This happened today

Assassin's Creed Shadows review: An ambitious and captivating world that's stuck in the past.

It's unlikely that the fate of a company as large as Ubisoft will hinge on the success of one tentpole single-player game. But the company cannot afford another major error anytime soon after the likes of Star Wars: Outlaws and XDefiant failed to set the world alight. Ubisoft desperately needs a big hit (and for the Rainbow Six Siege X overhaul to go well). ...

Here are all the Nvidia DGX Spark versions so far.

Nvidia showed off its own Grace Blackwell-powered “personal AI supercomputers” yesterday, but it also made another announcement: third-party manufacturers can come and make their own versions as well. So far, Asus, Dell, and HP have come forward showing their own mini PC designs that tout the same GB10 super chip present in the Nvidia DGX Spark (formerly known as Digits). ...

Plex raises subscription prices for the first time in a decade.

Streaming service Plex is raising its prices for the first time in ten years. The company just announced an increase for its premium subscription service Plex Pass, which offers a number of additional features like offline access and themes. The standard service is still free, if you’re looking to set up a simple media server to stream some movies or shows. ...

Europe is trying to get non-Apple smartwatches to work better with iPhones.

The European Commission is instructing Apple to make iOS work better with third-party devices like smartwatches and headphones. The Commission adopted two legally binding decisions Tuesday under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European competition law that governs large digital gatekeepers. The first decision will give app developers and device manufacturers more access to key iPhone features so that it’ll be easier for third-party gadgets to pair, transfer data, or display notifications. ...

Analogue’s Pocket Dock now works with all of Nintendo’s retro wireless controllers.

The Analogue Pocket’s Dock accessory allows wireless controllers to connect to the handheld. | Image: Analogue Analogue has released a new firmware update for its Pocket handheld with bug fixes and expanded support for wireless controllers. PocketOS v2.5 — available for download here — fixes an issue with backup save exports for Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, but also introduces a long list of updates for the Pocket’s TV dock accessory that improves wireless gamepad compatibility and adds official support for Nintendo’s NES and Sega Genesis controllers. ...

Budget Smartphone Battle: iPhone 16e vs. Nothing Phone 3a Pro.

Android smartphone maker Nothing recently came out with the Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, just a little after Apple launched the iPhone 16e. Since Nothing's smartphone is targeting roughly the same group of smartphone buyers as the ‌iPhone 16e‌, we thought we'd do a comparison. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. ...

All the news about daily puzzle games.

There’s a lot of interest in daily puzzle games right now. The New York Times has a great collection of games like its crossword, Wordle, Connections, and Strands. Apple is in the mix with crosswords and more in Apple News Plus. Zach Gage’s puzzle gaming platform Puzzmo has some fun twists on classic games and was acquired by Hearst. ...

Former Game Informer staff tease a possible revival.

Last year, GameStop shut down Game Informer, laying off all its staff and putting an end to one of the last remaining video game magazines still published in the United States. But now, cryptic posts on social media hint that the publication may make a return. On Bluesky, the Game Informer account, which had not posted since July of last year, returned to life with a short video featuring the publication’s farewell message. ...

iOS 19 and iOS 20 Must Include a Long List of Major Changes, EU Says.

The European Commission today announced a long list of changes that Apple is legally required to implement in future iOS 19 and iOS 20 updates. The announcement clarifies interoperability requirements that Apple is required to adhere to in the EU, under the Digital Markets Act, which has been fully enforced since March 2024. ...

Streaming services keep getting more expensive: all the latest price increases.

There’s more good stuff to watch than ever — if you can afford it. | Image: Amazon Death. Taxes. All your streaming services getting a little more expensive all the time. These are the new certainties in life, it seems. In recent years, as the streaming TV and movie business has gotten more competitive and companies around Hollywood have thrown billions into building their own platforms and libraries in order to compete with Netflix, participating in the streaming era has gotten steadily more expensive. ...

Plex Pass is going up in price — and now you’ll need it for remote playback.

Plex is raising the price of its Plex Pass from $4.99 to $6.99 per month and gating a key feature behind the subscription. Starting April 29th, users who want to stream content from their media server outside their homes – and let other people access it for free – will need a Plex Pass subscription. ...

Here's How the iPhone 16e's C1 Modem Stacks Up Against the iPhone 16 Qualcomm Modem.

The iPhone 16e includes Apple's first custom-designed C1 modem, and since it's a new chip category for Apple, there have been questions about how the C1 measures up to the Qualcomm modems that Apple has been using for years. As it turns out, the ‌iPhone 16e‌ performs almost as well or better than the iPhone 16 in many speed tests that compare sub-6GHz performance, but it does vary by network. ...

The EU's new charges against Google could lead to at least $35 billion in fines.

The EU is moving forward with competition-based regulatory actions against Google and Apple. The European Commission (EC) announced two preliminary charges against Google for failing to comply with Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations related to Google Search and the Play Store, which could lead to fines of $35 billion. ...

Apple's first custom designed modem did surprisingly well in benchmarks.

Apple just introduced its first proprietary cellular modem, the C1, as part of the recently-launched iPhone 16e. Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, just ran the C1 modem through a series of benchmark tests and it did surprisingly well, even when compared to the Qualcomm chips that accompany the pricier iPhone 16 handsets. ...

All the news about Netflix’s gaming efforts.

Netflix is making a big push into video games. The company first dabbled in games with interactive titles like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and a Carmen Sandiego game. But starting in 2021, it made gaming a much bigger priority — Netflix hired a former EA exec and let people play a selection of mobile games for free as part of their subscriptions. ...

Skate Story is coming to PS5 as well as PC this year.

Skate Story has been one of my most anticipated games ever since I first clapped eyes on it all the way back in 2020, so it was great to get an update on it as part of Sony's annual PS Indie Day. It's been confirmed that the striking skateboarding adventure is coming to PS5, as well as PC. Publisher Devolver Digital plans to release it later this year. ...

How the EU’s DMA is changing Big Tech: all of the news and updates.

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has come into force, and it’s meant that some of the world’s biggest tech companies are having to make major changes to how they operate. The law, which is designed to increase competition in the EU’s digital markets, designates some large online companies and their services as “gatekeepers. ...

Google Search charged with breaking EU antitrust rules.

Google is breaking European antitrust laws by favoring its own Shopping, Hotels, and Flights search services over rival comparison providers, according to the European Commission. The EU announced in its preliminary ruling today that Google’s parent company, Alphabet, had also violated anti-steering rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by preventing app developers on its Play Store from steering customers to other distribution channels. ...

The best streaming deals: Save on Disney+ and Hulu, Audible, Max and more.

Whether you’re a true cord-cutter or you just want to watch the next season of Stranger Things when it (eventually? maybe?) drops, everyone’s on the lookout for streaming deals nowadays. Plenty have chosen VOD and live TV streaming services over traditional cable in recent years, but the savings that choice got you just a few years ago have somewhat evaporated now. ...

Apple Studio Display Gets Massive $350 Discount on Amazon.

Amazon has introduced a new all-time low price on the Apple Studio Display, available for $1,249.00, down from $1,599.00. This is the standard glass version of the Studio Display with the tilt adjustable stand, and right now it's the only model on Amazon at a record low price. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. ...

Microsoft launches a new gamepad keyboard layout for Windows 11.

There is something so incredibly frustrating about typing on a digital keyboard with a controller. Whether for streaming or gaming, the slowness with which you often have to find each letter is just painful. Well, thankfully, there's an improvement on the way for Xbox controllers, with Microsoft announcing a new gamepad keyboard for Windows 11's touch keyboard. ...

Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 drop to a record-low price for the Amazon Spring Sale.

Although the Amazon Spring Sale doesn't start in earnest until next week, there are a bunch of early deals to be had. Among them is an offer that sees Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 drop to a record low price. The earbuds are currently $179, which is $50 (or 22 percent) off. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are our pick for the best wireless earbuds for Google phones. ...

The Nest Learning Thermostat is back on sale for $240 in the Amazon Spring Sale.

Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat is on sale for $240 right now, as part of the Amazon Spring Sale. That’s close to a record low price for the 4th-gen device that was released just last year. This deal is available for multiple colorways, including silver, gold and black. This is a modern thermostat, so that means AI. ...

Google's New $499 Pixel 9a Tops the iPhone 16e in Four Ways.

Google today introduced the Pixel 9a, its latest lower-priced smartphone. The device is launching in April, and it will compete with Apple's new iPhone 16e. In terms of specs and pricing, the Pixel 9a tops the iPhone 16e in at least four ways. First, the Pixel 9a's 6.3-inch OLED display is larger than the iPhone 16e's 6. ...

Apple Says New EU Interoperability Rules 'Bad for Our Products and Our Users'.

The European Commission today announced the decisions of its interoperability proceedings to assist Apple in complying with its obligations under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), but Apple has come out swinging, calling them "bad for our products and bad for our European users." The DMA, which came into force last year, requires major platform holders or "gatekeepers" like Apple to provide third-party developers equal access to iOS and iPadOS system tools and features. ...

Get $100 Off iPad Mini 7 on Amazon, Available From $399.

Amazon this week is providing record low prices on multiple models of the iPad mini 7, starting at $399.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. Best Buy is also matching many of these deals. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. ...

Apple's new base iPad is $20 off in the Amazon Spring Sale.

The sun is out, the birds are chirping and the Amazon Spring Sale is just around the corner. Though it officially starts March 25, we're already seeing a bunch of early Amazon Spring Sale deals for brands like Dyson, Samsung and Apple. The latter includes a six percent discount on Apple's new 11-inch iPad. ...

Vinyl record sales continue to rise amid music streaming’s dominance.

Despite streaming services continuing to dominate the business of recorded music, there’s still very much a place for physical media in that sector. The Recording Industry of America said in an annual report [PDF] that sales of vinyl records rose for the 18th straight year in the US to $1.4 billion — the highest revenue for that format since 1984, when CDs started to emerge. ...

The Blink Mini 2 security camera drops to only $20 for the Amazon Spring Sale.

You can save on some of our top picks for the best security cameras as part of a sale on Blink gear thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale. For instance, the Blink Mini 2 is available for $20, which is half off the list price. It matches a record low. A two-pack of the Blink Mini 2 is down to $38 as well. That's not quite a record low, but you'll still save $22 due to the 46 percent percent discount. ...

Here's how the Pixel 9a compares to the competition.

After a mountain of leaks, Google has finally announced the Pixel 9a. There's a good chance you clicked on this article to find out how the 9a compares to its predecessor. The good news is you came to the right place. Even better, it's a favorable comparison.  Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a  For starters, the Pixel 9a features a new design. ...

Levoit's Core 400S air purifier is $33 off for the Amazon Spring Sale.

If you can't open a window for whatever reason, an air purifier can help make the air in your home a bit more comfortable. One of our favorites, the Levoit Core 400S air purifier, is on sale for $187 thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale. While that's not a record low — we've seen it as low as $177 last year — it's still a good discount on one of the most convenient air purifiers for large spaces. ...

Google Wallet is now available for kids.

Gone are the days of kids asking their parent to borrow cash or their card when going out with friends. Instead, parents can now give their kids access to Google Wallet for making in-store payments with their Android device. Google first announced that this feature was coming back in October.  Kids can also use Google Wallet to store passes to things, including a library card, ticket for an event or a gift card. ...

Google officially introduces the Pixel 9a for $499.

Google has followed up an ocean's worth of leaks with the official announcement of its Pixel 9a smartphone, which will retail for $499. Possibly the biggest change to the new A-series model is in its appearance, with the removal of the camera bar on the back of the phone. In the 9a, the camera housing is "slightly domed," sitting nearly flush with the rest of the frame, giving this midrange model a sleeker appearance. ...

The Google Pixel 9a might be the new midrange smartphone king.

A couple of weeks ago, Apple released a more affordable take on its flagship handsets with the iPhone 16e. But now Google is hitting back with the Pixel 9a and from what I've seen, it looks like a way better deal. From the front, the 9a looks a lot like the standard Pixel 9. Its screen is the same size at 6. ...

Amazon Spring Sale 2025: Early deals from Apple, Bose, Sonos and others, plus everything we know so far.

As was the case last year, Amazon will have another big sale to usher in spring for 2025. The Amazon Spring Sale is officially on the books, taking place from March 25 through March 31. The online retail giant is billing this as a good way for folks to stock up on end-of-season winter items, and save on all things fashion, beauty and household and outdoor gear. ...

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Coming to These 8 U.S. States, But Rollout Remains Slow.

In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Unfortunately, this feature continues to roll out very slowly. ...

This Dyson cordless vacuum and mop is more than $150 off for the Amazon Spring Sale.

Say goodbye to ground-in dirt and stains and save money while you do it with the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine cordless vacuum cleaner. This cordless cleaner is currently on sale for $798 for the Amazon Spring Sale, which is $152 off its usual price tag of $950. This is one of the best deals we’ve seen on this machine in the last year. ...

Get $100 off the Bose QuietComfort headphones in the Amazon Spring Sale.

If you’re looking for a great deal on a premium pair of wireless headphones, you can take advantage of a massive $100 saving on the Bose QuietComfort headphones in the Amazon Spring Sale. For a limited time, these can be yours for $249, reduced from their usual price of $349, and this deal applies to all seven colorways. ...

Video game workers in North America now have an industry-wide union.

There’s now an industry-wide union for video game workers in the US and Canada. The United Videogame Workers-CWA (UVW-CWA) has a mission to bring together "artists, writers, designers, QA testers, programmers, freelancers and beyond to build worker power irrespective of studio and current job status. ...

Amazon Spring Sale deals include the Beats Fit Pro earbuds for $169.

If you’ve been eyeing a pair of Beats Fit Pro earbuds, now’s a great time to snag them at a discount. The fitness-focused wireless earbuds have dropped to $169 ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale, down from their usual $200 price tag, which is the lowest price we’ve seen them since January. This $30 discount makes them an even better buy for those looking for good sound quality with a snug and secure fit. ...

Tesla gets approval for ride-hailing business in California.

While Tesla is a popular car for ride-hailing drivers employed by the likes of Uber and more, the company could soon cut out the middleman. The California Public Utilities Commission has approved the company's bid for a transportation charter-party carrier permit, Bloomberg reports. The permit opens the way for Tesla to operate a ride-hailing service to compete with Uber, Lyft and other established companies. ...

'47 Ronin' director charged with $11 million fraud over doomed Netflix sci-fi series.

Carl Erik Rinsch, the director of 47 Ronin, has been charged for defrauding a streaming service out of $11 million, according to the Southern District of New York's US Attorney's Office. While the court documents didn't name the service, an old report from The New York Times made it obvious that it was none other than Netflix. ...

First iPhone 17 Air Case Has Camera Bar, Camera Control Button Cutouts.

Serial leaker Sonny Dickson today shared an image of what he claims is a first look at a third-party case for Apple's iPhone 17 Air. "If you didn’t know an Air was coming, you'd swear it was a Google Pixel case," he said. Case manufacturers often obtain design specifications of upcoming iPhone models before their release by collaborating with Apple through official partnerships or conducting on-site investigations in production facilities. ...

The diminutive Playdate console is getting a price increase to $229 on March 25.

Playdate, the little yellow gaming machine with a crank, is getting a price increase in a few days. In a newsletter that Panic has sent out, the developer said that Playdates will cost $229 starting on March 25 but that you can still get the device for $199 until then. Apparently, Panic moved to a new factory, and it would "cost quite a bit more" to manufacture the devices there than at the company's old facility. ...

Turn Any macOS Folder Into an Image Converter – Here's How.

In macOS, you can easily convert the format of images using a Quick Action in Finder or you can achieve the same thing via the Preview app, but if your daily workflow requires you to repeatedly convert images – for uploading to a blog, for example – then using a Folder Action can be a much faster way of getting the job done. ...

Apple Passwords App Bug Left Users Vulnerable to Phishing Attacks for Months Before Being Fixed.

Apple fixed a bug in its Passwords app with December's iOS 18.2 update that had left users vulnerable to phishing attacks in the three months since the launch of iOS 18. According to an Apple security update spotted by 9to5Mac, the Passwords app was sending unencrypted requests for the logos and icons associated with users' stored passwords. ...

The best smart scales for 2025.

There’s no better time than right now to kickstart those health and fitness goals. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds, track your muscle gains or stay on top of your wellness routine, a smart scale can be the perfect sidekick. These scales don’t just show you your weight; they provide insights into body composition, muscle mass and even your metabolic rate, all the while synching with your favorite health apps. ...

The best wireless chargers for 2025.

If you’ve upgraded your phone recently, there’s a good chance it supports wireless charging. Battery life can be one of the first things to deteriorate as your phone ages, so you’ll need quick and easy ways to power up wherever you are. You may not always be able to have a cable on your person, but investing in a wireless phone charger (or a few) can make it more convenient to plop your phone down and know it’ll have more juice when you pick it back up again. ...

Will Apple's Large-Screened Foldable be an iPad or a Mac?.

Along with a foldable iPhone, Apple is working on a larger foldable device that's somewhere around 19 inches, but rumors have been split on whether it's an iPad or a Mac. Some reports refer to the device as an ‌iPad‌, while some call it a Mac, and the split seems to come down to the operating system on the device. ...