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31.12.2025 22:30 The new year is upon us, and that means CES 2026 is imminent. The biggest tech trade show of the calendar comes with a bevy of new and notable announcements that set the tone for trends and expectations for the subsequent 12 months. The CES 2026 show floor is officially open from January 6 through 9, but the fun kicks off with events on Sunday January 4, followed by a host of press conferences on Monday. As always, product demos, announcements and networking will be happening at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other hotels all over the city. As usual, Engadget will be covering the event in-person and remotely, bringing you news and hands-ons straight from the show floor.More specific details and pre-announcements are already trickling out as CES approaches, and thanks to the schedule of the Consumer Technology Association we have a full itinerary of press conferences. We’re also using our experience and expertise to predict what tech trends could rear their heads at the show.The CES 2026 schedulePress conferences and show floor booths are the bread and butter of CES. The CTA has already published a searchable directory of who will have an official presence at the show, along with a schedule of every official panel and presentation. However, the press conference schedule gives us a more digestible rundown of the first 48 hours of big events. On Sunday, January 4, Samsung will kick-off CES with "The First Look," a presentation hosted by TM Roh, the CEO of Samsung's DX Division, on the company's "vision for the DX Division in 2026, along with new AI-driven customer experiences." Ahead of that, though, Samsung has already outlined a variety of more specifics . Concurrent with the Samsung presentation will be the official CES Unveiled mini-show, which is generally comprised of smaller and start-up vendors. That'll be followed by multiple press conferences throughout Monday, January 5. The LG CES 2026 press conference, titled "Innovation in Tune with You," is ostensibly to share "its vision for elevating daily life through Affectionate Intelligence." But, like Samsung, this fellow Korean giant has already spent the three weeks leading up to CES pre-announcing many of its new products, so this may be more of a summary than breaking news. Following LG, we’ll also see press conferences from Bosch and Hisense, as well as the first-ever CES appearance from Lego. As the Las Vegas afternoon rolls around, we get the first of three chip giants: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang takes the stage on January 5 at 1PM PT and, according to the website, his presentation will last about 90 minutes. Based on the description on the listing, the presentation will “showcase the latest NVIDIA solutions driving innovation and productivity across industries.” NVIDIA’s presser is concurrent with one from Hyundai, where the Korean automotive company will focus on in-cabin car tech and robotics. Later in the day, we get to hear from NVIDIA frenemies Intel and AMD. Intel’s 3PM PT event will ostensibly feature its new Core Ultra Series 3 processors, and AMD CEO Lisa Su will cover AMD's upcoming chip announcements at a keynote address that closes out the day. But expect both of them to be very heavy on AI applications, of course. Sandwiched in between those chip manufacturers will be Sony Honda Mobility. The joint venture will be offering yet more details on its Afeela EV. Finally, on Tuesday, January 6, Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang will host Lenovo's Tech World Conference at the Las Vegas Sphere, using the large and decidedly curved screen to share the company's "commitment to delivering smarter AI for all by constantly redefining how technology can engage, inspire, and empower." It’s worth noting that Lenovo is the parent company of Motorola, which still makes phones and foldables that feature AI tools, so it’s possible those devices feature in the presentation as well. Samsung and LG vie for pre-show publicityAs noted above, both Samsung and LG have continued their recent trend of spoiling nearly all of their respective CES announcements in the days and weeks before the show. LG, for example, has said it will debut its first Micro RGB television at CES. While details are scarce, the company’s press release for the LG Micro RGB evo did confirm it has received certifications by Intertek for 100 percent color gamut coverage in DCI-P3 an Adobe RGB, and that it has more than a thousand dimming zones for brightness control. Elsewhere in the TV space, LG is throwing its hat into the “art TV” ring that Samsung pioneered with its Frame TVs: The LG Gallery TV will debut in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes, and it will of course show off various artwork when it’s not otherwise in use. And if PC gaming displays are more your speed, LG will have that covered, too, with a new line of 5K-capable gaming monitors on deck with built-in AI upscaling.But LG’s not just showing off displays. The Korean multinational will also introduce a Dolby-powered modular home audio system, a new line of its xboom speakers and the company will flex its automation muscles with a humanoid home automation robot named CLOiD. Of course, Samsung refuses to be outdone by its hometown rival, and has also released a pre-CES press release document dump. Samsung will be launching its own lineup of Micro RGB TVs at CES, for starters. The company already introduced its first Micro RGB TV at CES 2025, which was a 115-inch model available for a cool $30,000. Next year, Samsung is expanding the range with 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, 100- and 115-inch models that use the next evolution of the company’s Micro RGB technology. Samsung is also countering LG’s 5K monitors with a 6K model that aims to deliver glasses-free 3D . It’ll be one of several new displays in the company’s Odyssey gaming line.And on the audio front, Samsung has teased several new soundbars and speakers, including Sonos-style Wi-Fi streaming models call the Music Studio 5 and Studio 7.Outside of the formal introduction of new products and initiatives, reading the tea leaves of what was announced last year and what companies are reportedly working on, we can make some educated guesses at what we could see at CES 2026.New chips from AMD, Intel and QualcommCES is frequently the start of a cascade of new chip announcements for a given year, and one of the first places new silicon appears in real consumer products. AMD will likely use its keynote to introduce new versions of its Ryzen chips, including the recently spotted Ryzen 7 9850X3D, which is expected to offer better single-threaded performance, and the Ryzen 9000G series, which could be built with AMD's Zen 5 architecture. The company might also use its CES stage to go over its new FSR Redstone AI upscaling tech.Intel has already publicly announced that it'll launch its Panther Lake chips at CES 2026. The officially titled Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips fit into Intel's overall "AI PC" push, but are specifically meant for premium laptops. Based on a preview from October 2025, Intel says the first chip made with its 2-nanometer 18A process will offer 50 percent more processing performance than previous generations and for the chip's Arc GPU, a 50 percent performance bump from last generation.Qualcomm is also rumored to be targeting laptops at the show, building on the work it's done moving its Snapdragon chips out of phones and tablets and into other types of computers. The company's Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Premium chips should start appearing in laptops at CES 2026, offering a look at the improved speed and AI performance the company promised in 2025.Brighter, "truer" screensAs noted above, Samsung and LG appear to be going all-in on Micro RGB display tech for TVs. Expect that to be a huge buzzword at CES, with Hisense and Sony debuting new models, too.Sony announced a collection of new Bravia TVs in April 2025, replacing the company's flagship, filling in its midrange options and adding a new budget model to the mix. The star of this updated Bravia lineup is the Bravia 9, which features a QD-OLED panel, but Sony appears to be prepping entirely new display tech for 2026. In March 2025, Sony introduced a new RGB LED panel that uses individual Mini LED backlights colored in red, green and blue to produce even brighter, more accurate colors. In contrast to a QD-OLED, which filters a layer of blue organic light emitting diodes through quantum dots that change color, Sony's "General RGB LED Backlight Technology" can get as bright as a Mini LED panel without needing an extra filter layer or worrying about OLED's problems with burn-in. The company has already trademarked the name "True RGB," which could end up being what Sony calls this new flavor of display if it decides to show them off at CES. It seems entirely likely, because CES is nothing if not a TV show — it’s a sure bet that we’ll see new TVs from the likes of LG and Samsung in addition to Sony. If the company doesn't introduce new display tech for its TVs, it does have a new 240Hz PlayStation monitor coming in 2026 that it could show off at CES instead.Sony isn't the only company hyped on bright screens. Samsung is reportedly pushing an updated version of the HDR10 and HDR10+ standards that could be ready to demo at CES 2026. The new HDR10+ Advanced standard would be Samsung's answer to Dolby Vision 2, which includes support for things bi-directional tone mapping and intelligent features that automatically adapt sports and gaming content. Samsung's take will reportedly offer improved brightness, genre-based tone mapping and intelligent motion smoothing options, among other improvements.And maybe your future TV won’t need a power cord, either: Displace will be showing off a mounting option that includes a 15,000mAh battery to juice up whatever giant TV screen you choose to attach.Ballie Watch 2026The ball-shaped yellow robot lovingly known as "Ballie" has been announced twice, first in 2020 and then again in 2024 with a projector in tow. Samsung said Ballie would go on sale in 2025 at CES last year and then shared in April 2025 that Ballie would ship this summer with Google's Gemini onboard. But it's nearly 2026, and Ballie is nowhere to be seen. It's possible Samsung could make a third attempt at announcing its robot at CES 2026, but whether or not it does, robotics will still be a big part of the show.Robot vacuums and mops were a major highlight of CES 2025, and it's safe to expect notable improvements from the new models that are announced at CES 2026. Not every company will adopt the retractable arm of the Roborock Saros Z70, but robot vacuums with legs for rising over small ledges like the Dreame X50 seem like they could become the norm. Roborock could also show off its new Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, the first of its robot vacuums to feature a retractable roller mop.Beyond just traversing spaces more efficiently, improving robots' navigation could also be a major concern at the show. Prominent members of the AI industry are turning their attention from large language models to world models, which aim to give AI a deep understanding of physical space. Those world models could be the key to making robots — like LG’s aforementioned CLOiD — competent at navigating homes and workplaces, and will likely be a significant talking point at CES 2026.We’ll be updating this article throughout the month as more rumors surface and new products are confirmed — stay tuned for future updates!Update, December 11 2025, 11:03AM ET: This story has been updated to include detail on Lenovo being Motorola’s parent company and how the latter might have a part in the Tuesday presentation.Update, December 16 2025, 1:33PM ET: This story has been updated to include the NVIDIA press conference, which was added to the CTA schedule within the last two days.Update, December 23 2025, 7:28AM ET: This story has been updated to include LG and Samsung’s Micro RGB TV announcements, which were made public in the past seven days. The intro was also tweaked to reflect how soon CES is at this point.Update, December 29 2025, 11:03AM ET: This story has been updated to include additional details on pre-announcements from Samsung, LG and Displace. Update, December 31 2025, 12:05PM ET: This story has been updated to include yet more early LG announcements.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ces-2026-what-to-expect-when-techs-biggest-conference-starts-on-january-4-120000189.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 22:30 LG For years, LG has kicked off CES press day with the first event of the morning — and 2026 will be no different. The Korea-based corporation is theming its presentation as "Innovation in Tune with You," and — if it follows the template of past presentations — it will highlight both the consumer electronics and large appliance sides of its mammoth global businesses. Like nearly all tech-centric events these days, expect AI to be the binding theme of the LG presentation at CES 2026. Just be aware that, like Apple, LG has its own customized abbreviation for AI: "Affectionate Intelligence." The company will share "its vision for elevating daily life through Affectionate Intelligence — delivering harmonized and seamlessly connected customer experiences." In other words, the company is aiming for its devices to become more connected and self-automated than ever. Here's how you can stream it and what you can expect. How to watch LG's CES 2026 presentation The event will stream live from Las Vegas on Monday, January 5 at 11AM ET. You've got a few options for tuning in — watch the livestream on the LG website, the LG Global X channel or the LG Global YouTube channel . What to expect Here's what LG has already confirmed it will be showcasing at CES 2026: LG will debut its first Micro RGB TV, a display with a cutting-edge screen technology with multicolor backlights that should one-up mini LED displays. The size options are 100 inches, 86 inches and 75 inches. The company is countering Samsung's Frame TVs with its new LG Gallery TV, arriving in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes. Look for a new LG humanoid home automation robot named CLOiD to take the stage. In the audio realm, the Korean multinational will also introduce a Dolby-powered modular home audio system and a new line of its xboom speakers . Does that leave any surprises for the CES press conference? We'll find out on January 5. Update, December 31 2025, 12:36PM ET: This story has been updated to include more LG CES pre-announcements, and to embed the YouTube stream. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/how-to-watch-the-lg-press-conference-at-ces-2026-190159474.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 22:30 Sony has revealed the first batch of PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for 2026. There are three titles to play this month, all of which drop on January 6. As always, you’ll retain access to these games as long as your subscription remains active. First up, there's Need For Speed Unbound. This is a racing game that came out at the tail-end of 2022 and was the first entry in the franchise for several years before that. It has a unique visual style, thanks to cel-shaded graphics, with all kinds of vehicles to choose from. There are street racing challenges, weekly qualifiers and a minigame that has you outrunning the cops. The rapper A$AP Rocky also plays a prominent role in the narrative. It'll only available for PS5. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a recently-released remake of a 2010 Wii game, but there's no Wiimote waggle here. This is just a great platformer with plenty of fan service for long-time Disney fans. Warren Spector, the lead designer of Deus Ex, was heavily involved in the making of this one. It'll be playable on both PS4 and PS5. Core Keeper is a remarkable indie that has been floating around in early access for several years. The mining sim is now finished and offers an emphasis on crafting, base-building and, of course, exploration. While the game is playable solo, it's primarily intended as a multiplayer experience for up to eight people. As the year ends, so does access to December's PS Plus Monthly titles. Subscribers have until January 5 to download Lego Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality Echo of Ada and Neon White.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/januarys-ps-plus-monthly-games-include-need-for-speed-unbound-and-disney-epic-mickey-rebrushed-182335673.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 22:30  Sony's CES 2026 press conference is just days away, but this year has a twist: Instead of an overview of Sony's electronics, video game and Hollywood studio plans for the new year, the presser will apparently have a more narrow focus: electric vehicles. That's because the traditional end-of-press-day slot isn't just Sony, but rather Sony Honda Mobility — the joint venture responsible for the Afeela 1 electric car that has been showcased at CES for the better part of a decade. This year, however, we'll also apparently get to see a an all-new concept model at the event, too. How to watch the Sony Afeela CES 2026 press conference The event will be streamed live from Las Vegas on Monday, January 5 at 8PM ET via the Afeela official YouTube channel. What to expect from Sony Afeela at CES What's now the Afeela 1 has been shown in various incarnations since CES 2020, where it was originally announced as Vision-S. But so many more important details were confirmed in the past couple of years, including the price, which starts at a staggering $89,900. However, the earlier impressions were less than impressive, and as of CES 2025, that thought remains the same. Engadget's automotive expert Tim Stevens said earlier this year that the EV "feels like a PlayStation 4 in the PS5 era," and that "the car lost what little interesting styling it had while sticking true to some specifications that sounded good five years ago." Ouch. But the Afeela 1 won't be the only vehicle on display. Its CES booth will showcase "several Afeela 1 pre-production vehicles in multiple color variations, alongside a new Afeela concept model," Sony Honda Mobility said in a press release. We're hoping to hear about what's new and improved at CES 2026, and we're also excited to see its newest concept model. And between booth displays and press releases, we're hoping we'll get to see at least a few new Sony Electronics products on the docket for 2026, too.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/how-to-watch-the-sony-honda-afeela-ces-2026-press-conference-130048622.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 22:30 NurPhoto via Getty Images Samsung is arguably the 800-pound gorilla of CES, with a full spectrum of products that range from phones and computers to refrigerators to AI assistants and rolling robots. But for CES 2026, the company is shaking up the schedule a bit: Instead of its longtime midday Monday press conference position, the Korean giant will front-run the entire show with a Sunday night presentation. Samsung has already given a few hints as to what's on the agenda, but what we're really hoping to see is an update on the Ballie robot — a star of previous CES presentations that ostensibly missed its previously promised 2025 release date. How to watch Samsung's "The First Look" presentation at CES 2026 The event will stream live from the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas on Sunday, January 4 at 10PM ET. There are several ways to tune in: you can watch via the Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Electronics’ official YouTube channel or via Samsung TV Plus. What to expect from Samsung at CES 2026 Keynote speaker TM Roh, the CEO of Samsung's Device eXperience Division, will discuss the company's plans for the new year and beyond, which will include "new AI-driven customer experiences," the company said in a press release. In addition, we'll hear from the President and Head of the Visual Display Business, SW Yong and Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliances Business, Cheolgi Kim. Those two will "share their respective business directions for the upcoming year." But if you're looking for more specifics, Samsung is following its "Advent calendar" approach to early CES announcements, with new press releases dropping nearly each day. So far, we know that — like competitors LG and Hisense — the company will be offering details on a line of micro RGB TVs . Also confirmed: a full line of appliances infused with what Samsung calls Bespoke AI. It's likely Samsung will map out its CES plans in greater detail as the January 4 event approaches, so we'll update this story accordingly when it does.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/how-to-watch-samsungs-first-look-ces-2026-presentation-190027604.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 22:30 It's no secret that AI-generated content took over our social media feeds in 2025. Now, Instagram's top exec Adam Mosseri has made it clear that he expects AI content to overtake non-AI imagery and the significant implications that shift has for its creators and photographers.Mosseri shared the thoughts in a lengthy post about the broader trends he expects to shape Instagram in 2026. And he offered a notably candid assessment on how AI is upending the platform. "Everything that made creators matter—the ability to be real, to connect, to have a voice that couldn’t be faked—is now suddenly accessible to anyone with the right tools," he wrote. "The feeds are starting to fill up with synthetic everything."But Mosseri doesn't seem particularly concerned by this shift. He says that there is "a lot of amazing AI content" and that the platform may need to rethink its approach to labeling such imagery by "fingerprinting real media, not just chasing fake."From Mosseri :Social media platforms are going to come under increasing pressure to identify and label AI-generated content as such. All the major platforms will do good work identifying AI content, but they will get worse at it over time as AI gets better at imitating reality. There is already a growing number of people who believe, as I do, that it will be more practical to fingerprint real media than fake media. Camera manufacturers could cryptographically sign images at capture, creating a chain of custody.On some level, it's easy to understand how this seems like a more practical approach for Meta. As we've previously reported, technologies that are meant to identify AI content, like watermarks, have proved unreliable at best. They are easy to remove and even easier to ignore altogether. Meta's own labels are far from clear and the company, which has spent tens of billions of dollars on AI this year alone, has admitted it can't reliably detect AI-generated or manipulated content on its platform.That Mosseri is so readily admitting defeat on this issue, though, is telling. AI slop has won. And when it comes to helping Instagram's 3 billion users understand what is real, that should largely be someone else's problem, not Meta's. Camera makers – presumably phone makers and actual camera manufacturers — should come up with their own system that sure sounds a lot like watermarking to "to verify authenticity at capture." Mosseri offers few details about how this would work or be implemented at the scale required to make it feasible.Mosseri also doesn't really address the fact that this is likely to alienate the many photographers and other Instagram creators who have already grown frustrated with the app. The exec regularly fields complaints from the group who want to know why Instagram's algorithm doesn't consistently surface their posts to their on followers.But Mosseri suggests those complaints stem from an outdated vision of what Instagram even is. The feed of "polished" square images, he says, "is dead." Camera companies, in his estimation, are "are betting on the wrong aesthetic" by trying to "make everyone look like a professional photographer from the past." Instead, he says that more "raw" and "unflattering" images will be how creators can prove they are real, and not AI. In a world where Instagram has more AI content than not, creators should prioritize images and videos that intentionally make them look bad. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-chief-ai-is-so-ubiquitous-it-will-be-more-practical-to-fingerprint-real-media-than-fake-media-202620080.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 17:52 picture alliance via Getty Images The Lego Group is hosting its first-ever press conference at CES 2026 – but what the company is going to announce remains a mystery. While the huge toy brick creators haven't given any hints as to what they'll be showcasing, the possibilities run the gamut from new video games to Formula 1 race cars. Here's how you can watch Lego's presentation at CES, and what we might expect to see. How to watch The Lego Group's CES 2026 press conference The Lego CES press conference is scheduled for Monday, January 5 at 1PM ET. While Lego and the Consumer Technology Association haven't yet provided the details, we expect that the press conference will be available as a livestream. Once the details are confirmed, we'll update this post to confirm them. But if a livestream isn't immediately available, the Engadget team will be liveblogging the Lego presser and posting timely details. What to expect Thus far, Lego hasn't shared any public info about its CES plans, so we're largely in the dark as to what to expect. At CES 2025, for instance, the toy production giant partnered with Sony to announce the animated Lego Horizon Adventures online game. As such, Lego may spend some time talking up its new 2026 game, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. The company may also give some stage time to its Lego Group F1 Academy racing car, though that too would be more about brand building than consumer products. And given Lego's focus on the environment, the company may discuss its efforts to reach its 2032 ecological goals, including making its Lego bricks more sustainable and reducing carbon emissions by 37%. While there are plenty of new Lego sets for 2026, however, this is CES, not Toy Fair. So we're assuming that the company will be showcasing something that's more tech-centric. Stay tuned.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/how-to-watch-the-first-ever-lego-ces-2026-press-conference-live-130005307.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 17:52  Here are some of this year's biggest, most star-studded TV specials you can watch to help you ring in 2026. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images This year, it seems like there are more ways than ever to celebrate New Year's Eve... from the comfort of your couch, that is. Whether you want to catch the enduring Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest and filmed live out of Times Square in New York City, or check out of one the many other live specials filled with music performances, comedy and celebrity guests, you've got options. Thursday night's TV schedule also includes New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash, a star-studded celebration of country music featuring five hours of performances from some of Nashville's most beloved stars, airing on CBS and Paramount+, plus CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, and a livestream of the Times Square ball drop, too. Here's everything you need to know about some of this year's biggest New Year's Eve TV specials, including channels, streaming info, and more. How to watch New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Time: 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ET Channel: CBS Streaming: Paramount+, DirecTV + more What time is New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash on? New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash starts at 8:00 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast live in two segments, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT and 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ET/PT on CBS streaming on Paramount+. Who is appearing at New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash? Nashville's Big Bash includes performances from, headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman, and special guests CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers who will all perform live from Nashville's Bicentennial Park. Additionally, the five-hour special will feature performances by Dierks Bentley, Brooks Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Marcus King, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr. from various venues across the city. The night will be hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY, who will also perform. You can also expect additional appearances throughout the night by comedian Dusty Slay, TV host Cassie DiLaura, Sirius XM host Buzz Brainard and UFC champion Kayla Harrison. How to watch Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Time: 8 p.m.- 4 a.m. ET Channel: ABC Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV + more What time is Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve? Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest begins at 8 p.m. ET and runs all the way until 4 a.m. ET, marking its longest New Year's Eve broadcast ever. You can tune in live on ABC, or stream it on DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and more. Who is appearing at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve? This year's New Year's Eve celebration won't just be taking place in Times Square, the show will span multiple time zones, including hosts and performers stationed in Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico and beyond. In Chicago, Chance the Rapper is co-hosting the broadcast to help welcome in the new year from the Midwest and lead the live Central Time Zone countdown. Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough will be co-hosting the Las Vegas broadcast, and in New York, Ryan Seacrest will be joined by co-host Rita Ora. The 2026 NYRE broadcast will feature 42 superstar performers across New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico and beyond. Diana Ross will headline the evening with a midnight performance. Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, and Maren Morris will perform in Times Square. On the West Coast, there will be performances from 4 Non Blondes, 50 Cent, 6lack, AJR, The All-American Rejects, BigXthaPlug, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live! featuring Busta Rhymes, T.I., and Wyclef Jean, Goo Goo Dolls, Jess Glynne, Jessie Murph, Jordan Davis, KPop Demon Hunters: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X , Leon Thomas, Mariah Carey, Madison Beer, New Kids on the Block, OneRepublic, Pitbull joined by Lil Jon and Filmore, Rick Springfield, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore, and Zara Larsson. Daddy Yankee will perform from Puerto Rico, Chappell Roan will perform from Kansas City and Post Malone will play from Nashville. How to watch CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Time: 8 p.m. ET Channel: ABC Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV + more Who is appearing on CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen? CNN's New Year's Eve special will feature performances by Robyn, performing live from Times Square, Shakira performing from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Casino in Hollywood, FL, Brandy and Monica from The Boy Is Mine Tour presented by BPC, Bryan Adams from Madison Square Garden, Florence + The Machine, RAYE, mentalist Oz Perlman, plus appearances from Amy Sedaris, Brandi Carlile, Aloe Blacc, Patti LaBelle, singer Michelle Williams, Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell, comedians B.J. Novak, Leanne Morgan, Sarah Sherman, Stephen Colbert and more. NYC Times Square Ball Drop New Year’s Eve free livestream: There will be a free livestream of the Ball Drop on Timessquarenyc.org, offering commercial-free, webcast coverage of the Times Square festivities leading up to the Ball Drop at midnight. There will also be a livestream with open captions and American Sign Language interpretation available on YouTube. Both livestreams begin at 6 p.m. ET. Watch free livestream More ways to watch this year's New Year's Eve specials This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/from-dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-to-nashvilles-big-bash-heres-how-to-watch-this-years-biggest-new-years-eve-tv-specials-120016871.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 17:52 Chances are that if a VPN is marketed to everyday users, it more or less runs itself. As long as you go with one of the best VPNs instead of setting up your own manual connection, the interface is likely built so you have to engage with it as little as possible. Generally, if you find yourself constantly thinking about your VPN while using it — as happened to me with Norton VPN — that's a bad thing and you should change providers.That said, it's still useful to get a high-level view of how to use a VPN, especially if you've never used one before. In this article, I'll walk you through how to download, install and configure a VPN on any platform and how to choose servers for specific situations. I'll also discuss specific steps for desktop and laptop computers, phones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles and routers.How to download and install a VPNThere are over 100 VPNs available on the internet and the two big mobile app stores, but most of them follow a similar approach to download and installation. Except for certain free VPNs, you'll need to create an account on the VPN provider's website, install the VPN client, then use your account to log in. Here are the steps.In a web browser, navigate to a VPN provider's website. For suggestions on where to start, check out our list of the best VPN deals. Click any link that mentions getting the VPN or claiming the deal — as a rule, they aren't hard to find.Select a plan based on the length of time you need the VPN for, the features you want and the number of devices you'd like to use the VPN on simultaneously. Add a payment method. You'll be prompted to create the username and password for a new account.On desktop, you can start with the Mac or Windows app store, though some VPNs require a download directly from their respective website. That’s generally the way to get the most feature-rich version of the VPN, but just make sure you’re downloading from the provider’s website to ensure you don’t get a malicious copycat. On mobile, the app store is your only choice, but don't forget to check the reviews and make sure you're getting the service you paid for — unfortunately, rival VPN brands can use paid placements to appear higher on search results, even for a rival product. Follow the pre-programmed installation flow. Again, don't let a VPN make any changes to your system if you haven't thoroughly vetted the provider . If it's safe, allow the VPN all the setup permissions it needs.Finally, open the VPN client and sign in with the credentials you created in step two. You're now ready to start using your new VPN.Surfshark in Mac downloads folderSam Chapman for EngadgetWith so many VPNs on the market, this process won't always be the same. Sometimes you'll have to make the account before paying, and some mobile VPNs let you handle the whole process in-app. What's always true, though, is that a good VPN will make the signup flow as easy as possible. If you have trouble before you even log in, that's a red flag.How to configure a VPN appMost VPNs are ready to go out of the box. However, even if you don't think you're a power user, it's a good idea to go through the settings and make sure they match what you need. Here are a few steps I recommend taking.Activate the kill switch. This feature monitors your connection to the VPN server. If it ever drops — either from problems in the server, your client or somewhere in between — the kill switch instantly cuts off your internet until your VPN connection is restored. This saves you from accidentally broadcasting anything sensitive while also ensuring you only connect to legitimate VPN servers .Set up favorites and profiles. VPNs usually let you select servers you'll use regularly, websites you'll often connect to through the VPN and other preferences that will appear immediately when you open the app. Some go further, like Proton VPN, which lets you create user profiles that bundle several preferences together.Decide if you want the VPN to automatically launch and connect when you start up your computer.Check on split tunneling. There may be cases where you want a certain app or site to work outside the VPN, or where you want everything to go unencrypted except one site or app. You can set up a split tunnel when you need it, but if there's one you know you'll use regularly, it helps to build it early.Activate or deactivate any content blockers the VPN comes with, including ad blockers, malware detectors and parental controls, as you see fit.Decide whether you want the VPN to send you notifications, and how.Select a VPN protocol. It's almost always best to let the VPN choose for itself, but it's helpful to at least know where the protocol-switching option is. Occasionally, if one protocol isn't working, you can troubleshoot by selecting another.You can do all this by digging into your VPN's preferences control panel. A gear seems to be the universal icon for that, but Mac users may also find it by picking "preferences" or "settings" from the menu bar. When you find the preferences menu, go through each tab in turn and make sure everything is the way you like it.How to choose a VPN serverPicking a server location is the final box to check before connecting. You nearly always have the option of letting the VPN pick the best server. Most apps tend to determine the best server with a latency test, so it will almost always be a node very close to your physical location.If you just want anonymity online, that's fine — it doesn't matter which IP address you use as long as it's not your real one. But several VPN use cases do require a specific server location. For those, follow one simple rule: Pick a server in the place you want your signal to come from.Choosing locations on SurfsharkSam Chapman for EngadgetFor example, let's say you want to watch The Office, but you're only subscribed to Netflix and not Peacock. Luckily, Netflix is licensed to show The Office in the U.K. If you connect to a British server location before opening Netflix, you'll be able to access the show without paying for an extra subscription. Other than streaming, the most common reason you'll need a specific VPN server is to get around firewalls that block websites. Whether it's your school doing the censorship, your workplace or your entire state, the solution is the same: Pick a VPN server outside the restricted region. Censorship systems filter by location — they can't block where they don't have jurisdiction. Get a new virtual location and you should be free and clear. When to use a VPN It's good to get into the habit of connecting to your VPN whenever you get online. You can never be sure what information your ISP is gathering on you. If you're using unprotected Wi-Fi, or a public network with a clearly visible password, anybody might be listening in. Even if you don't need a particular location, always be using your VPN.The only reason you might want to be online without a VPN is that certain websites, especially online banks, get suspicious if they note repeated logins to the same account from too many different IP addresses. For those cases, you can either set up a split tunnel to exclude the website from encryption, or temporarily turn your VPN off altogether.Instructions for specific devicesAlthough most VPNs try to keep their apps similar on every platform, the strictures of differing hardware and software lead them to install and operate differently. In case you still have questions after reading the general guide above, this section goes into detail on every platform where you might use a VPN.How to use a VPN on desktopAfter subscribing to a VPN on Windows, you should be directed to download an EXE file — if this doesn't happen, log into your account on the website and find the downloads center. Find the folder where the EXE is saved, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.On Mac, the process is more or less the same, except you'll usually get a PKG file instead of an EXE. Go to your downloads folder and double-click the PKG file. Grant the VPN whatever permissions it needs. Once installed, you can open the VPN client at any time by double-clicking the icon again. Some VPNs open as separate windows, while others will add icons to your toolbar. This often varies by platform; if you're concerned that your VPN doesn't look like a screenshot you've seen, check which operating system the image comes from.How to use a VPN on mobileOn Android and iOS, you'll download your VPN app through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, respectively. Even if you get started through a mobile browser, it will probably redirect you to the app store for the actual download and installation.Follow the usual step for downloading an app: search for its name in the app store, click "Get" or "Install," then let your phone cook. As always, so long as it's a vetted VPN, grant it the permissions it needs. You may be able to download and install the VPN first, then create your account and submit payment through the app afterward.One final note: several leading VPNs offer free trials for mobile users. If you see a button that says something like "get free trial," you may be able to use the VPN for several days without paying. Just be warned that if the trial lapses, you might get automatically signed up for a plan that's longer than you'd like.How to use a VPN browser extensionVPNs offer browser extensions as lightweight versions of their main clients. While a desktop or mobile VPN reroutes everything that device sends to the internet, a browser extension only protects traffic through your web browser. You can use one as a primitive form of split tunneling, but they're mainly for basic convenience — most of what you do online goes through a browser, so it's nice to be able to protect your connection without opening a separate app.NordVPN browser extension on ChromeSam Chapman for EngadgetTo use a VPN browser extension, just create your account as normal, then download the extension from your VPN's website. You can manage it from your browser's extensions center. That's a jigsaw piece at the top-right corner on most browsers, including Chrome, Edge and Firefox.How to use a VPN on a smart TVYou can use a VPN to change your location and stream international content directly to a smart TV. The catch is that not all smart TV brands support VPN apps. For those that don't, you'll have to find a workaround.The good news is that a ton of the best smart TVs can natively host VPNs, including Google TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV . To use a VPN on Android TV or Apple TV, go through the device's app store. On Fire TV, simply type the name of your chosen VPN provider into the search bar.On smart TVs that don't have native VPN, like LG, Roku and Samsung, you have a few options. You can use a smart DNS feature like ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer to reroute smart TV traffic without full VPN encryption; the steps for this are different for every VPN, so check the provider's website. You can also install a VPN on your router so your smart TV automatically uses the router's location.Finally, you can get a temporary fix by using your computer as a Wi-Fi hotspot while it has a VPN active. Follow the steps for your operating system.On Windows:In your system settings, go to "Network Internet" and turn on the mobile hotspot.Go to "Network Sharing Center" and click "Change adapter settings."Right-click the name of your VPN provider and go to "Properties," then "Sharing."Check the boxes next to "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection" and "Allow other network users to control or disable the shared internet connection."Click the "Home networking connection" dropdown and select "Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter."Open your VPN client and connect to a server in your desired location.On your smart TV, open the internet connections menu and select the name of your PC. Your TV is now online through the VPN server.On Mac:Open system settings and go to the "General" tab. Scroll down and click "Sharing."Toggle "Internet Sharing" on, then click on "Configure."Click the "Share your connection from" dropdown, then choose the VPN installed on the Mac. Under "To computers using," select "Wi-Fi."Click on "Wi-Fi options" and enter a name and password for your hotspot network.On your smart TV, connect to the network you just created.How to use a VPN on a game consoleRight now, there's no such thing as a game console with native VPN support. If you want to use a VPN while gaming — and I recommend that for safety if you're planning to play online — you can use two of the same methods that work for a smart TV: install a VPN on your router, or get your console online through a Mac or PC hotspot.How to install a VPN on a routerWhen you install a router VPN, anything that gets online through your home network will be protected, including game consoles, TVs and smart devices that don't support VPNs natively. It's not a process for the faint of heart, though. You'll need to get a new router and potentially install VPN firmware on it yourself. If you want to go this route, the easiest option is to get an ExpressVPN Aircove router — not only does it come with all the settings done for you, but it can be managed through the same clean interface as ExpressVPN's other apps.We don't have space here to go through the entire process, but here's a general overview. First, get a router with firmware that supports VPN configurations — most ISP default routers don't, so you'll have to go third-party.Next, go to the downloads center of your VPN's website and look for the section with VPN configurations. A "configuration" is a complete set of the information needed to access a certain VPN server through a certain protocol — say, a Proton VPN server in Arizona through OpenVPN. Download a configuration file for the protocol and location you want all your home devices to connect through.Finally, open your router control panel by entering your router's IP address into a web browser address bar, then log in with your router credentials . Go to the VPN tab — which should be there if it's a router with VPN firmware — and upload the profile you downloaded from the VPN website. Use the same router control panel to activate and deactivate the router VPN connection.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-140000564.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 03:14 The demand building out AI infrastructure has placed on PC component makers has already led to the death of one consumer-facing RAM brand, but a new report from the International Data Corporation suggests it could have an even worse impact on the PC industry at large. In its worst-case-scenario model, the IDC predicts PC shipments could shrink by up to 8.9 percent in 2026 because of the high cost of memory."Instead of expanding conventional DRAM and NAND used in smartphones, PCs and other consumer electronics, major memory makers have shifted production toward memory used in AI data centers, such as high-bandwidth and high-capacity DDR5," IDC writes. That's continued to drive up the price of the RAM that is available for PC makers, which has naturally led to them to raise the price of their own products to stay above water. For example, modular PC maker Framework has already had to raise prices on some of its laptops and parts, and says "further cost and price increases are highly likely over the next months." The IDC says prices could rise by 6 to 8 percent in 2026 if its most pessimistic scenario comes true.The timing of this RAM crunch is particularly ironic because selling "AI PCs" — computers with neural processing units that can run AI models locally — were supposed to be one of the things pulling the PC industry out of its post-pandemic slump. Instead, those computers' larger RAM needs leave them more vulnerable to the effects of the AI industry itself. Computers aren't the only electronics impacted, either. The IDC says the average selling price of a smartphone could grow by 6 to 8 percent in its most pessimistic scenario, and smartphone shipments could shrink by as much as 5.2 percent. Companies like Apple and Samsung, with cash to spare and long-term supply agreements, could weather these higher RAM prices and keep things consistent for a year or two, according to the IDC. For everyone else, though, the near-term is looking much more expensive, and by necessity, much less adventurous.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/idc-warns-of-major-pc-market-downturn-due-to-memory-crunch-214510197.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 03:14 OneXPlayer is quickly establishing itself as a company that isn't afraid to get weird as hell. Its latest venture is another retro gaming handheld that, at first glance, looks like a standard dual-screen model. But the Android-powered OneXSugar Wallet uses a single foldable screen instead.The device was teased via a 54-second video on the Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili. Retro Handhelds reports that the Wallet uses an 8.01-inch OLED with a 2,480 x 1,860 resolution. The video also shows an asymmetrical analog stick layout with a D-pad and four action buttons.OneXSugar FoldOneXPlayer / BilibiGiven foldable phones’ long-term durability concerns, we aren't necessarily betting on the OneXSugar Wallet being a wise purchase. We also don't know how much it will cost. But at the very least, don't be shocked if the novel form factor ends up sparking a few copycats in the competitive retro gaming industry.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-onexsugar-wallet-is-an-upcoming-retro-handheld-with-a-43-foldable-screen-215528433.html?src=rss

31.12.2025 03:14 LG just revealed several new speakers in the xboom line ahead of CES 2026. These speakers are part of an ongoing collaboration with will.i.am from Black Eyed Peas, who is on board as the "experimental architect" involved with "development, design and brand marketing." These speakers are fairly different from one another, but they all have AI in common. Each speaker includes an algorithm that automatically adjusts the EQ after analyzing the audio content and the listening space. Many also feature an AI algorithm for ambient lighting, which will adjust the lights to match the song being played. The xboom Stage 501 is intended for parties and karaoke sessions. It features additional AI that can remove vocals from "virtually any song" and even adjust the pitch. The battery lasts for around 25 hours and can operate while plugged in. The speaker delivers up to 220W of power, with dual woofers and full-range drivers. It boasts a five-sided cabinet design that allows for vertical and horizontal placement. LG The xboom Blast is a boombox with a 99Wh battery that allows for up to 35 hours of continuous playback. That's a mighty fine metric. This is a modern boombox, so it's designed for durability. There are edge bumpers and a side rope handle for carrying. LG The Mini is a tiny doodad that can be placed just about anywhere. It offers ten hours of battery life per charge and a strap for easy placement. The speaker also includes a built-in tripod mount. LG The Rock is a, well, rock-shaped speaker that's larger than the Mini but can still be held in the palm of the hand. The battery lasts for ten hours and the design is focused on durability. It has been tested to "seven military standards" to ensure reliability in "challenging outdoor environments." This is an upgrade of the pre-existing XG2 model. We don't have pricing or exact availability on this stuff yet, though the speakers will be on display at LG's booth at CES. The company has said that all four of these gadgets will come out in 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/lg-announces-new-line-of-xboom-speakers-ahead-of-ces-010052598.html?src=rss

30.12.2025 22:32 Samsung will have two new inexpensive mobile devices arriving on the US market next month. The Galaxy A17 5G starts at $199 and will be available on January 7. Arriving on January 8, the Galaxy Tab A11+ will retail for $250. The Galaxy A17 5G has a 6.7” FHD+ Super AMOLED display and is powered by the same Exynos 1330 chip found in the Galaxy A16 5G. The photography setup is also unchanged from last year's model, with a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro and 13MP selfie lenses. The base model has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but can be upgraded with up to 2TB of additional storage via microSD. Its 5,000mAh battery also supports fast-charging, a feature we're happy to see becoming more of an industry standard this year. Essentially, this is more of the same from Samsung, but this product line has a solid legacy of decent smartphones that don't break the bank. Don't be surprised if this joins our lineup of best budget Android phones come 2026.The other new entry-level device is the Galaxy Tab A11+, which boasts an 11-inch LCD display. The rear camera is 8MP and the front one is 5MP. It has an option for 6GB of RAM with 128GB in storage, or for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Like with the Galaxy A17 5G, the tablet can also be juiced up with additional microSD storage. Performance-wise, you'll top out at 15 hours of video playback on the battery, but fast-charging is also supported here. There are many swankier tablets on the market these days, but if you're looking for a bare-bones option, this Samsung offering is a solid consideration.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-unveils-its-new-200-galaxy-a17-5g-smartphone-arriving-in-january-184846560.html?src=rss

30.12.2025 22:32 Tomorrow's the big day, and I don't just mean New Year's Eve. The series finale of Stranger Things airs tomorrow, and Netflix has released a trailer for the last episode. We're given only flashes of the final episode, along with a voiceover of an emotional Jim Hopper telling Eleven he needs her to fight one last time. It's just over 1 minute and 30 seconds long, with what appears to be only about 30 seconds of new footage. There isn't much to go on here, as most of the footage features emotional moments from seasons past. Netflix no doubt is hoping to keep much of the excitement under wraps until tomorrow's premiere. Warning: Some spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5. Among the new images we briefly see Vecna, hooked up to the ceiling in his gross cave of power on his other world. There's also an explosion at what looks like a military site, plus a few more out-of-context flashes of our heroes. One particularly ominous moment shows Hopper walking around a smoke-filled room with almost zero visibility, gun drawn, when we see what looks to be Vecna appear behind him. We also see Eleven climb back into the sensory-deprivation tank in the Upside Down, presumably to take the fight to the show’s big bad. The only continuous scene in the trailer shows most of the gang standing atop a radio tower as Vecna's world moves close enough to collide with the tower's tip. Dustin lets out a "mother of God" as the so-crazy-it-just-might-work scheme the group cooked up in Chapter Seven appears to be well underway. After nine years and five seasons, we will finally reach a conclusion for the heroes of Hawkins. The episode premieres at 8PM ET . For those still craving more from the world of Hawkins after the finale, Netflix is releasing a Stranger Things animated series in 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-has-released-a-trailer-for-the-stranger-things-finale-171204480.html?src=rss

30.12.2025 22:32 Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images Hisense is perhaps best known for its budget-friendly electronics and appliances, like TVs and refrigerators. But at CES 2025, the China-based company showed its high-end chops with a massive 136-inch micro LED TV, which recently became available for a whopping $100,000. So what's on deck for this year's show? New leadership, for starters. The company has two new hires, including Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Larsen and Chief Commercial Officer James Fishler. In a press release, Hisense said Fishler's experience in home entertainment, appliances and HVAC is important as the company "builds toward a milestone 2026 and its presence at CES." We'll give you a rundown of what to expect during Hisense's presentation and how you can watch it. How to watch Hisense will have a livestream available on Monday, January 5 at 1PM ET on its website. We'll embed the link here once it's available. What to expect With its new hires in place, Hisense is clearly aiming to further polish its brand. Between Fishler and Larsen, the new front office is bringing to bear their experience from such high-powered competitors as LG, Samsung and Beats. And in a recent interview with Tom's Guide, Larsen emphasized a continued focus on the company's fast turnaround time from concept to market as a key differentiator for Hisense. As for actual announcements, while you can expect Hisense to tout its strength in appliances and HVAC systems , Larsen's aforementioned interview specifically calls out the emerging RGB TV space as a focus. We expect this year's show will be all about explaining the shades of difference between mini and micro LED display technologies, as both Samsung and LG have already thrown down pre-announcement gauntlets on the latter. Will any of them cost less than six figures? Let's hope Hisense has some good news to share on that front.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/how-to-watch-the-hisense-ces-2026-presentation-live-190040090.html?src=rss