The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is on sale for just $29. That’s a discount of 27 percent and the lowest we’ve ever seen it.

Roku has held the top spot in the TV OS market for years thanks to its user-friendly interface, an affordable range of streaming devices and its own lineup of TVs. We picked the Streaming Stick Plus as the best streaming device for free and live content, thanks in large part to The Roku Channel app that accompanies it. The Roku Channel features over 500 free TV channels with live news, sports coverage and a rotating lineup of TV shows and movies.

Roku

In our hands-on review of the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, we thought it was perfect for travel thanks to its small size and the fact that it can be powered by your TV’s USB port, nixing the need for a wall adapter. Menu navigation and opening or closing apps won’t happen at quite the same speeds as more expensive streamers, but it’s quick enough for what is ultimately a pretty low-cost option. The Wi-Fi range on this one is also weaker than Roku’s pricier devices, but unless you are placing it exceedingly far from your router, it shouldn’t be an issue.

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus supports both HD and 4K TVs, as well as HDR10+ content. It doesn’t support Dolby Vision, however; for that you’ll need to upgrade to Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K or Roku Ultra. It comes with Roku’s rechargeable voice remote with push-to-talk voice controls. Roku’s remote can also turn on your TV and adjust the volume while you’re watching.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a Roku device, or you already love the platform and want a compact and convenient way to take it with you when you travel, then this sale provides a great opportunity. If you’d prefer a more powerful and slightly more stationary device, the Roku Ultra is on sale for $79 right now, too.

The Google Home team is answering the “top questions” it has received from users since Wednesday’s Gemini for Home launch. 

Gemini for Home’s Early Access program is different from the existing Public Preview, which is a “broader program for the latest Google Home app features.”

• “Early access is an opportunity for users to be among the first to try Gemini for Home features and give us feedback as we improve the experience.”
• “If you sign up for early access, you’ll be notified when the features are available for your home, it is not instantaneous.”

Most users are not seeing “Early Access” in the profile menu yet. It’s first coming to the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. It will “later expand to other countries.” However, starting next week, the “ability to sign up for early access is coming to”: 

• Japan
• Switzerland
• Denmark
• Austria
• Belgium
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Spain
• Norway
• Sweden
• Mexico

Early access to the Gemini for Home voice assistant for speakers and smart displays will begin rolling out in the US on October 28 to Google Home Premium subscribers. Google says the plan is to “expand to more countries in early 2026.”

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Early access to the Gemini for Home voice assistant is available to select, existing US users with compatible speakers and displays beginning 10/28, gradually rolling out to all users with compatible devices in participating Google Home markets by early 2026.

Meanwhile, Google shared that it is “working with third-party speaker companies to bring Gemini for Home to more devices.”

Other notable Gemini for Home questions and answers today:

Q: Which cameras and doorbells will Gemini for Home work on?

A: We will be rolling out Gemini to all generations of Nest cameras and doorbells since 2015, and the new Walmart onn camera and doorbell. For those on older-generation Nest cameras, you will need to migrate your cameras from the Nest app to the Google Home app and sign up for early access to access the features.3

Q: If I already have a subscription to Google AI Pro and have an existing Google Home Premium Standard (formerly known as Nest Aware), do I have to cancel my Google Home Premium subscription or do anything to activate the Google AI Pro benefit?

A: You will have to activate your Google AI Pro benefit. To learn more about how to activate the Google Home Premium benefit with Google One, take a look at this Help Center article.

Q: If I have Nest Aware through ADT, will I still get Google Home Premium?

A: As an ADT customer, at this point you will get continued access to the existing Nest Aware features that come with your ADT subscription. Please contact ADT customer service with any questions regarding the features available with your ADT subscription.

Following Apple’s removal of ICEBlock from the App Store, an app used to report on the activity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, 404 Media reports that Google is also removing similar apps from the Play Store. In a statement to Engadget, Google said “ICEBlock was never available on Google Play, but we removed similar apps for violations of our policies.”

Google says that it decided to remove apps that shared the location of a vulnerable group following a violent act that involved the group and a similar collection of apps. It suggests the apps were also removed because they didn’t appropriately moderate user-generated content. To be offered in the Play Store, apps with user-generated content have to clearly define what is or isn’t objectionable content in their terms of service, and make sure those terms line up with Google’s definitions of inappropriate content for Google Play.

404 Media report specifically focuses on Red Dot, an app that both Google and Apple removed. Like ICEBlock, Red Dot designed to let users report on ICE activity in their neighborhood. Rather than just rely on user submissions, the app’s website says that it “aggregates verified reports from multiple trusted sources” and then combines those sources to determine where to mark activity on a map of your area. “Red Dot never tracks ICE agents, law enforcement, or any person’s movements” and the app’s developers “categorically reject harassment, interference, or harm toward ICE agents or anyone else.” Despite those claims, the app is not currently available to download from the Play Store or the App Store.

The pushback against ICE tracking apps seemed to begin in earnest following a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility that injured two detainees and killed another on September 24. According to an FBI agent that spoke to The New York Times, the shooter “had been following apps that track the location of ICE agents” in the days leading up to the event.

Apple pulled the ICEBlock app from the App Store yesterday following a request from US Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a statement shared with Fox Business, Bondi said that “ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs, and violence against law enforcement is an intolerable red line that cannot be crossed.” Apple’s response was to remove the app. “Based on information we’ve received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store,” Apple told the publication.

Google says it didn’t receive a similar request to remove apps from the Play Store. Instead, the company appears to be acting proactively. The test for either platform going forward, though, is if there’s a way that developers can offer these apps without them being removed again.

Xiaomi, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and smart manufacturing companies, officially launched its 2025 Xiaomi Creativity Competition. 

With the slogan “Your Screen, Your Story”, the competition introduces three categories: One Shot, One Moment (Wallpaper Photography), Vision Through Intelligence (AI Wallpapers), and Redefining UX (Theme Design), seeking exceptional works from creators worldwide.

The competition’s judging panel is composed of outstanding design experts from across the globe. In addition to sharing their work with millions of users, participants will also have the opportunity to engage with world-class experts in the field of design. 

To recognize and reward outstanding creativity, the competition provides multiple incentives for participants. The Gold Award carries a prize of up to $10,000, while winners will also enjoy broad exposure and potential commercial opportunities. Exceptional works may be showcased in the competition’s offline exhibitions. Special awards are reserved for Xiaomi Fans, encouraging their participation and celebrating the community’s creative spirit.

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Submissions open on September 10, with user voting starting on September 30 and expert reviews scheduled for November. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded in December. Anyone interested in participating can submit their work here.

The competition is jointly organized by Xiaomi’s International Internet Business (IIB) Department and Google Gemini. Xiaomi IIB manages a rich international content ecosystem spanning wallpapers, themes, widgets, and more, delivering an outstanding and highly personalized experience for users across more than 100 markets worldwide.

Google Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, is designed to supercharge creativity and productivity. Users can start writing, planning, learning, and more simply by chatting with Gemini. Its overlay provides quick access to Google AI assistance and context-aware support based on what’s on the screen. Users can also Go live with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics, and rehearse for important moments with real-time responses.

For the AI Wallpapers and Photography category, participants are encouraged to leverage Google Gemini to explore how its AI features empower creative design and photo imagery.

The Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker is on sale right now , which is a discount of $50. Just enter the code ENGFIT50 at checkout, as this is an exclusive deal.

The Charge 6 topped our list of the , and for very good reason. It’s a solid device that gets the job done. It features built-in GPS, which is always handy for navigating around trails, and the battery lasts an impressive seven days per charge. The heart rate monitor is accurate and the AMOLED display is eye-catching.

Fitbit

This topped our list of the best fitness trackers. 

Save $50 with code

ENGFIT50

$110 at Wellbots

It also tracks steps, oxygen saturation, sleep and a whole lot more, with more than 40 dedicated exercise modes. It’s a relatively thin device that we said feels “premium when compared to other fitness trackers.” The unit integrates with Google Maps and Google Wallet.

Some of the more advanced features are locked behind a paywall, which is unfortunate, and there’s no integration with Apple Health. Otherwise, this is a near-perfect fitness tracker.

Wellbots is also selling the at a deep discount. It’s available for just $75 with the coupon code ENGFIT25.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

Gemini for Home is the umbrella term for Google’s renewed smart home effort with several distinct aspects: app, camera, and voice assistant. From what the company has shared so far, here’s when Gemini for Home is rolling out.

Rolling out now (October 1+)

The redesigned Google Home app with three tabs in the bottom bar is rolling out globally right now. Make sure you’re on version 4.0 (which brings a new homescreen icon) on Android and iOS. This is a server-side update.

The Ask Home search/chat experience in the Google Home app is currently available in the following countries:

• United States (English)
• Canada (English and French)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Ireland (English)
• Australia (English)
• New Zealand (English)

These features are available to all (free) users:

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• Quick search: You can now quickly search for devices and automations right from the search bar. As you type, results and relevant suggestions will appear instantly.
• Simple device queries: You can now ask questions about your devices. Simply say, “Which lights are on?” or “Is the front door locked?”
• Real-time device control: You can now give simple commands like, “Close all blinds,” and it will instantly follow through.

Functionality that requires Google Home Premium Standard:

• Automation creation: You can now create automations using natural language in Ask Home. You can also access Help me create in the Automations tab of the Google Home app to create automations.
  • Recurring automations: “Turn off all lights whenever we are away.”
  • One-time automations: “Later this evening at 7 PM, make the living room warm and play our favorite music.”
• Saved information: You can have Ask Home remember things about you or your household, such as your favorite color, to personalize your experience.

Requires Google Home Premium Advanced:

• AI descriptions and AI notifications: Your camera events will now have detailed captions. Instead of just “person” or “package,” the captions will tell you more about what’s happening in the clip. You’ll also get these detailed descriptions in your camera notifications.
• Search video history: Find specific events recorded by your cameras by asking questions like “Did the dog go outside today?”
• Home Brief: Receive a daily summary each evening of the most important events captured by your cameras.

AI camera features are actively rolling out for Google Home Premium Advanced subscribers with the new Nest Cam Outdoor (2nd gen), Nest Cam Indoor (3rd gen), and Nest Doorbell (3rd gen) in the following countries/languages: 

• United States (English)
• Canada (English and French)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Ireland (English)
• Australia (English)
• New Zealand (English)

This is rolling out as a software update that “could take several days to reach all eligible subscribers.” Gemini for Home camera features include: 

• AI descriptions, which process recorded camera events to provide more detailed short and long descriptions of what happened.
  • For example, instead of the usual “activity or animal detected” label, the AI description may be ”the dog is digging in the garden.”
• AI notifications, which provide short versions of AI descriptions within camera event notifications, making it easier to see what happened at a glance.
• Home Brief, which provides an overview of what happened at home each day.
• Ask Home video history search, which allows you to use natural language to search for a specific camera event.

Later in October 2025

The Gemini for Home voice assistant, or the Google Assistant replacement, will begin rolling out for users that join the “Early access” program “later in October.” The instructions Google provided are below, but users with the redesigned app are just seeing the original “Public Preview,” with the switch immediately toggling off after enabling. It’s presumably still rolling out.

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture or Initial.
3. Tap Home settings > Early Access.

The following devices will receive Gemini, but only the last four devices on this list will receive Gemini Live (which requires Google Home Premium Standard):

• Google Home
• Google Home Mini (1st gen)
• Google Home Max
• Google Nest Hub (1st gen)
• Google Nest Wifi point
• Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)
• Google Nest Hub Max
• Google Nest Audio
• Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)

Early 2026 

The Gemini for Home camera features for the new New Cams and Doorbell mentioned above are rolling out to “other supported regions in early 2026.” From where the cameras are sold, that should be: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Spring/March 2026

In most countries, the company says the Google Home Speaker is coming in “Spring 2026.” The Australian Google Store mentions March 2026.