Technology

As we approach the end of the year, the tech world is buzzing with exciting deals that cater to various interests, from 3D printing enthusiasts to gamers looking to upgrade their rigs. With the holiday season in full swing, now is the perfect time to snag some fantastic discounts on high-quality gadgets and accessories. Here’s a rundown of some of the best deals currently available.

Bambu Lab has made a name for itself with user-friendly 3D printers, and their P1S Combo 3D Printer is no exception. Originally priced at $749.99, this multicolor FDM printer is now available for just $549.99 at Best Buy, a 27% discount that makes it an attractive option for both beginners and seasoned creators. The enclosed design allows for better temperature control and noise suppression, making it ideal for home use. Plus, the dedicated Bambu app simplifies the printing process, allowing users to print quickly and efficiently.

As technology continues to evolve, so do the ways we connect and share information. Google is currently developing a new contact-sharing feature for Android that draws inspiration from Apple’s popular NameDrop functionality. Known internally as “Gesture Exchange” or “Contact Exchange,” this feature aims to simplify the process of exchanging contact information between Android devices.

Recent updates to Google Play Services have unveiled a captivating animation that will accompany this feature. When two Android phones are brought close together, users can expect to see this animation, signaling that the devices are ready to exchange information. While the feature is still in the early stages of development, the promise of seamless contact sharing is already generating excitement among Android users.

In the vibrant world of gaming, terms often emerge that encapsulate entire communities, movements, or trends. One such term that once resonated strongly within the gaming community was “Nindies,” a catchy label used by Nintendo to refer to indie games on its platforms, particularly during the Wii U and 3DS eras, and into the early days of the Nintendo Switch. However, as we approach the end of 2025, the term has faded into obscurity. What led to the decline of “Nindies,” and what does it reveal about the intersection of creativity and corporate policy?

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the anticipation surrounding Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine is palpable. With the promise of a dedicated GPU featuring 8GB of video memory, this device aims to carve out a niche in the competitive gaming market. However, the journey to this new gaming frontier is not without its challenges, especially when comparing the performance of integrated graphics to dedicated solutions.

Recently, I explored my own homebrew Steam Machine, a custom-built desktop powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G processor and a Radeon 780M integrated GPU. While the experience was intriguing, I wouldn’t recommend replicating this build due to the current high prices of RAM. Fortunately, for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are numerous mini PCs available on Amazon equipped with the same GPU, capable of delivering a gaming experience similar to that of the popular Steam Deck.

In an exciting reveal during the recent PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted livestream, a new game titled SOL Shogunate has captured the attention of gamers and RPG enthusiasts alike. Developed by Chaos Manufacturing, this third-person action-RPG invites players into a unique narrative where they step into the shoes of Yuzuki, an outlaw ronin seeking vengeance against a rival clan that decimated her noble samurai family. However, this isn’t your typical feudal Japan setting; the story unfolds in a colonized solar system dominated by a powerful shogunate.

As of late November 2025, Apple’s iPad lineup continues to cater to a wide array of users, from casual consumers to creative professionals. With the introduction of the latest entry-level iPad, Apple has solidified its position as a go-to brand for tablets that blend performance with affordability.

The new entry-level iPad is powered by the A16 chip, ensuring a smooth user experience whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, engaging in casual gaming, or tackling light work tasks. The device boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours on mixed use, making it a reliable companion for daily activities. Notably, this model also doubles the storage capacity of its predecessor, offering 128GB instead of 64GB, which is a significant upgrade for users looking to store photos, videos, and apps without constantly worrying about space. Additionally, the iPad supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C), allowing users to take notes or explore their artistic side, although it’s important to note that this stylus lacks the pressure sensitivity and advanced features of the Apple Pencil Pro.

In a festive gesture for gamers, Battlefield Studios has announced a free trial for its latest installment, Battlefield 6, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. The trial runs from November 25 through December 2, 2025, and is now live, offering players a chance to experience a taste of the full game.

This free trial allows players to explore five different game modes across three diverse maps, making it an enticing opportunity for both new players and seasoned fans looking to dive back into the action. Available on all major platforms—PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC—the trial can be easily accessed through the respective digital storefronts.

As we approach 2026, the tech world is buzzing with speculation about Apple’s next flagship smartphone lineup, the iPhone 18 series. Breaking away from its traditional launch strategy, Apple is rumored to be planning a more streamlined release, focusing on three premium models: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the highly anticipated iPhone Fold. This shift indicates a significant change in Apple’s approach, leaving many to wonder what features and innovations will accompany these new devices.

The journey of Zork, one of the pioneering text-based adventure games, is a fascinating tale that intertwines the history of computing, gaming, and open-source development. Originating in the era of university mainframes, Zork began as a creative outlet for students who sought entertainment during their academic pursuits. As technology evolved, so too did Zork, making its way from large, powerful systems to the home computers of the 1980s.

Initially developed on the PDP-10 mainframe, Zork’s complex coding in MDL was a challenge for the less powerful home computers that emerged in the market. This limitation prompted the creation of the Z-machine, a virtual machine designed to facilitate the game’s porting process. The Z-machine allowed Zork to be adapted for various platforms, leading to the release of Zork I, II, and III. These adaptations brought the engaging narrative and intricate puzzles of Zork to a wider audience, cementing its status as a classic in the gaming world.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, savvy gamers are already on the lookout for the best deals, and Sony is making headlines with significant price cuts on its PlayStation 5 consoles. With Black Friday just around the corner, now is the perfect time to snag one of these coveted gaming systems at a reduced price.

Currently, the PS5 Digital Edition (slim) is available for approximately $399, marking a $100 discount and its lowest price of the year. Retail giants like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are all participating in this sale. If you prefer the standard PS5 (slim), you can find it for around $449, also $100 off, at the same retailers. For those seeking a more powerful gaming experience, the PlayStation 5 Pro is now priced at about $649, which is $100 off its regular price and matches its lowest price to date.