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Borderlands 4 elevator clearance: Claptrap moving towards the camera while holding an empty box out with his left hand.

Conan O’Brien played Borderlands 4 for charity, but somebody should have told him about the Claptrap mute button: ‘He’s my least favorite trash can’

by admin September 14, 2025

Ahead of the release of Borderlands 4 last week, Conan O’Brien returned for a new episode of Clueless Gamer to try out the game in support of the non-profit Next for Autism.

Right out of the gate, O’Brien’s eyes seemed to glaze over while listening to the lore behind the game, joking, “Can you just say to people ‘these are robots’ and they go ‘PEW PEW PEW’?”

Clueless Gamer: “Borderlands 4” | Team Coco – YouTube

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After getting through an opening cutscene he compared to a Russian novel, O’Brien met the infamous Claptrap and immediately joined the legions of gamers who hate the peppy little rolling box.

“You know what’s great about this little Claptrap guy? He’ll never get annoying,” O’Brien quipped. After mimicking the robot’s voice, he added, “He’s my least favorite trash can, and that’s really saying something.”

The great tragedy is that O’Brien could have muted the memetically hated robot companion thanks to a new option in Borderlands 4’s sound menu⁠—you really gotta hand it to Gearbox on that one, it’s a great bit. But perhaps for the sake of good content, O’Brien was forced to endure.

O’Brien then managed to take out some kratches and fought for his life during a trip to the Lambent Mines⁠—at least until the game crashed on him after co-host Aaron Bleyaert attempted to change a setting to make the game easier for O’Brien. After getting things back up and running, O’Brien spent a few minutes trying to figure out how to get through a forcefield (including just shooting at it, we’ve all been there) and took a stab at fighting the boss, “Vile Lictor.”

O’Brien managed a victory on the unfortunately-named honcho and closed things out by giving another shoutout to Next for Autism, which builds and runs programs to support people with autism. Of course, he also gives a shoutout to Borderlands 4, which is available now on Steam.

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September 14, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Our favorite budget wireless earbuds are back on sale for $45

by admin September 13, 2025

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds are back on sale for a record-low price of $45 a 44 percent discount. These earbuds remain our top pick for best budget wireless earbuds.

The most significant feature on the A40 earbuds is the inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC), which is almost unheard of at this price point. It’s not the most sophisticated ANC, but it does sufficiently reduce constant rumbling background noise like on a plane. The built-in mic that’s used for transparency mode and phone calls is a bit subpar, especially when used in noisy areas.

Soundcore

Our top budget for the best wireless earbuds is back to a record low price.

$45 at Amazon

These are budget-friendly, so while they can’t be expected to compete on audio quality with flagship headphones that cost hundreds of dollars, the sound is still impressive given their low cost. The sound profile is warm, with a strong upper-bass, while some of the higher frequencies lose finer details. For those wanting to fine-tune the sound on the A40s, the earbuds can be paired with the Soundcore app, which includes an EQ.

The small, round earpieces help make the A40s comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the charging case extends the already solid 10-hour battery life by another 50 or so hours. The Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds are already one of the best value options on the market, and this sale makes them even more appealing.

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

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September 13, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

‘Star Wars’ Actor Teases ‘Clone Wars’ Favorite May Be Poised to Return

by admin September 11, 2025

The sprawling Star Wars universe is in a little bit of a “calm before the storm” moment, with a huge slate of upcoming films, shows, novels, and video games looming on the horizon like a binary sunset. And to add to the melee, an actor from the franchise’s TV darling, The Clone Wars, is teasing the return of a fan-favorite character.

Speaking with The Direct, voice actor Jim Cummings appeared to confirm that his Clone Wars character, Hondo Ohnaka, will be making a return to the series.

“I think you’re gonna have to stay tuned, because Hondo is not done yet,” Cummings told The Direct.

Hondo Ohnaka has also appeared in other Star Wars IP, including Rebels where is appears hero Ezra Bridger, as well as in theme parks like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. A Weequay pirate and outlaw, his past exploits include tussles with Jedi like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano. At the same time, the pirate made a name for himself galavanting across the galaxy—the kind of swindler fans couldn’t help but love. The Direct also notes that among Hondo’s exploits are his fights with the Sith, key among them his kidnapping of Count Doku and making an enemy out of Darth Maul.

Cummings was hush-hush about the specific nature of the Clone Wars-era character’s return and whether he will appear in the upcoming sequel animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord. But the actor heaped praise on the adored character as one of his own favorites.

“He’s one of my favorites, because he’s a lovable rogue. You could probably actually trust him,” Cummings said. “He looks out for Ezra, and he looks out for the younglings, as they call them, and he won’t do anything to harm anybody. But I wouldn’t want to play cards against him.”

While fans will have to wait and see if Hondo will, in fact, make his return in the Maul animated series, they can get to know the lovable rogue in the meantime in game developer Ubisoft’s latest Star Wars: Outlaws’ DLC, A Pirate’s Fortune. In it, hero smuggler Kay Vess and her cute animal companion, Nix, form an alliance with Hondo in their search for hidden treasure in the Khepi system while butting heads with Stinger Tash and her Rokana Raiders.

Should the above adventure prove tantalizing, folks can play Star Wars: Outlaws on Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC, and see what all the hype about Hondo is firsthand.

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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September 11, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

‘No Tax on Tips’ apparently also applies to your favorite streamer

by admin September 10, 2025

Streamers, YouTubers and other content creators are eligible for the new “No Tax on Tips” policy in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, 2024. “Digital Content Creators” are included in a preliminary list of occupations that are eligible for the new tax deduction on tips the US Treasury Department released last week. That means a podcaster could receive the same tax relief as a waiter or bartender.

Under that guidance, the “Bits” received during a Twitch stream or the “Super Thanks” a YouTuber receives for a great upload could go untaxed when next year’s tax season rolls around. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, though, there are limits to how much of that tipped income will be deducted — up to $25,000 per year and it’s phased out for single filers who make more than $150,000 per year — and language that suggests not every tipping scenario content creators face might apply.

According to the Treasury, tips won’t qualify for the deduction “if they are received in the course of certain specified trades or businesses,” which includes “the fields of health, performing arts, and athletics.” Does that mean this is a much narrower carve out for content creators than it appears? Possibly, but these classifications will need to be finalized before anyone will be able to say for sure. Ultimately, content creators have multiple possible sources of income: direct subscriptions, ad revenue, paid partnerships, direct sales and digital tips. How much a new tax deduction changes their calculus will vary.

Making tips tax deductible was one of several campaign promises Trump made leading up to his reelection in November 2024. The idea was eventually folded into the One Big Beautiful Bill, which is perhaps better known for the catastrophic cuts it made to social welfare and clean energy spending. As it turns out, the bill might also reshape the creator economy, too.

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September 10, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Stephen King Reveals His Top 10 Favorite Movies

by admin September 9, 2025

There’s something about a favorite author or figure sharing their simple lists of favorite things. On a random Monday in September, legendary scribe Stephen King decided to hop on his keyboard and grace fans with his list of personal favorite movies. And yes, King, truly, we’ll take these crumbs.

In a post on X, the author provided insight into the kind of films he enjoys. Fans will no doubt find gems in the genre-spanning set of curated works, which include Hollywood classics, noir standards, comedies, and early blockbusters. He excludes adaptations of his own work, though he does name some favorites as a result of that.

The post reads:

My 10 favorite movies (excluding MISERY, SHAWSHANK, GREEN MILE, STAND BY ME). In no particular order:
SORCERER
GODFATHER 2
THE GETAWAY
GROUNDHOG DAY
CASABLANCA
TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE
JAWS
MEAN STREETS
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE 3rd KIND
DOUBLE INDEMNITY

It’s really film curriculum to study in order to get insight on what makes a popcorn flick for King. Two Roy Scheider performances stand out: the heart of darkness explored in William Friedkin’s bleak Sorcerer and, of course, Spielberg’s shark-induced mass hysteria he fights in Jaws. And it’s awesome to see the other Steven in this list multiple times, as the cinematic contemporary to King’s own genre-spanning works inspires the inclusion of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Makes us wonder if King’s books might feature in Spielberg’s favorite written works at all. And it’s worth noting how great it is to see that the horror maestro’s sense of humor skewers in the vein of Groundhog Day, which in its own way is a nightmare scenario to live in.

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September 9, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Our Favorite Smart Lock for Your Front Door Is Just $164 Right Now

by admin September 5, 2025

Is your current smart lock frustrating you endlessly, like mine is? The Yale Approach Smart Lock (8/10, WIRED Review) is currently marked down to just $164 on Amazon, a healthy 32% discount on our editors’ top pick for smart locks. This sale comes at a perfect time, because I was just complaining about the fingerprint reader on mine no longer working.

Photograph: Nena Farrell
Courtesy of Yale

The Yale Approach uses part of your existing deadbolt, which is great news for renters who don’t want to make major changes. You’ll also get to use your existing keys to unlock the deadbolt, which can save you a trip to the locksmith. There’s also a wi-fi bridge that needs a nearby plug to provide other services, but that’s not uncommon for smart locks. Our reviewer, Nena Farrell, even said it “works perfectly,” which is great news, because I have to unplug mine and plug it back in at least once a week.

Approach isn’t just a name, as this smart deadbolt’s standout feature is auto-unlock. By setting up your location in the Yale Access App, you can set the bolt to unlock as your get close to home, which our reviewer said “worked smoothly”, as long as she got far enough away from home for it to recognize her return. There’s an auto-lock, too, using timers from 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

This version of the Yale Approach includes the touchscreen keypad, which needs its own flat space to either stick or screw to. In exchange, it lets you set codes for yourself or friends, with options for time and access limits if you need to manage entry to your home more carefully. It also gives you an easy button to press to lock the deadbolt as you leave the house, and a biometric fingerprint scanner.

No matter what smart lock you buy, there’s going to be a little bit of hassle, that just comes with the territory, unfortunately. The Yale smooths out a lot of the worst parts by adapting to your existing hardware, and mostly stays out of the way afterwards. The auto-unlock feature isn’t totally unique to the Approach, but it is currently our favorite implementation. The price is normally a bit on the high side, so the discount here makes this a very appealing pickup for anyone ready to relegate their old front door lock to the garage door, like I’m about to.

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September 5, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Our Favorite GoPro Is $150 Off

by admin August 28, 2025

Whether you’re mountain biking, skiing, or jumping out of planes, GoPro has been a household name for taking videos of your most adventurous activities. Right now, you can scoop up the GoPro Hero 13 Black (7/10, WIRED Recommends) as a bundle with both the standard and ultra wide lens mod for just $330, a full $150 off the retail price, and the lowest price ever for this bundle.

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

GoPro

Hero 13 Black Ultra Wide Edition

Even though it features the same 27-megapixel sensor and processor found in the GoPro Hero 12 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), the new features and larger battery make it our favorite pick among the current GoPro models, at least for standard video. GoPro also returned GPS to the new model, which affects battery life, but is an important feature among users. You have a wide set of options for resolution and frames per second too, with up to 60 FPS at 5.3K, and 120FPS at 4K. The new slow-motion burst mode can supercharge those numbers for short periods of time, like taking a 5.3K video at 120FPS for five seconds.

The interchangeable lenses are definitely the key selling point for the GoPro Hero 13 Black, letting you change the field of view and filters to suit your sport or situation. Normally you’d have to pay around $120 to get the ultra wide lens on its own, but with the discount, you’re basically paying full price for the camera and getting the lens included. It makes a big difference too, taking the field of view up to 177 degrees, which GoPro says is 36% wider and 48% taller than the regular lens.

Older GoPro users will also appreciate the new magnetic mounting adapter, which brings it in line with some of our other favorite action cams. There are other quality of life changes too, like a waterproof pass-through charging door for longer sessions. The biggest downside of the GoPro is probably its battery life, which still falls short of competitors like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which is also a great action cam.

If you’re looking at upgrading from another recent GoPro model, this might not be worthwhile, especially if you don’t plan on using the ultra wide angle lens. For new owners, especially those looking to swap their lenses, this is our favorite GoPro for good reason, and a welcome discount on its best feature.

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August 28, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Save 20 Percent on Our Favorite Android Earbuds

by admin August 27, 2025

Looking to upgrade your wireless earbuds without reaching deep into your wallet? Our favorite earbuds for most people, the Nothing Ear (a) (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are currently marked down to just $79 when you buy them from Nothing directly. They may be cheap when it comes to dollars spent, but they have it where it counts, with great audio quality, an excellent feature set, and awesome battery life.

Photograph: Parker Hall

While the first-party offerings from both Apple and Google make for compelling options, the Nothing Ear (a) are great for both sides of the aisle. They feature painless pairing with either iOS or Android devices and have great touch controls for managing your music or volume. They’re also among the best for battery life, especially for the price, reaching 5.5 hours of play time even with noise-canceling.

The sound quality is really impressive, with custom-made 11-mm drivers that have a sound profile our reviewer described as “crip, clear, and dynamic,” so they’re perfect for listening to more open and delicate music. Jazz, classical, and acoustic songs all shine on the Nothing Ear (a), but you can use them for pop and rock and be just as happy.

They also feature impressive noise-canceling tech, with a full 45 decibels of sound reduction, which is great if you often find yourself trying to catch up on your podcasts on a busy subway. Our reviewer even appreciated them for traveling, noting that they do a good job of reducing the hum of an airplane engine.

There’s a slightly more expensive option as well, the Nothing Ear, which is currently on sale for just $99 and adds wireless charging to the case, plus a ceramic driver. That may sound appealing, but in practice, WIRED writer Parker Hall didn’t necessarily note a huge difference in performance, and the battery life is a little bit worse as a result, so we think the Nothing Ear (a) are a better value.

For under $100, the Nothing Ear (a) provide a remarkable amount of value, with great audio quality for music, excellent noise-canceling, and a platform-agnostic outlook that’s sure to appeal to anyone with lots of different devices. They easily compete with wireless earbuds at twice the price, earning them the top spot on our favorite wireless earbuds roundup.

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August 27, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Our favorite smart lock is on sale for the first time today

by admin August 25, 2025

Setting up a smart home security system is important, even if you never want to think about having to use it. Thankfully, Kwikset’s Halo Select — the best smart lock we’ve ever tested — is currently down to $259 ($20 off) at Amazon, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot, marking the first time the lock has been on sale since its launch late last year.

In her review, Verge reviewer Jennifer Pattison Tuohy praised the Halo Select for supporting four entry methods: a physical key, Kwikset’s app, a location-based auto-unlock feature, and a pin code. The lock was also easy to install thanks to the detailed instructions Kwikset provided, along with its intuitive mobile app. Out of the box, the Halo Select works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Kwikset’s app via the cloud. If you have a Matter controller and Thread border router — such as a current-gen Apple TV, a recent Echo speaker, or an Eero router — you can connect to those platforms locally, and gain the ability to control the lock using Apple Home or Samsung SmartThings.

In our tests, using the Halo Select over Matter significantly improved its battery life. However, using the Halo Select via Matter meant giving up its auto-unlock feature, which worked reliably. Having your door unlock itself as you’re walking up to it is very convenient, but Matter doesn’t currently support auto-unlock, door sensing, fingerprint access, or facial recognition. The auto-unlock feature also requires you to have Kwikset’s app open on your phone in the background. Still, if you want a futureproof smart lock that can do almost everything (even if you have to make a tough choice about which features to prioritize), it’s our top pick.

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August 25, 2025 0 comments

GameFi Guides

A viral memecoin under $0.003 could be this year’s favorite

by admin August 22, 2025

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

High U.S. inflation sinks SHIB 7.3%, while DOGE eyes breakout and Little Pepe draws 2025 investor interest.

Summary

High inflation hits SHIB, while DOGE and Little Pepe emerge as 2025 breakout plays.
Little Pepe raises $20.5m in presale, passed audit, and aims for top exchange listings.
With Stage 11 at $0.0020, Little Pepe offers a rare entry before 2025’s bull run.

High inflation reported in July 2025 has shaken the crypto market, pushing Shiba Inu (SHIB) down 7.3% in a single day. The Producer Price Index (PPI) surged to 3.7%, far above the expected 3%, causing investors to rethink Federal Reserve rate cuts. This uncertainty has hit memecoins hard, with SHIB struggling to regain its footing.

Meanwhile, Dogecoin (DOGE) shows signs of a breakout, and Little Pepe (LILPEPE), a new memecoin priced at $0.0020, is capturing attention. Investors seeking the best crypto to buy now are turning to these tokens for 2025’s potential.

Shiba Inu’s long road ahead

Shiba Inu has faced challenges in 2025. Inflationary pressures have dampened its speculative appeal, with its price dropping as macroeconomic fears grow. Experts suggest SHIB’s dream of reaching $1 may remain distant until 2050.

Its reliance on hype, despite some metaverse projects, leaves it vulnerable to market shifts. Higher interest rates could further suppress its value, as investors favor assets with stronger fundamentals. Consequently, SHIB struggles to maintain momentum in a crypto market craving utility. Investors seeking the best crypto to buy now may find SHIB less appealing. Instead, attention shifts to coins with clearer growth paths.

Dogecoin’s breakout potential

Dogecoin is showing promise in 2025. Crypto expert @CryptoKaleo predicts a major breakout, citing patterns similar to DOGE’s 2021 surge of over 8,000%.

Currently trading at $0.2244, DOGE could climb to $6.9420, a 3,000% increase. Recent whale activity supports this optimism, with transactions hitting a one-month high. Moreover, corporate adoption, like Bit Origin’s DOGE treasury strategy, bolsters confidence.

In a crypto market favoring momentum, DOGE’s community-driven appeal makes it a top crypto to buy. This strength positions DOGE as a standout for investors eyeing crypto predictions for 2025.

Little Pepe: The memecoin disruptor

Little Pepe has emerged as a formidable player. Its presale has raised $20,550,000, with stages 1 through 10 sold out, collecting $19,325,000. Stage 11 is now open, offering tokens at $0.0020, with stage 12 set to increase to $0.0021.

This low entry price makes it one of the cheapest cryptocurrencies with high potential. Investors are drawn to its promise of massive gains, with predictions suggesting a post-launch value of $0.75 in 2025.

Furthermore, its recent listing on CoinMarketCap signals growing credibility. Little Pepe is redefining what crypto to buy now means. Little Pepe is building a Layer-2 blockchain tailored for memecoins. This chain promises the fastest and cheapest transactions, outpacing Ethereum’s limitations.

Unlike other memecoins, it offers a launchpad for new projects, fostering innovation. Its design blocks sniper bots, ensuring fair trading. Anonymous experts, known for boosting top memecoins, back this project, adding credibility.

Additionally, a Certik audit confirms its secure smart contract, with no mint function or taxes. Plans to list on two top centralized exchanges and the world’s largest exchange fuel excitement. Little Pepe is a top crypto for 2025.

Little Pepe’s increasing popularity

Recent data from ChatGPT 5’s “Memecoin Question Volume Trend (Jun-Aug 2025)” shows Little Pepe peaking near 100 in early August. It outshines Pepe, Dogecoin, and Shiba Inu, which lag at 40-50. This surge highlights its dominance in crypto investment interest.

Moreover, a $777,000 giveaway, offering ten winners $77,000 in tokens each, drives community engagement. Participation requires a $100 presale contribution and completing tasks like sharing and tagging. Consequently, this initiative amplifies Little Pepe’s viral appeal, making it a top crypto to buy.

Why 2025 favors DOGE and LILPEPE

Dogecoin and Little Pepe have captured the crypto market’s attention in 2025. DOGE’s breakout potential and whale activity make it a strong contender. However, Little Pepe steals the spotlight with its unique Layer-2 chain and low presale price. Its audit, exchange plans, and community incentives position it as the best crypto to buy now. Investors seeking high returns should act fast, as stage 11 offers a rare entry point. Join the presale today to secure a stake in this promising memecoin.

To learn more about Little Pepe, visit the website, Telegram, and X.

Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorses any product mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any action related to the company.

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August 22, 2025 0 comments