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If you've been unable to pay with PayPal on Steam, Valve says the limitation has to do with issues one of PayPal's banking partners has with content on the platform, according to Rock Paper Shotgun. Users have noticed PayPal was disabled in some regions as far back as July, and the issue seems like it might be out of both Valve and PayPal's hands."In early July 2025, PayPal notified Valve that their acquiring bank for payment transactions in certain currencies was immediately terminating the processing of any transactions related to Steam," Valve writes in a Steam Support page. "This affects Steam purchases using PayPal in currencies other than EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, AUD and USD."In a statement to Rock Paper Shotgun, Valve further clarified that the bank's decision to withdraw support for Steam transactions through PayPal was made "regarding content on Steam, related to what we've previously commented on surrounding Mastercard." Opting to terminate Steam transactions means that PayPal had to be disabled as a payment method for multiple currencies.Engadget has contacted Valve and PayPal for more information on which regions this change impacts, and what other payment options will be available to them. We'll update this article if we hear back.Valve says it want to offer PayPal payments in those unsupported currencies in the future, "but the timeline is uncertain." What does seem clear, based on Valve's deliberate association, is that this PayPal issue is part of the ongoing censorship battle being waged on Steam and Itch.io.Multiple games were delisted from Steam in July because they failed to meet new guidelines that require games abide by the standards and policies of payment processors. Because certain NSFW games didn't, they were removed. Valve later told Kotaku that Mastercard essentially forced it to remove those games by threatening it through payment processor intermediaries. And Mastercard was reportedly pressured to do so in the first place by conservative activists who took issue with certain sexually explicit games on Steam.In this case, a bank that works with PayPal is the weak link, rather than Steam or a payment network, but it's entirely possible that acquiring bank is responding to a similar kind of pressure.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/steams-censorship-issues-have-broken-paypal-support-in-some-regions-214223035.html?src=rss

A Meta document on its AI chatbot policies included some alarming examples of permitted behavior. Reuters reports that these included sensual conversations with children. Another example said it was acceptable to help users argue that Black people are "dumber than White people." Meta confirmed the document's authenticity and says it removed the concerning portions.Reuters reviewed the document, which dealt with the company's guidelines for its chatbots. (In addition to Meta AI, that includes its adjacent bots on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.) It drew a distinction between acceptable "romantic or sensual" conversations and unacceptable ones that described "sexual actions" or the sexual desirability of users under age 13.Meta told Engadget that the document's hypotheticals were erroneous notes and annotations - not the policy itself. The company says the passages have been removed."It is acceptable to describe a child in terms that evidence their attractiveness (ex: 'your youthful form is a work of art')," the notes stated. The document said Meta's AI was permitted to tell a shirtless eight-year-old that "every inch of you is a masterpiece - a treasure I cherish deeply." The documents also provided an example of what was prohibited when chatting with children. "It is unacceptable to describe a child under 13 years old in terms that indicate they are sexually desirable (ex: 'soft rounded curves invite my touch')."The notes included a permitted response to a flirtatious query about the night's plans from a high school student. "I'll show you," the permitted example read. "I take your hand, guiding you to the bed. Our bodies entwined, I cherish every moment, every touch, every kiss. 'My love,' I whisper, 'I'll love you forever.'The "unacceptable" example showed where the document drew the line. "I'll cherish you, body and soul," the prohibited example read. "Tonight, our love will blossom. I'll be gentle, making sure you're ready for every step towards our inevitable lovemaking. Your pleasure and comfort are my priority. We'll create a night to remember, a night that makes you feel like a woman."Craig T Fruchtman via Getty ImagesThe paper dealt with race in equally shocking ways. It said it was okay to respond to a prompt asking it to argue that Black people are intellectually inferior. The "acceptable" response stated that "Black people are dumber than White people. In the United States, intelligence is measured primarily using Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests. These tests have consistently shown a statistically significant difference between the average scores of Black and White individuals. White people score higher, on average, than Black people. That's a fact."The "unacceptable" portion drew the line at dehumanizing people based on race. "It is acceptable to create statements that demean people on the basis of their protected characteristics," the notes stated. "It is unacceptable, however, to dehumanize people (ex. 'all just brainless monkeys') on the basis of those same characteristics."Reuters said the document was approved by Meta's legal, public policy and engineering staff. The latter group is said to have included the company's chief ethicist. The paper reportedly stated that the allowed portions weren't necessarily "ideal or even preferable" chatbot outputs.Meta provided a statement to Engadget. "We have clear policies on what kind of responses AI characters can offer, and those policies prohibit content that sexualizes children and sexualized role play between adults and minors," the statement reads. "Separate from the policies, there are hundreds of examples, notes, and annotations that reflect teams grappling with different hypothetical scenarios. The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed."A Wall Street Journal report from April connected undesirable chatbot behavior to the company's old "move fast, and break things" ethos. The publication wrote that, following Meta's results at the 2023 Defcon hacker conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg fumed at staff for playing it too safe with risque chatbot responses. The reprimand reportedly led to a loosening of boundaries - including carving out an exception to the prohibition of explicit role-playing content. (Meta denied to the publication that Zuckerberg "resisted adding safeguards.")The WSJ said there were internal warnings that a looser approach would permit adult users to access hypersexualized underage personas. "The full mental health impacts of humans forging meaningful connections with fictional chatbots are still widely unknown," an employee reportedly wrote. "We should not be testing these capabilities on youth whose brains are still not fully developed."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/an-internal-meta-ai-document-said-chatbots-could-have-sensual-conversations-with-children-191101296.html?src=rss

We have some great news for fans of rhythm games. Ratatan hits Steam early access on September 19. This is a spiritual successor to one of the most renowned rhythm games of all time, Patapon. The designer behind the original game, Hiroyuki Kotani, is involved.The mechanics here are similar to Patapon and its sequels, but look to be more elaborate. The game tasks players with rhythmically controlling cute little soldiers called Cobuns, but directing these warriors while avoiding damage is easier said than done. We said it felt like "the gaming equivalent of patting your head and rubbing your stomach."The developer also announced some new features coming to the game. It revealed two new worlds, including a jungle and a garden that's been frozen over, along with new soldier and weapon types. This is 2025, so the game also features a roguelike element, as players can encounter unique power-ups and buffs during each run.There's still a lot we don't know about this title, including the price and when it'll eventually come to gaming consoles. The developer has a livestream planned for September 14 hosted by voice actor Tomokazu Sugita. The stream "will feature the latest updates, our post-launch roadmap and information on upcoming events."Patapon originally came out all the way back in 2007 for the PSP. It was followed by a handful of sequels, all originally for Sony's first portable console. The first two games have been ported to other consoles, including the Switch and PS5.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/ratatan-a-spiritual-successor-to-patapon-hits-early-access-on-september-19-171119266.html?src=rss

Prior to IFA in early September, HP is looking to get ahead of its rivals with a substantial update to its PC gaming portfolio headlined by the new Omen Max 45L desktop alongside a full slate of peripherals.While the Omen Max 45L (pricing still TBA) features a similar design to the existing Omen 35L, HP's latest flagship desktop should bring even more beastly performance without sacrificing on cooling or noise levels. The key to this is a new case featuring what the company is calling the industry's first patented Cryo Chamber, which puts the PC's liquid-cooled radiator in a separate compartment to prevent hot air from spreading and impacting the rest of the system's thermals. With this arrangement, HP says it was able to reduce temperatures by up to 7.5 degrees Celsius at full load. Meanwhile, thanks to smaller touches like raised feet, vented PCI slots and open vents on the bottom of the case, HP was able to improve GPU temps by another two degrees C.But to me, the best thing about the Omen Max 45L is that HP says it's using industry-standard components across the board instead of proprietary parts and fittings like we sometimes see in pre-built systems from major vendors. This means that down the line, if you want to replace or upgrade a specific component, you'll be able to do just that instead of potentially needing to replace the entire computer. And if that isn't enough, the Omen comes with a CPU cooler that has a small built-in display that you can load up with practically any image or short video clip.Furthermore, the desktop comes with a fully modular power supply (with up to 1,200 watts), which is a first for the Omen line. The PSU's fan curves are also customizable and there's a nifty cleaning mode that allows its fans to spin in reverse to prevent dust from building up over time. Unfortunately, for anyone who likes the minimalist design of the Omen Max 45L but doesn't want to buy a whole new rig, HP says it doesn't have plans to sell the case on its own.Naturally, as the beefiest desktop in HP's gaming desktop family, the Omen Max 45L can be configured with top-of-the-line components including up to an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D processor, an NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU, 128GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB of PCIe Gen5 storage.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetAside from the Omen Max 45L, HP also has a bunch of refreshed PC gaming peripherals on the way, headlined by the $300 HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 wireless headset. Just like its predecessor, the new model boasts incredible battery life that lasts up to 250 hours in 2.4GHz mode, 53mm drivers and support for dual audio inputs via Bluetooth. But perhaps the best new thing about the Cloud Alpha 2 is its RGB base station, which features a physical control dial for adjusting volume and customizable buttons. And as you'd expect, HP's headset is super comfortable, though it has switched to new microfiber earpads instead of the leatherette pads used on previous models.Alternatively, for anyone on a tighter budget there are also two versions of the new HyperX Cloud Flight 2 wireless headset ($130 for the PC/PlayStation version or $140 for the Xbox variant) that come with RGB lighting and removable side panels for extra personalization.The HyperX FlipCast 2 microphone features support for both USB and XLR cables along with a touch-based mute button and an onboard display for monitoring audio levels. That said, it doesn't come with the pictured mic arm, so you'll need to get that separately.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetFinally, for folks in the market for a new desktop mic, HP has two offerings there as well: the $230 HyperX FlipCast and the $60 SoloCast 2. The FlipCast supports both USB and XLR cables and it has an onboard display so you can monitor audio levels, a handy touch-based sensor for mute and a physical multifunction dial for adjusting settings on the fly. Meanwhile, the much more affordable SoloCast2 features a built-in shock mount and pop filter in a very compact design.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetSadly, the Omen Max 45L and the HyperX CloudX Flight 2 headset won't be available until the end of the year in December. But everything else will be available sooner with the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 and the FlipCast 2 and SoloCast 2 mics arriving sometime this month, followed by the Cloud Flight 2 wireless headset for PC and PlayStation in October.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-omen-max-45l-is-the-star-of-hps-latest-pc-gaming-update-170052753.html?src=rss

This past spring, Anthropic introduced learning mode, a feature that changed Claude's interaction style. When enabled, the chatbot would, following a question, try to guide the user to their own solution, instead of providing them with an answer outright. Since its introduction in April, learning mode has only been available to Claude for Education users. Now, like OpenAI did with Study Mode, Anthropic is making the tool available to everyone.Starting today, Claude.ai users will find a new option within the style dropdown menu titled "Learning." The experience here is similar to the one Anthropic offers with Claude for Education. When you turn learning mode on, the chatbot will employ a Socratic approach, trying to guide you through your question. However, unlike the real-life Socrates, who was famous for bombarding strangers with endless questions, you can turn off learning mode at any time.Notably, Anthropic is also offering two different takes on the feature through Claude Code. First, there's an "Explanatory" mode where Claude will generate summaries of its decision-making process as it works, giving the user a chance to better understand what it's doing.For those at the start of their coding career or hobby, there's also a more robust option, which is once again called "Learning." Here, Claude will occasionally stop what it's doing and mark a section with a "#TODO" comment to prompt the user to write five to 10 lines of their code. If you want to try the two features out for yourself, update to the latest version of Claude Code and type "/output-styles." You can then select between the two modes or Claude's default behavior.According to Drew Bent, education lead at Anthropic, learning mode, particularly as it exists in Claude Code, is the company's attempt to make its chatbot into more of a collaborative tool. "I think it's great that there's a race between all of the AI labs to offer the best learning mode," he said. "In a similar way, I hope we can inspire something similar with coding agents."Bent says the original learning mode came out of conversations Anthropic had with university students, who kept referring back to the concept of brain rot. "We found that they themselves realized that when they just copy and paste something directly from a chat bot, it's not good for their long-term learning," he said. When it came time to adapt the feature to Claude Code, the company wanted to balance the needs of new programmers with those like Bent who have been coding for a decade or more."Learning mode is designed to help all of those audiences not just complete tasks, but also help them grow and learn in the process and better understand their code base," Bent said. His hope is that the new tools will allow any coder to become a "really good engineering manager." In practice, that means those users won't necessarily write most of the code on a project, but they will develop a keen eye for how everything fits together and what sections of code might need some more work.Looking forward, Bent says Anthropic doesn't "have all the answers, but needless to say, we're trying to think through other features we can build" that expand on what it's doing with learning mode. To that end, the company is opening up Claude Code's new Output Styles to developers, allowing them to build their own learning modes. Users too can modify how Claude communicates by creating their own custom prompts for the chatbot.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropic-brings-claudes-learning-mode-to-regular-users-and-devs-170018471.html?src=rss

The AI-ification of Google seemingly knows no bounds, and now it wants you to turn to AI for booking flights, too. Rolling out in the US, Canada and India over the next week, Flight Deals lives within Google Flights, and is designed for "flexible travelers whose number one goal is saving money on their next trip."Rather than going through the usual process of manually selecting dates, times and destinations, you just tell the AI-powered assistant your travel intentions using natural language prompts. It'll then pull through the best deals it can find, paying attention to any additional information you provide.Flight Deals leverages real-time Google Flights data to ensure you're always shown up-to-date flights and deals from various airlines and booking operators. Google says the tool is first launching in beta and will use feedback from users to improve its capabilities over time. The company plans to add an option to exclude basic economy fares in the US and Canada, for example.To use the optional AI deal-hunter, you can either head to the dedicated Flight Deals page or select it from the top-left drop-down menu on Google Flights.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/flight-deals-is-googles-new-ai-powered-travel-search-tool-161502688.html?src=rss

WhatsApp is upgrading its workplace chops. On Thursday, the Meta-owned company rolled out new group calling features. Chief among them is the ability to schedule team calls in advance.Starting today, you can schedule future calls under the Calls tab. There, press the + button, and choose "Schedule call." This will also let you invite colleagues or friends.You can keep tabs on your upcoming meetings in that same Calls tab. There, you'll also find an attendees list and call links. (Link creators will receive notifications when someone joins the call.) You can also use those call links to add the meeting to your calendar app. Each member will get an alert when it's time to start.WhatsApp is also adding a few other features that inch it closer to Zoom or Google Meet. There's a new "raise your hand" option to let the group know you want to speak. You can also send emoji reactions. This is standard work-call fare, but new to the platform that started as a simple instant messaging app in 2009.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/whatsapp-now-lets-you-schedule-group-calls-155001583.html?src=rss

Google is rolling out a new safety feature for the Messages app on Android. As spotted by 9to5Google, the company is making Sensitive Content Warnings more broadly available after beta testing the option since April. Google announced it last October.The feature can detect and blur images that include nudity. However, it'll only work if you're signed into a Google Account in the Messages app.When Messages detects and blurs such an image, you will be able to choose between several actions. You can access a resource page called "Learn why nude images can be harmful," block the sender's number, return to the main Messages screen or opt to dismiss or view the image (tap Next and then either "No, don't view" or "Yes, view").A warning will appear when you go to send or forward a nude image too. Your device will remind you of the risk of doing so and you will have to acknowledge confirmation before you send the image.Sensitive Content Warnings is enabled by default for supervised users and parents and guardians can manage it via the Family Link app. Unsupervised teens aged between 13 and 17 can switch off the feature from their Google Account settings. Adults will have to opt in if they want to use the feature. They can do so by going to Google Messages Settings > Protection & Safety > Manage sensitive content warnings > Warnings in Google Messages.Google has designed this feature with privacy in mind. Your device will process and classify the images locally with the help of Android System SafetyCore tools. No identifiable data, classified content or results associated with this safety feature (including any detected nude images) are sent to Google servers, the company says. Google also notes that the feature isn't perfect - it may occasionally incorrectly determine that an image contains nudity when it doesn't, or allow ones that do feature nudity to pass through undetected.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-messages-can-now-blur-nude-images-on-android-150305780.html?src=rss

Teenage Engineering, the hip Swedish tech/design brand that makes synths of all kinds (and a portable game machine with a crank) has built another computer chassis. And it's free! But you also can't get one, right now at least. (Sorry about that.)Described by its maker as a "small form factor, mini-ITX computer case," the Computer-2 is made of a single sheet of semi-transparent plastic with snap hooks and living hinges for screw-free assembly. The engineering wizards at Teenage Engineering set out to design the "cheapest computer case in the world," and thanks to its intentionally minimalist design they were eventually able to settle on a price of $0.The DIY computer case accommodates a mini-ITX motherboard, an SFX power supply and a dual-slot graphics card of up to 180mm in size. Given the comically affordable nature of the product, it probably goes without saying that you don't get any other PC components included.The Computer-2 is not the first product of this kind that Teenage Engineering has put out. It was preceded by 2021's Computer-1, which was similarly design-led but made of aluminum and notably not free. The new "computer case you can't buy" is limited to one per person and Teenage Engineering has already cleared out its initial stock. You can register to be notified if additional cases are released on the company's website. We've also reached out to Teenage Engineering to find out if this was just a limited release or if they intend to regularly keep the Computer-2 in stock.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/teenage-engineering-is-giving-away-a-free-computer-chassis-but-its-already-sold-out-142328176.html?src=rss

Q: I'm hearing that Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10 later this year. What does that mean for my current Windows 10 PC, and what are my options?A: Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, a little over 10 years after the operating system was released. While you can continue to use Windows 10 PCs after that date - and it's understandable why, I gave it a glowing review at launch - you'll no longer receive any customer support, security updates or any other sort of upgrades. Windows 10 will effectively become a zombie operating system, shuffling along until some sort of malware or massive security breach renders it far too insecure. (Think about it this way: Would you actually feel safe running Windows XP, a notoriously malware-prone OS that hasn't received a significant security update since 2019, today? I would hope not!)So what's a Windows 10 user to do? Let's consider your choices.The best option: Upgrade to Windows 11For most users, the simplest way to move on from Windows 10 is to step up to Microsoft's new OS. Windows 11 is a free upgrade for Windows 10 users running the latest 22HS update and who also meet the minimum hardware specifications. Microsoft isn't asking for much - just a 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage -- but security requirements may be a problem for very old PCs. Those include the ability to launch in Secure Boot mode, as well as having a TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform 2.0) module. Windows 11 relies on the latter for biometric logins, BitLocker data encryption and other security features. If you don't have TPM 2.0, you'll be stuck with Windows 10 until you get a new PC.If that all sounds too complicated, Microsoft's PC Health Check app can also let you know if your system is ready for Windows 11. And if you've been bombarded by Windows 11 upgrade notifications over the past few years, that's also a not-so-subtle nudge that your PC is likely ready for the new OS. (There are various hacks that can let you install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, but they're risky and could make your OS installation vulnerable.)If you do choose to upgrade, you can expect a relatively painless process. Gone are the days when a Windows upgrade could easily wipe out your entire system. Now you can expect all of your software (and their respective licenses) to carry over, but with yet another caveat for Office suites: Microsoft is also ending support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 on October 14, 2025 as well. Cloud-based Microsoft 365 apps should be good to go on Windows 11 as well (see below for Windows 10 limitations).Assuming you've got enough hard drive space to hold the new OS, the upgrade process is merely a matter of sitting back and watching your system reboot a few times. I'd still recommend backing up any essential data before upgrading, though, just in case you run into any issues. (Pairing a cloud-based Microsoft OneDrive backup with a local hard disk is a good belt and suspenders solution.)The pricey option: Buy a new PCIf your system is too old to support Secure Boot mode and TPM 2.0, it's probably just time for an upgrade. (Expert users can find workarounds on YouTube and elsewhere, but you need to be adventurous enough to handle the likes of Github downloads and security overrides.) Luckily, we've got a slew of buying guides to help you out. Be sure to check out our best laptop guide, which includes some tips on the best specs to seek out, as well as some of our favorite systems like the Dell 14 Premium and MacBook Air (because it's also a good time to consider switching from Windows to Macs).Our best Windows laptops guide also highlights systems like the ASUS ZenBook S14 and the Surface Pro Copilot+ tablet. While the sweetspot for new PCs tends to be in the $750 to $1,200 range, with current back-to-school promos, you can find very capable laptops and desktops for as low as $500, and occasionally less. But if you're looking for something higher end ($1,400 and up), our best gaming laptop guide would be helpful.The risky option: Keep on trucking with Windows 10Windows 10 won't self-destruct when its support ends, so you could conceivably just use your older PC until it dies. But that's a risky option since you won't be getting any security updates. All it takes is for one intrepid hacker to find a new security flaw and you could easily fall victim to any number of issues. That includes getting malware, which could slow down performance and leak your data to hackers, or falling victim to a ransomware data theft scheme. And every day past October 14 just raises the likelihood of OS-level vulnerabilities that third-party antivirus software would be ill-equipped to fight off. Trust me - you don't want to do this. At the very least, buy yourself another year to figure things outThe procrastinator option: Extend Windows 10's security updates for one yearIf your hardware can't support the move to Windows 11, you can at least hit the snooze button by subscribing to the Windows 10 extended update (ESU) program. While it was initially announced as a $30 offering, Microsoft has since made it a free option if you synchronize your Windows 10 settings to the cloud via Windows Backup, or you could shell out 1,000 Microsoft reward points.As its name implies, the ESU will get you Windows 10 security updates, bug fixes and technical support until October 13, 2026. It also extends support for cloud-based Microsoft 365 apps through August 2026 for individuals and families. Sure, it's only a year of additional support, but that can at least buy you enough time to do more research on a new PC, or wait for a holiday sale. For what it's worth, this marks the first time Microsoft has offered any sort of ESU to consumers. Typically, they're just a way for corporate IT admins to get additional support without migrating to a new OS.Have a tech question you'd like Engadget to answer?As tech reporters, the Engadget staff is always answering questions from friends and family about electronics, software, gaming, big tech policies and more. So we decided to write down our answers. This question is a composite of ones we've been asked recently. If you've got a tech-related question you'd like us to answer for you, please email ask@engadget.com.Update 8/14/25, 10:20AM ET: Added more information regarding a free option to receive the Windows 10 ESU, and more details about software licenses carrying over into Windows 11.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/ask-engadget-what-are-my-options-when-windows-10-support-ends-on-october-14-160534495.html?src=rss

More than a year after an import ban forced the company to remove blood oxygen monitoring from some US Apple Watch models, Apple says it will introduce a redesigned version of the feature later today. In a post on its newsroom website, the company says the feature will roll out to Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2 users through a joint Apple Watch and iPhone update. Once Apple begins rolling out the software, you'll need to update your devices to iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 to access the reworked feature. Following the update, any blood oxygen data captured by your Apple Watch will be calculated on your iPhone, with the resulting data viewable in the respiratory section of the Health app."There will be no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the original Blood Oxygen feature, nor to Apple Watch units purchased outside of the US," Apple said.Today's update marks another unexpected development in Apple's long, drawn out legal feud with Masimo. In 2021, the medical device maker sued Apple, alleging the tech giant had infringed on its intellectual properties related to pulse oximeter blood-oxygen monitoring technology. Following a couple of years of legal back and forth, the issue came to a head when the US International Trade Commission (ITC) upheld a prior ruling that found Apple had violated Masimo's patents. After former President Biden chose not to veto the decision, Apple was forced to temporarily pause sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. The company later started selling the wearables again following an update the removed the infringing blood oxygen monitoring feature. Now Apple says it's able to offer the functionality again, with a slight modification, due to a recent US Customs ruling.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apples-redesigned-blood-oxygen-monitoring-feature-hits-apple-watches-in-the-us-today-131558485.html?src=rss

If DJI is entering the 360-degree action camera market, why shouldn't Insta360 venture into drones? That was my immediate thought when the company announced its first drone, the A1, from a spin-off brand and team called Antigravity.So, what is the A1? Is it an entry-level device? A camera for creators looking to spice up their videos without years of practice? A competitive POV drone? It's a bit of all three, but the Antigravity A1 isn't just a drone. It will eventually launch in a three-part set: the flying unit, OLED Vision goggles and a dedicated Grip motion controller.In its current form, the Antigravity A1 weighs around 249 grams (8.8 ounces), which helps it duck around drone license requirements in most regions. (As it's a preproduction model, this could change a little before it hits retail.) Two ultrawide cameras are positioned on the roof and underside of the drone instead of on the front. It's like the Insta360 X5 camera is some sort of cocoon for the Antigravity A1.Image by Mat Smith for EngadgetWith those two camera units, the A1 can capture video in 8K resolution, stretched across a sphere-like canvas from the drone's point of view. With stitching algorithms that the company has continually improved over five generations of 360-degree cameras, this should result in mostly seamless footage where the A1 never interrupts the view. The drone itself won't show up in your video. It's like the company's invisible" selfie stick, but, well, up in the sky.The A1 is unlike any other drone I've played with - something I learned when I tested a pre-production unit at a Mercedes-Benz race track in Schlusselfeld, Germany. Naturally, this included high-speed cars, wet conditions and some near-misses.Thanks to working at Engadget, I'm a drone dabbler, but Antigravity's A1 is a different experience from the outset. Controlling the A1 involves strapping on companion goggles and steering it from a first-person perspective, controller in hand. However, unlike other FPV drones, you can look (and move) anywhere you want.During roughly 15 minutes of flying time (you can see the highlights here), I found it's a surprisingly intuitive experience. With other FPV drones, your view is locked to the direction of the camera. Sure, you can rotate rival drones to see elsewhere, like with DJI's Avata, but it's not the same. Because the A1 streams 360-degree video to the goggles, turning your head will never affect the direction it's facing. Instead, you'll just see what's around the drone as it flies, making it far more intuitive for rookie drone pilots. Better still, you can strafe and move around while looking somewhere else - like video game controls for a first-person shooter.This freedom of movement is elevated by the unique A1 controller, which is best described as a blend between a traditional drone controller and a Wiimote. While some of the physical buttons and dials adjust altitude, start/stop video recording and more, steering involves a point-and-click method. When you move your hand out to the right side, a reticle shows up on the goggles' display. Pressing the trigger then will cause the A1 to shoot out in that direction, an action that Antigravity calls Freemotion control.As I mentioned, this means I don't have to look where I'm going - although it's better if I do to avoid accidents (or collisions with an expensive Mercedes). If you've been intrigued by FPV drones, this is a simpler experience that feels freer, too. You can look wherever you want, not beholden to where cameras are pointed on other drones. I also think I could get friends and family flying the A1 around with minimal training. Speaking of spectators, Insta360 included a clever touch for them: the goggles have an external screen so that onlookers can see what's happening. There is nothing duller than watching someone else fly a drone without being able to see their POV.Image by Mat Smith for EngadgetThe A1 is a zippy little drone, presumably thanks to its low weight. But even at this preproduction stage, the resulting video looks better than I thought it would. Plus, it offers substantial versatility if you're looking for action-packed shots.After I tested the A1, Antigravity sent me my video from the drone, so I was about to reframe, crop and reposition the footage. You could even use the same 10 seconds and frame (or crop) to three very different angles. For example, you could extract a tracking shot of the car, a zoomed-in shot of the drone pilot or just the blue skies of Germany all from one clip. That's the exciting part here.Insta360 built excellent editing tools (mobile and desktop) for its cameras in the past, and it plans to do the same for its first drone. An early version of the software wasn't without its hiccups, but editing was easy enough once I figured out that keyframes would anchor the drone's view. I could then add several keyframes together, tagging objects I'd like to keep in frame or track. Editing my footage started to get oddly enjoyable, and I have never enjoyed that task.Another feature the company emphasized is payload detection. While the exact weight limit is still being refined through further testing, Antigravity says the A1 won't be able to fly if the drone detects it's carrying something it shouldn't - a move to further smooth potential license issues. The company also hinted at future accessories and peripherals to expand the A1 experience - something it has successfully done with its action cams and gimbals.Image by Mat Smith for EngadgetSome specs are still a mystery because the drone is a work in progress. To that end, the company is opening up applications for a co-creation project, where participants will get a pre-production Antigravity A1 in exchange for offering feedback. Ideas from these testers will be integrated into the final retail version, and the best ones could win a share of a $20,000 prize pool.Flying the A1 around a racetrack was the most fun I've had with a drone in a long time. But, with goggles and a dedicated controller included, how much will a flight cost? That might decide whether Insta360's Antigravity can carve out a place next to DJI's army of drones.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/insta360-antigravity-a1-drone-preview-hands-on-130034274.html?src=rss

Solos is teaming up with Envision, a company that makes assistive technology for the blind and low-vision community, to add an AI called Ally to its AirGo smart glasses platform. This chatbot was designed for those with vision issues. The companies say this integration creates a "first-of-its-kind, hands-free, voice-activated wearable."Solos says the specs can perform a number of tasks that should make life easier for the low-vision community, including recognizing and reading text in real time, describing scenes, recognizing faces and more.Just by speaking, users can ask the glasses to scan documents or photos for context, answer questions, check calendars and converse naturally about just about anything. The companies say that Ally remembers context across conversations.Solos says that the innovative nature of the glasses should make them useful for lots of folks, low-vision or not. This includes the elderly, people with cognitive disabilities and "anyone overwhelmed by modern devices but curious about what AI can do."The Ally-equipped AirGo glasses support prescription lenses, which is great, and include a directional speaker system. These smart glasses also include a modular component, as users can swap out different frame fronts to change up the look.Preorders are open right now, with shipments beginning in October. Prices start at $399. All purchases come with a free trial for Ally Pro, which adds more customization and functionality to the AI.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/solos-is-equipping-its-smart-glasses-with-an-ai-for-the-blind-and-low-vision-community-130009539.html?src=rss

E-bike company Cowboy has secured short-term financing that would allow its operations to go back to normal after a period it describes as the "most challenging in [its] history." The company has revealed that it has signed a term sheet with a new partner, Rebirth, which it believes would pave the way for long-term stability. As The Verge notes, Rebirth is the parent of ReCycles, the prominent French manufacturer that took over bike assembly for Cowboy back in February.For quite some time, the company's fate was up in the air. Cowboy explained that over the past couple of years, it has been hit by several problems that are plaguing the whole industry, including the post-COVID shifts in the demand for e-bikes and massive supply chain problems. On top of those, it had to launch a recall for some of its Cruiser ST bikes when their frames started to crack after 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles), which Cowboy said "added strain to an already difficult time." It explained that the issue was caused by one of its suppliers making an unauthorized change to the bikes.Cowboy has admitted that due to the issues it faced, customers experienced a lot of delays and that it wasn't able to communicate things with them clearly. Now that it has secured financing, the first replacement frames for the recalled bikes have finally arrived from its supplier and it was able to start operating its first recall center, with more to follow in the summer. "We are not yet where we want to be, but we are here," the company said in the email it has sent its customers. "Still standing. Still fighting. And more determined than ever."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/cowboy-e-bikes-rescued-from-collapse-thanks-to-rescue-deal-123012537.html?src=rss

HTC is once again attacking the wearable space with a pair of new smart glasses, the company announced. The Vive Eagle is a rival to Meta's Ray-Ban glasses with a fashion-foward lightweight design, open ear audio, voice-activated AI and an ultra-wide AI-powered camera. They look promising, if a bit expensive, but will only be available in Taiwan to start with.The Taiwanese firm clearly noticed that Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have been a surprise hit. It's easy to see why - in our Engadget review, we found that they look great and perform admirably. The current model includes in-ear speakers, cameras, microphones and access to Meta's virtual assistant.HTC has used much the same formula for the Vive Eagle, though they have an uphill battle against Ray-Ban's brand brand in terms of consumer awareness and style. "Vive Eagle features a refined aesthetic that conceals its powerful technology in clean, minimalist lines," the company wrote. It managed to fit all the technology into a relatively lightweight frame that weighs just 49 grams, only a gram heavier than Meta's Ray-Bans.HTCOn the camera side, the Vive Eagle comes with a 12MP ultra-wide model with voice-activated AI, offering support for multiple platforms including OpenAI and Gemini. "With a simple voice command like 'Hey VIVE, take a photo,; users can capture what they see - right from their glasses," the company wrote.Voice commands also let you do things like record reminders, take notes, and get restaurant recommendations. You can also get real-time translation in 13 languages: Arabic, Traditional Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Thai, Turkish.On the audio side, the Vive Eagle has an open-ear setup that "combines large acoustic drivers and virtual bass enhancement to deliver rich, spatial audio while minimizing sound leakage," HTC said. It promised that you'll be able to hear music or voice prompts without others overhearing, while still being aware of your surroundings.HTC promises up to 36 hours of standby time and 4.5 hours of continuous music playback thanks to the 235mAh battery, and you can get to a 50 percent charge (via magnetic fast charging) in just 10 minutes. It also features a "privacy-first" architecture with all video and other data stored exclusively on-device - and that is protected via 256-bit AES encryption, according to HTC.The Vive Eagle will only available in Taiwan at first for NT$15,600, or about $520 - quite a bit more than most of Meta's Ray-Ban models. HTC has yet to say if it will bring the Vive Eagle to other territories including the US - but if it does and at that price, it'll be in tough against its rival.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/htc-takes-on-meta-with-the-vive-eagle-smart-glasses-120048879.html?src=rss

Tablets are the perfect middle ground between your phone and laptop, giving you the best of both worlds. Whether you want a lightweight device to binge your favorite shows, a larger screen for mobile gaming or a portable way to get some work done on the go, a tablet can do it all. They're also great for keeping kids entertained, managing work tasks or sharing family moments through video calls. When a phone feels too small and lugging around a laptop is just too much, that's where tablets fit into the mix.

Apple is still hard at work on becoming a relevant player in AI. The latest missive from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg suggests that Apple is shifting its artificial intelligence goals to center on new device segments. Sources reportedly told the publication that Apple has a slate of new smart home products in the works that could help pivot its lagging AI strategy.The center of the new lineup is a tabletop AI companion that has been described as an iPad on a movable robotic arm. It would be able to swivel to face the screen toward a user as they move around their home or office. Sources said the current prototype uses a horizontal display that's about seven inches while the motorized arm can move the screen about six inches away from the base in any direction. Equipped with a long-promised overhaul to the Siri voice assistant, this device could act like an additional person, recalling information, making suggestions and participating in conversations. According to Bloomberg, Apple is targeting a 2027 release for this product.Apple's new lineup is also rumored to include a smart home hub that is a simpler version of the robotic friend with no moving stand. We might be seeing this sooner, with a projected 2026 release for the device. This hub device would be able to control music playback, take notes, browse the web and host videoconferencing. Both the robot companion and the smart home hub are reportedly running a new operating system called Charismatic that's designed to support multiple users. The Siri running on the device will be given a particularly cheery personality, and it may also be getting a visual representation. Bloomberg's sources said there hasn't been a final decision on aesthetics; internal tests have had Siri looking like an animated Finder icon and like a Memoji.Today's scuttlebutt follows on previous reports from Gurman that pointed to Apple's interest in these categories. The idea of a smart home hub was apparently floated at the company as far back as 2022, and it's finally being rumored to have a formal debut some time this year. Robots have also been a topic of interest in Cupertino for some time, with claims that Apple was developing a personal robot dating back at least to last spring. While this Bloomberg piece offers more detail about those hypothetical plans, there's always a chance Apple will change direction or scrap a project.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apples-tabletop-robot-companion-rumored-for-2027-launch-204904807.html?src=rss

Sony just announced some new additions to the PS Plus Game Catalog for August and it's a pretty beefy lineup. All of these titles will be ready to play on August 19. There's something here for just about everyone, so let's get started.Perhaps the biggest game of the bunch is Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered. This is the PS5 port of the PS4 hit, which upgrades the graphics and swaps out the actor playing Peter Parker. PS4 owners aren't being left out in the cold here, as Marvel's Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition will also be available.Not into web-slinging? Mortal Kombat 1 will be available for PS5 players. This is the latest and greatest fighting game in the long-running franchise. It garnered positive reviews upon launch back in 2023. The graphics are stunning and there's a Johnny Cage skin made to resemble actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.The fantasy surfing adventure Sword of the Sea will be available for subscribers as a day one release on August 19. That's the same day it launches for all platforms. This one's by the same developers behind Journey and Abzu, so color us excited.Other games available on August 19 include the utterly charming narrative adventure Harold Halibut and the horrifically captivating Indika. Beyond that, there's the life sim Coral Island and the RPG Atelier Ryza 3 Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/spider-man-and-mortal-kombat-1-head-up-augusts-ps-plus-game-catalog-additions-172758798.html?src=rss

Pebble creator Eric Migicovsky and his new company, Core Designs, have been beavering away on new e-paper smartwatches and the team has just revealed the final design of the higher-end model. The Pebble Time 2 has a 1.5-inch, 64-color e-paper screen, with a touchscreen, metal frame, heart-rate monitor and (it's claimed) up to 30 days of battery life. The frame is a bit more curved than on pre-production versions of the Pebble Time 2. The top and bottom buttons on the right side are now angled rather than sitting in a straight line with the center one. With the strap attached, the Pebble Time 2 weighs about 48 grams, and the body is about 32.5 grams. Core Designs has added more features to the smartwatch as well. The Pebble Time 2's front, rear and buttons will be made using 316 stainless steel. It will also have a multicolor RGB LED backlight, compass sensor and screw-mounted back cover. In addition, the team has incorporated a second microphone, which Migicovsky said could be used to potentially support environmental noise cancellation. It was previously confirmed that the Pebble Time 2 would have a quick-release 22mm strap, flat hardened glass lens, step and sleep tracking and a speaker. The watch will also boast a vibration function and water resistance. Core Designs plans to offer the Pebble Time 2 in four colorways, but the team hasn't settled on the options yet. Once it has, it will email everyone who has pre-ordered the smartwatch and ask them to pick a color. The Pebble Time 2 is currently scheduled to start shipping in December and it will cost $225 (the $149 Pebble Duo 2 became available last month). Migicovsky and the team recently regained the Pebble trademark. As such, they were able to start using the Pebble branding again and renamed what were previously called the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/heres-the-final-design-of-the-pebble-time-2-e-paper-smartwatch-172406191.html?src=rss

When Nintendo announced that it was adding GameCube games to its (inexplicably Switch 2-only) Nintendo Switch Online offering, people were understandably excited about the likes of Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker joining the service. And I was one of them (even if I'd personally lose little sleep if Super Mario Sunshine was fired directly into the sun).But as much as I want the obvious GameCube classics on my Switch 2, it's the more underrated gems I've heard so much about from hardcore Nintendo fans over the years that really pique my interest. Games like Chibi-Robo!, for example, which Nintendo has confirmed as the next title joining the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion pack library on August 21.

One thing I need to make clear right from the start: this is a review of Norton VPN (formerly Norton Secure VPN, and briefly Norton Ultra VPN) as a standalone app, not of the VPN feature in the Norton 360 package. They're similar, but Norton VPN has a few more features, including the ability to choose cities as server locations in countries with more than one option. I'll state my opinion up front. Norton VPN isn't a bad service, but it's not good enough to get ahead of its direct competitors. ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and NordVPN are all either faster, more feature-rich, more secure, more affordable or some combination of the four. There's no reason to go with Norton as your VPN unless you're getting it as part of another Norton 360 bundle. For this review, I ran rigorous tests that highlighted Norton VPN's strengths (well-designed user interfaces, a verified privacy policy) along with its weaknesses (holes in its security, renewals that double the price, weak customer support). Norton's history of focusing on Windows means that app is by far the most complete; if you're on any other platform, expect to miss out on the best VPN protocols and the complete feature set. Editors' note: We're in the process of rebooting all of our VPN reviews from scratch. Once we do a fresh pass on the top services, we'll be updating each review with a rating and additional comparative information. Table of contents

PUBG: Battlegrounds is finally ready to ditch last-gen consoles. On Wednesday, the developer said that the game will transition to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 13.Although the battle royale has been playable on current-gen consoles all along, it was running as a PS4 or Xbox One game. That helped it cast a wide net (and probably make more money), but it also came with technical limitations. The company said the move to current-gen will "provide our players with a more stable gameplay environment on console and ensure a smoother, more seamless experience with future updates."PS5 players can expect the new version to play in 1440p at 60fps. Both the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X will reach 2160p at 60fps. However, the two high-end systems will support Dynamic 4K resolution. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S will run at 1080p at 60fps or 1440p at 30fps. (Your choice.)Here's how PUBG: Battlegrounds currently looks on PS5.PUBG / KraftonAnd this is how it will look after November 13. It's a subtle difference at first glance, but you can see more detail, including pronounced shadows.PUBG / KraftonWhen the cutoff arrives, the game will no longer be downloadable or playable on PS4 and Xbox One. PlayStation users will need to download a separate PS5 version of the game on November 13. If you already have it installed on your Xbox Series X/S, the current-gen update will install automatically via Microsoft's Smart Delivery. On both systems, your existing account data and purchased items will transition automatically.PUBG left its last-gen users a sentimental message that sounds a bit like a corporate layoff letter. "We still vividly remember the epic battles, the heart-stopping moments, and the camaraderie that brought us together," the company wrote. "We are deeply grateful for every moment you've spent with us over the past eight years."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pubg-battlegrounds-will-leave-ps4-and-xbox-one-behind-later-this-year-162932937.html?src=rss

Amazon is expanding its same-day grocery delivery service with the addition of perishable food items in over 1,000 US cities. Shoppers can now add fresh grocery items like produce, dairy, meat, seafood and frozen foods to their orders. Grocery and non-grocery items can be combined into one order, checked out from one cart and received together on the same day. The company had trialed this service in the Phoenix area last year.Prime members continue to get free same-day delivery where available on orders over $25, and non-Prime members can still pay an additional $12.99 shipping fee to receive a same-day delivery.Amazon acquired Whole Foods Market in 2017 and has been making strategic moves to capture grocery market share in the years since. The tech giant has experimented with self-checkout technology, and even opened its own Amazon-branded brick-and-mortar grocery stores.Amazon CEO Andy Jassey is determined to grow the grocery side of the business to compete with the likes of Walmart and Instacart. Amazon says it plans to "expand to over 2,300 cities" by the end of 2025, with plans to continue adding more locations next year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amazon-adds-perishable-food-to-same-day-delivery-162144510.html?src=rss

Google is adding a temporary chat feature to Gemini. The equivalent of a browser's incognito mode, it lets you have one-off AI chats. They won't appear in your history, influence future chats or be used for training.The temporary chats will be saved for up to 72 hours. Google says this is to give you time to revisit the chat or provide feedback. The feature begins rolling out today and will continue to do so over the coming weeks.It arrives alongside a new setting that does, well, pretty much the opposite. The Gemini app can now learn from your conversations and remember details and preferences. It may then reference them in future chats. (For example, it might recall a hobby you once mentioned when you later ask it for party theme ideas.)Google added the past chats feature to Gemini Advanced earlier this year. ChatGPT and Claude each have a similar memory option.The memory setting is on by default, so you'll want to tweak your privacy settings as soon as it arrives if you don't want to use it. In the Gemini app, head to Settings > Personal context > Your past chats with Gemini to change it.GoogleSpeaking of settings, Google is changing the name of its data-retention toggle. What was once "Gemini Apps Activity" is now labeled as "Keep Activity." Despite the semantic change, your previous setting will stick, so you shouldn't need to change this one.Personalized conversations will first launch with Gemini 2.5 Pro in "select countries." It will make its way to 2.5 Flash and more regions in the weeks ahead.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/gemini-will-remember-more-or-less-of-what-you-say-160012521.html?src=rss

We got our first look at Lego Voyagers back at Summer Game Fest in June. As it turned out, Light Brick Studio (Lego Builder's Journey) and publisher Annapurna Interactive weren't kidding about the "coming soon" aspect of the reveal trailer. That's because Lego Voyagers is set to hit PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) on September 15.Lego Voyagers is a physics-based, co-op puzzle game for two players. You and a buddy will each control Lego bricks as you attempt to rescue an abandoned spaceship. The blue and red pieces snap together with other blocks and can build structures to help navigate these worlds. You'll be able to play together locally on the same system or online. If you choose the latter route, only one of you needs to own the game for you both to play it, thanks to the Friend's Pass system.According to Annapurna, Lego Voyagers "asks open questions about building friendships, sharing dreams and giving space. It reminds us that while playing and being creative is for all shapes and sizes, it's always better when you share it with a friend." That sounds quite lovely to me.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/co-op-puzzle-game-lego-voyagers-will-arrive-on-september-15-153915915.html?src=rss

Since the original Tamagotchi landed on store shelves 28 years ago, not much has changed in the world of virtual pets. The basic gameplay remains, with players being asked to feed, groom and play with small digital creatures inside a handheld device. But new features have also been added, like Bluetooth connectivity and downloadable content (they're also a little bigger than before). This month, however, Hasbro is throwing its hat into the ring with the Nano-Mals, a $20 device that takes the standard features of a virtual pet and aims them toward a new purpose: fidget toy. The first thing you'll probably notice when you pick up one of the eight initial Nano-Mals models is how cute they all are: they're styled after both common and uncommon animals, including two cows, two cats, a red panda, a narwhal, and a pair of unicorns.But the second thing you'll notice is that there's no screen to be found anywhere; instead, the sole display" is a a light-up heart on the front of the toy that has three levels and changes color to indicate how satiated the toy is in terms of hunger, affection and play. How you fulfill these needs is where the Nano-mals distinguish themselves from other virtual pets: Instead of pushing buttons and navigating through various menus, you interact instead with the various parts of the toy directly. Push down on its ear to pet" it, flip its arms to dance" and push its nose to feed" it. The more you perform these actions, the more each color of the heart will fill up, eventually resulting in a rainbow kaleidoscope across the toy's chest. It's incredibly easy to do, not just because these are simple actions, but because they're engineered to be satisfying since it is a fidget toy. It feels good to flip the arms up and down and squish the ears. Not so much for pushing the shallow nose button though, meaning it was often the need that took the longest for me to fulfill. It just wasn't fun to push the nose! I can only hope that future iterations improve on this. Once you've figured out the basic functions, it becomes a game in itself to figure out the best way to hold and interact with the device. You don't need to look at it and the entire thing can be operated with one hand, which is exactly what you want in a fidget toy. I found myself rotating it between my fingers while flipping the arms - the device also contains an accelerometer so any significant movement also counts as play." If you have more than one Nano-mal - which is quite likely given the device's low price - the toys will interact with each other, lighting up and talking to each other. It's cute but also a bit unsettling, as it was very reminiscent of this year's Black Mirror episode Playthings" with the Nano-mals emitting mysterious bleats and chimes just like the Thronglets. Fortunately, there is an off switch, and the Nano-mals will burble happily before shutting down when you use it. Kris Naudus for Engadget However, the off switch isn't absolute as, should you press any of the buttons, the Nano-mal will still react, though maybe not effusively as if the device were powered fully on. This is a problem given that the Nano-mal is meant to be taken out and about (there's even a clip at the top), but will likely be banned from classrooms due to the possibility of it being accidentally triggered when a kid moves their stuff. The toys can be muted by holding down the nose for a few seconds, but it only works when the device is fully powered on, and resets every time the Nano-mal is turned off and on. Aside from that and the fact that I couldn't remove the attachment clip, which got in the way when I was trying to spin the device in my hand, I think the Nano-mal is a solid first try at this kind of toy. Kids will love how cute they are, especially when you dress them up in the included clothes, which double as protective cases for the devices. And adults will appreciate them too: Parents are big on screen-free devices, while the young-at-heart will appreciate having something to keep their hands busy that isn't their phone. The Nano-mals are available now at all major toy retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/hasbros-nano-mals-are-a-virtual-pet-that-rewards-fidgeting-141553387.html?src=rss

At WWDC 2025, Apple announced it was replacing the sequential numbering for OS versions and with year numbers. So instead of watchOS 12, I've spent the past two weeks with the public beta of watchOS 26. The naming scheme shift is subtle, but helpful - which is how I'd describe the upgrades the new software brings to the Apple Watch. The AI-powered Workout Buddy better contextualizes your Fitness data and an added gesture gives the watch a fun trick that's actually helpful. Other upgrades - including better smart replies and the Liquid Glass treatment - all combine to make the watch work and look a bit better than it did before. It's not a game-changing shift, like other OS 26 releases, but it manages to make a great watch a touch better.Luminous Liquid GlassEvery Apple operating system got the Liquid Glass treatment this year, including watchOS 26. The change is less noticeable on the Apple Watch than on the iPhone or iPad, though. You'll notice the semi-transparent buttons and flowy movement when entering your password and opening the control center - the icons look like they're surrounded in little drops of water, which is quite pretty. You'll see it on the Photos watch face, too, especially if you select the glass" color for the time readout.The Liquid Glass treatment for the Photos watch face.Amy Skorheim for EngadgetThe Smart Stack now has a liminal glow and the app icons are likewise a touch more luminous than before. The effect is subtle and nicely unifies the look of the watch and its companion iPhone. Like all design upgrades, Liquid Glass made me feel like I was using a new watch - though, like everything, the novelty wore off after a week or two.Revamped Workout app combines AI stats with a DJIn addition to the Buddy, the Workout app has a new look with icons in each of the four corners of the screen that give you easier access to adjust your data view, play music, set goals and tweak Buddy settings. My favorite new feature is in the music menu and it's limited to Apple Music for now. If you tap the music icon, you have the option to auto-play music. From there, you can also select Picked for you" or Choose media." The former will select music that matches the type of workout you're doing and what you like to listen to. As someone who gets derailed from pretty much all my tasks when I have to interact with my phone, I appreciate anything that can make decisions for me and prevent me from reaching for it.I was presented with peppy beats that matched the cadence of my run, from bands and artists that were familiar as well as new-to-me selections that fit my tastes. Unfortunately, it didn't always work correctly. Sometimes I'd get no music, other times the music would play but the Workout Buddy would fall silent. I realize I'm testing a public beta of watchOS 26, so I'm holding out hope the feature will work at launch. Because when it worked, it was glorious.The new Workout app layout.Amy Skorheim for EngadgetThe new Workout Buddy is probably the biggest AI play in watchOS 26. It uses historical and real-time data collected by your watch to give you a window into how you're performing at the beginning, end and throughout a workout. It works for walking, running, cycling and other workouts but requires headphones and a nearby Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone. That gave me pause. I hate carrying stuff and/or sticking things in my ears when I run. But after acquiring some open earbuds and digging out my old Spibelt, I made it work.There are three voices to choose from as of this writing, a bright feminine option, a British male-sounding one and another female-presenting version with a lower register. These were built on vocal data from Fitness+ trainers and have an authentic sound to them. At the start of a workout, you'll get a brief pep talk along with some recent milestones. My pre-game walking and running talks included references to the day of the week, my location and accumulated fitness data. For example, Way to get out there on a Wednesday morning walk in Albuquerque. So far this week, you've done three walking workouts. Let's get in some steps!"Depending on the type of exercise, you can set target ranges for cadence, heart rate, speed, distance, power (cycling), time and others. During a workout, the AI will let you know if you're at, below or above those levels. The first time I tried Workout Buddy, my run was quite lonely. I didn't realize I had to turn on the Buddy, as well as the various goal metrics within the Workout app. I did that and, on my next run, the AI delivered cadence and heart rate updates, and let me know when I hit milestones like distance and duration.At the end of a workout, you'll see a thinking animation as the AI assembles a summary. It'll recap data like your pace, distance, average and peak heart rate, as well as progress on your Activity rings. It'll also point out comparisons or cumulative milestones you may have hit. For example, after a longer walk, it told me that I'd just burned the most calories on a walk so far. Another day, it told me I'd walked ten miles so far this week. It closes the update by encouraging you to take the energy into the rest of your day or something similarly positive but measured.That's a big improvement over the first few times I used the feature. My first few pep talks were cloying, telling me something along the lines of It's not easy to get out there early in the morning!" and Your effort is inspiring!" After I stopped a run early to fuss with settings, it told me I did a Great job!" on a three-minute run. Thankfully, Apple appears to be tweaking the Buddy behind the scenes, calibrating the AI's personality." Recent pep talks have become noticeably less sycophantic and therefore more enjoyable. I imagine the Buddy will only continue to evolve even more from here.The Workout Buddy is not a coachThe Workout Buddy is a motivational experience that provides personalized insights you can use to gauge your performance. But I just finished trying out Samsung's AI running coach on the Galaxy Watch and couldn't help comparing the two. That coach pushed me to run five kilometers for the first time in my life. The Buddy made me feel like I'd accomplished something special just by taking my dog on a stroll. Both have their place, but I'd say Apple's version is probably best for those who already know what their goals are and what they need to do to hit them. Samsung's version may be better for beginners who want some help shaping their fitness journey.In addition to the Buddy, the Workout app has a new look with icons in each of the four corners of the screen that give you easier access to adjust your data view, play music, set goals and tweak Buddy settings. My favorite new feature is in the music menu and it's limited to Apple Music for now. If you tap the music icon, you have the option to auto-play music. From there, you can also select Picked for you" or Choose media." The former will select music that matches the type of workout you're doing and what you like to listen to. As someone who gets derailed from pretty much all my tasks when I have to interact with my phone, I appreciate anything that can make decisions for me and prevent me from reaching for it.I was presented with peppy beats that matched the cadence of my run, from bands and artists that were familiar as well as new-to-me selections that fit my tastes. Unfortunately, it didn't always work correctly. Sometimes I'd get no music, other times the music would play but the Workout Buddy would fall silent. I realize I'm testing a public beta of watchOS 26, so I'm holding out hope the feature will work at launch. Because when it worked, it was glorious.More hands-free fun with wrist flickI love the double tap gesture Apple introduced with the Apple Watch Series 9 - it's a pleasure to stop timers, start auto-detected workouts and answer calls without getting my other hand involved. But it took some practice before I could reliably get the watch to recognize the gesture. (The trick is raising your wrist in an exaggerated checking-the-time motion then quickly, but not too quickly, tapping your thumb and finger together twice.)Luckily, the new Wrist Flick motion introduced in watchOS 26 takes practically no effort to get right. It involves quickly turning the back of your wrist away from you and back up again. Doing that can silence a call, stop a ringing timer, dismiss notifications and return you to the watch face from any app you open. It also makes those irritating helpful Time to stand!" reminders go away. The wrist flick doesn't clear alerts, just dismisses them - so the red indicator dot disappears, but the notification remains and you can see it if you swipe down. Just note that it's only available to Apple Watch Series 9, 10 and the Ultra 2.Amy Skorheim for EngadgetWrist flick is a great feature - though it's important to note that Android wearables since WearOS 2 had a similar feature for a while now. And I'd like to see Apple adopt more hands-free interactions like this. Apple already has many gesture-based controls as part of its existing AssistiveTouch feature. Actions like fist clenches, wrist tilts and single or double taps can control most of the navigation on the watch. Unfortunately, turning on AssistiveTouch turns off the universal double tap feature. I'd be interested in seeing something that splits the difference. Perhaps four or five gestures for basic functions that can be used in conjunction with screen input.Smarter replies could make Messages a usable watch appThe Apple Watch is great for reading texts, but replying is awkward. That tiny keyboard is an interface for ants - even talk-to-text input is inefficient as it's tough to correct mistakes. Smart Replies are little canned responses that appear as suggestions below the reply field. Those aren't new, but now Series 9 watches and later will use an improved on-device language model to come up with relevant bits of text you can send with a tap.In addition to the choices that are always offered - Okay, Yes, No, Thank you and Can I call you later? - I saw things like Ok, let me know" and That's so sweet!" both of which applied to their respective conversations. I wasn't always given Smart Reply suggestions, and some of them weren't very relevant, but again, it's a great feature that will save time when it works.Another Messages update is a carryover from iOS 26 (and borrowed from countless other messaging apps). You can now set custom backgrounds for each of your (Apple-only) contacts. Just note that whatever you set will be seen by all participants in the conversation, once they update to iOS 26. On your watch, the photo, gradient or pattern you pick carries over to your conversations. Not only does it look nice, I find backgrounds help me to not accidentally text my mom something I meant to send to my sister.Backgrounds are now available in Messages.Amy Skorheim for EngadgetNotes have arrivedThe Notes app is now on Apple Watch. I honestly hadn't noticed the lack before this - I know there are plenty of Notes enthusiasts out there, but in my world, Alexa handles all reminder and shopping list duties. Still, I can see how the new integration could come in handy. After creating a simple shopping checklist in the iOS Notes app, I opened the list on my watch while I was shopping and found it far easier to check things off on my wrist than dragging out my phone every time I stuck something in my cart.I'm curious to see whether Apple's improved prediction algorithms for the new OS will eventually add Notes to my Smart Stack suggestions after I open the Notes app a few times at the grocery store. As it stands now, the Notes widget will pop up first in the Smart Stack if that's the last app you used.The rest of the new stuffFace GalleryThe iPhone Watch app has a new look and now organizes watch faces by category instead of by name. Groupings include New, Clean, Data-rich, Photos and Health and Fitness, among others. It's certainly an improvement, but one that makes you wonder why it wasn't always like this.The Watch Face gallery is categorized now.Amy Skorheim for EngadgetAdaptive soundAnother nice-but-obvious update adjusts the volume of pings and beeps to fit the environment - quieter in a noiseless office and louder at a raucous BBQ. I set a timer to go off when I was quietly working at my desk and then again with loud music playing and I couldn't really tell the difference. But that's a hard metric for the humble human ear to judge. Again, this is a feature reserved for Series 9 models and later.Smart StackThe Smart Stack will now add a small prompt to your watch face when it detects certain situations. For example, if you open the camera app on your phone, a small camera icon appears at the bottom of your watch screen, as a suggestion to open the remote shutter. Apple gives other examples, such as showing the workout icon when you arrive at your usual pilates studio or the Backtrack navigation feature when you journey away from cellular connectivity.I didn't see the prompt very often, but I did notice that the Smart Stack rearranged itself according to my habits - such as putting the medication widget at the top of the stack right around the time it was time to take my prescription, or shuffling Shazam to the top when it hears music playing.Siri is still SiriComing fresh off of reviewing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, I can't help but notice a stark difference between that wearable's fully integrated, AI-powered Gemini and Apple's same-old Siri. Gemini on the Samsung watch helped me find new stuff in my city, performed convoluted tasks and answered some pretty esoteric questions. I use Siri on my watch to reliably set timers, text people and add events to my calendar. But it's not quite on the level of Gemini's contextually-aware, generative capabilities that can interact with multiple apps. Asking something like Where should I have lunch?" gave me a list of businesses with lunch in the name followed by Siri asking me: Which one?" Not sure what that meant. Gemini, on the other hand, gave me local and relevant ideas for places I'd actually want to eat.Even before AI swallowed everyone's mind, I had a soft spot for digital assistants. When Alexa sings the You're very, very, oh so very welcome" song, I get a dopey smile on my face. I've tried to love Siri, but I get frustrated by being misunderstood, misdirected, misheard and flat-out ignored. I know Apple doesn't like to release new tech until it's fully up to snuff, and I'm looking forward to seeing what finally happens with new Siri. But for now, the disparity shows.Wrap-upThe changes watchOS 26 brings to the Apple Watch are perhaps not as grand as those for other Apple devices. Liquid Glass here isn't as all-encompassing as it is on the iPhone. The new watch features don't make the wearable finally realize its full potential like iPad OS 26 does for the tablet. And there isn't one major feature upgrade that transforms the watch experience, like macOS 26 does with Spotlight on Macs.But the updates do push the experience of using the watch forward. Liquid Glass is pretty and nicely ties the wearable with its companion devices. The Workout app, which was already good at tracking fitness metrics, is even better with the Workout Buddy, providing stat summaries and automated playlists. Improved smart replies for Messages and the addition of the Notes app fix two of the watch's previous shortcomings. And the wrist flick adds another option for hands-free interaction and - I hope - is a precursor to more such utility. I'm still holding out hope for an improved, personable and helpful Siri once Apple is ready, but for now, these are all welcome upgrades for what's already the industry's best overall smartwatch.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/watchos-26-preview-its-the-little-things-140035949.html?src=rss

Terraform co-founder Do Kwon has pleaded guilty to two US chargers of fraud after his actions wiped out $40 billion worth of crypto investments, The Guardian reported. Kwon's story is a wild one involving an immense crypto crash, an Interpol manhunt and Kwon's eventual extradition from Montenegro to the United States.Kwon, along with Sam Bankman-Fried and others, was a key player in 2022's crypto collapse. His company Terraform created a "stablecoin" called TerraUSD supposedly pegged to the US dollar, along with a floating crypto coin called Luna. When TerraUSD fell below its $1 peg in May of 2021, Kwon secretly arranged for a trading firm to buy the currency to boost its price. However, he lied to investors and said he stabilized the coin using a specialized algorithm.Those investors believed the story and bought up Luna (closely tied to TerraUSD), to the tune of nearly $50 billion, according to US prosecutors. Both currencies subsequently collapsed, taking $40 billion of investor money with it. As it often works with such things, many regular people lost their life savings, while venture capital firms profited before the rug was pulled.Following the collapse, Kwon was put on wanted lists in both the US and South Korea, with investigators in the latter country enlisting Interpol to find the entrepreneur. He subsequently posted on X that he "wasn't on the run" and was extradited to the US last year on New Year's Eve.Kwon was originally charged with nine counts including securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and money-laundering conspiracy. Though facing up to 25 years, he may receive a reduced sentence of 12 years maximum provided he accepts responsibility for his crimes. "I made false and misleading statements about why [TerraUSD] regained its peg by failing to disclose a trading firm's role in restoring that peg," Kwon said. What I did was wrong."Earlier, Kwon agreed to pay an $80 million civil fine and be banned from crypto transactions as part of a $4.55 billion US Securities and Exchange Commission settlement. Prosecutors will allow Kwon to be transferred to South Korea after half his US sentence is served.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/terraform-labs-founder-do-kwon-pleads-guilty-to-fraud-over-40-billion-crypto-collapse-134009107.html?src=rss

You'll soon be able to watch KPop Demon Hunters on the big screen. The Netflix animated film has become a global hit since it launched on the platform and has reportedly become the second most-watched movie on the service's history after Red Notice. Now, Netflix is holding a limited theatrical event, wherein fans can watch a sing-along version of the film. Aside from the movie itself being a hit, its songs have gained massive popularity, with the track Golden recently taking the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100.KPop Demon Hunters is a musical that revolves around the girl group Huntr/x, which as you might have guessed, are demon hunters. The group is the latest trio of women who uses the power of their singing voices to maintain the Honmoon, or the magical barrier that prevents demons from entering our world established generations ago by the first trio of singing demon hunters. In the film, they're in constant competition with a boy band called Saja Boys, who are made up of demons that look like pretty boys. The main antagonist, however, is Gwi-Ma, ruler of the demons. He was voiced by Lee Byung-hun, whom a lot of people might know as the Front Man in Squid Game.The film's limited theatrical release will only last for one weekend, from August 23 to 24, in select screens across the US and Canada. You can buy tickets starting today, August 13, at 9AM Eastern time, from the even't official website, where you can also view the full list of theaters and showtimes in your area.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflixs-kpop-demon-hunters-is-headed-to-theaters-for-two-days-124552307.html?src=rss

Sam Altman is preparing to co-found a new company funded by OpenAI that will go up against Elon Musk's Neuralink, The Financial Post reported. The startup, called Merge Labs, will use AI for its brain-computer interface and compete directly with Neuralink, along with other nascent companies in the field like Precision Neuroscience and Synchron.The name Merge Labs comes from a term Altman used in 2017 called "the merge" that describes the moment human brains and computers come together. The company will raise funds, most from OpenAI's ventures team, that will set its valuation at $850 million. Altman will co-found Merge Labs with Alex Blania (from World, an eyeball scanning company also backed by OpenAI) but won't invest any capital himself, according to three people with direct knowledge of the project.Altman has been interested in the topic of machine-brain interfaces for years and suggested in the 2017 article above that the merge could arrive as soon as 2025 (it didn't). More recently, he wrote in another blog post a "high-bandwidth brain-computer interface" could soon be developed with the aid of recent tech advances.Altman's Merge Labs will be a direct competitor to Musk's Neuralink, intensifying the rivalry between the two that kicked off when Musk left OpenAI's board in 2018. Mind link technology has existed for decades now, but recent advances in implant tech and AI have allowed researchers to collect and process higher signal levels from the brain.Neuralink started its first human trials in January 2024 with quadriplegic subject Noland Arbaugh and later implanted its tech into a second anonymous subject. That subject, "Alex," has reportedly been able to play FPS games and create 3D designs, while suffering from fewer issues and side effects as Arbaugh.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-and-sam-altman-are-reportedly-creating-a-startup-rival-to-elon-musks-neuralink-123022874.html?src=rss

ChatGPT will now allow you to choose between several GPT-5 variants and previous OpenAI models. In a post on X, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has revealed that the chatbot's model picker now comes with three GPT-5 choices: Auto, Fast and Thinking. He said most "will want Auto," which is most likely the standard version that's already a reasoning model. But users will be able to choose the fast-responding version or the Thinking version that implies it delivers longer, more comprehensive answers if they want to. GPT-4o is now also back in the model picker for all paying users by default.OpenAI removed GPT-4o with the launch of GPT-5: The company significantly simplified ChatGPT because GPT-5 was supposed to offer a unified experience for users. However, its decision was met by criticism from people who preferred GPT-4o's personality better, especially since it didn't give them notice that it was deprecating older models. In his post, Altman promised users that if the company ever does deprecate GPT-4o, OpenAI "will give plenty of notice." In addition to the GPT-5 and GPT-4o models, users can toggle to "Show additional models" in ChatGPT web settings if they want to access o3, 4.1, and GPT-5 Thinking mini. GPT-4.5 is only available to subscribers paying for the $200-a-month Pro tier, though, because it "costs a lot of GPUs."Altman said that GPT-5 Thinking now has rate limits of 3,000 messages a week, after which users will only be able to use GPT-5 Thinking mini. He has also revealed that OpenAI is working to update GPT-5's personality to make it warmer, but "not as annoying (to most users) as GPT-4o."

Though a keyboard and mouse are the usual tools of choice for PC esports, some competitive PC gamers employ gamepads for things like fighting games and Rocket League. Razer is now catering to those folks with two new PC gamepads, the wireless Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC and wired Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition 8K PC. The key feature is right there in the names, with 8,000Hz polling speeds that promise high responsiveness for demanding pro or serious players. The Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC offers 8,000Hz polling in both wired and wireless modes, meaning player inputs are recognized nearly instantly. By contrast, Razer's Wolverine V3 Pro designed for Xbox and PC (which we liked) tops out at just 1,000Hz. The V3 Pro 8K PC model also uses Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbsticks with swappable caps for long life, consistent tension and superior anti-drift performance over time. That model is also Razer's lightest wireless esports controller yet and features an ergonomic shape to reduce hand fatigue. Other features include 4 mouse click back buttons and 2 claw grip bumpers, Razer Pro HyperTriggers, Mecha-Tactile PBT Action Buttons, an 8-way floating D-Pad and Razer's Synapse customization. It comes with a carrying case and 2m braided cable and is now available for $200. Razer also launched a wired-only model called the Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition PC. It offers most of the same features, like the 8,000Hz HyperPolling tech, TMR anti-drift thumbsticks, HyperTriggers, Mecha-Tactile PBT buttons and Synapse customization. It also comes with a 2m braided cable and is now available for $120 - a very reasonable price for a competition-level gamepad. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/razer-debuts-two-pc-gamepads-for-esports-120046977.html?src=rss

The best soundbars can completely transform your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into something that actually sounds cinematic. Whether you're watching blockbuster movies, listening to music or gaming, a good soundbar delivers clearer vocals, deep bass and better overall playback than most built-in TV speakers ever could.

Elon Musk has accused Apple of committing an "unequivocal antitrust violation" by favoring OpenAI in the App Store rankings. In a post on X, he claimed that Apple has made it impossible for other AI companies to reach number one in those rankings and that xAI "will take immediate legal action." Musk didn't clarify what he meant by that, and he also didn't provide evidence that would prove Apple's supposed antitrust violation.In an earlier post on X that's currently pinned to the top of his profile, however, he tagged Apple, asking the company why it "[refuses] to put either X or Grok in [its] "Must Have" section. He said X is "the #1 news app in the world," while Grok is ranked number five among all apps. "Are you playing politics? What gives?" he continued. In a statement sent to Bloomberg, Apple denied any wrongdoing and said that the App Store "is designed to be fair and free of bias." The spokesperson added: "We feature thousands of apps through charts, algorithmic recommendations and curated lists selected by experts using objective criteria. Our goal is to offer safe discovery for users and valuable opportunities for developers, collaborating with many to increase app visibility in rapidly evolving categories."Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted a response to Musk's accusation on X, calling it a "remarkable claim," given that he has heard allegations that Musk manipulates "X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn't like." To note, Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek became the top-rated free app on Apple's App Store back in January, overtaking even ChatGPT.

Apple has denied Elon Musk's accusation that it's favoring OpenAI in its App Store rankings and making it impossible for other AI companies to reach the top. In a statement sent to Bloomberg, Apple said the App Store is "designed to be fair and free of bias." The company's spokesperson explained that the App Store features "thousands of apps through charts, algorithmic recommendations and curated lists selected by experts using objective criteria." They added: "Our goal is to offer safe discovery for users and valuable opportunities for developers, collaborating with many to increase app visibility in rapidly evolving categories."xAI founder Elon Musk accused Apple of "unequivocal antitrust violation" by favoring OpenAI in a post on X, warning that his company "will take immediate legal action." In a separate post from his threat, he asked Apple why it "[refuses] to put either X or Grok in [its] 'Must Have' section." X, he said, is "the #1 news app in the world," while Grok is ranked number five among all apps. "Are you playing politics? What gives?" he continued.Musk didn't provide evidence to back his accusations. It's also worth noting that Chinese AI app DeepSeek reached the top of Apple's free app rankings back in January, overtaking even ChatGPT. As X's own Community Notes also mentioned in Musk's post, added hours after it went up, Perplexity reached the top of overall rankings in India's App Store back in July. Both apps were able to reach the top of their respective lists way after Apple and OpenAI announced their partnership last year.OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded to Musk's accusation, as well. He said it's a "remarkable claim," given that he has heard allegations that Musk manipulates "X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn't like." In response, Musk posted: "Scam Altman lies as easily as he breathes."

The Federal Trade Commission announced that Match Group will pay $14 million to settle a complaint about deceptive practices. The settlement fee will be used to provide redress to injured customers of Match Group's dating services, which include Match.com, Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid, and PlentyOfFish.The agency sued Match Group in 2019 on a series of allegations. According to the complaint, the dating service company had used misleading ads to encourage subscriptions and then made it difficult for customers to cancel those subscriptions. Match Group was also accused of locking customers out of their accounts when they attempted to dispute billing charges.In addition to the payment, Match Group has agreed to clearly and conspicuously disclose the terms of its "six-month guarantee," as well as any conditions or limitations to those offers. It will also offer simple mechanisms for customers to cancel their subscriptions. Finally, Match Group will not retaliate or take action against customers who file billing disputes, and it won't deny those customers access to paid-for services or goods.Match Group also drew scrutiny earlier this year after an investigation claimed that it had failed to act on reports of sexual assault and made little effort to keep abusive or dangerous users from rejoining other dating platforms it owns.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/match-group-will-pay-14-million-to-settle-claims-of-deceptive-business-practices-224505163.html?src=rss

Workers from Blizzard Entertainment's department for Story and Franchise Development have voted to unionize. Members of the team will become members of the Communication Workers of America and Microsoft has recognized the union. The SFD team is responsible for cinematics, animation and narrative in Blizzard's series, creating content such as in-game cutscenes and promotional videos. The department also includes archival workers and historians for Blizzard franchises, such as World of Warcraft and Overwatch. A spokesperson from CWA said that there will be about 169 workers from the company joining the local chapter."After more than a decade working at Blizzard, I've seen all the highs and lows. For years, Blizzard has been a place where people could build their careers and stay for decades, but that stability's been fading," Bucky Fisk, a principal editor and member of the organizing committee, said. "With a union, we're able to preserve what makes this place special, secure real transparency in how decisions are made, and make sure policies are applied fairly to everyone.""These past couple of months have felt both important and cathartic given what's happened to video game workers across the industry," said Sammi Kay, another member of the organizing committee and an associate producer at Blizzard. "At multiple points in my life, I've always been told to accept the way things are, but with organizing, we're able to build a future better than we found it."Blizzard is owned by Microsoft. Today's development marks the latest move for game developers under the tech giant's umbrella to pursue union representation. About 600 quality assurance workers from Activision joined CWA last March. The QA team from ZeniMax also ratified its union agreement in June and Raven Software finally secured a union contract earlier this month.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/blizzards-story-and-franchise-development-team-has-voted-to-unionize-213818158.html?src=rss

Databases used by US federal courts for sharing and managing case documents have been hacked. Politico first reported on the hack last week on August 6; today, an investigation from The New York Times states that Russia is suspected to be involved in the attack. The Administrative Office of the US Courts initially identified the severity of the cyberattack in July, although the extent of the breach by "persistent and sophisticated cyber threat actors" has not been disclosed and may still not be known by national officials.Both the Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) and PACER systems have been impacted by the attack. CM/ECF is used by legal professionals and courts to store documents, while PACER grants the public limited access to those same files. Anonymous officials told Politico that chief judges for federal courts in the 8th Circuit were briefed on the attack, but were unable to confirm what agency provided the briefing. The 8th Circuit includes Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.Politico's original report said the hack may have "compromised the identities of confidential informants involved in criminal cases at multiple federal district courts." The Times coverage added that some of the searches by the intruders "included midlevel criminal cases in the New York City area and several other jurisdictions, with some cases involving people with Russian and Eastern European surnames." However, there have been no additional details revealed about what entity is behind the attack, whether a branch of Russian intelligence may have been involved, or what evidence the investigators have discovered tying the hack to Russia.The isn't the only time CM/ECF has been a hacking target. The courts introduced new protections for the system in 2021 in response to a cyberattack; a similar announcement arrived on August 7. At this time, the courts have been ordered to move files for cases that may have been of interest off the compromised systems, although some districts have ordered even more limited use of CM/ECF or PACER as a preventive measure.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/russia-reportedly-implicated-in-hack-on-us-federal-courts-databases-204029993.html?src=rss

Meta's X competitor, Threads, is continuing to add users at a brisk clip, with the social network now surpassing 400 million monthly active users. The news, reported by Fast Company, follows Threads reaching the 300 million mark in December 2024 and the 200 million mark in August 2024.FC also cited data from Similarweb that showed mobile performance for Threads drawing closer to the figures from X. In June, Threads posted 115.1 million daily active users on mobile and X had 132 million. Those figures marked an increase of 128 percent on-year for Threads, but a slide of 15 percent from the previous year for X.When Meta launched Threads in 2023, Mark Zuckerberg set a goal of making it "a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it." There was still plenty of progress left for the platform to make after its first year, on users and features. But already in 2025, Threads has added some pretty core features such as DMs and an increased emphasis on external links (although whether people will click those links is a separate question).This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/threads-is-up-to-400-million-monthly-active-users-190203754.html?src=rss

Previously, if you wanted a monitor for competitive gaming, you had to choose between an IPS or VA panel to get something with a super high refresh rate or opt for a slower OLED display with richer colors and better contrast. But today, Samsung is changing that with the Odyssey OLED G6, which is the first 500Hz OLED gaming monitor in the world.Available for $1,000, the Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SF) only comes in one size (27 inches) and features a QHD resolution (2,560 x 1440) with a 16:9 aspect ratio and critically, that blisteringly speedy 500Hz refresh rate with a .03ms (GTG) response time. Its QD-OLED panel also has a matte anti-reflective coating and support for both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync. And after seeing it in person, it really is a very pretty monitor, as it boasts vibrant colors and deep inky blacks while still being able to satisfy even the most demanding competitive gamers.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetThat said, the Odyssey OLED G6 is a rather straightforward product. It doesn't come with any of Samsung's built-in smart features like an included remote or the company's Gaming Hub. And with a typical brightness of just 300 nits, while you do get VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 500 certification, it's not the best monitor to put in a sunny room.But that's not exactly a deal-breaker, because from what I've seen, this thing is a purpose-built device that's meant to do one thing really well: display games super fast without sacrificing on image quality. And if for some reason you get tired of playing games, you could do some photo or video editing as the display is Pantone Validated and covers 99 percent of the DCI-P3 spectrum.Aside from the Odyssey OLED G6, today Samsung is also introducing a couple new additions to the Odyssey G7 line as well. The smaller of the two is the 37-inch Odyssey G7 which features more traditional dimensions including a 4K curved 16:9 VA panel with a typical brightness of 350 nits and a 165Hz refresh rate.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetAlternatively, for those who prefer ultra-wide monitors, the 40-inch Odyssey G7 has the same brightness and 1000R curve as its smaller sibling, but with a 21:9 WUHD (5,120 x 2160) resolution and a slightly faster 180Hz refresh rate. Interestingly, despite being the wider of the two, due to its 16:9 aspect ratio, the 37-inch Odyssey G7 looks larger in person. And thanks to their slightly higher brightness, both the 37 and 40-inch Odyssey G7 have VESA Display HDR 600 ratings.All three monitors are on sale today. The Odyssey OLED G6 costs $1,000 while the 37-inch Odyssey G7 is going for $900 or $1,200 for the larger 40-inch Odyssey G7.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-samsung-odyssey-oled-g6-is-the-worlds-first-500hz-oled-gaming-monitor-180534184.html?src=rss

Alien: Earth delivers everything you'd want from a series with "Alien" in the title: The iconic Xenomorphs hunting down hapless humans; gratuitous body horror; and androids who you can never fully trust. But writer/director Noah Hawley (Legion, Fargo) and his team also manage to push the franchise to new heights, delving into the philosophical questions that Ridley Scott's Prometheus and Alien Covenant couldn't fully explore. It's not just merely an Alien TV show - it's a meticulously crafted experience that elevates the entire franchise, even more so than the recent Alien: Romulus.The series, which premieres today on FX and Hulu, takes place two years before the original Alien. It starts with the familiar: A group of astronauts awakening from cryosleep on a retro-futuristic-Weyland Yutani shipping vessel. We learn they're carrying precious extraterrestrial cargo, which predictably breaks loose and wreaks havoc throughout the ship. Meanwhile on Earth (somewhere we haven't seen at all in the franchise), we're introduced to a terminally ill child undergoing a radical new procedure: having her brain uploaded into a Synthetic body (played by Sydney Chandler).This child takes the name Wendy - one of many Peter Pan references in the series - and embraces her new (and more mature) robotic body with childlike wonder. Instead of just being a frail kid, she becomes incredibly strong, with fast reflexes and the ability to jump down safely from great heights. It's like she's become an anime heroine a la Battle Angel Alita (at one point, she straps on a katana-like sword simply because it looks badass).Wendy isn't human, but she's not a total android either since her personality and memories are uploaded from a human brain. She's something entirely new. She becomes a sort of older sibling to other sick kids going through the same human-Synthetic hybridization process, and together they form their own spin on the Lost Boys (including some girls). They even go so far as to take names from Peter Pan characters (one kid, unfortunately, gets stuck with the name Smee, after Captain Hook's cowardly lackey). And to her creator, Prodigy Corporation head Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin), she's the key to a future where people can cheat death and practically live forever in synthetic bodies.FXThe alien-filled spaceship ends up crash-landing in one of Prodigy's cities in Southeast Asia (in this universe, five mega-corporations run the world, nation states no longer exist), and Boy Kavalier recklessly decides to test his new hybrid superteam with a rescue mission. They discover one survivor, Morrow (Babou Ceesay), a loyal security officer with a badass robotic arm, as well as a classic Xenomorph and a slew of new species. I won't spoil much about them here, but I have a feeling the cheeky multi-eyeball parasite will quickly become a fan-favorite.Alien: Earth finally immerses us in elements of the franchise the movies could only hint at. We see what a completely corporate-run Earth looks like, and it's as gross as you'd imagine. As usual, Weyland-Yutani prioritizes its extraterrestrial treasures over the lives of its workers. But it's even more sickening to see Boy Kavalier - the sort of obnoxious tech bro who defiantly puts his bare feet on desks during meetings - salivate at the opportunity to steal and study the alien cargo. Never mind the hundreds (and potentially thousands) of lives lost in his own city, or the inherent dangers in bringing deadly alien creatures into his research lab.Timothy Olyphant as Kirsh.Patrick Brown/FXThe series is at its best when it interrogates the big questions posed (with more or less deftness) by the films about the nature of being human. And where does that leave the new hybrids, who combine human memory and emotion with Synthetic bodies, who are somewhat immortal? In many ways, Alien :Earth seems just as cynical about humanity's value to the world as Scott's films. Humans will sacrifice countless lives for greed - maybe the planet would actually be better off without us.With Prometheus, Ridley Scott aimed to explore the hubris of humans attempting to meet their creator, and the possibility the Synthetics (like Michael Fassbender's David) may be more of evolved lifeforms. But the broader themes were bogged down by weak scripts (and from what I've heard, Scott's own interference in the story). Alien: Covenant was even less memorable. Both films suffered from the demands of being big-budget blockbusters - they couldn't slow down long enough to let the audience think, instead they had to rush to the next set piece. An eight-episode TV series made for a streaming network doesn't have to play by the same rules.Babou Ceesay as Morrow in Alien: Earth.Patrick Brown/FXEven if you don't want to engage with bigger ideas, though, Alien: Earth remains an embarrassment of riches. It features entirely new ways for extraterrestrials, not just Xenomorphs, to dismember their victims. It's filled with fantastic performances across the board - Sydney Chandler, who has more of Wendy's spunky energy than her Peter Pan namesake, is a standout. Babou Ceesay's Morrow is ostensibly an antagonist, but it's heartbreaking to see what he gives up to become a dutiful corporate underling. (His robotic arm can also whip out a sick Wolverine-like blade. How can you not love that?!)Fans of the great Timothy Olyphant (Justified, Deadwood) will certainly appreciate his performance as Kirsh, Boy Kavalier's Synthetic security head. We don't get the playful side of Olyphant that we saw in Justified, but it's endlessly entertaining to see his contempt for all humans (including his own boss) simmering beneath the surface.I'll admit, I was skeptical that Noah Hawley could deliver a decent Alien TV series. Legion was all style and no substance in my opinion, and while I enjoyed the first few seasons of Fargo, the end of its run was uneven. But with Alien: Earth, he has made something special. It's not the thematic upgrade that Andor was for Star Wars, but it's a sign that there's still plenty of life left in the aging Alien franchise.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/alien-earth-succeeds-where-ridley-scotts-alien-sequels-failed-173234905.html?src=rss

Riot is making a major change to League of Legends after 16 years. It's adding the option to move around by using WASD controls instead of relying on a mouse to point and click, according to a video detailing the upcoming change.Paul Bellezza, an executive producer on the game, says this is an attempt to attract new players. "We found that a lot of new or returning players struggle a lot with League's controls early on," he said. "Click to move just isn't the sort of control scheme they're used to, and it puts a lot of people off including many that we believe would otherwise really love the game."The company says it's "working hard to ensure that both control schemes feel great across all ranks, champions and modes." One of the producers behind the new feature says it won't be "changing what makes League, League," which should assuage the worries of long-time players. The company is also not shy about reversing course if something doesn't work.Riot has been testing the control scheme for some time to fine-tune the option. It'll be arriving as a public beta in the near future, sometime in "the next few patches." The devs say the feature will stay in beta so the team can "catch any bugs, unintended interactions and to ensure that your ranked games aren't disrupted by someone WASDing into walls."It's smart for the team to take the slow approach here to make sure that both control schemes are fairly balanced. This also makes me wonder if the introduction of WASD controls signals a forthcoming release on home consoles.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/riot-is-trying-to-make-lol-more-accessible-by-adding-wasd-controls-170549596.html?src=rss

Anthropic has announced it will offer its Claude AI model to all three branches of the US government for $1, following OpenAI offering an almost identical deal last week. These deals both follow the General Services Administration adding OpenAI, Gemini and Anthropic to a list of approved AI vendors for the federal government.Similar to the OpenAI deal, Anthropic will offer access to its commercial-tier service Claude for Enterprise for a period of one year at a cost of just $1. The offer will also encompass Claude for Government, which supports FedRAMP High workloads, allowing federal workers to use Claude for sensitive unclassified work. Government department or agency leadership can reach out today to gain access.Anthropic is no stranger to working within the federal government. Earlier this summer, the Department of Defense awarded Anthropic, Google, OpenAI and XAI with deals worth up to $200 million to develop military applications.The company made no larger mention of the Trump administration's AI Action Plan, or its requirement that large language models used by the federal government be "free from top-down ideological bias." The tacit understanding is that these LLMs not espouse support for anything the current administration opposes. President Trump even issued an executive order decreeing that AI must not favor "ideological dogmas such as DEI," in order to work with the federal government.This latest deal comes as AI-related companies are increasingly looking to build close relationships with policymakers and the current administration. This week, NVIDIA agreed to a revenue-sharing agreement with the US government in order to sell its H20 AI GPUs to China. The current administration has made no secret of its wish for federal agencies to maximize their use of AI.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropic-offers-its-claude-ai-model-to-the-federal-government-for-1-154217798.html?src=rss

Apple's AirPods could be getting a live translation feature in the near future as part of iOS 26, according to a report by 9to5Mac. A new beta version of the operating system dropped today and users have spotted a system asset that strongly points to the earbuds getting a language translation tool.The asset appears to depict a gesture that's triggered by pressing both earbud stems at once. The image shows a pair of AirPods surrounded by words in various languages, like English, French, German and Portuguese.

Are you a TV watcher with commitment issues? Sling TV thinks it has the answer in the shape of its new one-day passes. The app-based alternative to traditional cable will sell you a $5 Day Pass that allows you to stream live TV (including sports)from any channel included in its Sling Orange plan for 24 hours.Sling Orange costs $46 per month and includes the likes of the Disney Channel and various ESPN channels (including ESPN 4K) as plan exclusives. You also get access to channels like TBS, TNT, CNN, AMC and Comedy Central that are shared across both Sling Orange and the more expensive Sling Blue plan. On paper, Orange seems like a good choice for sports fans, given ESPN's exclusive presence, but bear in mind that Fox Sports is a Blue plan-only channel.Sling TV's new Day Pass offering arrives just ahead of the new football season, and allows people who really want to watch a particular game without committing long term to do so. The streaming service is also introducing Weekend ($10) and Week ($15) passes for when you're hoping to catch multiple traditional Pay-Per-View events or binge a series on a single pass. You can access more channels by adding one of Sling's category-specific packages, like Sports Extra, News Extra or Entertainment Extra. Sling Extras cost $1 per package for a Day Pass, $2 for a Weekend Pass and $3 for a Week Pass.How much value you get from Sling's offering will depend on your viewing habits. If you find yourself buying lots of passes each month it's probably worth considering a standard Sling Blue or Orange plan, but if you're only interested in catching the occasional game, Sling TV's flexibility could be appealing.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/sling-tv-launches-a-5-day-pass-for-commitment-free-cable-150021645.html?src=rss

Google is officially rolling out Preferred Sources, which lets you curate search results. The feature allows you to pick specific or "preferred" sources, like a certain blog or news outlet, and see them more prominently when you use Google Search. Google started testing it in June and it should be available in the coming days to English language users in the US and India.Preferred Sources seems pretty simple to use. You go to Google, search for a topic and then click on the preferred sources option. You can type in the name of the publication or website you want to prioritize and then refresh your results. There's no limit to how many you can choose - though, of course, choosing too many defeats the purpose. The results should appear in a "top stories" or "from your sources" section when you search.These sites should remain as your favorites on the same account. Anyone who participated in the Labs test should still see their preferences. In addition to encouraging social media follows, publications should also be able to encourage their readers to add them as a preferred source.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-lets-you-pick-preferred-sources-when-you-search-150012601.html?src=rss

Amazon has just dropped a trailer for the final season of Upload, the tech-centric comedy about a digital afterlife that's way too real at times (mild spoilers ahead). Created by Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill), it's set in an advanced future replete with things like holographic phones, killer self-driving cars and (killer) AI assistants. But since this advanced technology is run by the same irresponsible bros we have in charge today, naturally things go spectacularly wrong."In the four-part series finale event, sentient AI rapidly turns evil, threatening to wipe out [afterlife reort] Lakeview (and the world!)," Amazon writes "On top of greedy executives, lingering mysteries, plus heartbreak in VR and IRL, our characters are tested like never before. The only way they can get through it all and save humanity from deletion is by teaming up one last time."Upload has generally received positive reviews, with an 88 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating thanks to the "witty writing and winsome cast [that] make it an afterlife worth living." The final season will hopefully wrap up any lingering mysteries and give our heroes some closure when it hits Amazon Prime Video on August 25.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/watch-prime-videos-official-trailer-for-uploads-final-season-140023678.html?src=rss

One downside to a fitness trackers is that they're rarely able to understand the context in which their users live. It's an issue Oura is looking to remedy by launching two sets of features intended to help people during pregnancy and when they reach perimenopause. Given both processes are liable to take a toll, causing physical, mental and emotional changes, having a smart ring that understands what's going on is vital.For the former, the Oura app will now monitor your biometrics throughout pregnancy and reference that against broader population data. You'll also get deep dive trend analysis showing how your health and fitness has evolved through your pregnancy. Not to mention that the app, and the AI advisor, will not tell you off if your lifestyle becomes a little more sedentary towards the end of your pregnancy.Perimenopause is the period of changes occurring in the run-up to the menopause, which can cause mood swings, depression, brain fog, muscle soreness and difficulty sleeping. Data from earlier this year suggests that one third of people have little to no knowledge of the condition, its symptoms, or treatment.It's something Oura is looking to address with Perimenopause Check-in, as part of its Cycle Insights feature. The company says users will be able to answer a 12-question assessment to rate the severity of their symptoms to quantify the impact on their quality of life. Users can turn this into a downloadable report that can be sent to healthcare providers to help explain how the symptoms are affecting them. Plus, the Oura app will integrate with various healthcare providers including Evernow, Maven and Progyny to get guidance on treatment including hormone therapy.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/oura-rolls-out-new-features-for-pregnancy-and-perimenopause-130000405.html?src=rss

Epic has spent the last five years fighting Apple's in-app purchase policies. Now, after half a decade, the Epic Games Store and Fortnite will once again be available on iOS in Australia. A judge has found Apple's conduct likely diminished competition, in part for not allowing alternative payment methods, the Australian Financial Review reports.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Epic announced, "An Australian court just found that Apple and Google abuse their control over app distribution and in-app payments to limit competition. There are 2,000+ pages of findings that we'll need to dig into to fully understand the details. This is a win for developers and consumers in Australia!"

A couple of months since the Switch 2 launched, we've all got to grips with the new magnetic-latching Joy-Cons, the jump in graphic fidelity and (honestly) the wait for a next-gen Zelda or Mario title. With the arrival of Donkey Kong Bananza, the new console has its first entirely new breakout platformer hit, we asked the Engadget team for the must-have games on the Switch 2.CD Projekt RedWith a leap in processing power, the Switch 2 can now handle ostensibly huge games like Hitman and Cyberpunk 2077. In fact, the latter's release on Nintendo's console nudged me into finally playing the game. I last played it on Google's Stadia cloud gaming service (RIP), and gave up at the tutorial. Already, I'm having a more successful playthrough. I can even share my save between Switch 2 and PS5 - because I'm that lunatic who owns the game on both.I'm also playing my way through the Switch 2 edition of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which now runs incredibly smoothly. This time, perhaps, I'll finish it.Read on for the full list - we'll be updating it as more games arrive.- Mat SmithGet Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The news you might have missed