Don't try to sign up for Threads through a virtual private network (VPN) if you live in Europe. Meta has confirmed that it's blocking European Union users from accessing the new social network through a VPN. As consultant Matt Navarra explains, content, notifications and profiles won't load properly. Some users say they can use Threads without a VPN if they'd previously signed up with one, but you may not want to count on that loophole working.In a statement, Meta says it's taking "further measures" to stop people from accessing Threads in European countries where the app is unavailable. The company nonetheless says Europe remains a "very important market" and that it hopes to expand availability in the future. The firm doesn't provide a timeline for more rollouts, but the app is currently rough and missing important features like hashtags.Threads is available for users in over 100 countries, including the US and UK, but not in the EU. The Union considers Meta a technology "gatekeeper" in the region, and the company reportedly wants to be sure Threads' data sharing approach complies with the upcoming Digital Markets Act. Threads is built on Instagram's infrastructure and may import data from that platform. The EU also ruled that Meta has to get permission to show personalized ads, potentially adding more complications.There's pressure for Meta to expand. Threads racked up 100 million users in less than a week, and is already considered Twitter's greatest threat. Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg notes that growth so far has largely been "organic," without advertising or other familiar promotional tactics. While it's unclear if usage will hold up in the long term, an expansion to the EU could sustain that momentum. Outside analysts believe Twitter traffic is already dropping as a result of users trying or switching to Threads.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-blocks-eu-users-from-accessing-threads-through-a-vpn-135306350.html?src=rss
It looks like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is trucking along, following a court rejection of the FTC's injunction attempt. This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat with Jordan Minor, a Senior Analyst at PCMag and author of Video Game of the Year, about this massive deal and what it means for the gaming industry. Will further consolidation end up being harmful for consumers (as we've been saying for a while), or will Microsoft actually help the beleaguered Activision? Also, we dive into our experiences with the latest Apple betas: iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma and watchOS 10.Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News!Subscribe!
Virgin Galactic, having flown its first commercial spaceflight in late June, is ready to take civilians to the edge of space, briefly. The company plans to launch its first private passenger flight, Galactic 02, as soon as August 10th. Virgin isn't yet revealing the names of everyone involved, but there will be three passengers aboard, alongside crew.The company says it's establishing a "regular cadence" of flights - and it needs that. Virgin Galactic has operated at a loss for years and lost $500 million in 2022 alone. The business won't recoup all those losses anytime soon, even at $450,000 per ticket. But the focus is pretty clear: make the case for space tourism... at least for the one-percenters.- Mat SmithThe biggest stories you might have missedMicrosoft's next big Office update: A new fontOne week in, Threads has become Twitter's biggest threatThe best power banks for 2023What the hell are passkeys and why are they suddenly everywhere?Sony plans to boost game R&D spending this year as competition ramps upTwitter finally begins paying some of its creatorsBlue subscribers will need a significant following to get a cut.Twitter's ad-revenue sharing program for creators has officially launched - and it's reportedly already begun paying eligible Blue subscribers. Elon Musk announced the initiative in February, but with scant details about how it would work, nobody knew quite what to expect. However, some high-profile users report they've received notifications about incoming deposits. The bar is high to receive a transfer from the Musk-owned social media company. The support post says the revenue-sharing system applies to Twitter Blue or Verified Organizations subscribers with at least five million post impressions in each of the past three months. One user claims they're set to receive over $24,000. Going to need more to get into space, my friend.Continue reading.Sony's $90 PS5 accessibility controller arrives December 6thThe highly customizable Access controller comes with several buttons and stick caps.SonySony's Access controller will be available worldwide on December 6th. It costs $90 and pre-orders open July 21st. The new accessibility-focused controller comes with four 3.5mm aux ports, enabling players to connect external buttons, switches and other accessories. The box includes 19 button caps and three stick caps to help you find a configuration that works best for you. You can even pair up to two Access controllers and one DualSense together to create a "single virtual controller." That means two or even three people could control the same character, granting friends and family members the option to lend a helping hand.Continue reading.Farewell FIFA': EA Sports FC 24' will hit consoles and PC September 29thIt'll bring women's players to Ultimate Team for the first time.EA's long-standing partnership with FIFA ended after FIFA 23, marking a new era for EA's flagship soccer series. EA Sports FC 24 will hit PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC on September 29th. EA says more than 19,000 authentic players, 30-plus leagues and over 100 stadiums will be represented in the new game. The company has also secured exclusive deals with the English Premier League and UEFA to use their branding and retain access to competitions like the Champions League.Continue reading.AP and OpenAI enter two-year partnership to help train algorithmic modelsIt's a major news-sharing agreement.The Associated Press (AP) and ChatGPT parent company OpenAI have reached a news-sharing agreement, but it doesn't involve AI chatbots quickly churning out content but enabling better training of OpenAI's algorithmic models. It looks like AP will receive access to OpenAI's proprietary technology as part of the exchange. AP doesn't use generative AI to write articles, but it already uses similar technologies to automate corporate earnings reports and cover local sporting events.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-virgin-galactics-first-private-passenger-spaceflight-will-launch-next-month-111540932.html?src=rss
The saga over whether regulators will allow Microsoft to purchase Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion will last at least a little longer. Citing insufficient time, the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given itself an additional six weeks to consider Microsoft's "detailed and complex submission" arguing for the merger. The CMA will now provide a decision by August 29th, though it aims to do so earlier.Microsoft first announced its plan to buy Activision Blizzard for $95 per share in January 2022. The CMA opened an investigation into the merger last fall, and, this April, it released an inquiry report detailing the "substantial lessening of competition" (SLC) in cloud gaming services the UK could face if Microsoft proceeded with the purchase. "The prohibition of the Merger would be the only effective and proportionate remedy to the SLC and any adverse effects which have resulted from, or may be expected to result from, the SLC," the regulatory agency stated.This latest development comes shortly after the CMA and Microsoft pressed pause on their legal battle in hopes of negotiating a compromise. "While we ultimately disagree with the CMA's concerns, we are considering how the transaction might be modified in order to address those concerns in a way that is acceptable to the CMA," Microsoft president Brad Smith shared in a July tweet.Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley also recently denied the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) preliminary injunction in the US, which would've led Microsoft and Activision Blizzard to abandon the deal. The FTC has since filed an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals requesting a pause of the acquisition.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/uk-competition-regulator-extends-microsoft-activision-investigation-by-six-weeks-103541516.html?src=rss
Antstream Arcade is offering over 1,300 retro game titles on Xbox One and Series X/S, with notable titles such as Space Invaders, Metal Slug and Bubble Bobble. The company says these titles will be playable instantly without additional downloads or installation via its cloud gaming platform, with more titles being added every week. This is notable as Antstream will be the first third-party game streaming service on Xbox.The service will support cloud-based game saves, an online scoreboard and the ability to pick up your game from multiple devices. Antstream Arcade is already available on Mac, PC, Linux, Android TV, Firestick and Samsung TVs, but this marks the first time it is coming to a game console.Antstream says that it is using its unique technology" to mod original games, allowing the company to create new mini-game challenges for both new and returning players. For example, you could play a modified Pac-Man map where the main objective is to avoid collecting the dots. Players will be able to enter tournaments, challenge other players to duels or compete for the highest score.AntstreamMicrosoft already has its own Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming service, and that's available as a native app on Android, Windows, Samsung smart TVs and select VR headsets. It's also available on iOS and Mac but you'll need to use a web browser to access it. Though, Xbox Cloud Gaming is more focused on playing modern titles away from your console, while Antstream Arcade is solely focused on tugging those nostalgic heart strings.Antstream Arcade on Xbox will be available for pre-order starting today on the Xbox store. Pricing will start at $29.99 annually with a one-time lifetime purchase option for $79.99. The company says all future games and new features will be included, regardless of which purchase option you decide to go with.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cloud-gaming-platform-antstream-arcade-brings-over-1000-retro-games-to-xbox-070057648.html?src=rss
Twitter - or more precisely, its parent company X Corp. - has sued four John Does who have allegedly "engaged in widespread unlawful scraping of data" from the website. They were described as "unknown persons or entities" in the lawsuit, which only mentioned their IP addresses. The lawsuit accused them of flooding Twitter with automated requests far exceeding "what any single individual could send to a server in a given period" aimed at scraping data. In a response to a tweet about the lawsuit, Elon Musk said these entities tried to scrape the entirety of Twitter in a short period of time and blamed them for the rate limits the website implemented earlier this month.
On Thursday, leaders at the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists announced that the group was going on strike after negotiations with Hollywood studios fell apart. According to the Alliance of Motion Picture of Television Producers, the rejected deal included a "groundbreaking AI proposal" that would "protect performers' digital likenesses." The AMPTP said the AI deal would require a performers consent for the "creation and use of digital replicas or for digital alterations of a performance." SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland suggested during a press conference that the proposal was just the opposite.Crabtree-Ireland described the would-be AI proposal as a backdoor means for studios to gain perpetual rights to an actor's likeness. "In that 'groundbreaking AI proposal,' they propose that our background performers should be able to be scanned, get paid for one day's pay, and the company should own that scan, their image, their likeness, and be able to use it for the rest of eternity in any project they want with no consent and no compensation," the National Executive Director claimed in response to a question about the negotiations. "So, if you think that's a groundbreaking proposal, I suggest you think again."Although the studios AI proposal isn't the sole reason that the union voted to strike, its a good example of the kind of industry changes SAG-AFTRA hope to address with the strike. In recent years, studios have used technology to de-age, resurrect and at times fully replace actors. How the industry handles the rights to a performer's likeness could very well develop into a key issue in the near future."Actors deserve a contract that reflects the changes that have taken place in the industry," Crabtree-Ireland said at the press conference announcing the strike. "The current model devalues our members and affects their ability to make ends meet."Either way, the strike itself is making history. SAG-AFTRA members will be joining the Writers Guild of America in striking. The two groups have not held a strike at the same time since the 1960s.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/striking-actors-say-rejected-ai-proposal-would-let-studios-use-their-likeness-without-fair-pay-000025878.html?src=rss
Twitter's ad-revenue sharing program for creators has officially launched - and it's reportedly already begun paying eligible Blue subscribers. Elon Musk announced the initiative in February, but with scant details about how it would work, nobody knew quite what to expect. However, some high-profile users report today they've received notifications about incoming deposits - including one user claiming he's set to receive over $24,000. The rewards are based on ads in replies to eligible users' content.The program incentivizes creators who contribute popular content that drives ads - rewarding accounts that help Twitter make money (while driving new Blue subscriptions). This means that creators can get a share in ad revenue starting in the replies to their posts," a Twitter help article published today reads. This is part of our effort to help people earn a living directly on Twitter." Musk tweeted today that payouts will be cumulative from when I first promised to do so in February."
If you've used Microsoft productivity suites this millennium, you're in for a big change... visually, at least. After 15 years, Microsoft is replacing the default font in 365 and Office apps, Calibri, with something new: Aptos. It may look like a simple sans-serif font (and it is in default form), but Microsoft is betting that you'll like it thanks to its sheer flexibility.Aptos works with many languages. There are four different font weights, and serif variants if you need something less hypermodern. Creator Steve Matteson (who made Windows' first TrueType fonts) waxes poetic about Aptos including a "little bit of humanity" and evoking the personalities of Carl Kasell and even Stephen Colbert, but the end result is a font that will theoretically be easy to read and eye-catching whether you're writing a school essay or prepping a company presentation.MicrosoftThe font has already been available as Bierstadt as part of a feedback gathering effort, but is rolling out as the default font in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word for hundreds of millions of people starting today. Everyone will see it within the next few months. It'll still be available under its old name, as will the four fonts that didn't make the cut (Grandview, Seaford, Skeena and Tenorite). Like Calibri, Aptos will be pinned to the top of the font picker but won't be mandatory.Yes, it's just a font - like those redesigned Office icons from 2018, Aptos will have zero impact on your ability to get things done. As one of the most noticeable elements of any app, though, the new default font will change the look and feel of tools you might use every day. And like Apple's San Francisco font, it reflects an evolving technological landscape where a typeface has to be le on a wide range of devices and screen sizes.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsofts-next-big-update-to-its-office-apps-a-new-font-193824683.html?src=rss
Around 80 Google Help subcontractors who recently voted to unionize with the Alphabet Workers Union-Communications Workers of America (AWU-CWA) found out last week that they will be laid off. The group began a hearing this week with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regarding the complex issue of joint employment for contractors. It really stinks of retaliation," Casey Padron, a general writer on the team scheduled to lose her job in August, told Engadget today.The group announced the unionization effort on Thursday, June 8th; around two-thirds of the workers were notified weeks later about the layoffs. The team includes writers and graphic designers who create internal and external content for the search giant, including Google Help support pages. They list Google and Accenture as joint employers due to the direct role both companies play in shaping working conditions." Because they were joint contractors employed by tech consultancy Accenture, they don't appear to enjoy protections with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, legislation passed in 1988 that provides certain rights for laid-off workers. (California is currently considering expanding protections for contract workers.)Last week we received news that 80 of our nearly 120 recently unionized Google Help coworkers would be laid off," said Julia Nagatsu Granstrom, Senior Writer and member of the Alphabet Workers Union- CWA. We had exercised our right to organize as members of the Alphabet Workers Union-CWA in order to bring both Google and Accenture, a Google subcontractor, to the bargaining table to negotiate on several key demands, including layoff protections." Nagatsu Granstrom describes the layoffs as absolutely unacceptable," given the timing of an active union campaign with overwhelming support from workers."The Google Help cuts follow a group of company contractors rating search results who were fired last month after announcing intentions to unionize with the same organization, the AWU-CWA. However, they were reinstated and promised backpay after filing Unfair Labor Practice charges with the NLRB.Henry Nicholls / reutersPadron says the Google Help layoffs caught her off guard. I was extremely surprised to hear about our team's layoffs," she told Engadget. We are constantly told by Google and Accenture management how impressed they are with the quality of our work, so the timing of these layoffs looks suspiciously like retaliation for our union formation." She says the employer's proclaimed motive of budget tightening doesn't add up. They claimed that the cuts were a result of changes in budget allocation, but Accenture has also posted job listings that have our exact job description and project code."These giant, wealthy corporations need to start living up to their own core values' and treating their workers with the dignity, respect, and humanity we deserve," Padron added. If these multi-billion dollar corporations can't afford to provide humane working conditions to their employees, the business model needs radical change. Some of our operations managers and the Googlers we collaborate with have already expressed that Google's help centers will suffer without our team. They will feel this loss, and they deserve to."Nagatsu Granstrom says the unionized workers will take every recourse possible to support our impacted members and continue to organize workers at Google Help and beyond." Padron echoes the upbeat, fighting tone. If it's Accenture and Google's goal to demoralize us, they have failed," she told Engadget. We are more united than ever and will continue to fight for this job that so many of us love and rely on."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-lays-off-contractors-who-unionized-last-month-193020753.html?src=rss
The Associated Press (AP) and ChatGPT parent company OpenAI have reached a news-sharing agreement, but not for the reasons you may think. It doesn't involve AI chatbots quickly churning out content, but rather a way for OpenAI to train its algorithmic models, as reported by Axios. The two-year deal gives OpenAI access to select news content and technology from the AP archives, dating back to 1985. All of this sweet, sweet data will be used to improve the efficacy of future iterations of ChatGPT and related tools.This is one of the first high-profile partnerships between a major news organization and an artificial intelligence company. The two firms are still working out the details, but it looks like AP will receive access to OpenAI's proprietary technology as part of the exchange. AP has long relied on automation technology when filing news reports, so it'll likely use OpenAI's tech to streamline and improve this process.AP doesn't use generative AI to write articles but does use similar technologies to automate corporate earnings reports and coverage of local sporting events, among other article types. Additionally, the organization uses these tools to translate weather alerts into Spanish. AP launched an AI tool earlier this year to enable clients, which are mostly other newsrooms, to search for relevant photos, videos and stories. This software allows clients to make queries using descriptive language instead of dry metadata. In other words, having access to OpenAI's treasure trove of data should dramatically improve this experience.As for OpenAI, they are obviously looking to expand into news in the future, and this partnership gives them plenty of legally-obtained data to work with. Artificial intelligence threatens to upend traditional news business models, but AP says it supports a framework that will ensure intellectual property is protected and content creators are fairly compensated for their work." The organization also says that newsrooms must have a seat at the table" to ensure they aren't taken advantage of.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ap-and-openai-enter-into-two-year-partnership-to-help-train-algorithmic-models-183007344.html?src=rss
It's the dawn of a new era for EA's flagship soccer series and the company has revealed when the first installment of the rebranded franchise will arrive. EA Sports FC 24 will hit PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC on September 29th. EA's long-standing partnership with FIFA ended after FIFA 23, prompting the name change.Rumors suggested the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions would cost $80, but those were not true. The game still costs $70 on those platforms. However, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One players will need to pay that much as well. EA is selling it as a "dual entitlement" cross-generation title. EA Sports FC 24 also costs $70 on PC, while it's $60 on Switch.The $100 Ultimate Edition includes Ultimate Team perks, 4,600 FC points and up to seven days of early access. Notably, those who opt for the standard version won't have access to an Ultimate Team Campaign mode, though they'll still be able to play the regular version of Ultimate Team - EA won't want to lock any players out of one of its biggest cash cows. Meanwhile, EA is adding women to Ultimate Team for the first time, meaning men and women will be playing with and against each other on the same virtual pitch.The release date and pricing details emerged as EA showed off the game proper for the first time and announced some of the new features. The series formerly known as FIFA is gaining two new women's leagues: Spain's Liga F and Frauen-Bundesliga, the highest level of competition in Spain and Germany, respectively.EA has been securing agreements with various leagues and organizations in the aim of keeping the series as true to life as possible. More than 19,000 authentic players, 30-plus leagues and more than 100 stadiums will be represented in EA Sports FC 24. The company has also secured exclusive deals with the English Premier League and UEFA to use their branding and to retain access to competitions like the Champions League.The Frostbite engine is still in play this time around, though EA says it's using an enhanced version. This is also the first installment of the series to use Frostbite on Switch, according to its eShop listing.EA has upgraded its HyperMotion tech as well. HyperMotionV (which will be available on the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC versions) taps into volumetric data from more than 180 high-level men's and women's professional games. "This unlocks authentic full-team movement as well as 1,200 signature run styles so fans can experience the unique ways that top players move," EA says. It added that this tech can help it create new animations for EA Sports FC within just a few days.Another new feature called PlayStyles taps into real-world data from Opta and other sources to make players more unique. EA says this will impact gameplay and give players distinct capabilities. In Ultimate Team, "PlayStyles+ enhance those signature abilities to world-class standard - think [Erling] Haaland's Power Shot - reflecting elite players' abilities to play at a level that few others can reach," the company added.Crossplay will be available between PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, as well as between PS4 and Xbox One. The Clubs, Co-Op Season, Volta Football and Ultimate Team Co-Op modes will support crossplay for the first time. However, the Switch version of FC24 won't include crossplay.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ea-sports-fc-24-will-hit-consoles-and-pc-on-september-29th-182429306.html?src=rss
Twitter has gotten worse in a number of ways since Elon Musk introduced paid verification. But one of the most consistently annoying has been the sharp uptick in DM spam. Now, Twitter says it's making a change to cut down on the amount of spammy messages in users' inboxes.The company is adding a new setting that will route messages from verified accounts you're not following to the message requests" inbox, rather than the primary inbox. The new setting will be automatically enabled for anyone who previously had their DMs open to everyone, though they'll be able to switch back at any time," according to Twitter.That's a notable reversal from a change Musk recently endorsed that allowed paid Twitter Blue subscribers to direct message any user regardless of following status. But while Musk suggested the change would cut down on AI bots," it resulted in more DM spam.
A group of college professors sued Texas today for banning TikTok on state devices and networks, as reported byThe Washington Post. The plaintiffs say the prohibition compromises their research and teaching while preventing or seriously impeding faculty from pursuing research that relates to TikTok," including studying the very disinformation and data-collection practices the restriction claims to address. The plaintiffs say the ban makes it almost impossible for faculty to use TikTok in their classrooms - whether to teach about TikTok or to use content from TikTok to teach about other subjects."The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University filed the lawsuit in the name of the Coalition for Independent Technology Research, an academic research advocacy group the Texas professors are members of. The lawsuit names Governor Greg Abbott and 14 other state and public education officials as defendants. The government's authority to control their research and teaching... cannot survive First Amendment scrutiny," the complaint says.One example cited by the plaintiffs is Jacqueline Vickery, Associate Professor in the Department of Media Arts at the University of North Texas, who studies and teaches how young people use social media for expression and political organizing. The ban has forced her to suspend research projects and change her research agenda, alter her teaching methodology, and eliminate course materials," the complaint reads. It has also undermined her ability to respond to student questions and to review the work of other researchers, including as part of the peer-review process."The lawsuit says that, although faculty at public universities are public employees, the First Amendment shields them from government control over their research and teaching. Imposing a broad restraint on the research and teaching of public university faculty is not a constitutionally permissible means of protecting Texans' way of life' or countering the threat of disinformation," the suit says, citing Abbott's comments that he feared the Chinese government wields TikTok to attack our way of life." The suit also condemns the double standard of claiming to care about Texans' privacy while still allowing Meta, Google and Twitter (all American companies) to harvest much of the same data as TikTok.The ban is suppressing research about the very concerns that Governor Abbott has raised, about disinformation, about data collection," Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told The Washington Post. There are other ways to address those concerns that don't impose the same severe burden on faculty and researchers' First Amendment rights," he added, as well as their ability to continue studying what has, like it or not, become a hugely popular and influential communications platform."This is the third lawsuit this year challenging state TikTok bans. Two Montana lawsuits funded by the Chinese social media company claim the prohibition violates free speech rights. According toThe New York Times, TikTok is not involved with the Texas suit.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/university-professors-in-texas-are-suing-the-state-over-unconstitutional-tiktok-ban-173100334.html?src=rss
The problems keep mounting for Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky, as he's been arrested and charged by federal authorities with fraud. Mashinsky faces seven criminal counts, including securities, commodities and wire fraud, as originally reported by CBS News. He and his company are being independent sued by three government agencies - the FTC, CFTC and SEC. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges that Mashinsky misled customers regarding the nature of his company, making it seem like a bank when it was actually a high-risk investment fund.Celsius's former chief revenue officer, Roni Cohen-Pavon, was also arrested, with both Pavon and Mashinsky being charged with manipulating the price of the company's proprietary crypto token so they could sell their own stock at inflated prices.Mashinsky misrepresented, among other things, the safety of Celsius's yield-generating activities, Celsius's profitability, the long-term sustainability of Celsius' high rewards rates and the risks associated with depositing crypto assets with Celsius,'' federal prosecutors wrote in a charging document obtained by CNBC.Additionally, the FTC reached a $4.7 billion settlement today with Celsius, which nearly matches the record fines levied against Meta in 2019 for violating the privacy of consumers. The company has agreed to these financial terms, but will only make payments once it returns what remains in customer assets as part of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. This all follows a New York-based lawsuit issued in January that also alleged massive fraud. That suit seeks appropriate damages after Celsius allegedly defrauded investors out of "billions of dollars" in cryptocurrency.While details are scant on today's arrest, the New York suit alleges that Mashinsky misled customers about the company's worsening financial health and failed to register as a commodities and securities dealer, among many other allegations. New York State Attorney General Letitia James alleged that Mashinsky deceived hundreds of thousands of investors, with over 26,000 of them located in New York.If convicted on all counts, Mashinsky and Pavon face decades in prison. Mashinsky resigned as CEO of Celsius last year and is no longer involved with the company.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/celsius-founder-alex-mashinsky-arrested-and-charged-with-fraud-170235270.html?src=rss
American regulators now appear to be clamping down on generative AI in earnest. The Washington Post has learned the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT and DALL-E. Officials have requested documents showing how the company tackles risks stemming from its large language AI models. The FTC is concerned the company may be violating consumer protection laws through "unfair or deceptive" practices that could hurt the public's privacy, security or reputation.The Commission is particularly interested in information linked to a bug that leaked ChatGPT users' sensitive data, including payments and chat histories. While OpenAI said the number of affected users was very small, the FTC is worried this stems from poor security practices. The agency also wants details of any complaints alleging the AI made false or malicious statements about individuals, and info showing how well users understand the accuracy of the products they're using.We've asked OpenAI for comment. The FTC declined comment and typically doesn't remark on investigations, but has previously warned that generative AI could run afoul of the law by doing more harm than good to consumers. It could be used to perpetrate scams, run misleading marketing campaigns or lead to discriminatory advertising, for instance. If the government body finds a company in violation, it can apply fines or issue consent decrees that force certain practices.AI-specific laws and rules aren't expected in the near future. Even so, the government has stepped up pressure on the tech industry. OpenAI chief Sam Altman testified before the Senate in May, where he defended his company by outlining privacy and safety measures while touting AI's claimed benefits. He said protections were in place, but that OpenAI would be "increasingly cautious" and continue to upgrade its safeguards.It's not clear if the FTC will pursue other generative AI developers, such as Google and Anthropic. The OpenAI investigation shows how the Commission might approach other cases, though, and signals that the regulator is serious about scrutinizing AI developers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ftc-opens-investigation-into-chatgpt-creator-openai-164551958.html?src=rss
Sony has revealed when PlayStation 5 players will be able to snap up its new accessibility-focused controller and just how much the peripheral will cost. The Access controller will be available worldwide on December 6th. It costs $90 and preorders will open on July 21st. Folks in Canada will need to pay $120 CAD for the peripheral. It costs 80 in the UK, 90 in Europe and 12,980 yen in Japan.The highly customizable controller comes with four 3.5mm aux ports, enabling players to connect external buttons, switches and other accessories. The box includes 19 button caps and three stick caps to help users find a configuration that works best for them. For instance, they might prefer a button cap that takes up two button sockets or a dome-shaped stick cap instead of the standard one. In addition, Sony is including 23 swappable button cap tags to help players identify which input they map to each button.Players can set up as many as 30 profiles for the Access controller with different button mappings and stick settings for each. There's the option to disable certain buttons to prevent accidental pressing and users will be able to toggle commands on or off.As Sony previously revealed, folks can pair up to two Access controllers and one DualSense together to create a "single virtual controller." That means two or even three people could control the same character, granting friends and family members the option to lend a helping hand when needed.Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment's Brand, Hardware and Peripherals vice-president, wrote in a blog post that the company has been working on the controller for five years with the help of accessibility organizations and experts. The aim was to develop a kit that "enables gamers with disabilities to play more comfortably and for longer periods, empowering more players to share in the joy of gaming."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonys-90-ps5-accessibility-controller-arrives-on-december-6th-154922685.html?src=rss
Hyundai has debuted its electric Ionic 5 N at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The automaker says this high-performance version of the Ioniq 5 can go from zero to 62MPH in as little as 3.4 seconds and that it has a top speed of 161MPH.The company revamped the entire Ioniq 5 for this model, which is its first performance N-brand production vehicle. The EV has front- and dual-motor variants. Opt for the latter and Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 N will be able to produce 641 horsepower when a boost mode is active. In normal operation, you may get 600 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque, though the automaker acknowledged that these numbers aren't final.Although the Ioniq 5 N has the same battery pack that previously stored 77.4 kWh of usable energy, revised chemistry means the EV can eke out 84.0 kWh, as Car and Driver notes. There's an upgraded thermal management system for the battery, which includes an "increased cooling area, better motor oil cooler and battery chiller," Hyundai says, all of which should help to maximize performance.HyundaiThere's a new regenerative braking system with 40cm-diameter discs at the front and 36cm ones at the rear. The EV is lower and wider at the bottom than the standard Ioniq 5 to accommodate wider tires on the 21-inch wheels. A more prominent diffuser that should increase downforce extends the length by 80mm as well.Hyundai hasn't yet announced pricing for the Ioniq 5 N, which is slated to go on sale in early 2024. The company has yet to reveal the EV's range as well, though we should learn both key pieces of information in the coming months.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hyundai-shows-off-its-high-performance-ioniq-5-n-ev-150053657.html?src=rss
Meta's Twitter rival, Threads, has unquestionably had the best first-week imaginable. After immediately racing to the top of app store charts, it became the fastest growing app of all time. In just five days, it grew to more than 100 million users, beating out chatGPT and TikTok which both previously held the record.That's even more impressive considering the app isn't available in the European Union, one of Meta's most important markets. And while Threads clearly borrowed some moves from Meta's growth-hacking playbook, like sending would-be users notifications on Instagram and pre-populating their feeds with content and followers, Mark Zuckerberg called most of the early growth organic."That's mostly organic demand and we haven't even turned on many promotions yet," he wrote in a celebratory post on Threads. However you spin it, it's clearly bad news for Twitter.While it's too soon to know if Threads' early success will translate in the long term, it has succeeded in utterly dominating Twitter in its first week. Every available metric suggests that Threads is not just a viral hit in its own right, but is doing so at the direct expense of Twitter.Just days after Threads launched, Matthew Prince, CEO of DNS service Cloudflare, said that Twitter's traffic was tanking." He shared a graph showing that visits to twitter.com had sharply dipped since the end of June, around the time Elon Musk began restricting how many tweets users could view, and a few days later when Threads launched.
Adobe is now facing tighter scrutiny of its $20 billion Figma acquisition. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an in-depth investigation of the deal after Adobe declined to make concessions that would resolve antitrust concerns. The "phase 2" probe will have a group of independent experts determine whether or not the merger will reduce competition in design software. The CMA has until December 27th to complete the review.We've asked Adobe for comment. The company rejected the CMA's claims when plans for the new investigation were unveiled in June, and was still confident it would complete the buyout. It previously said it would treat Figma as an independent company and didn't have plans to raise prices.The CMA's initial inquiry determined that Figma's web collaboration platform had significant market share, and that a competitive "rivalry" would vanish if Adobe bought the relative newcomer. This could lead to higher prices and less innovation, the Authority said at the time. Adobe, meanwhile, has argued that buying Figma would strengthen both companies' products. Creative Cloud apps would get some of Figma's collaborative features, while Figma's platform would receive some of Adobe's functionality.Adobe still hopes to close the Figma merger by the end of the year. It still faces a US investigation, however, and the European Union will make its decision by August 7th. There's no guarantee the purchase will wrap on time or at all, in other words. If any one of these agencies blocks the merger or conducts a prolonged review, Adobe will have to rethink its plans.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/uk-launches-in-depth-investigation-into-adobes-20-billion-figma-purchase-134313980.html?src=rss
Passkeys promise a future without passwords, where we access our accounts as easily as we unlock our phones, with a much higher level of security. Pick your big tech poison, like Apple, Google or Microsoft, and you've probably seen it announce a passkey takeover. While a full-on passkey revolution may be a bit away, you may be asked to set one up for your accounts soon.The username and password approach to logins dates back to the 1960s. Ever since then, it's been hackable. Passwords are guessable or phishable, especially if you fail to meet industry standards for a complex, strong password. For a while, the solution seemed to be multi-factor authentication, or a way to verify your identity at login via text message, app, hardware key or other methods. But passkey proponents are saying that solving login security problems means reinventing the first step, not adding on additional processes.It's the closest to something that can be scaled to get rid of passwords that we've ever seen," said Megan Shamas, senior director of marketing at industry association FIDO Alliance. A passkey is a digital authentication credential that is securely stored on your device. Instead of what Shamas called a shared secret" method of passwords, passkeys are a unique key pair for every online service you use bound to the domain. So, if you create one for your online banking account, and a spoofed website prompts you to sign in, the passkey won't work.It also prevents phishing attacks because you can't give away your passkey like you can with a password or MFA phrase. We can't call it unphishable," said Derek Hanson, vice president of solutions architecture and alliances at security authentication company Yubico, but it certainly thwarts the common attack vectors used today. At the very least, it makes it much more costly and difficult for a hacker to get in, making the hackers likely to move on to weaker targets.For the user, they're meant to be easier, too. Instead of trying to keep track of nearly 100 passwords or more, the passkey is stored on your device and connects automatically to the service. Similar to unlocking your phone, you'll need to enter a pin, fingerprint, face scan or other simple authentication to log in. It seems too good to be true, and it sort of is, because it's still a fragmented space. While the big names have made passkeys trend recently, they could also be holding back widespread use.Currently, using a passkey locks you into a certain service provider, according to Sayonnha Mandal, Ph.D., lecturer at University of Nebraska Omaha. You can't, for example, log in to websites on an Android phone with a passkey stored on a MacBook. It's the kind of lock-in these companies tend to favor because it keeps customers loyal to their brand. So, it'll take cooperation and in the absence of a government industrial standard that everybody mandatorily has to adhere to, I don't think by themselves, the companies would."But Shamas says that cross-platform accessibility is coming, as companies sign on to FIDO's industry standards for passkey development. The deep investment across the industry (including Apple, Google, and Microsoft) to develop and evangelize the passkey technology speaks to the broad belief in its promise," said a Google spokesperson. At the time of publication, Google Chrome on Mac and Windows only stores passkeys on the local device.For now, if a website offers you a passkey login option, you should probably sign up. At least for your most sensitive accounts like online banking, make the switch to passkeys as soon as it's offered for an added layer of protection on those accounts, Mandal said. But, if passkeys do take over, it will be a slow transition. Services will likely still offer password options because it's what consumers are used to, and passkeys still don't have wide enough support.In the meantime, it's a good reminder to stay on top of your security settings. If passkeys aren't available, make sure MFA is set up and your password is strong instead of just avoiding the security reminder pop-ups at log in.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/passkeys-passwords-authentication-security-133024414.html?src=rss
Watching movies and TV shows on your laptop is the easiest way to binge watch media when you're an overworked student - but we think you deserve better. A small TV will let you truly relax, and crucially, enjoy things with other people. (Watch parties around laptops are just sad, sorry.) A TV is also essential for gaming, especially if you want to take on your roommates in Street Fighter 6. And in a pinch, having a separate TV screen can be useful as a secondary monitor. Here are some of the best budget TV choices for students, along with a few accessories to make the experience even better.TVs for smaller spaces43-inch TCL 4-SeriesA television with Roku or Google TV built-in is one of the easiest ways to start streaming content, making them ideal for most students. This 4-series TCL model sports a 4K screen (with upscaling from lower-res sources) and HDR, for better dynamic range. But best of all, you can usually find it under $300. It's not the most feature-packed TCL TV (the 5-series costs around $200 more and adds Dolby Vision), but it's one of the best options at that price. And at 43 inches, it's small enough to fit in most dorm rooms, while still offering enough screen space to immerse you in a film.Vizio M-Series Quantum smart TVsA slight upgrade from Vizio's entry-level D-series TVs, the M-series sets are better suited for gamers with support for billions of colors and AMD's FreeSync (which makes gameplay smoother). It also has a sub-10ms response time - not the fastest around, but speedy enough to make most games playable without feeling laggy. It also looks fairly modern, with a 3-sided bezel-less design. Best of all, it's fairly affordable, starting under $400 for a 43-inch set. And if you want these features in a bigger screen, you can scale all the way up to 75-inches (just imagine that in a cramped dorm room.)Bigger and better TVs55-inch TCL 5-SeriesTCL's 5-series sets are available in Google TV or Roku flavors, and pack in plenty of value for their price. That includes support for Dolby Vision, a wide color gamut souped-up with Quantum Dots, and plenty of local backlighting zones to manage black levels and contrast. You'll notice a significant visual upgrade over the other budget sets mentioned, so we'd recommend upgrading to this one if you've got a discerning eye. The 5-series slim and bezel-less design also looks very modern, and it supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple's HomeKit.Must-have streaming accessoriesChromecast with Google TVIf you're a heavy Google user, there's no better streaming device than the Chromecast with Google TV. Unlike previous versions of Google's puck, it has an interface of its own, along with a suite of streaming apps to choose from. And yes, you can still cast video from Android devices or the Chrome browser. The Chromecast is a great option if you're buying a cheaper TV, but be sure to check if your set already has Chromecast streaming built in.Roku Streaming Stick 4KIf you own an older TV, or you just want something a bit zippier than your set's onboard apps, Roku's Streaming Stick 4K is worth snapping up. It's just $40 (and often less), supports 4K (with HDR and Dolby Vision), and it gives you access to Roku's entire app library. Best of all, though, it's so tiny you can easily bring it along when you're traveling. The Streaming Stick 4K also supports Apple AirPlay, giving you a way to cast video from iOS devices and Macs. Roku's bundled voice remote also makes it easy to search for things without pecking away at an onscreen keyboard.Roku StreambarThe Streambar is an unusual device. It's both a decent soundbar and a media streaming box. That's just so Roku. Honestly, if you're picking up a TV, you should really consider a soundbar of some kind. (We have a whole guide dedicated to that.) But we're recommending the Streambar here because it's a relatively simple and inexpensive solution that solves two common pain points: getting streaming apps and better sound. It's also a nice thing to have around to play a bit of music when you're not watching anything. For even bigger sound, you might also want to consider the slightly pricier Streambar Pro.Jabra Elite 45H wireless headphonesIf you're living with roommates (or in a place with thin walls), wireless headphones will definitely come in handy. We recommend Jabra's Elite 45H because they're relatively inexpensive (at just $100), sound great and have a very comfortable design. They'll pair with most TVs or set-top boxes over Bluetooth, or you can just plug in a cable to Roku's remotes. The 45H last up to 50 hours on a charge, and, of course, they're useful far beyond your living room. They're easy to wear all day, no matter where you are.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-budget-home-entertainment-streaming-devices-cheap-tvs-for-students-123020749.html?src=rss
It is 2023 and, sorry, Siri somehow still didn't catch that. Despite the tsunami of advancements generative AI systems have enjoyed in recent months, the synthetic assistants on our mobile devices remain nearly as hard of hearing as they were in 2011. A newly developed dataset from Meta AI, however, promises to improve the performance of such automatic speech recognition (ASR) tools by clustering speech at the utterance level."Meta has long sought to improve its ASRs' performance, teaching them to train without the aid of transcripts, recognize more than 4,000 spoken languages and even read lips at a higher proficiency than human experts. However, many of the datasets used to train ASR models are organized by demographic - age group, gender, nationality, English accent - which limit the variation of pronunciations that models are trained on, ultimately hindering their function in understanding a broad cross section of users.To get around this, Meta AI has developed a dataset that instead relies on an utterance clustering method. Instead of dividing a dataset based on speakers' demographic information ... our proposed algorithm clusters speech at the utterance level," the Meta AI team explained in Wednesday's blog post. A single cluster will contain similar utterances from a diverse group of speakers. We can then train our model using the various clusters and use fairness datasets to measure how the model impacts outcomes across different demographic groups."Meta's resulting dataset includes just over 27,000 command utterances collected from 595 paid US volunteers. Their utterances revolve around seven main themes - music, capture, utilities, notification control, messaging, calling and dictation - that other researchers can then use to train their own models and digital assistants on. Prompts included asking the speakers how they'd voice search for a song or make plans with friends and deciding where to meet up.To evaluate this new system, Meta first trained a model on publicly-available, English-language Facebook videos. Researchers then evaluated that model using two other datasets: Casual Conversations v1, which Meta released in 2021, and a de-identified dataset collected from a data supplier for ASR," which includes 48,000 spoken utterances from 867 individuals.The initial results proved promising, with model performance improvements on all demographic groups in our evaluation datasets, though by far the largest gains are with respect to more inclusivity of accents," per the blog. Overall, ASR performance increased by 10 percent using the clustering method, with large gains coming from the age 66-85 crowd as well, a traditionally underrepresented demographic in the voice command space.Our proposed algorithm is part of Meta's long-term focus on responsible AI and just one part of our holistic approach to address fairness issues," the researchers wrote. Looking ahead, the team is exploring adapting the system to other languages.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-new-dataset-train-speech-recognition-engine-clusters-speaker-130012841.html?src=rss
Calm is making a play for some of your time spent listening to songs and podcasts. The popular meditation app is teaming up with Spotify to offer content via the streaming service. Select Calm meditations will be available alongside existing podcasts on Spotify - no additional app required. The partnership is part of Spotify Open Access, an initiative started in 2021 that allows companies to offer their paid content on Spotify at different subscriber tiers.In this case, Calm provides a sampling of its different offers, from Sleep Stories that can help you drop off to an entire section tailored to anyone who has never meditated before. The second, Calm for Beginners, offers the company's most popular introductory meditation and gives you a few five-minute or less options to test the waters. You can access Sleep Stories through Calm for Sleep (with narrations by Harry Styles and other celebrities) and try Calm for Stress & Anxiety when you need to decompress during difficult moments. If you want to learn about how singer Camila Cabello got into mindfulness, there's an option for that too.Spotify is also hosting Calm for Kids, so you can see if your child will focus on a meditation tailored to their age group. It also has a few Sleep Stories for kids narrated by the likes of Jennifer Garner and Wanda Sykes. Existing Calm users can also benefit from the partnership, with additional content available on Spotify.Calm bills itself as the number one meditation app - in October 2022, it claimed to have over 100 million downloads and more than four million paying subscribers. But, with a range of competitors like Headspace and InsightTimer, partnerships like this one can continue to grow its reach.Enjoying the available content might not be the only reason Calm sees more subscribers come in. While some of the content is free for Spotify users, others will require you to start a Calm free trial or buy a subscription. Trials last seven days and a Calm Premium membership costs $69.99 annually or $14.99 a month.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/calm-is-bringing-sleep-meditation-and-relaxation-shows-to-spotify-130009932.html?src=rss
Handheld gaming PCs are booming. Over the last year and a half, we've seen compelling devices from Valve, Ayaneo, GPD and others, and now ASUS is entering the fray with the ROG Ally. It's sleek, it's quiet and it packs a gorgeous 1080p display. And with a new Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip from AMD, it may be the Steam Deck's most powerful rival yet. It also runs Windows 11 instead of Steam OS, so it has even better game compatibility. However, the Ally is a touch more expensive and there's a trade-off for all that extra performance, so is it really better than the device that reinvigorated the gaming handheld category back in early 2022?PriceAt $700, the Ally appears to be way more expensive than the Steam Deck, which goes for as little as $400 (or even less during a sale). But because the Ally comes with a 512GB SSD, it's not really fair to compare it to Valve's $400 base model, which only has 64GB of onboard storage. I should also mention that a cheaper version of the Ally with a non-extreme version of the Z1 chip is due out sometime later this year, but that wasn't available for review.For now, a better comparison is a fully loaded Deck, which features the same amount of storage along with Valve's upgraded anti-glare etched screen, which is what I used for all my comparisons. Still, even at its most expensive, the Steam Deck costs $650, which is $50 cheaper than the Ally. For people on a budget, Valve's machine is the better option.Another thing to consider is that unlike the Steam Deck, the Ally doesn't come with a case - which will run you an extra $40 from ASUS. And after lugging this thing around for a few weeks, I can definitely say you'll want some form of protection to prevent scratching the screen or putting too much pressure on the joysticks.Design and displayPhoto by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetMeasuring 11 inches wide and weighing 1.34 pounds, the Ally has dimensions that appear quite similar to the Steam Deck. But those figures don't fully encapsulate how much smaller the ROG really is, because at 0.83 inches, it's half as thick as the Steam Deck. You also only get two rear paddles instead of four, and ASUS doesn't include little touchpads in front like Valve does, which may be a bit of a downer for anyone hoping to play traditional mouse-and-keyboard games.That leaves you with a very familiar Xbox-style layout with two joysticks, a standard assortment of face buttons and shoulder triggers, as well as some extra shortcuts for quick settings and ASUS' Armoury Crate app. There's also a handy fingerprint sensor built into the power button, a volume rocker and a single USB-C port, which you can use on its own for data and charging, but also for hooking up ASUS' XG Mobile dock. And just like the Steam Deck, the Ally has a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which is nice.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetOverall, it's a very functional setup. All the controls are easy to reach and I haven't run into any issues with buttons getting stuck like I've heard about from other users. I also appreciate how the Ally's smaller bezels make the device feel more compact, even if its 7-inch display is the same size as the Steam Deck's. The one thing I miss though is bigger grips in the back, because while I know ASUS was going for a slimmer frame, holding the Ally just doesn't feel quite as secure or comfortable.As for its display, the Ally's screen is one of its best features. Not only is it a 120Hz panel, its 1080p resolution is also sharper than the Steam Deck's 800p. On top of that, the Ally is way more colorful and a touch brighter at around 475 nits versus closer to 400 nits on Valve's handheld. When viewed side by side, there's no competition - the Ally's screen pops with rich hues and sharper details, which really helps when you're trying to read small tooltips on a tiny screen.Sam Rutherford/EngadgetWithout getting into a protracted debate about how much resolution you really need on a portable PC, the Steam Deck's lower-res and more washed-out-looking display has been one of my biggest complaints about the system since its launch so I'm really happy with the Ally's panel, even if you can't always take full advantage of its 120Hz refresh rate in more demanding games.PerformanceAs for performance, the Ally has a significant leg up over the Steam Deck, as it sports AMD's new Z1 Extreme APU and 16GB of RAM. Unfortunately, out of the gate, the Ally's performance is pretty underwhelming. With both the Ally and the Steam Deck set to 15 watts, framerates were very similar. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 720p and high settings, the Ally averaged 43 fps while the Steam Deck hit 42 fps, so they were basically neck and neck. It was a nearly identical situation in Cyberpunk 2077, where both systems hit 44 fps at 720p on medium. Frankly, that's not very impressive for fancy new silicon and really far off some of the claims ASUS made the Ally pre-launch.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetBut then I updated the system to install the new drivers and firmware ASUS released two weeks after launch (which took more than a couple of install and restart cycles) and that's when the Ally started to distinguish itself. With the system fully updated, framerates jumped by 15 to 25 percent, and the Ally started to hit 54 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider and 50 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at the same settings.That's a noticeable improvement, but it gets even better. While the Steam Deck tops out at 15 watts, the Ally has a Turbo mode that boosts total power draw to 25 watts, or 30 watts if you're plugged in. With the 25-watt Turbo mode activated, I was able to get 60 fps in Tomb Raider and 67 fps in Cyberpunk, which is impressive for a handheld PC. So even though the Ally doesn't even come close to offering double the performance of the Steam Deck like ASUS initially boasted, for people who want big power in a portable device, the Ally is the easy pick.Battery lifePhoto by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetOf course, with all that oomph comes diminished endurance. In general, I found that the Ally typically only lasts about an hour and a half to two hours depending on the title. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck often gives you two and a half to four hours, or even longer for less demanding fare. To put that into perspective, I played Diablo IV on both machines at medium settings, starting at 100 percent and I didn't stop until they died. The Ally conked out at one hour and 31 minutes compared to 2:07 for the Steam Deck. And let's not forget, Diablo IV doesn't have native Linux support, so the Steam Deck runs it in an emulation layer which uses some extra power. In short, if you really care about getting the longest-lasting handheld PC, the Steam Deck is it.SoundAs for audio, the Ally has some rather punchy front-firing stereo speakers, which sound a lot better than what you'd typically get on a similarly priced laptop. But to me the more impressive thing is what you don't hear: fans blaring in the background. I'm not entirely sure what kind of voodoo ASUS did, but the Ally is surprisingly quiet. It barely registers above a whisper while running benchmarks, and when compared to the whiny whir that's almost always coming out of my Steam Deck, the Ally is definitely the more family-friendly device. I can game on it while watching TV with my wife without her needing to turn up the volume (or worse, taking the console from me) and that's a small but important way to maintain a happy home.SoftwarePhoto by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetThe last major difference between the Ally and the Steam Deck is their software. Instead of going with something like Valve's Linux-based OS, ASUS went with Windows 11. The idea was to ensure that the system works with all the major online game stores like Steam, Battle.net, Epic and more, which it does. On top of that, ASUS tweaked its Armoury Crate app to serve as a game launcher, while also letting you adjust various settings or RGB lighting. One tap on the dedicated button lets you see all of your installed titles at a glance, while a push of ASUS's other shortcut key brings up a menu for quick settings like operating modes, game profiles, and more.The issue is that when you're not using Armoury Crate, Windows 11 still feels clunky. Microsoft's OS simply isn't designed for smaller devices without keyboards that often have to rely on touch controls. ASUS has included a desktop mode toggle that lets you use the right joystick to move your mouse and the right shoulder buttons to click. But that feels more like a band-aid than a real solution, which would probably be a purpose-built gaming UI.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetMore importantly, even though the Ally can run basically every Windows game ever made, the experience isn't always smooth. For example, when I tried to play Street Fighter 6, thegame booted up in Windowed mode and cut off the bottom of the UI, so I couldn't see the navigation menu. But even after I sorted that out, the game still ran poorly. At medium settings, I was getting just 20 fps which made the game run in slow-mo. I had to spend the next 10 minutes fiddling with graphics settings. Meanwhile, on the Steam Deck, I got a consistent 60 fps from the jump, which was a big surprise since I was not expecting a game that has only been out for a month to be this well-optimized on Linux.There's a flipside to this, though. While you can install games like Diablo IV that aren't available on Steam and aren't Deck Verified, it can be a real chore to get them up and running. You have to install the Battle.net launcher, manually change the Steam Deck's compatibility mode and then add it as a non-Steam Game. Then you have to install Diablo IV itself, change its compatibility mode and manually add that to Steam's library too. And that's skipping a lot of the more complicated steps in between. Granted, there are a ton of how-to's online to guide you through the process. But if this is your first time trying this on Linux, you're looking at spending 10 to 15 minutes at least. There's no just sitting down and hitting play. In contrast, getting D4 to run on the Ally is a breeze and even though the game runs relatively well on both systems, there are fewer hitches and stutters on ASUS' machine.Overall, Steam OS is generally easier to use - until you run into a game that isn't Deck Verified or just doesn't run on Linux, which is where the Ally has the advantage.Wrap-upPhoto by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetAfter testing both devices side-by-side, I've got a few takeaways. The first is that I'm even more impressed with the Steam Deck now than I was at launch. Over the past year and change, Valve has put a ton of work into polishing and optimizing it. I don't think any gadget in recent memory has gotten as many updates as this thing. And now that there are over 10,000 Steam Deck-verified games, its library ain't shabby. We're at the point where you can play new AAA titles like Street Fighter 6 on day one, while other games like Cyberpunk 2077 are getting custom graphics settings specifically for the Deck so you don't need to spend a ton of time tweaking performance. But most importantly, with a starting price of $400, the Steam Deck is the easy pick if you're on a budget.As for the ROG Ally, simply calling it a more powerful Steam Deck doesn't feel quite right. Thanks to its AMD Z1 Extreme chip, it definitely has an edge in performance. But for all that speed, there's a big trade-off in battery life. Even with both systems running at 15 watts, the Steam Deck lasted longer every time, which means the Ally isn't always the best companion on longer trips. You also don't get built-in touchpads or as many rear paddles. And while you can run basically any game ever made on it, Windows 11 just isn't as well-optimized for handheld systems as Steam OS. Valve has a big advantage thanks to being in charge of both software and hardware design for its device. However, while I like and appreciate the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally's gorgeous screen and super quiet fans would always have me looking over my shoulder like the distracted boyfriend meme.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetSo which one should you get? To answer that, you need to decide what kind of gamer you are. Thanks to Steam OS, the Steam Deck offers a simpler, more console-like experience, so long as your games have been verified to play nicely on Valve's software. Meanwhile, if you like to tinker with settings and want higher framerates and a sharper display, the Ally might be the machine for you. It's also the more portable of the two, and ASUS' XG Mobile dock lets you plug it into a monitor and other accessories so you can use it as a desktop when you want. But with prices for those starting north of $1,000, it'll cost you.The biggest unknown is how well ASUS is going to support the Ally, because as we've seen with the Steam Deck, hardware can only take you so far without regular updates. Unfortunately, there just isn't a one-size-fits-all handheld PC gaming console right now, so picking the right device depends on your preferences for OS, performance, battery life and more. But regardless of which one you pick, there's a lot to like about the latest generation of handheld PCs, and I hope this is only the beginning of a long line of compelling devices.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/asus-rog-ally-review-the-steam-decks-most-powerful-rival-specs-price-080029032.html?src=rss
Apple just launched its iOS 17 public beta, meaning you can test out the latest iPhone software if you're willing to live with a bug or two. I've been using iPhone 14 Pro with the developer beta for the last few weeks and there are plenty of features and upgrades to dig into. While some of the more exciting features weren't available until mere days ago, some nice quality-of-life improvements are here from the get-go. If you're intrigued by Apple's new Journal app, though, I'm afraid that won't arrive until later in the year.But if you want machine learning to transcribe your friends' voice notes, or turn your iPhone into a smart display, then you might be willing to dip your toe into the public beta. You can access the iOS preview by enrolling on Apple's website, which will nudge the beta to your iPhone's Software Update section. As always, remember to back up your iPhone first and ensure it's compatible. (iOS 17 will work on 2018's iPhone XS and newer devices.)A note on Developer betasThis year, instead of releasing the iOS 17 public beta in July, Apple released its developer beta for iOS, iPadOS and macOS Sonoma for anyone with free developer accounts. Normally, to access betas right after the WWDC keynote you'd have to pay $100 a year for a paid developer account. This means anyone (yes, even you) could have dabbled with this early build starting in early June. Not that we'd advise doing that. Early releases of iOS, including its public beta that's out now, are often rough around the edges, while apps are prone to restarting or not working as they should on Apple's very latest mobile OS. The developer version is that, times five.Messages and FaceTimePhoto taken by Mat Smith / EngadgetApple continues tugging me toward Messages, yet I'm stuck with WhatsApp because all of my friends and family are on it - even those with iPhones. iOS continues to make being a WhatsApp user a challenging decision to stick with.I'm already in love with audio message transcription. The next time that certain friend leaves a lengthy 12-minute monologue, the iPhone's machine learning tricks will auto-transcribe the contents of that voice note, audio quality (and accent) permitting. In my experience, it was accurate with both my British voice and my colleague Cherlynn's American accent.Photo by Mat Smith / EngadgetMost of Messages' biggest upgrades are siloed away behind the plus button, which helps keep the interface tidy. Check-In is Apple's take on automating the text me when you get home," doing half the work once your iPhone detects you've returned. If your phone detects that you're not headed in the right direction, Check In will even notify you that you might have made a mistake.Apple has integrated a lot of settings to make Check In work how you want it to. You can use it when your destination isn't your home, or even set it up for a timed period when perhaps you're home alone, but are expecting visitors. More information from your phone can be shared when you're delayed, including battery levels and signal levels.Apple has now consolidated its stickers into one drawer, encompassing live stickers, memoji, emoji and third-party stickers. Live Stickers, which you can make by tapping to lift' subjects out of photos (it can still be a person, a pet or an object, as long as it's visually distinct enough), get archived in their own sticker drawer. With iOS 17, you can also apply some sticker effects, like shiny" and puffy" that undulate when you move your phone, taking us back to pencil cases of the 90s. Or maybe that's just me. Beyond Messages, stickers can be applied directly from the sticker drawer to your photos and documents.FaceTime has received a few updates this year, but the most notable one is video voicemail. While you could send videos on Messages, you can now leave spontaneous video (or voice) messages in FaceTime when someone doesn't pick up your call. In iOS 17, thanks to further refinement of Apple's Continuity Camera, across Apple devices. You can now display your FaceTime video calls on Apple TV, tapping into the cameras already in your iPhones, iPads or MacBooks. Any recorded messages you receive will be stored in FaceTime's Recent tab, along with your missed calls. You can even take FaceTime calls - audio-only - on your Apple Watch.You can record FaceTime video messages through both the front and rear cameras and amp up the visual pizazz with Portrait mode and Studio Light. Apple has opened up these video effects to Zoom, Microsoft Teams and more. Gesture-based AR effects are along for the ride too, including fireworks (two thumbs up), confetti cannons (double peace signs) and when you make a devil horn sign? Laser beams. Of... course. I soon learned you'll have to hold these poses for a little too long in order for your iPhone to recognize and trigger the AR effect. It's a delight when they happen, though.StandByPhoto by Mat Smith / EngadgetApple hasn't launched a smart display (yet), so it's making your iPhone into one. With StandBy, you'll get a different view when your phone is horizontal and charging. This consists of widgets, calendar info, music, your photos, news, sports scores and more. If you have an iPhone 14 Pro, it'll always be visible due to the always-on display. You'll have to tap to wake it on other devices.Itl even transitions into a low-light smart display later at night so you can use it as an alarm clock. Given the strides Apple has made with its widgets on iPhones and Apple Watch, I'm intrigued to see whether this is a useful new feature for when I'm not actively using my iPhone. I've loved seeing my photos on my Nest Hub, but let's be honest - I'm looking at, and nearer to, my phone, pretty much most of the day. The iPhone will automatically separate your photos into places (and its own photography) and people recognized in your own contacts. You'll also get music and podcast controls for audio playback, which looks a lot like CarPlay.Apple has folded its Smart Stacks into these StandBy widgets, so you can swipe between smart home controls, calendars, weather and more, customizing what information is a swipe away. Incoming calls will also feature a nice landscape version of iOS 17's new Contact Posters.Contact PostersPhoto by Mat Smith / EngadgetContact Posters are the most significant visual upgrade to iOS 17. It's a new way to show your contact's incoming calls, contact profiles, FaceTime and Messages. You can edit your profile from the top left corner of most of those native apps, mixing together different fonts, photos, and color options - I like the monochrome photo filter paired with a pop of color, like it's a fictional magazine profile headshot. There are almost infinite options here, and it does help to make calls from your favorite people seem, somehow, more glamorous. You don't have to have taken photos in portrait mode either to make the cutout outline of your head and name; as long as the iPhone detects the object, like stickers, it'll do the rest.NameDropThis has been a long-time coming, right? NameDrop, using the same AirDrop transferring tech, can share your contact details (and your gorgeous new Contact Poster) just by bringing two devices close together. You can fine-tune what contact details are shared, like your work or personal email, or even choose to receive only. Photos and even links on Safari can also be shared through this method, and AirDrop will even continue transferring content even if you step away, through the internet. This is all done through the usual share button on both native and compatible third-party apps.Everything elseIf you recall from Apple's WWDC keynote last month, these are just some of the major highlights of what iOS 17 has to offer. Apple says its enhanced keyboard language model ushers in an improved Autocorrect, while any corrections should also be easier to fix. Any autocorrected words are temporarily underlined so you know what was changed. If you tap on an autocorrected word, you'll see the original version pop up and you can tap it to put it back. Duck yes.Regarding voice assistant Siri, it can now handle back-to-back commands if you want to both set a timer and turn off a smart light. Siri can also be summoned even while you're on a call with someone.The Fitness app now has a trophy case to show off your best workout runs, custom workout plans if you pay for Fitness+ and the ability to adjust the sound mix of workouts, prioritizing either music or trainers' voices. Meanwhile, News+ subscribers will now be able to tackle crosswords, while News+ audio stories will now also be available in the podcast app.Photo taken by Mat Smith / EngadgetInline predictive text, a la Gmail, is also built in, so iOS will occasionally nudge your messages along with predictive single- and multi-word additions before you even type them. Thankfully, it's a very light touch so far. Then again, maybe it's just learning how I type - I'll circle back once the OS officially launches in the fall. And you can turn it off in settings if it's not working for you.What's still to comeThe iOS 17 beta gives you a taste of what's coming to your iPhone later this year. There are a few tempting features not available to test just yet. That includes the third-party journaling app killer, Apple's own Journal app,. Where you can write about and reflect on everyday moments and special events in your life." The company says it'll tap into on-device machine learning to personalize what you might like to write about, including photos, locations, music and even workout data. I'm waiting to see how it all works in practice. And if you're going to be writing about your deepest, darkest thoughts and feelings, you will be able to lock your Journal from prying eyes.There are other features I'm still waiting to try, including new auto-generated song suggestions for your own existing playlists and Conversation Awareness, which is coming to second-generation AirPods Pro. When you start talking to someone while still wearing your buds, the device will lower playback volume and enhance the voice of people in front of you, while still minimizing background noise.Wrap-upPhoto by Mat Smith / EngadgetYes, there are still a few mysteries to iOS 17 ahead of its full launch, but plenty to test out in the beta. I'm still getting to grips with StandBy. It might not be a smart display killer, but it's possibly a free alternative. Other highlights include a revitalized FaceTime experience, a streamlined Messages app and a long-overdue solution for sharing contact details. But some of the most exciting parts are still to come, making this a less essential beta than some recent years. Most of us can wait for the fully-formed public release, arriving later this summer.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ios-17-preview-public-beta-facetime-standby-iphone-120025938.html?src=rss
One question is constant in the race to create AI: Should code be held privately or made available to everyone as "open-source"? OpenAI has kept data for projects like GPT-4 close to its chest, while Meta has allowed researchers and academics to access its language model, LLaMA. Now, Meta is allegedly set to "imminently" release a new commercial version that companies can customize, the Financial Times reports.The move could help Meta catch up to fellow AI creators OpenAI and Google, with businesses able to build tailored software with the new model. "The competitive landscape of AI is going to completely change in the coming months, in the coming weeks maybe, when there will be open source platforms that are actually as good as the ones that are not," Yann LeCun, Meta's vice-president and Chief AI scientist, said at a July conference. Meta might also create AI chatbots specific to each type of user, such as an individual or business.Open-source models certainly have a mix of benefits and negatives. Providing a wide group of people with an AI's differing capabilities can help the model learn faster, given the increased data it's receiving. Additional eyes can also spot bugs and security issues, giving developers a chance to fix these problems sooner. On the flip side, not everyone who uses the code will have good intentions, which can have dangerous consequences when using a technology that concerns many people in and outside the tech industry.Access to Meta's commercial AI model should be free at launch, but that might change sometime in the future. According to sources familiar with Meta, the company might eventually charge enterprise customers if they want to alter or tailor the model.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-could-soon-make-its-ai-model-available-for-commercial-projects-114021749.html?src=rss
The Perseverance Rover has found evidence of organic compounds in the Jezero Crater on Mars. Don't get too excited: These compounds could have also developed in nonbiological ways. But even if it's not proof of organic life on Mars, the results hint at complex organic conditions for the key building blocks for life." Organic molecules like those observed in the Jezero Crater contain carbon and often hydrogen atoms. They're the core components of life as we know it on Earth.The rover found organic materials in all ten targets it observed on the crater floor. Our results support observations by previous robotic missions to Mars that the Red Planet was once rich in organic material, compounds made primarily of carbon and hydrogen, and that some of that organic material can still be detected billions of years later," co-author Joseph Razzell Hollis, a London-based astrobiologist, told Gizmodo. Each detection, each observation, gives us a little bit more information that brings us closer to understanding the history of Mars and whether it could have supported life in the past."Hopefully, scientists can maintain this level of excitement. They'll have to wait for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, which isn't expected to launch from Earth until at least the late 2020s.- Mat SmithThe biggest stories you might have missedApple's iOS 17 public betas are ready to downloadHow to install the iOS 17 public beta Chipotle's guacamole robot is cursed to peel and core avocados for eternitymacOS Sonoma preview: For the widget wonks Sony's 26-megapixel A6700 is its new flagship APS-C mirrorless camera iPadOS 17 preview: A smoother multitasking experienceFor those who really need it.EngadgetJust a year ago, Apple announced the biggest software update the iPad has ever seen. iPadOS 16 ushered in Stage Manager, a completely revamped multitasking mode. There were several other new features, as usual, but Stage Manager, in particular, brought the iPad closer than ever to a Mac or Windows PC experience. iPadOS 17, on the other hand, is a subtler update. We preview the beta, which is out on public release now.Continue reading.Google's Bard AI chatbot has learned to talkIt understands 40 languages and can speak its responses.Google Bard's latest round of updates includes expanded linguistic skills. It can now respond with spoken word in addition to text. It can do so in nearly four dozen languages. Users can now converse with the AI in Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi and Spanish, among others, as well as access the platform from more places on the planet, such as Brazil and "across Europe." Users will have the option to either read or listen to the AI's generated responses, as well as have more control over how friendly Bard is, with five distinct AI tones: simple, long, short, professional or casual. Those are only available for English-language requests at the moment.Continue reading.'Roblox' is coming to Meta Quest VR headsetsZuck says the beta version drops in a few weeks.RobloxThe immensely popular online game creation platform, Roblox, is coming to VR, thanks to the Meta Quest. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement, which was followed by an official Roblox blog post. A beta version of the app, according to Zuckerberg, launches in just a few weeks, via the Quest platform's dedicated App Lab. This is going to be a fully cross-platform title, so anything you interact with or make on your phone or console should be accessible in VR.Continue reading.Elon Musk's new AI company aims to understand the true nature of the universe'The team will be holding a Twitter Spaces chat on Friday.Elon Musk has a new AI company. A website has appeared for xAI, which will embark on the self-described mission to understand the true nature of the universe." The announcement comes after filing documents revealed the existence of a company called X.AI Corp earlier this year. Musk also said in April he wanted to start a venture for maximum truth-seeking AI that tries to understand the nature of the universe," which hopefully does more good than harm."Not much else is known yet about Musk's latest venture. He tweeted yesterday: Announcing formation of @xAI to understand reality." The company webpage notes the team will host a Twitter Spaces chat on Friday, July 14th.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-researchers-find-evidence-of-organic-matter-on-mars-111523432.html?src=rss
Sony plans to boost R&D spending in gaming and focus that extra money on Fortnite-style live service games and mixed reality, Nikkei has reported. It will invest $2.13 billion for the segment in fiscal 2023, accounting for about 40 percent of R&D spending company wide - over double what it spent in 2020. The aim is to better compete in cloud gaming and VR, particularly if Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition goes through.Sony has traditionally relied on relied on story-led blockbuster titles like God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn, but live service games use a different model. Instead of developing one game and moving on to the next, companies build titles that can be updated over time, generating revenue with new content like seasonal maps, skins and weapons. Overwatch and League of Legends are examples of those.The company lags behind rivals in that area - it had just one live service game in 2021, but plans to have 12 in its portfolio by March 2026. To that end, it plans to spend 55 percent of PS5 game development on live service games by March 2024, and 60 percent by March 2026. It plans to use its Bungie acquisition to further that aim, according to the report.Meanwhile, Microsoft is trying to acquire Activision Blizzard, which would give it access to a powerful portfolio of live service games (World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Destiny 2, etc.). Microsoft also holds a considerable lead in live-streamed games with Xbox Cloud Gaming, while Sony has only started testing PS5 game streaming.At the same time, Sony wants to invest more in the so-called metaverse by boosting development in extended reality (VR, AR, mixed reality etc.). To do so, it aims to combine the resources of nine overseas game studios it owns in whole or in part, including Epic Games, whose Unreal Engine helps power augmented reality apps. That's in light of the upcoming release of Apple's Vision Pro headset, and Sony's recent launch of its own PSVR2 headset.The increased investment shows the importance of gaming to Sony's overall portfolio. Its game & network services segment now makes up a large part of the company's earnings, far and above segments like imaging, movies, TVs and more. It also shows Sony recognizing that it must adapt to the reality that game development is shifting away from the traditional model - meaning it will be a lot more dependent on owning game-development studios.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sony-plans-to-boost-game-rd-spending-this-year-as-competition-ramps-up-110524111.html?src=rss
Apple has expanded Tap to Pay's availability and is giving businesses and merchants across the United Kingdom the option to accept contactless payments using just their iPhones. The tech giant initially released the feature in the US in mid-2022 before making it available in Taiwan and Australia. Like in those regions, merchants in the UK will be able to receive payments without having to purchase extra hardware, since the capability uses NFC. As long as they have an iPhone XS or later, they can offer contactless payment as an option for customers who use Apple Pay, contactless debit or credit cards and other digital wallets.The company unveiled the feature in early 2022 before testing the payment system at its own visitor center in Cupertino. Following Tap to Pay's rollout, big-name fintech services launched support for the feature, including PayPal, Venmo and Square.According to Apple's announcement, Revolut and Tyl by NatWest are the first payment platforms allowing their business customers in the UK to use the company's Tap to Pay technology. Adyen, Dojo, myPOS, Stripe, SumUp, Viva Wallet, Worldline and Zettle by PayPal will be the next financial services to support the feature in the region. Apple didn't mention a specific rollout date for them, only that support for Tap to Pay will be "coming soon" for their customers. In addition announcing the feature's availability, the company has revealed that Tap to Pay will be available in its retail stores across the UK in the coming weeks. That means UK customers will be easily be able to pay for purchases by bumping a card or another phone to the store's iPhone.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-tap-to-pay-expands-to-the-uk-letting-iphone-users-accept-contactless-payments-101724510.html?src=rss
Google's Bard gained a handful of new features and functions Thursday in the chatbot AI's latest round of updates, including expanded linguistic knowledge, more nuanced response controls and the ability to respond with spoken word in addition to text. In all the AI can now converse in nearly four dozen languages.Users can now converse with the AI in Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi and Spanish, among others as well as access the platform from more places on the planet, such as Brazil and "across Europe," Jack Krawczyk, Bard Product Lead, and Amarnag Subramanya, Bard's VP of Engineering, wrote in a blog post Thursday. "As we bring Bard to more regions and languages over time, we'll continue to use our AI Principles as a guide, incorporate user feedback, and take steps to protect people's privacy and data."Bard now literally speaks. Users will have the option to either read or listen to the AI's generated responses, which Krawczyk and Subramanya believe will help immensely when users want to hear the correct pronunciation of words in those 40 newly-added languages. Users have also been afforded more robust controls over how friendly Bard will be with five distinct options for the AI's tone: simple, long, short, professional or casual. Those are only available on English-language requests for the moment but the company is already working to expand it out to more of the 40, "soon."The chatbot also has some fancy new multimodal eyes, gaining the capacity to interpret images dropped into the chat through the prompt field. Faster and easier than uploading it as a document, users can request more information about the contents of the image or generate content like captions based on it. This also is currently English-only.Getting the information and code that Bard generates out of the chat window and into the hands of collaborators is no longer quite such a slog. Starting Thursday, users will be able to export Bard-generated Python code to Replit, in addition to Colab. They'll also be able to copy and share portions of individual chats with other users. The process of organizing and revisiting old conversations being streamlined as well with the addition of pinned conversations, which are what they sound like, and the ability to rename them.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-bard-ai-chatbot-has-learned-to-talk-070111881.html?src=rss
Twitter has published an update on how its "Freedom of Speech Not Reach" moderation approach is working, and according to the company, it has seen some encouraging results. In April, the website started limiting the reach of tweets violating its hateful conduct policy and applying a label to them that reads: "Visibility limited: this tweet may violate Twitter's rules against hateful conduct." Apparently, Twitter has applied the label to more than 700,000 posts since then and has proactively prevented ads from appearing adjacent to those content.The company also said that the label reduces the reach of a post by 81 percent, thereby effectively limiting the visibility of posts that potentially exhibit hateful conduct. In addition, Twitter revealed in its update that more than one-third of users choose to delete labeled tweets themselves once they've been notified that they have violated the website's policy and only four percent of authors have appealed labels.The company charging for API access means most researchers studying hate speech can't independently verify these claims. But Twitter is clearly claiming that its approach has been effective so far. In fact, the website is pushing through with its plan to expand its labels and include more types of policy violations. According to its announcement, it will now also label and downrank posts that violate its Abusive Behavior and Violent Speech policies. Tweets that will be labeled in the coming weeks include posts with malicious content targeting individuals, those that encourage others to harass an individual or group of people, those that threaten to inflict physical harm on others, and tweets that encourage others to commit acts of violence or harm.
The Federal Trade Commission isn't giving up on its attempt to halt Microsoft's pending $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. The agency said in a filing it's appealing Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley's denial of its request for a preliminary injunction to temporarily stop the deal from going through.The FTC has sued to prevent the merger from happening over antitrust concerns. An administrative trial is set to start in August, but the companies have a merger deadline of July 18th. The agency was concerned Microsoft and Activision would close their deal by then despite a UK regulator blocking the deal in that country.Bloomberg first reported that the agency was considering an appeal against Corley's decision. The FTC told Engadget after Tuesday's ruling that it would announce its "next step to continue our fight to preserve competition and protect consumers" in the following days.Corley ruled that, unless the FTC obtains an emergency stay from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals by 11:59PM PT on July 14th, a temporary restraining order that's currently preventing Microsoft and Activision from closing the deal will be dissolved. The restraining order was put in place until Corley made a decision on the preliminary injunction.Meanwhile, after Corley's ruling, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard and the UK's Competition and Markets Authority said they agreed to pause their legal battle and see if they could reach a compromise. The CMA later clarified that although "merging parties don't have the opportunity to put forward new remedies once a final report has been issued, they can choose to restructure a deal." It added that doing so could lead to a fresh merger investigation.
It's easy to look at every new macOS release and wonder where the upgrades actually are. Unlike iOS and iPadOS, Apple doesn't often push for bold and visible changes on the desktop (last year's Stage Manager was a surprising addition, but even that was brought over from iPadOS). Instead, most of the enhancements to the Mac experience are usually under the hood - don't forget, the company completely rebuilt macOS for its new Apple Silicon chips.So it goes with macOS Sonoma, an update that doesn't truly make itself known until you see its new high-res video screensavers (something the Apple TV has done for years), or try to drag over a widget to your desktop. If widgets are a highlight in a new OS, you know it's a slow year.This isn't a knock against Sonoma, exactly. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that Apple is saving its bolder UI concepts for iPhones, iPads, and the Vision Pro. Macs are computers that don't even have touchscreens yet! Playing it safe makes the most sense.Photo by Devindra Hardawar/EngadgetSo let's talk about screensavers. While not exactly Earth shattering, Apple's new aerial footage looks great in macOS Sonoma. It adds a dose of elegance to an already refined operating system - having footage from Hawaii or Patagonia pop up in the middle of the workday is like a mini-vacation. (Don't judge me, I know it sounds sad.)I also liked being able to turn aerial screensavers into wallpapers. Doing so lets them play as videos on your lock screen, but once you log in, the video slows down and smoothly settles on a static image. I'm sure that's done to avoid motion sickness from some users, but I'm hoping Apple or some intrepid hacker unlocks the ability to let the video constantly play on your desktop. I'll risk a bit of squeamishness for more of that slick drone footage.As for the widgets, well... they're widgets. On your desktop. It's a pretty straightforward concept. I'll admit, being able to quickly see the weather or an upcoming appointment under my windows is easier than popping open the notification tray. But it's not exactly a killer feature. But hey, if you really do love these things, at least you can easily bring over your iOS widgets. And if you also have an iPad, I'm sure it'll be helpful to have all of your widgety goodness across your devices.Beyond those two features, Sonoma's upgrades are a bit more subtle. If you jump into a video chat, you can use hand gestures to kick off some fun special effects. A double thumbs up triggers fireworks behind you, while a peace sign surrounds you with floating balloons. They're certainly fun at first, but thankfully you can turn them off easily for more professional video chats.Photo by Devindra Hardawar/EngadgetThe new presenter overlay features, on the other hand, are a lot more useful. In supported screen sharing apps, like FaceTime or Zoom, you can place a small or large window of yourself on top of whatever window you're sharing. It's the sort of feature I'm surprised Apple didn't roll out sooner, as it can help to humanize boring video chats. Instead of just sharing a spreadsheet, for example, your colleagues can also see what you think of your data as you're discussing it.Here are a few other Sonoma updates to keep an eye out for:
The second half of Amazon Prime Day is here and you can still pick up a bunch of tech on sale. This year has brought a number of solid, Prime-exclusive deals on some of our favorite tech, including Apple AirPods, Google Pixel phones, and of course, Amazon's own devices like Echos, Kindles, Fire TV Sticks and more. Whether you're just getting around to shopping Amazon Prime Day deals or you're returning today to see what else you can pick up on discount, we've collected the best Prime Day deals here so you don't have to go searching for them.Apple AirPods ProApple's second-generation AirPods Pro are on sale for $199 for Prime Day. These buds are a huge improvement over their predecessors, offering improved sound quality, ANC and transparency mode. We still consider these to be the best earbuds for iPhone users thanks to their Apple-specific features like quick pairing and switching and hands-free Siri.Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)The latest AirPods might have a few extra bells and whistles, but the second-generation Apple AirPods are a great choice for $90. They're currently $39 off their sticker price of $129 for Prime Day, the lowest we've seen them in a while. This model mirrors its successor in having an H1 chip, Siri, automatic switching between devices and a lightning charging case. The biggest consideration is battery life, with these AirPods offering five hours of uninterrupted use and over 24 hours with the charging case. If you're looking for AirPods for your commute or walks, the $50 price difference makes the second-gen AirPods a solid option.Apple Watch Series 8The Apple Watch Series 8 is the brand's latest flagship wearable and usually sells for $399 for the 41mm GPS model. Prime Day brings it down to $280, which is $120 off its regular price. The Series 8 is our top pick in our guide to smartwatches because it combines detailed health and fitness tracking with seamless iPhone integration. New features include temperature sensors, ECG and blood oxygen readings, crash detection, and improved sleep metrics. The upcoming WatchOS 10 will bump the utility even more with widgets plus expanded health, fitness and mindfulness features.Apple 10.2-inch iPadApple's 9th-generation iPad is down to $249, which a record low. It's the budget pick in our guide to the best iPads, and while it doesn't have the thin bezels and as much accessory support as our top pick, it's the most affordable way to snag an iPad. It's a great couch companion that performs well for casual browsing, binge streaming and light gaming.Apple MacBook Air M1The M1 MacBook Air released back in 2020, but it remains a worthy option if you want a Mac for light work and web browsing for as little cash as possible. The entry-level configuration is now on sale for $750, which is a new low. This model's keyboard, trackpad, display and battery life continue to impress, and the quiet M1 chip is still fast enough for the essentials. This configuration is strictly for casual use, though, as it only has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. You'll have to live with a more basic 720p webcam, too, and you'll miss out on the improved speakers and slimmer bezels of the M2 model. We gave the M1 Air a review score of 94 at launch.Apple MacBook Air (15.3-inch)The new, larger version of Apple's MacBook Air M2 is down to $1,399 for a configuration with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. That's a modest $50 drop from its usual price on Amazon, but the notebook only just arrived last month, and it's $100 less than buying from Apple directly. The M2 Air is the top pick in our guide to the best laptops, and we gave it a review score of 96 in June. It checks just about all the requisite boxes for a mainstream notebook, with a thin and light design, bright and accurate display, comfortable keyboard, long-lasting battery, and more than enough performance for everyday use. This 15-inch model has all the same benefits of the prior 13-inch model, but adds a more powerful speaker system and slightly upgraded GPU alongside the bigger screen.Sony WH-1000XM5Our current favorite pair of wireless headphones, Sony's WH-1000XM5 are down to $328 for Prime Day. It's the total package that combines great audio quality with excellent ANC and a comfy fit to make a pair of headphones you'll be able to wear all day long if you wish. It also supports multipoint connectivity and a 30-hour battery life.Bose QuietComfort 45The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones have dropped to a new low of $199 for Prime Day, which is a whopping $130 off their usual price. These cans earned a spot in our best wireless headphone guide thanks to their comfortable, if a little dated, design, excellent ANC and balanced audio.Google Pixel Buds ProGoogle's flagship wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro, are down to $133 for Prime Day, a new all-time low. Google took all of the lessons it learned when making previous earbuds and got a lot of things right with the Pixel Buds Pro. These will be great for Android users who want buds with punchy bass, good ANC, reliable touch controls and wireless charging.Anker Soundcore Space A40The Soundcore Space A40 was already our favorite pair of wireless earbuds for those on a budget, and now it's even more affordable now for Prime Day. The Space A40 provides the kind of performance and features you'd expect from true wireless earbuds that cost twice as much: strong ANC, a small and light design, a warm sound that's enjoyable out of the box but customizable through a companion app, a transparency mode, wireless charging, solid battery life around eight hours per charge and the ability to connect to two devices at once.Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3The Wonderboom 3 from Ultimate Ears is currently 30 percent off for Prime Day, dropping it down to $70 instead of the usual $100. That's the lowest price we've seen in a while, matching the all-time low it hit just before Black Friday last year. In our tests, the Wonderboom 3 delivered the biggest sound of any speakers in its size range, plus it has a cute design with a strap and comes in bright blue, hot pink or a more sedate gray (note that the black colorway isn't discounted).JBL Charge 5JBL's Charge 5 is usually $180 but is down to $120 for Prime members. It also made Engadgets speaker guide, and has a separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators for bigger sound and of course can handle a dunk in water. It's got a long, 20-hour battery life and can even share some of that juice with your phone via the USB-C port.Amazon KindleThe standard Kindle is already Amazon's most affordable ereader and Prime Day drops it down to $65 from its usual $100 price tag, which is a new all-time low. This latest model saw a lot of improvements when it was updated in 2022. Capacity was doubled to 16GB and the screen resolution jumped up to 300 ppi for much clearer text. We named it the best budget option in our ereader guide because its perfect entry point to reading and borrowing ebooks and audiobooks.Kindle PaperwhiteThe Kindle Paperwhite has a bigger screen and a few extra features over the standard Kindle and is now $90, which is $50 off its $140 MSRP. An adjustable warm front light makes it easier on your eyes at night and the waterproof feature means you can read by the pool or in the bath. The price applies to the 8GB version. If you want more storage, you can grab the 16GB-capacity model for $95.Kobo Clara 2EThe Kobo Clara 2E is now $120 instead of $140. It's our top pick in our ereader guide and doesn't often go on sale. We like the textured back, crisp text and responsive touch controls. It's also waterproof, ad-free and has a comfortable warm light for night reading. The Kobo store has millions of books and is easy to navigate and the Clara 2E makes it easy to borrow ebooks from your local library.Samsung Pro Plus microSDThe top pick in our best microSD cards guide, Samsung's Pro Plus in 256GB is on sale for $20 right now. It had some of the best overall speeds of any of the microSD cards we tested, and it has all of the important ratings that a good card should have: U3, V30 and A2. It'll be a great pick for your tablet, smartphone or Nintendo Switch, and it comes with a full-sized adapter in case you need to use it with a camera or connect it to your computer.Samsung Evo Select microSDSamsung's Evo Select microSD card has dropped to $10 for Prime Day. It's a step behind the top pick in our microSD card guide, mostly due to its slower sequential write speeds, but it's argubly the best value microSD card you can get right now.Samsung T7 ShieldThe Samsung T7 Shield SSD has been discounted to $75 for Prime Day. The T7 series as a whole includes some of our favorite SSDs, and the Shield is the most durable of the bunch. The portable drive has an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, and it can withstand drops from up to 10 feet high. On top of that, its 1,050/1,000 MB/s read/write speeds should be enough for most people's needs.Samsung 980 ProSamsung's 980 Pro SSD has dropped to $50 for Prime Day. It's another good option for the PS5, especially since you can spring for a model with an included heatsink if you want. The 980 Pro has read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and reliable thermal controls.Crucial MX500Crucial's MX500 internal drive has been discounted to $48 for Prime Day. It has sequential read speeds of 560MB/s and a standard 2.5-inch design that should make it easy to swap in for your desktop's or laptop's used-up drive.Tile SlimThe Tile Slim is down to $23 for Prime Day. In our tests it was louder than the other wallet-focused trackers we tried (it was even louder than the Tile Mate, which is also on sale). It works with both Android and Apple devices and its thick credit card shape nicely slides into slots of a typical wallet.Amazon Echo DotAmazon has knocked the price of the latest Echo Dot down to $23, which is more than half off its normal price. It's one of the best smart speakers you can get right now thanks to its orb-like design, surprisingly good sound quality for its size and handy Alexa integration. The newest Echo Dots can also act as Eero WiFi boosters, adding up to 1,000 square feet of coverage to your existing Eero system. If you're looking for something even more affordable, the new Echo Pop is down to $18 right now as well.Amazon Echo Show 5The latest Echo Show 5 is half off and down to a record low of $45. The Show 5 has been one of the best smart displays available for quite some time, and it'll be particularly good for anyone who wants an Alexa-capable smart display that won't take up a lot of space. It also makes for a good alarm clock thanks to its sunrise alarm and tap-to-snooze features. The newest model has a faster processor, improved sound quality and an additional microphone for better Alexa performance.Amazon Fire Max 11Amazon's recently released Fire Max 11 tablet is on sale for $150 for Prime Day. It's the best discount we've seen since the Amazon's most powerful tablet launched in May. The slab has an 11-inch 2000 x 1200 touchscreen, an octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM, up to 128GB of built-in storage and up to 14 hours of battery life. It can also work with a detachable keyboard and stylus, so you could use it like a 2-in-1 laptop.Samsung S95BThe 65-inch Samsung S95B is on sale for $1,598, matching its all-time low. Typically, this highly-rated set has cost an extra $100 to $200 in recent months. The S95B's QD-OLED panel combines OLED tech with a quantum dot layer, allowing it to deliver high contrast and wide viewing angles without sacrificing as much as typical OLED TVs in terms of brightness and color saturation. This means it should provide a rich image even in brighter rooms. It can also play up to 4K 120Hz, which is handy for the PS5 or Xbox Series X, but like all Samsung TVs, it doesn't support Dolby Vision HDR.The S95B is a 2022 model, so it's on the way out in favor of the new S95C. The latter supports a faster 144Hz refresh rate and runs its ports through an external box, which makes the design thinner. Other reviewerssay it can get a bit brighter, too. But the S95 currently costs $2,298 and $2,298 for a 55- and 65-inch model, respectively, and its upgrades don't appear to be massive enough to justify that extra cost for most. If you're in the market for a premium TV, the S95B should remain the better value while it's still available.Samsung The Frame smart TVSamsung's 55-inch The Frame TV is down to $988, which is a new low and about $450 off its typical street price. The Frame is a TV for those willing to trade some picture quality for classy aesthetics, as it's designed to look like a piece of art you can mount against a wall. When you aren't watching something, you can use it to display artwork and photos. A few digital art "pieces" come included, while others are sold with a subscription. The Frame's QLED panel lacks local dimming, so its contrast and HDR performance can't really compete with the best options in its price range. It only has one HDMI 2.1 port, too. But the image is still far from poor, and its design does well to blend into a wall, as we've professed before.Roku Streaming Stick 4KRoku's Streaming Stick 4K is down to $35 for Prime Day, or $15 off its usual price. It's our favorite streaming device at the moment because it packs a ton of features into an affordable package. It streams 4K, HDR content with Dolby Vision, and it supports AirPlay 2 and private listening with headphones.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K MaxThe Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $25, which is $30 below its list price and $10 lower than the usual sale price we've seen over the course of the year. This is Amazon's fastest streaming stick, and its remote comes with Alexa baked in. It supports the major HDR standards in Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10+, and like the rest of the Fire TV lineup, it works with just about all of the necessary streaming apps. Unlike the standard Fire TV Stick 4K, it also has a WiFi 6 radio, though you'll need a compatible router and an unusually fast internet connection to ever see any advantage from that.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K LiteWe call the Fire TV Stick Lite the best budget pick in our guide to the best streaming devices. It's essentially the same as the standard Fire TV Stick, only its remote lacks built-in volume and TV controls. It can't output Dolby Atmos audio to a compatible sound system, either. It makes up for all of this by being extremely affordable, and Prime Day has only furthered that: you can pick it up for $15, which is a 50 percent discount.Meta Quest 2 + $50 gift cardAmazon includes a free $50 gift card when you buy the Meta Quest 2 VR headset for Prime Day, so your total for the bundle will be $299. This is the best VR headset for most people right now thanks to its relatively affordable price, cordless and comfortable design, fast-switching LCD screens, 90Hz refresh rate and solid motion controllers.Google Pixel 7aThe Google Pixel 7a is on sale for $449 right now, or $50 off its usual rate and an all-time low. This is the best midrange phone you can get right now thanks to its speedy Tensor G2 chip, smooth 90Hz display and support for wireless charging. The 7a also has solid cameras and an IP67 water-resistant design.Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraSamsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra has dropped to a record-low price of $850 for Prime Day, and the rest of the lineup is on sale, too. The Ultra in particular is the best Android smartphone you can get right now thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, big, bold 120Hz display, built-in S Pen and excellent main camera.Nest WiFi Pro - 3 PackThe Google Nest WiFi Pro three-pack gives you all the same technology as the pair but with a wider range. With three routers, you can access WiFi across 6,600 square feet. At 25 percent off, the trio is $300, making each Nest WiFi Pro only $100 - it's a steal considering they typically retail for $200 each. As for color, get them all in Snow or get a mix of Snow, Fog and Linen.TP-Link Deco XE75 mesh WiFi systemThe best mesh WiFi system out right now, TP Link's Deco XE75, is down to a record low of $320 for Prime Day. While this set doesn't have one stand-out feature that puts it above the competition, it does a great job balancing power and usability. It has an easy setup process, an equally easy-to-use mobile app and it provides a stable and fast WiFi network that will cover most homes well. This is the best price we've seen on the three-pack that usually costs $450.Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot vacuumShark's vacuum-and-mop machine has dropped to $380 for Prime Day. It's one of the best robot vacuums you can get right now because of its versatility and decent starting price, so if you can pick it up while it's on sale, that's even better. It comes with a water reservoir with a cloth attached to it that lets you mop hard floors when you need to. The standard dustbin will hold all debris during vacuuming, and the machine is smart enough to empty its clean base automatically after every vacuuming job (you'll have to empty the water reservoir on your own).TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Light BulbOur favorite budget smart light bulbs are TP-Link's Kasa Smart WiFi Bulbs, which are 32 percent off right now for the two-pack, bringing it to $17. Installation is easy, and the lights stayed reliably connected during testing, plus the companion app is simple.Blink Mini 2-packA two-pack of Blink Mini security cameras is on sale for $34 for Prime Day. That's only $4 more than we saw it during the holiday shopping season last year. While these cameras are wired, they have most of the same features as the standard wireless Blink cameras including 1080p video recordings and support for two-way talk and motion alerts.Fitbit Charge 5The Fitbit Charge 5 is our favorite overall tracker, and is currently $100 or $50 off its usual price. Fitness trackers aren't as fully featured as smartwatches, but that typically means they have a longer battery life and cost a little less. We like the Charge 5 for its comprehensive activity tracking and health monitoring that comes in a thin profile with a multi-day battery life. It also pairs with both Apple and Android phones.Razer Huntsman MiniThe compact Razer Huntsman Mini is down to $69 for a model with either Clicky Purple or Linear Red opto-mechanical switches. Neither deal is quite an all-time low, but the two models have usually retailed in the $80 to $100 range over the last few months. The Huntsman Mini is the top pick in our guide to the best 60 percent keyboards, as its keys are pleasant and consistently responsive for gaming. The whole thing feels well-built, with quality PBT keycaps and RGB lighting on a per-key basis. Each key can be programmed through macros as well. The switches here aren't ideal for those who like a springy and more tactile, though, and the ultracompact design won't be for everyone.8BitDo Ultimate C Wireless ControllerThis simplified version of 8BitDo's Ultimate Wireless Controller is 10 percent off. and down to $27 for Prime Day. It works on Windows, Android, Steam Deck and Raspberry Pi and it connects via 2.4G wireless or via a USB dongle that comes with it. 8BitDo controllers are some of our favorites thanks to their solid build quality and fun yet comfortable designs, and this one has a battery life of 25 hours, so you can get a lot of playtime in before it needs a recharge.Logitech Litra GlowLive-streamers or anyone who wants to look better on camera should snag Logitech's Litra Glow LED light while it's on sale for Prime members. We recommend it in our guides because the USB-powered device delivers a diffuse, soft glow without harsh shadows and comes with an extendable monitor mount.Razer Blade 15A configuration of the Razer Blade 15 with a Core i7-12800H processor, GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, 240Hz QHD display, 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD is down to $1,923 for Prime Day. That's about $375 off its usual street price in recent months. We gave the Blade 15 a review score of 86 last year, and we currently recommend it as a premium pick in our guide to the best gaming laptops. This config is a 2022 model - the latest version is largely a spec bump - but it'll still be powerful enough to play most modern games at high settings and frame rates, particularly with DLSS. The main reason to pay the premium for any Blade laptop, though, is because it packs that power in a slim and premium-feeling aluminum design. Just note that it can run hot, and that its battery life is fairly short.Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for the best Amazon Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In the Know. Hear from Autoblog's car experts on must-shop auto-related Prime Day deals and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-day-2023-day-2-the-best-deals-you-can-still-get-111813236.html?src=rss
You'll want to act quickly if you're shopping for a truly stand-out TV set. Samsung's 2023 Frame TVs are on sale at Amazon for Prime Day, and the discounts are particularly steep for some models. The line now starts at $548 for the bedroom-friendly 32-inch model, but the sweetest deal is for the 55-inch model, which has dropped to a record low of $988 - 34 percent off. You won't get an add-on bezel at those prices, but the savings are large enough that you might not mind.The appeal of Frame TVs is as clear as ever: it's a set that doubles as artwork when it's not in use. Mount it on your wall (the kit is thankfully included) and it blends into the decor using either professional images or your own. You'll usually have to subscribe to the Samsung Art Store or buy individual works if you want classics, but it could be worthwhile to have a Van Gogh or Vermeer in your living room. The 2023 models have a matte finish that cuts reflections and gives them a canvas-like appearance.These aren't Samsung's highest-end TVs, so you won't get the crispness of an 8K panel or the vivid contrast of OLED. They still offer an accurate 4K picture, however, and they're full-featured sets with voice assistant control, a game mode and a wide range of apps. At these prices, they're easy choices if you either want a wall-mounted TV or were otherwise resigned to buying an ordinary screen.Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for the best Amazon Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In the Know. Hear from Autoblog's car experts on must-shop auto-related Prime Day deals and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-frame-smart-tvs-drop-to-as-low-as-548-for-prime-day-2023-201921481.html?src=rss
A Congressional investigation concluded that several tax prep providers shared sensitive filing data with Meta and Google. It follows a 2022 report from The Markup highlighting the practice in which TaxSlayer, H&R Block and TaxAct used Meta's Pixel tracking tool to harvest info like filing status, approximate adjusted gross income, refund amount, names of dependents and which text-entry fields users clicked on. Meta is already facing a lawsuit connected with the initial reporting.The panel sent the conclusions to the IRS, FTC, DOJ and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGA), urging the agencies to investigate and prosecute if applicable. Big Tax Prep has recklessly shared tens of millions of taxpayers' sensitive personal and financial data with Meta for years, without appropriately disclosing this data usage or protecting the data, and without appropriate taxpayer consent," the report reads. The findings of this report reveal a shocking breach of taxpayer privacy by tax prep companies and by Big Tech firms that appeared to violate taxpayers' rights and may have violated taxpayer privacy law."The review found the Meta Pixel tracker also gathered data about whether taxpayers had visited pages for many revealing tax situations, such as having dependents, certain types of income (such as rental income or capital gains), and certain tax credits or deductions." In addition, it transmitted the full names, email, country, state, city, zip codes, phone numbers and gender as hashed values. The information was also collected from taxpayers using TaxAct's Free File service - which is through a partnership with the IRS.Congressional investigators listed in the report include Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA).The tax prep firms were shockingly careless with their treatment of taxpayer data," the investigation concluded. They indicated that they installed the Meta and Google tools on their websites without fully understanding the extent to which they would send taxpayer data to these tech firms, without consulting with independent compliance or privacy experts, and without full knowledge of Meta's use of and disposition of the data." The panel also chided Meta and Google for acting with stunning disregard for taxpayer privacy."The report cites laws that say, a tax return preparer may not disclose or use a taxpayer's tax return information prior to obtaining a written consent from the taxpayer," while mentioning that the tax prep companies failed to do that. Although tax-filing companies can legally hand data to auxiliary service providers in connection with the preparation of a tax return," the panel said Meta and Google don't meet that definition since the tracking was used for advertising. Violations can lead to fines of up to $1,000 per instance (likely pocket change for these companies) and up to a year in prison.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/congressional-report-condemns-tax-prep-companies-for-sending-data-to-meta-google-200254131.html?src=rss
On the second day of Amazon's Prime Day sales, most Apple Watch and smartwatch deals are still going strong. So if you're swapping out an aging wearable or are getting a smartwatch for the first time, this is a time to snag a deal. The discounts extend to two of the three models in Apple's current lineup, including the flagship Apple Watch Series 8 and the more affordable Apple Watch SE - both of which are seeing their biggest discounts we've tracked. (The premium Apple Watch Ultra isn't discounted as of right now.) Options from other brands like Samsung and Fitbit are also on sale, so if you're an Android user, you're covered. We've also included discounted fitness trackers. Here are the best Prime Day deals on Apple Watches, smartwatches and fitness trackers that we could find.Apple Watch Series 8The Apple Watch Series 8 is the brand's most recent flagship and usually sells for $399 for the 41mm GPS model. Prime Day brings it down to $280, which is the best price we've seen. The Series 8 is our top pick in our guide to smartwatches because it combines detailed health and fitness tracking with seamless iPhone integration. New features include temperature sensors, ECG and blood oxygen readings, crash detection, and improved sleep metrics. The upcoming WatchOS 10 will bump the utility even more with widgets plus expanded health, fitness and mindfulness features.We spent some time with the Apple Watch 8 when it came out late last year and called it well-rounded [and] fully featured." Apple claims an 18-hour battery life with average use and the always-on display enabled. Low-power mode (which we found particularly impressive) can give you up to 36 hours. If you want to make calls, get texts and more when you don't have your phone, you may want to get the model with cellular capabilities. Those versions are down to $380 for both case sizes.Read our hands-on experience with the Apple Watch Series 8.Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS)The most affordable smartwatch in the lineup is the Apple Watch SE. While it looks like the 40mm case size has gone out of stock, the larger 44mm case is still on sale. It's usually $279 but Prime Day discounts are making it just $230. We called the SE the best smartwatch $250 can buy" in our Engadget review. It uses the same processor, matches the 50 meter water resistance and looks nearly identical to the Apple Watch 8, though the SE lacks dust resistance and the always-on display. It also can't give blood oxygen, temperature and EKG readings. But if you don't need those things, you can save money while still getting plenty of fitness and health data along with seamless integration with your iPhone.Our reviewer Cherlynn Low notes that Apple made surprisingly few sacrifices with the SE and named it the best smartwatch for the money." In fact, in the wrap up to her Apple Watch 8 coverage, she said if she were shopping for herself, the SE is the watch she'd buy.The cellular models are also on sale for Prime Day. The GPS plus cellular model lets you take calls, text and stream music even when your iPhone isn't with you. The 40mm SE with cellular is usually $299, but is now $250. And the 44mm size with cellular is $280 instead of $329.Read our full review of the Apple Watch SE.Smartwatches from other brandsNot all smartwatches are made by Apple. Here are a few smartwatches we've tested from other brands - all of which are on sale for Prime Day.Google Pixel WatchPrime Day is discounting the Google Pixel Watch to $250 for Prime members, which is a $100 off and the lowest price we've seen. Google's first smartwatch only got a 74 in our Engadget review, but it's a beautifully designed wearable with plenty of useful watch faces and speedy Assistant responses. Our main gripes were with the short battery life and software issues like awkward Fitbit integration - things that the upcoming launch of Wear OS 4 might fix.We did appreciate the variety and utility of the faces the Pixel Watch offers. After Google bought Fitbit, the company poured the wellness tracking into its new watch. While we think Fitbit offers some of the best wellness-tracking capabilities around, the integration between the watch and the Fitbit app is not as speedy as it should be just yet.Read our full review of the Google Pixel Watch.Samsung Galaxy Watch 5Of course, Apple Watches only work with iPhones. For those who prefer Android devices, the Galaxy Watch 5 is our top recommendation in our smartwatch guide. Usually $280, it's currently $151, which is a 46 percent off. Samsung's latest wearables run on Google's Wear OS and gives you plenty of health data and fitness tracking along with sleep coaching and body composition analysis.The Galaxy Watch 5 is a modest update over the previous generation, but it still earned a score of 85 in our review, since the previous generation was already pretty good. This time around, the build is stronger, the battery life is longer and the curved case back makes better contact with your wrist for more reliable readings.Read our full review of the Galaxy Watch 5.Fitbit Versa 2The Fitbit Versa 2 is the budget pick in our smartwatch guide and down to $140 for Prime Day. Fitbit devices have always been fitness-focused and the Versa 2 tracks and auto-detects a slew of different workouts giving you plenty of data. But since it's a smartwatch, it can play Spotify, has Alexa built in and brings your phone notifications and hundreds of apps to your wrist. It's also device agnostic, pairing up with either iPhones or Android devices, something that can't be said for Apple's wearables.The battery can last six days without the always-on display turned on (but only around two days with that feature enabled). Since it doesn't need a recharge every night, you can take advantage of the sleep tracking features and get a sleep score each morning. Fitbit's Premium membership is required to get a Daily Readiness score and a breakdown of your sleep score, but the subscription also includes sleep content from Calm.Read our full review of the Fitbit Versa 2.Fitness TrackersIf all you need is something to reliably track your workouts, fitness trackers are cheaper and tend to have a longer battery life than smartwatches. Here are the picks we recommend that are on sale for Prime Day.Fitbit Charge 5The Fitbit Charge 5 is our favorite overall tracker, and is currently $100 or $50 off its usual price. Fitness trackers aren't as fully featured as smartwatches, but that typically means they have a longer battery life and cost a little less. We like the Charge 5 for its comprehensive activity tracking and health monitoring that comes in a thin profile with a multi-day battery life. It also pairs with both Apple and Android phones.Built-in GPS accurately tracks runs, bike rides and hikes and the bright OLED screen has an always-on mode which may make it easier to track your progress as you work out (though that feature affects the battery life). The Charge 5 also has heart rate sensors and stress-detecting EDA monitors for deeper insights into your health.Read our full review of the Fitbit Charge 5.Fitbit Inspire 3Our favorite budget fitness tracker is Fitbit's Inspire 3 and Prime Day is making it even more affordable with a 20-percent discount that makes it just $80 rather than $100. As of now, it looks like just the model with the orange band is still available for that price. It doesn't have built-in GPS, but if you bring your phone along, its connected GPS capabilities will give you all the same data. It does offer monitoring for your heart rate, blood oxygen and skin temperature variations.The Inspire 3 hit the claimed 10-day battery life in our tests, which is particularly useful for sleep monitoring. Fitbit also makes different swappable bands to personalize the wearable to your tastes, so if that orange band doesn't fit your style, you can easily switch it up.Check out our full guide to fitness trackers.Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for the best Amazon Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In the Know. Hear from Autoblog's car experts on must-shop auto-related Prime Day deals and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-amazon-prime-day-deals-165228101.html?src=rss
Air fryers have been having a moment for, well, a while, so it's no surprise that a number of them are on sale for Amazon Prime Day. A few of our top picks are included among the discounts, so you have plenty of options to get a good buy that fits your needs. Regardless of whether you want one for yourself to help you prepare meals for big dinner parties and family gatherings, or you're just looking for a compact machine that can crisp up leftovers, you'll likely be able to find a solid air fryer on sale today. Here are the best Amazon Prime Day air fryer deals we could find.Instant Vortex PlusThe top pick in our air fryer guide, the Instant Vortex Plus is on sale for $100 right now. Not only does this machine do a good job turning all types of food into crispy goodness, but it also has a "ClearCook" window so you can see your food while it's being prepared. It also has OdorEase technology, which does a decent job temping down cooking smells and reducing smokiness.Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryerThe Ninja Foodi DualZone air fryer has dropped to $180 for Prime Day. This 10-quart machine may take up a healthy amount of counter space, but it's a stellar air fryer that can cook two different foods at once. It even has a Smart Finish feature, which will let you cook two foods in different ways but have them both be ready to eat at the same time.Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer ProIf you're looking for an air fryer that can do much more than air fry, Breville's Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a good option, especially when it's on sale for $400 like it is for Prime Day. It has 13 cooking modes and it's big enough to fit a full turkey or a 9 x 13-inch pan, so you can prep full meals or side dishes in here. Those who love to cook, or who have large families for which to cook for, will get a ton of use out of Breville's machine.Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for the best Amazon Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In the Know. Hear from Autoblog's car experts on must-shop auto-related Prime Day deals and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-day-air-fryer-deals-150007819.html?src=rss
Microsoft is doing more to tackle toxicity in multiplayer Xbox games. The company is introducing a feature that allows Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One players to capture a 60-second video clip of abusive or inappropriate voice chat and submit it for moderators to review."This feature is purpose-built to support the broadest arena of in-game interactions between players and works across thousands of games that offer in-game multiplayer voice chat, including Xbox 360 backward-compatible titles," Xbox Player Services corporate vice-president Dave McCarthy wrote in a blog post.Microsoft designed the tool for both ease of use and to minimize the impact on gameplay. When you capture a clip for reporting, it will stay on your Xbox for "24 online hours." You'll have the option to submit it right away or wait until you finish your gaming session. You'll get a reminder before the 24 hours are up. If you opt not to report the clip, your Xbox will automatically delete it.No one else will have access to the clip unless you submit it. "Xbox is not saving or uploading any voice clips without you, the player, choosing to start the reporting process," McCarthy said. Any clips you capture through the tool will not appear in your recent captures and it won't be possible to download, share or modify them. These clips will only be used for moderation purposes. After the safety team has reviewed your report, you'll receive a notification to tell you whether it took action against an abusive player.An Xbox spokesperson told Engadget the safety team will use "a range of moderation tools that leverage AI and human moderators" to analyze the clips. Moderators will review audio and video to determine if someone has violated the community standards.At the outset, the reactive voice reporting system allows a player to report up to three individuals at once. "If a moderator cannot determine who was talking at a given time and associate it with the reported Xbox Live player, the report will be closed as unactionable, no enforcement action will be taken and the captured video will be deleted within 90 days," the spokesperson said.The advent of cross-platform play muddies the waters here too. The safety team won't take any action in cases of inappropriate voice chat from those who are on other platforms. "The announced reactive voice moderation feature is specifically for reporting Xbox players to the Xbox Safety Team," the spokesperson noted.It's encouraging to see Xbox tackle the problem of toxic voice chat at a platform-wide level. The PlayStation 5 has had a similar feature since it debuted in 2020.Several studios have adopted similar approaches in their own games. In 2021, Riot said it would record Valorant voice communications but only listen to them when a report was filed. It started testing the system last July.Ahead of Overwatch 2 going live last October, Blizzard said it would automatically transcribe a recording of a match's voice chat following a report from a player. The company's chat review tools analyze the transcription for signs of abusive behavior and both the recording and text file are deleted. (Of note, Blizzard and Overwatch 2 may soon be Microsoft properties.)To begin with, Xbox's voice reporting feature will be available for Alpha and Alpha-skip Xbox Insiders in the English-speaking markets of the US, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Microsoft hopes that insiders will provide feedback to help improve this feature. It plans to continue investing in voice moderation and to support more languages. Xbox will share data and updates on voice chat moderation in its bi-annual transparency report.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xbox-makes-abusive-voice-chat-reporting-a-system-wide-feature-190159915.html?src=rss
Amazon Prime Day is a great time to grab the little things: accessories, dongles, chargers and other tech we all need, but don't always think about until things get dire. We've reviewed and tested plenty of less-expensive tech and quite a few of our recommendations are currently seeing discounts during Amazon's big sale. We rounded up the best tech gear and devices we could find that come in under $50 with Prime Day savings. Here are the best Prime Day deals under $50 that you can get this year.Echo DotThe latest generation of Amazon's smart speaker, the Echo Dot usually retails for $50, but for Prime Day, it's down to $23, which is a 54 percent discount and its lowest price ever. We think it's the best sub-$50 smart speaker you can buy because it pumps out decent sound for its size while delivering all that Alexa can do. The Echo Dot with clock is also on sale, coming in at $30 instead of $60.Echo Dot KidsThe kids edition of the Echo Dot is on sale for $28 rather than $60. It's the same size as the standard Dot with equal audio powers. You can get it with an owl or dragon-themed exterior, and it offers parental controls and comes with a year's subscription to Amazon Kids + with kid-appropriate content.Echo PopAmazon's newest Echo is also its smallest. The half-sphere Echo Pop is now more than half off, going for just $18 for Prime Day when it usually retails for $40. It's designed to bring casual listening and Alexa's help to small spaces.Roku Streaming Stick 4KWe think Roku's Streaming Stick 4K is the best streaming device on the market and right now you can get it for $34 instead of the usual $50. It packs a lot of features into a small and affordable package and has a straightforward user interface.Anker 100W 10ft cableAnker's 100W cable is the one our reviewer used to test out the fast chargers in our guide and right now Prime members can get it for $13 instead of $16. It's rated to 100W, which can properly deliver power from a 100W USB-C power bank port or a fast charger brick.8BitDo Pro 2 controllerThis bundle with the 8BitDo Pro 2 controller and its storage case is down to $48 for Prime Day, which is a great price. We generally like 8BitDo controllers and the Pro 2 has been one of our favorites since it came out. It offers a lot at an affordable price point: adjustable stick and trigger sensitivity, vibration control and customize button mapping, just to name a few features. It also works with a bunch of different platforms including Switch, Steam Deck, PC, iOS, Mac and Android. It's part of a larger sale that includes the 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox for $28and the Sn30 Pro Bluetooth controller for $32.Fire TV Stick LiteThe budget pick in Engadget's streaming device guide is Amazon's Fire TV Stick Lite, which is even cheaper for Prime Day as long as you're a Prime member. Typically $30 it's now half price at just $15. It supports Full HD streaming with HDR and comes with an Alexa voice remote - but keep in mind it can't control the volume or power on your TV.Fire TV Stick 4KThe Fire TV Stick 4K is down to $23, which is a considerable 54 percent savings over its $50 list price. It's capable of streaming 4K video to your TV or monitor (as long as it supports that resolution) and supports HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It also puts Amazon's Fire OS interface on your screen, which we found to be easy enough to figure out, though it does prioritize Amazon Prime Video content.Fire TV Stick 4K MaxLike the standard 4K stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max streams 4K content to your compatible screen of choice, has an Alexa remote, and supports HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It also has access to WiFi 6 and packs a faster processor. Right now, it's $25 which is 55 percent off of the typical $55.Anker PowerConf C200 2K WebcamThe runner up in our guide to the best webcams is Anker's PowerConf C200 2K. The list price is $60, but is discounted to $48 for Prime members during the sale. It's easy to set up, has a built-in lens cover for privacy and captures sharp and clear 2K resolution video with a 95-degree field of view.Amazon Echo BudsThe latest Echo Buds just arrived in May yet they're already 30 percent off at Amazon for Prime members. You can get them for $35, which is $15 off and ties the lowest price we've seen. We recommended the Echo Buds to those who prefer an open design in our best budget wireless earbuds guide.JOBY GripTightWe like Joby products and recommend them in a few of our guides. This GripTight stand will hold most any smartphone in just about any position and includes bendy, gripping legs to stand or even grab on to objects. Prime day is cutting the price almost in half, making it $18.50 instead of $35.ElevationLab GoStandWe recommend Elevation Lab's GoStand in our gift guide for people who work from home and right now it's 20 percent off. It folds into a pocket and can prop up a smartphone in either portrait or landscape orientation and adjusts to just about any viewing angle you'd like.Logitech Litra GlowLive-streamers or anyone who wants to look better on camera should snag Logitech's Litra Glow LED light while it's on sale for Prime members. We recommend it in our guides because the USB-powered device delivers a diffuse, soft glow without harsh shadows and comes with an extendable monitor mount.TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Light BulbOur favorite budget smart light bulbs are TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Bulbs, which are 32 percent off right now for the two-pack, bringing it to $17. Installation is easy, and the lights stayed reliably connected during testing, plus the companion app is simple.Tile SlimThe Tile Slim is down to $23 for Prime Day. In our tests it was louder than the other wallet-focused trackers we tried (it was even louder than the Tile Mate, which is also on sale). It works with both Android and Apple devices and its thick credit card shape nicely slides into slots of a typical wallet.SAMSUNG EVO Select microSDWe named the Samsung EVo Select microSD card the overall best value in our guide to those storage devices and the largest, 128GB capacity model is now just $10, a 50 percent discount over its typical $20 price tag. The larger capacity cards, including the 512GB model is on sale as well. It doesn't have the fastest write speeds, but is good for adding extra storage on the cheap.SAMSUNG PRO Plus microSD Memory CardEngadget's top pick overall for micro SD cards is Samsung's Pro Plus micro SD and Prime Day is bringing even the 128GB model to $14 and the largest 512GB model to under $50 after a 33 percent, Prime-only discount. It had the best sequential write performance of the cards we tested and should work well as extra storage for a camera, tablet or gaming handheld.Blink Video DoorbellThe list price on Blink's Video Doorbell is $60, but a half price discount for Prime members puts it comfortably under $50 at just $30. The unit can be used wired or on battery and will keep an eye on your front door, sending 1080p video to your phone or smart display, triggered by motion. The add-on Sync Module 2 is required for on-demand viewing, otherwise video and audio is only available when motion is sensed.Amazon Fire 7 tabletAmazon's Fire 7 tablet has an MSRP of $60, but Prime Day is discounting it to $40 after a 33 percent, Prime-member-only discount. A sub-$50 tablet is a rare thing, and the Fire 7 isn't a high-performer. But if you just need a no-frills way to check email, stream and browse social media, this won't break the bank.Echo Show 5The recently updated Echo Show 5 is half price for Prime Day, dropping it to $45. The smaller smart display can act as a bedside alarm clock (and even has a snooze button) or you can set it up in a smaller kitchen to show you recipes and provide Alexa's help.Blink Mini smart security camera (2-pack)The wired, indoor Blink mini security cam is listed at $35 most days, but Prime members can snag it for $17.50. In fact, a two pack falls beneath the $50 mark, at just $34. The smart cameras are motion-activated, sending live 1080p video to your smartphone or smart display and allowing for two-way audio to boot.Belkin Wireless Charging StandOne of our favorite wireless chargers is Belkin's Wireless Charging Stand, which is just $36 for Prime members right now, and a 20 percent discount. We like it because it's a good value, comes with a power adapter and lets you charge in either landscape or portrait orientation.Amazon Smart PlugIn Engadget's guide to smart plugs, we named Amazon's Smart Plug the best option for people who already use Alexa-enabled devices, like Echo speakers. It's easy to set up using the Alexa app and reliably controls any lamps or fans you plug into it. Right now Prime Members can snag one for just $13, which is nearly half price.Anker 735 GaN PrimeAnker's 735 GaN Prime is just $39 for Prime members and usually $60. It's the best 65W charging brick you can buy, according to our testing because it's fast, compact and offers a total of three charging ports: two USB-C and one USB-A.OtterBox Fast Charge Power BankThe stylish and fast-charging OtterBox Fast Charge Power Bank is currently just $35 for the 15,000mAh model the best medium capacity portable battery you can buy. This one has even more juice to revive your dying smartphone or tablet.Belkin Apple Watch ChargerBelkin's Apple Watch Charger is one of our favorite accessories for the smartwatch and down to $44 for Prime members. The square pad can flip up so you can use the watch in nightstand mode and uses Apple's new fast wireless-charging module to power a Series 8 from 0 to 80 percent in about 45 minutes.Anker 511 charger Nano 3Anker's 511 (Nano 3) charging brick is one of our recommendations for Apple Watch users and is now on sale for $17 instead of $23. New watches don't come with power adapters, so if you need one, this is a good option - it's compact with foldable prongs and has ActiveShield 2.0 to keep it from overheating.Kasa Smart Plug EP25 (4-pack)Prime Day is a good time to pick up the best smart plug you can buy, according to our testing. A four-pack of Kasa's Smart Plug EP25 is now $35 for Prime members, when the set is usually $50. It's reliable, relatively easy to set up and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and even Apple HomeKit.Logitech Signature M650Logitech's Signature M650 wireless mouse is seeing a moderate 13 percent discount for Prime Day. It's a good pick for a compact mouse you can easily take with you when you're computing on the go. It has a precision scroll wheel, clicks quietly and features two programmable buttons.Spigen ArcHybrid MagSafe Battery PackThe top MagSafe-compatible battery in our tests turned out to be Spigen's ArcHybrid MagSafe pack and Prime Day pricing brings it down to $33 after a solid 45 percent discount. It's a a little larger than Apple's own MagSafe battery and was able to fill an iPhone 14 Plus to 56 percent in about an hour and 45 minutes. Considering it's regularly $30 cheaper than Apple's battery pack, it's easy to recommend - particularly at this price.Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for the best Amazon Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In the Know. Hear from Autoblog's car experts on must-shop auto-related Prime Day deals and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-amazon-prime-day-deals-under-50-134515288.html?src=rss
The immensely popular online game creation platform/thingamajig Roblox is coming to VR, thanks to the Meta Quest platform. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement, which was followed by an official Roblox blog post. A beta version of the app launches in just a few weeks, according to Zuckerberg, which will be accessible via the Quest platform's dedicated App Lab.The beta will be available for the Quest 2 and Quest Pro headsets, so OG Quest owners are out of luck. The recently-announced Quest 3 wasn't mentioned, but that's likely because it won't be out in time for the beta release. A finished version of the game, however, would make for an extremely compelling launch title for the Quest 3, as Roblox boasts more than 66 million daily users across multiple platforms.To that end, this is going to be a fully cross-platform title, so anything you interact with or make on your phone or console should be accessible in VR, though it depends on the developer. The Roblox team is actively encouraging developers to make experiences in VR with a forthcoming toolset accessible via the Creator Dashboard. You'll soon see VR as a new device type on this dashboard, along with desktop, mobile, tablet and console.Meta recently lowered the minimum age to operate a Quest headset from 13 to ten, but this change will not impact Roblox. You have to be at least 13 to use the app in VR. That's probably for the best, given the addictive nature of the title and associated child safety concerns.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/roblox-is-coming-to-meta-quest-vr-headsets-181633766.html?src=rss
Amazon Prime Day has brought several discounts on gaming gear we like, from mice and keyboards to laptops and headsets. If you've been looking to build out your gaming rig, now's a great time to pick up a few high-performing accessories, or even a bigger investment like a discounted gaming laptop. We've compiled the best Prime Day gaming deals we can find below, including peripherals from Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, HyperX and more.Logitech G Pro X SuperlightThe Logitech G Pro X Superlight is back down to an all-time low of $105, which is about $35 off its average going rate. This is a high-end wireless mouse whose praises we've sung in the past. It's sturdily built and wonderfully light at roughly 63g, and its mostly ambidextrous shape should be suitable for most hand sizes. Performance is exceptional across the board, and while it lacks RGB lighting, it won't look gaudy in an office setting. To be clear, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro - which isn't notably discounted for Prime Day - remains our favorite premium model, as it lasts longer on a charge and uses USB-C instead of the microUSB port found here. Still, the G Pro X Superlight is a fine choice for enthusiasts.Logitech G305 LightspeedThe Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a budget wireless gaming mouse we highlight in our buying guide, and it's down to $30 for Prime Day. While that's a few bucks more than the lowest price we've seen, it's about $10 less than the mouse's usual going rate. The G305 is on the smaller side, but its symmetrical design doesn't feel particularly cheap and should accommodate most claw and fingertip grippers. For the money, its sensor performance is great. It does require a single AA battery for power, so it isn't the lightest option at roughly 100g, but Logitech says it can last up to 250 hours before needing a change.If you're willing spend a little bit more, the Razer Basilisk V3 is the top pick in our guide, and it's down to a new low of $40 at Best Buy. While that's not a Prime Day deal, it's a great value for an ergonomic mouse that tracks reliably and should be comfortable for most hand sizes. It has a more versatile scroll wheel that can tilt left to right and utilize a faster free-spin mode, too.Nintendo Switch gamesIf you need something new to play, a handful of popular Switch exclusives are at or near their lowest prices to date, with Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Mario Golf: Super Rusheach down to $30. Outside of Amazon, Metroid Dread and Pokemon Legends: Arceusare both down to $39 at GameStop. Most of these games are a few years old, but steep discounts on Nintendo games are still fairly uncommon.Beyond the Switch, the action-RPG Horizon Forbidden Westis down to $40, the PS5 remake of Demon's Souls is on sale for $30 and the more recent Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is available for $44 with an on-page coupon. The well-reviewed RPG Octopath Traveler II, which was released earlier this year, is also on sale for $40 across the Switch, PS5 and PS4.Samsung Evo SelectThe 512GB Samsung Evo Select is available for $30, which is a new all-time low. Typically, we've seen this microSD card go for $10 or $15more in recent months. The Evo Select is the best value" pick in our guide to the best microSD cards: It's certainly not the fastest card we've tested, but it's a great buy for expanding the storage of a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Both of thosesystems are limited to official UHS-I bus speeds, so game launch and load times are virtually identical across microSD cards so long as your card meets a certain threshold (which the Evo Select does). What you mainly want is lots of storage space for a little amount of money. At this price, the Evo Select provides that.The top pick in our microSD card guide, Samsung's Pro Plus, is a bit pricier but still down to all-time lows of $20 for 256GB and $40 for 512GB. While this won't be any faster to launch Switch or Steam Deck games than the Evo Select, its superior random and sequential write speeds should make it a little quicker for installing games or copying files to the card.Samsung 980 ProThe 1TB Samsung 980 Pro SSD is down to $50, which is an all-time low and about $25 off its average street price as of late. This isn't Samsung's fastest SSD - that'd be the 990 Pro - but we highlight it here because it meets Sony's requirements for expanding the PS5's storage. You'll want to grab a heatsink to go with it, but you can do that and still pay less than what it'd cost to buy the variant that comes with a heatsink pre-installed. If you do what the convenience of an integrated heatsink, however, the 980 Pro with Heatsink is down to $70 for 1TB. The 2TB 990 Pro is also on sale for $130, but that drive's performance gains border on overkill for the PS5.Backbone OneThe Backbone One is on sale for $70, a rare $30 discount. This deal now applies to the standard and PlayStation-branded models for iPhone, and both are only available as Lightning deals. Nevertheless, this is a well-built mobile gamepad that connects to your phone's charging port and works with just about any game that supports controller input, including those streamed over the cloud. It's not as luxurious as a traditional controller, but it's comfortable for its size and provides all the inputs needed to play modern games. It has a 3.5mm jack and supports pass-through charging as well. We gave the One a positive review last year and call it an honorable mention in our guide to the best gaming handhelds.Sennheiser HD 560SA good set of open-back headphones generally provides much better audio quality than a conventional gaming headset for around the same price. The Sennheiser HD 560S is one such pair we recommend in our guide to the best gaming headsets, and now it's down to $142. That's about $25 below its typical street price. There's no mic here, but the HD 560S' balanced sound profile and wide soundstage lend games a lovely sense of immersion and detail. It's great for music as well, even if it can be a smidge hot in the treble. Comfort also isn't an issue, but be aware that all open-back headphones let in and leak lots of external noise, so they won't be ideal if you play in a noisy environment.HyperX Cloud Alpha WirelessIf you want a more traditional gaming headset, the top wireless pick in our guide, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, is on sale for $150. That's $40 less than its traditional street price. This pair is all about the battery life, as it can last more than 300 hours on a charge. (No, that's not a typo.) The bass-boosted sound isn't as accurate or spacious as a good open-back pair, and HyperX's companion app is kind of a mess, but the design is comfortable, the mic is fine and the battery goes a long way toward minimizing the usual inconveniences of a wireless headphone. Just note that the headset only connects over a USB wireless dongle and doesn't work with Xbox.HyperX Cloud Stinger 2The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is on sale for a new low of $35. This is the budget pick in our buying guide. It's not particularly balanced-sounding, but it gives action scenes an exciting sense of impact, and its mic quality belies the low price. The plastic frame doesn't clamp down too hard, either, but it does feel somewhat cheap.If you're willing to pay a little bit extra, the wired version of the Cloud Alpha offers better overall build quality. That one's down to $60, which is a roughly $25 discount. The original Cloud Stinger is also on sale for $20, which is a great price, though the newer model sounds better.Logitech G535The Logitech G535 is on sale for $80, which is the second-best price we've tracked outside of a very brief dip below $50 last month. Normally, it costs around $100. The G535 is an honorable mention in our buying guide: It's light and airy at 236g, and while it can make mid-range details sound thin, it has an agreeable and relatively well-balanced sound overall. The included boom mic is just OK, however, and the closed-back design doesn't block much outside noise. Still, finding a good wireless gaming headset for less than $100 is difficult, and the G535 gets close enough.SteelSeries Arctis Nova ProThe SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is another honorable mention in our gaming headset guide, and it's down to $199 for Prime Day. This is an all-time low for both the Xbox and PlayStation/PC models; each typically goes for about $40 more on average. This is a premium, well-padded headset that's comfy to wear over long sessions. Its retractable mic is great, and it comes with a DAC that lets you adjust the headset's EQ and game/chat audio mix on the fly. It does well to reproduce bass and mid-range sounds, too, though it can be harsh in the treble, and again, it doesn't sound as spacious as an open-back pair like the Astro A40, our top pick, which isn't any cheaper than usual for Prime Day. Still, if you have money to burn on a gaming headset and prioritize comfort and mic quality, this isn't a bad choice.SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7XThe SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, meanwhile, is available for $150, which is the lowest price we've seen and about $25 below its usual street price. We note the Arctis Nova 7X in our gaming headset guide as a worthy wireless option for Xbox owners. Its mic quality is solid, albeit worse than the pricier Nova Pro, and it's comfy to wear over time, with cloth earpads that don't clamp down too hard. It has a bass-forward sound profile, so explosions and other effects carry a real sense of oomph, though a dip in the treble can make in-game dialogue sound underemphasized. The pair can connect over Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable in addition to its wireless dongle, though, plus it can last more than 30 hours on a charge.Seagate and WD Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X/S (1TB)For better or worse, the only way for Xbox Series X/S owners to fully expand their console's storage for current-gen games is to use a proprietary storage card. Seagate's Storage Expansion Card and WD's Black C50 are the only two official options, but right now each of their 1TB models are down to a new low of $140. While that's still pricey compared to a traditional (and PS5-compatible) SSD, it's at least a little bit of savings for those tired of uninstalling games to save space.8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth ControllerThe 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is on sale for $63, which is an $7 discount. We briefly saw this wireless gamepad fall to $56 earlier during Prime Day, but discounts have been rare since the device arrived last year, so any price drop is welcome. We gave the Ultimate Bluetooth Controller a favorable write-up earlier this week, praising its comfort, build quality and customizability. The key feature is its Hall effect joysticks, which are much more resistant to developing drift issues over time. Just note that the controller is made for the Switch and PCs, not Xbox or PlayStation.If you want something more affordable, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is a similarly versatile gamepad that we've recommended in the past. It doesn't have those Hall effect sticks, but it's a strong value at $40, which matches the lowest price we've tracked.Razer Huntsman MiniThe compact Razer Huntsman Mini is down to $70 for a model with either Clicky Purple or Linear Red opto-mechanical switches. Neither deal is quite an all-time low, but the two models have usually retailed in the $80 to $100 range over the last few months. The Huntsman Mini is the top pick in our guide to the best 60 percent keyboards, as its keys are pleasant and consistently responsive for gaming. The whole thing feels well-built, with quality PBT keycaps and RGB lighting on a per-key basis. Each key can be programmed through macros as well. The switches here aren't ideal for those who like a springy and more tactile, though, and the ultracompact design won't be for everyone.HyperX Alloy Origins 60The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is the runner up in our 60 percent keyboard guide, and it's on sale for $60. That's about $20 off the usual price for this model with HyperX's Aqua switches. The Aqua resembles a Cherry MX Brown (albeit slightly faster), so this deal should appeal to those who want a small gaming keyboard with a more tactile feel than the Huntsman Mini. The board itself has a sturdy aluminum chassis that should hold up well to rough keystrokes over time, plus it puts its secondary arrow keys in a natural spot at the bottom right of the deck. It offers PBT keycaps, per-key RGB lighting and macro-programmable keys as well, though the use of metal does make it relatively heavy.Corsair Scimitar RGB EliteThe Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite is down to $50 for Prime Day, which is about $20 off its street price and within $3 of the lowest price we've tracked. This is an MMO-focused mouse we highlight in our gaming mouse buying guide. It's not quite as convenient for complex games as our top MMO pick, the Logitech G600, as it lacks a third click button for accessing more in-game commands at once. If you don't need that, though, the RGB Elite has a more modern sensor and better overall build quality.SteelSeries Apex Pro TKLThe SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is on sale for $132, which is a new low and $58off the tenkeyless gaming keyboard's list price. While we haven't reviewed the Apex Pro TKL ourselves, it has received consistentlyhighmarkselsewhere for its robust build quality, PBT keycaps, per-key backlighting and deeply adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 switches. The latter allows you to customize the actuation point of each individual key in increments of 0.1mm, within a range of 0.2mm-3.8mm. You can make each keystroke super fast for gaming or raise the travel distance and make everything less sensitive when you want to type. This is also one of the few tenkeyless keyboards that comes with a wrist rest.A few other variants of the Apex Pro are discounted, too, including the wireless TKL model for $174, the full-size Apex Pro for $134and the 60 percent Apex Pro Mini for $131. The first two of those are down to all-time lows, but note that the full-size model uses cheaper ABS keycaps. These are pricey and relatively niche keyboards either way, but if you think you'd benefit from the customization, they're at least a little more affordable now.The Asus ROG Azoth is another highlyratedcompactkeyboard with enthusiast-level features like a gasket-mounted design for softer typing and a hot-swappable PCB. It's available for $195with a $15 coupon, which is a serious chunk of change for a wireless keyboard but $50 less than usual.Logitech G915 TKLThe Logitech G915 TKL is down to $150for a model with tactile switches, which matches the keyboard's lowest price and comes in about $45 below its usual price. If you want a numpad, the full-size G915 Lightspeed with linear switches is roughly $60 off at $170. The G915 is worth considering if you specifically want a wireless keyboard with low-profile typing experience. While its flatter keys may not feel as smooth as the best full-height keyboards, they're fast, and the metal frame is noticeably slim. The cheaper ABS keycaps and limited macro functionality are disappointing at this price, but you do get dedicated media controls, per-key RGB lighting and 30 hours of battery life with the backlight at max brightness. You can read our 2020 write-up for more details.Meta Quest 2 + $50 Amazon gift cardThe Meta Quest 3 is on the horizon, but the Quest 2's totally cordless design, still-competent hardware and relatively large app library make it the best option for most people looking to get into VR today. It can also connect to a gaming PC if you want to play more complex games like Half-Life: Alyx. The headset itself isn't priced any lower than usual for Prime Day, but Amazon is throwing in a $50 gift card for no extra cost.Razer Blade laptopsA configuration of the Razer Blade 15 with a Core i7-12800H processor, GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, 240Hz QHD display, 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD is down to $1,923 for Prime Day. That's about $375 off its usual street price in recent months. We gave the Blade 15 a review score of 86 last year, and we currently recommend it as a premium pick in our guide to the best gaming laptops. This config is a 2022 model - the latest version is largely a spec bump - but it'll still be powerful enough to play most modern games at high settings and frame rates, particularly with DLSS. The main reason to pay the premium for any Blade laptop, though, is because it packs that power in a slim and premium-feeling aluminum design. Just note that it can run hot, and that its battery life is fairly short.If you want a larger 17-inch display, a version of the Blade 17 with similar specs is available for $2,000. The smaller Blade 14, meanwhile, is more modestly discounted at $2,300 for a 2022 config with a Ryzen 9 6900HX, RTX 3080 Ti and 165Hz display.Acer Nitro 5The Acer Nitro 5 is the runner up pick in our guide to the best budget gaming laptops, and right now a configuration with a Core i5-12500H, GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, 144Hz 1080p display, 16GB of RAM and 512GB is available for $740. That's a new low and roughly $160 off this model's typical street price. This is a chunky plastic machine, and you'll need to ratchet down the settings in certain games to hit a decent frame rate. But getting a 144Hz display and enough power to keep up with modern games is a plus at this price. As an affordable yet competent entry point to PC gaming, it's a fine value.Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for the best Amazon Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In the Know. Hear from Autoblog's car experts on must-shop auto-related Prime Day deals and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-day-gaming-deals-132537938.html?src=rss
The Perseverance Rover has found evidence of organic compounds in the Jezero Crater on Mars. Although this isn't the smoking gun proving once and for all that Mars once hosted life - these compounds could have also developed in nonbiological ways - the results hint at surprisingly complex organic conditions for the key building blocks for life" on Earth's neighbor. The study was published in Nature.The Perseverance Rover, the first to explore the Jezero Crater, has been investigating the area since February 2021. Researchers believe the basin once housed an ancient lake, including a delta from a river that once flowed into it. It's one of the most likely regions to reveal leftover signs of life on Mars.Organic molecules like those observed in the Jezero Crater contain carbon and often hydrogen atoms. They're the core components of life as we know it on Earth, although they can also develop abiologically. They are an exciting clue for astrobiologists since they are often thought of as building blocks of life," paper co-author Joseph Razzell Hollis, a postdoctoral fellow at London's Natural History Museum, said toNewsweek. Importantly, they can be created by processes not related to life as we know it, and so organic molecules are not evidence of life on their own without sufficient extra evidence that cannot be explained by nonbiological - or abiotic - processes."The rover observed the compounds using an instrument - the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) - that maps organic molecules and minerals on rock surfaces. Significantly, it found organic materials in all ten targets it observed on the crater floor. Our results support observations by previous robotic missions to Mars that the Red Planet was once rich in organic material, compounds made primarily of carbon and hydrogen, and that some of that organic material can still be detected billions of years later," co-author Joseph Razzell Hollis, a London-based astrobiologist, toldGizmodo. Each detection, each observation, gives us a little bit more information that brings us closer to understanding the history of Mars and whether it could have supported life in the past."Now that the researchers have observed the molecules, they'll need a better look at them in Earthbound labs to draw further conclusions about their origins. If these samples are returned to terrestrial laboratories, a more diverse suite of tools can be used to study the samples, including at higher spatial resolution and with much greater specificity and sensitivity," the authors wrote. They'll have to wait for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, which isn't expected to launch from Earth until at least the late 2020s. Still, the trip should be worth the wait. So far, the only Martian rocks we've ever been able to study on Earth have been meteorites. Getting our hands on intact Mars rocks, carefully stored and protected from contamination, will be invaluable to planetary science," Razzell Hollis told Newsweek.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/researchers-find-evidence-of-organic-matter-on-mars-174950850.html?src=rss
Chipotle isn't done experimenting with robots that could make life easier for restaurant staff. The chain has teamed up with robotics company Vebu to test a prototype Autocado robot (yes, that's the name) that cuts, cores and peels avocados to be used in guacamole. Kitchen workers only have to fill the bot with up to 25lbs of ripe avocados and choose a size. After the processing is done, they collect the fruit in a bowl, add remaining ingredients and start mashing.As Autocado improves, Chipotle expects to cut guacamole prep time in half - no mean feat when it usually takes 50 minutes to make a batch. That could ensure a steady supply of guac while eliminating some of the drudgery for employees. The restaurant also believes the robot could reduce food waste (and thus costs) through more efficient processing.Autocado is currently limited to a testing center in Irvine, California. This is the start of a "long term partnership" with Vebu, Chipotle adds. The two haven't said what comes next, but the focus will be on collaborative robots that "drive efficiencies" and "ease pain points" for workers. Last year, Chipotle began testing Miso Robotics' Chippy robot to aid in making tortilla chips.Chipotle is far from alone. McDonald's and other restaurants are trying AI, robots and other automated solutions to streamline their experiences. These moves theoretically help employees concentrate on serving customers and other tasks where humans are still preferable. Of course, there are also lingering concerns among critics that restaurants might use this to automate people out of jobs. They may choose to shrink headcounts and cut costs instead of easing the workload. That isn't guaranteed to happen with Autocado when humans are still necessary, but the long-term future isn't quite so clear.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chipotles-guacamole-robot-is-cursed-to-peel-and-core-avocados-for-eternity-174027901.html?src=rss
Just a year ago, Apple announced the biggest software update the iPad has ever seen. iPadOS 16 ushered in Stage Manager, a completely revamped multitasking mode that brought overlapping, resizable windows to the iPad, along with robust external display support (provided you had compatible hardware).There were a host of other new features, as usual, but Stage Manager in particular brought the iPad closer than ever to a Mac or Windows PC experience. iPadOS 17, on the other hand, is a more subtle update. That's usually the case, with one year bringing big new features and the next offering tweaks and stability improvements. And while there isn't one singular headline feature in iPadOS 17, the totality of myriad smaller changes definitely adds up. I've been using iPadOS 17 in beta for a few weeks, and now that the public beta is live, you can do the same.A note on stability: Even though this is a public beta, the beta" still applies. It's probably not ideal to install on a machine you rely on for daily use, as you'll surely run into some bugs and crashes. And it's always a bit of a crapshoot how well third-party apps work on a beta. All that said, I haven't run into anything particularly severe. Occasionally, an app will just toss me back to the Home Screen, or you might find some weird UI issues where apps haven't quite been optimized yet. But over the last few years, Apple has gained a reputation for releasing public betas in solid, usable states, and that's the case here as well. Just remember that downgrading" to iPadOS 16 final releases isn't exactly a simple process.Stage Manager updatesWhile Stage Manager opened up some major new multitasking features for the iPad, it was also a lot more rigid than the windows management system you'd find on a Mac. This year, Apple has tweaked things to make it easier to set up your ideal workspace. Previously, apps would snap to a handful of predetermined sizes to fit your display, and the specific placement of each individual window was up to iPadOS to decide. Now, app windows have a lot more granularity in how you can size and place them. For example, I can make the Notes app that I'm typing into right now a tiny window half of my screen's height and about a quarter of its width. From there, I can make it as tall or wide as I want; there are still specific sizes that it snaps to, but there's far more flexibility than there was last year.iPadOS 17 is also a lot more flexible about how you arrange multiple apps, something that wasn't the case last year. When you added a second app to a space, iPadOS automatically decided where the two windows should go. You could resize them both as you wanted, but it was basically impossible to show two apps side-by-side without any overlap, for example. That's no longer the case. Now, it's a simple matter of grabbing the top of a window and dropping it where you want.These basic controls have been available on Windows and macOS for decades, but it's still a new paradigm for the iPad. I'm definitely glad that Apple seems to be trusting its users more by giving them more flexibility rather than letting iPadOS make major decisions about how you lay out your screen. Stage Manager is still somewhat of a niche feature, given that lots of iPads can't run it, but people who want to push their iPads further will definitely appreciate these updates.Lock Screen and interactive widgetsProbably the most obvious user-facing update is the revamped Lock Screen. It should also be very familiar, because Apple first introduced it on the iPhone a year ago. Basically, you can now set up multiple lock screens, each with its own wallpaper, widgets and design elements (like fonts and color filters). To jump between different styles you've set up, you can just press and hold on the Lock Screen and then choose what suits you. Finally, you can also set a specific Focus setting for each Lock Screen, so you can set up a whole profile for work mode or vacation time.There's also a great new wallpaper picker - this, too, borrowed from the iPhone. There are some new styles here specifically for the iPad, though, including striking views of every planet in the solar system stem. And in a nod to the iPad's history, they brought back the original Pyramid Lake wallpaper (shot by photographer Richard Misrach) from the first iPad back in 2010. I'm a sucker for nostalgia and love the photo, so Apple won me over here.Beyond the aesthetics, having widgets on the Lock Screen makes the iPad's large display more useful - there's a ton of space, so why not show more than just the time and your notifications? But widgets are getting a big improvement beyond just being able to drop them on the Lock Screen. At long last, they're interactive. That means if you have a Reminders widget, you can tap a specific item to check it off without having to open the app. Or, with the Apple Music widget, you can automatically start playing an album or playlist.Previously, widgets let you tap specific parts to jump to that place in the app, so they weren't just static information displays, but this takes their functionality a lot further. We're going to need third-party developers to add this functionality to their widgets to really take full advantage of the feature, but I'm looking forward to seeing how apps incorporate it when iPadOS 17 is out in the wild.HealthThere aren't many Apple apps on the iPhone that you can't also get on the iPad. Health was one, but that's been remedied this year. It's just what you'd expect: Health data tracked from your iPhone and Apple Watch is available for you to review on the iPad, with a design that's better suited to the larger screen. While there's nothing revolutionary here, the Health app can include so much data that it's actually a bit easier to dig through everything here.Everything syncs from your iPhone, but so far that sync process hasn't been the most reliable. Even though the Health app on my iPad says it synced two minutes ago, it hasn't pulled in updated steps data since 7AM this morning. My activity rings from my Apple Watch are similarly hours out of date. I wager this will get settled before iPadOS 17 is finished, though.Apple announced a handful of features relating to mental health as part of the latest iPad and iOS updates, including a dedicated journaling app and mood trackers in the health app. While the journal app isn't coming until later this year," sometime after iPadOS 17 and iOS 17 officially launch, the mood tracking features are available in the Health app. I've long been in the habit of tracking my daily mood, and this isn't a bad place to do it. It's pretty simple, with a slider to pick your overall mood and a few follow-up questions, but the idea is for it to be quick and painless so you do it repeatedly. There's also a mental health questionnaire you can take that claims to assess your anxiety and depression levels that reminds me of questions I've answered from a doctor in the past. I did reach out to Apple to find out where they're sourcing this set of questions from so we can know more about their validity and approach.Safari, Messages, Notes and moreAs always, Apple's core apps are getting lots of little but potentially meaningful updates. Safari's biggest new feature is arguably the ability to set up multiple profiles. Each profile can access all your bookmarks, saved passwords and reading list, but it keeps things like logins to sites and tab groups separate. I did the basic personal and work" profiles, with logins to work-specific tools kept separate. It's also pretty easy to move things between profiles if you accidentally open windows in your personal profile that you'd rather have with your work tabs. And, of course, this all syncs via iCloud to other devices - I have the macOS Sonoma beta installed as well, and things were shared seamlessly.Messages is possibly Apple's most important app, and every year it gets usability tweaks and new features. A bunch of those are focused around audio messages, which I haven't really had a chance to check out much. One thing I do like, though, is that replying in a thread is a lot easier than it used to be. Now, swiping right on a message opens the reply interface, which is definitely quicker than holding down on a message, waiting for the menu to pop up and selecting the reply" option.The search experience has also been upgraded with filters. For example, you can first search for a specific contact, and then search just their conversation for keywords. The results naturally include specific messages as well as relevant links, images and more.But the update I've had the most fun with so far is definitely Stickers. You can now easily create your own stickers from images in your photo gallery. If you tap on a subject in a photo, you can pull it out from the background and save it as a sticker, so you can easily use it again. Live Photos can be turned into live stickers - and let me tell you, the live sticker I made of my dog laying down is adorable and I will spam everyone with it.Your own stickers can live alongside sticker packs from other apps, emoji and Memoji. And the stickers you've created will be available to use in third-party apps, as well. Basically, stickers you create as well as those from apps should be easier to share outside of just Apple's Messages app, which is a nice change from the previously walled-off approach Apple took.Notes, quietly one of Apple's most useful apps, has gotten more improvements this year too. You can now embed PDFs right into a Notes doc and they display full-width, so you can easily browse through a PDF and make notes on it below. You can also naturally mark it up with an Apple Pencil or collaborate on it in a note shared with other people.PDF support system-wide has been improved. For example, opening a PDF document from the Files app will open it in its own window, provided you're running Stage Manager. This makes it easier to put a PDF side-by-side with another app while still having full access to the Files app. Auto-filling fields in PDFs has also been improved system-wide; Apple says it's using an on-device neural network to identify documents that have fields that need to be filled in across the system, and you'll be able to AutoFill details like names and addresses the same way you can on websites.Another useful trick is the ability to link directly to a specific note in your library. Other note-taking apps like Bear have had this feature for a while, but it's undeniably handy to link related notes together so you can easily jump between them instead of having to go back to the sidebar and search for the one you're looking for.The restThis just scratches the surface of iPadOS 17. Lots of new features, like the changes to Messages, work best when other people you know are also running the new software. And other things, like the journal app, won't be available to try for months to come. Finally, there are plenty of iOS 17 features like Facetime updates and a smarter keyboard will be in iPadOS 17 as well. If you want to give this all a shot months before Apple finalizes everything, you can install the iPadOS 17 public beta now. But as always, think hard about whether you're up for some instability before you take the plunge.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ipados-17-preview-a-smoother-multitasking-experience-for-those-who-really-need-it-173022677.html?src=rss
Gone are the days when you contort yourself to try the latest iOS version before its official debut. Apple has released the iOS 17 public beta, and it's easy to install the preview on your iPhone. So long as you know what you're getting into, you can explore major features months before the finished software arrives this fall. These instructions should also work for the iPadOS 17 beta, too.Before you start: iOS 17 beta requirements and risksAppleTo begin, you'll need to be sure your hardware supports iOS 17. Apple requires at least a 2018 or newer iPhone, including the XR, XS and second-generation SE. Notably, this release ends support for the iPhone 8 and X - if you own one of these older models, you'll simply have to buy a new handset to run the updated platform.The iPadOS 17 public beta clearly has different requirements. You'll need at least a sixth-generation iPad, third-generation iPad Air, fifth-generation iPad mini, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, any 11-inch iPad Pro or the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.Whatever you're installing, remember that this is pre-release code. The iOS 17 public beta is better-suited to everyday use than earlier developer versions, but you may still run into bugs, odd behavior or app compatibility issues. You'll want to wait for the finished software if your phone has apps or data you simply can't afford to lose. If you're willing to accept the risks, it's still a very good idea to backup your data through iTunes or a cloud service (such as iCloud) in case you need to restore your phone at some stage.How to install the iOS 17 public betaAppleBe sure you've updated to iOS 16.4 or newer, as you'll need it to walk through the public beta installation process. You can upgrade through the Settings app, choosing General, and then tapping Software Update. This screen will also tell you which version you're running.Once ready, you'll want to sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program using the Safari web browser on your iPhone. Membership is free; you'll need to log in using the main Apple ID you use on your phone and enroll that device in the program. Follow prompts, and be sure to read the agreement when it appears.After that, installing the iOS 17 test is almost as simple as installing ordinary updates. You just have to visit Settings, tap General, tap Software Update and then select a new Beta Updates item underneath Automatic Updates. Be sure that the Apple ID displayed at the bottom is the one you used to join the beta program. You should see the option to install iOS 17 Public Beta" from that screen. Go back one screen and you should get an offer to download and install the beta.As with any other iOS upgrade, the installation may take a few minutes to complete and will involve restarts. At the end, the beta will add a Feedback Assistant app to your home screen that helps report bugs.What you do (and don't) get with the iOS 17 public betaAppleApple revealed many of iOS 17's features at the WWDC 2023 keynote in June. However, not all of those elements will be available in the public beta.Most improvements are intact. Notably, there's a redesigned phone experience that includes custom contact cards and live voicemail transcripts. A Messages app revamp includes a new sticker interface, simpler replies, audio message transcripts and location-based check-ins. Sharing is easier as well. You can share content just by bringing iPhones close together, and you can now share contacts. The keyboard has improved autocorrection, predictions and voice dictation. You can document your mood in the Health app, and StandBy turns your iPhone into an ad hoc smart display.However, a few features won't be present until after iOS 17 arrives. The life-logging Journal app isn't in the public beta. You'll also have to wait for AirDrop transfers that continue over the internet, and collaborative Apple Music playlists aren't yet ready. We'd also expect Apple to make minor interface tweaks and additions in later revisions, and it won't be surprising if one or two iOS 17 features will only be announced alongside future iPhones that use them.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-install-the-ios-17-public-beta-172319006.html?src=rss
Elon Musk has a new AI company. A website has appeared for xAI, which will embark on the self-described mission to understand the true nature of the universe." The announcement comes after filing documents revealed the existence of a company called X.AI Corp" earlier this year. Musk also said in an April interview that he wanted to start a venture for maximum truth-seeking AI that tries to understand the nature of the universe" that hopefully does more good than harm."Not much else is known yet about Musk's latest venture. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO and Twitter Chairman tweeted today, Announcing formation of @xAI to understand reality." The company webpage notes that the team will host a Twitter Spaces chat on Friday, July 14th.
There's something exciting about trying out new versions of an operating system, especially when it's a test build. Suddenly a device you've gotten to know well becomes fresh again and useful (or at the very least entertaining) in all new ways. Now is that time for eager Apple users, with the company's iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma public betas finally available to download.The new iOS 17 will include a slew of updates from design to practical. You can customize what people see when you call them - whether it's a cute cartoon or your favorite selfie, put the call to voicemail with a live transcription across your screen and send someone a video or audio message if they don't pick up your FaceTime call. Plus, you can mute and unmute yourself right from your AirPods. "Ducking" should also be a thing of the past on iOS 17 with an improved autocorrect and you can utilize sentence predictions for quicker responses. Additional features include automatically checking in to let your friends know you've arrived home, locating real-time charging stations along your route on Maps and the ability to say how you're feeling on the Health app (so and so is pleasant does feel very early Facebook days).iPadOS 17 is, to a degree, a catch-up release that adds a customizable lock screen, the Health app and interactive widgets. WatchOS 10 is a substantial Apple Watch revamp that revives the emphasis on widgets while overhauling core apps and improving fitness features. MacOS Sonoma, meanwhile, brings widgets to the Mac desktop while upgrading Safari, video calls and gaming.Apple first announced these upgrades at its Worldwide Developers Conference and subsequently released the iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and macOS Sonoma betas for developers. Unlike in previous years, though, the developer betas were available free for anyone to try - developer accounts typically cost about $100 per year. The iOS 17 public beta should be a bit more polished than the developer builds, given the extra time to work out bugs and compatibility problems. The official versions will launch this fall, but you can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program if you want to try the previews now.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-ios-17-ipad-os-17-and-watchos-10-public-betas-are-ready-to-download-172130524.html?src=rss
The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced this year's Emmy nominations and there's lots of good news for the team behind The Last of Us. HBO's massively successful series scored 24 nominations, more than any other show this year except Succession (27). The White Lotus (23) and Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso (21) followed closely behind.The Last of Us is the first live-action video game adaptation for film or TV to make a serious dent at a major awards ceremony (League of Legends series Arcanewon the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program last year). It's up for Outstanding Drama Series alongside Andor, Better Call Saul, House of the Dragon, Succession, The White Lotus and Yellowjackets.Pedro Pascal (who has three nods in total this year) and Bella Ramsay picked up nominations for their lead roles in The Last of Us. So did guest stars Melanie Lynskey, Storm Reid, Anna Torv, Murray Bartlett, Lamar Johnson, Nick Offerman and Keivonn Montreal Woodard. Craig Mazin, the show's co-creator, and Peter Hoar are, respectively, nominated for writing and directing the show's stellar third episode, "Long, Long Time."Elsewhere, reigning champ Ted Lasso will compete against Abbott Elementary, Barry, The Bear, Jury Duty, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Only Murders In The Building and Wednesday in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. On the Star Wars front, Andorscooped up eight nominations and The Mandalorian got nine. Obi-Wan Kenobisnagged five, including one for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.Disney+ film Hocus Pocus 2(three nominations in total) and Roku's Weird: The Al Yankovic Story(eight nods overall) are up for Outstanding Television Movie. Amazon's big-budget The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Powerlanded six nominations, mostly in technical categories.Stranger Things, which isn't eligible for top honors this year, also has six nods in down-the-line categories. Meanwhile, Peacock's Poker Facesnagged four nominatons, Star Trek: Picardhas two in makeup categories and Netflix's brilliant I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson snagged a pair of nods.Perhaps unsurprisingly given how many nominations Succession, The Last of Us and The White Lotus racked up, HBO leads the pack this year with 127 nominations overall. According to Deadline's tally, Netflix has the most of any streaming-only network with 103, followed by Apple (52), Amazon (46 between Prime Video and Freevee), Hulu (42 or 64 if you include FX shows), Disney+ (40), Peacock (eight) and Paramount+ (seven). By contrast, broadcast networks earned 86 nods between them.This year's Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 18th. However, amid the WGA writers' strike and pending action by the actors' union, reports suggest it may be delayed until November or even January.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hbos-the-last-of-us-adaptation-scoops-up-24-emmy-nominations-171117148.html?src=rss
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