Core Insights - Sony is offering significant discounts on three major PS5 games ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with each game priced at $7, representing a 90% discount from the usual $70 price [1][3][8] Group 1: Discount Details - The limited-time sale includes Gotham Knights, EA Sports PGA Tour, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, with two titles at their lowest-ever price on any platform and the third being the cheapest on PS5 [2] - The sale is available until 23 October, after which the games will return to their standard pricing of $70 [8] Group 2: Game Descriptions - Gotham Knights is an open-world action RPG set in a Gotham City without Batman, allowing players to control characters like Robin and Batgirl [4] - EA Sports PGA Tour marks EA's return to golf gaming, providing a detailed simulation experience with authentic courses [5] - Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League features fast-paced combat and allows players to take on roles such as Harley Quinn and Deadshot to combat Brainiac's invasion [6][7]

Core Insights - Microsoft is developing next-gen hardware for the Xbox brand, confirming that they are actively prototyping and designing new products in partnership with AMD [2][3] - The company acknowledges the competitive disadvantage in the console market, having lost to Sony in sales over the past two generations, which has led to a decline in hardware sales [2][3] - Microsoft aims to grow Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, which are primarily console-based, indicating a necessity for new hardware to retain and attract subscribers [3][4] Group 1 - Microsoft has denied reports of exiting the first-party hardware space, emphasizing their commitment to future hardware development [2] - The company is exploring innovation opportunities with the recent launch of the $1000 ROG Xbox Ally, a third-party handheld device [2] - Despite the decline in Xbox hardware sales, Microsoft is focused on maintaining a hardware option to support its Game Pass service [3] Group 2 - The timeline for the release of next-gen hardware remains uncertain, as indicated by the early development stage mentioned by Sarah Bond [4] - Xbox Series X/S prices have significantly increased, with the Series X now costing around $800, which is higher than the PS5 Pro, potentially impacting sales further [4] - Microsoft is aware that not producing next-gen hardware could lead to a loss of Game Pass subscribers, as users may transition to competing consoles [3]

In the early 1980s, two things were probably true about your TV. One, it was enormous. And two, it was at your house.They were in family rooms, in TV rooms. It was a place that you went to watch TV. But what if you're at church and you'd rather be watching the baseball game. Or what if you're at your kids' baseball game and you'd rather watch, frankly, anything else at all.Well, Sony, maker of the Walkman, changer of the way that we all listen to music, has something for you. It's called the Watchman and it ...

ARC RaidersEmbarkArc Raiders is currently putting up huge numbers on Steam for its free Open Beta “server slam,” topping out at 189,668 concurrents so far. It’s gearing up to be a huge hit for Embark, a relatively small studio, even if the final numbers will come down, given that the game is not free-to-play and will cost $40 for the standard edition, and $60 for the deluxe, not unusual in the extraction shooter space.No doubt those playing the game will wonder when they can actually jump into the real vers ...

"A wine cork from the Rioja province of Spain with a corkscrew, stemmed glass and bottom of a wine bottle in the background."gettyIf you’ve ever stared at a Spanish wine label and found yourself puzzling over the words Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva, you’re not alone. These terms, printed proudly on bottles from Rioja to Ribera del Duero, are more than just decorative flourishes—they’re shorthand for how long the wine has been aged before release, and they can tell you a lot about what to expect in your ...

Core Insights - Wired earbuds provide high-quality audio without the need for batteries or wireless pairing, ensuring zero latency and avoiding signal interference [3][37] - The Sennheiser IE 100 Pros are highlighted as the best overall wired earbuds due to their professional-grade audio quality and comfortable fit [5][36] Product Summaries - **Best Wired Earbuds Overall**: Sennheiser IE 100 Pros feature 10mm drivers, capable of producing sound up to 115 dB, making them suitable for various audio experiences [5][36] - **Best Value Wired Earbuds**: Soundmagic E11C Wired Earbuds are priced under $50, offering good audio quality with a 10mm driver and a maximum output of 112 dB [8][9] - **Best Noise-Canceling Wired Earbuds**: Shure SE215 Pro Wired Earbuds provide effective noise isolation and come with multiple ear tip sizes for a proper fit, although some units may have durability issues [10][11] - **Best Water-Resistant Wired Earbuds**: H2O Audio Surge SX10 are designed for underwater use with an IPX8 rating, allowing for full immersion up to 12 feet [12][16] - **Best Lightweight Wired Earbuds**: Sennheiser CX 300S are extremely lightweight at 6 grams per earbud, capable of producing sound up to 118 dB, but may have durability concerns [18][19] - **Best Gaming Wired Earbuds**: Sony Inzone E9 Wired In-Ear Earbuds offer a 360-degree spatial audio experience, enhancing gameplay immersion, though they lack noise cancellation [20][24] - **Best Wired Earbuds for Apple Users**: Apple EarPods feature a UBS-C plug for easy connectivity with Apple devices, but durability is a noted concern [25][26] Selection Criteria - Key factors for choosing wired earbuds include sound quality, comfort, and durability, with a proper fit being essential for optimal audio performance [29][31] - The size of the driver is important, as it influences audio quality relative to the overall size of the earbuds [30] - Durability is generally better in wired earbuds compared to wireless options, making them more reliable for frequent use [31]

Core Insights - Dell has launched its first wireless earbuds, the Dell Pro Plus, targeting professional environments with features optimized for call clarity and productivity [2][20] - The earbuds are priced at $230 and are designed primarily for professional users, offering excellent audio quality and battery life [7][20] Audio Quality - The Dell Pro Plus earbuds excel in audio quality, particularly for voice calls, providing clear sound and effective noise cancellation through AI technology [4][5] - While they perform well for music, they are not as specialized as other models, resulting in a slightly unbalanced sound profile favoring bass over higher frequencies [8][20] - Users can customize the sound profile via the Dell Audio app, allowing adjustments to bass and treble [9] Battery Life and Charging - The charging case features a 5,000mAh battery, offering up to 33 hours of playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, surpassing competitors like AirPods Pro 3 [12] - The earbuds can last several days with casual use, demonstrating strong battery performance [12] Design and Usability - The earbuds have a chunky charging case and utilize a USB-C port for charging, with a Bluetooth Multipoint feature allowing connection to two devices simultaneously [12][13] - The ANC feature adapts to the environment but is somewhat limited by the earbuds' design, which allows for some sound leakage [14][16] - Touch controls are described as finicky, relying on pinching motions rather than simple taps, which may hinder user experience [18][19] Recommendations - The Dell Pro Plus earbuds are recommended for users seeking reliable audio quality for video calls and meetings, with notable call clarity and impressive battery life [20] - Alternatives such as Sony's LinkBuds Fit are suggested for users prioritizing better ANC performance [21]

Core Insights - The article highlights the journey of composer Gerard K Marino, who transitioned from a fan of film scores to a successful video game composer, particularly known for his work on the God of War series [2][3][17] Background and Early Influences - Marino's passion for music began with the Star Wars soundtrack, which he frequently listened to as a child, imagining himself playing every instrument [3] - His musical interests evolved through high school, where he aimed to become a rockstar, influenced by metal bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica [5] - Despite his father's skepticism about a music career, Marino pursued his passion by enrolling in the USC Film Score program, inspired by prominent composers like Hans Zimmer [7][6] Career Development - Initially, video game composition was not on Marino's radar, as it required programming skills, which he found frustrating [8] - The landscape changed with the release of Quake, which featured a score by Nine Inch Nails, opening up opportunities for various musical styles in video games [9] - Marino's big break came when he was invited to orchestrate for the military shooter Medal of Honour: Rising Sun, where he was inspired by the large orchestral setup [10][11] God of War and Its Impact - Marino's significant opportunity arose when he was contacted for the secret project that became God of War, after the initial composer could not fulfill the developers' vision [12][14] - The soundtrack for God of War was praised for its ability to capture the game's Greek mythological setting and the emotional depth of its main character, Kratos, winning a DICE award for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music [17][18] - The two-year process of creating the soundtrack was a pivotal moment in Marino's career, showcasing his readiness and the unique opportunity presented to him [18] Personal Reflections - Marino conducted the God of War music with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra shortly after the game's release, marking a significant milestone in his career [19] - The article concludes with a personal touch, as Marino reflects on the journey and the full-circle moment of his daughter performing the soprano lead for God of War [19]

Core Insights - OPPO launched the Find X9 flagship line on October 16, 2025, featuring two models: Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, with sales starting in China on October 22, 2025. A Satellite Edition with eSIM support is expected in November [1][13]. Pricing - Find X9 is priced from RMB 4,399 (approximately $611) and Find X9 Pro starts at RMB 5,299 (approximately $736). Both models offer additional memory/storage options up to 1 TB, with the 1 TB eSIM-enabled Pro Satellite Edition launching in November [6]. Chips and Core Hardware - Both models utilize OPPO's "Chip Chain" platform, powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9500, with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The series also incorporates OPPO's P3 display chip and Shanhai communications enhancement silicon [4]. Displays - Find X9 features a 6.59-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2760×1256, 120 Hz refresh rate, and a global peak brightness of 1,800 nits. Find X9 Pro has a 6.78-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2772×1272, 1–120 Hz LTPO, and a global peak brightness of 1,600 nits [5][7]. Cameras - Find X9 includes a 32 MP front camera and a rear triple camera setup with a 50 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, and 50 MP inverted periscope telephoto. Find X9 Pro features a similar setup but with a 200 MP Hasselblad telephoto lens, the first mobile lens to receive Hasselblad optical certification [10][12]. Batteries and Charging - Find X9 is equipped with a 7,025 mAh "Glacier" battery, supporting 80 W wired, 50 W wireless, and 5 W reverse wireless charging. Find X9 Pro has a 7,500 mAh battery with the same charging capabilities [9][12]. Additional Features - Both models support Wi-Fi 7, NFC, IR blaster, ultrasonic fingerprint, and have IP66/IP68/IP69 dust/water resistance. They also feature stereo speakers, a quad-mic array, and a triple Wi-Fi antenna system, along with ColorOS 16 [11].

Core Insights - Amazon is positioned as a leading platform for discovering and purchasing innovative gadgets and technology products, catering to a wide range of consumer needs and preferences [1][2]. Product Highlights - **Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones**: Offers exceptional sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation, making it ideal for music lovers and those seeking tranquility in noisy environments [5]. - **Samsung Galaxy Watch 5**: A multifunctional device that serves as a fitness tracker, health monitor, and stylish accessory, featuring advanced health tracking capabilities [6]. - **Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro**: These true wireless earbuds provide superior sound quality and active noise cancellation, suitable for music enjoyment and work focus [7]. - **Amazon Echo Dot (Newest Model)**: A compact smart home device that integrates Alexa for voice control, music streaming, and smart device management, enhancing home automation [8]. - **Fitbit Charge 5**: An advanced fitness and health tracker that monitors various health metrics, making it a great gift for fitness enthusiasts [9]. - **10-Port USB Wall Charger Station**: Designed for rapid charging of multiple devices simultaneously, ideal for tech-savvy users [10][11]. - **Amazon Echo Show 8 (Newest Model)**: Combines a vibrant display with Alexa integration for video streaming and smart home control, offering convenience [12]. - **Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (Newest Model)**: Transforms any TV into a smart TV with enhanced streaming capabilities, appealing to entertainment lovers [13]. - **Roadress USB C Car Charger Fast Charging 200W**: A powerful car charger that supports fast charging for multiple devices, perfect for travelers [14].