Daily Brief — 2026-02-17
Top deals — Presidents’ Day
- Presidents’ Day sales are live with tech discounts across brands (advertised “up to 43% off”).
- Apple-specific deal: Apple Watch Series 11 is listed at $299 — about $100 off during the sale window.
Quick updates worth your wallet’s attention
- Rode is rolling out a free firmware update adding “Direct Connect” to Wireless Pro and Wireless Go (3rd-gen), letting those mics pair directly with iPhones and iPads (it was already on the Wireless Micro).
- Apple added a dedicated Formula 1 channel to the Apple TV app, expanding where sports/subscription content can surface.
- Apple’s Podcasts app now supports HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video, which may affect how some video podcast content is delivered.
- Apple has scheduled an “Apple Experience” event for March 4; the company hasn’t confirmed product specifics yet — keep an eye for announcements that could shift prices.
- iPhone Fold rumors continue to circulate, but no official release details have been confirmed.
- Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile servers will be taken offline on April 17, 2026 — useful to know if you subscribe to in-game services or battle passes.
- Engadget refreshed its guide to the best noise-canceling earbuds for 2026 — a handy reference before buying during holiday sales.
What to consider before you buy
- Compare sale prices to recent lows (some deals are limited-time).
- For accessories and firmware-enabled devices (like Rode mics), check for available updates that add value without extra cost.
- If buying hardware tied to services (Apple TV, games), note upcoming events or service changes that can affect long-term value.
Key takeaways
- Presidents’ Day is currently the best place to hunt for mid-winter tech discounts, including the Apple Watch Series 11 at $299.
- Firmware and software updates (Rode, Apple Podcasts) are adding functionality that can change accessory value.
- Keep an eye on Apple’s March 4 event and known service shutdowns (Warzone Mobile) when buying subscriptions or time-limited content.
Sources
- There’s a dedicated channel for Formula 1 in the Apple TV app now: https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/theres-a-dedicated-channel-for-formula-1-in-the-apple-tv-app-now-230904295.html?src=rss
- More Rode mics can now connect directly to iPhones and iPads: https://www.engadget.com/audio/more-rode-mics-can-now-connect-directly-to-iphones-and-ipads-230000533.html?src=rss
- Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile will go offline on April 17: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/call-of-duty-warzone-mobile-will-go-offline-on-april-17-222240967.html?src=rss
- The best noise-canceling earbuds for 2026: https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-canceling-earbuds-150026857.html?src=rss
- Apple’s Podcasts app now supports HTTP Live Streaming video technology: https://www.engadget.com/apps/apples-podcasts-app-now-supports-http-live-streaming-video-technology-182605460.html?src=rss
- iPhone Fold rumors: Everything we know so far: https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-fold-rumors-everything-we-know-so-far-including-the-leaked-design-upgrades-price-and-more-details-130000074.html?src=rss
- Apple’s next event is set for March 4: https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/apples-next-event-is-set-for-march-4-145931890.html?src=rss
- Presidents’ Day sales 2026 are live (best tech deals up to 43% off): https://www.engadget.com/deals/presidents-day-sales-2026-are-live-the-best-tech-deals-up-to-43-percent-off-to-shop-from-apple-samsung-anker-and-others-163000321.html?src=rss
- Apple Presidents’ Day sales are live (Apple Watch Series 11 for $299): https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-presidents-day-sales-are-live-get-the-apple-watch-series-11-for-299-plus-more-deals-to-shop-now-151616701.html?src=rss
- Layers of Fear 3 revealed: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/layers-of-3-revealed-via-a-mysterious-trailer-and-poem-153021903.html?src=rss
- The creators of Mixtape want to make a great hangout video game: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-creators-of-mixtape-want-to-make-a-great-hangout-video-game-140026928.html?src=rss
- The Vatican introduces an AI-assisted live translation service: https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-vatican-introduces-an-ai-assisted-live-translation-service-163014907.html?src=rss
Disclaimer: Not financial/professional advice.