Whether you picked up a new PS5 console on sale or not, you can also save on console accessories for Cyber Monday. One of the best deals for Sony fans is on the PS5 DualSense wireless controller, which you can give for $54 a pop at various retailers including Amazon, Target and Best Buy. The discount applies to a bunch of colorways, too, so you’re not limited to just the standard black or white versions. Just be aware that some color options are a tad more expensive at $60 each.
A brand-new PS5 ships with one of these controllers, but you need two to enjoy some sweet couch co-op. We called out the gamepad in our official review of the PS5, saying it had “some of the most advanced haptic controls” we’ve ever experienced.
The analog triggers can be manipulated to emulate various sensations, like pulling an arrow back or running out of ammo with a gun. It’s a gimmick, sure, but a fun one. The built-in haptics also allow for more realistic rumble, which is heads and shoulders above what the DualShock 4 offered.
There’s a built-in microphone, a headphone jack, a tried-and-true button layout and a pair of joysticks. It’s a really well-designed controller. It’s a DualSense. It is not, however, a DualSense Edge. That’s Sony’s ultra-premium controller that costs nearly $200. That one offers extra features like easy button remapping, multiple joystick nubs, customizable rear paddles and more.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/cyber-monday-playstation-deals-discount-the-dualsense-wireless-controller-to-54-081313677.html?src=rss
Remember when it was nearly impossible to get your hands on a PS5? Those days are over now, which is only a good thing for gamers and those looking to get the console for the first time. Cyber Monday deals have even discounted the PS5 this year: PS5 Slim is available for $75 off at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Sony and other retailers. You can get the digital edition for $374, or the disc-based model for $424. While we wouldn’t call this a budget console, these deals make it just a bit more affordable and an ideal time to see what all the PS5 fuss is about if you don’t have one yet.
Despite the moniker, there’s nothing slim about the specs. This is a regular PS5, with the same horsepower as the original unit. However, the PS5 Slim is 30 percent smaller and around 25 percent lighter. When it comes to tech, smaller is typically a good thing.
Both versions ship with a DualSense controller and a 1TB SSD. These consoles also come with Astro’s Playroom pre-installed, which is the precursor to the incredible Astro Bot. They don’t, however, come with a vertical stand. That’ll cost extra. The digital-only model, obviously, doesn’t ship with a disc drive, though there’s a standalone drive available for those who would rather make that decision later.
Otherwise, this is a PS5. There’s no other way (right now) to play games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. It also runs cross-platform hits like Star Wars Outlaws and Elden Ring, in addition to pseudo-exclusives that made their way to PC like God of War Ragnarök.
This sale is not for the recently-released PS5 Pro, so you won’t get all of those graphical upscaling bells and whistles. However, that new console is a whopping $700, whereas these PS5 Slim consoles are just over half that. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention the sale happening on DualSense Wireless Controllers that work with PS5 consoles; you can pick them up starting at just $54 a piece at Amazon and Sony.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-cyber-monday-playstation-deals-include-75-off-ps5-slim-consoles-080645977.html?src=rss
The deal applies to the Paramount+ Essential (with ads, usually $8) or Paramount+ with Showtime (ad-free, usually $13) tiers. Although the latter is the better value during Cyber Monday, remember you’ll get charged standard pricing after the two months expire. So be sure to cancel in advance if you don’t want to pay the full price after the promo ends.
Paramount+ has originals like Star Trek: Discovery and Picard, Tulsa King (for the Sly Stalone fans) and Lioness. The platform’s sports content includes the NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, European League and NWSL soccer matches.
The deal only applies to new and former subscribers, so you’re out of luck if you already pay for the service. Also, note that the sale only applies to monthly pricing, not annual subscriptions.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/paramount-cyber-monday-deal-get-a-two-month-subscription-with-showtime-for-6-203106949.html?src=rss
If you’ve been interested in binge-watching The Last of Us or House of the Dragon, Cyber Monday streaming deals have a more affordable way for you to do so. Max is offering new and returning subscribers six months of access to its ad-supported tier for only $18. That comes out to $3 per month, which is a 70-percent discount from the service’s standard monthly price.
The deal is only available in the US and will automatically renew during the six months — and beyond. If you don’t want to pay $10 monthly after the discount period, just remember to cancel before the renewal date.
Max’s lineup has series and films like The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, Euphoria, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, The Penguin, Dune: Part Two, Everything Everywhere All at Once and Barbie. In addition, you get full series from HBO’s legendary archives, like The Sopranos, The Wire, Sex and The City, Game Of Thrones and Six Feet Under. It also includes current and old content from Warner Bros., A24, Adult Swim, ID and the DC Universe.
The Cyber Monday deal lasts through December 2. Head over to Max and log in or sign up.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/max-cyber-monday-streaming-deal-will-get-you-six-months-of-access-for-only-18-165721635.html?src=rss
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good smartwatch or wearable. A good option for iPhone users is the Apple Watch SE, the company’s most affordable smart timepiece. Cyber Monday deals have brought its price down to $149, which is 40 percent off and the lowest we’ve seen it.
The Apple Watch SE is a good choice for iPhone users who have yet to hop into the smartwatch ecosystem or perhaps are clinging onto a much older Apple Watch but don’t need a flagship model. If you’re looking for something more advanced, you’d be better off with the Apple Watch Series 10, which is also currently sitting at a record low price for Cyber Monday and is our pick for the best smartwatch overall.
The second-gen Apple Watch SE is our pick for the best budget Apple Watch and we gave it a score of 89 in our 2022 review. It has the same chipset as the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8, and it should feel faster if you’re coming over from, say, a Series 6 or earlier model.
The SE shares some, but not all features with flagship Apple Watches. It supports crash detection, heart rate monitoring and emergency calling, and it is water resistant to 50 meters. We felt that the screen was easy to view, even when the sun was shining brightly. Fitness tracking is accurate (which is pretty important!). Perhaps most crucially, the Apple Watch SE is light and easy to wear.
The Ion-X glass isn’t quite as robust as the sapphire crystal on other recent Apple Watch models, so you’ll likely want to be extra careful with it. Other features present on other Apple Watch devices that are missing here include an always-on display, blood oxygen monitoring and temperature sensor. The very handy Double Tap feature isn’t available here either.
While we feel that this is a good price for the second-gen Apple Watch SE, it’s worth bearing in mind that a new model could arrive in the coming months. Apple is reportedly working on an Apple Watch SE with a plastic casing in a bid to reduce the price and allow for bolder color options. It’s unlikely that Apple will announce this model before next year, though.
If you’re already own an Apple Watch but would like to save on other Apple products, the good news is you can still save on products like the AirPods Pro 2 and 2024 iPad Air through to the end of Cyber Monday. Check out our whole list Apple devices on sale here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-watch-se-is-40-percent-off-for-cyber-monday-183924545.html?src=rss
It’s no secret that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to pick up Apple devices. You’ll rarely find direct discounts at Apple, but other retailers tend to have good sales this time of year on things like iPads, MacBooks and AirPods. Case in point: the AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $154 right now, which is a record low. The recently updated AirPods 4 are also on sale, starting at $119.
While we periodically see AirPods dip in price throughout the year, the best time to buy is during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday time period. However, that also means they can be some of the first tech items to sell out, so if you’ve had your eye on a new pair or want to gift one this holiday season, we recommend buying them now.
AirPods Pro 2 are the best wireless earbuds that Apple makes with excellent sound quality and ANC, plus good battery life. They have all of the conveniences you’d expect from a pair of Apple earbuds, like quick paring and switching between Apple devices and hands-free Siri. And with a recent software update, the AirPods Pro 2 can double as hearing aids for those who take Apple’s hearing test and the results show mild to moderate hearing loss.
Whereas the AirPods Pro 2 have looked and felt mostly the same since their initial launch, the AirPods 4 received a big overhaul this year. They now come in ANC and non-ANC styles, and they have a slightly revised open-wear design. The H2 chipset inside gives them the same Apple conveniences as the AirPods Pro 2, but note that neither model supports MagSafe charging via wireless chargers. But these buds have improved sound quality and a better fit than the AirPods that came before them, and they’re noticeably more affordable than the Pro 2.
If you prefer over-ear headphones, your only option in the Apple ecosystem (aside from Beats) is the AirPods Max. You can grab them for $400 right now. We always recommend waiting for a sale to buy these cans since they start off much more expensive than all of our other top picks for the best wireless headphones. They also sport the H2 chipset inside, plus good sound quality and ANC, reliable touch controls and a solid battery life.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/cyber-monday-apple-deals-discount-the-airpods-pro-2-to-an-all-time-low-price-165732840.html?src=rss
Streaming deals are hard to come by nowadays, especially after all of the price hikes that have happened in recent months. But Cyber Monday tends to be the time of the year when streaming deals could pop up the most. This year is no different, and one of the best streaming deals we’ve found so far is on one year of Peacock. You can snag it for only $20 right now, which represents a 75 percent discount. The promotion is live now, and it ends on December 2.
Peacock doesn’t have the name recognition of Netflix or Hulu, but it’s still home to plenty of good shows and movies. There’s a reason, after all, that the platform made our list of the best streaming services.
Peacock isn’t just home to the aforementioned Love Island and other reality shows about love not set on islands. The streamer also airs some top-notch content like the AI-centric Mrs. Davis and the surprisingly-decent video game adaptation Twisted Metal. A Peacock subscription also allows access to SyFy shows like the underrated The Ark. Other worthwhile programs include Hysteria!, We Are Lady Parts and Killing It.
There are a few little caveats. First, this subscription is the one with ads. Also, the offer is only available to new subscribers who are not currently paying for Peacock Premium or Premium Plus. Finally, it’s only available directly from Peacock, and not from third-party billers like Apple or Amazon.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/peacock-cyber-monday-streaming-deal-grants-you-a-one-year-subscription-for-only-20-080004252.html?src=rss
Concerns about the environmental impacts of Large Language Models (LLMs) are growing. Although detailed information about the actual costs of LLMs can be difficult to find, let’s attempt to gather some facts to understand the scale.
Generated with ChatGPT-4o
Since comprehensive data on ChatGPT-4 is not readily available, we can consider Llama 3.1 405B as an example. This open-source model from Meta is arguably the most “transparent” LLM to date. Based on various benchmarks, Llama 3.1 405B is comparable to ChatGPT-4, providing a reasonable basis for understanding LLMs within this range.
Inference
The hardware requirements to run the 32-bit version of this model range from 1,620 to 1,944 GB of GPU memory, depending on the source (substratus, HuggingFace). For a conservative estimate, let’s use the lower figure of 1,620 GB. To put this into perspective — acknowledging that this is a simplified analogy — 1,620 GB of GPU memory is roughly equivalent to the combined memory of 100 standard MacBook Pros (16GB each). So, when you ask one of these LLMs for a tiramisu recipe in Shakespearean style, it takes the power of 100 MacBook Pros to give you an answer.
Training
I’m attempting to translate these figures into something more tangible… though this doesn’t include the training costs, which are estimated to involve around 16,000 GPUs at an approximate cost of $60 million USD (excluding hardware costs) — a significant investment from Meta — in a process that took around 80 days. In terms of electricity consumption, training required 11 GWh.
The annual electricity consumption per person in a country like France is approximately 2,300 kWh. Thus, 11 GWh corresponds to the yearly electricity usage of about 4,782 people. This consumption resulted in the release of approximately 5,000 tons of CO₂-equivalent greenhouse gases (based on the European average), , although this figure can easily double depending on the country where the model was trained.
For comparison, burning 1 liter of diesel produces 2.54 kg of CO₂. Therefore, training Llama 3.1 405B — in a country like France — is roughly equivalent to the emissions from burning around 2 million liters of diesel. This translates to approximately 28 million kilometers of car travel. I think that provides enough perspective… and I haven’t even mentioned the water required to cool the GPUs!
Sustainability
Clearly, AI is still in its infancy, and we can anticipate more optimal and sustainable solutions to emerge over time. However, in this intense race, OpenAI’s financial landscape highlights a significant disparity between its revenues and operational expenses, particularly in relation to inference costs. In 2024, the company is projected to spend approximately $4 billion on processing power provided by Microsoft for inference workloads, while its annual revenue is estimated to range between $3.5 billion and $4.5 billion. This means that inference costs alone nearly match — or even exceed — OpenAI’s total revenue (deeplearning.ai).
All of this is happening in a context where experts are announcing a performance plateau for AI models (scaling paradigm). Increasing model size and GPUs are yielding significantly diminished returns compared to previous leaps, such as the advancements GPT-4 achieved over GPT-3. “The pursuit of AGI has always been unrealistic, and the ‘bigger is better’ approach to AI was bound to hit a limit eventually — and I think this is what we’re seeing here” said Sasha Luccioni, researcher and AI lead at startup Hugging Face.
And now?
But don’t get me wrong — I’m not putting AI on trial, because I love it! This research phase is absolutely a normal stage in the development of AI. However, I believe we need to exercise common sense in how we use AI: we can’t use a bazooka to kill a mosquito every time. AI must be made sustainable — not only to protect our environment but also to address social divides. Indeed, the risk of leaving the Global South behind in the AI race due to high costs and resource demands would represent a significant failure in this new intelligence revolution..
So, do you really need the full power of ChatGPT to handle the simplest tasks in your RAG pipeline? Are you looking to control your operational costs? Do you want complete end-to-end control over your pipeline? Are you concerned about your private data circulating on the web? Or perhaps you’re simply mindful of AI’s impact and committed to its conscious use?
SLM can be a smarter choice!
Small language models (SLMs) offer an excellent alternative worth exploring. They can run on your local infrastructure and, when combined with human intelligence, deliver substantial value. Although there is no universally agreed definition of an SLM — in 2019, for instance, GPT-2 with its 1.5 billion parameters was considered an LLM, which is no longer the case — I am referring to models such as Mistral 7B, Llama-3.2 3B, or Phi3.5, to name a few. These models can operate on a “good” computer, resulting in a much smaller carbon footprint while ensuring the confidentiality of your data when installed on-premise. Although they are less versatile, when used wisely for specific tasks, they can still provide significant value — while being more environmentally virtuous.
Smaller is smarter was originally published in Towards Data Science on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
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