Today’s highlights
- Apple appears to have discontinued its cheapest Mac mini; the compact Mac now starts at $799 and ships with 512GB of storage. (May 1)
- LG’s 2026 Gram laptop lineup starts at $1,150 and is available now from LG’s website. (May 1)
- There’s already a way to mount a smartphone to Valve’s Steam Controller, though support across iOS and Android apps is limited. (May 1)
- Engadget’s podcast revisits whether the Valve Steam Controller is worth $100 — useful context if you’re weighing that purchase. (May 1)
- It’s Bandcamp Friday again — a straightforward chance to buy music directly from artists. (May 1)
- Oura added more detailed hormonal health insights to its Series 3 and 4 rings to track potential side effects of various birth control methods. (May 1)
- Microsoft is rolling Xbox mode out to Windows 11 PCs, bringing a console-like interface to some desktops and laptops. (May 1)
Deals & buying notes
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Mac buyers: Apple raising the Mac mini’s base configuration to a $799/512GB starting point may change the bargain landscape for compact desktops; stock clearances or used-unit discounts are possible but not certain. If you were waiting for a low-end new mini, consider alternatives or monitor retailers for any remaining older SKUs.
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Laptop shoppers: LG’s 2026 Gram line is live starting at $1,150 on LG’s site — good to compare against competing ultraportables for specs and current promotions.
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Gamers and mobile streamers: if you already own a Steam Controller or plan to buy one, the third-party smartphone mounting option makes handheld streaming easier, but expect app compatibility limits and read individual compatibility notes before assuming full support.
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Audio & music: Bandcamp Friday is an easy, low-friction moment to buy music and support artists directly; check artist pages for new releases or limited offers.
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Wearables & health: Oura’s hormonal-health feature is a software-level enhancement for Series 3 and 4 ring owners — not a price change, but worth noting for anyone tracking birth-control side effects.
Key takeaways
- Apple shifted the Mac mini entry point to $799 (512GB); keep an eye on remaining stock and used listings.
- LG’s Gram lineup is available now starting at $1,150 — compare before buying.
- The Steam Controller ecosystem is evolving (mounts exist), but real-world app support remains limited.
- Bandcamp Friday is back — a direct-support moment for music buyers.
Sources
- AI performances and screenplays won’t be eligible for Oscars — https://www.engadget.com/2162342/ai-performances-and-screenplays-wont-be-eligible-for-oscars/
- Apple appears to have discontinued its cheapest Mac mini — https://www.engadget.com/2162334/apple-appears-to-have-discontinued-its-cheapest-mac-mini/
- There’s already a way to mount your smartphone to a Steam Controller — https://www.engadget.com/2162203/theres-already-a-way-to-mount-your-smartphone-to-a-steam-controller/
- LG’s 2026 Gram laptop lineup starts at $1,150 — https://www.engadget.com/2162125/lg-2026-gram-laptop-lineup-starts-at-1150/
- It’s Bandcamp Friday again — https://www.engadget.com/2162117/its-bandcamp-friday-again/
- Oura adds more detailed hormonal health insights to its Series 3 and 4 rings — https://www.engadget.com/2162066/oura-adds-more-detailed-hormonal-health-insights-to-its-series-3-and-4-rings/
- Engadget Podcast: Is the Valve Steam Controller worth $100? — https://www.engadget.com/2161921/engadget-podcast-is-the-valve-steam-controller-worth-dollar100/
- Microsoft’s Xbox mode starts making its way to Windows 11 PCs — https://www.engadget.com/2161816/microsoft-xbox-mode-windows-11-rollout/
Disclaimer: Not financial/professional advice.