The Roku remote is coming to your wrist. The company announced today the launch of an Apple Watch app that lets you control your Roku device, including Roku media players and select Roku TVs, with a tap — just like the Roku mobile app, but sized for your wrist.
Considered the limited screen real estate, the app is fairly robust in terms of its feature set.
In addition to the expected media controls — like the ability to play and pause what you’re watching –, the app also offers a home button, the select button (“OK”), a back button and directional arrows. And it includes a way to launch your favorite channels, which are organized in order of the most recently launched to make them easier to access. That way, if you always watch Netflix, you don’t have to scroll down to find it.
In addition, the tiny remote app includes voice search functionality. To activate, you just tap the voice icon, then say things like “Launch Hulu” or “search for comedies,” or even change sources, like “switch to HDMI 1” for your Roku TV, the company explains. This will work on Apple Watch versions 1 through 5.
And if you have a Roku Ultra or a Roku TV with the Remote Finder functionality which uses an audible chime to locate a lost remote control in the couch cushions, you can also use the Roku Apple Watch app to signal your Roku remote to start making a noise.
All these features will be familiar to anyone who has already used the Roku remote for smartphones, as the Apple Watch app is just a miniaturized version. The only thing it’s missing is the ability to stream The Roku Channels’ free movies, but obviously that’s not a feature you’ll want on your wristwatch. (I mean…right?)
To get the Roku Apple Watch app, you’ll need to download or update your Roku iOS app to the latest version (6.1.3), and the app will appear on your Watch as long as you haven’t disabled “Automatic App Install” in the Watch’s Settings.
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It'll likely be a huge holiday season for the Nintendo Switch, namely because of the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield. Chances are, you have someone on your holiday shopping list who wants a Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite (or maybe that person is you). We're here to help you fulfill holiday wishes by rounding up all of the best Nintendo Switch console and accessory deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And as more retailers release their Black Friday ads, we'll include the best discounts here.
Let's break the disappointing news right out of the gate. Judging by the early Black Friday ads we've seen, the Nintendo Switch won't be getting a nice discount or even a particularly amazing bundle this holiday season. Instead, Nintendo has provided retailers with the same Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Switch bundle from last Black Friday. And yes, it still includes the launch model Switch, not the updated Switch with better battery life that hit stores a few months back. While the Switch Lite is prominently featured in ads, so far it's just that: an ad for the $200 handheld-only Switch, with no discount to speak of.
That doesn't mean there won't be great deals on Switch accessories, though. In fact, we've already seen countless accessories featured in the various Black Friday ads that have dropped, and you can expect even more accessory deals as retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop release their Black Friday ads. And if Best Buy's ad is any indication, there will also be some seriously awesome Switch game deals.
Best Black Friday Nintendo Switch console deals
Nintendo Switch with free digital copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and screen protector | $300
This Switch bundle was offered in 2018, and on the surface, it's a pretty good deal. You get the Switch and an awesome game that regularly goes for around $50 these days. However, please note this isn't the updated Switch with better battery life; it's the launch model. If you love Mario Kart and aren't concerned about the longer battery life, this is a solid offer; otherwise, you may be better off just buying the newer model for the same price and waiting for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to go on sale. We're highlighting Best Buy's bundle here because the retailer is throwing in a screen protector, but expect this bundle to be available at most major retailers as it's an official Nintendo offer. Perhaps one smart retailer will throw in more than just a screen protector.
Nintendo Switch (new model) with carrying case and charging dock with $90 Kohl's Cash | $320 ($345)
If you're not eager to grab Nintendo's official bundle, we know Kohl's will have its own bundle that does, in fact, feature the updated Switch with better battery life. For $320, you'll get the Switch, a carrying case ($20 value), and the popular PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock ($25 value). The real draw here is that you'll get $90 Kohl's Cash to spend in the weeks following Black Friday.
Best Black Friday Nintendo Switch accessory deals
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (L/R) Neon Red/Blue or Gray | $60 ($80)
An extra pair of Joy-Con controllers normally sets you back $80, and even though you get "two" controllers, that's still pricey. Thankfully, Switch Joy-Cons will be on sale for $60 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target this Black Friday. You can choose between neon red/blue or gray.
PowerA wired controllers | $15 ($25)
Like Joy-Cons, Switch Pro controllers are expensive, but there are some reasonable third-party options like PowerA's lineup of wired controllers. Using the same layout as the Pro controller but with a slightly smaller form factor, PowerA's wired controllers are pretty darn good and come in three awesome designs: Zelda, Super Mario, and a Pikachu-yellow Pokemon theme. All three will be discounted to $15 during Best Buy's Black Friday sale.
Poke Ball Plus | $20 ($50)
While the Poke Ball Plus initially launched as an alternative controller for Pokemon: Let's Go, it will also be compatible with Pokemon Sword and Shield, allowing you to "hold" one of your Pokemon and take it with you on the go (presumably to rack up experience points or earn extra items). However, it won't function as a controller for Pokemon Sword and Shield the same way it did for Pokemon: Let's Go. The Poke Ball Plus also comes with Mew, a mythical Pokemon that can be transferred into Pokemon: Let's Go. The accessory is normally $50, but all the major retailers will have it for $20 during Black Friday.
Nintendo Switch Elite Edition Starter Kit | $15 ($25)
If you're buying a Nintendo Switch this holiday season, you should be in the market for a case, too. This starter kit comes with a carrying case, USB-C cable, silicone Joy-Con covers, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. It'll be discounted to $15 at Best Buy.
Insignia Power Pack for Switch/Switch Lite | $12.50 ($25)
For those who like traveling with their Switch (and who doesn't?), a car charger is a great accessory to have. This Insignia pack comes with a car charger, a USB-C cable, and an extra AC adapter. Having a second AC adapter is handy, as you won't have to unplug your AC adapter from your dock every time you want to take your Switch on a trip.
We’re nearly two months out from the launch of Apple Arcade, and things haven’t slowed down much: excellent new games from well-known creators still regularly hit the subscription service. The latest is Guildlings, a quirky fantasy adventure game developed by some of the minds behind Threes and The Misadventures of PB Winterbottom, which launches today. The RPG takes place in a world that blends high fantasy with modern day YA tropes; the creators describe it as “a world of wizards and Wi-Fi.”
Here’s how the creators describe what you’ll actually be doing in the game:
Leverage your Guild members’ abilities in playful turn-based combat, using unique powers tied to each party member’s personality and mood. Keeping your team happy will make your journey easier, but sometimes a little drama will take the story to interesting (and hilarious) places!
Guildlings also features controller support, and the developers say it’s playable in both portrait and widescreen modes. What’s available now is described as “chapter one,” so if you like what’s there, it appears there is more in the works.
Guildlings is launching at a busy time — Death Stranding also comes out today, and there’s a brand-new Pokémon adventure next week — but the developers say it only lasts around five or six hours, making it an ideal weekend distraction.
The new office will provide animation services to developers building exclusive PlayStation 5 games
PlayStation will open a new development office in Malaysia in 2020.
It's the company's first Southeast Asian studio and will provide art and animation as part of Worldwide Studios's efforts to make exclusive games for PlayStation consoles. Worldwide Studios includes the likes of Guerrilla Games, Japan Studio, Insomniac, Media Molecule, Naughty Dog, Polyphony Digital, London Studio, Sucker Punch, and many more.
The news was announced by YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, the Minister of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia.
"With this establishment, Malaysia will be working closely with Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios to create more opportunities for the local and regional games industry," said YB Gobind Singh Deo. "Together, we will work to uplift creative talents in Malaysia and even establish a partnership with our local educational partners. This is to ensure that accelerated growth of the industry in our country will be supported."
YB Datuk Darrel Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry Malaysia, added that this part of an effort from the country to attract "high quality investment from international companies.
He said: "Malaysia has all the right criteria to become the favored investment location for international game developers. Our thriving games ecosystem and world-class talent have attracted over 60 game development studios from all over the world and we look forward to more in the future."
PlayStation CEO and President Jim Ryan added: "Impressive talent, a vibrant game ecosystem, and support from the government are key reasons why we have decided to take our partnership with Malaysia to the next level."
According to the release, Malaysia has built up its Digital Creative Content industry, creating 149 projects and generating RM7.6 billion ($1.84 billion).
A few days ago, Microsoft revived the OneNote 2016 desktop app (released with Office 2016) with an update that gives it the ability to go dark. The tech giant previously said that it would no longer be updating that particular application and will be focusing on the separate OneNote app for Windows 10 instead. Well, somewhere along the way, the company must've had a change of heart. OneNote product manager Ben Hodes has announced at a Microsoft Ignite session that his team is merging all its modern code back into the legacy 2016 codebase. That means the 2016 desktop app is getting more features in addition to a dark mode.
According to The Verge, the features coming to the app include @mentions for OneNote inside of Microsoft Teams, search integration to make it easier to find stuff inside notes, Tasks and To Do integration, as well as some accessibility features. Those will make their way to the desktop application over the next year-and-a-half, with @mentions becoming available within the first half of 2020. Plus, Microsoft has announced that OneNote is part of its Fluid Framework plans. The company's Fluid Framework technology will let you create files that can be many different formats at once, and Microsoft promises to preview OneNote in Fluid next year.
It's not entirely clear what'll happen to the OneNote app for Windows 10. Microsoft Product Manager Mike Tholfsen revealed on Twitter that there "will still be a Desktop and separate Windows 10 app." The company may shift its focus to the 2016 version, though: In its previous announcement, it said Office 365 desktop installs will automatically include OneNote 2016 starting in March. It also said that it will support the desktop application until 2025, thanks to user feedback.
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Black Friday is still weeks away, but retailers are already trying to pull shoppers into their stores with enticing discounts, and Target's preview is worth checking out for anyone considering a cellphone upgrade. On November 8th and 9th, it will throw a Target gift card in with several smartphones purchased and activated with either Verizon or AT&T. You may be able to find deep discounts via bill credits on activated phones elsewhere, but that's going to be immediately useful for the rest of your holiday shopping.
Prefer Android? There's a $300 gift card waiting for you upon the purchase of a Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL, available now through Sunday.
Finally, you can get a $400 gift card waiting along with Samsung's Galaxy S10, S10+ and Note 10+, or $200 if you prefer the cheaper Galaxy S10E, all available from now through Sunday.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
