This week, Black Friday month formally kicked off, and we reviewed the model new Samsung Galaxy XR headset.
To compensate for each of those tales and lots extra, scroll right down to learn our quick-fire catch-up of the week’s seven greatest tech information tales.
7. Black Friday month started
We’re nonetheless a couple of weeks away from Black Friday correct (this yr it’s set for November 28), however that hasn’t stopped main shops from launching main offers as a part of their early Black Friday gross sales.
We’re seeing main reductions from all kinds of manufacturers, together with Samsung, Ninja, Hisense, and extra, throughout quite a lot of retailers within the US and UK – with some reductions being critically spectacular, contemplating it’s not but Black Friday correct.
We’ve been overlaying Black Friday offers for years, and these early offers are effectively value your time – whereas some gadgets will get cheaper as November twenty eighth approaches, many received’t – and others nonetheless may truly go up in worth. So don’t be afraid to browse the early gross sales and seize a pre-Black Friday deal whilst you can.
6. Google Maps obtained an enormous Gemini improve
In case you repeatedly use Google Maps whereas driving, this week introduced some constructive information – the app is getting a Gemini mind transplant that ought to make it a significantly better navigational copilot.
Among the enhancements embrace rather more pure voice help (for instance, having the ability to ask follow-up questions concerning the parking at your vacation spot), higher turning instructions (like “flip proper after the Thai Siam Restaurant”), and a brand new Gemini-powered model of Google Lens contained in the Google Maps app.
On the draw back, most of those options will initially be US-only. Nonetheless, the improved Gemini voice help is rolling out on Android and iOS in all areas the place the AI assistant is on the market. Anticipate to start out chatting to it “within the coming weeks”.
5. IKEA launched 21 good dwelling devices
IKEA isn’t messing round with regards to good dwelling tech, it appears, because it simply dropped 21 new merchandise to select from throughout good lights, good sensors, and good controls.
This consists of the KAJPLATS collection lights with 11 completely different bulb sorts, the MYGGSPRAY movement sensor, ALPSTUGA air high quality sensor, and the GRILLPLATS good plug, amongst others (as with all IKEA’s choices, we love the names).
Better of all, these devices are Matter appropriate, so you possibly can simply sync them along with your current good dwelling setup.
4. Spotify dropped Wrapped-lite
Earlier this week, Spotify rolled out a brand new in-app listening stats tab that gives recent insights into your weekly listening habits – and it’s a good way to get us prepared for Wrapped season.
In addition to having the ability to view your prime artists and songs in actual time, you’ll additionally discover new playlists based mostly on what you’ve been listening to lately. Spotify has additionally shared that every week you’ll obtain a ‘particular spotlight’, which could possibly be something from a milestone to a brand new discovery to a singular truth about your private listening habits.
Spotify has shared that not solely are listening stats designed to point out what you’ve been streaming essentially the most, however in addition they goal to deliver you nearer to the music you already love.
Listening stats are actually rolling out to Free and Premium customers in over 60 international markets and can replace each 24 hours, providing new suggestions based mostly in your listening habits.
3. Grand Theft Auto was delayed once more
Feeling déjà vu? You is likely to be as a result of Rockstar simply introduced that the subsequent installment within the Grand Theft Auto franchise, GTA VI, has been delayed till November 19, 2026 – virtually precisely 6 months later than its earlier launch date of Might 26, 2026.
In an announcement, Rockstar Video games stated, “We’re sorry for including further time to what we understand has been an extended wait, however these additional months will permit us to complete the sport with the extent of polish you have got come to anticipate and deserve.”
The sport continues to be set to land on the PS5 and Xbox Collection X (and Collection S) era of consoles, but when any extra delays occur, Rockstar may have to prepared a PS6 launch.
2. DJI hit out at its looming US drone ban
The clock is ticking on a DJI drone ban – and forward of the essential cut-off day on December 23, the FCC (Federal Communications Fee) has now given itself the facility to ban devices that it thinks current a safety danger retroactively.
Because of this, in concept, not solely may new DJI merchandise be banned within the US from 2026, however the FCC may additionally return and take away older devices from sale, too. The Chinese language drone big, understandably, isn’t blissful, calling for an extension of the choice and suggesting that “due course of, equity, and transparency” aren’t being utilized.
Sadly for drone followers within the US, it’s trying more and more like a Huawei-style scenario for DJI – however house owners of current drones will not less than be capable to maintain and use them, for now.
1. We spent every week with Samsung’s Galaxy XR
We’ve tried the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, and it’s a formidable multimodal AI spatial pc which is less expensive than the competitors (aka the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional), although at this early stage, we aren’t certain it fairly does sufficient to face out.
In keeping with Lance Ulanoff, “The Samsung Galaxy XR delivers moments of magnificence and inspiration, but it surely’s additionally stuffed stuffed with disappointment, from the sound of followers in your face to imprecision of gestures to a complete lack of ‘wow’ apps and experiences.”
Our hope is that Samsung’s headset will enhance over time, however for now, it solely earns three-and-a-half stars.
