If you're concerned about how new US tariffs might affect future electronics purchases, look no further than DJI. The company has raised the price of its popular Osmo Pocket 3 camera to $799, or $280 (54 percent) more than it cost at launch. The Pocket 3 Creator Combo that includes a wireless Mic 2 and other accessories also went up from $700 to $950. Recent tariffs levied by President Trump on Chinese products were "certainly among the key considerations" for the hefty price bumps, the company told The Verge. 

The Osmo Pocket 3 was a success from the get go, thanks to the built-in gimbal, motorized subject tracking and large 1-inch sensor that delivers excellent video quality, even in low light. It's widely beloved by content creators for those reasons and is a recommended option in several of Engadget's camera buying guides — in fact we bought some for our own reporters. 

It's fair to say that the new tariffs are 100 percent behind the price increase, despite DJI's diplomatic wording. The price is the same as at launch in Europe and in Canada, suggesting that there are no other technical reasons to raise it. DJI quietly boosted the US price from $520 to $620 a couple of months ago, around the time that Trump first announced potential tariffs on Chinese products. Other DJI products like drones have yet to rise in price, however.  

DJI said that the Osmo Pocket 3 is one of the best selling products in the history of the company and that it's popularity "continues to exceed expectations." However, much of that popular was likely due to the original $520 price (on top of the camera's strong feature set), that was a bargain next to standard compact cameras like Canon's new $899 PowerShot V1. At $799, the Pocket 3 loses some of its competitive advantage. 

It's difficult to find the Pocket 3 in the US (and elsewhere) at any price at the moment, though DJI says it's striving to keep up with demand. On top of all that, the company is facing a full ban of its drone products in the US in 2026 unless it obtains an exemption from regulators. That will affect the company as well as consumers, as its drones are widely used in production, emergency services and elsewhere — and it's far ahead of rivals in terms of technology. DJI sent a formal letter to five national security agencies (DHS, DoD, FBI, NSA, and ODNI) in March requesting that any or all of the agencies begin evaluating its products "right away."

Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to comply with the orders of a California court, which required the company to immediately stop collecting commissions on purchases that weren't paid through the App Store. As noticed by 9to5Mac, the most prominent change in the guidelines states that there are now no prohibitions on "buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase," as long as it's for an app on the US storefront. Further, developers don't have to request for an entitlement from Apple to be able to offer external link purchases on apps for the United States storefront anymore. 

In the section stating that certain applications, such as reader apps and apps that sell goods and services, cannot encourage users to opt for third-party purchasing methods in-app, Apple added that the prohibition doesn't apply to apps on the US store. "The App Review Guidelines have been updated for compliance with a United States court decision regarding buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps," Apple said in a statement.

These changes come as a result of a recent ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found that Apple violated her 2021 ruling for Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple. Back then, she ordered Apple to allow developers to direct users to other payment systems that would let them avoid paying the company a 30 percent cut.

However, Apple still took a 27 percent cut from external purchases, prompting Epic Games to accuse the company of non-compliance in a new legal filing last year. Apple also showed users a "scare screen" when they try to make external purchases, discouraging them from using third-party payment systems. In addition to ordering Apple to stop collecting fees from purchases made outside the App Store, Gonzalez Rogers also prohibited Apple from creating rules that would prevent developers from presenting customers with buttons and links for external payments

In response, Epic chief Tim Sweeney announced that Fortnite will be coming back to iOS next week. He also said that the video game company will bring back Fortnite on iOS for everyone and will drop all litigation regarding the issue if Apple adopts the no-commission policy worldwide, but that doesn't seem to be the case for now. Other companies are now also looking to roll out updates that would allow them to bypass Apple's commission for external payments. One of them is Spotify, which announced that it had already submitted an update that would allow customers in the US to pay outside the App Store. 

Microsoft has teased a new Surface Copilot+ PC set to be revealed on May 6th, the company announced on X. "Something new is coming… find out next week," the post states. The new model(s) will be revealed nearly two weeks before the company's Build 2025 developer conference. That appears to be a change from last year when the company kicked off its Build 2024 event by launching two new Surface Copilot+ PCs the day before.

The rumor mill has it that Microsoft is working on a smaller 11- or 12-inch Surface Pro to directly compete with Apple's 11-inch iPad Pro. It may also be working on a Surface laptop with a Snapdragon X processor. Earlier this year, the company unveiled the new Intel-equipped Surface Pro (11th Edition) and Surface Laptop (7th Edition) for Business.

It's not clear whether Microsoft will hold an event to announce the new machines or just issue a press release. It also begs the question as to what hardware (if any) the company will announce at Build 2025. That conference kicks off on May 19 and is expected to be heavily focused on AI. 

In 2023, I tested my first OLED gaming monitor for Engadget, the LG 27GR95QE. Coming from an IPS LCD, the LG screen was transformational. Its WOLED (White OLED) panel produced inky blacks that made every game look incredible, and it allowed me to experience HDR gaming on a PC for the first time. But as amazing as that monitor was, it was a first generation product and it had a couple of problems.

It produced text fringing that made it distracting to use for productivity tasks, and it would flicker whenever I enabled NVIDIA's G-Sync smoothing. I ended up recommending the LG 27GR95QE with a few caveats in my first gaming monitor guide, but anytime in the last two years that I've considered buying an OLED for myself I've held off. The panels have gotten better, but if I'm going to spend $800 or more on a new monitor, it better be perfect or at least close to it.

I think I've finally found the OLED monitor I would recommend without reservation, and I'd even buy it for myself. As long as you own a GPU that can drive it, Alienware's new AW2725Q is an exceptional gaming display. With a 4K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, it's fast, sharp and delivers nearly flawless image quality across both SDR and HDR applications. Oh, and did I mention it's substantially cheaper than the competition? If you're in the market for a high-end gaming monitor, this is the one to buy.

Design

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

The AW2725Q marks the debut of Dell's new AW30 design language for Alienware products. It's been a while since I've seen one of the company's devices in person, and I was worried the monitor would look gaudy on my desk. Thankfully, the AW2725Q is not that; in fact, it has one of the more understated designs I've come across. Dell offers the AW2725Q in a single color: Interstellar Indigo. It’s a subtle hue that's more interesting than the usual black you see on so many competitors. The monitor also has minimal Alienware branding. On the back of the display, there's the company's trademark alien logo, while on the front you'll find its badge. The logo lights up. You can change the color of the LED or turn it off from the on-screen display (OSD) menu.

Like most Dell monitors, the AW2725Q offers plenty of ports. To start, it comes with two HDMI 2.1 connections. One of them supports eARC, so you can connect the monitor to a soundbar and a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. It also has three USB-A ports and a single USB-C connection capable of 15W power delivery. The AW2725Q has the same flat Samsung-made QD-OLED panel as the $1,200 ASUS PG27UCDM and the $1,100 MSI 272URX.

Dell cut a few features to get its monitor to $900. First, it's missing a DisplayPort 2.1 output, meaning it's limited to the older 1.4 standard. As a result, the AW2725Q needs to rely on Display Stream Compression (DSC) to output a 4K signal at 240Hz. On paper and in practice, that's not much of a reason to skip over Alienware's monitor. As the name suggests, DSC is a compression algorithm. It's not technically lossless, but it is "visually lossless," and unless you pixel peep, it's difficult to notice a difference between a DSC signal and an uncompressed one over DisplayPort 2.1. Besides, you'll need one of NVIDIA or AMD’s latest GPUs to take advantage of the new standard anyway.

The AW2725Q's other compromises are more notable. The MSI and ASUS models offer faster 98W and 90W power delivery over their USB-C ports, making them better for charging a laptop quickly. The ASUS monitor also comes with a KVM switch, in case you want to use a single keyboard and mouse to control more than one computer. Those are all nice to have, but not features I would pay an extra $200 or $300 to get on a new monitor, especially one I plan to use primarily for gaming.

Display

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

Although I've seen more than a few OLED monitors in the past, the AW2725Q was immediately impressive. As I mentioned earlier, it features a QD-OLED panel made by Samsung, and this specific model marks the first time that company has offered a 4K resolution on a 27-inch panel. That might seem like overkill, and in a way it is.

That said, there's one major benefit to the AW2725Q's 166ppi pixel density. This is the first OLED monitor I've used that doesn't sacrifice text clarity. With earlier generations of OLED panels from both Samsung and LG, I found the text fringing really distracting, making them impractical for most productivity tasks. With the AW2725Q, that problem is almost entirely solved, making it not just a great gaming monitor, but a great monitor period.

The AW2725Q offers 99 percent DCI-P3 coverage. Out of the box, my unit needed some calibration, as the green diodes were slightly overpowering everything else. Once I ran the monitor through DisplayCal, the AW2725Q looked nearly perfect. Colors were vibrant without being overbaked. If you want to use the AW2725Q for design work, Dell includes an option to clamp down the display to sRGB in the OSD. Speaking of the OSD, it's well laid out and easy to navigate thanks to a joystick that's just big enough not to feel fiddly.

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

The AW2725Q has a glossy coating that accentuates the panel's ability to produce deep blacks and vibrant colors. In a dimly lit room, the Alienware monitor outputs an image that's almost three-dimensional. When I went to revisit older games, even ones that were mastered in SDR, I felt like I was seeing artistic details I hadn't noticed before. Of course, the tradeoff with a glossy coating is that reflections are far more pronounced. Additionally, one of the quirks of QD-OLED panels is that their black pixels can look gray in rooms with bright ambient light. At first I found this frustrating, but once I got better about using my blinds to manage the light coming through the window, the tradeoff was more than worth it. In that way, the AW2725Q is like any OLED screen: it needs proper lighting to look its best.

Once I had the screen dialed in, the AW2725Q was equally great for both immersive and competitive gaming, thanks in part to its 240Hz refresh rate. Coming from a 165Hz monitor, I didn't think the faster refresh rate would make games feel noticeably smoother, but I was wrong. Even when my NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU wasn't able to saturate the display fully, in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Space Marine 2 for example, I didn't see any blur or smearing. Much of that is thanks to the 0.03ms pixel response time. One of the nice things about OLED monitors, especially if you're running a less powerful GPU like I am, is that you don't need to worry about overdrive modes. I saw VRR flicker when I had G-SYNC enabled, but it seemed less pronounced than what I've seen on older OLED monitors like the LG 27GR95QE.

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

Everything I mentioned so far applies to SDR gaming, but the AW2725Q really comes into its own when you enable HDR. It's a VESA True Black 400-certified display. In dark, atmospheric games like Dead Space and Alan Wake, the AW2725Q's ability to produce true blacks and a near-infinite contrast ratio is transformational. The screen greatly enhances the ambience those games strive to achieve, thanks to dark scenes that aren't washed out by the glow you get on IPS displays.

Unfortunately, I don't have the equipment needed to measure peak brightness and panel uniformity. The reviewers at Rtings and Monitors Unboxed do rate the AW2725Q highly, though. They found the monitor can peak at 220 nits in its SDR mode, and sustain around 260 nits of peak brightness across a full screen during HDR operation. If you're coming from an LCD display, I imagine the AW2725Q won't disappoint, even if it doesn't get as bright as some other OLEDs on the market.

Burn-in protection

A few weeks is not long enough to stress the AW2725Q for burn-in, but from what I've seen so far, with decent care, the panel should last for years. First of all, the monitor comes with a suite of maintenance features. One of those will refresh all the pixels on the panel so they don't get stuck. You can start the process manually through the OSD. The AW2725Q will also initiate the process on its own after you turn off your computer or it goes to sleep. The entire procedure takes about five minutes. There are also self-diagnostic tools for the panel and fan at the back of the display.

In the US, Dell offers a three-year warranty on the AW2725Q, with burn-in protection included in the coverage. Not every manufacturer does this with their OLED monitors, so the fact Dell does is nice and makes the AW2725Q a smarter long-term purchase.

Wrap-up

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

Normally, when I review a product, I can't wait to get back to the device I was using before. I try to be thoughtful about my buying habits, and only purchase things I know will serve me well for years to come. So the best thing I can say about the Alienware AW2725Q is that I'm not looking forward to sending it back. It is an amazing display that has made one of my favorite hobbies more enjoyable. The fact it costs $900 is icing on the cake.

Yes, it's still more expensive than your average IPS gaming monitor, but it's cheaper than the competition without sacrificing visual quality. If you're in the market for a 4K OLED, I would only skip the AW2725Q if you have the desk space to accommodate a 32-inch screen and you prefer that size.

Microsoft is dramatically increasing the price of the Xbox Series X and Series S as well as new games and accessories. The Series S will start at $380, up from $300, while the Series X will begin at $550, a $100 increase on its previous price. The company is also increasing the prices of pretty much all its first-party products and peripherals. A basic controller will now cost $65. Microsoft is also increasing pricing in Europe, UK, Australia and many other countries.

Microsoft, however, isn’t pointing the finger at tariffs: “We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development,” the company said. It’s unusual for a mid-generation console to increase in price — typically, companies launch a slightly more expensive, better-specced iteration instead.

Also this week, Samsung’s chief financial officer Soon-cheol Park told reporters “The ongoing uncertainty surrounding US tariff policies continues to pose a potential risk of demand slowdown.” Park said US tariff policies and stronger export controls against artificial intelligence products are expected to have an impact on demand. In addition to a downward trend on sales, the company also expects tariffs to raise prices for the components it uses on its mobile phones — so expect more expensive smartphones down the line.

The recent addition to upward pricing is DJI’s popular Ozmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera. Up from a launch price of $520, it’s gone way up to $799. (DJI had already bumped the price up last month to $620.) The base camera is now more expensive than the Creator Kit available at launch.

— Mat Smith

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The BBC used AI (and an actor) to bring Agatha Christie back to life

With approval from her estate.

BBC

BBC Maestro offers classes and courses similar to Masterclass, but with a British twist. Its latest tutor, however, died in 1976. Agatha Christie has been digitally revived to teach us all how to write murder mysteries with no reference to smartphones and the internet.

A blend of licensed images, limited footage and past audio recordings converged to create Christie’s likeness. This was fused with recorded footage of actor Vivien Keene, who ‘performs’ the words of Christie on video.

I got to briefly watch some of the lessons. There’s still a glint of uncanny valley, of course, (I think it’s something to do with the eyes?), but even BBC Maestro CEO Michael Levine noted that since the project’s inception a few years ago, the technology had evolved so quickly that the team was able to do even more than it first thought possible.

Continue reading.

Canon Powershot V1 camera review

A powerful compact capable of capturing incredible video.

Engadget

Canon’s PowerShot V1 is a versatile hybrid camera with excellent video and image quality thanks to the unusually large sensor. It goes up against Sony’s ZV-1 II and beats it in multiple ways, including a built-in fan to minimize overheating. It’s also capable of 10-bit log 4K video for those willing to dig into higher-quality footage. The PowerShot V1 is bound to be a hit because it delivers both on video and photo quality.

Continue reading.

Sam Altman's eyeball-scanning ID technology debuts in the US

World is opening six locations across the country.

A startup co-founded by Sam Altman has launched its World eyeball-scanning identity verification system in the US. During an event in San Francisco, Altman reportedly said World’s technology provides “a way to make sure humans remained central and special in a world where the internet had a lot of AI-driven content.” Altman is also one of the founders and is currently the CEO of OpenAI, of Chat-GPT fame. (Or infamy.)

The project uses basketball-sized spherical objects called Orbs to scan the user’s irises, which it turns into their unique IrisCode. It then uses that information to create a World ID for the user, which they can use to log into integrated platforms, including Minecraft and Reddit.

Continue reading.

If you love capturing your adventures, from mountain biking trails to underwater dives, an action camera is a must-have in your gear bag. The best action camera delivers crisp footage, rugged durability and the flexibility to shoot in just about any environment — including in the rain, snow or under water. These compact, often wearable devices are built to go where your phone or mirrorless camera simply can’t, offering features like image stabilization, wide angle lenses and impressive video resolution for smooth, immersive footage.

Many models now support HDR for vibrant colors, slo-mo for dramatic effect and advanced settings like adjustable aspect ratio and frame rates. Some are even designed as a single-lens solution that can still give you stunning results, without the complexity of multi-camera rigs. And if you're planning long shoots or travel adventures, don’t forget to look for extra batteries and a reliable SD card — two essentials that make a big difference in how much you can capture on the go.

Whether you're new to the world of video cameras or you're a seasoned pro, this buying guide covers our top picks across different price points and use cases. From high-end rigs to the best waterproof camera options, we’ll help you find the best action cam with the compatibility and features you need to capture every epic moment.

Best action cameras for 2025

What to consider before choosing an action camera

Action cameras have certain traits that separate them from regular cameras or smartphones. The most important is ruggedness that makes them resistant to water, dust and shocks. Most action cameras are now waterproof cameras without the need for a separate enclosure. At the same time, you can purchase housing accessories to make them waterproof to even greater depths.

Video quality is also key. Every model we recommend goes to at least 4K 60fps, but some models like GoPro’s latest Hero 13 boost video resolution up to 5.3K 60fps, or even 8K 30p with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. That allows you to crop in on shots and capture vertical video at higher resolutions for social media. Another nice feature is log video that improves dynamic range when filming on sunny, contrasty days — and many newer models now support HDR for even more vibrant footage. Plus, if you film in dim environments, you’ll want the largest sensor possible for the best low-light performance, much like with high-end video cameras or mirrorless systems.

For activities with bumps and jolts like mountain biking, image stabilization is incredibly important. You want your video to look smooth, but still need to convey the thrill and speed of the action. The Hero 13 is still the top pick in this regard, delivering jolt-free video that makes the viewer feel like they’re going down the bike trail or ski slope, with no annoying digital artifacts. DJI and Insta360’s products are good, but not quite at that level yet.

Some action cameras are easier to handle and use, so take that into account as well. You’ll want bright and colorful displays both front and back, buttons you won’t have to fumble to find and easy-to-use menus. Remote control is another factor that can ease operation. And you’ll want to check which software is available to improve image stabilization, edit video, remove selfie sticks and more. Also, look out for compatibility with third-party accessories or apps that can expand what your camera can do.

Then there's the area of accessories. Do you need helmet or chest mounts, extra batteries, waterproof housings, or a fast SD card? GoPro has the largest number of those, but DJI makes handy wireless mics that connect directly with its cameras. And of course, battery life is critical for action shooting as it’s hard to change one when you’re out surfing.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Apple laptop, the right accessories can make a big difference. From expanding ports with USB-C hubs to improving your workflow with external monitors, the best MacBook accessories help you stay productive, protected and powered up wherever you go. Whether you're editing video, working on the go or setting up the perfect home office, there's a wide range of gear that can elevate your setup.

To help you build the perfect kit, this buying guide highlights the must-have MacBook accessories that bring added functionality, comfort and convenience — whether you're using a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro.

Table of contents

• Best MacBook accessories for 2025

• Best MacBook webcam accessories

• Best MacBook docking stations and hubs

• Best MacBook charging gear

• Best MacBook keyboards and mice

• Best MacBook stands

Best MacBook accessories for 2025

Best MacBook webcam accessories

Best MacBook docking stations and hubs

Best MacBook charging gear

Best MacBook keyboards and mice

Best MacBook stands

Microsoft

Gaming is about to get a lot more expensive — at least for Xbox fans. Effective today, May 1, Microsoft is increasing the price of Xbox consoles and controllers, and not by an insignificant amount: 

• The Xbox Series S 512GB, is now $380, more than a 25 percent increase from $300. 

• The Xbox Series X 1TB Digital is now $550, a 22 percent increase from $450. 

• The Xbox Series S 1TB is now $430, a 22 percent increase from $350).

• The Xbox Series X 1TB with Blu-ray is now $600, a 20 percent increase from $500.

• The Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition is now $730, a 22 percent increase from $600.

The news doesn't end there. Controllers and headsets now start at $65 and top out at $200 for the "Full" Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Games will also increase in price, though not right away: "Some of our new, first-party games will launch at $79.99 beginning this holiday season," Microsoft explains. That last one seems more about leaning in to Nintendo's ambitious Switch 2 game pricing, and less about any possible tariff impact (though it's worth noting Xbox prices are going up worldwide, not just in the US.)

But not all is negative, as if you're in the market for a new console, prices at online retailers have yet to catch up. Before you whip out your credit card, remember some key caveats here. The current Xbox platform is effectively five years old, with the leaked mid-gen "Brooklin" refresh seemingly canceled. An all-new Xbox generation is also expected to arrive in the next few years, perhaps 2028, with leaks suggesting it may be a "cloud hybrid" machine. And more and more previous Xbox exclusives are beginning to pop up on the PS5, too. That said, if you've been waiting to buy an Xbox, now is the time, as these legacy prices could disappear any minute. 

Best Xbox deals

Lyft is rolling out a new service called Lyft Silver that's specifically designed to give aging and elderly people a way to get around when driving isn't an option.

The basic pitch is that while getting rides from friends and family is great, it can limit the sense of independence an elderly person has. According to Audrey Liu, Lyft's head of Rider and Community Safety, the goal "wasn't just to build a service, but to remove everything that makes getting around a challenge." Lyft Silver will ideally help people "stay connected with their communities." 

Public transportation is already doing that for plenty of elderly people, but not everyone has access and Lyft is promising an extra level of security and support. Besides featuring a simpler interface, the new service adds access to live human support whenever you need it. Lyft Silver will also prioritize matching riders with cars that are easier to get in and out of, and make it easier to share ride details with loved ones.

Lyft has offered features in the past that acknowledge elderly riders, but hasn't addressed them directly. The company's Concierge service lets a doctor's office order a ride for an elderly patient, for example. Lyft has also partnered with healthcare providers to offer paid rides to appointments. Lyft Silver just simplifies things even further by repackaging the basic ride-hailing experience for an older audience.

Lyft says Lyft Silver will launch in early access "nationwide" on May 5. You'll be able to use the service directly from the normal Lyft app, and the company says families will be able to pay for their loved ones rides with Lyft Cash, the company's in-app payment method.

Epic Games just announced some changes to its store that should please budding developers. The company will not charge a commission of any kind for the first $1,000,000 in revenue from an app per year. Once a piece of software goes past that threshold, Epic will begin taking its standard rate of 12 percent. The policy goes into effect in June.

This sounds like a real boon for smaller devs, especially when you consider that Steam takes 30 percent of sales as commission. Apple isn’t a direct competitor here, but the App Store takes 15 percent on the first million in revenue. This increases to 30 percent once that metric is met.

Epic also announced something called webshops, which sounds like a way for developers to avoid Apple’s App Store fees. These shops are powered by the Epic Games Store and offer customers "out-of-app purchases, as a more cost-effective alternative to in-app purchases." These stores will be available next month "on any platform that allows it," though that now includes iOS devices in both the EU and the US.

The company will begin offering a bonus of five percent in Epic Rewards to lure customers to these webshops. This will be applicable to all purchases, though the company hasn’t said if it's a limited time offer.

Epic is able to do this whole webshop thing because it just won a case against long-time foe Apple. A California court just ordered Apple to stop collecting fees for purchases made outside of the App Store.

The ruling also means that Fortnite is coming back to Apple devices in the US next week. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has stated that the company would return the game to the App Store worldwide, so long as Apple extends the court’s ruling across all countries. The company will also drop all pending litigation on the topic. He’s calling it a "peace plan," but Apple has yet to respond.