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Father's Day should be a time for dad to enjoy himself, and there are few better ways to unwind than playing a quality game. If you're looking to treat a dad who spends much of their free time exploring other worlds, we've picked out a few gaming-related gifts that should spark delight, from controllers and consoles to board games and coffee table books.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-gaming-gifts-for-dads-133016759.html?src=rss

Because there simply aren't enough AI-powered chatbots out there, we're getting one more. This one, called AI Chat, comes courtesy of DuckDuckGo, the privacy-focused search engine that obviously doesn't want to feel left behind in the AI arms race. The company has been testing AI Chat over the last few months, but as of today, it's available to everyone.Unlike other standalone bots like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT that are powered by their own large language models, DuckDuckGo's AI Chat is not. Instead, think of it as a way to access multiple chatbots in a single place. Right now, AI chat will let you choose between OpenAI's GPT 3.5, Anthropic's Claude 3 Haiku, Meta's Llama 3 and Mistral's Mistral 8x7B, and the company says that more models are coming soon. The main differences between them largely boil down to how many parameters - technical speak for the settings that a large language model can tweak to give you an answer - each one has. If you don't like a model's answer, you can try another one.AI Chat is free to use but is capped with the daily limit. The company said that it's exploring a paid plan that will give access to higher limits as well as more advanced AI models. DuckDuckGo said that you can use AI Chat to ask questions, draft emails, write code, and create travel itineraries among other things, but it doesn't generate images yet.Not surprisingly, DuckDuckGo is stressing how private using AI Chat is compared to just using ChatGPT or Claude on their own. The company claims that your questions and the generated answers won't be used for training AI models. "[We] call the underlying chat models on your behalf, removing your IP address completely and using our IP address instead," wrote Nirzar Pangarkar, DuckDuckGo's lead designer in a blog post. This way it looks like the requests are coming from us and not you." And if you'd rather not deal with a chatbot when you're just trying to search anonymously, DuckDuckGo lets you easily turn the feature off.AI Chats is separate from DuckAssist, another AI-powered feature that DuckDuckGo added last year that provides AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. It's just like Google's AI Overviews, the controversial new feature that recently told people to eat rocks and put glue on their pizza, except that DuckAssist sticks to reliable sources like Wikipedia to generate its responses. DuckDuckGo thinks that AI Chat and DuckAssist are complementary. If you start with Search, you may want to switch to AI Chat for follow-up queries to help make sense of what you've read, or for quick, direct answers to new questions that weren't covered in the web pages you saw," wrote Pangarkar. It's all down to your personal preference."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/duckduckgo-dips-into-the-ai-chatbot-pond-120035373.html?src=rss

Remember Humane's AI pin that was hyped as the next big thing right up until people used it? Turns out being an unusable piece of tat wasn't the only thing wrong with it: Humane has now advised users its charging case may pose a fire risk. There are other less flammable ways to re-juice your unit, with the fault limited to a single component. But, even so, it's not a good look for a company that already has plenty of eggs on its virtual face.- Dan CooperThe biggest stories you might have missedPanasonic has revealed the followup to the popular Lumix GH6 vlogging cameraHBO's The Last of Us season two will only be seven episodes longEx-Meta engineer sues company, claiming he was fired over handling of Palestine contentAustralia ends legal fight for X to remove violent stabbing videoAI workers demand stronger whistleblower protections in open letterYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!Boeing's first crewed Starliner mission is finally heading to the ISSIt's carrying two astronauts and 760 pounds of cargo.BoeingStarliner has successfully completed its first crewed launch on the back of an Atlas V rocket, nearly a month after originally planned. The vessel is now on course to dock with the ISS with two crew members and 760 pounds of cargo, where it will stay for the next eight days. After so many false starts, let's hope Starliner can finally start delivering on the promises made all those years ago.Continue Reading.YouTube is putting new age restrictions on gun videosNo, it wasn't doing this already.YouTube has altered its policies on weapon-related videos to ban content for users under 18. Similarly, it's banning clips detailing how to remove safety devices for all ages from June 18. The move comes a full year after a watchdog group found YouTube was recommending gun content to child" accounts.Continue Reading.A $110,000 MicroLED TV? In this economy?Who needs a home when you can have Samsung's latest panel?SamsungRobin Williams once said [a certain substance best inhaled through the nose] is God's way of telling you you're making too much money. To that list, we can add Samsung's brand new MicroLED TVs, which start at $110,000 and run all the way to $150,000. Just imagine what your local homeless shelter could do with that sort of money.Continue Reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-humanes-ai-pin-is-hot-not-in-a-good-way-111527573.html?src=rss

If the wave of overwhelmingly negative reviews weren't enough, it seems that Humane has discovered yet another major issue with its once-hyped AI Pin. The company is warning customers not to use the device's charging case due to a potential fire safety risk."In an email sent to AI Pin owners, the company said it had received a report of a charging issue" that led to a quality issue with the battery cell supplied by a third-party vendor used in your Charge Case Accessory." Humane didn't explicitly indicate whether the unspecified charging issue" caused an actual fire, but it said an investigation found that certain battery cells supplied by this vendor may pose a fire safety risk."While Humane is so far not using the word recall," the company is advising people to stop using the charging case immediately. Other charging accessories, including the battery booster and charge pad, are apparently safe as their batteries come from different suppliers. We've reached out to Humane for more information and whether they have plans to refund or replace the $149 accessory for people who have already bought one. In the meantime, the company is offering customers two months of its subscription service for free.The full text of the email is below.

Panasonic just announced the followup to its popular Lumix GH6 vlogging camera, the GH7. This Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera comes just two years after the release of the GH6, which is pretty quick in the videography world. The GH5 was released five full years before the GH6.The 25.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor is likely the same as the one on the photo-centric Lumix LG9 II announced earlier this year. It also offers improved autofocus performance, which has been a much-requested feature, thanks to phase detection auto-focus (PDAF). There's also a newly added real-time auto-focus recognition algorithm for use on airplanes and trains.The GH7 is designed for video, and it looks like it delivers in that regard. It now supports internal ProRes RAW recording at up to 5.7K 30p along with ProRes as before, and can shoot 5.8K 60p 10-bit H.265 video. It can handle 4K at up to 120fps or Full HD at 240fps. It's equipped with both SD UHS II and CFexpress card slots, with the latter required for ProRes and ProRes RAW recording.On top of ProRes RAW for video, it supports 32-bit float audio recording. Panasonic says the float recording eliminates the need to adjust sound recording levels during shooting," though it does require a separate XLR adapter. The image stabilization technology has also gotten a boost, which includes perspective distortion correction for videos.We don't know how heavy it'll be and the GH6 was certainly on the heftier side. The battery life of the previous model was also fairly short, maxing out at 400 still images and around an hour of continuous 4K shooting. This camera should be able to shoot for long periods of time, however, as Panasonic has added a cooling fan for heat dissipation. It's also splash resistant, dust resistant and freeze resistant down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.PanasonicThe GH7 supports native Camera to Cloud integration via Adobe's Frame.io, which automatically uploads images and videos to the cloud. Otherwise, many features from the GH6 have been retained, like the flip-out display, dedicated audio setting button, real-time LUTs, time code in/out, 3.68-million-dot OLED viewfinder (120Hz), external USB-C SSD support and more.All in all, this looks like a worthy update to the line. Panasonic's latest and greatest vlogging camera will be available in July for $2,200. Incidentally, this is the same price that the GH6 released at back in 2022.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/panasonic-has-revealed-the-followup-to-the-popular-lumix-gh6-vlogging-camera-210033083.html?src=rss

Somehow, it's already been almost a year and a half since the first season of The Last of Us arrived on HBO. Things are well underway with the second season, and we've known for a while that it won't premiere until 2025. We still don't know exactly when to expect it (though given that they're well into shooting, an early-year debut isn't out of the question), but we do now know that season two will only have seven episodes.In an extensive interview with Deadline, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (director of the two The Last of Us games that Naughty Dog has released for various PlayStation consoles) confirmed the shorter season. "The story material that we got from Part II of the game is way more than the story material that was in the first game, so part of what we had to do from the start was figure out how to tell that story across seasons," Mazin said to Deadline. When you do that, you look for natural breakpoints, and as we laid it out, this season, the national breakpoint felt like it came after seven episodes."That said, Mazin said that season three will likely be "significantly larger" - we don't know if that's from a scope perspective or running time perspective, but it's an interesting thing to broadcast given that we're still six months minimum away from season two premiering. And Deadline also confirmed that season two will have at least one extra-long episode, much like the 90-minute series premiere and the 70-plus minute episode focused on Bill and Frank in season one.We've known for a while that Mazin and Druckmann were going to spread The Last of Us Part II over multiple seasons, but it even sounds like the story could spin into a forth season. "We feel like it's almost assuredly going to be the case that - as long as people keep watching and we can keep making more television - Season 3 will be significantly larger. And indeed, the story may require Season 4," Mazin said.While the plotting of The Last of Us Part II was fairly involved, with lots of flashbacks and multiple points of view, stretching it over three seasons seems like a bit much. But based on this interview, it sounds like Mazin and Druckmann have figured out exactly where they want each season to begin and end and what story beats it'll cover. Of course, the show hasn't yet even been renewed for season three yet, so all this is contingent upon continued success. Given that season one was one of HBO's biggest ever, that probably won't be an issue.Pedro Pascal as Joel in the first image from The Last of Us, season two.HBOFinally, Deadline dropped a surprising tidbit about a potential third game in the series - specifically, it's still unknown if one will happen. Indeed, the publication says that "a new installment has not been picked up or put into development." That's a very strong statement, albeit one that isn't sourced directly from a quote or given any real attribution. If true, it means a third The Last of Us game could easily be more than five years away, if it ever happens.Druckmann did confirm that the show won't go beyond the what has been portrayed in the video games, unlike the HBO Game of Thrones series infamously moving beyond the novels it was based on (not that they had much of a choice). "As a fan, I'm thrilled that there might be a third Last of Us game," Mazin said. "As the co-creator of this television show, there's no world where I would want our show to go beyond the source material that people have in the world."Hopefuly, Deadline just has its lines crossed about a potential third game - with Summer Games Fest just days away, there's a lot of buzz around what Sony's first-party studios, including Naughty Dog, might be planning to announce. The last bit of concrete news we got around the game series was that the planned multiplayer game set in the Last of Us universe was canceled.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hbos-the-last-of-us-season-two-will-only-be-seven-episodes-long-203949287.html?src=rss

YouTube quietly snuck in a policy change that will age-restrict some gun-related videos and bar others altogether. Content featuring homemade and automatic firearms will be banned for viewers under 18, while tutorials for removing safety devices will be prohibited regardless of age. The new policy will take effect on June 18.Starting June 18, 2024, certain content showing how to remove safety devices will be prohibited," a disclaimer on YouTube's firearms policy page now reads. Content showing the use of homemade firearms, automatic firearms, and certain firearm accessories will be age restricted."In a statement to Engadget, YouTube spokesperson Javier Hernandez wrote, These updates to our firearms policy are part of our continued efforts to maintain policies that reflect the current state of content on YouTube. For example, 3D printing has become more readily available in recent years so we're expanding our restrictions on content involving homemade firearms. We regularly review our guidelines and consult with outside experts to make sure we are drawing the line at the right place."YouTube added that the prohibitions will apply to the real use of firearms and won't pertain to video games, film clips or other artistic content. The platform may also make exceptions for content that's in the public interest, like military or police footage, news or warzone videos.The change comes a year after the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), a nonprofit watchdog group, called out YouTube for recommending gun-related content to several child" accounts the organization set up to see how easily the platform's algorithms nudged underage users towards gun videos. The researchers set up four accounts, two posing as nine-year-old boys and another pair pretending to be 14-year-old boys. The accounts watched playlists of videos about video game franchises like Halo, Grand Theft Auto, Lego Star Wars and Roblox, and the team monitored the accounts to see what recommendations popped up.Lo and behold, YouTube allegedly recommended content about weapons and shootings. These videos included scenes depicting school shootings and other mass shooting events; graphic demonstrations of how much damage guns can inflict on a human body; and how-to guides for converting a handgun to a fully automatic weapon," TTP wrote at the time.Other recommended videos featured a young girl firing a gun and tutorials for converting handguns into fully automatic weapons. Some of the content was monetized with ads.Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, recently famous for convicting a 77-year-old who had trouble staying awake in court, chimed in soon after TTP's report last year. The DA asked to meet with YouTube CEO Neal Mohan to discuss why the platform allowed video tutorials for ghost guns," firearms assembled using 3D-printed parts or kit components.The Tech Transparency Project applauded the policy change but warned the real test would be in how stringently YouTube enforces it. YouTube's policy changes to age-restrict gun content are a step in the right direction, given that firearms are the number one cause of death for children and teens in America, but it's not clear why it took the company so long to address the issue," TTP Director Katie Paul wrote in a press release. As always with YouTube, the real proof of change is whether the company enforces the policies it has on the books. Until YouTube takes real action to prevent videos about guns and gun violence from reaching minors, its policies remain empty words."Update, June 6, 2023, 3:19 PM ET: This story has been updated to add a statement and additional info from YouTube.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtube-is-putting-new-age-restrictions-on-gun-videos-190942704.html?src=rss

A group of current and former employees from leading AI companies like OpenAI, Google DeepMind and Anthropic has signed an open letter asking for greater transparency and protection from retaliation for those who speak out about the potential concerns of AI. So long as there is no effective government oversight of these corporations, current and former employees are among the few people who can hold them accountable to the public," the letter, which was published on Tuesday, says. Yet broad confidentiality agreements block us from voicing our concerns, except to the very companies that may be failing to address these issues."The letter comes just a couple of weeks after a Vox investigation revealed OpenAI had attempted to muzzle recently departing employees by forcing them to chose between signing an aggressive non-disparagement agreement, or risk losing their vested equity in the company. After the report, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that he had been genuinely embarrassed" by the provision and claimed it has been removed from recent exit documentation, though it's unclear if it remains in force for some employees. After this story was published, nn OpenAI spokesperson told Engadget that the company had removed a non-disparagement clause from its standard departure paperwork and released all former employees from their non-disparagement agreements.The 13 signatories include former OpenAI employees Jacob Hinton, William Saunders and Daniel Kokotajlo. Kokotajlo said that he resigned from the company after losing confidence that it would responsibly build artificial general intelligence, a term for AI systems that is as smart or smarter than humans. The letter - which was endorsed by prominent AI experts Geoffrey Hinton, Yoshua Bengio and Stuart Russell - expresses grave concerns over the lack of effective government oversight for AI and the financial incentives driving tech giants to invest in the technology. The authors warn that the unchecked pursuit of powerful AI systems could lead to the spread of misinformation, exacerbation of inequality and even the loss of human control over autonomous systems, potentially resulting in human extinction.There is a lot we don't understand about how these systems work and whether they will remain aligned to human interests as they get smarter and possibly surpass human-level intelligence in all areas," wrote Kokotajlo on X. Meanwhile, there is little to no oversight over this technology. Instead, we rely on the companies building them to self-govern, even as profit motives and excitement about the technology push them to move fast and break things.' Silencing researchers and making them afraid of retaliation is dangerous when we are currently some of the only people in a position to warn the public."In a statement shared with Engadget, an OpenAI spokesperson said: We're proud of our track record providing the most capable and safest AI systems and believe in our scientific approach to addressing risk. We agree that rigorous debate is crucial given the significance of this technology and we'll continue to engage with governments, civil society and other communities around the world." They added: This is also why we have avenues for employees to express their concerns including an anonymous integrity hotline and a Safety and Security Committee led by members of our board and safety leaders from the company."Google and Anthropic did not respond to request for comment from Engadget. In a statement sent to Bloomberg, an OpenAI spokesperson said the company is proud of its track record providing the most capable and safest AI systems" and it believes in its "scientific approach to addressing risk." It added: We agree that rigorous debate is crucial given the significance of this technology and we'll continue to engage with governments, civil society and other communities around the world."The signatories are calling on AI companies to commit to four key principles:

The Google Pixel Buds A-Series are solid earbuds that are a more budget-friendly version of the flagship Pixel Buds. That's even more true when you consider that the Pixel Buds A-Series are on sale at the minute. You can snap up a pair for $79, which is $20 off the usual price. While that's not a record low price for the earbuds, it's still a good deal and the best offer we've seen on them so far this year.We gave the Pixel Buds A-Series a score of 84 in our review after being surprised that Google retained most of the features of the original Pixel Buds. We feel they are comfortable to wear and they deliver solid sound quality.There are some odd quirks, such as the lack of onboard volume controls. Instead, Google suggests users the audio levels via Google Assistant (you can always change the volume manually on your connected device too). That said, there are some deep Assistant integrations here. You can activate the voice assistant hands-free and use Google Translate. You can receive a bevy of useful notifications through your earbuds too.Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds Pro are also on sale. They can be all yours for $140, which is $60 off the list price. Features like active noise cancellation, punchy and deep bass, wireless charging and sturdy touch controls helped the Pixel Buds Pro earn a score of 87 in our review.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/the-google-pixel-buds-a-series-are-on-sale-for-79-right-now-153229465.html?src=rss

Boeing's first Starliner flight with a human crew onboard has successfully blasted off to space on top of United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, almost a month after it was originally scheduled to launch. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams entered the Starliner capsule and completed necessary checks by 10:08AM ET. Less than 30 minutes after the astronauts entered the capsule, the CEO ULA tweeted that the company was "working an issue with topping valves on the ground side" and that it was running the fix through its Software Integration Lab (SIL) before it's executed. In the end, ULA was able to implement a workaround, and the spacecraft lifted off at 10:52am ET.Back on May 6, the companies scrubbed the flight two hours after it was originally scheduled to launch after their ground teams detected "anomalous behavior by the pressure regulation valve in the liquid oxygen tank of the Centaur upper stage of the ULA Atlas V launch vehicle." The valve was replaced and the Starliner teams were ready to make another launch attempt when they encountered another issue: They found a "small helium leak" in the spacecraft's service module.

Who needs to save for college when your kids can enjoy the infinite contrast and eight million glorious points of light in Samsung's new MicroLED TVs, which now start at the low price of $110,000. Available in 89-inch, 101-inch ($130,000) and 114-inch ($150,000) sizes, MicroLED TVs offer all of the benefits of OLED - super dark blacks and bold colors - but without the reasonable price points reachable by lowly commoners.Envelope yourself with Samsung's 3D Arena sound, which includes Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Pro and AI powered voice amplification. Behold the MICRO AI processor, which upscales everything into 4K (never mind that every TV offers pretty decent upscaling today). When you proudly reveal the price of your MicroLED TV, remember your friends won't be laughing at you - they're just jealous.Unfortunately, Samsung isn't throwing in a $8,000 8K set and luxury hotel stay with these MicroLED TVs, as it did in South Korea.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-110000-microled-tv-in-this-economy-144340352.html?src=rss

Apple's AirTag is certainly convenient for keeping track of everything from your cat to your keys, but it's lack of a key ring hole is frustrating to say the least. Fortunately, there are tons of great Apple AirTag accessories with a range of functions and prices. Right now, its worth checking out the Apple AirTag leather loop, on sale for $10 from $39 in California Poppy and Meyer Lemon. The 74 percent discount is part of a larger sale on Apple wireless accessories at Woot.While many Apple AirTag accessories are variations on key ring, the leather loop provides similar functionality with a sleeker look. It's a good option for attaching to a bag, suitcase or any item with a handle really. If you're in need of multiple AirTags then grab the two-pack, which Woot has discounted 81 percent to $15 from $78. You can also check out the AirTag leather key ring if you want a more traditional option. This model is on sale for $10 from $35, while the two-pack is discounted to $15 from $70. All of these items are marked down for 10 days or until they sell out.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/pick-up-apple-airtag-leather-loops-and-keyrings-while-theyre-on-sale-for-only-10-133729231.html?src=rss

The Bitzee virtual pet line is expanding to bring some familiar characters into the family, plus some all new ones. Spin Master, which introduced Bitzee to the US last summer, is now gearing up to release two new versions of the device later this year: Bitzee Disney and Bitzee Magicals. The former will feature 30 characters from the Disney/Pixar universe, including Stitch, Olaf, Nemo and Dory, Remy, Mike Wazowski and Sully, and Heihei.Unlike most digital pet toys, Bitzee doesn't have a screen. Instead, it functions almost like a pettable hologram in a box, with movement-based controls and a flapping flexible display that allows the player to physically interact with the character. You can run your finger along the top of the display to pet the creature that's being projected, for example, or rock the little box from side to side to put it to bed. There's also a small swipe bar that serves as a way to navigate the menu of activities.On top of mini-games and caretaking tasks, there will be a replayable animation representing a memorable movie moment for each of the characters featured in Bitzee Disney. (Dory from Finding Nemo greets you by speaking whale.) Bitzee Magicals, on the other hand, will introduce entirely new characters, including some adorable cryptid-inspired creatures like a Yeti, Nessie and two versions of a Jackalope. Bitzee Magicals also mixes things up a bit with the addition of a magic wand feature that might, say, temporarily turn your pet into a duck on a skateboard. It's pretty cute. You'll also be able to change your pets' colors by collecting potions.Spin MasterBitzee is a pretty low-stakes virtual pet game; if you forget about your pets for a while or just don't do a great job of taking care of them, they're not going to die on you. This makes them particularly good for kids who might not be ready yet for a virtual pet as demanding as a Tamagotchi, but also for adults who just like to have something on their desk that they can fidget with here and there. Just close the box, and the pet will go into sleep mode.Bitzee Disney is available to pre-order for $35 on Amazon today, while pre-orders for Bitzee Magicals ($30) will open on July 1. Both are slated to ship in the fall.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-can-keep-your-favorite-disneypixar-characters-as-virtual-pets-with-the-new-bitzee-130042504.html?src=rss

Ferras Hamad, who used to be an engineer working with Meta's machine learning team, has accused the company of firing him over his handling of Palestine-related Instagram posts in a lawsuit. According to Reuters, he is accusing the company of discrimination, wrongful termination and showing a pattern of bias against Palestinians. Hamad said he noted procedural irregularities on how the company handled restrictions on content from Palestinian Instagram personalities, which prevented them from appearing in feeds and searches. One particular case that involved a short video showing a destroyed building in Gaza seemingly led to his dismissal in February.Hamad discovered that the video, which was taken by Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, was misclassified as pornographic. He said he received conflicting guidance on whether he was authorized to help resolve the issue but was eventually told in writing that helping troubleshoot it was part of his tasks. A month later, though, Hamad was reportedly notified that he was the subject of an investigation. He filed an internal discrimination complaint in response, but he was fired days later and was told that it was because he violated a policy that prohibits employees from working on issues involving accounts of people they personally know. Hamad, who is Palestinian-American, has denied that he personally knew Azaiza.In addition to detailing the events that led to his firing in the lawsuit, Hamad also accused the company of deleting internal communication between employees talking about deaths of their relatives in Gaza. Employees that use the Palestinian flag emoji were investigated, as well, whereas those who've previously posted the Israeli or the Ukrainian flags in similar contexts weren't subjected to the same scrutiny.Meta has been accused of suppressing posts that support Palestine even before the October 7 Hamas attacks against Israel. Late last year, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote Mark Zuckerberg a letter raising concerns about how numerous Instagram users were accusing the company of "shadowbanning" them for posting about the conditions in Gaza. Meta's Oversight Board ruled last year that the company's tools mistakenly removed a video posted on Instagram showing the aftermath of a strike on the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza during Israel's ground offensive. More recently, the board opened an investigation to review cases involving Facebook posts that used the phrase "from the river to the sea." We've asked Meta for a statement on Hamad's lawsuit, and we'll update this post when we hear back.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ex-meta-engineer-sues-company-claiming-he-was-fired-over-handling-of-palestine-content-123057080.html?src=rss

Australia's independent regulator for online safety has ended its bid to remove a violent video from X (formerly Twitter).On April 15, a clergyman was stabbed in Sydney, Australia, and, like some other horrific incidents these days, it was broadcast online. Australia's national regulator, eSafety, requested that all social media platforms take down the video. While eSafety claims Meta, Google, TikTok and more removed it, X only stopped Australian viewers from accessing the video -something a VPN can easily circumvent. When eSafety pushed for it to be fully taken down, X's CEO Elon Musk called the request an assault on free speech and argued that one country's laws couldn't control the entire world, The Register reported.Despite dropping the fight against X, eSafety further reiterated their frustrations. "Our sole goal and focus in issuing our removal notice was to prevent this extremely violent footage from going viral, potentially inciting further violence and inflicting more harm on the Australian community," Julie Inman Grant, the commissioner of eSafety, stated. "Most Australians accept this kind of graphic material should not be on broadcast television, which begs an obvious question of why it should be allowed to be distributed freely and accessible online 24/7 to anyone, including children."Grant notes that X did take down a video globally that compiled this attack with two other stabbing incidents. She also details the violence policy X laid out to the European Commission last October as proof that the platform should remove the video entirely. "...our service has clear rules that prohibit violent and hateful entities, perpetrators of violent attacks, violent speech, sensitive media and the synthetic and manipulated media policy," the passage states. "For the avoidance of doubt, we strictly adhere to our policies concerning illegal content and we continue to remove illegal content, including terrorist content, from our platform." In that vein, she calls taking down the video a "reasonable request" for X to take.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/australia-ends-legal-fight-for-x-to-remove-violent-stabbing-video-120048421.html?src=rss

For some dads, the stereotypical lawn chair and beer is not their happy place. They prefer movement to comfort, crushing goals over taking it easy. If the dad in your life doesn't stop moving, gift him some gadgets to propel his training forward. This is workout gear we've tested and approve of, with smartwatches for tracking workouts, earbuds that stay put during serious training, helpful cycling add-ons and tools to help with recovery.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-fitness-gifts-for-fathers-day-120019056.html?src=rss

Summer Games Fest kicks off this week, with its titular game showcase starting Friday. Expect a string of SGF events, livestreams, YouTube trailers to follow... and maybe a Silksong update. Please? We'll be reporting live from LA, offering our thoughts and impressions of many of the games at the event - especially if we get to play any of them.We break down every event right here, but the biggest events include the Summer Game Fest Live on Friday June 7 at 5PM ET, the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday June 9, 1PM ET and Ubisoft Forward Monday June 10, 3PM ET. Wait, was there something else on that day? Yes. But we can talk about that later in the week, OK?- Mat SmithThe biggest stories you might have missedThe Tribeca Film Festival will debut a bunch of short films made by AITheraGun massagers are up to 17 percent off right nowThe Acolyte is Star Wars at its bestWWDC 2024: How to Watch Apple's keynote on June 10The best everyday carry gear for dadsYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!Max just raised streaming subscription prices again$17 a month, please.Today's price rise is brought to you by Max, formerly HBO Max, HBO Go, HBO. The standard ad-free plan has shot up to $17 per month, with a yearly price of $170. This is an increase of $1 per month or $20 per year. The ultimate ad-free plan is now $21 per month or $210 per year. What's on? New episodes of House of the Dragon premiere this month, but that's about it. We should get the Penguin series in the next few months, Dune: Prophecy by the end of the year and The Last of Us season two at some point.Continue reading.Skydance's Behemoth brings giant climbable monster fights to VRIntuitive battles with titans that could squish you.Mark RobinsonSkydance's Behemoth is an action-adventure game that draws on the combat and physics of The Walking Dead games but focuses more on fighting and less on survival. While some parts of the demo made me feel a little queasy, running and evading a colossal monster didn't. Maybe because I focused on a single objective - the giant monster - I felt... fine. Like SatC and recent Zelda games, you can scale this behemoth (if there's the right texture of climbable surface). The game is coming to Meta Quest headsets, PSVR2 and PC this fall.Continue reading.AI workers demand stronger whistleblower protections in an open letterSigned by 13 current and former workers with ties to Google, OpenAI and Anthropic.A group of current and former employees from leading AI companies, like OpenAI, Google DeepMind and Anthropic, has signed an open letter asking for greater transparency and protection from retaliation for those who speak out about the potential concerns of AI. It says: Broad confidentiality agreements block us from voicing our concerns, except to the very companies that may be failing to address these issues."In a statement sent to Bloomberg, an OpenAI spokesperson said the company is proud of its track record providing the most capable and safest AI systems."Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-what-to-expect-at-summer-game-fest-2024-111751336.html?src=rss

AT&T and Verizon customers found themselves unable to call contacts on other carriers for several hours on June 4. Based on people's reports on Downdetector, the issue started at around 11AM ET for both carriers and peaked at approximately 5PM ET. Thousands of subscribers were affected. Most of the reports came from New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Cleveland, among other locations. A much smaller number of T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless users also reported problems with their connection.The Federal Communications Commission tried to assuage people's worries and announced that it was aware that subscribers from multiple states were "unable to make wireless calls." It also said that it was "currently investigating" the problem. After 7PM ET, both Verizon and AT&T issued statements denying that they were experiencing nationwide outage. They both admitted that their customers were having difficulties calling or texting people on other carriers - Verizon reportedly told Gizmodo that outage reports for its network came from people trying to call AT&T subscribers - but neither one took responsibility. The root cause of the issue remains unknown at this time. AT&T told CNN, though, that 911 calls went through despite the outage.

Twitch is joining Spotify, Max, Peacock, Crunchyroll, EA and other content services in everyone's favorite corporate trend of raising subscription prices (almost as fun as the parallel trend of Big Tech layoffs). The Amazon-owned company said on Tuesday that Twitch Tier 1 subscriptions in the US will increase from $4.99 to $5.99 on July 11. This is the first time the monthly cost has gone up for American subscribers.As part of our efforts to help creators build and grow their communities worldwide, the following countries received subscription price adjustments as a part of Local Subscription Pricing," the company wrote in a support article.In a separate X reply, the company clarified that streamers will still earn the same 50 to 70 percent through Twitch's revenue-sharing program, so they will earn more per subscription (likely the rationalization for the questionable It's for the creators!" framing). However, streamers' earning extra revenue depends on Twitch's subscriber numbers staying the same or increasing. An unpopular price hike could lead to a loss of paying subscribers if enough people shirk the increase.Twitch had warned this day would come. When the company raised subscription prices in Canada, Australia, Turkey and the UK in February, Chief Monetization Officer Mike Minton added that a US subscription increase would probably" arrive sometime this year. And here we are.The company has had a rough 2024, and we aren't even at the halfway point. Twitch laid off a reported 500 employees in January to cut costs" and build a more sustainable business" as CEO Dan Clancy admitted the company wasn't profitable. For good measure, it cut how much creators earn from Prime subscriptions. Then, late last month, it removed every member of its Safety Advisory Council, replacing them with Twitch Ambassadors," which sounds an awful lot like community volunteers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/twitch-is-raising-us-subscription-prices-for-the-first-time-193204538.html?src=rss

The Sony WH-CH720N ANC headphones are on sale for $98 via Amazon. That's a discount of 35 percent, which is nothing to sneeze at. We loved these headphones at the original price of $150, so we most definitely recommend them now.In other words, the features here are stellar for the price. This is no surprise, as Sony has a fantastic track record when it comes to budget-friendly cans. The WH-CH720N headphones offer great sound quality, capable ANC, decent battery life and a comfortable fit. What else is there?Specifically, the battery lasts around 35 hours per charge, which is a decent metric. It's a pretty huge bummer to be in the middle of a walk, totally lost in a jam, when you hear that annoying battery low" warning immediately followed by a shutdown. There are some physical controls, including a power/pairing button, volume buttons and a noise canceling button that cycles between ANC and transparency modes. These headphones also work with all of the major voice assistants.We were especially impressed with the comfort and fit, saying that we could easily wear them for hours at a time," thanks to ample cushioning in the ear pads. The overall sound quality is, however, the standout feature. The bass is on-point and there's great clarity in the other frequency ranges. It just sounds good.On the downside, the plastic exterior isn't going to be winning any design awards and it's missing some of the advanced features found with pricier Sony headphones. There's no automatic pausing when you take them off or when you start talking. Other than that, though, these are some dang good headphones.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/these-sony-anc-headphones-are-even-better-for-98-185146475.html?src=rss

There's a new exploit making its way through TikTok and it has already compromised the official accounts of Paris Hilton, CNN and others, as reported by Forbes. It's spread via direct message and doesn't require a download, click or any form of response, beyond opening the chat. It's currently unclear how many accounts have been affected.Even weirder? The hacked accounts aren't really doing anything. A source within TikTok told Forbes that these impacted accounts do not appear to be posting content". TikTok issued a statement to The Verge, saying that it is "aware of a potential exploit targeting a number of brand and celebrity accounts." The social media giant is "working directly with affected account owners to restore access."Semafor recently reported that CNN's TikTok had been hacked, which forced the network to disable the account. It's unclear if this is the very same hack that has gone on to infect other big-time accounts. The news organization said that it was working with TikTok on the backend on additional security measures."CNN staffers told Semafor that the news entity had grown lax" regarding digital safety practices, with one employee noting that dozens of colleagues had access to the official TikTok account. However, another network source suggested that the breach wasn't the result of someone gaining access from CNN's end. That's about all we know for now. We'll update this post when more news comes in.Of course, this isn't the first big TikTok hack. Back in 2023, the company acknowledged that around 700,000 accounts in Turkey had been compromised due to insecure SMS channels involved with its two-factor authentication. Researchers at Microsoft discovered a vulnerability in 2022 that allowed hackers to overtake accounts with just a single click. Later that same year, an alleged security breach allegedly impacted more than a billion users.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/malicious-code-has-allegedly-compromised-tiktok-accounts-belonging-to-cnn-and-paris-hilton-174000353.html?src=rss

Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) is back for more charity speed runs of classic and contemporary games. The 2024 edition of the marathon will stream from Minneapolis from June 30 to July 6 as turbo-gamers take on Alan Wake II, Halo 3 and the Super Mario RPG remake (among many others). The event's first speedrunning dog will even make his triumphant return, taking on an SNES baseball game from 1994.The festivities start with a pre-show event at 12:30 PM ET on June 30, followed by a run of the 1997 platform game Yoshi's Story at 1 PM. The weeklong event wraps on July 6 with a quick play-through of the new Super Mario RPG remake for Switch at 11:05 PM, followed by a special finale.The rest of the week is filled with old-school classics, recent AAA titles, oddball novelty games and excruciatingly difficult custom mods. The latter can be especially fun to watch as gamers execute well-timed jumps that would take most of us hours of practice to perform once, only they do a series of them on the first try on cue in front of a live audience.A few runs worth eyeing include a late-night Alan Wake 2 speed-through (July 2 at 12:49 AM ET), The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (July 4 at 10:35 AM), Halo 3 (July 4 at 7 PM), Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (July 6 at 1:21 AM) and Super Mario World (July 5 at 5:50 PM). If the original SNES Mario adventure isn't your thing, MrMightyMouse will perform a run of the game's ROM mod Grand Poo World 3 on July 5 at 11:26 PM ET.Games Done Quick / Wes "Fish" ChanPeanut Butter the Shiba Inu, forever etched in the GDQ record books with his run of Gyromite at Awesome Games Done Quick 2024, will return at this summer's event. He'll help his human companion, JSR_, play the SNES title Ken Griffey, Jr. Presents Major League Baseball on July 4 at 8:35 PM. Who needs fireworks when you can watch the grand spectacle of a gamer dog playing a sports title from the 16-bit era for ham and cheese?The event will raise money for Doctors Without Borders. The nonprofit offers medical and humanitarian care to people in over 72 countries affected by crises like war, disease, natural disasters, and inadequate healthcare. Last year's SGDQ brought in over $2.2 million. The GDQ series has raised over $45 million for various charities.You can check out the week's schedule here and stream SGDQ 2024 on the Games Done Quick Twitch channel, which is also embedded below. The fun kicks off on June 30 at 12:30 PM ET.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-summer-games-done-quick-2024-172007208.html?src=rss

For the second time this year, Behaviour Interactive has announced a round of layoffs. The Dead by Daylightmaker says it will dismiss as many as 95 employees, 70 of whom are based in its home city of Montreal. The company also has studios in Toronto, Seattle, the UK and the Netherlands. It previously shed 45 jobs in January.Behaviour said in a press release that its ranks had grown from 575 to 1,300 over the last five years, buoyed by the success of Dead by Daylight and its service business (it works "alongside the industry's global leaders to develop hundreds of high-quality titles"). The company says neither the service business nor DbD development will be affected by the layoffs.It notes that the high level of competition in the gaming space has led it to narrow its focus on its core strengths, with the restructuring process leading to the layoffs. The company will concentrate on horror games and working with its development partners. It also claims it will "explore the possibilities of location-based entertainment," without detailing what that means.This is the second blow for Montreal's gaming sector in as many days. On Monday, Just Cause creator Avalanche closed studios in the city and New York, laying off 50 people as a result. Avalanche had only opened the Montreal office in October after buying Monster Closet Games.The gaming industry at large is in a state of turmoil. The estimated number of video game layoffs so far this year sits at 10,300, which is already nearing the 2023 total of around 10,500.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/dead-by-daylight-maker-behaviour-announces-its-second-round-of-layoffs-this-year-170725177.html?src=rss

E3 might be dead and buried but there's still a ton of gaming news to look forward to in the coming days as Summer Game Fest 2024 is standing in the old expo's stead. SGF has gradually taken on more importance over the last few years as an umbrella for all the various game showcases that take place each June.From June 7 until June 10, a string of SGF events will highlight dozens of games. The big announcements will all be livestreamed for you to watch at home but there's also an in-person component to SGF. Engadget will have boots on the ground to bring you some extra insight as well as our impressions of many of the games featured throughout the event.For those of you who'll be enjoying the festivities from afar, here's the lowdown on how to watch Summer Game Fest 2024 and what to expect.Summer Game Fest 2024 schedule:How to watch Summer Game Fest Live - June 7, 5pm ETHow to watch: YouTube and TwitchWe've seen some major announcements at the two-hour tentpole SGF showcase over the last few years, but it seems the 2024 edition will be more muted. SGF organizer and host Geoff Keighley has tried to temper expectations by saying that most of what's shown this year will be new info on previously announced games.He has confirmed that Monster Hunter Wilds, Kingdom Come 2: Deliverance and Metaphor: Refantazio(a fantasy JRPG from the team behind Persona) will get some time in the spotlight. Also on deck are the release date for free co-op shooter The First Descendant, a peek at 3D fighter Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero and a look at the Among Us animated series.Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Kingdom Hearts IV, The Wolf Among Us 2and Ken Levine's definitely-not-BioShock followup to BioShock Judaswill not be featured. There will be some fresh reveals, though maybe try to keep your hype levels in check for this one. "There definitely are things that are being announced but this is not a show that has a lot of like 'coming in 2026' or '2027', or teasers for games that are years and years out," Keighley said.Chances of a Hollow Knight: Silksong appearance: Moderate.Day of the Devs - June 7, 7PM ETHow to watch: YouTube (the same stream as SGF Live above) and TwitchDay of the Devs is a reliably great showcase of upcoming indie games. The team always manages to assemble a collection of diverse and intriguing titles. Last year's Game Awards edition, for instance, included peeks at Open Roads, Crow Country and Mars After Midnight, all of which we've enjoyed so far this year. I inevitably end up adding at least four or five games from Day of the Devs to my Steam wishlist, so it's a must watch.Chances of a Hollow Knight: Silksong appearance: Team Cherry is an indie studio, but nope.Devolver Direct - June 7, 8PM ETHow to watch: YouTube (the same stream as SGF Live above) and TwitchDevolver Digital's annual helping of chaos is once again upon us. The publisher's reliably kooky Direct stream will include details on at least a few games. Here's hoping we get release dates for The Plucky Squire and Skate Story, the latter which has been at the top of my to-play list for a couple of years. Both titles are supposed to be arriving in 2024, so now would be a great time for an update. Keep your fingers crossed for details on man-baby walking simulator Baby Stepsamid the "exciting new reveals" Devolver has planned.Chances of a Hollow Knight: Silksong appearance: Highly unlikely.Xbox Games Showcase - June 9, 1PM ETHow to watch: YouTube and Twitch (ASL option)This could well be the biggest showcase of the week in terms of major game announcements. It's the first time that Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda and Activision Blizzard have all been part of one of these events.Microsoft has quite a few games and major updates on its 2024 slate. We'll likely get details and or release dates on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Starfield and Diablo IVexpansions and the next season of Overwatch 2. Hopefully we'll get a glimpse of Arkane Lyon's Blade game too. Expect to hear about more titles that are on the way to Game Pass, and possibly additional first-party games making the leap over to PlayStation and Switch.For many, the main event will take place after the main showcase as we'll learn all about Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The next installment of the series is likely set during the Gulf War. It's the first Call of Duty title that will be available on Game Pass on its release day. It marks a major risk for Microsoft in foregoing sales of boxed copies of the game in favor of a boost in subscriber numbers.Chances of a Hollow Knight: Silksong appearance: Medium to high. The last we heard much about the game was at this showcase in 2022.Ubisoft Forward - June 10, 3PM ETHow to watch: YouTube (with English subtitles, audio description and American Sign Language options) and TwitchMonday is going to be a busy ol' day for the Engadget crew as we'll be rolling straight from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote into Ubisoft Forward. The publisher has a couple of major games lined up for the rest of the year in Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Shadows, and it's promising "exclusive looks" at both.XDefiantwill get the same treatment. We'll probably hear about what's next for some of Ubisoft's other ongoing games, such as Rainbow Six: Siege and Skull and Bones, and perhaps some future plans for The Division. Ubisoft Forward will have a preshow and a postshow, so there's lots ahead from the company.Chances of a Hollow Knight: Silksong appearance: Unless [shudders] Ubisoft suddenly buys Team Cherry, nil.Nintendo Direct - ?ASSOCIATED PRESSHow to watch: YouTubeThe house that Mario built has assured the world that there will be a Nintendo Direct sometime in June, but it has yet to announce the particulars. One thing that will not be a factor in this showcase is the successor to the Nintendo Switch. While the company has pledged to announce its next flagship system by next March, it will not be doing so here.Chances of a Hollow Knight: Silksong appearance: High, especially if Xbox doesn't feature it.And that's not all, folks. There are several other showcases taking place over the coming days. Atlus is hosting a YouTube stream dedicated to Metaphor: ReFantazio on Friday at 9PM ET. Saturday in particular has a bunch to check out, including the Future of Play Direct, Wholesome Direct (both of which feature family-friendly games), the Latin American Games Showcase and a Women-Led Games stream. These will run throughout the day, starting at 11AM ET. On Sunday, the PC Gaming Show will follow the Call of Duty Direct at 4PM ET.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/summer-game-fest-2024-what-to-expect-and-how-to-watch-games-revealed-live-165058094.html?src=rss

It's time for another streaming service to raise its prices. Up to bat, it's Max, which was formerly called HBO Max, HBO Go, HBO and who knows what else. It's the one with Sopranos and Game of Thrones.The streamer is raising prices across the board, effective today, something we strongly suspected was on its way. Here's how that will impact your bank account, should you want to nab a subscription just in time for season two of House of the Dragon.The standard ad-free plan has shot up to $17 per month, with a yearly price of $170. This is an increase of $1 per month or $20 per year. The ultimate ad-free plan is now $21 per month or $210 per year. This is an increase of $1 per month or $10 each year. The ultimate plan adds 4K UHD streaming and the ability to stream on four devices at once.There's some good news for those who like really loud ads interrupting prestige TV and sad little Discovery reality shows. The Max With Ads plan will remain unchanged at $10 per month or $100 per year.Current monthly subscribers will see a price increase on their next billing cycle, so sometime this month. Yearly subscribers remain locked into the lower price until renewal. This is the first price increase since the streamer rebranded to Max last year.Max isn't exactly riddled with new content lately. It's actually been on something of a cancelling spree. House of the Dragon premieres this month, but that's about it. We should get the Penguin series in the next few months, Dune: Prophecy by the end of the year and The Last of Us season two... whenever it's ready. Let them cook.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/max-just-raised-subscription-prices-again-160849334.html?src=rss

The second-gen Apple Pencil stylus accessory is back on sale for $79, which is a discount of nearly 40 percent. That's quite a deal, considering the usual price is around $130. Why Apple decided to charge well over $100 for magnetic pens in the first place is a whole other conversation, but at least there's a sale for now.This is a fantastic accessory and perfect for several iPad models, but we have to address the elephant in the room. Apple's stylus lineup is something of a confusing mess. The company makes four different Apple Pencils and it can be difficult to suss out the best one for your particular tablet. For instance, the new Pencil Pro is only compatible with the latest iPad Airs and iPad Pros.Therefore, this second-gen Apple Pencil is not appropriate for the just-released tablets. This model is the one to get if you use an older iPad Pro or Air, as long as the design predates those with the front-facing cameras on the long edge. It's also a good match for the current iPad mini. Finally, it's likely that every Apple tablet moving forward will feature a redesign similar to the latest Air and Pro, so only buy this stylus if you aren't planning on upgrading your tablet anytime soon.If you meet the above criteria, however, the second-gen Apple Pencil is a comfortable and highly useful stylus. It features tilt and pressure sensitivity, magnetic charging, wireless pairing and a light form factor. It's miles better than the average Amazon knockoff, with next to no lag. You'll be drawing exquisite pizza slices and cats before you know it.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/the-second-gen-apple-pencil-is-back-on-sale-for-79-160048381.html?src=rss

Part wuxia epic and part pulp mystery novel, The Acolyte demonstrates what's possible when Star Wars embraces new characters and genres while abandoning the Dark Side of nostalgia. There isn't a Skywalker to be seen (at least in the four episodes I've watched), or any characters you've met before. It's not trying to fill gaps in pre-existing lore. It's simply a kickass Star Wars story, with perfectly executed action choreography, a bevy of talented actors and a story that feels genuinely fresh. And, best of all, you don't have to be caught up on The Book of Boba Fett or 208 episodes of animated shows to enjoy it.A major reason why The Acolyte feels so unique is that it comes from Leslye Headland, a writer and director with no prior association to Star Wars. As the co-creator of Russian Doll, she proved that she could juggle a fantastical premise with rich, multi-layered characters. Her outsider perspective is exactly what Star Wars needs to avoid feeling stale. It's the counterpoint to the obsessive world-building from Dave Filoni, the George Lucas disciple behind The Clone Wars and many of the franchise's TV shows.Lucasfilm Ltd.The Acolyte begins with a scene right out of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: A lone warrior enters a bar, presents themself to the most powerful person there, and demands a fight. What follows is an expertly choreographed array of kicks, flips and Force-thrown knives, as the Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss), deflects her young attacker with effortless grace. "Who trained you?" She asks, echoing Michelle Yeoh's first confrontation with Zhang Ziyi in Ang Lee's film. (Yes, I got chills upon hearing that.)I won't say too much about the plot of The Acolyte, but briefly it involves a former Jedi trainee, Mae (Amandla Stenberg), who is suspected of committing a series of crimes. Her former Jedi Master, Sol (played by Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae), is tasked with tracking her down and figuring out what's really going on. They're also joined by his new padwan trainee, played by Dafne Keen (Logan), and the over-eager, by-the-book Jedi Master Yord (Charlie Barnett).Lucasfilm Ltd.What makes The Acolyte truly intriguing is the way it explores the role of the Jedi and their chokehold (heh) on Force powers in the Star Wars universe. Are they actually the keepers of the peace, or a group of fanatical monks aligned with whoever happens to be in power? Is there a legitimate path beyond the Jedi for someone Force-capable like Mae, without turning to the Dark Side? I don't know how the series will answer these questions, but their existence alone is fascinating, as the broader franchise has seemed incapable of interrogating itself in recent years.After The Rise of Skywalker brought the sequel trilogy to a disappointing close, Star Wars has mostly been mining nostalgia on Disney+ with varying levels of success. The Mandalorian started strong, but became bogged down with repetitive storytelling. The Book of Boba Fett was mostly forgettable, except for when it served as a bridge between season's two and three of The Mandalorian. Nobody needed the Obi-Wan series, but it was nice to see Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen back in action.Lucasfilm Ltd.Ahsoka and Andor were the most uniformly successful of the Star Wars TV projects, but they both also had to wrestle with pre-existing storylines. To truly understand Ahsoka, you needed to have watched over 200 episodes of The Clone Wars and Rebels, as well as several shorts and episodes from other Star Wars shows. Andor was the most mature vision of the franchise we've ever seen, thanks to creator Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, The Bourne Identity), but it was also a slow burn narratively. (And it was still about a character we briefly met in Rogue One, itself a prequel story about finding the Death Star's blueprints.)The only baggage The Acolyte has to deal with is the trail of middling Star Wars shows behind it. That alone may turn off some audiences. But I'm hoping people recognize it as a fresh start, a world beyond Skywalkers and nostalgia bait. The Acolyte is a reminder of what makes Star Wars great: exciting and pulpy storytelling on a cosmic scale.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-acolyte-is-star-wars-at-its-best-160028842.html?src=rss

Heads up for those of you who are clinging onto a second- or third-gen Apple TV box: you'll need to upgrade soon if you want to keep watching Netflix through your set-top box. Netflix is ending support for those devices on July 31.According to Apple Insider, Netflix is informing customers of the change by email. It didn't fully explain why it's ending support for the two boxes - each of which debuted over a decade ago - other than to say it's doing so to "maintain the best possible Netflix experience." In fairness, that's tough to do on old hardware that won't be able to support newer codecs.In a broad sense, it's a pity to see major services abandoning older hardware, especially since that will increase the chances of those products becoming waste and ending up in landfill. That said, there often comes a point where maintaining support for a dwindling user base of aging devices no longer makes sense.As luck would have it, though, the latest version of the Apple TV 4K is on sale. The 64GB version has dropped to $90, which is $40 off and the lowest price we've seen for it to date.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-might-need-to-upgrade-your-apple-tv-box-to-keep-watching-netflix-151458362.html?src=rss

If you're anything like me, you're reading this a bit hunched over and with sore neck and shoulder muscles. While weekly massages would be a great way to treat it, that's a big time and money commitment. Another option is the TheraGun Mini 2.0, our choice as an amazing gift for runners and fitness-minded college students. It's still an investment, but right now, it's on sale for $165, down from $199 - a 17 percent discount.The one-pound TheraGun Mini 2.0 is an amazing tool to use on the go, whether at the gym, when traveling or after a sports match. It has three speed settings and attachments with an ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold on to during use. You can get a "moderate 12mm" intensity and see visual routines.If you're looking for something cheaper, check out the TheraGun Relief, the company's newest massager. A 13 percent discount has cut its price to a record-low $129 from $149 in both Sand and Navy. The Relief is a good option if you want to keep your device in one place, as it has a larger frame and an extra third of a pound in weight. The massager is good if you don't want anything super firm, with an intensity labeled "comfortable 10mm." Plus, it offers TheraGun's patented triangle grip, three speed settings and three attachments.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/theragun-massagers-are-up-to-17-percent-off-right-now-145408266.html?src=rss

Smart TVs are the default option for the largest display in the home (unless you have a projector, that is). Their operating systems can be hit or miss, but thankfully there are other options available in the form of dedicated streaming devices. For those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K is perhaps the best option of the bunch. The third-gen version is currently on sale at Verizon, where the 64GB model has dropped by $40 to $90. That's the best price we've seen for this variant to date.The third-gen Apple TV 4K is our pick for the best premium streaming device and we gave it a score of 94 in our review. It's very fast as it runs on an A15 Bionic chip - the same hardware that powers the iPhone 14. It takes barely any time at all to load or switch between apps. With the help of the Siri remote's touch-sensitive directional pad, you can quickly skip to a certain point of an episode or movie. The box (which has a smaller, fan-less design than previous generations) also delivers great picture quality and it has 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.Setting up the Apple TV 4K is a cinch if you have an iPhone, but you don't need to have other Apple products to get a lot out of the device (even if the Apple TV app does skew toward Apple TV+ content). Those who are embedded in the Apple ecosystem though will likely appreciate being able to use Apple Fitness+ and Apple Arcade on a big screen.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/the-third-gen-apple-tv-4k-drops-to-a-record-low-of-90-142715118.html?src=rss

Skydance Interactive is best known for The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, one of the most popular, games on the original PlayStation VR. Combining visceral fights with TWD's usual dramatic twists, turns and zombies, it felt like a proper VR game.Behemoth is an action-adventure game that draws on the combat and physics of The Walking Dead games but focuses more on fighting and less on survival. Like Saints and Sinners, there's still a crafting system, but it's a lot simpler, reinforcing the action-adventure slant here. I got to play a slice of the game, which combined early tutorial snippets outlining controls and mechanics with more thrilling set pieces and exploration segments - oh, and a battle with the behemoth itself.Shawn Kittelsen, vice president of Creative, says Behemoth has a more sophisticated combat system. You will have to observe enemies, time your counterattacks and generally think a little more about your strategy instead of just waving your weapons around in virtual space. Doing that will drain your stamina bar, leaving you unable to dodge or block if you're not careful. While combat feels weighty, you can still flail around with weapons and do damage - limitations are translating the swing of a plastic PSVR controller to a massive four-pound broadsword. This stamina system does help keep that in check, at least a little.Kittelsen says the game lightly draws inspiration from Dark Souls for battle dynamics. At the same time, the most compelling part - a brief fight with the giant - reminded me of Shadow of the Colossus... from a completely different perspective.You could split my demo into two halves. The initial chunk of the demo introduces control systems, traversal techniques and how to fight other human foes. Like a lot of VR games, it takes a moment to get up to speed. Fortunately, Skydance equipped my character with a magical sword that I could throw and resummon, Thor hammer-style. That, however, didn't fix my habit of dropping my shield immediately after battles.I tried out bows, an ax and other weapons dropped by human enemies as I traversed the early parts of the game. I swung across monkey bars and climbed vertical rock faces and ropes, and I felt more than a little self-conscious doing so in a room of game developers and PRs. A wrist-mounted grappling hook adds a bit of speed to exploration, but all these systems together (plus not playing VR on the reg) did make me feel a little queasy. The creators have added the ability to reduce your field of view to lessen the effect, but I did break into a cold sweat during my demo. However, it didn't reach the levels of Resident Evil 7's notorious nausea-causing demo.I went into the second part of my demo, a brief skirmish with a behemoth called Seal, with some trepidation. Would running and evading a colossal monster make me feel even more VR-sick? Not the case. Maybe because I focused on a single objective - the giant monster - as I swung around on my grapple hook, fired arrows at his weak points, dodged foot stomps and more, I felt... fine. That's a great sign, as my brief tussle with the giant was the standout moment of the demo. I did, however, die a few times.Like SatC and recent Zelda games, you can scale this behemoth (if there's the right texture of climbable surface). You can also use your grappling hook to launch yourself towards Seal's knee. You can't simply cling on, though, as your stamina meter will burn away as you inch toward the giant's weak spots. In a somewhat misguided approach, I tried to use arrows to hit the creature but would inevitably drop the bow rather than release the arrow. That was due to my skill, not the control system.Like Horizon Call of the Mountain, climbing and traversing with your hands in Behemoth is fun, but that PSVR2 exclusive is a prettier game. However, the good news is Behemoth is coming to almost all contemporary VR headsets, from Meta's Quest 2 and upwards, as well as PC headsets and PSVR2.The creators say the primary campaign will last around 12 hours, with an additional arena mode to fight more enemies - or, hopefully, offer a quick shortcut to battle the behemoth. I can't wait to get squashed again.Skydance's Behemoth launches in fall 2024.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/skydances-behemoth-brings-giant-climbable-monster-fights-to-vr-140057216.html?src=rss

Meta's rolling out a small spring/summer update for the Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets. There's nothing too major here, but there are some small improvements for regular users.The biggest news is a new and better way to watch Netflix content. There's long been a standalone Netflix app available for Quest headsets, but it maxes out at 480p and is generally considered to be, well, crappy. Once updated, you'll be able to watch Netflix directly from the built-in browser. This offers a much-improved experience, with the option to view content in high resolution.This browser-based version of Netflix isn't just for better-looking content. The web app also offers the choice between a flat 2D virtual screen and a simulated theater view. Fake movie theaters are one of the best parts about VR, so this is welcome news.MetaMeta announced a dedicated travel mode a few weeks back, but the update brings it to everyone. This is a system mode primarily for air travel, as it tunes the headset's algorithms to adjust for airplane jostling. The headset will automatically connect to in-flight Wi-Fi and will be available to play anything stored on the device, in addition to movies and TV shows offered by the airline.The company has entered into a partnership with Lufthansa to offer Quest 3 headsets to people on select business class flights. Of course, you'll have to be comfortable wearing a giant thing on your face while surrounded by strangers, but you do you.The rest of the update pertains to existing apps. Beat Saber is getting five free new tracks and the fitness app Supernatural is getting a mixed-reality mode, but only on Quest 3 (for obvious reasons.) Meta has also announced that another trailer for the Quest 3 exclusive Batman: Arkham Shadow will drop on June 7 as part of Summer Game Fest.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-quest-software-update-adds-a-better-way-to-watch-netflix-and-a-travel-mode-140034768.html?src=rss

After getting officially announced way back at CES 2024, all of Samsung's new 2024 gaming monitors are finally available for pre-order today. However, while the massive 49-inch Odyssey G9 (G95SD) garnered most of the attention when initial details came out in January, I recently had a chance to check out its smaller siblings in person (plus one of Samsung's new smart monitors), which are just as impressive due to their lower prices and more-practical screen sizes.Similar to the Alienware AW3225QF and HP Omen Transcend 32, the 2024 Odyssey G8 OLED (G80SD) and Odyssey G6 OLED (G60SD) are based on Samsung's third-gen QD-OLED tech. That means you get rich colors and deep blacks along with support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and increased brightness compared to traditional OLED displays. But from there, the two monitors diverge slightly with the 32-inch G8 being more of an all-rounder thanks to its 4K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the smaller G6 is better suited for competitive gaming with its 2,560 x 1,440 resolution and 360Hz refresh rate.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetMy favorite of the two is the G8, as it features a flat display (not curved like the Alienware) with an anti-reflective matte coating and an extremely sleek design that lets you appreciate its super-thin 0.15-inch panel. Meanwhile, Samsung has equipped both the G8 and G6 with a dynamic cooling system that better reduces temperatures and can even preemptively control brightness if needed. And, for the first time, Samsung is offering a three-year warranty in case the monitor succumbs to burn-in.I also appreciate that even though it's a relatively large monitor, the G8 supports height adjustment and the ability to rotate into portrait mode. As a nod towards convenience, it comes with built-in stereo speakers and a solar remote (similar to what you get from Samsung's flagship TVs), so you can easily connect it to gaming consoles alongside a traditional PC. And in case that's not enough, the G8 also features Samsung's Gaming Hub, which allows you to access streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming without needing to connect to another device.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetAlternatively, for more hardcore gamers, the G6 packs almost all of the same tech (including the remote and matte coating) into an even more practical 27-inch display. You still get Samsung's CoreLighting+ module in back to supply some ambient RGB hues and a similarly sleek metal design. Samsung even redesigned the G8 and G6's feet to give people with unusual gaming setups more flexibility and room to position their mouse and keyboard.Finally, while it's neither OLED nor a gaming display, Samsung's M80D Smart Monitor is a neat take on 4K office productivity. It features a magnetic mount for a detachable webcam, so you can easily position it without the need for a tripod or quickly remove it at the end of a video call. You can also pair it over Wi-Fi with other Samsung devices, allowing you to easily move images or files from one to another. Just like the G8 and G6, it supports Samsung's Gaming Hub and the ability to stream shows from apps like Netflix natively on the monitor.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetThe G9 remains the true flagship of Samsung's gaming monitors, but the company has now made great options at smaller sizes too. The Odyssey G8 and G6 will start at $1,300 and $900, respectively, while the M80D Smart Monitor will go for $700. Pre-orders go live today and will come with a $300 discount for anyone who makes an early purchase before official sales begin later this month.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-odyssey-g8-might-be-the-best-32-inch-gaming-monitor-of-the-year-140026504.html?src=rss

Meta Connect 2024 will take place on September 25 and 26 and "explore the future of AI and mixed reality," the company announced on X. Last year, Meta used the event to launch its latest Quest 3 headset, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and more.This year may be even busier. In April, Meta teased a limited-edition Xbox-inspired Quest headset and announced that it was rebranding Quest OS to Meta Horizon OS. It also opened up the OS to third parties and said that both Lenovo and ASUS were working on AR devices. Meta could also reveal a more affordable "Quest 3S" headset, according to a recent store listing leak.

Motorola unveiled the 2024 Moto Edge on Tuesday. The $550 mid-range phone is slightly more expensive than the Pixel 8a but has different strengths and weaknesses. It will be available starting on June 20.The 2024 Motorola Edge combines the mid-range Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor with a 6.6-inch pOLED display (much larger than the Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch display) at 2400 x 1080 resolution (402ppi). It supports a 144Hz variable refresh rate and a 360Hz touch rate that's only available when using the handset in Game Mode.The 2024 Moto Edge has a big 5,000mAh battery and fast 68-watt wired TurboPower" charging. It also has 256GB of built-in storage and 8GB of RAM.MotorolaIts main camera is a 50MP shooter using Sony's LY7-700C sensor. The phone's backside includes a 13MP ultra-wide lens, while a 32MP sensor sits on the front.As companies tend to do in 2024, Motorola pointed out the handset's AI capabilities, in this case when using Google Photos (Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur and Google Auto Enhance). Of course, that pales in comparison to the Pixel 8a's full suite of Tensor G3-powered AI tools, also including Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take and unlimited uses of the Magic Editor.The phone is 7.99 mm (0.31 inch) thick and weighs 174g. Its back is made of blue synthetic leather, which should provide a reasonably sophisticated look and feel without killing any cows. It has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning it can withstand up to half an hour of submersion in 1.5 meters of water.Beginning on June 20, the 2024 Moto Edge will be available unlocked for $550 on Motorola's website, Amazon and Best Buy. The company says subsequent availability" will roll out later at T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Spectrum, Consumer Cellular, Straight Talk, Total By Verizon and Visible.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-2024-moto-edge-combines-a-66-inch-oled-screen-with-mid-range-pricing-130055585.html?src=rss

Microsoft is back under the microscope in the European Union, but Teams is finally not to blame. Austrian advocacy group Noyb has filed two complaints against Microsoft over operations of its 365 Education software in schools and children's privacy. The group is also responsible for past complaints against OpenAI, Meta, Spotify and more tech giants.Noyb alleges that Microsoft 365 Education "installed cookies that, according to Microsoft's own documentation, analyse user behaviour, collect browser data and are used for advertising" - without the school's knowledge. The advocacy group further alleges that Microsoft is "consistently vague" about what it's doing with the students' data and could be tracking children in secret."Our analysis of the data flows is very worrying. Microsoft 365 Education appears to track users regardless of their age," Felix Mikolasch, a data protection lawyer at Noyb, expressed in a statement. "This practice is likely to affect hundreds of thousands of pupils and students in the EU and EEA. Authorities should finally step up and effectively enforce the rights of minors."Noyb also claims Microsoft is dumping its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) responsibilities on schools without providing them with any access or insight into its privacy policies or data collection. "Microsoft holds all the key information about data processing in its software, but is pointing the finger at schools when it comes to exercising rights," Maartje de Graaf, another data protection lawyer at Noyb, said in a statement. "Schools have no way of complying with the transparency and information obligations."The GDPR sets out strict guidelines for protecting minors' data, focusing on extra protections for the individual, transparency and accountability. Violating the GDPR could lead to a fine of 20 million ($22 million) or four percent of a company's annual worldwide turnover the previous year - whichever is the larger amount.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/eu-accuses-micrsoft-of-secretly-collecting-childrens-data-124141294.html?src=rss

Amazon has announced its latest series coming to Prime Video, and gamers might recognize it. The streamer is releasing Like A Dragon: Yakuza, a live-action adaptation of the Yakuza SEGA game series. The Japanese Original show will premiere worldwide in two batches of three episodes on October 25 and November 1, 2024.

Microsoft is laying off employees working on mixed reality as part of a restructuring of the division, CNBC has reported. The company will continue to sell the HoloLens 2 augmented reality (AR) headset, a key device produced by that department."Earlier today we announced a restructuring of the Microsoft's Mixed Reality organization," a spokesperson told CNBC in an email. "We remain fully committed to the Department of Defense's IVAS program and will continue to deliver cutting edge technology to support our soldiers. In addition, we will continue to invest in W365 to reach the broader Mixed Reality hardware ecosystem. We will continue to sell HoloLens 2 while supporting existing HoloLens 2 customers and partners."The US Department of Defense is a major customer for the HoloLens, employing the AR devices to improve battlefield awareness. The company recently deployed a modified version called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) designed to reduce nausea, eye strain and other issues.A mixed reality department reorganization seemed inevitable after Microsoft deprecated Windows Mixed Reality in Windows 11 back in December 2023. At the time, Microsoft said the move would have no impact on its HoloLens division.The changes are part of a broader restructuring that saw the company let 1,000 employees go in multiple divisions yesterday. The company laid off nearly 2,000 employees from its gaming unit in January 2024, and over 10,000 last year.Microsoft's move is part of an industry-wide shift away from the metaverse and toward artificial intelligence (AI), a path also taken by one of AR's biggest boosters, Meta. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said last year that development of AI is now the company's "single largest investment."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-announces-layoffs-and-restructuring-in-its-mixed-reality-division-120042170.html?src=rss

After years of rumors of Sonos getting into headphones, the $449 Sonos Ace are here. They're well-designed and have impressive audio quality. Integrating the headphones with its family of speakers isn't what many expected, but the feature works well, according to Engadget's Billy Steele. They're also comfortable to wear.EngadgetOne thing that may mire an otherwise stellar debut is limited support - with its own speakers. Yes, the ability to transfer TV audio from Sonos speakers to the Ace only works with the Sonos Arc soundbar for now. Sonos says support for both generations of the Beam and the Ray is on the way, but there's no definitive timeline.If you've used Sonos speakers or read any reviews of them, you're probably familiar with Trueplay, which maps the acoustics of a room with microphones to fine tune sound. There's a version for the Ace, called True Cinema, which virtualizes surround sound for the room you're in, to make it seem like you're not wearing the Ace at all. But... that wasn't ready either.- Mat SmithThe biggest stories you might have missedUbisoft Toronto is helping with the troubled Prince of Persia remakeBreville InFizz Fusion review: The bubble masterIntel officially unveils Lunar Lake, its Copilot+ AI PC chipYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!Spotify is raising the cost of Premium subscriptions, againThe Family plan will be $20 monthly, up from $17.Spotify is officially raising its Premium subscription rates in the US come July, following reports of the move in April. The platform is increasing its Individual plan from $11 to $12 monthly and its Duo plan from $15 to $17 monthly - the same jump as last year's $1 and $2 price hikes, respectively. However, its Family plan is going up by a whopping $3, increasing from $17 to $20 monthly. The only subscribers getting a break are students - also known as the Spotify full-price subscribers of the future - who will continue to pay $6 monthly.Continue reading.Sony's PS VR2 adaptor for PC costs $60At last, you'll be able to play Half Life: Alyx on the headset.SonySony revealed it was working on making the PlayStation VR2 headset compatible with PCs earlier this year. Now we know when it'll happen: August 7. The PC adapter will cost $60.Continue reading.Samsung sues Oura to stop Oura from suing SamsungAlready bored of the rings.Samsung has filed a lawsuit against Oura to try to head off intellectual property disputes as the Galaxy Ring launch draws near. The suit says Oura used its patent portfolio to sue smaller wearable tech competitors in the past and has hinted it may do the same against the much larger Samsung. Samsung says the Galaxy Ring doesn't infringe on Oura's patents - of course.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-our-verdict-on-sonos-debut-headphones-111557653.html?src=rss

If you've been thinking of buying Apple's HomePod (2nd generation), now's the time to act - it's on sale right now at Verizon for $175. That's a significant $125 discount (42 percent off) and represents one of the best deals we've seen on the smart speaker to date. In addition, Verizon is currently offering a deal on the HomePod Mini, letting you get a pair for $150, or 25 percent off.With sound that's clearer and richer than offerings from Amazon and Google, the second-gen HomePod garnered a solid 84 score in our review last year. However, it's really only aimed at Apple users, working best with iPhones, Apple TVs and other devices from the company, along with services like Apple Music.As a smart home device, it's compatible with Matter and Thread on top of Apple's own HomeKit protocol, so you can use it to control a growing range of security cameras, thermostats, plugs and other smart home accessories. It also has built-in temperature and humidity sensors, and its included mics do well to pick out your voice through noise.Speakers like the Sonos Five and Sonos Era 300 cost more but offer a bit better sound, while the Sonos Era 100 is normally a bit better value (Google Assistant and Amazon Echo users should look elsewhere). In addition, there's no Bluetooth audio and Siri isn't the most capable assistant At $175, however, the second-gen HomePod is a solid deal if you've been eyeing one.If you don't need the sound quality of the HomePod, the HomePod Mini is also on sale at Verizon in a "buy one, get the second one half off" deal (two for $150, basically). That will get you a stereo pair or let you stock a couple of bedrooms. It comes with nearly all the same smart home features if that's your main concern, while offering superior sound quality to the Echo Dot and Google Home Mini.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/the-second-gen-homepod-is-on-sale-for-175-right-now-074144267.html?src=rss

Another Ubisoft studio is pitching in to help develop Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. Ubisoft Toronto has announced on X/Twitter that it's joining the company's Montreal division to work on the game. In 2022, Ubisoft Montreal took over the project from Ubisoft Pune and Mumbai after several days from its target release date of as far back as January 2021. The company said back then that Montreal was "building upon the work achieved" by its studios in India. In an interview last year, though, producer Jean-Francois Naud revealed that the project was still "in conception" and that it's "looking at feedback from the community and finding [its] own way of delivering the game."

Intel recently revealed that its upcoming Lunar Lake chips would be available this fall for Copilot+ AI PCs, but the company waited until Computex to give us more technical details. For one, they'll offer up to 48 TOPs (tera operations per second) of AI performance, thanks to an updated neural processing unit (NPU). In comparison, Intel's previous Meteor Lake chips sported a 10 TOPS NPU, while AMD announced its Ryzen AI 300 chips yesterday with 50 TOPS NPUs. The AI race is on, if you couldn't tell.Intel will once again have to play catch up in the AI PC space: AMD's Ryzen AI 300 chips will be available in July alongside Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus. It's unclear when, exactly, Lunar Lake systems will launch this fall. Still, for the Intel faithful, Lunar Lake appears to be a major upgrade. It will also sport a new Xe2 GPU, which will offer 80 percent faster gaming performance than the last generation, as well as an AI accelerator with an additional 67 TOPS of performance. (We're still waiting to see how AMD's new Radeon graphics will compare.)Intel's Lunar Lake NPU 4 performance, versus its NPU 3 hardware on Meteor Lake.IntelIn a surprising twist, Lunar Lake chips will also feature on-board memory, similar to Apple Silicon. The chips will be available with either 16GB or 32GB of RAM, and just like Apple, you won't be able to add more down the line. By bringing the memory much closer to the processor cores, Intel was able to reduce latency and system power usage by 40 percent. You're out of luck if you actually need more RAM though. You'll have to sit tight for Intel's next chip family, code-named Arrow Lake.Additionally, Lunar Lake will offer eight cores with revamped performance and efficient cores (P-cores and E-cores). Intel also says the chip features an "advanced low-power island" for efficiently handling background tasks. Thanks to that, along with other optimizations, the company claims battery life is 60 percent better than Meteor Lake.Clearly, both Intel and AMD are going to do whatever it takes to combat Qualcomm's Copilot+ hardware. Those mobile chips are inherently more power efficient - they reportedly get over 20 hours of battery life on Copilot+ Surface devices (though we haven't tested them yet).When it comes to connectivity, Lunar Lake will offer the updated standards you'd expect: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, PCIe Gen5 and Thunderbolt 4. (It's strange that Intel isn't committing to Thunderbolt 5 yet, since it plans to launch that standard later this year.)IntelGiven just how far off Lunar Lake actually is, Intel didn't have more information to share about specific chip models or deeper specs. But judging from the company's benchmarks, released during a media briefing ahead of Computex, it'll should be significantly faster than Meteor Lake while running Stable Diffusion, completing 20 iterations in 5.8 seconds compared to 20.9 seconds. While it does draw a few more watts of power, the increased speed should make up for that.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/intel-officially-unveils-lunar-lake-its-copilot-ai-pc-chip-030029548.html?src=rss

New York is poised to pass a law that will bar social media platforms from showing algorithmic feeds to teens without parental consent. The Wall Street Journal reports that lawmakers in the state have reached a tentative agreement" on a bill that will be voted on later this week.State officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, introduced a bill requiring parental consent for algorithmic feeds last year. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act doesn't restrict the type of content teens can view on social media apps, but they wouldn't be able to view algorithmic feeds without permission from their parents or guardians. The latest version of the bill will also block teens from seeing in-app notifications overnight without parental consent, according to The Wall Street Journal.If passed into law, New York would become the latest state to attempt to rein in social media platforms' access to teens with age verification requirements. Utah passed a law last year requiring social media apps to get parental consent, though the measure was later scaled back. Lawmakers in California have also proposed limiting teens' access to algorithmic feeds.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/new-york-is-about-to-give-parents-more-control-over-their-kids-social-media-feeds-230205845.html?src=rss

Samsung has filed a lawsuit against Oura to try to head off intellectual property disputes as the Galaxy Ring launch draws near. The suit notes that Oura has used its patent portfolio to sue smaller wearable tech competitors and has hinted it may do the same against the much larger Samsung. Welcome to the weird modern world of mega-corporations suing startups to prevent them from filing suits of their own.Oura's actions and public statements demonstrate that Oura will continue asserting patent infringement against other entrants into the U.S. smart ring market, including Samsung," the lawsuit, first reported on by The Verge, reads. Oura's immediate response to the announcement of the Galaxy Ring was to point to the purported strength of its intellectual property portfolio."The lawsuit claims the Galaxy Ring doesn't infringe on Oura's patents. However, in justifying its suit, it lays out a pattern of what it frames as aggressive IP protection by the Finnish startup. It lists cases where Oura sued smaller competitors like Ultrahuman, Circular and RingConn as soon as, or even before, they entered the U.S. market."The document also cites Oura embarking on a media tour immediately following the Galaxy Ring announcement, touting the company's over 150 patents." It specifically calls out patent-related quotes published by TechCrunch and a CNBC interview where Oura CEO Tom Hale hinted the company may use its IP portfolio against Samsung.Daniel Cooper for EngadgetSamsung's legal filing essentially tries to paint Oura as a patent troll, claiming many of the Finnish company's patent disputes have been for features common to the entire category of smart rings, like electronics, sensors, a battery and scores that weigh health metrics. That approach conjures memories of Samsung's old patent disputes with Apple. A common theme in those decade-old courtroom battles was Samsung accusing the iPhone maker of holding bogus patents that should never have been granted because they used obvious technologies or methods shared by the entire industry. (It worked with mixed results in those cases.)Samsung filed its new lawsuit against Oura in the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division. Oura is based in Finland but has a US wing of its operations based in Delaware, including offices in San Francisco with more than 50 employees.The lawsuit reveals extra detail about Samsung's Galaxy Ring, which the company first showed off in a render in January before revealing physical models at the Mobile World Congress in February. The document says Samsung only finalized the Galaxy Ring's design in mid-May 2024" and plans to enter mass production in mid-June.It adds that the Galaxy Ring will arrive in the US in or around August of this year," which aligns with expectations that the company will launch it at a summer Unpacked event.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-sues-oura-to-block-oura-from-suing-samsung-over-the-galaxy-ring-203353759.html?src=rss

Instagram ads may soon be much harder to ignore. As TechCrunch reports, Meta is testing a new type of non-skippable ad in the Instagram feed, which the company is calling an ad break."With the new ads, which have already been spotted by some users, you can't scroll past the feed ad until the"ad break" finishes. According to screenshots shared on Reddit and X, it appears that the breaks" are a few seconds long, though it's not clear if the length could change should Meta decide to make the new format official. Ad breaks are a new way of seeing ads on Instagram," an in-app message states. Sometimes you may need to view an ad before you can keep browsing."

A collection of leaked internal Google privacy cases provides a rare glimpse into the company's volume and handling of breaches, accidents and other incidents. 404 Media obtained and pored through the database, which covers thousands of internally flagged privacy and security issues from 2013 to 2018.Google verified the trove's authenticity with Engadget but claimed some of the reports were related to third-party services or didn't end up being cause for concern. At Google employees can quickly flag potential product issues for review by the relevant teams," a company spokesperson wrote to Engadget. When an employee submits the flag they suggest the priority level to the reviewer. The reports obtained by 404 are from over six years ago and are examples of these flags - every one was reviewed and resolved at that time. In some cases, these employee flags turned out not to be issues at all or were issues that employees found in third party services."404 Media writes that, when taken on an individual level, many cases only impacted a few people or were fixed quickly. Taken as a whole, though, the internal database shows how one of the most powerful and important companies in the world manages, and often mismanages, a staggering amount of personal, sensitive data on people's lives," 404 Media's Joseph Cox wrote.Examples include a potential security issue where a government client of a Google cloud service had its sensitive data accidentally transitioned to a consumer-level product. Google's internal report added that, as a consequence, a US-based location for the data was no longer guaranteed for this customer," according to the report.GoogleIn 2016, another case flagged a glitch in Google Street View, where a filter in the service's transcription software designed to omit captured license plate numbers failed to do its job. As a result, our database of objects detected from Street View now inadvertently contains a database of geolocated license plate numbers and license plate number fragments," the report acquired by 404 Media details. (Oops!) That report said the data was purged.Another incident highlighted a case where a bug in a Google speech service accidentally captured and logged an estimated 1,000 hours of children's speech data for about an hour. That case report claimed the team deleted all of the data.Other cases in the database range from a person" modifying customer accounts on Google's ad platform to manipulate affiliate tracking codes to YouTube recommending videos based on users' deleted watch histories. One report even highlights how a Google employee (unintentionally, according to the report) accessed Nintendo's private YouTube videos and leaked info ahead of the video game company's announcements.The full report from 404 Media, which details more of the internal reports, is worth reading for anyone curious about the types of privacy and security incidents a company of Google's magnitude faces - or causes itself -and how it addresses them.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/leaked-google-database-reveals-its-secret-privacy-and-security-failures-183232983.html?src=rss

A long time ago I watched a video about John Nese, owner of the iconic Galco's Soda Pop Stop in LA, and one thing that stuck with me was his response after being asked how much soda he drinks. Nese said that even though he'll have one or two a day, what it really boils down to is that he just likes the bubbles." However, as much as I enjoy hunting down special flavors in stores, nothing beats the convenience of making your own sparkling concoctions at home. So when I heard that Breville was releasing a carbonated beverage maker with a feature not available from rivals like SodaStream I knew I wanted to test it out. And in just a few short weeks, the Infizz Fusion has quickly become one of my favorite and most-used kitchen gadgets.Design - Expectedly upscaleAt $250, the InFizz Fusion costs a lot more than basic soda water makers, which can go for $100 or less. However, it's clear Breville is using that extra money to create a premium design including a stainless body with a die-cast lever and a magnetic drip tray. This means it's closer to more premium rivals than plasticky alternatives like almost all of SodaStream's offerings. And while your taste may vary, the InFizz and Aarke's line or Carbonators are probably the only two that look good enough to live on my counter full-time instead of being hidden away when not in use. That said, I wish Breville would release an optional glass bottle, as currently the InFizz Fusion is restricted to plastic 0.6- and 1-liter containers. And because its bottles use a proprietary connector, you can't swap in canisters from competitors.Operation - The easiest bubbles you've ever madeGassing up liquids with the InFizz is incredibly straightforward. First, you screw a one-pound CO2 tank into the hole on the boom. The InFizz comes with one Breville-branded canister, though you can use generic replacements from Sodastream and others. You just need to remember to buy tanks with threaded tops instead of ones with quick-connect fittings. Then you pour water into the bottle (the colder the better), attach Breville's FusionCap and then twist the whole setup into the machine itself. From there, you just press the lever on top for a second or two and that's it. There's no need for power or to plug a cord, so you have tons of flexibility about where it'll live in your kitchen.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetWhen attaching the FusionCap to the bottle or the bottle to the machine, there's a very obvious and satisfying thunk that lets you know when each component is seated properly. I only had one blowout when I first started using the InFizz and after I learned from my mistake, it never happened again. I found the routine that worked best for me was to fill the bottle and then stash it in the fridge overnight, which made it a cinch to get crisp, chilled seltzer first thing in the morning in less than 30 seconds. It's really that easy. Sometimes, I saw tiny ice cubes while I was carbonating, which I took as a sign that the water was cold enough. That said, it's important not to add ice intentionally, as that can damage the machine.One note is that before you use it, you will want to give it a rinse. After unboxing it, I noticed the InFizz Fusion's bottle had an oily smell. Thankfully, alongside the InFizz itself, Breville includes a funnel, a strainer and a brush, the latter of which helped erase the odor after a quick wash.How it tastes - Bubbles, bubbles everywhereLike a lot of carbonated water makers, you have the freedom to hold the lever down a bit longer, in case you're like me and you like big bodacious bubbles (similar to what you get in Pepsi) as opposed to the finer effervescence you get in something like Perrier. But the InFizz Fusion's secret party trick is that it carbonates more than just water. You can add bubbles to cider for a refreshing twist on a fall treat. Or you can give new life to soda that's gone flat. You can even uplift wine to create your own sparkling alternative in your kitchen. Pretty much any liquid you'd want to drink, the InFizz Fusion can inject with bubbles. And right now, there's only one other home soda maker that can do this - the Drinkmate - which puts Breville's machine in a more rarified crowd.To add bubbles, all you have to do is attach Breville's FusionCap to the included bottle, hook that up to the machine itself and hold down on the lever for a second or two.Photo by Sam RutherfordNow this might not sound like a big deal, but as we get closer to summer, you know what's even more refreshing than lemonade? An icy cold glass of sparkling lemonade. Alternatively, you can add bubbles to OJ, which is essentially a homemade version of Orangina, and I'd argue it tastes even better because it hasn't been languishing in a bottle for the past few months. With the InFizz Fusion, there's an entire world of things you can seltzerize.At this point, you might be wondering why you can't make lemonade from seltzer. And you can. However, if you make sparkling water first and then stir in lemon juice and sugar, you tend to knock a lot of bubbles out in the process. And for stuff like OJ, unless you're making things from a concentrate, there may not be a way to start with pure water. The one thing you have to watch out for though is that when carbonating drinks that are more than just water, you may run into extra bubbles. But that's where the red tab on the FusionCap comes in, as it allows you to release pressure slowly so your concoction doesn't erupt and make a mess.Breville's clever FusionCap is what allows the InFizz to carbonate almost any drink you can think of. It can handle drinks like orange juice or lemonade with ease without getting the inside of the machine dirty. Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetThat said, some drinks work better than others. Milk-based beverages are pretty much a no-go, as the carbonation process curdles the dairy, resulting in a product that just tastes off. And while you can add bubbles to coffee, the CO2 adds an extra dimension of sourness that probably isn't what you want. After all, there's a reason effervescent java is usually injected with nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide.My one suggestion is that in addition to the one-liter bottle that comes with the machine, if you're into making all sorts of bubbly beverages, you may want to pick up a spare 0.6-liter container too, because as tasty as stuff like sparkling OJ or cider are, they're typically better consumed in smaller doses lest you end up drinking too many empty calories.Wrap-upThere are few things more refreshing than a glass of sparkling lemonade on a hot summer day. Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetLook, if all you want is a machine for making seltzer, you'll probably be better off with a basic SodaStream. Alternatively, if you just want a more premium bubble machine that comes with the bonus of having optional glass bottles, Aarke's Carbonator Pro makes for a solid upgrade pick. Or you could go with the InFizz Aqua, which is the same basic device as the Fusion except that it can only carbonate water. But if you want a device that can turn almost any drink into a sparkling treat while also sporting an upscale design, Breville's InFizz Fusion is where it's at.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/breville-infizz-fusion-review-the-bubble-master-173216954.html?src=rss

The Google Pixel 8 Pro remains the large-screen Android smartphone we'd recommend to most people, and right now it's back on sale for $749 at Amazon, Best Buy and Google's online store. We've seen this deal before, but it matches the largest discount we've tracked for an unlocked model outside of trade-in or carrier-exclusive offers. The phone technically has a list price of $999, though it's often sold for $799 since it was launched last October. Either way, you're saving at least a bit more than usual. This price applies to the base model with 128GB of storage, but higher-capacity models are also $250 off their MSRP if you need more space.If you don't mind trading in an old device, however, Google has also raised the trade-in values for certain phones when they're put toward a Pixel 8 Pro. If you're upgrading from a Pixel 6 Pro, for instance, you can tack on a $400 refund, while a Pixel 7 Pro in good condition can give up to $500 back. Those are higher than what the company is offering for the smaller Pixel 8 or foldable Pixel Fold. Google says this promo will run through June 22. (Just be sure to follow Google's instructions if you go this route, as the company uses a third party for its trade-in program.) Best Buy will also take an extra $100 off if you activate the phone with a carrier.We gave the Pixel 8 Pro a score of 93 in our review last year, and it still offers top-notch camera performance, a vibrant 6.7-inch OLED display and a relatively clean take on Android, with OS updates guaranteed through October 2030. The screen supports a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, which makes scrolling feel smooth, and the soft glass finish looks and feels nice. The software, meanwhile, is aided by a few AI-based features that are actually handy (and don't involve eating glue): A Magic Editor tool lets you cut out unwanted objects in the background of photos, for one, while an Audio Magic Eraser feature helps eliminate ambient noise from videos. (You can use Magic Editor features with other phones, but you're limited to 10 uses per month unless you own a Pixel or pay a subscription fee.)You'd get the Pixel 8 Pro for the camera and software first, though. Its Tensor G3 chip can handle just about anything you throw at it, but alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are technically faster and may not get as warm when stressed. Likewise, while the phone's battery can get you through a full day, it's not quite class-leading, and its 30W charging speed could stand to be faster. Still, there's plenty to like here. Our biggest issue with the Pixel 8 Pro was that it costs $100 more than its predecessor out of the gate, but this deal helps soften that blow.If you want a smaller or more affordable handset, the 6.1-inch Pixel 8 offers most of the same features and is also on sale for $549. That's not the lowest price we've seen, though it's a better value than Google's newer midrange Pixel 8a phone when it's discounted to that extent.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/googles-latest-sale-takes-250-off-the-pixel-8-pro-163053714.html?src=rss

The TP-Link Deco AXE5400 WI-Fi mesh router system is on sale for $310 via Amazon. This pack gets you three units that cover up to 7,200 square feet. Unless you're Scrooge McDuck, that'll likely be enough to bring sweet, sweet internet anywhere in the home.This is our very favorite mesh Wi-Fi system currently available. It just works, with minimal frustration. The setup is easy, the app is useful and, of course, the wireless signal is strong. After testing this system, we said that it expertly balances raw power and user-friendliness." It's also a good value for the money, made even more so by today's sale.This is a tri-band system, which is always nice, and it can handle up to 200 devices at once. It supports Wi-Fi 6. There's a newer model that supports Wi-Fi 7, but a three-pack costs around $800. If you're dead set on a Wi-Fi 7 router, consider a two-pack instead of a three-pack to save some money. We have found during testing that two mesh routers is more than enough for many average-sized homes.We don't have any significant gripes about the TP-Link Deco AXE5400, aside from some nitpicks. The power cord is on the shorter side, which may require an extension. The app, while useful, could use a bit more polish. Other than that, this is a near-perfect mesh router system.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/our-favorite-mesh-wi-fi-router-system-is-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-160505515.html?src=rss

Sony revealed earlier this year that it was working on a way to make the PlayStation VR2 headset compatible with PCs. That's becoming a reality on August 7 when the company releases a PC adapter, which is expected to cost $60.A recently spotted filing indicated that Sony was building an adapter to make the PS VR2 work with PCs. At the time, there were no details about how connectivity would work (the PS VR2 natively uses a single USB-C cable) but Sony has cleared that up. The adapter will connect to a DisplayPort 1.4-compatible port though you'll need to supply your own DisplayPort cable. The adapter also has a USB connection and HDMI output in case you want to capture your gameplay or share what you're seeing with others in the room.You'll need a PC that's up to scratch too. The system will need to have at least 8GB of memory and an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor with Zen 2 or later architecture. As for your CPU, Sony recommends at least an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT, though you should get away with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT at minimum. Your PC will also need to support at least Bluetooth 4.0 or later.If your system checks all those boxes, then you'll be able to play the likes of Half-Life: Alyx on a PS VR2. The adapter will give users access to thousands of Steam VR games through the headset, orders of magnitude more than are available for the PS VR2 through a PlayStation 5.Sony notes that some PS VR2 features aren't available when playing on PC, such as headset feedback, eye tracking, adaptive triggers and haptic feedback (except for a more generic rumble). Disappointingly, there won't be HDR support. However, you will be able to enjoy 4K visuals, a 110-degree field of view, finger touch detection, and see-through view are all supported, along with foveated rendering (sans eye tracking) and 3D audio if a game supports it.We do think the PS VR2 is a great headset for VR gaming and gave it a score of 84 in our review, though we had some reservations, largely due to its price. The headset typically costs $550, but it's $100 off until June 12 as part of Sony's Days of Play sale. A bundle with Horizon Call of the Mountain will run you an extra $50.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonys-ps-vr2-adaptor-for-pc-will-arrive-on-august-7-with-a-60-price-tag-155751937.html?src=rss