Headline roundup
- Apple is partnering with IMAX to show five Formula 1 races from the 2026 season.
- Meta is splitting Horizon Worlds off from Quest and shifting to a mobile-first approach.
- Slay the Spire 2 enters Early Access on Steam on March 5, 2026.
- YouTube is experimentally rolling its Gemini-powered “Ask” button to smart TVs, consoles and streaming devices.
- Rivian released an Apple Watch app with vehicle controls and digital key support.
- Meta will shut down the standalone Messenger website in April; in-browser messaging remains via Facebook.
- Ring’s CEO has indicated the controversial Search Party feature could be expanded beyond dogs, per reporting.
- Nintendo announced a surprise Switch 2 version of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition.
- Sony is shutting down Bluepoint Games, the studio behind several high-profile remakes.
- West Virginia filed a lawsuit alleging Apple’s iCloud knowingly allowed CSAM materials to be stored.
- Reporting on orbital AI data centers raises environmental and long-term-impact concerns.
- Toy Fair 2026 coverage highlighted notable new consumer toys and gift ideas.
What it means for deals & savings
- Entertainment: Apple’s IMAX partnership could produce ticketed events or premium viewing experiences — watch official Apple/IMAX channels for pricing and promos.
- Gaming: Early access launches (Slay the Spire 2 on March 5) often include launch discounts or limited-time bundles on Steam; monitor the Steam store page for offers.
- TVs & subs: YouTube’s Gemini features on TVs may change how users interact with paid streaming interfaces; experimental rollouts can be region- or device-limited.
- Auto tech: Rivian’s Apple Watch integration increases convenience for owners; no price changes reported—check Rivian channels for any subscription or service updates.
- Privacy & value: Messenger site closure and Ring feature expansions are reminders to evaluate privacy implications when subscribing to services or add‑ons.
Key takeaways
- Apple + IMAX = bigger live F1 experiences; pricing/details pending.
- Slay the Spire 2 Early Access: March 5 on Steam — watch for store offers.
- YouTube’s Gemini “Ask” is coming to TVs as an experiment; availability may be limited.
- Rivian adds Apple Watch controls and digital key support for owners.
- Product and service shifts (Meta, Ring, Messenger) could affect subscription value and privacy; review settings and terms.
Sources
- Apple inks deal for IMAX screenings of live Formula 1 races: https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/apple-inks-deal-for-imax-screenings-of-live-formula-1-races-234003582.html?src=rss
- Meta’s metaverse is going mobile-first: https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/metas-metaverse-is-going-mobile-first-233030532.html?src=rss
- Slay the Spire 2 will enter early access on March 5: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/slay-the-spire-2-will-enter-early-access-on-march-5-210338514.html?src=rss
- YouTube is bringing the Gemini-powered ‘Ask’ button to TVs: https://www.engadget.com/ai/youtube-is-bringing-the-gemini-powered-ask-button-to-tvs-173900295.html?src=rss
- Rivian rolls out an Apple Watch app with vehicle controls and digital key support: https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/rivian-rolls-out-an-apple-watch-app-with-vehicle-controls-and-digital-key-support-172642545.html?src=rss
- Meta is shuttering Messenger’s standalone website: https://www.engadget.com/apps/meta-is-shuttering-messengers-standalone-website-which-is-a-thing-that-exists-191808134.html?src=rss
- Ring could be planning to expand Search Party feature beyond dogs: https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ring-could-be-planning-to-expand-search-party-feature-beyond-dogs-175805706.html?src=rss
- Nintendo announces surprise Switch 2 version of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-announces-surprise-switch-2-version-of-sci-fi-rpg-xenoblade-chronicles-x-definitive-edition-153121689.html?src=rss
- Sony is shutting down the studio behind the Demon’s Souls remake: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-is-shutting-down-the-studio-behind-the-demons-souls-remake-195234213.html?src=rss
- West Virginia is suing Apple alleging negligence over CSAM materials: https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/west-virginia-is-suing-apple-alleging-negligence-over-csam-materials-164647648.html?src=rss
- Orbital AI data centers could work, but they might ruin Earth in the process: https://www.engadget.com/ai/orbital-ai-data-centers-could-work-but-they-might-ruin-earth-in-the-process-170000099.html?src=rss
- Here are my favorite things from Toy Fair 2026: https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/here-are-my-favorite-things-from-toy-fair-2026-183356720.html?src=rss
Not financial or professional advice.