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Xbox will reportedly conduct another major round of layoffs next week

It seems the cuts just keep on coming within Microsoft's gaming division. A company-wide reorganization is taking place, and that's slated to include another major round of layoffs within the Xbox team. Those cuts will be confirmed next week, according to Bloomberg. Engadget has contacted Microsoft for comment. Microsoft confirmed last month that it would lay off about three percent of its total workforce across all teams, levels and regions in an attempt to streamline operations and flatten it

Apple's 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is $450 off ahead of Prime Day

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Picking up a new MacBook can be pricey, so we always like sharing when a great model is having a steep sale. If you’re in the market for a lightweight yet powerful laptop, then Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air with the M3 processor might fit the bill, and it’s $450 off right now. In particu

Meta just launched a $400 Xbox Edition Quest 3S headset - and it's full of surprises

Meta Meta has officially entered into a new partnership with Microsoft by launching its "first-ever limited edition" headset -- the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. For this new bundle, the tech giant isn't changing the headset's hardware. It's still the same Quest 3S running on a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset. It still supports full-color pass-through and can display content on a huge, 26-foot digital screen. The hardware may be staying the same, but the various differences will make this package a

Gemini Robotics On-Device brings AI to local robotic devices

We’re introducing an efficient, on-device robotics model with general-purpose dexterity and fast task adaptation. In March, we introduced Gemini Robotics, our most advanced VLA (vision language action) model, bringing Gemini 2.0’s multimodal reasoning and real-world understanding into the physical world. Today, we’re introducing Gemini Robotics On-Device, our most powerful VLA model optimized to run locally on robotic devices. Gemini Robotics On-Device shows strong general-purpose dexterity an

Meta announces Xbox-branded Quest 3S that supports cloud gaming

Meta announced today that it is making a limited edition of its Quest 3S headset in collaboration with Xbox. The Xbox Edition is a bundle that comes with a Quest 3S headset, an Elite Strap, Touch Plus controllers and an Xbox Wireless Controller, all in the distinctive Xbox colors of Carbon Black and Velocity Green. The collaboration highlights the catalog of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Cloud Gaming, the latter of which is available on the platform. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition launches today f

I tested a robot vacuum that mops with recycled water and the results surprised me

ZDNET's key takeaways The 3i S10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is available for $1,900. This device features a unique innovation: a trademarked WaterRecycle station that distills wastewater and dehumidifies your home so you never have to refill the clean water tank. The full device is one-of-a-kind, so its settings and setup take some getting used to, and it can sometimes take a long time to finish a task while the water distills. $1,899.99 at Amazon The 3i S10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on s

Topics: 3i robot s10 ultra water

Mom-Approved Best Pregnancy Pillows to Help You Sleep Better While Pregnant

Sleeping well during pregnancy is tough, and expectant mothers may experience sleep issues. I was pregnant during the summer and the only thing that seemed to help me, as my bump grew, was using pregnancy pillows. I tried many during my second and third trimesters, and they made a big difference. Cooling options and extra support helped ease the pressure on my back and hips, and I finally started sleeping better. While testing, I kept in mind that everyone’s needs vary when they're pregnant. Fr

Google’s new robotics AI can run without the cloud and still tie your shoes

We sometimes call chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT "robots," but generative AI is also playing a growing role in real, physical robots. After announcing Gemini Robotics earlier this year, Google DeepMind has now revealed a new on-device VLA (vision language action) model to control robots. Unlike the previous release, there's no cloud component, allowing robots to operate with full autonomy. Carolina Parada, head of robotics at Google DeepMind, says this approach to AI robotics could make robot

Google DeepMind’s optimized AI model runs directly on robots

is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Google DeepMind is rolling out an on-device version of its Gemini Robotics AI model that allows it to operate without an internet connection. The vision-language-action model (VLA) comes with dexterous capabilities similar to the one released in March, but Google says “it’s small and efficient enough to run directly on a robot.” The flagship Gemini

Microsoft planning ‘major’ Xbox layoffs next week

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Microsoft is planning to cut jobs in the company’s Xbox gaming business, as early as next week. I first reported in Notepad earlier this month that Microsoft was planning Xbox layoffs “potentially by the end of the month,” and now Bloomberg says a round of “major layoffs” is due next week. I understand managers at Microsoft have been briefed about Xbox cuts and wider layoffs i

Google rolls out new Gemini model that can run on robots locally

Google DeepMind on Tuesday released a new language model called Gemini Robotics On-Device that can run tasks locally on robots without requiring an internet connection. Building on the company’s previous Gemini Robotics model that was released in March, Gemini Robotics On-Device can control a robot’s movements. Developers can control and fine-tune the model to suit various needs using natural language prompts. In benchmarks, Google claims the model performs at a level close to the cloud-based

This premium Lenovo Chromebook made me forget about my MacBook and Windows PC

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus with an OLED display. Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET Chromebooks are continuing to level up. Google just announced a host of new AI features live in ChromeOS now, along with the Lenovo Chromebook Plus, an all-new device with an OLED display, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 17 hours of battery life -- the most of any Chromebook to date. Also: The best Chromebooks for students in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed I recently had a chance to go hands-on with the Lenovo Chromebook P

Newborns have elevated levels of a biomarker for Alzheimer's

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Brain Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaf221 Newborn babies and patients with Alzheimer's disease share an unexpected biological trait: elevated levels of a well-known biomarker for Alzheimer's, as shown in a study led by researchers at the University of Gothenburg and published in Brain Comm

Meta’s Quest 3S Xbox Edition Is a Great Value, but There’s Just One Big Tradeoff

Microsoft wants everything to be an Xbox, but the problem with its ongoing ambition to rebrand every gaming-capable device as a pseudo gaming console is so few devices look like an Xbox. The next step on Microsoft’s wacky, winding road to regaining hardware supremacy is a $400 bundle that includes a Meta Quest headset with a unique colorway, an Xbox controller, and a few months of access to Game Pass Ultimate for game streaming. If you were looking to dip your toe into VR, the $300 Quest 3S is s

A week in Xbox VR with Microsoft and Meta’s new $399 headset

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Microsoft and Meta announced an Xbox-branded Quest VR headset last year, and it’s going on sale today for $399.99. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a custom colorway VR headset that comes bundled with an Xbox wireless controller, matching Touch Plus controllers, and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. I’ve been using the Quest 3S Xbox Edition over the past week, and I wa

Robots are transforming warehouse automation and ending back-breaking truck loading

The big picture: As the warehouse floor becomes increasingly automated, robots now handle the most punishing aspects of logistics, while people focus on oversight, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. With companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Walmart investing heavily in robotics, the era of the backbreaking warehouse job may soon be history. The last stronghold of human labor in warehouses – the grueling job of loading and unloading trucks – is rapidly giving way to a new generation of

Tesla Robotaxi Terrifyingly Jerks Wheel Back and Forth While Carrying Passenger

Tesla's Robotaxi service is finally, actually here. And for the most part, the launch, which took place this weekend, has been pretty uneventful. A spate of Tesla "influencers" have already uploaded videos of their first rides depicting the driverless cabs — though not supervisor-less, as each one comes with a human "safety monitor" silently riding shotgun — roaming the streets of Austin, Texas. Nothing to write home about. Except for at least one genuinely bizarre incident. In a video uploaded

The Download: Namibia’s hydrogen hopes, and fixing AI evaluation

Factories have used fossil fuels to process iron ore for three centuries, and the climate has paid a heavy price: According to the International Energy Agency, the steel industry today accounts for 8% of carbon dioxide emissions. But it turns out there is a less carbon-­intensive alternative: using hydrogen. Unlike coal or natural gas, which release carbon dioxide as a by-product, this process releases water. And if the hydrogen itself is “green,” the climate impact of the entire process will

The Morning After: Samsung’s big foldable Unpacked event takes place on July 9

The third Unpacked of 2025 (following installments in January and May) will be on July 9 at 10AM ET, kicking off in Brooklyn, New York. The company usually debuts its latest foldables in the summer, so we’re expecting to see the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 here. However, there’s an extra wrinkle (don’t say wrinkle with foldables!): It’s looking like the premium Galaxy Z Fold Ultra is joining the family. What exactly can you expect? We've written all about it. When it comes to foldables, one rece

I Love Lenovo's Latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon but Was Shocked at the Cost of Upgrades

8.3 / 10 SCORE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition $2,474 at Lenovo Pros Exceptionally lightweight yet sturdy build Lengthy battery life Stellar 2.8K OLED display Best-in-class ThinkPad keyboard Cons Upgrades are pricey, particularly the OLED display Aura Edition features aren't likely to be of any interest or use 1080p webcam is disappointing given the price The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is Lenovo's flagship business ultraportable, and with the 13th generation, Lenovo has made strides

Topics: 14 carbon gen thinkpad x1

6 Fabrics That Will Keep You Fashionably Cool in the Summer Heat

This summer is predicted to be hotter than normal, so you may want to stock up on cooling clothing for when you're outdoors, sleeping or if you don't have air conditioning. Cooling clothing often has properties like temperature regulation and is made from specific cooling fabrics to help you stay sweat-free even when the sun is beating down. These items can also be helpful if you're working out in the heat. How do cooling clothes work? Your body temperature going down is what gives you the sen

10 Best Electrolyte Powders (2025): Tasty and Effective

TL;DR Don't choose something with ultra-high amounts of sodium, carbohydrates, or sugar unless you need to based on your exercise levels or a sweat test. Amy Brownstein, a registered dietitian nutritionist at MyNetDiary, says electrolytes are minerals that exist naturally in your body. These include magnesium, calcium, chloride, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. Electrolyte powders usually contain these, as well as sugars and carbohydrates which can help a little bit with the absorption of th

The Oversight Board calls Meta's uneven AI moderation 'incoherent and unjustifiable'

As Meta's platforms fill up with more AI-generated content, the company still has a lot of work to do when it comes to enforcing its policies around manipulated media. The Oversight Board is once again criticizing the social media company over its handling of such posts, writing in its latest decision that its inability to enforce its rules consistently is "incoherent and unjustifiable." If that sounds familiar, it's because this is the second time since last year the Oversight Board has used t

Trump's Attack May Instead Spur Iran to Speedrun a Nuclear Weapon It Wasn't Building Previously

Trump's Attack May Instead Spur Iran to Speedrun a Nuclear Weapon It Wasn't Building Previously An extremely ironic outcome. Bomb Squad President Donald Trump is trying to derail Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions by bombing its known nuclear research facilities — but it turns out that's easier said than done. US officials have trumpeted that the recent strikes obliterated Iran's nuclear enrichment sites, but satellite images have cast doubt on that claim. And in any case, Trump's bombing camp

Why I recommend these wireless headphones over pricier flagship models

ZDNET's key takeaways The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are available for $449 in Anthracite Black, Canvas White, and Indigo Blue. These headphones provide a listening experience and design profile unlike any other headphones in the same price range. Although these are the best sounding and looking headphones at this price, they fall behind their competitors at noise cancellation. View now at Bowers & Wilkins View now at Crutchfield more buying choices When shopping for a new pair of headphones, it

Is this Nvidia GPU-powered robot vacuum legit? Here are the results after a week of cleaning

ZDNET's key takeaways The Matic is available for purchase at $1,095. This robot vacuum has a unique form factor and roller brush, and a debris bag that eliminates the need for a huge dock. The Matic has its drawbacks, mainly that it's too tall to clean under furniture and that it's currently only available for iOS, with an Android beta app planned for July. View now at Maticrobots Pioneer devices have the unique challenge of reinventing the wheel. They reimagine something that has become prev

QuEra Quantum System Leverages Neutral Atoms to Compute

Sitting in an office at QuEra Computing’s Boston headquarters, Yuval Boger was talking about the recent advancements made in quantum computing that are driving the chorus around an accelerated the timeframe the launch of a usable and reliable system. “Sometimes it’s hard to see all the amazing progress that’s been happening,” Boger, QuEra’s chief commercial officer, told The Next Platform in a recent interview. “But if you go back a few years – five or ten years ago – the question was, ‘Could p

Marble Blast

Overview Roll your marble through a rich cartoon landscape of moving platforms and dangerous hazards. Along the way find power ups to increase your speed, jumping ability or flight power, and use them to collect the hidden gems and race to the finish for the fastest time. Basic Controls The marble can be moved forward, back, left and right by pressing , , and , respectively. Pressing causes the marble to jump, and pressing uses whatever powerup you currently have available. All movement is

Xbox app now lets Windows Insiders launch games from Steam, Epic, and more

Something to look forward to: Xbox Insiders can now test a new feature that enables launching games from different storefronts directly in the Xbox PC app. The functionality first leaked in March and is slated to roll out alongside the ROG Ally X handhelds later this year, allowing users to start games with a controller and bypass the traditional Windows desktop entirely. Juggling games across Steam, the Epic Games Store, GOG, the Xbox app, and other clients has long frustrated users. Some laun

Tesla robotaxi incidents caught on camera in Austin draw regulators' attention

A Tesla robotaxi drives on the street along South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, on June 22, 2025 Tesla was contacted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Monday after videos posted on social media showed the company's robotaxis driving in a chaotic manner on public roads in Austin, Texas. Elon Musk's electric vehicle maker debuted autonomous trips in Austin on Sunday, opening the service to a limited number of riders by invitation only. In the videos shared widely onli