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Google officially announced the Pixel 2 on Wednesday during its Made by Google Event.' Perhaps, the most exciting change is that the wearable will run on a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip and use a Cortex M33 co-processor. That new coprocessor specifically should be able to handle less demanding tasks, like driving the always on display (AOD) more efficiently. The Pixel 2 can hold more charge at 306 mAh, up from the first Pixel watch's 294 mAh charge capacity. This slight bump in battery capacity, combined with more efficient processors should extend the time between charges. While the official Pixel Watch 2 specs list the battery life at 24 hours, the same as the original Pixel Watch, that is with the AOD enabled.Another welcome change? Improved durability. Aside from the Gorilla Glass crystal encasing on the face, the watch has an IP68 rating now, meaning it can survive dust and being dunked in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The new Pixel's casing is also completely made of recycled aluminum, making the wearable slightly lighter. But, in tandem with the thinner domed glass cover on the face, the new wearable boasts a sleeker design.In the landscape of smartwatches that have a wealth of tracking capabilities, the Pixel 2 is running up against Apple's latest Watch Series 9 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. While specs aren't the only way to discern which watch is right for you, it helps to know how they compare on things like battery life and screen size. So, don't base your purchasing decision purely on the table below, but here's how the Google Pixel 2's hardware stacks up.Google Pixel 2Apple Watch Series 9Samsung Galaxy Watch 6Pricing (MSRP)$349 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

At the Made by Google Event' in New York, Google teased a new "generative AI" feature that will be built into the Fitbit app sometime next year as part of the Fibit Labs program. The app, which will pair with new wearables like the Google Pixel 2 Watch and the Fitbit Charge 6, will use artificial intelligence to analyze trends in a wearer's fitness capabilities and be able to provide insights about overall performance.The app will feature a chatbot that can carry a conversation to help you understand how you did during a tracked run, for example, while providing debriefed stats on the activity, like overall pace and elevation gain. The AI tool will take it a step further and be able to explain why you performed the way you did by drawing on affiliated health data, like sleep hygiene, recovery history and other workouts. If you felt that a workout was extra difficult, the app will be able to look for related info to explain why you might be struggling.However, the insights are not limited to chatting with the AI. Google showed off its ability to provide visual feedback, like charts illustrating how performance changed over time.EngadgetGoogle's James Park, the former head of Fitbit, said the new generative AI feature will be trialed by "trusted testers" before it officially launches.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fitbit-is-getting-an-ai-chatbot-that-can-tell-you-why-your-run-sucked-151545663.html?src=rss

After weeks of teases and leaks, Google formally took the wraps off its next flagship smartphone, the Pixel 8 Pro. Revealed during the company's Made by Google event on Wednesday, the handset adds a host of new camera and AI features, a brighter OLED display, an improved Tensor G3 chip, seven years of software updates and, oddly, a built-in temperature sensor. It costs $100 more than its predecessor, however. For more on how all of this feels in practice, you can check out some early hands-on impressions from Engadget's Deputy Reviews Editor, Cherlynn Low.Here, though, we've broken down how the Pixel 8 Pro compares on paper to two other large, pricey and well-known flagships, Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra. As always, raw specs won't tell the whole story, but if you're curious about how Google's latest and greatest stacks up, here's a quick overview. If you're more interested in the smaller Pixel 8, meanwhile, we have a similar breakdown for that device too.Google Pixel 8 ProApple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraPricing (MSRP)From $999From $1,199From $1,200Dimensions6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inchesWeight7.5 ounces7.81 ounces8.25 ouncesScreen size6.7 inches6.7 inches6.8 inchesScreen resolution1,344 x 2,992489 ppi1,290 x 2,796460 ppi1,440 x 3,088500 ppiScreen typeLTPO OLEDUp to 120Hz (1-120Hz)Up to 2,400 nits brightnessGorilla Glass Victus 2LTPO OLEDUp to 120Hz (1-120Hz)Up to 2,000 nits brightnessCeramic ShieldAMOLEDUp to 120Hz (1-120Hz)Up to 1,750 nits brightnessGorilla Glass Victus 2SoCGoogle Tensor G3Apple A17 ProHexa-core CPU (up to 3.78GHz)6-core Apple GPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for GalaxyOcta-core CPU (up to 3.36GHz)Adreno 740 GPURAM12GB8GB8GB / 12GBBattery4,950mAh"Beyond 24 hours""Up to 29 hours video playback"5,000mAh"Up to 26 hours of video playback"ChargingUSB Type-C 3.2Up to 30W wiredUp to 23W wireless with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen)Qi wireless charging up to 12WReverse wireless chargingUSB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2)"Up to 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes"MagSafe wireless charging up to 15WQi wireless charging up to 7.5WReverse wired chargingUSB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1)Up to 45W wiredQi/WPC wireless charging up to 15WReverse wireless chargingStorage128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB256GB / 512GB / 1TB256GB / 512GB / 1TBRear cameraMain: 50 MP, f/1.68Ultrawide: 48 MP, f/1.95, 125.5 degree FOVTelephoto: 48 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoomMain: 48 MP, f/1.78Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 120 degree FOVTelephoto: 12 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoomMain: 200 MP, f/1.7Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 120 degree FOVTelephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoomTelephoto: 10 MP, f/4.9, 10x optical zoomFront camera10.5 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/1.912 MP, f/2.2Video captureRear: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 24/30/60/120/240 fpsFront: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60fpsRear: 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120/240 fpsFront: 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120 fpsRear: 8K at 24/30 fps, 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60/240/960 fpsFront: 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30 fpsWater and dust resistanceIP68IP68IP68Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6EBluetoothv5.3v5.3v5.3NFCYesYesYesOSAndroid 14"Seven years of OS, security and Feature Drop updates"iOS 17Android 13, One UI 5.1Four generations of OS updates, five years of security updatesFinishesObsidian, Porcelain, BayPolished aluminum frameNatural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Black TitaniumTitanium framePhantom Black, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Cream, Lime, Sky Blue, RedArmor aluminum frame (advertised)Follow all of the news live from Google's 2023 Pixel event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-8-pro-vs-the-competition-from-tensor-to-temperature-sensor-151016002.html?src=rss

Google officially spilled the details on its new Pixel 8 phone during its Made by Google event on Wednesday. While the handset looks broadly similar to last year's Pixel 7, it packs a new Tensor G3 chip, a faster 120Hz display, a smaller frame that should be easier to hold with one hand and, perhaps most notably, seven years of promised OS and security updates. It starts at $699, though, which is $100 more than before, and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the larger Pixel 8 Pro.Engadget's Deputy Reviews Editor, Cherlynn Low, got some hands-on time with the new Pixel phones ahead of Google's launch event on Wednesday, so check out her report for more details on what to expect. To help put the device into context, however, we've broken down how the Pixel 8 compares to two high-profile peers, Apple's iPhone 15 and Samsung's Galaxy S23, on the spec sheet. Specs aren't the be-all and end-all - between its new camera features and AI tricks, many of the Pixel 8's biggest updates are software based - but if you want a better sense of what kind of hardware your $699 will get you, here's a quick overview. If you're more interested in the Pixel 8 Pro, we have a similar breakdown for that phone too.Google Pixel 8Apple iPhone 15Samsung Galaxy S23Pricing (MSRP)From $699From $799From $800Dimensions5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches5.76 x 2.79 x 0.3 inchesWeight6.6 ounces6.02 ounces5.93 ouncesScreen size6.2 inches6.1 inches6.1 inchesScreen resolution1,080 x 2,400428 ppi1,179 x 2,556460 ppi1,080 x 2,340425 ppiScreen typeOLEDUp to 120Hz (60-120Hz)Up to 2,000 nits brightnessGorilla Glass VictusOLED60HzUp to 2,000 nits brightnessCeramic ShieldAMOLEDUp to 120Hz (48-120Hz)Up to 1,750 nits brightnessGorilla Glass Victus 2SoCGoogle Tensor G3Apple A16 BionicHexa-core CPU (up to 3.46GHz)5-core Apple GPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 Mobile Platform for GalaxyOcta-core CPU (up to 3.36 GHz)Adreno 740 GPURAM8GB6GB8GBBattery4,485mAh"Beyond 24 hours""Up to 20 hours video playback"3,900mAh"Up to 22 hours of video playback"ChargingUSB Type-C 3.2Up to 27W wiredUp to 18W wireless with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen)Qi wireless charging up to 12WReverse wireless chargingUSB Type-C (USB 2.0)"Up to 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes"MagSafe wireless charging up to 15WQi wireless charging up to 7.5WReverse wired chargingUSB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1)Up to 25W wiredQi/WPC wireless charging up to 15WReverse wireless chargingStorage128GB / 256GB128GB / 256GB / 512GB128GB / 256GBRear camera(s)Main: 50 MP, f/1.68Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8 degree FOVMain: 48 MP, f/1.6Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.4, 120 degree FOVMain: 50 MP, f/1.8Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 120 degree FOVTelephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoomFront camera(s)10.5 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/1.912 MP, f/2.2Video captureRear: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 24/30/60/120/240 fpsFront: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fpsRear: 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120/240 fpsFront: 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120 fpsRear: 8K at 24/30 fps, 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60/240/960 fpsFront: 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30 fpsWater and dust resistanceIP68IP68IP68Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6EBluetoothv5.3v5.3v5.3NFCYesYesYesOSAndroid 14"Seven years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates"iOS 17Android 13, One UI 5.1Four generations of OS updates, five years of security updatesFinishesObsidian, Hazel, RoseMatte aluminum frameBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, PinkAluminum framePhantom Black, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Cream, LimeArmor aluminum frame (advertised)Follow all of the news live from Google's 2023 Pixel event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-8-vs-the-competition-the-seven-year-smartphone-150936894.html?src=rss

During Wednesday's event in New York, Google officially announced their latest smartphones, the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, along with the new Pixel Watch 2 and the upgraded Pixel Buds Pro. The announcements didn't come as a surprise as the company itself "leaked" and then shared a clip of the new Pixels well ahead of the event.But now we can say for sure that the new phones will use Google's latest Tensor G3 chip and that the company will support seven years of security and OS updates for them. The Pixel Watch 2 packs a longer-lasting battery, which will hopefully resolve one of our biggest complaints about the first generation smartwatch. And while the Pixel Buds Pro aren't completely new, software upgrades (and two new colors) should improve upon the existing buds. Here's how to pre-order the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel Watch 2 and the updated Pixel Buds Pro.Google Pixel 8The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch OLED Actua display, which is a new display for the Pixel, which is brighter and should offer more clarity. The screen iteself is actually a tenth of an inch smaller than on the Pixel 7, though the refresh rate can now reach 120Hz and the peak brightness is higher than the older model, getting up to 2,000 nits. Despite the smaller overall size, the battery is actually bigger this time, with a 4,485 mAh typical capacity. It can recharge from zero to 50 percent in about 30 minutes with Google's own 30W USB-C 3.0 charger. Though, unfortunately, that doesn't come with the phone.The chip inside is the new generation of Google's own Tensor G3, which the company says will allow for better photo processing and help to filter out spam calls. The RAM tops out at 8GB and you can opt for 128GB or 256GB of storage capacity. The case is made from a metal frame and polished back glass. The display glass, meanwhile, is Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and the device is rated IP68, which means it's dust-tight and can handle a dunk in up to a meter of water.As for cameras, they are largely the same as last year's, with a 10.5MP front camera that's just a few hundred pixels smaller than last year's 10.8MP selfie cam, and a 50MP and 12MP cameras that match the resolution of the Pixel 7. Though it's not all about megapixels. Google notes that these rear cameras are improvements over their predecessors thanks to software improvements like Macro focus for closeups and Best Take that blends multiple group photos together to get one where everyone has their eyes open.In a solid move towards sustainability, Google will support OS upgrades, security updates and new features drops for seven years after the phone's launch. The Pixel 8 starts at $699 and comes in Hazel, Rose, and Obsidian. Pre-orders are open now and the phones will ship next week. If you pre-order from Google, the company will throw in a free pair of Pixel Buds Pro.Google Pixel 8 ProGoogle says the Pixel 8 Pro has the best Pixel camera yet. (Though, to be fair, no company ever says its latest pro-range cameras are a step down from last year.) The triple lens array includes a 50MP wide, a 48MP ultrawide and a 48MP telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom. The 10.5MP selfie camera is similar to the one on the Pixel 8, but this one has an autofocus feature. The 6.7-inch screen sports Google's new Super Actua LTPO OLED display with a intelligently-adjusting 1Hz to120Hz refresh rate, up to 2400 nits of peak brightness and ultra HDR images. It's covered in Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and is housed in a polished aluminum frame with a matte glass back.It's got the same Tensor G3 chip as the Pixel 8, which will enable all of the AI perks Google has cooked up, like a more helpful Google Assistant who can paraphrase what's on your screen and understand pauses instead of just barreling ahead with a half-baked request when you take a breath. The Pro model comes with 12GB of RAM and the option of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage.There's even an infrared sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro to take the temperature of a cup of coffee or the frying pan you're about to use. And google has submitted an application to the FDA to allow it to act as a thermometer for people too. Like the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro will get a promised seven years of OS and security updates and new features support. It starts at $999 and ships next week. Google will throw in the new Pixel Watch 2 when you pre-order the Pixel Pro 8 from its storefront.Pixel Watch 2We were a little disappointed with the first Pixel Watch's battery life and thought the emphasis on Fitbit branding took away from a pure Google experience. With the Pixel Watch 2, it looks like the company has improved upon the battery life, with a claimed 24 hours even with the always-on display enabled. But it appears to be doubling down on the Fitbit union.There's a new multi-path heart rate sensor that uses both photodiodes and LEDs to get better estimates of your pulse. Fitbit stress management features use various sensors to potentially identify tense moments in your day and suggests actions such as mood logging or guided breathing and walking sessions. New safety features include Safety Check which can alert friends, family or even emergency services if needed and Emergency Sharing lets your circle of people see your real-time whereabouts. Fall detection and Emergency SOS were already released earlier this year for the Pixel Watch but will come standard on the Pixel Watch 2.The housing is made from 100 percent recycled aluminum and the AMOLED screen is covered in 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Many fitness features like workouts and Daily Readiness Score live behind Fitbit's paywall, but the watch comes with six months of the subscription for free. The updated Fitbit app will integrate more AI features when it updates later this year.The Pixel Watch 2 is priced at $349 for the Wi-Fi version and $399 for the cellular enabled model and comes in Black Aluminum, Polished Silver or Champagne Gold cases with a different colored bands. It will ship next week.Google announced the new Fitbit Charge 6 at the same time. It's also available to pre order now and retails for $160.Pixel Buds ProThis isn't a brand new product for Google, but the company made enough updates to the Pixel Buds Pro to make them worth a few minutes of air time during the event. We already called the Pixel Buds Pro Google's best earbuds yet and hopefully these improvements will make them even better. Conversation Detection can discern when you're talking to someone and pause the music. And Clear Calling with a Pixel phone reduces extraneous noises from the other end of the conversation so you can hear them better. They also come in two new colors, Porcelain and Bay, which happen to match the new Pixel 8 Pro phones.Follow all of the news live from Google's 2023 Pixel event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-pre-order-the-google-pixel-8-and-pixel-8-pro-150051904.html?src=rss

NASA is planning its first crewed mission to the moon since Apollo 17's 1972 trip, and it's doing so in style. Axiom Space - the company NASA chose last year to create the Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) spacesuits for 2025's Artemis III mission - has announced it's partnering with luxury Italian brand Prada to design them.The two companies will work side by side throughout production. "Prada's technical expertise with raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and innovative design concepts will bring advanced technologies instrumental in ensuring not only the comfort of astronauts on the lunar surface, but also the much-needed human factors considerations absent from legacy spacesuits," Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini said in a statement.Prada Group marketing director Lorenzo Bertelli added, "It is a true celebration of the power of human creativity and innovation to advance civilization." He also credited the company's "cutting-edge" work to decades of experience with its Luna Rossa Prada sailing team.The Artemis III mission is unique not only because of the five decades since Apollo 17 but because it's the first time a woman or person of color will go to the moon, astronauts Christina Koch and Victor Glover. Interestingly, Koch's role in the mission is acknowledged early on in Axiom Space's release, seemingly creating a subtext that the presence of a woman (read: an accomplished, experienced astronaut) is necessary to justify teaming up with a luxury designer.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prada-will-help-design-the-spacesuits-for-nasas-2025-artemis-iii-mission-150009987.html?src=rss

Meta's Oversight Board is set to take on a new high-profile case ahead of next year's presidential election. The board said it planned to announce a case involving a user appeal related to an altered" video of President Joe Biden. The board didn't disclose specifics of the case, which it said would be announced formally in the coming days," but suggested it will touch on policies that could have far-reaching implications for Meta.In the coming days the Oversight Board will announce a new case regarding a user-appeal to remove an altered video of President Joe Biden on Facebook," the Oversight Board said in a statement. This case will examine issues related to manipulated media on Meta's platforms and the company's policies on misinformation, especially around elections."While neither Meta or the Oversight Board has shared details about the video in question, the case could further shape the social network's policies around AI-generated or otherwise manipulated media. Even before the rise of generative AI tools that make it easier than ever to create fake videos of public figures, Meta has taken heat over its response to suggestively edited videos of politicians. In 2019, the company declined to remove an edited clip that falsely claimed then-Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi was drunk."The incident prompted the company's current policy that bars AI-generated deepfakes, but allows some other types of edited videos to remain up. Over the last year, fact checkers have regularly debunked deceptively-edited videos of Joe Biden that often spread widely on Facebook and Instagram.It's not the first time the Oversight Board has weighed in on a case involving a head of state, The board previously got involved in Meta's suspension of Donald Trump, and recently recommended Meta suspend the former prime minister of Cambodia (Meta ultimately declined to do so). When the Oversight Board agrees to a case, Meta is only required to implement the board's decision for the specific Facebook or Instagram post in question. The board also makes a number of policy suggestions, which Meta is free to ignore, though it must provide written responses.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/metas-oversight-board-will-weigh-in-on-altered-facebook-video-of-joe-biden-181008196.html?src=rss

A Cruise autonomous vehicle (AV) was reportedly involved in a horrific accident in San Francisco on Monday evening. A pedestrian crossing a street was hit by a car, which sped off. However, the hit-and-run hurled her in front of a Cruise driverless taxi, which stopped on top of her leg as she screamed in pain. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the woman was still in critical condition at 9:30AM ET on Tuesday.The pedestrian was reportedly walking in a crosswalk at Market and Fifth in San Francisco when she was hit by a green car, which fled the scene. A witness allegedly told investigators that he watched the first car strike the woman, causing her to roll off its side and into the path of the Cruise car. As the autonomous taxi proceeded through the green light, it ran over her and came to a complete stop, pinning her leg under its rear axle and tire. Cruise says there weren't any passengers in the AV, which was in autonomous mode.The SF Chronicle says that it viewed a video recording of the incident provided by Cruise to confirm the sequence of events. The company offered to make the video available to Engadget, but we declined.A bicycle delivery person reportedly tried to reassure the woman that an ambulance was coming and that it would be okay. She was just screaming," the cyclist reportedly told the SF Chronicle. City firefighters arrived and used the jaws of life to lift the car off the woman, who was transported to San Francisco General Hospital with multiple traumatic injuries," according to fire captain Justin Schorr. He said the car appeared programmed to stop and turn on its hazard lights after sensing an obstruction (in this case, a human being) beneath it.At approximately 9:30 pm on October 2, a human-driven vehicle struck a pedestrian while traveling in the lane immediately to the left of a Cruise AV," Cruise communications manager Hannah Lindow wrote in a statement to Engadget. The initial impact was severe and launched the pedestrian directly in front of the AV. The AV then braked aggressively to minimize the impact. The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, and at the request of the police the AV was kept in place. Our heartfelt concern and focus is the wellbeing of the person who was injured and we are actively working with police to help identify the responsible driver."The nightmarish incident occurred as driverless taxis have expanded their reach in the city. Cruise and Waymo got approval from California regulators this year to operate and charge fares for fully autonomous cars in San Francisco at any time of the day. However, the state's DMV asked the company in August to reduce its fleet of driverless taxis by half, pending an investigation into crashes involving the AVs. Cruise agreed to operate no more than 50 autonomous taxis during the day and no more than 150 of them at night.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-pedestrian-was-pinned-under-a-cruise-robotaxi-after-another-cars-hit-and-run-180404816.html?src=rss

Back in my day (puts on old man glasses) digital amp modelers were a bunch of hooey. They sounded like mold groaning. Things have come a long way and in 2023 you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between a digital recreation and the real thing. Fender's new Tone Master Pro workstation continues this relatively recent tradition, allowing access to over 100 effects and amp models right out of the box.The Tone Master Pro is a standalone device that connects to your guitar to process incoming audio. Once you dial in a cool sound by combining amp models, impulse responses and effects, send it to your favorite amp, DAW, loudspeaker or just about anywhere else. The 8-core processor ensures a latency-free experience and seamless transitions between presets. The CPU also lets you load up large multi-amp and effects signal chains to go beyond classic retro sounds to make something unique.Fender says the tone, feel, responsiveness and character" of each available amp model will be virtually indistinguishable" from the real thing, and that's before making wacky combinations or throwing on layers of effects. Additionally, Fender included more than 6,000 custom-created impulse responses that recreate the tone of specific cabinet and microphone combinations.There's more to come on this front, as the device will support impulse responses from third-parties. This includes other companies, sure, but also garden variety users. The associated Mac/PC app lets you browse from a near-endless collection of IRs and presets from other players and Fender-approved artists.There are four effects loops for integrating pedals from your own collection, instrument inputs and XLR inputs, making this a versatile unit. It also has plenty of specific features for playing live. There's a 7" color touchscreen that's bright and easy to read, a 60 second stereo looper and a brand-new song and setlist mode that lets you attach different presets to each track you're set to play.Fender promises regular firmware updates via USB. These updates will provide bug fixes, new amps, new effects and other goodies. The first update hits in approximately 90 days and the second one releases in around six months. The Tone Master Pro is available now with one major caveat. It costs $1,700. On the plus side, that's only $17 per amp model and effect!This isn't the company's first foray into digital amp modeling. The Tone Master Pro is just the latest release in the Tone Master series, though the previous entries are actual amp cabinets with the addition of digital amp modeling. Fender's also toyed with the idea via its entry-level Mustang GT amplifiers and the USB-esque effects stick Mustang Micro.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fenders-tone-master-pro-digital-workstation-emulates-over-100-effects-and-amps-161413163.html?src=rss

Another day, another streaming service price hike. Those who sign up for the ad-free Discovery+ plan starting today will now pay $9 per month, up from $7. The ad-supported plan isn't changing in the US, though, as it will still cost $5.There's a similar price hike in Canada, as the ad-free plan is going up from $7 CAD to $9 CAD. Those north of the border will need to pay extra for the ad-lite plan too - that's increasing from $5 to $6 per month.Existing subscribers will still pay their existing rate for another month. The price increase will be applied to their account on their next billing cycle on or after November 2.It's the first time that Discovery+ has increased prices on monthly plans in the US and Canada since the service debuted in the countries in January 2021. The price hike "will allow us to continue to provide can't miss-stories in the food, home, relationships, true crime, paranormal genres - plus so much more," Discovery+ said in a press release and an email to users.Along with generating more revenue from subscribers, Warner Bros Discovery may be using the price increase to push customers to switch to a Max subscription instead. Max includes all of the Discovery+ content and much more. It's a pricier affair, though, with the base ad-supported plan costing $10 per month.We've seen many streaming services increase prices in recent months, including various music services. The Disney+ premium and Hulu ad-free plans will become significantly more expensive next week. Netflix, meanwhile, looks set to increase prices again after the actors' strike ends, according to a Wall Street Journalreport.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-discovery-ad-free-plan-now-costs-an-extra-2-per-month-155507156.html?src=rss

The FCC hit Dish Network with a $150,000 fine for failing to properly dispose of a defunct satellite after its mission ended. It's the first such penalty the agency has enforced as it attempts to crack down on the growing problem of space junk in low Earth orbit (LEO). Decommissioned satellites and other objects pose a collision risk for other instruments operating in these lower altitudes. In LEO, debris travels at thousands of miles per hour, meaning even a millimeter-sized scrap can pose a serious threat.While Dish and the FCC had an agreed-upon deorbit plan for the company's EchoStar-7 satellite, which launched in 2002 and was scheduled to be retired in May 2022, it started running out of fuel earlier than expected. Dish was supposed to maneuver the satellite into the designated graveyard orbit about 186 miles above where it had operated. But, EchoStar-7 only made it about 76 miles up. The company realized in February 2022 that its propellant was too low to carry out the plan, and the satellite was abandoned there.The FCC is calling the penalty a breakthrough settlement" after Dish admitted fault and agreed to pay a fine. At $150,000, the fine is merely a slap on the wrist, but it could serve as a warning as the number of commercial satellites in LEO continues to rise rapidly. There's already close to 10,000 tons of junk orbiting Earth as of last year, and as companies like SpaceX vie to pump thousands more satellites into space, it's only getting more cluttered by the day.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-fcc-has-begun-fining-companies-over-their-dead-satellites-153516781.html?src=rss

There's only a week until Amazon's October Prime Day starts, and the pre-sales keep coming. Right now, Amazon's Fire TV Stick Lite is touting a nice 40 percent discount, dropping its price to $18 from $30, and only a few dollars more than its all-time low. Plus, another $4 gets you a two-year protection plan, still taking home a savings of $9.Amazon's Fire TV Stick Lite is already the cheapest option in the lineup and is a good choice for anyone looking to use Fire TV without any bells and whistles. It has Wi-Fi 5 compatibility, 1GB of memory and Dolby encoded (versus Atmos) audio. It presents media in 1080p full HD and comes with the Alexa Voice Remote Lite, which doesn't have any TV controls but can still take audio commands.Additional Fire TV devices are also on sale if you're in the market for a higher-quality option. The previous generation 4K Stick is down to $23 from $50, a 54 percent deal - and a reminder that 2-for-1 and better deals are a great way to get your holiday shopping done early and affordably. The Fire TV Stick 4K offers improved picture quality, 2GB of memory and Dolby Vision compatibility. The standard Fire TV Stick is also marked down -to $20 from $40 - and the Fire TV Cube is available for $110 versus its typical $140.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-fire-tv-stick-lite-drops-to-18-ahead-of-october-prime-day-141523613.html?src=rss

Framework has slowly broadened its product portfolio to include a gaming laptop and an AMD variant of its 13-inch productivity notebook. After an initial manufacturing hiccup earlier in the year, it's the latter that's finally ready to reach eager pre-order customers as new mainboards make their debut. Like every other Framework release, you can pick them up as a pre-built laptop, or as the parts for you to upgrade an existing model. There are some differences, both in how they're set up and what they can do, but don't expect a revolution. This is still a Framework 13, after all, and it can do more or less the same thing it's always been able to.HardwareGiven Framework's emphasis on building a stable platform for its modular laptops, there are no changes here. Pop the hood and you'll only notice a few differences, like a plastic retainer on the WiFi module rather than a metal one, but that's it. At this point, I feel confident enough that I could swap out a mainboard without having to consult a manual.Framework's adopted the Good, Better, Best" mode with its specs, with the base model packing a Ryzen 5, 7640U with a Radeon 760M iGPU, 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. The middle-tier unit I'm testing has a Ryzen 7, 7840U with Radeon 7840U, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. Fancier types who opt for the flagship get the same Ryzen 7 7840U as the middle tier, albeit with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD.The only other difference is with batteries: The base model will ship with the older, 55Wh battery while the other two get the newer 61Wh model. That said, the company has also wheeled out new HDMI and DisplayPort expansion cards for more power-efficient video outputs. Those will be coming to all new laptop orders in the near future, but make their debut here with the AMD editions.Upgrades and CompromisesNaturally, the point of Framework's platform is that if you already have one of its notebooks, you can just swap in the AMD mainboard. Although that process isn't as simple as it is when you're swapping out an Intel model for one of its successors. Your existing RAM and WiFi modules will not work with the AMD board, so you'll need to get new DDR5 DIMMs and an AMD-made WiFi module like the RZ616, which is what Framework bundles in its prebuilt editions.Much as the laptop's design remains the same, there are more differences on the inside, which is where it counts. If you don't know, each mainboard has a quartet of USB-C ports that stick out of the laptop's deck. Each one corresponds to an Expansion Card slot, letting you slide in a specific port depending on your needs for that day. So you can pop out your second USB-C port in favor of a HDMI or DisplayPort-out the day you have a presentation to give.On Intel's side of the fence, this is a stress free experience because all four ports are the same. Since the 12th generation board, all four support Thunderbolt (and USB) 4, each one with 40 Gbps bandwidth, up to 100W power draw and support for two 60Hz 4K displays. Not to mention the standard enables you to add an eGPU to your setup for extra graphics muscle.But things aren't as elegant on the AMD side because a) Thunderbolt is an Intel standard and b) AMD's portable silicon has some, uh, limitations. Only the rear port on either side supports USB 4, with the front two a mish-mash of competing standards. As you can see from the graphic, the front left port supports charging, USB 3.2 and USB-A, while the front right offers USB 3.2 and video out.To make things worse, there are no visible clues to remind you what each port can and cannot do for obvious design and uniformity reasons. I don't blame Framework for having to deal with AMD's mess, and it has been brave enough to foreground these compromises from day one. But it's one of those issues where you'll either need to keep a mental record, or face an error pop-up when you've plugged the wrong port into the wrong socket.But then I doubt there are too many people who are looking to buy this laptop who will need regular access to a quartet of 40 Gbps connections. I suspect there won't be too many times AMD users are cursing the skies for the minor annoyance of swapping cards over. It's just one of those situations where you wish users weren't left dealing with the consequences of two chip giants who won't play nicely.PerformanceMuch as AMD may not have the silky uniformity and consistency of its rival chip giant, it does have an ace up its sleeve. Those integrated GPUs are far ahead of Intel's, giving it enough grunt to push halfway-demanding games without too much sweat. It's worth saying, as usual, that this is, first and foremost, a productivity machine, but with AMD on board, it'll play just as hard as it works.In the time I had with the hardware, I played Grand Theft Auto V on high settings and got 55 fps out of this machine. Similarly, Fortnite will crank out an average of 50 fps with the settings on high, easily enough to keep you amused on work trips or in your dorm room. Synthetic tests aren't everything, but suggest the AMD version comes out ahead in both single (by a little) and multi-core performance (by a lot) compared to the equivalent Intel model.The issue, really, isn't with the performance you can wring out of this machine, but how much noise it'll make while doing it. A common complaint, from the earliest version of the Framework 13, is the excessive fan noise when it's put under heavy load. The mainboard fan really wasn't designed to cope with the high loads you might expect to want to put it under, making a sound I will describe as persistent" and noticeable" and often quite loud."PricingWhen announcing the AMD boards, Framework committed to price parity between Intel and AMD editions whenever possible. The Base and Performance models, on the entry and mid tiers, cost $1,049 and $1,469 whatever chip you choose. At the high end, however, there is a fairly big delta between the $1,669 you'll pay for the AMD version and the $2,069 asking price for the Intel edition.Wrap-UpIn the short time I've had with the AMD edition, I've been impressed with what is now possible in this chassis. The silicon out-performs its Intel equivalent, but it's all taking place in the same body with the same, user-serviceable design. That's a big achievement, and there are plenty of folks chomping at the bit to get one of these in their lives - the first seven production batches are already sold out, with an eighth on the way. It remains, undeniably, a Framework 13, so you will get the same flexibility and longevity that you've come to expect, but with a little bit more oomph.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/framework-brings-amd-mainboards-to-its-13-inch-laptop-140050567.html?src=rss

The rise of streaming and the switch to remote work means that in the past few years, more people are using mics than ever before. Which in turns means that lots of companies are looking to get into the space, and the latest entrant is well-respected game accessory manufacturer SteelSeries. Though the company's probably best known for its headsets, it just might change that perception with its $180 Alias and $330 Alias Pro gaming microphones, available today.Upfront I'll admit I'm not a streamer, but I do make regular use of a microphone in both podcasting and regular Dungeons & Dragons sessions on Discord. And, like so many during the pandemic, I found myself in an endless array of remote meetings over Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, and whatever else companies want to throw out there. Even in the year 2023, it's a pain in the ass. My go-to mic for the past few years has been the Elgato Wave:3, which I admire for its excellent audio and solid build quality. But in use it hasn't always been a dream; weirdly enough I never got it to work properly with USB headsets, even those made by its parent company Corsair. And switching between apps, even with the Elgato software installed, wasn't always a smooth process. I've started so many meetings with my computer outputting to the wrong device (usually the internal laptop microphone, which as you can imagine, is crap).SteelSeries looks to simplify all that with its GG software, which automatically works with all SteelSeries hardware. I plugged in the Alias and it was detected immediately; I didn't have to adjust the settings in any app or on my system. Within seconds I was on a call with a friend on Messenger, and Discord automatically made the adjustment on its own as well. In 2023 I would expect audio software should just work, and GG fits the bill. It has lots of built-in customization for things like lighting so you don't have to be a programmer to make your setup look cool. It also lets you set levels program by program, with multiple outputs so you can have what your stream hears be different from what you hear on your end. It's just a good level of control that allows professionals (as well as amateurs) fine-tune their stream to their liking.Kris Naudus for EngadgetOf course, solid software wouldn't be anything without the hardware to back it up, and the Alias and Alias Pro are high-quality, extremely attractive microphones to have on your desk. They're both oblong pills suspended by elastic cords in a ring-shaped stand. It's easy enough to remove and mount on a boom arm, and both models of the Alias come with a clip to attach it to your existing arm, or you can purchase one from SteelSeries.From there the two mics have different features: the entry-level Alias has a volume dial and mute button right on its front, while the Pro outsources those to the included mixer, which requires external power (it comes with an AC adapter). The mixer has two dials, which can be customized in the GG software, and two buttons for muting mic and headset audio. (They feel extremely nice to push.) The biggest difference, however, is where the Pro gets its name from, and that's the XLR connection in the back. That's a higher-end connector than most users will need, but professionals looking to add a speciality gaming microphone into their mix will appreciate it. The mixer also comes with two USB ports so you can do dual PC streaming.As I am not a professional audio person I stuck with the regular Alias, which connects to your setup using USB-C. It also has a single headphone jack for plugging in a headset, and I appreciated the mic stand design for keeping the cords tidy. When you plug in the mic it'll start working right away; you'll know because the front of the mic is outfitted with LED lighting that will show your levels. If the single bar of lights rises into the red, you know you're clipping. When the mic is muted, a big red X" is displayed on the surface, so there's absolutely no question about the state of your recording.Kris Naudus for EngadgetIn chatting with friends and family over various chat programs, the reports I got was that my audio was clear and loud, though one podcasting friend did think I did sound a little off at times - possibly because I got too close to the mic. At a normal distance I sounded fine. By my own reckoning through headphones, I thought it sounded great - on par with the audio I get from the Elgato Wave: 3 though a little more sensitive as it picked up the occasional ambient sound, like my typing. This isn't unusual when I'm using a mechanical deck, but in this case it was the spongier membrane keyboard on my laptop. It can be mitigated by simply moving the devices further apart, if you have the space to do so.Overall I think it's a good piece of hardware to have on my desk; one of those accessories that makes you excited to record a stream, podcast or anything else you can imagine. You don't need good tools to start creating, but the SteelSeries Alias is one of those that makes you want to make something because it's such a delight to use.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/steelseries-starts-out-strong-with-its-first-dedicated-gaming-microphones-140041321.html?src=rss

It's Google's turn to step up to the plate and swing for the fences with a fall hardware event. The company is holding a Pixel showcase in New York City, and you're invited - at least to tune into a livestream of the Made by Google event. The fun starts at 10AM ET on October 4. You can watch the stream below. We'll also have full coverage of all the Pixel news you need to know right here on Engadget, including in our liveblog.There's no big secret about the focus of the event. For weeks, Google has been teasing the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2 in images and videos, and there have been leaks galore.Google says the new Pixel phones have the most advanced Pixel cameras yet and Google AI to help you do more, even faster." Rumors suggest there will be other spec bumps, including a display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz (faster than the Pixel 7's 90Hz screen) and a Tensor G3 chipset that powers everything. Meanwhile, there may well be a price increase in store for the base Pixel 8 - rumors suggest it'll cost $699, $100 more than the Pixel 7.As for the Pixel Watch 2, that's expected to feature IP68 water- and dust-resistance. It's believed that Google is making extended battery life a focus with the help of a processor that's more efficient than the one used in the original model. There could be a slightly larger battery too. Meanwhile, there are indications that Google may toss a Pixel Watch 2 in as a freebie for those who pre-order a Pixel 8 Pro.Google may have some other things to discuss during the event. Given how things have been going this year, it would be a shock if the company didn't spend a significant chunk of time talking about AI updates. In any case, we won't have to wait long to find out what's up Google's sleeve.Follow all of the news live from Google's 2023 Pixel event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-2023-how-to-watch-130033919.html?src=rss

Ford first unveiled its F-150 Lightning lineup only a couple of years ago, in 2021, but its fifth model is already underway. The manufacturer has announced that the F-150 Lightning Flash will join the existing Pro, XLT, Lariat and Platinum trims as a mid-tier option.The F-150 Lightning Flash is a "tech-forward" expansion of the XLT's offerings, adding in-demand tech capabilities and version 1.2 of Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving (which allows drivers to change lanes with a simple tap). The Flash also offers customers the option to activate Ford BlueCruise at any point or to trial it with 90 days free after purchase. The new model's interior includes a 15.5-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, a wireless charging pad and a B&O Sound System with eight speakers and a subwoofer.Like the XLT, it has a targeted EPA-estimated extended range of 320 miles per charge. The entire F-150 lineup can use the BlueOval Charge Network, which includes more than 84,000 chargers across North America, and will have access to 12,000 Tesla chargers starting in 2024.Online orders for the F-150 Lightning Flash will also start in early 2024, with the EV retailing for just under $70,000. The manufacturer lowered F-150 prices by up to $10,000 in July thanks to increased plant capacity (an estimated 150,000 units per year) and better battery raw material costs. However, they still come at a much higher cost than originally advertised, with the F-150 Lightning Pro retailing for about 50 percent of its initial sticker price at the beginning of summer.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fords-new-f-150-lightning-flash-has-a-320-mile-range-and-hands-free-highway-driving-123633483.html?src=rss

Amazon's Prime Day event this month will take place on October 10 and 11, but the e-commerce giant has already kicked things off with a few early deals. Some of its devices are now on sale on the website, including its smart thermostat, which you can get for $56. That's not quite an all-time low for the basic smart home device, but that's still 30 percent off its regular price and the lowest it's been for the whole year. Amazon positions its smart thermostat as sort of a gateway into more high-tech thermostats when transitioning from their traditional counterparts.The Amazon smart thermostat isn't quite as full-featured as some other options in the market. While it doesn't have a speaker or a microphone, if you install the Alexa app or use an Alexa-enabled device (such as an Echo) you'll be able to control it with voice commands. You can get Alexa to change the temperature for you, for instance, or to help you with the installation process. You can also set its temperature anywhere you are through the Alexa app. Take note that the device needs a C-wire or a power adapter kit. It's sold separately, but you can get the device bundled with a C-wire adapter for $71.In addition to its smart thermostat, Amazon is also selling its smart air quality monitor and a smart plug at discounted prices. Its air quality monitor can detect and track particulate matter (PM 2.5), volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, humidity and temperature. If you connect it to Alexa, you'll get notifications when it detects poor air quality. And if you have Alexa-connected air purifiers, dehumidifiers and fans, you can enable routines that would switch them on if the air quality changes. Meanwhile, the smart plug adds Alexa voice control to any outlet, so you can schedule appliances to turn off and on automatically.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-smart-thermostat-falls-to-its-lowest-price-of-the-year-in-early-october-prime-day-deal-120506738.html?src=rss

Apple has acknowledged its new iPhone 15 and 15 Pro can get uncomfortably hot. The company said background activity, an iOS 17 bug and third-party apps were the cause, with some apps, like Instagram, already updated not to make the newest iPhones sweat.Everyone loves to have opinions on why the newest iPhones aren't working like they should, with some people blaming the new titanium body. Apple told MacRumors that the design actually provides better heat dissipation than previous stainless steel models. Similarly, the company says the issue isn't connected to its new A1 Pro chop, nor high-power chargers and the new USB-C connector.My iPhone 15 Pro ran pretty hot the first few days, pulling down all my apps, games and music library, but it's evened out more recently. Others are still waiting on a fix.- Mat SmithHumane's futuristic wearable revealed at Paris Fashion WeekAs seen on Naomi Campbell, it has a mini-projector and camera.ReutersHumane is a startup founded by ex-Apple executives. It's working on a device called the Ai Pin, which uses projectors, cameras and AI tech as a sort of wearable AI assistant. The company unveiled the Ai Pin at a Paris fashion show (Humane x Coperni), attached to Naomi Campbell, who is the first person outside of the company to wear the device in public. The company describes the device as a screenless, standalone device and software platform built from the ground up for AI." Other information is less clear, like how the device connects to the internet, as it doesn't pair with a smartphone. We'll learn more when it's fully unveiled on November 9.Continue reading.It's not Tom Hanks in that dental ad, and he's not happy about itHanks called out the ad for using an AI likeness of him.An ad reportedly used a deepfake of Tom Hanks to promote dental plans without the actor's permission. Hanks shared a warning on Instagram on Sunday about the AI-generated video, which he wrote he had nothing to do with." Hanks has been outspoken about the challenges AI poses for the industry, and the use of actors' digital likenesses is one of the major points of concern voiced by striking SAG-AFTRA workers. The use of AI to capitalize on celebrities' legacies has already become an ethical issue. Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain sparked widespread debate after it was revealed the documentary contained AI-generated voiceovers of Bourdain.Continue reading.Watch the star-studded trailer for cyberattack thriller Leave the World BehindFrom the creators of Mr. Robot.NetflixLeave the World Behind is a dual-release Netflix film that hits theaters on November 22 and the streaming service on December 8. It stars Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali and Kevin Bacon, which is a whole lot of star power. The movie continues Netflix's recent dual-release strategy as seen with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Marriage Story, The Irishman and other high-profile features. It also ensures these movies are eligible for award season.Continue reading.The biggest stories you might have missedOne of the brightest objects in the night sky is a human-made satelliteThe best early October Prime Day deals you can get for 2023Google's Chromebook Plus initiative pushes higher spec standards and handy software toolsNordVPN review: A bit too overhyped for the priceLoog's baby digital piano could be the perfect starter instrument for newbiesHow to send animated reactions on FaceTime with iOS 17This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-apple-addresses-iphone-15-overheating-issues-111539143.html?src=rss

Meta may charge Instagram users in Europe a $14 per month subscription fee unless they opt in to targeted ads, according to The Wall Street Journal. In addition, it may impose a combined monthly fee of $17 for ad-free access to Facebook and Instagram on desktop.Last month, rumors surfaced that Meta would start forcing subscriptions on users who opted out of targeted ads, but the potential fees were unknown. Users willing to pay would see no advertising on Facebook and Instagram, while those who want to stick to the free version would have to consent to be targeted by ads based on their personal data. The company has reportedly discussed the plans with regulators in Brussels and Ireland.The move comes in response to a court ruling in July finding that Facebook must gain the consent of users to access their personal data. That court said that site operators have to prove that users willingly gave permission, possibly by allowing them to reject ad tracking. That's exactly what Apple did with iOS 14, and with very few users opting in, Meta predicted a significant hit to its revenue. In its ruling, the EU court also said companies should explore subscription models for users.If accurate, the numbers revealed by the WSJ are just a bit less than Netflix charges in the EU for it's regular monthly plan. With only power social media users or companies likely willing to pay that, Meta could effectively force regular users to accept targeted ads or stop using its social media sites altogether.Earlier this year, the EU hit Facebook with a record 1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) fine for transferring EU user data to the US, in violation of the bloc's key digital privacy rules. And the rules are about to tighten more, as Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations come into force starting in March 2024.At the same time, Meta makes nearly a quarter of its revenue in Europe, with the bloc accounting for $7.2 billion of its $32 billion total in the second quarter this year. And the company has yet to launch its Twitter rival, Threads, in Europe due to uncertainty over the DMA and whether it can connect the app to Instagram as it does elsewhere. With all that, Meta's plans for all its apps in the EU should become more concrete over the coming months before the new rules arrive in force.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/metas-ad-free-instagram-and-facebook-plan-could-cost-eu-users-nearly-17-per-month-105638298.html?src=rss

Elon Musk's X Corp is facing what could be the first of several lawsuits related to its name. A Florida-based company called X Social Media has accused X Corp. of trademark and service mark infringement, obviously for the use of the letter "X." Musk rebranded Twitter in July, renamed the social network as "X" and replaced its iconic bird logo with the letter. The executive is known for having an affinity for the letter X, so it didn't really come as a surprise, but as trademark attorney Josh Gerben told Reuters back then, there's "about a 100 percent probability that Twitter/X will be sued by both opportunistic and legitimate plaintiffs over the new name." Today, Gerben's firm represents the plaintiff in this case.X Social Media described itself in the lawsuit (PDF) as a company that has "offered its advertising and social media services connecting law firms and those in need of advocates since 2016." While its logo looks vastly different from the logo used by the social network formerly known as Twitter, it argued in its complaint that it "frequently emphasizes the 'X' portion of its mark throughout its advertising, blogs, and newsletters highlighting its work."The Florida-based company also said that the media coverage Elon Musk's X got when it rebranded caused confusion and had led consumers to believe that its advertising services are being offered by or are associated with X Corp. "As 'X' is a social media platform, consumers naturally conflate 'X SocialMedia' as an X Corp.'s social media platform," it explained. The plaintiff told the court that it has already suffered losses in revenue due to Twitter's rebranding, and that it's highly probable that the confusion will continue to its "financial detriment." Especially since X Corp appears at the top of search results when you look for "x social media" - or at least it used to before news about the lawsuit came out.Further, it accused Musk's company for filing multiple trademark applications for business data analysis, promotional services, business consulting and information services, as well as business, consumer and market research, which are comparable to its offerings, even though it allegedly knew about X Social Media. Apparently, X Social Media sent Musk's company a cease-and-desist letter in August 2023, but X Corp. refused to stop using the letter. It's now asking the court for an injunction, prohibiting Musk's company from marketing, offering, selling or distributing services bearing the mark "X." The plaintiff is also asking for damages equivalent to three times of its losses or the defendant's profits.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-sues-x-in-trademark-infringement-lawsuit-092041443.html?src=rss

Apple's first generation Watch is now officially obsolete, including the Hermes and $17,000 18-karat gold Watch Edition models, according to Apple's latest obsolete product list seen by MacRumors. That means the "Series 0" Watch models, first released in 2015, are no longer eligible for hardware service and providers cannot order parts.On top of its obsolete list, Apple has a "vintage" list for products it stopped distributing more than five years ago, but less than seven years ago. On the current public-facing list (which should be updated soon) is the Series 2 Watch, so it'll soon be on the obsolete list as well.The news may stimulate some new discussion on "planned obsolescence." According to Apple's obsolete and vintage page, the company is only obligated to supply parts for five years after a product is last distributed (laws in France push that to seven years for iPhone and Mac laptops). Such discussion has stimulated change in the past - the company was forced to alter course in terms of device reparability, and a new EU law forced Apple to change its charging/data port to USB-C from Lightning.The Watch Edition has been an interesting case since it first came out. Regular watches can appreciate in value enormously, largely because they can still perform their time-keeping function many years later. However, the Watch Edition cost over $10,000, but was always going to become obsolete. If you own one (let us know below) and the battery hasn't already lost charge, this could be the final reason to wave goodbye.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-original-apple-watch-lineup-is-officially-obsolete-083825819.html?src=rss

Tesla has quietly updated its Model Y page to add a new option for buyers in the US: A rear-wheel drive Model Y that's cheaper than the other variants. It'll set buyers back $43,990, but with a full tax credit of $7,500, the electric vehicle could cost them as low as $36,490. As Electrek notes, this version replaces the Model Y All Wheel Drive that was recently discontinued. It's also $3,750 cheaper than the AWD, making it the most affordable Model Y EV.Bloomberg says the vehicle likely uses lithium-iron phosphate batteries, which cost less to manufacture than high-nickel battery compositions. While it's possible that the batteries enable Tesla to sell this version at a lower price, Electrek believes they're also the reason why the EV has a 260 mile range, whereas the discontinued AWD Model Y had a range of 279 miles. That said, previous studies revealed that lithium-iron phosphate batteries are more efficient and have a much longer lifespan than nickel batteries.The rear-wheel drive Model Y can reach 135 mph in speed and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Tesla says it will start deliveries for the new EV this month and the next, though as always, customers will have to pay extra for Enhanced Autopilot ($6,000) and Full Self-Driving ($12,000). In its latest quarterly earnings report, the automaker admitted that its deliveries fell short of Wall Street's lowered expectations. It still expects to make 1.8 million deliveries for the year as a whole, however, and it remains to be seen if the new Model Y can help it achieve that goal.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tesla-now-offers-a-43990-rear-wheel-drive-model-y-in-the-us-055515210.html?src=rss

A prototype satellite has become one of the brightest objects in the night sky, and it may soon be accompanied by dozens more. An observation campaign tracking the BlueWalker 3 satellite, launched in September 2022 by AST SpaceMobile, found that it is at times brighter than all but a handful of stars and planets that can be seen from Earth. The findings published in the journal Nature highlight a fast-escalating concern among astronomers, who have warned that the influx of private space ventures in low-Earth orbit could alter our view of the night sky and interfere with research.Researchers with the International Astronomical Union's Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS) observed BlueWalker 3 over the course of 130 days. BlueWalker 3's antenna array measures just shy of 700 square feet, making it the largest yet for a commercial satellite in low-Earth orbit. That huge array reflects sunlight and after it unfurled, its brightness spiked. The effect isn't constant, but instead fluctuates depending on factors like the satellite's position relative to the sun, and the viewing angle. The CPS team observed it from sites in Chile, the US, Mexico, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Morocco.These results demonstrate a continuing trend towards larger, brighter commercial satellites, which is of particular concern given the plans to launch many more in the coming years," said Siegfried Eggl, one of the co-authors of the study. While these satellites can play a role in improving communications, it is imperative that their disruptions of scientific observations are minimized." AST SpaceMobile eventually plans to deploy a fleet of roughly 100 cellular broadband satellites based on the BlueWalker 3 design.SpaceX, whose thousands of Starlink satellites have repeatedly come under scrutiny for their potential impact on the night sky, has experimented with dark coatings to cut down on the amount of reflected light, to limited success. For astronomers, to whom it poses a growing headache, it's not enough. Stations observing from the ground will need to develop satellite avoidance strategies to work around these artificial constellations, the researchers note in the paper.And, visibility isn't the only problem. Commercial satellites, including BlueWalker 3, flooding low-Earth orbit also threaten to interfere with radio astronomy. A separate study led by the CPS and published earlier this year found Starlink satellites are leaking unintended electromagnetic radiation" that could disrupt radio telescope observations.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/one-of-the-brightest-objects-in-the-night-sky-is-a-human-made-satellite-212617952.html?src=rss

Elon Musk is looking to new video features, including game streaming and live shopping, as part of his attempt to turn X into an everything app." The company formerly known as Twitter is experimenting with basic, Twitch-like game streaming capabilities, which are currently accessible to X Premium subscribers.Musk showed off the feature Sunday night in a 54-minute Diablo IV stream posted from an anonymous Twitter account with the handle @cyb3rgam3r420. Musk later replied to the account and confirmed the company was testing the feature. An engineer at X, Mark Kalman, also shared a video explaining how Premium subscribers can set up game streaming from their accounts by connecting Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) to their Twitter account via X Media Studio.

TikTok might be exploring new ways to make the app more profitable by playing around with an ad-free subscription model. This isn't new for social media platforms. We've seen Snapchat introduce Snapchat+ and X (formally known as Twitter) introduce its Premium options as well, but this would be a new subscription offering for TikTok.Hints of TikTok's subscription plans were initially spotted by Android Authority. According to the report, the latest version of TikTok came loaded with new strings of code that indicated the short-form video app is testing an ad-free monthly subscription plan for its users. Android Authority uncovered a screen that presented users with the choice of two different plans. There's the standard option, which will remain free and include personalized ads based on your activity. Then there's the "Ad-free" option, which will cost $4.99 per month.As of right now, there has been no official announcement from TikTok. (Engadget has reached out for comment and we'll update the story if we hear back.) So it's safe to assume that this is just a test being conducted since it is currently only available to a limited number of users. TikTok may or may not actually take the plan public, and if it does it may also change the $4.99 price tag based on the feedback.TikTok's drive toward increasing engagement and revenue is nothing new, but it seems the company has ramped up a bit. Earlier this year, TikTok introduced its marketplace - TikTok Shop - which brought a host of features for users, content creators and businesses. One of those features was the option for creators and businesses to drop affiliate videos directly into the feeds of users. This means the new ad-free tier may only remove ads served up by TikTok and not ones from influencers or their marketing campaigns.Perhaps now we can all stop asking "How is this app still free?" because at this rate, no social media app will be completely free againThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-might-be-exploring-an-ad-free-subscription-plan-191948633.html?src=rss

Loog is a company known for manufacturing fantastic starter instruments for kids, with the company's diminutive electric guitar making our list of the best audio-related gifts back in 2019. Now it's back with a digital piano that blurs the line between kid-friendly and appropriate for adults.The Loog Piano is a gorgeous instrument that, while still tiny, brings some nifty features for both brand-new players and veteran key smashers. The obvious selling point here is the looks. The 3-octave keyboard is sandwiched between solid wood sides and the top's covered in red sonically transparent fabric" that really pops.The company touts the piano's musician-grade sound and design." The design's certainly on-point, but what about the sound? The built-in stereo speakers let you play without headphones and Loog says the keys allow for dynamics (piano to forte.) The company says this is likely the first keyboard at this size and price point that incorporates velocity-sensitive keys. Check out this demo video of the piano in action without any post effects.Loog boasts that the instrument uses both sampled and modeled sounds, so attack, decay and the air between notes should all recall an actual piano. The combination of the built-in speakers and velocity engine also works to mimic the analog instrument, but this is still a digital piano, so moving to the real thing later will require a bit of an adjustment period.The Loog Piano is battery-powered and fully portable, and gets around three hours of play time per charge via the built-in USB-C port. It weighs nearly five pounds, however, so keep that in mind if you plan on stuffing this thing in your kid's backpack. Though the speakers are a main draw, you can of course plug in some headphones for private playing.You may notice what this instrument doesn't have. There aren't hundreds of other sounds. There aren't built-in effects. There's a volume knob and that's about it. This is by design, with Loog stating that the instrument's full muscle is devoted to the piano sound."Despite lacking 400 horrible brass sounds you'll never use, this piano does have one significant tech-forward feature. Loog's instrument integrates with a proprietary app that's primarily for learning piano. This app is filled with lessons and game-like exercises that make learning fun and easy," though the piano integrates with other learning software. Additionally, it ships with a set of decidedly low-tech flash cards to help teach chords and scales.Instead of going with a traditional retail launch, Loog took to Kickstarter to drum up support for its latest instrument. As of this writing, it's already smashed through the initial goal by a factor of 30, so expect units to start shipping in April. Early adopters can currently snag the instrument for $250, which is 20 percent off its eventual retail price.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/loogs-baby-digital-piano-could-be-the-perfect-starter-instrument-for-newbies-183208611.html?src=rss

Amazon's second Prime-related event for 2023 is officially called Prime Big Deal Days and will happen October 10 and 11. This is the second year in a row for a fall-based, site-wide Amazon sale and we're already seeing discounts pop up. You'll need a Prime membership to access many of the deals, though a few are available to everyone. This week, there are early Prime Day deals on the AirPods Pro, Amazon's Echo Dot, Amazon Music Unlimited, Eero 6 mesh Wi-Fi systems, Ring Video Doorbells and security systems and Amazon Fire Omni smart TVs. Here are the best early October Prime Day deals you can get right now.Apple AirPods ProAmazon has the Lightning model of Apple's AirPods Pro on sale for $199, which is roughly $50 off Apple's list price. We consider the AirPods Pros the best wireless earphones for those who use an iPhone or lots of Apple devices. They still deliver excellent noise cancellation, a pleasingly warm sound profile and a variety of Apple-specific features such as hands-free Siri access, Find My device tracking and quick pairing and switching between iPhones, iPads and MacBooks. With a recent update, they've also gained a useful "Adaptive Audio" mode that blends the pair's ANC and transparency modes dynamically based on your surroundings.Amazon Echo Dot + Kasa Smart Plug MiniAs part of a big Echo speaker sale, the Echo Dot is down to just $23, and you can get a bundle with the small smart speaker and a Kasa Smart Plug Mini for just $1 more. Considering the Echo Dot is one of our favorite smart speakers and the Kasa smart plug earned a spot on our list of best smart plugs, this is a great bundle for anyone who wants to smarten up their home while sticking to their budget. Also included in this sale are the Echo Pop for $18 and the full-sized Echo for $55.Amazon Echo Show 5A number of Amazon's smart displays are on sale ahead of October Prime Day, and that includes the Echo Show 5 for $40. It's the smallest smart display in the company's lineup, which is part of what makes it a solid smart alarm clock. It has strong audio quality and a sunrise alarm feature, and this updated model has a faster processor and an additional mic for improved Alexa responsiveness. The Echo Show 8 (previous-gen) and the Echo Show 10 are also included in this sale, and there's even a bundle that pairs the Echo Show 5 with a Philips Hue Smart Color Bulb for $42.Amazon Fire HD 8Amazon's Fire HD 8 tablet has dropped to $60 as part of a larger tablet sale ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. That's only $5 more than it was during Prime Day in July, and we recommend this slab for those who want a cheap tablet they can give to their kids, use as a couch device and the like. You can choose a model that has 32GB or 64GB of storage, and you can expand the amount of space on the tablet using a microSD card. It also has decent performance and a long, 13-hour battery life. If you prefer to get the best of what Amazon has to offer in the tablet space, pick up the Fire Max 11 tablet, which is on sale for a record low of $150 right now.Blink security camerasBlink 3rd- and 4th-gen security cameras have been discounted ahead of October Prime Day. These deals are particularly noteworthy for the 4th-gen Outdoor cameras since they were just announced at the end of August. A three-pack of those new cameras is half off and down to $135, and there are a bunch of bundles available as well: a two-pack with a Blink Mini for $100, a three-pack with a Video Doorbell for $165, a whole home bundle for $102 and many more. These security cameras are convenient because they are wireless and have two-year battery lives, plus they support motion and audio alerts, two-way talk and night vision.Ring Video DoorbellsThere's a massive Ring sale going on now in the lead up to October Prime Day in which you can pick up one of the video doorbells for as low as $35. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is 46 percent off and down to $35, and as the name suggests, you'll have to hardwire it to your home during installation. There are a few Ring doorbells available at this point, so if you'd prefer one that runs on a rechargeable battery, consider the standard Ring Video Doorbell, which is down to $55 at the moment. This sale also includes Ring Stick Up cameras that can be placed inside the home, as well as various Ring Alarm bundles.Kindle Paperwhite Kids Essentials BundleA few Kindle Essentials Bundles have been discounted for Prime members ahead of October Prime Day, including this Kids one that you can pick up for $143. It contains a Kindle Paperwhite Kids ereader along with a cover, a screen protector, a power adapter, a two-year warranty and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. That's basically everything a kid would need to dive into reading on a Kindle while also keeping their new gadget charged and protected at all times. The Kids+ subscription gives them access to age-appropriate ebooks and audiobooks, just remember that the membership will automatically renew after the first year at the full, $3-per-month price.Amazon Music UnlimitedIf you've never subscribed to Amazon Music Unlimited, you can now get three months of the music streaming service for free. If you're an Amazon Prime member who has never subscribed, that jumps to four months. Music Unlimited usually comes with a one-month free trial and goes for $11 a month - or $10 if you use Prime - so this deal saves you either $22 or $30. We highlight Music Unlimited in our guide to the best music streaming services: Its UI and music discovery features aren't as robust as Apple Music or Spotify, but it offers a large library in CD streaming quality and a wide podcast selection. Naturally, it also works well with Echo speakers and other Amazon devices. Note that your subscription will be set to auto-renew by default, so you'll have to manually cancel if you're just looking to snag a few months of music streaming at no cost.Eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi systemAmazon has discounted most of its Eero 6 Wi-Fi systems as an early Prime Day deal, including the most powerful of the bunch, the Eero Pro 6E. You can pick up one router for $180, or spring for a three-pack for $400, both of which are down to record-low prices. Devices with support for Wi-Fi 6E can connect directly to the Eero's 6 GHz radio band, and if you get the three-pack, you'll get up to 6,000 square feet of coverage - more than enough for most homes. These Eeros have a built-in smart home hub as well, so you don't need to have an extra device if you want to build out an IoT ecosystem in your house.Samsung Pro PlusIf you need more storage for your Nintendo Switch, GoPro or anything else that accepts microSD cards, the 256GB version of the Samsung Pro Plus with Samsung's USB reader is on sale for $22. We've seen the card alone fall as low as $20, but this matches the all-time low for the bundle with the reader, which helps the card get closer to its advertised read and write speeds - up to 180 MB/s and 130 MB/s for reading and writing, respectively - on devices that allow them. Normally, this SKU retails for $25. The Pro Plus is the top recommendation in our guide to the best microSD cards, as it delivered the fastest sequential write speeds and random performance of any card we tested and comes with a 10-year warranty.Crucial X6 portable SSDAmazon has knocked up to 55 percent off Crucial external and internal SSDs, including the 2TB Crucial X6 portable SSD for $90. That's 55 percent off and only $10 more than it was during Prime Day in July. This drive has read speeds up to 800 MB/s and works with a variety of devices including Mac and Windows laptops, iPads and even some game consoles. It's also quite small, so it will fit into nearly any bag when you need to take it on the go.Apple Watch Ultra (1st gen)The first-gen Apple Watch Ultra has been discounted by $100 on Amazon, bringing it to $699 instead of $799. The discount only applies to the watch with the orange Alpine Loop in small. The medium and large bands are about a dollar more, and watches with different colored bands aren't discounted. We gave the first Apple Watch Ultra an 85 in our review, praising its long battery life, bright display and useful fitness and health features. It doesn't have the Ultra 2's double-tap navigation system and S9 SiP (system-in-package) processor for on-board Siri requests, but if all you need is a rugged watch with lots of hiking, running and other activity features, now's your chance to save. The second-gen Apple Watch Ultra is available now, and it currently has a small discount that brings it down to $774.Amazon Fire Omni QLED TVsAll sizes of Amazon's Fire TV Omni QLED Series are on sale ahead of October's sale. The 43-, 50-, 55- and 65-inch models are down to $380, $400, $440 and $600, respectively. Those match or beat the prices we saw for July's Prime Day. The Fire TV Omni QLED sets are best for people who like Amazon's Fire interface, which is easy enough to figure out, though the OS tends to push you towards Amazon's own content. Beyond that Fire TVs do a good job of integrating Alexa's helpfulness with a useful voice remote, and hands-free smart home support. And if you don't feel like having Alexa listening in, you can turn off the mics with a built-in switch.Your Fall Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's car experts on must-shop auto-related Prime Day deals and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-early-amazon-october-prime-day-deals-for-2023-173005932.html?src=rss

An advertiser reportedly used a deepfake of Tom Hanks to promote dental plans without the actor's permission. Hanks shared a warning on Instagram on Sunday alerting his followers about the AI-generated video, which he wrote he had nothing to do with." Hanks has been outspoken about the challenges AI poses for the industry, and the use of actors' digital likenesses is one of the major points of concern voiced by striking SAG-AFTRA workers.Just last spring, Hanks said in an appearance on The Adam Buxton Podcast that AI and deepfakes present both artistic and legal challenges. I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that's it," Hanks said, but my performances can go on and on and on and on and on, and outside of the understanding that it's been done with AI or deepfake, there'll be nothing to tell you that it's not me." He also spoke of a hypothetical scenario in which an entire movie series could be made using an AI version of him that's 32 years old from now until kingdom come." Perhaps in confirmation of what's to come, the offending dental plan ad depicts a significantly younger Hanks.

Apple's latest iOS 17 update has introduced FaceTime Reactions, which are animated effects that pop up on your screen during a video chat. These reactions are like the ones commonly used in Messages with other iPhone users, such as hearts, fireworks and thumbs-ups. These can sometimes serve as expressive substitutes for written responses or, in the case of FaceTime, punctuate your body language with 3D animations.However, during video calls, these animated effects are a little different. You can activate them manually or using hand gestures. For example, you can create a heart shape with your hands and little red hearts will start erupting from the middle. Or you can toss up dual metal signs to get a laser light show. These 3D animated reactions will also show up in macOS Sonoma and iPadOS 17.If you haven't yet explored this feature, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make the most of FaceTime Reactions in your calls.How to manually trigger an effect on FaceTime and video callsThe most reliable way to make a visual reaction appear on screen during a FaceTime call is by pressing down on your picture during a call. This will force a popup menu to appear above you. You will see eight reactions to choose from.You can select the thumbs-up or the thumbs-down icon to make a bubble with the respective symbol appear next to your face. Tap the heart and a trail of red hearts will appear on screen. To showcase your excitement, you can select the balloon icon or the confetti symbol to trigger a colorful on-screen display. Like in Messages, you can trigger a funky fireworks or laser beam show. Maybe you're feeling down? You can make the screen turn dark and gloomy when you tap the rain icon.Malak SalehWith each symbol you select, the on-screen effect will last a few seconds for you and whoever is on the other side of the FaceTime call.How to use hand gestures to trigger an effect on FaceTime and video callsRather than relying on manual taps, you can also activate these animated effects with specific gestures, although some may be more intuitive than others. For the most part, they worked as expected, even when I had a Memoji filter on. For instance, you can create a thumbs-up or thumbs-down bubble on the screen by performing the corresponding gesture - easy enough.Malak SalehIf you give a double thumbs-up with both hands, your screen goes dark, and you'll get fireworks popping in the background. On the flip side, if you do a double thumbs-down, you'll see a rainy animation take over the screen. And, if you're feeling lovey-dovey and make a heart shape with your hands, your screen will light up with a bunch of heart emojis where your palms are.Malak SalehWhile it might not be immediately obvious, throwing up a peace sign will fill your screen with a bunch of colorful floating balloons. Make it two peace signs and party confetti will appear, perfect for a celebratory mood. Now, for the trickiest one: if you want to see the laser light show appear, you'll need to throw up two metal horns ().Malak SalehThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-send-animated-reactions-on-facetime-with-ios-17-160026338.html?src=rss

It's been a few years since Mr. Robot dropped its mind-bending final episode, and now series creator Sam Esmail is back with a film that explores similar themes of cyber security and paranoia. Leave the World Behind is a dual-release Netflix film that hits theaters on November 22 and the streaming service on December 8. Here's a new trailer to wet your whistle for the cyber-apocalypse thriller.Leave the World Behind stars Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali and Kevin Bacon, which is a whole lot of star power. As for the plot, this is an Esmail joint, so it's likely best to go in fresh, but Netflix did drop a tantalizingly simple story premise: a family's vacation is upended when two strangers arrive at night, seeking refuge from a cyberattack that grows more terrifying by the minute."The synopsis calls to mind M. Night Shyamalan's Knock at the Cabin, and both films do have something in common-They're based on books. The similarly-named Leave the World Behind novel was penned by renowned author Rumaan Alam and has been praised by publications like NY Times, USA Today, Esquire and many more. On the plus side, we know the movie will have a proper ending to work with. On the down side, spoilers will be tough to avoid, so exercise caution when surfing the endless web.The movie continues Netflix's recent dual-release strategy as seen with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Marriage Story, The Irishman and other high-profile features. Leave the World Behind starts a two-week exclusive run at movie theaters on November 22 before premiering on the popular streaming service on December 8. This isn't the first movie written and directed by Esmail. Just before booking Mr. Robot, he created a romance film called Comet about parallel universes.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cyberattack-thriller-from-the-creator-of-mr-robot-gets-a-star-studded-trailer-153011921.html?src=rss

It has only been a few months since Apple's Beats division unveiled the Beats Studio Pro, a long-overdue new set of noise-canceling headphones. While it took several years for Beats to update its over-ear headphones, consumers haven't had to wait nearly as long for a discount on the latest cans. The Beats Studio Pro has dropped from $349 to $250 at Woot. That's a 29 percent discount, and it matches the lowest price we've previously seen.While Amazon owns Woot, it's worth bearing in mind that the latter has a different returns policy. So, be aware of that if you were considering picking up the Beats Studio Pro just to try them out.The Beats Studio Pro is a solid option for a set of over-ear wireless headphones. We gave the device a score of 81 in our review. A big improvement to the sound quality from previous models is a major plus point, with a second-gen version of Beats' audio chip powering upgraded active noise cancellation, spatial audio and dynamic head tracking. We felt that the headphones delivered above average voice performance, while the addition of a transparency mode and USB-C wired audio for higher-resolution audio are certainly welcome.On the downside, some may find the lack of an automatic pausing function irksome, while the headphones perhaps don't offer the most comfortable fit out there. Most egregiously, there's no support for iOS multipoint connectivity, even though this is a device from an Apple brand. That means you can't connect to more than one Apple device at once for seamless switching. Here's hoping Beats enables that at some point.Overall, the Beats Studio Pro is a solid choice for a set of over-ear headphones, especially at this price. If you're a Beats fan looking to upgrade, now seems like a good time to do so. Alternatively, there are many other great sets of wireless headphones worth considering.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/beats-studio-pro-anc-headphones-fall-back-to-a-low-of-250-143427770.html?src=rss

Sales on Amazon products continue to roll out ahead of the official start of October Prime Day on everything from Blink cameras to Kindle Scribes. The 16GB Kindle Scribe is back on sale for 22 percent off, dropping to $265 from $340. It mirrors a recent sale on the Kindle Scribe, but this one isn't exclusive to Prime members, as was the case for the September one.Amazon's 16GB Kindle Scribe has a 10.2-inch, 300 ppi glare-free display with an adjustable warm light and auto-adjustable front light that changes depending on the time of day. It also includes an option to increase the font size anytime for easier reading. Thanks to the pages available for writing or sketching, you can use the Kindle Scribe as a personal notebook or journal. Plus, you can write on PDFs, Microsoft Word docs or across millions of books available from the Kindle Store using the Basic Pen included with your purchase. Getting the Premium Pen instead will cost you another $25, with a 22 percent sale dropping the pair's price to $290 from $370. The 32GB and 64GB Kindle Scribes are also on sale, available for $305 and $330, respectively.Your Kindle Scribe shouldn't require too much charging as Amazon claims the battery will last 12 weeks if you read an average of a half hour each day and three weeks if you write an average of a half hour a day. Of course, factors like brightness and wireless connection can kill the charge quicker, but it has a longer battery life than its predecessors.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-kindle-scribe-is-back-on-sale-ahead-of-october-prime-day-140115678.html?src=rss

Google's pitch for Chromebooks has been pretty straightforward for a while now. They're laptops that don't require a lot of fuss, with easy set-up, fast boot times and a simple software update process. They're also secure from things like viruses and malware, and Google recently committed to 10 years of automatic software updates.The hardware side of things isn't quite as simple. Chromebooks started as cheap computers meant mostly for web browsing, but both Chrome OS and the laptops themselves have gotten a lot more advanced since then. There are still plenty of budget models out there, many with questionable build quality or specs; there are also lots of premium" Chromebooks with powerful internals, high-end screens and great industrial design.Then there's a middle ground: utilitarian but well-designed laptops with powerful enough hardware for most users that don't break the bank. In the last few years, I've had a hard time finding that sweet spot, but today Google is announcing the Chromebook Plus initiative to make that easier.Essentially, Chromebook Plus devices have a guaranteed set of specs to ensure a consistent and quality experience. That means every Chromebook Plus has an Intel Core or AMD Ryzen (7000 series) processor, at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A full 1080p IPS display and 1080p webcam also come standard.GoogleGoogle and four OEM partners are announcing a total of eight Chromebook Plus models today: two each from HP, Acer, ASUS and Lenovo. With the exception of two 15.6-inch models from Acer and HP, all of these devices will feature 14-inch screens, making them solid all-around options for most people. And while the Plus" name might imply that we're strictly talking about premium hardware, like HP's $999 Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, these devices start at $399. That's not the absolute cheapest price we've seen for a Chromebook, but quality can be hit or miss below that price - but with the Plus initiative, buyers will hopefully be a lot more secure in what they're purchasing.Chromebook Plus devices will also get access to a handful of software tricks, including a Material You design, dynamic wallpapers and the Magic Eraser tool in Google Photos. Some of the AI-powered tricks Google uses to improve calls in Meet will also work on other video call platforms, as well. Specifically, you'll be able to use the auto improve lighting" and noise cancellation" features on Meet as well as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.GoogleThere's also a new File Sync feature that'll automatically keep files from Google Drive locally available for when you're offline. Google says that's thanks in part to the minimum 128GB of storage available on Chromebook Plus models, but it's not clear how the system will decide what to download or how much space to use up. But expanding offline utilities for Chromebooks should nonetheless be handy. Google says that all the software improvements it announced as part of Chromebook Plus will be coming to all Chromebooks that meet these minimum specifications soon, as well.GoogleGoogle is also smartly partnering with Adobe, who just announced Photoshop for the web last week. While the company acknowledges that it's a streamlined" app for the web, it still represents the first time that Chromebook users will get a taste of the Photoshp experience. (It's worth noting that existing Photoshop customers get access to Photoshop on the web as part of their subscription.)Adobe and Google are giving Chromebook Plus buyers a three-month trial of Photoshop on the web, along with access to the Adobe Express creation tool that lets you quickly build things like animations, logos, flyers and so forth. Express users Adobe's Firefly generative AI models, and Chromebook Plus owners will get to try that out too.GoogleGoogle also teased a slew of AI-powered software improvements coming to Chromebook Plus laptops next year. One is a text composer that understands the context of the tool you're using, whether it's something like YouTube video descriptions or short-form comments on social media. There's also going to be a generative image AI that'll let you make custom wallpapers for your Chromebook with text prompts. Similarly, you'll also be able to generate image backgrounds for when you're on video calls.The initial eight Chromebook Plus models will be released on October 8. Lenovo will offer two Intel-powered 14-inch models, the IdeaPad Slim 3i and the IdeaPad Flex 5i for $550 and $500, respectively. Acer has a 14-inch Chromebook Plus 514 with a Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 processor and the 15.6-inch Chromebook Plus 515, with an Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor. Both models are priced at $400.GoogleHP also has a 15.6-inch model with an Intel Core i3 processor for $600 and the Chromebook Plus x360 14 inch with a 360-degree hinge and up to a Core i5 processor for $750. Finally, the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX3402 includes up to an Intel Core i5 processor and a 14-inch screen, while the Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip has a 360-degree hinge and a more rugged design. (ASUS didn't provide pricing for these models as of publish time.) Obviously there are a lot of smaller details that differentiate all these devices, and we'll be looking forward to getting our hands on them soon so we can see what this all translates to in terms of the end user experience. But if Google can standardize solid specs across a wider range of price points, it'll be a lot easier for people who want to give Chromebooks a shot.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-chromebook-plus-initiative-pushes-higher-spec-standards-and-handy-software-tools-130055583.html?src=rss

October's Prime Day doesn't start until the tenth, but the sales are already coming along strong. For instance, many of Amazon's Blink products, including the third and fourth-generation outdoor cameras, are on sale. Right now, you can get a three-pack of Blink Outdoor 4 cameras for $135 - half off its usual sticker price of $270. A trio of third-generation Blink Outdoor cameras are available for 60 percent off, dropping to $100 from $250.Amazon recently released its Blink Outdoor 4 camera, which increased visibility to 143 degrees from 110 degrees. It also offers enhanced motion detection and sharper image quality for easier monitoring, whether while in the comfort of your home or away on vacation. For $35 less, the Blink Outdoor 3 has the same two-year battery guarantee, motion-activated alerts and two-way audio.If you want to test the waters with Amazon's security device, the Blink Mini is on sale for $20 from $35, a 43 percent discount. The indoor 1080p HD camera monitors movement during the day and night and connects to the Blink Video doorbell - providing alerts to your smartphone in both cases. It also lets you hear and speak through the device in real-time. Speaking of seeing who's at your house, the Blink Video Doorbell with two Outdoor 4 smart security cameras is 50 percent off, dropping to $130 from $260.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/blink-3rd--and-4th-gen-security-cameras-are-up-to-60-percent-off-ahead-of-october-prime-day-123801657.html?src=rss

In case you missed the hype, Humane is a startup founded by ex-Apple executives that's working on a device called the "Ai Pin" that uses projectors, cameras and AI tech to act as a sort of wearable AI assistant. Now, the company has unveiled the Ai Pin in full at a Paris fashion show (Humane x Coperni) as a way to show off the device's new form factor. "Supermodel Naomi Campbell is the first person outside of the company to wear the device in public, ahead of its full unveiling on November 9," Humane wrote.The company describes the device as a "screenless, standalone device and software platform built from the ground up for AI." It's powered by an "advanced" Qualcomm Snapdragon platform and equipped with a mini-projector that takes the place of a smartphone screen, along with a camera and speaker. It can perform functions like AI-powered optical recognition, but is also supposedly "privacy-first" thanks to qualities like no wake word and thus no "always on" listening."Humane first flaunted the capabilities of the Ai Pin at a Ted Talk back in May led by co-founder Imran Chaudhri, who previously worked on the iPhone user interface. Though the device itself was mostly hidden, he showed off a variety of sci-fi like features, including the ability to take a call while projecting details on his hand. He also flaunted its ability to translate English to French using AI translation, in Chaudhri's own voice. Another trick was "catch me up," a summary of news and information you may have missed.Other information is less clear, like how the device connects to the internet, as it doesn't pair with a smartphone. And other than the fact that it frees you from carrying one, it's hard to see the benefit over a typical smartphone. It's also not stated exactly how the features worked, and you'd be right to be skeptical about any fancy tech demo.HumaneBy presenting it a Paris Fashion Week, Humane seems eager to flaunt the device's stylish nature (it seems to be available in both black and white), though that's up for debate. It's hard to compare to anything else, as there are few wearables out there that attach to clothing. The company will also have to reckon with the stigma (a la Google Glass) of wearing a camera, though the mini-projector is actually pretty cool. In any case, we'll learn more when it's fully unveiled next month on November 9.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/humane-shows-off-its-futuristic-ai-pin-wearable-113510130.html?src=rss

The National Security Agency (NSA) has launched a dedicated artificial intelligence security center. This apparently follows the increased government use of algorithms and AI systems, related to defense and intelligent systems. The security center aims to protect these systems from theft and sabotage, as well as safeguard the country from external AI-based threats.The NSA's outgoing director, General Paul Nakasone, says the division will operate within the existing Cybersecurity Collaboration Center. This entity works with private industry and international partners to protect the US from cyberattacks from China, Russia and other countries with active malware and hacking campaigns.One reason we might hear more on defensive measures is the incoming US presidential election, although Nakasone said he's not seen evidence of that just yet.- Mat SmithThe biggest stories you might have missedThe Supreme Court will hear social media cases with immense free speech implicationsHitting the Books: We are the frogs in the boiling pot, it's time we started governing like itThe Creator review: A visually stunning, yet shallow, AI epic The best smart light bulbs for 2023Your phone will blare a national emergency alert test on October 4 at 2:20 PM ETIt'll still probably make you jump.The US government will conduct a nationwide alert test on Wednesday, October 4. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will send notifications to your phones (and radios and TVs) to test the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. If you live near a decent-sized metro area, there's a solid chance you've received AMBER alerts through this system before. But you're still going to be surprised.Continue reading.Analogue's limited edition Pockets are delightful and frustratingIts dedication to retro authenticity goes far beyond creating desirable gaming hardware.EngadgetNo one appears to understand the tug of retro game collectors' emotions better than the team at Analogue, makers of some of the most desirable modern retro consoles. According to Engadget's James Trew, it's perfected the art of inducing both ends of that emotional spectrum. Almost two years after the release of the (delightful) Pocket handheld, many are (still) waiting for key accessories and even consoles to be in stock reliably. Meanwhile, the company just unveiled some seriously alluring limited editions. Good luck snatching one of those.Continue reading.Cocoon is a near-perfect puzzle gameThe lead gameplay designer of Limbo and Inside has brought us a new classic.CocoonWith Cocoon, there's no preamble, no text overlays and no overt hints. So, you walk around interacting with things that look like you can interact with them, scratching away at the game within. You'll soon find an orb, which you can initially use to open doors, before discovering inside every orb is a new world of puzzles. I could oversimplify it and call it bug puzzle Inception, but it's more satisfying than that.Read the full review.Engadget Podcast: Meta's Quest 3, AI and Ray-Ban smart glassesZuckerberg tries to make the metaverse and AR happen.EngadgetThis week, it's Meta's turn to highlight AI during its device event. In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn dive into all of the news from Meta's Connect 2023 event, where it unveiled Meta AI and accompanying celebrity-powered chatbots, a new VR headset and even new smart glasses, or should we say, smart sunglasses.Listen here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-the-nsa-announces-new-artificial-intelligence-security-center-111537538.html?src=rss

Apple has acknowledged what many buyers have noticed over the past week: the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro can get uncomfortably hot. The company said that background activity, an iOS 17 bug and third-party apps are causing the problem, Forbes reported over the weekend. Apple added that a software update and fixes from developers are coming soon."We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected," a spokesperson said in a statement. "The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setting up or restoring [it] because of increased background activity. We have also found a bug in iOS 17 that is impacting some users and will be addressed in a software update. Another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are causing them to overload the system. We're working with these app developers on fixes that are in the process of rolling out."The apps in question include Uber, Instagram and Asphalt 9. Meta has already released a fix for Instagram, so it's worth checking that you have the latest version. The overheating issue may be confined to certain situations and combinations of apps, as not every user has seen it. (For what it's worth, Engadget didn't observe these issues when reviewing the device.)One thing definitely not causing the problem is the titanium frame - Apple told MacRumors that the design actually provides better heat dissipation than previous models with stainless steel frames. The company also said that the issue was not directly related to its A17 Pro chip, and that the upcoming fix will not degrade performance in any way. Finally, it's also unrelated to high-power chargers, as the iPhone 15 is fully compliant with USB-C PD and has built-in protection to prevent damage from overheating. So if you've experienced the issue, stay patient as a fix should be arriving soon.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-working-on-a-fix-for-iphone-15-overheating-issues-091541177.html?src=rss

Amazon's Echo Show smart displays with Alexa voice control are already a good value next to the competition, but a big smart display sale is making them even cheaper. The Show 5 is the least expensive, on sale right now for just $40, or 53 percent off the regular price - a great deal for Alexa capability with a display. And if you need a larger screen, the Echo Show 8 is priced at just $60 (54 percent off) and the Echo Show 10 is $160, for a savings of 36 percent.The Echo Show 5 scored a very solid 85 score in our Engadget review, as it's small size is ideal if don't have a ton of space on your desk, nightstand or countertop. It has a 5.5-inch, 960 x 480 resolution display that shows things like weather forecasts, calendar events, photos and more. The 2MP camera can be used to video chat with friends and family, but it can also be used as a makeshift security camera of sorts. And if you prefer you're concerned about privacy, the Show 5 has a built-in camera shutter and mic mute button. It's on sale by itself for $40 in several colors (Charcoal, Cloud Blue and Glacier White). However, you can also grab it with a Blink Mini camera for $45 (64 percent off) and the best deal is with a Philips Hue Smart Color Bulb ($42, or 71 percent off).If you need a larger screen, the second-generation Show 8 is available for just $60. It earned an Engadget score of 87, thanks to its 8-inch 1,280 x 800 touchscreen, minimalist design and stellar sound quality. It differs from the first-generation device in several ways, particularly with the updated 13-megapixel camera that digitally pans and zooms to keep you in frame when you're doing video chats on apps like Zoom. It's a particularly nice feature if you frequently use your smart display as a stationary video-chatting device. It also works great as a photo frame, and Amazon's updated home screen lets you see multiple items at once like the weather and sports.Finally, the Echo Show 10 is available for $160 (36 percent off). It earned an Engadget score of 83 back in 2021, thanks to features like the unusual rotating screen that makes it easy to see information at a glance and participate in video calls while completing other tasks. It also sounds and looks great, and can double as a security camera. Those are just a few of the many deals available at Amazon's smart display sale, for the rest, check here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-echo-show-5-falls-to-40-in-smart-display-sale-083523636.html?src=rss

Amazon has kicked off a new Fire tablet sale ahead of its Prime Big Deal Days event later this month. The discounts include the Fire HD 8 down to $60, the Fire HD 8 Plus for $70, the Fire Max 11 for $150, the previous-generation Fire HD 10 for $75 and the Fire 7 for $40, among others. All of those deals either match or come within a few dollars of the lowest prices we've seen, and unlike most of the offers that'll be available during the Big Deal Days sale, they aren't limited to Amazon Prime subscribers.All Fire tablets still come with the usual caveats: They aren't nearly as fast or premium-feeling as a good iPad or Galaxy Tab, their displays aren't as vivid and their app selection is more limited. They lack official access to the Google Play Store, so there's no Google apps like Gmail or YouTube. (It's possible to install the Play Store with a workaround, though that's a bit of a pain.) They also display ads on the lock screen unless you pay an extra fee or use a Kids model.All that said, they play well with Amazon services like Alexa and Prime Video (natch), they support most of the other major streaming apps and the better models are just quick enough for the basics. Ultimately, though, it's all about price. If you just want a large screen for streaming video, reading ebooks and browsing the web, most Fire slates let you do so for dirt cheap, so they're better buys when they're on sale.Of the models discounted now, the 8-inch Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus may be the best values for most. Each is saddled with a 1,280 x 800 resolution display, so text and images won't be especially sharp, but they can get decently bright, and the hardware as a whole is lightweight and fairly durable. Both devices can last more than 10 hours on a charge, and while they only come with 32GB of storage, you can expand that up to 1TB with a microSD card. Between the two, the Fire HD 8 Plus comes with an extra gigabyte of RAM (3GB total), so it'll be a little smoother to navigate Amazon's Fire OS if you can afford the extra $10. Neither tablet is outright fast, though, so don't expect to do more than the essentials. At these prices, both slates are only $5 more than their respective all-time lows.You can opt for the Fire 7 if you want a second screen for as little as possible, but it's slower and lower-res than the Fire HD 8, so we recommend paying for the latter if possible. The last-gen Fire HD 10 is still faster than either of those and packs a 10.1-inch 1080p display, so it's a decent value at $75, but Amazon recently launched an updated model, so it's technically out of date. (The new Fire HD 10 isn't included in the sale.)The 11-inch Fire Max 11, meanwhile, is the most premium tablet in Amazon's lineup, with a beefier processor and an aluminum chassis; it's an easier sell at $150, which matches its all-time low, though it has all the same software limitations as the lower-end options.Finally, the Kids versions of various Fire tablets are also discounted. As a reminder, those have the same hardware as the standard models, but add large protective cases, a more kid-friendly default UI, two-year warranties and one-year subscriptions to Amazon's Kids+ content service.Your October Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Learn aboutPrime Day trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Fall Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-fire-hd-8-tablet-drops-to-60-in-early-october-prime-day-sale-074518261.html?src=rss

With Prime Big Deal Days being a little more than one week away, Amazon has kicked things off early by discounting most of its Echo smart speakers. You can get up to 69 percent off Echo devices and bundles right now, and that goes for any Amazon shopping - not just Prime members. Of note is the Echo Dot for $23, a record low that matches its July Prime Day price, and the Echo Dot bundled with a Kasa Smart Plug Mini for just about $1 more. Considering the Echo Dot is one of our favorite smart speakers and the Kasa accessory earned a spot on our list of best smart plugs, that bundle is an affordable way to get your smart home started.The Echo Dot was not one of the many Amazon devices to receive an upgrade last month during Amazon's hardware event, which means you're getting the latest model of the speaker in this sale. Its orb-like design is quite attractive and it's small enough to fit on a nightstand or at the end of a desk, making it a good option if you have little space to spare. The Echo Dot impressed us with its solid audio quality, producing louder and clearer audio than we initially expected from such a small speaker. It has physical volume and mute bottoms on its top, but you can control it hands-free by using Alexa commands.That's also where the Kasa Smart Plug Mini will come in handy. Since it works with Alexa, you could ask the voice assistant to turn on the coffee maker that's connected to the smart plug, kick-starting your morning routine without extra effort from you. Plugging a regular lamp into the Kasa accessory will let you turn on and off your lights without getting up from the couch, just by asking Alexa to do so. If you've been looking to add some IoT devices to your home, this could be a good place to start - it's a cheap way to introduce Alexa into the mix, and you can start off by turning one of your most used household devices into a smart one with the Kasa adapter.The rest of Amazon's smart speaker lineups is also included in this early Prime Day deal. The even more affordable Echo Pop is on sale for $18, while the standard Echo has dropped to $55. There are also other bundles available, like the the Echo Dot with Clock plus a Philips Hue Color Smart Light Bulb for $47. All of these smart speakers have the same Alexa chops, and most of them have good audio quality given their size and price. But if you're looking for the speaker with the best audio quality possible, the Echo Studio has dropped to $155. That price is a record low and it matches the July Prime Day price we saw, as is the case for most of these Echo deals.Your October Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Learn aboutPrime Day trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Fall Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-echo-dot-drops-to-23-ahead-of-october-prime-day-150502937.html?src=rss

Climate change isn't going away, and it isn't going to get any better - at least if we keep legislating as we have been. In Democracy in a Hotter Time: Climate Change and Democratic Transformation, a multidisciplinary collection of subject matter experts discuss the increasingly intertwined fates of American ecology and democracy, arguing that only by strengthening our existing institutions will we be able to weather the oncoming "long emergency."In the excerpt below, contributing author and Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability at the University at Buffalo, Holly Jean Buck, explores how accelerating climate change, the modern internet and authoritarianism's recent renaissance are influencing and amplifying one another's negative impacts, to the detriment of us all.MIT PressExcerpted from Democracy in a Hotter Time: Climate Change and Democratic Transformation, edited by David W. Orr. Published by MIT Press. Copyright (C) 2023. All rights reserved.Burning hills and glowing red skies, stone-dry riverbeds, expanses of brown water engulfing tiny human rooftops. This is the setting for the twenty-first century. What is the plot? For many of us working on climate and energy, the story of this century is about making the energy transition happen. This is when we completely transform both energy and land use in order to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change - or fail to.Confronting authoritarianism is even more urgent. About four billion people, or 54 percent of the world, in ninety-five countries, live under tyranny in fully authoritarian or competitive authoritarian regimes. The twenty-first century is also about the struggle against new and rising forms of authoritarianism. In this narration, the twenty-first century began with a wave of crushed democratic uprisings and continued with the election of authoritarian leaders around the world who began to dismantle democratic institutions. Any illusion of the success of globalization, or of the twenty-first century representing a break from the brutal twentieth century, was stripped away with Russia's most recent invasion of Ukraine. The plot is less clear, given the failure of democracy-building efforts in the twentieth century. There is a faintly discernable storyline of general resistance and rebuilding imperfect democracies.There's also a third story about this century: the penetration of the Internet into every sphere of daily, social, and political life. Despite turn-of-the-century talk about the Information Age, we are only beginning to conceptualize what this means. Right now, the current plot is about the centralization of discourse on a few corporate platforms. The rise of the platforms brings potential to network democratic uprisings, as well as buoy authoritarian leaders through post-truth memes and algorithms optimized to dish out anger and hatred. This is a more challenging story to narrate, because the setting is everywhere. The story unfolds in our bedrooms while we should be sleeping or waking up, filling the most quotidian moments of waiting in line in the grocery store or while in transit. The characters are us, even more intimately than with climate change. It makes it hard to see the shape and meaning of this story. And while we are increasingly aware of the influence that shifting our media and social lives onto big tech platforms has on our democracy, less attention is devoted to the influence this has on our ability to respond to climate change.Think about these three forces meeting - climate change, authoritarianism, the Internet. What comes to mind? If you recombine the familiar characters from these stories, perhaps it looks like climate activists using the capabilities of the Internet to further both networked protest and energy democracy. In particular, advocacy for a version of energy democracy" that looks like wind, water, and solar; decentralized systems; and local community control of energy.In this essay, I would like to suggest that this is not actually where the three forces of rising authoritarianism x climate change x tech platforms domination leads. Rather, the political economy of online media has boxed us into a social landscape wherein both the political consensus and the infrastructure we need for the energy transition is impossible to build. The current configuration of the Internet is a key obstacle to climate action.The possibilities of climate action exist within a media ecosystem that has monetized our attention and that profits from our hate and division. Algorithms that reap advertising profits from maximizing time-on-site have figured out that what keeps us clicking is anger. Even worse, the system is addictive, with notifications delivering hits of dopamine in a part of what historian and addiction expert David Courtwright calls limbic capitalism." Society has more or less sleepwalked into this outrage-industrial complex without having a real analytic framework for understanding it. The tech platforms and some research groups or think tanks offer up misinformation" or disinformation" as the framework, which present the problem as if the problem is bad content poisoning the well, rather than the structure itself being rotten. As Evgeny Morozov has quipped, Post-truth is to digital capitalism what pollution is to fossil capitalism - a by-product of operations."A number of works outline the contours and dynamics of the current media ecology and what it does - Siva Vaidhyanathan's Antisocial Media, Safiya U. Noble's Algorithms of Oppression, Geert Lovink's Sad by Design, Shoshana Zuboff's Surveillance Capitalism, Richard Seymour's The Twittering Machine, Tim Hwang's Subprime Attention Crisis, Tressie McMillan Cottom's writing on how to understand the social relations of Internet technologies through racial capitalism, and many more. At the same time, there's reasonable counter-discussion about how many of our problems can really be laid at the feet of social media. The research on the impacts of social media on political dysfunction, mental health, and society writ large does not paint a neat portrait. Scholars have argued that putting too much emphasis on the platforms can be too simplistic and reeks of technological determinism; they have also pointed out that cultures like the United States' and the legacy media have a long history with post-truth. That said, there are certainly dynamics going on that we did not anticipate, and we don't seem quite sure what to do with them, even with multiple areas of scholarship in communication, disinformation, and social media and democracy working on these inquiries for years.What seems clear is that the Internet is not the connectedness we imagined. The ecology and spirituality of the 1960s, which shaped and structured much of what we see as energy democracy and the good future today, told us we were all connected. Globally networked - it sounds familiar, like a fevered dream from the 1980s or 1990s, a dream that in turn had its roots in the 1960s and before. Media theorist Geert Lovink reflects on a 1996 interview with John Perry Barlow, Electronic Frontier Foundation cofounder and Grateful Dead lyricist, in which Barlow was describing how cyberspace was connecting each and every synapse of all citizens on the planet. As Lovink writes, Apart from the so-called last billion we're there now. This is what we can all agree on. The corona crisis is the first Event in World History where the internet doesn't merely play a role' - the Event coincides with the Net. There's a deep irony to this. The virus and the network ... sigh, that's an old trope, right?" Indeed, read through one cultural history, it seems obvious that we would reach this point of being globally networked, and that the Internet would not just play a role" in global events like COVID-19 or climate change, but shape them.What if the Internet actually has connected us, more deeply than we normally give it credit for? What if the we're-all-connected-ness imagined in the latter half of the twentieth century is in fact showing up, but manifesting late, and not at all like we thought? We really are connected - but our global body is neither a psychedelic collective consciousness nor a infrastructure for data transmission comprising information packets and code. It seems that we've made a collective brain that doesn't act much like a computer at all. It runs on data, code, binary digits - but it acts emotionally, irrationally, in a fight-or-flight way, and without consciousness. It's an entity that operates as an emotional toddler, rather than with the neat computational sensing capacity that stock graphics of the Internet" convey. Thinking of it as data or information is the same as thinking that a network of cells is a person.The thing we're jacked into and collectively creating seems more like a global endocrine system than anything we might have visualized in the years while cyber" was a prefix. This may seem a banal observation, given that Marshall McLuhan was talking about the global nervous system more than fifty years ago. We had enthusiasm about cybernetics and global connectivity over the decades and, more recently, a revitalization of theory about networks and kinship and rhizomes and all the rest. (The irony is that with fifty years of talk on systems thinking," we still have responses to things like COVID-19 or climate that are almost antithetical to considering interconnected systems - dominated by one set of expertise and failing to incorporate the social sciences and humanities). So - globally connected, yet divided into silos, camps, echo-chambers, and so on. Social media platforms are acting as agents, structuring our interactions and our spaces for dialogue and solution-building. Authoritarians know this, and this is why they have troll farms that can manipulate the range of solutions and the sentiments about them.The Internet as we experience it represents a central obstacle to climate action, through several mechanisms. Promotion of false information about climate change is only one of them. There's general political polarization, which inhibits the coalitions we need to build to realize clean energy, as well as creates paralyzing infighting within the climate movement about strategies, which the platforms benefit from. There's networked opposition to the infrastructure we need for the energy transition. There's the constant distraction from the climate crisis, in the form of the churning scandals of the day, in an attention economy where all topics compete for mental energy. And there's the drain of time and attention spent on these platforms rather than in real-world actions.Any of these areas are worth spending time on, but this essay focuses on how the contemporary media ecology interferes with climate strategy and infrastructure in particular. To understand the dynamic, we need to take a closer look at the concept of energy democracy, as generally understood by the climate movement, and its tenets: renewable, small-scale systems, and community control. The bitter irony of the current moment is that it's not just rising authoritarianism that is blocking us from good futures. It's also our narrow and warped conceptions of democracy that are trapping us.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hitting-the-books-democracy-in-a-hotter-time-david-orr-mit-press-143034391.html?src=rss

Apple's iOS 17 brought a host of new features, including the option to leave video messages on FaceTime. While younger generations typically dread hearing their phones ring and seeing that someone has left a voicemail, Apple's new video version might be a hit. Now, when you call someone on FaceTime, if there's no answer you'll have the option to record and send a video message. Please note: Both you and your recipient must be running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 to send and receive FaceTime video messages.Step by step: How to send a FaceTime video messageStep 1: Go to the FaceTime appLeaving a video message via FaceTime is pretty simple. All you have to do is initiate a FaceTime call like you normally would. This can be done in a few ways but the easiest way would be to go to the FaceTime app.Step 2: Initiate the FaceTime callOnce in the app, tap the New FaceTime button, select the contact you're trying to reach then tap FaceTime at the bottom. If no picks up, you'll see "[Contact] is Unavailable" and you'll be presented with two options. You can either call them again or hit Record Video to do just that.CNETStep 3: Tap the Record Video optionSelect Record Video and get ready to shoot your shot. You'll see an onscreen countdown and then you can record your message.Step 4: Send your video messageAfter you're done saying what you need to say, you can send it by tapping Send, which looks like a white button circle with a green arrow inside, or you can select Retake.AppleApple has also included a Save option, which means you can save the video message you just recorded directly to your Camera Roll. Or if you'd prefer not to send the message at all, you can simply hit Cancel.But if you do go through with sending your video message, the recipient will be able to view it in the missed call log within their FaceTime app. Once there, they'll have the option to return your call, watch the video message or save it to their Camera Roll.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-leave-video-messages-on-facetime-in-ios-17-130032594.html?src=rss

Robot vacuums can save you a lot of time when it comes to maintaining your home, even more so when they include a mopping function. Several Roomba models that can both vacuum and mop your floors are on sale right now, including the new j5 devices. The iRobot Roomba j5+ Combo is currently available for $649 with free shipping at Wellbots. That's $150 off the regular price. Be sure to use the code ROOMBAENG150 at checkout.The Roomba j5+ Combo has a few advantages over the standard j5 Combo, which is also on sale (we'll get to that in a second). The higher-end model can pinpoint no-mop zones, so you won't have to worry about the machine spraying a cleaning solution onto a rug or carpet and trying to mop that up. The j5+ is also able to avoid more than 80 common floor obstacles. Under its P.O.O.P. pledge, iRobot promises to replace the cleaning machine if it doesn't avoid solid pet waste.The Roomba j5 Combo was already a more budget-friendly option and you can now save even more when you use the code ROOMBAENG200. The price will drop by $200 to $399 and Wellbots will still ship the device for free.One factor to consider with both the j5+ Combo and j5 Combo is that you'll need to manually swap out the bins to switch between vacuum and mopping functions. That's the major tradeoff of plumping for one of these devices instead of a pricier option such as the Roomba j7.Speaking of which, the Roomba j7+ Combo is also on sale. You can get $200 off of that model as well - it has dropped to $800. Not only can this machine vacuum and mop at the same time, it can automatically empty its contents into the charging station.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/irobots-roomba-j5-vacuum-and-mop-combo-machines-are-up-to-200-off-130011916.html?src=rss

The film-focused social media site LetterBoxd has new ownership. Cofounder Matthew Buchanan announced on Friday that Tiny, a venture capital firm, has bought a 60 percent stake in the platform. The New York Times reportedthat the deal values Letterboxd at over $50 million. Buchanan and fellow founder Karl von Randow will retain minority shareholder positions and continue to lead the company as they insist very little else will change."Founded in 2011, Letterboxd was a rare independently owned social network. It grew significantly during pandemic lockdowns as homebound users sought new movies to stream (and communities to chat with). Lacking the clutter of Amazon-owned IMDb, the website and app provided a haven for film buffs who wanted to write and read reviews, rate movies, create watch lists and socialize with fellow enthusiasts.Letterboxd's cofounders frame the move as less about selling out to big money and more a growth opportunity. Teaming up with Tiny represents a big leap forward for us," Buchanan and von Randow wrote in a statement. We see this as a huge win for our community, enabling us to cement Letterboxd's future with additional resources without sacrificing the DNA of what makes it special."The site doesn't currently support television series, but the founders say they're working on a way to offer that. They insist they want to incorporate TV shows only once we know we can do it right." Letterboxd partnered with Netflix earlier this year, bringing the streaming service's recommendations to the social platform.We've been huge fans and users of Letterboxd for a long time and could not be more excited to join forces with Matthew, Karl, and the rest of the team for the long-term," said Andrew Wilkinson, Co-founder of Tiny. If you're running out of things to watch, it's because you haven't used Letterboxd yet - and we believe that the potential for superior discovery is a large opportunity."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/letterboxd-sells-a-majority-stake-after-explosive-pandemic-fueled-growth-201646444.html?src=rss

A beetle protagonist emerges into a beautiful, lonely world. There's no preamble, no text overlays; not even a hint of what you're meant to do next. So, you walk. After finding your way to a small staircase, you descend, and the steps disappear into the ground - a silent cue that you're on the right path. A few paces further, you discover a purple pad, and as you stand on it, your iridescent wings begin to quiver. Without thinking about it, you press a button on your controller, the pad turns green, and a nearby rock transforms into a new staircase. Progress!After solving a couple of rudimentary puzzles, you'll encounter an orb - these are the heart (and the body) of this game. You carry them on your beetle back, initially using them as keys to open doors and solve puzzles, before discovering that inside every orb is a new world of puzzles and challenges to overcome.Cocoon is the first game from Geometric Interactive, a studio founded in 2016 by Jeppe Carlsen and Jakob Schmid. Both are alums of Playdead, the Danish studio behind Limbo and Inside, for which Carlsen worked as lead gameplay designer. If you've played either of those games, Cocoon's quietly impressive intro may sound familiar. Both were side-scrolling puzzle-platformers that used their environments and challenges to simultaneously tell a story and guide their players. The story is much the same here, but Cocoon's structure of layered, interconnected worlds showcases another level of maturity and artistry.The game actually opens inside the orange orb, a gorgeous desert world, and expands out from there. Each world is protected by a guardian, which needs to be defeated in order to fully unlock the orb's power outside of that world. Unlocking the orange orb, for example, allows you to walk on hidden paths while carrying it. Each orb grants its own powers, and all are critical to progression.Annapurna InteractiveThe guardians are the game's boss fights." Though there is no traditional combat, each guardian is certainly combative, and there is a degree of skill and timing required to best them. One of the later encounters did actually trip me up a few times, which is as good a time as any to mention that Cocoon has absolutely no fail state. Getting tagged by a guardian doesn't hurt, they merely throw you outside of their orb - hop back in and you'll return to the encounter within a couple of seconds. Likewise, you can't mess a puzzle up to the point that you need to reload.In isolation, the guardians are probably the game's weakest moments, but they do provide a nice break from the puzzle-solving alongside a bit of visual spectacle. This is broadly a beautiful game to see and hear, full of bright pastel hues and beds of synth pads, and in places it's surprisingly gross. What starts as a tranquil walk through something approximating the American Southwest quickly devolves into goopy bio-horror, and I'm very here for it. I started playing the game on a little Ayaneo handheld PC, but about quarter-way through moved over to the Xbox - while it's a fun thing to play on a portable, the art and sound design really does benefit from a big screen and some decent speakers or headphones.I think the bigger screen actually helped me - though this is more a review of my eyesight than the game - solve puzzles faster. Toward the end of the game, you'll find yourself truly disoriented as you jump in and out of worlds and portals, twisting the game's logic on its head to progress. I feel like I would've missed some of the environmental cues - again, my old eyes - had I been playing on a 6-inch screen.Annapurna InteractiveI only truly got stuck once, when I spent an hour wandering around, trying to figure out what exactly I had to do to solve a puzzle. (The answer, as you'd expect, was blindingly obvious.) Cocoon doesn't hold your hand, but it is a helicopter parent - in a good way! - gently hovering over you and pushing you in the right direction. There are environmental cues scattered around, and you'll notice throughout that gates shut behind you at key moments. This prevented me from trying to double-back to see if I'd missed something, an activity that represents half of my playtime in similar games. Subtly locking you in an environment is the game's way of saying you have everything needed to progress, so stop being so dense and figure it out."Cocoon is a game I can (and will) recommend to anyone that plays video games, and plenty who don't. Perhaps my only complaint is that I want more. The game only actually introduces, to my count, six core mechanics, and each of those are mixed, matched and remixed in truly creative ways. I appreciate a game being as long as its developer wants it to be, but the bones here are so good, so satisfying, that I can't help feeling it can hold up to more orbs, more puzzles.That said, the seven hours or so I spent with Cocoon are among the most memorable of this decade, and I'll definitely be returning to it in a couple of years, once my brain has purged all of the answers to its puzzles.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cocoon-is-a-near-perfect-puzzle-game-that-everyone-should-play-190051423.html?src=rss

The federal government will conduct a nationwide alert test on Wednesday, October 4. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will send notifications to cell phones (as well as radios and TVs) to test the National Wireless Emergency Alert System and ensure the system (including the public's familiarity with it) is ready for a real crisis.The cellphone portion of the test will assess Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) nationwide. If you live near a decent-sized metro area, there's a solid chance you've received AMBER alerts through this system before; it can also broadcast signals for imminent threats, public safety and presidential notices in a national emergency. The test's WEA portion will use FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system that can broadcast emergency notifications through various communications networks.If your cell phone is set to English, you'll receive a message at around 2:20PM ET reading, THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." Those with phones set to Spanish as their primary language will see, ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita accion."Of course, the messages will be accompanied by a unique tone and vibration." Based on past tests we've received, that could easily be described as a jarring and obnoxious alarm that will immediately make you stop what you're doing, utter select obscenities and pick up your phone to make it stop."Using the Emergency Alert System (EAS), the television and radio portion of the assessment is scheduled to happen simultaneously. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.The cell phone part of the test is scheduled to last for about 30 minutes, but you should be able to dismiss the notification and shut up your phone as soon as you see and hear it. And in the (extremely unlikely) event of an actual emergency on Wednesday, the test will take place a week later on the backup date of October 11.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/your-phone-will-blare-a-national-emergency-alert-test-on-october-4-at-220pm-et-184322119.html?src=rss

The National Security Agency (NSA) is starting a dedicated artificial intelligence security center, as reported by AP. This move comes after the government has begun to increasingly rely on AI, integrating multiple algorithms into defense and intelligence systems. The security center will work to protect these systems from theft and sabotage, in addition to safeguarding the country from external AI-based threats.The NSA's recent move toward AI security was announced Thursday by outgoing director General Paul Nakasone. He says that the division will operate underneath the umbrella of the pre-existing Cybersecurity Collaboration Center. This entity works with private industry and international partners to protect the US from cyberattacks stemming from China, Russia and other countries with active malware and hacking campaigns.For instance, the agency issued an advisory this week suggesting that Chinese hackers have been targeting government, industrial and telecommunications outfits via hacked router firmware. There's also the specter of election interference, though Nakasone says he's yet to see any evidence of Russia or China trying to influence the 2024 US presidential election. Still, this has been a big problem in the past, and that was before the rapid proliferation of AI algorithms like the CIA's recently-announced chatbot.As artificial intelligence threatens to boost the abilities of these bad actors, the US government will look to this new security division to keep up. The NSA decided on establishing the unit after conducting a study that suggested poorly-secured AI models pose a significant national security challenge. This has only been compounded by the increase of generative AI technologies that the NSA points out can be used for both good and bad purposes.Nakasone says the organization will become NSA's focal point for leveraging foreign intelligence insights, contributing to the development of best practices guidelines, principles, evaluation, methodology and risk frameworks" for both AI security and for the goal of secure development and adoption of artificial intelligence within our national security systems and our defense industrial base." To that end, the group will work hand-in-hand with industry leaders, science labs, academic institutions, international partners and, of course, the Department of Defense.Nakasone is on his way out of the NSA and the US Cyber Command and he'll be succeeded by his current deputy, Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh. Nakasone has been at his post since 2018 and, by all accounts, has had quite a successful run of it.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-nsa-has-a-new-security-center-specifically-for-guarding-against-ai-180354146.html?src=rss