested Gear (2025)
Product Reviews

40 Best Early Amazon Prime Day Deals on WIRED-Tested Gear (2025)

by admin


It’s that time of year again, and Prime Day deals are back. The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event—also known as Amazon Prime Day 2—is officially arriving on October 7 and 8, but early deals have already started. The WIRED Reviews team has hundreds of years of collective experience covering shopping holidays such as this. What sets us apart is that we only write about actual deals on the gear and gadgets that we’ve hand-tested. We’re getting ready to cover the whole sale with a variety of stories and even a liveblog (and, hopefully, lots of caffeine.) Below, you’ll find the best deals we’ve managed to find so far. Come back for additional coverage when the event begins.

Get prepared with our guide on How to Shop Prime Day Like A Pro. We also have advice on avoiding scams on Amazon and making sure you’re getting all of your Amazon Prime perks.

Updated September 30, 2025: We’ve added 10 new deals on a few Amazon devices, the best cheap laptop, a great fitness tracker, our favorite smart bird feeder, and a few other gadgets. We’ve also checked for accuracy throughout.

Featured in this article

The Best Qi2 Power Bank

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)

Jump to Deal

Apple iPad (2025, A16) for $299 ($149 off)

  • Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  • Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

This deal comes within $20 of the lowest price we’ve tracked for the best iPad on the market. The 2025 Apple iPad (A16) is cute and comes in a few different colors in your choice of 128-, 256-, or 512-gigabyte storage. It has a modern design, USB-C charging, Touch ID, and two 12-MP cameras. It’s powerful enough for most people, and it doesn’t have support for Apple Intelligence (which may be a blessing or a curse). If you primarily use your tablet to watch videos, play mobile games, or do light work, it’ll be just fine (and you won’t overpay for features you aren’t using). One thing to note is that it only supports the first-generation or USB-C Apple Pencil. Check our guide to the Best iPad Accessories for additional picks.

Apple

iPad Air (2025, M3)

This iPad is our upgrade pick, with an M3 chip that can handle more graphics-intensive tasks. Go for the 13-inch.

Apple

iPad Mini (2024, 7th Gen)

This small-but-mighty iPad supports Apple Intelligence and has an A17 Pro chipset, though its 60-Hz refresh rate could be higher.

Apple

AirTags (4-pack)

Coming within $10 of the best deal, these trackers add your wallet, keys, or luggage to the Find My app.

Apple

MagSafe Charger (2 m)

Nothing Ear (a) for $89 ($20 off)

Photograph: Parker Hall

The Nothing Ear (a) top our list of the best wireless earbuds. They look super cool, with a stylish semi-clear design, on-board touch controls, and a sleek charging case. They pack excellent sound and good noise cancellation, and they’re downright easy to use. The battery lasts about five and a half hours if you’ve got active noise cancellation on. They also pair easily with both Android and iOS devices. This deal comes within $10 of the best discount we’ve tracked.

Logitech

Pro X 2

Our favorite gaming headset has Bluetooth and wired connectivity, plus a built-in mic and comfy ear cups.

Google

Pixel Buds Pro 2

These tiny, comfy earbuds are our favorite for Android phone owners.

Nimble Champ (Large) for $90 ($10 off)

Photograph: Simon Hill

The Nimble Champ (Series 2) is the best power bank lineup you can buy, and right now a few different capacities are on sale. They don’t drop in price very often. Every iteration is small and lightweight, with fast charging speeds (that vary from 15 watts to 65, depending on the size) and a durable finish. Nimble’s power banks are made with bioplastics and have minimal packaging, which helps lessen the environmental impact. They’re also nice to look at.

Anker

Nano Power Bank

We like this tiny power bank for phones because it’s compact but still delivers a full charge.

Anker

737 Power Bank

WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe uses this power bank nearly every day. It recharges quickly and has a handy display.

Anker

MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station (Qi2)

The best 3-in-1 charger for travel can top off your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch despite its compact size.

Ugreen

145W Power Bank

This power bank is an excellent option for tablets thanks to its robust capacity and power delivery.

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) for $70 ($20 off)

Photograph: Simon Hill

Anker

MagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)

This is the best Qi2 power bank out of the many we’ve tried so far, and we’ve not yet seen it sell for less. It has a built-in kickstand, a two-way USB-C port, and a built-in LED display. You can attach MagSafe iPhones or Qi2 phones in landscape or portrait orientation. It’s not the beefiest power bank in the world, offering about one and a half charges for newer phones, but it’ll definitely come in handy if you just need a quick top-off while on the go—especially since you won’t need to bring your own cable.

Logitech

Combo Touch

This keyboard case with built-in trackpad is a great tool for working from your iPad.

Anker

MagGo Wireless Charger Pad (Qi2)

This Qi2 charger is one of our favorites, especially at this price.

Rain Design

mStand

This is our favorite budget-friendly laptop stand, and now it’s even more affordable.

Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025) for $799 ($200 off)

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

Apple

MacBook Air (M4, 2025)

It’s hard to do much better than the MacBook Air (M4, 2025). The best laptop has beefy performance, terrific battery life, and is super quiet thanks to its fanless design. It also has support for two 4K external monitors, and the built-in M4 chip allows for on-device AI processing and support for Apple Intelligence. The webcam boasts 12 megapixels, which is an upgrade compared to previous models, too. It comes in your choice of four different colors and three storage configurations. Check our MacBook buying guide for additional recommendations.

Roku

Streaming Stick Plus (2025)

This compact little streaming stick is easy to set up and use, with 4K streaming and voice controls.

Boox

Palma 2

This tiny tablet works best as a phone-sized e-reader, perfect for airports or train rides.

Fitbit

Charge 6

This comes close to the best price we’ve tracked for the very best fitness tracker.

Amazfit

Active 2

Want a fitness tracker without overspending? This is the best cheap option.

Arlo Pro 5S Security Camera for $100 ($80 off)

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

This is a great deal on our favorite outdoor security camera, and you can get in on it right before porch pirate season. The Arlo Pro 5 has clear footage, fast live-feed load times, and smart notifications. Recording at up to 2K resolution with HDR, it won’t struggle in low light thanks to night vision, and there’s also a color mode. Two-way audio is clear, and there’s a built-in siren too. You do need an Arlo Secure subscription to make the most of this camera, but the deal is solid. The multipacks are discounted, too.

Arlo

Essential Indoor Security Camera (2nd Gen)

These cheap security cameras are still solid and reliable, though some features are locked behind a subscription.

Flexispot

Adjustable Table With Wheels

Upgrade your WFH setup with this rolling adjustable desk that has room for your laptop and coffee.

Plugable

USB-C 9-in-1 Hub (USBC-9IN1E)

The best USB-C hub has 140 watts of power delivery, plus every port you could need.

Tribit

Stormbox Blast 2

This boombox-style speaker will bring the party anywhere, complete with built-in lights.

Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) for $300 ($100 off)

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Photograph: Nena Farrell

  • Courtesy of Amazon

Amazon

Kindle Scribe (2024)

Full disclosure: A new Kindle Scribe is coming, but we still think this is worth buying. The Kindle Scribe is our favorite e-reader for taking notes. It works well as a digital notebook and as a way to read your favorite books. With a generous 10-inch display and a Premium Pen (with a soft-tipped eraser on the end) included, you can use it to plan, journal, or annotate. There are some AI software features like note summarization, too. We do wish it was waterproof, or that it had some color features like the new model will, but if you’re in the market for something like it, it’s worth considering. There’s a chance it will get slightly cheaper when Prime Day actually arrives, but it likely won’t be by much—especially considering this is a match of the lowest price we’ve tracked.

Amazon

Echo Pop

This cute little smart speaker has personality, though its sound quality isn’t fantastic.

Amazon

Echo Dot (5th Gen)

This Amazon smart speaker has surprising sound quality, and may get cheaper when Prime Day arrives.

Amazon

Kindle Colorsoft Kids

This colorful Kindle is the same as the grown-up version, and you get a cover.

Netvue

Birdfy Plastic Smart Bird Feeder

Ultrahuman Ring Air for $300 ($50 off)

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

  • Photograph: Simon Hill

This smart ring is our favorite without a subscription. Importantly, due to a ruling by the FTC, these rings will no longer be available for purchase in the US after October 21 (though Ultrahuman says existing rings will still be supported). If you have been eyeing one, this deal is a match of the best we have tracked so far. The Ring Air can track your heart rate, blood oxygen, physical activity, and sleep, and it’ll offer insights about changes in your heart rate variability or skin temperature. There are some additional convenient features like a smart alarm that’ll wake you up during a lighter part of your sleep cycle, too.

JBL

Flip 7

Our favorite Bluetooth speaker sounds fantastic and comes in a wide array of different colors.

Asus

Vivobook 14 (X1407QA)

There’s no better cheap laptop on the market. This can handle most tasks for less money than usual.

Belkin

3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand

This 3-in-1 charger looks great on your nightstand, keeping things secure in portrait or landscape orientation.

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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Product Reviews

It looks like an M5 iPad Pro is coming very soon

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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.



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Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Product Reviews

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 review: The Switch 2 versions are the definitive way to play some of the best platformers of all time

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

It is hard to overstate how magical the original Super Mario Galaxy felt when it launched on Wii back in 2007. Gravity-defying levels, soaring orchestrated music, and a sense of wonder that still stands out alongside the other staples in the platforming genre, almost 20 years later.

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: October 2, 2025

In celebration of the Italian plumber’s 40th anniversary, Nintendo has re-released this classic alongside Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in one enhanced package.

I was curious to see if these classics could shine just as brightly two decades later. The good news is they’re as magical as ever, offering the same incredible journeys now with gorgeous visuals and the ability to play the sequel on the go for the first time ever.

Cosmic performance

On Switch 2, both games look fantastic. Docked, you get crisp 4K resolution that makes every planet sparkle. Handheld mode delivers smooth 1080p visuals that feel perfectly tuned for portable play.

I encountered no performance hiccups across either adventure. Frame rates remain locked, load times are snappy, and the vibrant art style still feels timeless. These games were stunning on Wii, but the extra fidelity here makes them genuinely pop on modern displays, like my Samsung S90D OLED TV.

It is worth noting that Super Mario Galaxy did appear on Switch once before, as part of the limited Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. That version didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it gave Switch users access to the game alongside Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Unfortunately, Nintendo no longer sells 3D All-Stars, an odd choice that has led to inflated prices on the second-hand market.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

This new Switch 2 release offers the same core experience, now enhanced with sharper visuals, better performance, and bundled alongside Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the first time on modern hardware. For fans who missed out on 3D All-Stars, or who simply want the most definitive way to play, this collection is a clear step forward.

The sound design has also aged remarkably well. Koji Kondo’s orchestral score is given room to breathe with a cleaner mix, and it feels cinematic in a way that very few modern platformers achieve.

Hearing the soundtrack through my Sonos Arc Ultra is a reminder of just how ambitious Nintendo was with these titles and genuinely brought me back to my childhood.

In my time playing this game, I’ve been listening to both games’ soundtracks on repeat as I work. In fact, as I write this review, I’m bopping my head to Gusty Garden Galaxy – gorgeous.

Galaxies intertwined

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The core adventures remain intact, so if you’ve played through either game recently, you might not want to jump back in. Nintendo has a solution, however, offering both games as a complete package or as individual titles, perfect for those who luckily own the aforementioned 3D All-Stars.

Super Mario Galaxy’s planet-hopping platforming eases players into its gravity-bending tricks, while Super Mario Galaxy 2 embraces creativity and challenge right from the start. Having them bundled together only highlights how well the sequel doubled down on experimentation.

Galaxy 2 adds Yoshi to the mix, alongside power-ups like the Cloud Flower and Rock Mushroom, each of which introduces new mechanics that feel clever even today. Returning to these levels reminded me how bold Nintendo was in the Wii era, layering complexity onto Mario without losing accessibility.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo has added some small but welcome touches for this new release. In Super Mario Galaxy, there is an additional chapter in Rosalina’s picture book that fleshes out her story in a way longtime fans will appreciate.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 goes a step further with a completely new tale in its own picture book, offering fresh lore and a reason to revisit the Comet Observatory between levels. These are not game-changing additions, but they add warmth and make this edition feel more than a simple upscaled port.

Wii controls reimagined

As someone who hasn’t played 3D All-Stars in nearly five years, one of my biggest questions going back to these games was how well the controls would translate to modern hardware. The original games were designed with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in mind, leaning heavily on motion controls.

Best bit

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 have some of, if not the, best video game soundtracks of all time. It has been a magical experience reliving my childhood through gorgeous orchestral music that makes me feel just like that famous scene from Pixar’s Ratatouille.

On Switch 2, motion is still present with the Joy-Con, but it feels far less intrusive than it once did. You can play comfortably in handheld, docked, or with a Pro Controller, and I found myself gravitating to the latter for longer sessions.

All you need to do is hold down ZR and use the gyro in the Pro Controller to pick up Star Bits. In fact, I much prefer it to the Wii experience, but that might be my cynical 30-year-old brain that no longer appreciates a gimmick.

A trip down memory lane

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The biggest compliment I can give Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Nintendo Switch 2 is that these adventures feel as fresh today as they did at launch in 2007 and 2020, respectively.

The level design is inventive and playful, constantly surprising you with new mechanics that rarely outstay their welcome. Few platformers manage to strike the same balance of accessibility and depth.

Nintendo has not tinkered much beyond resolution, performance, and the new story content, but that restraint works here. The design is so strong that all it needed was a modern coat of paint.

Mario’s journey through the stars is still a cosmic marvel

While part of me would have liked to see some new content like we’ve seen in the past with the addition of Bowser’s Fury in the remaster of Super Mario 3D World, I’ve just enjoyed the simplicity of replaying these classics in 4k.

If you have never played Super Mario Galaxy or its sequel, this is the definitive way to experience them. And if you have, the combination of rock-solid performance, upgraded visuals, and new story content makes these experiences worth revisiting.

Few platformers feel as inventive, joyful, or downright magical as Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. Nearly twenty years on, Mario’s journey through the stars is still a cosmic marvel.

Should you buy Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Accessibility

Not much to write home about in terms of accessibility. Both games include an Assist Mode, which increases your life and bounces you back from falls.

Settings allow you to change the way you interact with the camera via thumbsticks and motion controls.

It would’ve been nice to see more additions to accessibility, but it appears as if Nintendo has kept even the settings faithful to the originals.

How I reviewed Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

I played around 25 hours total, split between both games, and used my OLED TV for a full 4k experience. I played Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition in a mixture of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on one of the best OLED TVs, the Samsung Q90D, using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

I had previously played both games on the Wii and had experienced Super Mario Galaxy on Nintendo Switch as part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars.

First reviewed September 2025

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2: Price Comparison



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Scientists Made Human Eggs from Skin Cells and Used Them to Form Embryos
Product Reviews

Scientists Made Human Eggs from Skin Cells and Used Them to Form Embryos

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“The biggest challenge is how to make this egg extrude half of its chromosomes—and the correct half,” Amato says. “We’re not quite there yet.” The team dubbed their technique “mitomeiosis” and is trying to better understand how chromosomes like to pair and how they segregate in order to find a way to experimentally induce those conditions.

The ability to make eggs and sperm in the lab—called in vitro gametogenesis, or IVG—has been a growing area of research in recent years.

In 2016, a group of Japanese researchers led by stem cell researcher Katsuhiko Hayashi reported that they produced healthy mouse pups after making mouse eggs entirely in a lab dish. Later, they generated mouse eggs using cells from males and as a result, created pups with two dads. Those advancements were achieved by reprogramming skin cells from adult mice into stem cells, then further coaxing them to develop into eggs and sperm.

Mitinori Saitou at Kyoto University first documented in 2018 how his team turned human blood cells into stem cells, which they then transformed into human eggs, but they were too immature to be fertilized to make embryos.

US startups Conception Biosciences, Ivy Natal, Gameto, and Ovelle Bio are all working on making eggs or sperm in a lab.

But the prospect raises significant ethical questions about how the technology should be used. In a 2017 editorial, bioethicists warned that IVG “may raise the specter of ‘embryo farming’ on a scale currently unimagined.” Conceivably, it could allow anyone at any age to have a child. And combined with advances in embryo screening, the fertility clinics of the future could use IVG to make mass numbers of embryos and then choose the ones with the most desirable qualities. Gene editing could also be used with IVG to snip out disease-causing DNA or create new traits.

Amato says it will likely take another decade of research before IVG could be deemed safe or effective enough to be tested in people. Even then, it’s unclear if the technique would be permitted in the US, since a Congressional rider forbids the Food and Drug Administration from considering clinical trials that involve genetically manipulating an embryo for the intention of creating a baby.

“Their method is very sophisticated and well-organized,” Hayashi, now a professor at the University of Osaka, says of the Oregon group’s approach. However, because of the high rate of chromosomal errors, “it is too inefficient and high risk to apply immediately to clinical application.”

Also, because their process requires donor eggs, it could limit its use as an infertility treatment. As more people turn to IVF to conceive, the demand for donor eggs is increasing, and using them can involve wait times.

Amander Clark, a reproductive scientist and stem cell biologist at UCLA who was not involved in the work, agrees that in its current form, mitomeiosis should not be offered for fertility care until more research is done. But in the meantime, the research has other uses.

“The technology of mitomeiosis is an important technical innovation and could be highly valuable to our understanding of the biology of meiosis in human eggs. Meiotic errors increase as women age. Therefore, understanding causes of meiotic errors is a critical area of research,” Clark says.



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Product Reviews

This Prime Day deal gets you two Blink Mini 2 cameras for only $35

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Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days are coming up, and you can get a jump on things today. A mainstay of Prime Day sales, a pair of Blink Mini 2 cameras is on sale for only $35. That’s 50 percent off, a record low and less than what you’d usually pay for one. It’s also Engadget’s pick for the best budget security camera.

This is the newest (2024) model of Blink’s budget wired model. The camera is well-suited for nighttime video: It has a built-in LED spotlight, color night vision and a low-light sensor. Day or night, it records in sharp 1080p resolution. It also has a wider field of view than its predecessor.

Blink

The Blink Mini 2 is primarily designed for indoor use. But you can use it outdoors, too. You’ll just need to fork over $10 for a weather-resistant adapter. Wherever you use the camera, it works with Alexa and supports two-way audio. (“Hello, doggy, I’ll be home soon.”)

It also supports person detection. (That’s a neat feature that differentiates between people and other types of movement.) However, the feature requires a Blink Subscription Plan. They start at $3 per month or $30 per year for one device.

The camera is available in black or white. Both colors are available for the $35 Prime Day deal, but they can’t be mixed unless you buy each separately. It’s worth noting that this deal is open to anyone — no Prime subscription necessary. You can also save on a bunch of other Blink (and Ring) security gear. The Blink Outdoor 4 cameras are some of our favorites, and most configurations are on sale for Prime Day, including bundles like this three-camera system that’s 61 percent off.



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Amazon’s AI assistant is smarter, but still struggles.
Product Reviews

Amazon’s AI assistant is smarter, but still struggles.

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This week, Amazon will launch new Echo hardware designed to supercharge Alexa Plus, the AI-powered upgrade to its voice assistant. I’ve been using Alexa Plus for the last few months as part of its Early Access program, and while the new assistant is off to a promising start, it’s still clearly a work in progress.

To fix Alexa, Amazon had to break it apart and rebuild it. The result is a hybrid smart home assistant, personal assistant, and Amazon’s answer to ChatGPT. Right now, in its Beta phase, this new Alexa isn’t doing any of those things as well as I’d hoped.

This is most obvious in the smart home. Controlling my lights, locks, and robot vacuum with natural language rather than precise phrases is a huge improvement, as is not having to say “Alexa” repeatedly and being able to interrupt, um and er, and change my mind mid-thought. But we are still far from the dream of the ambient home that runs on a Star Trek–style “Computer.”

Today, running on what feels like underpowered hardware and with surface-level integrations into my smart home, Alexa Plus often leaves me frustrated. There’s power under that hood, but it feels largely inaccessible. The assistant desperately needs something to make it more compelling — and better hardware could be the answer.

Alexa Plus should make the smart home smarter

Generative AI is supposed to be a watershed moment for the smart home. By cutting through the complexity of programming your home and removing the frustrations of clunky commands, LLMs should make the smart home more accessible. And in many ways, Alexa Plus delivers.

I can now say, “Alexa, dim the lights in here, adjust the thermostat down a few degrees, lock the front door, and turn the upstairs lights off. Oh, and remind me to take the trash out in the morning,” and it all happens. This kind of easy, hands-free convenience is exactly what the smart home has promised for years.

The old Echo Show UI (left), compared to the new Alexa Plus UI, which offers more control and a more intuitive interface. Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge and Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

Managing my devices is also simpler. Instead of scrolling through thumbnail clips in the Ring app, I can ask an Echo Show 21 when the cat was last on the porch and instantly see a full-screen video. The updated UI on the Show 15 and 21 is a big improvement, with larger widgets, customizable layouts, and easier access to smart home controls.

Recently, Alexa and I chatted about the best ways to use my smart home gadgets to their full potential. It suggested possible routines, built the automations, tweaked them based on my feedback, and tested them — all in minutes, with no fiddling in the (still clunky) Alexa app. It even helped me set up a new air purifier and folded it into one of those routines.

But there are issues. Alexa Plus is noticeably slower, with some requests taking up to 15 seconds for a response. While turning on lights or adjusting a thermostat is fast enough (I assume due to using local connections over Matter), waiting for over 10 seconds for the weather or a song to play is tiresome.

Some basic features that used to work reliably now don’t or require new phrasing every time. My struggles to control my Alexa-enabled coffee machine persist, and I can’t get Alexa to consistently turn on my bathroom fan for a set period of time.

The Echo Show 21 can display live feeds from up to four Ring cameras, as well as pull up specific events using voice commands. Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

I used to say, “Turn on the bathroom fan for 15 minutes,” and it did it. Now, Alexa Plus tells me it has to create a routine to do that, and then doesn’t run that routine. Or it says, “Sure,” turns the fan on, but never turns it off. I’ve tried this a dozen times and haven’t had a consistent response yet.

One surreal moment: after weeks of Alexa Plus’ new voice, the old Alexa suddenly surfaced when the system hit a snag. “Sorry, something went wrong,” it said in that stiff, familiar tone. For a second, I wondered — is the old Alexa still in there, trying to get out?

Building the old on top of the new

The old Alexa — the deterministic model built on rigid command-and-control rules — is essentially gone. According to Panos Panay, head of Amazon’s devices and service division, whom I spoke with in February, Alexa Plus runs on an entirely new architecture. One that, based on my testing, feels much more powerful than the old Alexa, but also less reliable.

That’s the paradox of LLMs: they’re excellent at parsing human language, but they’re not designed for consistency. Ask ChatGPT the same question twice, and you’ll get different answers. The unpredictability of LLMs, known as nondeterminism, is a poor fit for smart home control, where reliability and repeatability are crucial. It’s great when you’re brainstorming, but frustrating when you just want your morning coffee.

Amazon’s workaround has been to use its LLM models as a kind of translator. It interprets what you say, then hands off the request to deterministic systems — APIs, device controllers, or local Matter connections.

The unpredictability of LLMs is a poor fit for smart home control, where reliability and repeatability are crucial.

I’ve found this works most of the time, but if the LLM translates a request incorrectly or there’s a gap in the API, it appears that handoff can fail. I assume that’s why my bathroom fan sometimes turns on as requested and why Alexa sometimes insists on creating a routine but then forgets to finish the job.

This is the problem every company with a voice assistant in the smart home is dealing with — merging the old and predictable with the new and exciting. LLMs aren’t designed to be predictable, and what you want when controlling your home is predictability.

Panay says they’ve worked hard to bring predictability to Alexa Plus and to ensure it won’t hallucinate in your smart home. While the former still needs work, so far my smart home has been hallucination-free. There have been no bizarre behaviors such as unlocking doors or cranking up the heat unbidden, or doing something different from what was requested.

However, this tightly controlled structure has resulted in an Alexa Plus that is not the paradigm shift I was hoping for. Of course, it’s still early days, but the promise of LLMs is that they will unlock the potential of technology within our homes — and that hasn’t happened yet.

Alexa Plus hasn’t changed anything for me; it’s just made my smart home (mostly) easier to manage. It still feels like pieces and parts, not a cohesive whole being run by an intelligent machine.

Hardware could hold the key

Many of my frustrations with Alexa Plus are connected to the hardware, and changes here could make a big difference.

The current Show devices are the flagship Alexa Plus interfaces, specifically the Show 21 and 15. But the interplay between voice and screen is still lacking; the hardware remains voice-first.

For example, I’ll ask Alexa to show me the recipe I was just using, and instead, it will read out the directions. With hardware that synchronizes voice and visuals seamlessly, Alexa Plus would be very compelling. (Also, the Shows are the worst Echo devices at hearing commands, and Amazon really needs to fix that.)

Andy Jassy has promised us “beautiful” new hardware for Alexa. As the first products fully designed under Panos Panay, who told me he believes in screens, we have some idea of what’s coming. But ultimately, it will be about how well the hardware and software work together. The devices revealed this week will be Alexa Plus’s moment to prove it’s more than just potential.

Photos by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

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    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

    Senior Reviewer, Smart Home

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