Consumer Corner
Dive Into the World of Gaming this Holiday Season
(Family Features) During the holiday season, few things bring the same enjoyment as finding the perfect gift and watching in excitement as your loved one opens it up.
If you’re still searching for the right gift and you’ve got gamers, someone curious to try gaming or a loved one who needs a relaxing hobby on your nice list, Xbox can provide an outlet to unwind and connect with friends, regardless of where they love to play. It is all about making gaming easy to access and available for everyone – whether you love to jump on a console, PC or smart TV, it’s easy to play anywhere.
To help keep the playing experience fun andsafe, the Xbox Family Settings app for Android or iOS allows you to easily tailor the online gaming experience from anywhere, including managing screen time, filtering content, setting purchasing and communication controls and receiving weekly activity reports. These customizable settings help parents ensure the right balance of gaming with time for school, homework, sports and time with friends.
Find the full holiday guide featuring devices, games, subscriptions and more at Xbox.com.
Embark on New Gaming Adventures
With new console options joining the lineup this holiday season, there are even more ways to play the biggest games of the year like Indiana Jones and The Great Circle™ and family favorites like Minecraft. From the sleek, compact design of the Xbox Series S – 1 TB, which offers double the storage of the Xbox Series S – 512 GB and is still the smallest Xbox console ever, to the Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition and the Xbox Series X – Galaxy Black Special Edition, players can enjoy Quick Resume, lightning-fast load times and gameplay of up to 120 frames per second. Pair one with a custom controller or accessory from Xbox Design Labfor a unique and personalized stocking stuffer.
Play Anywhere You Are
Wherever the holidays take you and your loved ones, a monthly membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate lets you dive into games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Forza Motorsporton consoles, PCs and cloud with handheld devices, PCs, smart TVs and mobile phones.With access to hundreds of games across genres, it offers something for every type of player – from casual explorers to dedicated fans and everyone in between. Plus, with new titles added all the time and premium benefits like member deals and discounts of up to 20% off select games in the catalog, and up to 10% off related game add-ons, it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (family opening gifts)
SOURCE:
Microsoft
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Jay Leno Test Drives the Slate Truck as Startup Pushes Toward 2026 Launch
The affordable electric pickup from Slate Auto is gaining attention after Jay Leno test drove the prototype on Jay Leno’s Garage. Here’s the latest update on pricing, features, reservations, and the planned 2026 production launch.
Testing the Slate Truck
The affordable electric pickup from Slate Auto is continuing to gain attention as the startup moves closer to production. One of the most visible recent developments came when legendary car collector and TV host Jay Leno featured the truck on his popular YouTube series Jay Leno’s Garage.
The episode offered one of the most detailed looks yet at the upcoming Slate Truck, including a real-world test drive, design insights, and a closer look at the company’s philosophy behind building what could become one of America’s most affordable electric vehicles.
Watch the Jay Leno Test Drive
What Jay Leno Revealed About the Slate Truck
During the episode, Leno drove a pre-production prototype of the truck while engineers from Slate Auto explained the design approach.
Unlike many modern EVs packed with luxury features, the Slate Truck is intentionally simple.
Key highlights from the test drive include:
A Focus on Simplicity and Repairability
One of the most notable ideas behind the truck is that it is designed to be easy to repair and modify. Instead of relying on proprietary parts or complex electronics, the vehicle uses a more straightforward architecture that could allow owners or independent mechanics to work on it.
This approach contrasts with many EVs that require dealership service or specialized tools.
Modular Body Panels and Customization
The Slate Truck is built around a modular platform with removable exterior panels and optional accessory kits.
According to the company, owners will be able to customize the vehicle with:
Different body panel styles Accessory racks and cargo options A potential conversion kit that can transform the pickup into a small SUV
The idea is to allow the vehicle to evolve with the owner’s needs over time.
Minimalist Interior
Inside the prototype shown to Leno, the truck features a very basic interior layout.
Instead of a large infotainment system, the vehicle relies heavily on smartphone integration and simpler controls to keep costs down. This minimalist philosophy is part of the company’s effort to build a lower-cost EV.
Pricing and the “Affordable EV” Promise
When the truck was first revealed in 2025, Slate Auto suggested the vehicle could cost under $20,000 after incentives.
However, with changes to federal EV incentives and updated pricing expectations, analysts now estimate the truck will likely start around the mid-$20,000 range.
Even at that price, the vehicle could still become one of the most affordable electric trucks available in the United States.
Production Plans in Indiana
The company plans to manufacture the truck in Warsaw, Indiana, where a large former industrial facility is being converted into an EV factory.
Production targets include:
Production start: Late 2026 Early deliveries: Possibly 2027 Potential capacity: Up to about 150,000 vehicles per year once fully ramped
Strong early interest has also been reported, with more than 100,000 reservations placed for the truck shortly after its reveal.
A Different Kind of Electric Truck
The Slate Truck is entering a market where most electric pickups—such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T—sit at much higher price points.
Rather than competing on luxury or performance, the Slate Truck is aiming to fill a different niche: a practical, customizable, and relatively affordable electric work vehicle.
If the company can deliver on its promises, it could open the door to a new category of budget-friendly EVs.
For now, the test drive on Jay Leno’s Garage provides one of the clearest glimpses yet at how the truck might perform in the real world.
Related Coverage on STM Daily News
- Automotive News and Innovation – STM Daily News
- Boom Supersonic and the Overture: The Return of Commercial Supersonic Travel
- The Evolution of Public Transportation in Los Angeles
- Technology News and Emerging Innovations
Further Reading and Information
- Slate Auto Official Website
- Watch the Slate Truck Test Drive on Jay Leno’s Garage
- Car and Driver: First Look at the Slate Truck
- TechCrunch: Slate Auto Leadership Changes Ahead of Launch
- InsideEVs: Latest Electric Vehicle News
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Basic Fun! Unveils Category-Defining Home Arcade Collection for Fall 2026
Basic Fun! is launching a new Arcade1Up home arcade collection for Fall 2026, featuring PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN cabinets, alongside the first-ever SONIC THE HEDGEHOG cabinet marking a partnership with SEGA. The lineup aims to deliver authentic arcade experiences without quarters, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new players.
Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Basic Fun! is hitting “start” on a new chapter for home arcade.
In a Feb. 14, 2026 announcement, the Boca Raton-based toy and consumer products company revealed its first new Arcade1Up home arcade collection since acquiring select assets of the brand in 2025. The Fall 2026 lineup is anchored by two heavy hitters: PAC-MAN (including Ms. PAC-MAN) and the first-ever SONIC THE HEDGEHOG home arcade cabinet.
Basic Fun! says the new cabinets are built to deliver the authentic arcade feel fans expect—powered by iconic franchises, premium features, and classic arcade attitude—no quarters required.
What’s in the Fall 2026 Arcade1Up lineup
PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN cabinets
Basic Fun! is leaning into the foundation of arcade nostalgia with PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN home arcade cabinets.
The company notes it is the anchor electronics licensee for PAC-MAN home arcade products through a licensing agreement with Bandai Namco Entertainment. The new machines are positioned for both longtime fans and a new generation of players—built to honor the legacy that helped define the golden age of arcades.
Sonic makes his home arcade debut
The bigger “first” in this release: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is getting his first-ever home arcade cabinet.
Basic Fun! says Sonic’s debut comes via a multi-year partnership with SEGA, timed to the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The featured product is the Sonic Supreme Series Arcade Game, described as a premium, full-size standing cabinet built for speed, style, and nostalgia.
Basic Fun! also teased that this is the first of multiple Sonic titles planned for the collection.
What to watch for
- Arcade1Up’s next era: This is Basic Fun!’s first major statement since acquiring select Arcade1Up assets in 2025—so the build quality, features, and pricing strategy will matter.
- Sonic’s pipeline: The company is calling this the first of multiple Sonic titles. If that holds, Sonic could become a recurring pillar alongside PAC-MAN.
- Retail rollout: Basic Fun! says the collection will debut at major retailers this fall, which should make availability less of a scavenger hunt for fans.
Quote
“For many years, Arcade1Up has been at the heart of the retro arcade community, and we’re honored to build on that legacy,” said Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!. “Our focus is simple: authentic gameplay, nostalgic design, and premium features that capture the true arcade-at-home experience for fans of all kinds. No quarters required.”
Where to see the lineup
Media, influencers, and industry partners can get a first look at the new home arcade lineup at Toy Fair®, running February 14–17 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Basic Fun! also shared booth details here: https://tfny2026.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=61755
About Basic Fun!
Basic Fun! is a global designer and marketer of classic and innovative entertainment products, distributed across 50,000+ retail locations and online channels through 2,500+ retailers, distributors, and family entertainment venues in 60+ countries. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with offices in the UK and Hong Kong.
For more information, visit basicfun.com.
PAC-MAN™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Ms. PAC-MAN™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
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Downtown Phoenix experienced the thunder of Formula 1 engines once again on Saturday, March 14, 2026, when the Red Bull Showrun transformed East Jefferson Street into a temporary motorsports stage. The free public event drew large crowds eager to see a real Formula 1 car perform high-speed demonstrations through the heart of the city.
The star of the event was the legendary Red Bull RB7, one of the most dominant machines in modern Formula 1 history. Fans watched as the car blasted down the temporary street course performing burnouts, donuts, and acceleration runs that echoed between downtown buildings.
A Championship Machine on City Streets
Originally driven to the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship by Sebastian Vettel, the RB7 represents a golden era for Red Bull Racing. The car is known for its aerodynamic design and remarkable performance during the 2011 season.
During the Phoenix showrun, the car was piloted by Scott Speed, a former Formula 1 competitor and experienced motorsports driver. He was joined by Nikola Tsolov, a rising talent in Red Bull’s junior driver development program.
Together, the drivers delivered a high-energy demonstration that gave spectators a rare opportunity to witness the power and precision of Formula 1 machinery up close.
A Tribute to Phoenix’s Formula 1 Legacy
The event also served as a reminder of Phoenix’s unique place in Formula 1 history. The city previously hosted the United States Grand Prix (Phoenix street circuit), which ran through downtown streets from 1989 through 1991.
During those races, fans watched legendary drivers such as Ayrton Senna compete on the challenging desert street circuit.
Although the Grand Prix eventually moved to other locations, the Red Bull Showrun brought the spirit of Formula 1 back to Phoenix for a new generation of motorsports fans.
Formula 1’s Growing U.S. Momentum
The Phoenix showrun comes at a time when Formula One is experiencing unprecedented growth in the United States. The sport now hosts three annual races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas.
Promotional events like the Red Bull Showrun help introduce the sport to new audiences and reconnect cities with their racing heritage.
For longtime Phoenix residents, the sound of a Formula 1 engine echoing through downtown streets was more than just a spectacle—it was a powerful reminder of the city’s motorsports past and the growing popularity of Formula 1 across America. 🏎️🔥
Related External Coverage
- Official Red Bull Showrun Phoenix Event Page
- Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5): Coverage of the Red Bull Showrun in Downtown Phoenix
- Formula 1 Official Website – Learn More About the Sport
- City of Phoenix – Downtown Events and Street Closures
- History of the Phoenix Street Circuit and the U.S. Grand Prix (1989–1991)
Stay updated with the latest automotive news, vehicle technology, industry trends, and transportation innovations. The STM Daily News Automotive section explores how cars, electric vehicles, and mobility solutions are shaping the future of the road.
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