This week the month of Black Friday officially began and we reviewed the new Samsung Galaxy XR headphones.
To catch up on these two stories and much more, scroll down to read our quick summary of the seven biggest tech news of the week.
7. The month of Black Friday began
We’re still a few weeks away from Black Friday proper (this year it’s scheduled for November 28), but that hasn’t stopped major stores from launching major deals as part of their first Black Friday sales.
We’re seeing major discounts from a wide variety of brands, including Samsung, Ninja, Hisense, and more, at a variety of retailers in the US and UK, and some of the discounts are really impressive, considering it’s not Black Friday proper yet.
We’ve been covering Black Friday deals for years, and these early deals are well worth the money: While some items will get cheaper as November 28 approaches, many won’t, and others could still go up in price. So don’t be afraid to browse the early deals and grab a pre-Black Friday deal while you can.
6. Google Maps got a big Gemini update
If you use Google Maps regularly while driving, this week brought you some positive news: the app is getting a Gemini brain transplant that should make it a much better navigation co-pilot.
Some of the improvements include much more natural voice assistance (for example, being able to ask follow-up questions about parking at your destination), better turn directions (such as “turn right after the Thai Siam restaurant”), and a new version of Gemini-powered Google Lens within the Google Maps app.
The downside is that most of these features will initially be exclusive to the US. Still, Gemini’s enhanced voice assistance is rolling out to Android and iOS in all regions where the AI assistant is available. Expect to start chatting with him “in the next few weeks.”
5. IKEA launched 21 smart home devices
IKEA apparently isn’t wasting any time when it comes to smart home technology, having just launched 21 new products to choose from smart lights, smart sensors and smart controls.
This includes the KAJPLATS series lights with 11 different bulb types, the MYGGSPRAY motion sensor, the ALPSTUGA air quality sensor, and the GRILLPLATS smart plug, among others (as with all IKEA offerings, we love the names).
Best of all, these devices are Matter compatible, so you can easily sync them with your existing smart home setup.
4. Spotify removed Wrapped-lite
Earlier this week, Spotify launched a new listening stats tab in the app that offers new insights into your weekly listening habits, and it’s a great way to get us ready for Wrapped season.
In addition to being able to see your top artists and songs in real time, you’ll also find new playlists based on what you’ve been listening to recently. Spotify has also shared that each week you’ll receive a “special highlight,” which could be anything from a milestone to a new discovery or a unique fact about your personal listening habits.
Spotify has shared that not only are the listening stats designed to show what you’ve been streaming the most, but they also aim to bring you closer to the music you already love.
Listening statistics are now rolling out to free and premium users in over 60 global markets and will update every 24 hours, offering new recommendations based on your listening behavior.
3. Grand Theft Auto was delayed again
Do you feel déjà vu? Maybe it’s because Rockstar just announced that the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise, GTA VI, has been delayed to November 19, 2026, almost exactly 6 months after its previous May 26, 2026 release date.
In a statement, Rockstar Games said: “We regret adding additional time to what we know has been a long wait, but these additional months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you expect and deserve.”
The game is still set to arrive on the PS5 and Xbox Series X (and Series S) console generation, but if there are further delays, Rockstar may have to prepare a PS6 release.
2. DJI lashes out at impending US drone ban
The clock is ticking to ban DJI drones and, ahead of the crucial December 23 deadline, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has given itself the power to retroactively ban devices it deems pose a safety risk.
This means that, in theory, not only could new DJI products be banned in the US starting in 2026, but the FCC could also go back and remove older devices from sale. The Chinese drone giant is understandably unhappy, asking for an extension of the decision and suggesting that “due process, fairness and transparency” are not being applied.
Unfortunately for drone fans in the US, the situation for DJI is looking more and more like that of Huawei, but owners of existing drones will at least be able to keep and use them, for now.
1. We spent a week with Samsung’s Galaxy XR
We tested the Samsung Galaxy
According to Lance Ulanoff, “The Samsung Galaxy
Our hope is that Samsung’s headphones will improve over time, but for now, it only gets three and a half stars.
