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NordVPN's latest limited-time sale knocks up to 67 percent off its subscription plans. The Ultimate plan, which includes malware protection and ad blockers on top of VPN access, typically costs $476 for a two-year period. This new year's deal will bring down the cost of the Ultimate subscription to $6.40 per month, or $154 for the entire two years.While this sale on NordVPN plans isn't as good as the 69 percent off we saw during the Black Friday season, it comes pretty close. NordVPN, which can support up to six devices at once, has 5,000 servers in 60 countries. It's worth noting that its standard price is a bit high when compared to competitors and their offerings. But, given this discount, now could be a good time to subscribe if you've been thinking about doing so.If you don't want to commit for that long, you can get a one-year subscription for the Ultimate package for 59 percent off, or $96 instead of the usual $238. There are also offers on the one- and two-year subscription plans for the mid-tier Plus and the lowest-tier Standard plans. The two-year deal for Plus and Standard plans are only 58 and 59 percent off, respectively, but they don't include as many perks as the Ultimate plan does, such as extra identity protection and included cloud storage.A NordVPN Ultimate plan gives you access to the company's password manager, NordPass. But if you're primarily interested in better organizing and keeping track of your logins and credentials in the new year, NordPass is also having a similar flash sale. Both individual Premium and Family plans are cheaper right now at 50 and 53 percent off, respectively. For the Premium plan, instead of paying $72 for the first two years, it will only cost $36 in total, which comes out to $1.50 per month. The Family plan, which gives you six user accounts, is listed for $67 for the first two years instead of the usual $143. NordPass earned a spot in our best password managers guide thanks to how easy the service makes it for you to access your credentials across many different platforms and devices.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nordvpn-two-year-plans-are-up-to-67-percent-off-right-now-165328194.html?src=rss

Amazon is the first big company to add support for the Matter open casting standard, it announced at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Matter Casting is an open protocol that lets you send videos and related content from an app to a hardware device, just like Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast. The feature just launched for the Prime Video app and will allow casting to various Amazon hardware devices.For now, you can only cast to the Echo Show 15 smart display, but the company says it'll soon offer support for Fire TVs, including Panasonic models with Fire TV built in. As for content streaming partners, it's just Prime Video for now, but the company promises more options later this year, including Plex, Pluto, Sling TV, Starz and many more.This works just like AirPlay. You open the Prime Video App, tap the cast button and look for an appropriate hardware device. However, Matter cast isn't tied to a particular smartphone operating system and is available to every app and hardware maker, if they want to implement the feature.This is part of the open-source Matter smart home protocol, which is backed by Amazon, Apple and Google. However, it's unlikely Google and Apple will jump onboard this particular feature set, as each company has its own casting standard in place. Google took to CES this week to announce that Chromecast will be built into all new LG TVs, giving no mention of Matter cast.Amazon would prefer that each of the big tech companies adopt an open casting platform instead of the current glut of competing models. We believe in open standards," Chris DeCenzo, a principal engineer at Amazon, told The Verge. It simplifies things for developers."In the meantime, major players have begun adopting other aspects of the Matter smart home standard. Google's smart home devices integrate with the protocol, and the same goes for Amazon devices like Echo speakers.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-wont-support-airplay-or-chromecast-but-will-adopt-matter-casting-instead-161933813.html?src=rss

Microsoft has set a date for its next gaming showcase. Its second Developer_Direct event will include more details on Avowed, Senua's Saga: Hellblade IIand strategy title Ara: History Untold. Most intriguingly though, MachineGames will at long last reveal details about its Indiana Jones game, three years after the project was announced.The Wolfenstein studio will offer up over 10 minutes of game and developer insights. Along with the first gameplay trailer, we'll learn about the story and setting and find out just how you'll control the legendary archeologist.

Jabra announced on Tuesday during CES 2024 that it will roll out new features and enhancements for its Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active wireless earbuds, which launched in late 2023. The updates, which will roll out in two waves, include improvements to switching listening modes, call clarity and performance in windy conditions (among other tweaks).The first wave of updates, due this month, will add an on-off toggle to quickly activate or deactivate Jabra's Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), HearThrough (hearing your environment while listening to music) and Sidetone (the volume at which you hear your voice) features. Jabra's January update will also let you customize the device name of your earbuds, something the company's competitors in this space often include from day one. The January updates will add these features to both the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active.JabraMeanwhile, Jabra says its March update wave will optimize call clarity for the Elite 10. The company says its latest ANC noise suppression tech is better at identifying and diminishing background voices when making calls on the earbuds. Finally, the audio company says enhanced wind detection algorithms on the Elite 8 Active will boost HearThrough (Jabra's equivalent to Transparency mode on Apple's AirPods) performance in windy conditions. Of course, audio companies often make over-the-top guarantees about call quality and wind detection effectiveness, so we'll need to test them first-hand before vouching for Jabra's marketing claims.The two phases of upgrades will be available as updates to Jabra's Sound+ app. The Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active are available now for $250 and $200, respectively.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jabra-debuts-listening-mode-quick-toggles-for-the-elite-10-and-elite-8-active-earbuds-during-ces-2024-160009180.html?src=rss

A Chinese state-backed institute has found a way to identify who sent any material to another person via Apple's AirDrop, according to Beijing's government. The institution is said to have cracked the feature to find the email addresses and phone numbers of those who send AirDrop messages as part of an effort to stamp out "undesirable content," as Bloomberg reports.Police have used the AirDrop crack to identify several suspects. However, Beijing's judicial bureau has not said whether there were any arrests as a result. The approach improves the efficiency and accuracy of case-solving and prevents the spread of inappropriate remarks as well as potential bad influences," according to the bureau.Those with a Mac, iPhone or iPad can use AirDrop to easily send the likes of photos, videos, documents, contacts and passwords to another nearby Apple device. Protesters used AirDrop to share pro-democracy slogans during the demonstrations in Hong Kong in 2019. As MacRumors notes, Apple touts AirDrop as being secure since it employs Transport Layer Security encryption. But the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Justice claims an institute has found a way around the encryption.In 2022, Apple rolled out a new limit for AirDrop in China after protesters used the feature to share anti-government messages. The company restricted the length of time users can receive a file or message via AirDrop from non-contacts to 10-minute spells. Previously, users were able to let anyone AirDrop them material over an indefinite period of time. Apple later expanded this limitation to all iPhone users, purportedly in an effort to cut down on spam in busy locations.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/china-says-it-can-bypass-airdrop-privacy-measures-to-identify-message-senders-151547143.html?src=rss

Meta is introducing one of its most significant privacy updates yet related to teen user protection, the company announced today. They greatly expand on previous content control measures aiming to lock down teens' privacy settings, following recent lawsuits by US states and others.The new measures will hide content related to self-harm, graphic violence, eating disorders and other harmful topics from teens on Instagram and Facebook. Related content will now be restricted from users under 16 in their Feeds and Stories, even if it's shared by an account they follow. When teens search for those topics, they'll instead by directed to "expert resources." The company said it consulted with experts in adolescent development to determine what type of content to block.In addition, Meta will be automatically placing existing teen users into the most restrictive control settings, expanding on a previous update that placed only new users into that category. Those users will be unable to opt out of those settings, called "Sensitive Content Control" on Instagram and "Reduce" on Facebook.The social media giant is also introducing notifications with prompts that direct teens to update their privacy to "turn on recommended settings." That will automatically restrict who can repost their content and tag or mention them. It'll also stop non-followers from messaging teen users and hide offensive comments.It's the latest in a series of privacy updates designed to protect teens using Meta products. In 2022, the company introduced measures to switch users under 16 to the most restrictive content settings and added a new feature to prevent "suspicious" adults from messaging teens on Facebook and Instagram. More recently, it limited ads targeting teens based on gender.Today's update more significantly limits what youths can access, though, following a series of recent lawsuits against the platform. Those include a complaint filed by 41 states accusing Meta of harming the mental health of its youngest users, another filed by Seattle schools over a youth "mental health crisis" and a recent ruling that social media companies will be forced to defend teen addiction lawsuits.Another recently unsealed complaint filed by 33 states alleges that Meta "coveted and pursued" users under the age of 13 and has been dishonest about how it handles underage users' accounts when they're discovered.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-will-hide-topics-like-self-harm-and-eating-disorders-from-teens-151012630.html?src=rss

I'm convinced that CES is a grilling show now, and Weber is the primary reason for that. In 2020, the company demoed its SmokeFire pellet grills and Smart Grilling Hub, both of which are powered by its Weber Connect platform. The Wi-Fi-enabled tech brought remote monitoring, step-by-step guidance and other conveniences to the company's product lineup. Weber has since expanded those smart features to some gas grills, and at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, it's adding two more models to the Connect roster.The Searwood is an all-new smart pellet grill that will replace the SmokeFire in North America. Besides doing low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing like most pellet grills can, this model is also designed to be used with the lid open. This allows you to use griddle inserts for breakfast and smash burgers. The Searwood has a dedicated mode that you'll enable when you need to keep the lid up, and you can set the heat level (1-10) rather than setting an overall grill temp. According to the company, a 2 would be good for something like pancakes, while a 7 might work well for bacon and 10 could be used to put a finishing sear on a steak.The company redesigned the controller on Searwood, building it to constantly monitor and adjust to better maintain the target temperature during the cook. The display offers larger numbers for the grill temp, while also showing food probe temperatures and cook time on the same panel. The larger Searwood 600 XL also displays pellet levels so you know when you need to replenish the hopper. Searwood has a wide temperature range of 180 degrees Fahrenheit to 600 degrees, so it's still capable of slow-smoked brisket, high-heat seared proteins and everything in between.As part of the new design, Weber opted for a cast aluminum construction for the Searwood like it has used for its gas grills. That brings enhanced weatherproofing, but it also helps with more even distribution of heat. The company's Flavorizer bar is still inside and a reconfigured pellet hopper helps with fuel loading. Weber also brought over its Pull and Clean drip pan system to this pellet grill, making grease and ash removal easier. The company even says you won't need a shop vac to clean Searwood, a claim I look forward to testing.The Searwood 600 and Searwood 600 XL will be available for $899 and $1,199 this spring. Both of those are cheaper that the second-gen SmokeFire models the company currently offers.Weber Summit (2024)Photo by Billy Steele/EngadgetIn addition to a brand new smart pellet grill for CES, Weber also added tons of connected smart features to its high-end Summit gas grills. Before now, if you wanted access to remote monitoring and the step-by-step guidance of built-in Weber Connect while cooking with gas, you had to buy a Genesis model. The company has greatly expanded its smart features for the Summit, via tech it calls SmartControl. This setup allows you to use either your phone or the grill's large, full-color touchscreen display to set and change grill temp, select your cooking method (direct on indirect) and monitor quick start and preheating so you know when the grill is ready. You can also keep tabs on fuel levels, continuously view cooking progress, get alerts when food is ready and shut down the grill without touching it.Depending on which cooking method you select, the display will show you where you need to place your food to achieve the proper results. You do still have to approach the grill to turn it on, which is done with a single press after you set your desired temperature. All of the old burner knobs are gone as the new Summit automatically sets the level based on your temp and cooking method selections. There are up and down buttons for manually adjusting the burners though, as well as a dedicated button for igniting the top-mounted infrared broiler. But, you can also do that by swiping right on the touch display. The adjustable top grate also has the cooking area for the broiler outlined so you know where to place food for the best results.Photo by Billy Steele/EngadgetAnother aspect of the SmartControl tech is the ability to control gas flow to individual burners. The setup constantly monitors and immediately reacts to temperature changes to maintain the desired level and prevent over or undercooking foods. There's an integrated electronic gas valve system that serves as the foundation for SmartControl, continuously sensing flame presence across both the main burners and the broiler. It can also automatically trigger re-ignition as needed or shut the grill down when it isn't achieved.Weber redesigned its fuel-monitoring tech underneath the Summit too. Now there's a scale of sorts that more accurately measures gas levels. There's ample storage space underneath and a built-in rotisserie base along with a side burner for cooking sauces and sides. The Summit works with Weber Crafted accessories like a pizza stone to expand the capabilities of the grill even further.The 2024 Weber Summit grills will be available this spring in the US starting at $3,899.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/weber-reveals-its-more-affordable-more-versatile-searwood-smart-grill-at-ces-2024-150053207.html?src=rss

Formlabs has rolled up to CES 2024 in Las Vegas with its customary bundle of announcements for its class-leading 3D printers. The company unveiled several new tools and materials at this year's show, but the most interesting has to be its Premium Teeth Resin, yet another foray into the dentistry world. It's intended to be used to create 3D-printed dentures as well as for temporary restorations that sit on implants like All-On-X. The company says it's already been registered with the FDA as a Class II biocompatible material, and has had its longevity validated.This isn't the first step the company has made into the dentistry space and already offers the tools to make dentures. It's a natural venue for 3D-printing, and Formlabs, given the need for customization and its work in building a wide variety of materials for use. Premium Teeth Resin takes this a step further, with the company saying it can be color-matched to existing teeth so it won't be as noticeable if you're rocking a falsie. It's available to order now, although we'd advise against anyone attempting to do their own dentistry.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/formlabs-shows-up-at-ces-2024-with-more-realistic-3d-printed-teeth-140027827.html?src=rss

Laptop RAM is facing a conundrum. The SODIMM standard - which is basically a shrunken form of desktop RAM modules - is almost 25 years old and facing an upcoming speed wall. With the demand for thinner machines, laptop makers have also started soldering LPDDR RAM directly onto motherboards, or bundling it into mobile SoCs like Apple Silicon, both of which make upgrades impossible. At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Micron says it's the first to market with a compelling alternative: LPCAMM2 RAM modules using LPDDR5X.Sure, it's an acronym salad, but there's a chance that Micron's technology, along with other CAMM2 offerings, could be a huge memory upgrade for laptops. The news comes after the JEDEC standards body officially published the CAMM2 standard in December, and Samsung claimed it was the first to announce an LPCAMM module last September.But Micron and Samsung didn't get to LPCAMM on their own. Sensing a clear need for a new spin on RAM designs, Dell has been developing an in-house alternative to SODIMMs (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules) over the past few years dubbed CAMM, or Compression Attached Memory Module. Instead of large memory sticks, CAMM places memory chips on a module that's screwed into a PC's motherboard. The result is memory that takes up far less space, and has the potential to be faster and dramatically more efficient since it can reach the CPU with shorter traces. Dell tested out non-standard CAMM modules on the Precision 7670 in 2022, which led to a bit of an internet firestorm.Micron claims its modules with LPDDR5X RAM (available in 16GB to 64GB) take up 64 percent less space than SODIMM memory, use 61 percent less power and are 71 percent faster in PCMark 10 essential workloads. The CAMM2 standard supports both DDR5 for mainstream machines, as well as LPDDR5 and 5X for "a broader range of notebooks and certain server market segments," according to JEDEC. LPDDR has been more common in laptops because it can run at low power levels while still offering high-speed data transfers.In addition to the speed and power benefits, CAMM2 modules re-open the doors for RAM upgrades and repairability for consumers and IT workers, something that has been lost as soldered memory has become more common. As much as we love Apple's latest MacBooks, the inability to add more RAM will always keep them from being truly perfect.The only downside with CAMM2 is that swapping out the modules requires dealing with several screws. That's a small price to pay for the possibility of upgrades, in my opinion, and those screws also make RAM far more secure than SODIMMs. (As an IT worker, I often had to reseat laptop RAM modules several times a month. I don't miss those days.)We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/micron-debuts-lpcamm2-laptop-ram-that-could-finally-replace-sodimm-140018881.html?src=rss

The long, cold winter days of January are meant for shutting out the world, and to properly do so, you need a great pair of headphones. Fortunately, Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are currently on sale for 300, down from $400 - a 25 percent discount. If you've considered them in the past, now is the time to pick up a pair: Our favorite wireless headphones are about $30 less than their typical sale price and have very rarely dropped lower. The only slight caveat of this deal: It's only available on the classic Black Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.We have been rightfully obsessed with Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones since they first came on the scene in May 2022. They earned a 95 in our review thanks to features like their 30-hour battery life and improved noise canceling with double the number of processors and microphones for ANC compared to its predecessor, the M4.The WH-1000XM5's sound quality has improved with the help of new 30mm carbon drivers, providing more clarity and a punchier bass. Even using the DSEE extreme has almost no impact on the condition of what comes through the speakers. Sony also cut the headphone's weight by a minimal 0.14 ounces, yet it has a much lighter feel and better weight distribution overall. Even the synthetic leather ear cushions are snug and comfortable.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonys-wh-1000xm5-anc-headphones-are-just-300-right-now-132545294.html?src=rss

Nanoleaf, the company best known for its modular wall lighting tiles, is now moving outside your house. As part of CES 2024's avalanche of smart home news, the company unveiled its first exterior lights designed to bring extra visibility to your home. It also announced the Orchestrator app that creates a light show synced up to your playlists and songs.The new Outdoor String Lights and Permanent Outdoor Lights are the company's first exterior lighting products, bringing "the magic of dynamic gradients and warm ambience to your home's exterior spaces, lighting up patio areas, backyards and gardens all year round," the company said.Nanoleaf also announced a new Smart Multicolor Lightstrip for indoor use. All the new panels work with the Nanoleaf app and integrate with the company's other products in terms of controls and customizations. You can also group products together to schedule automations using Matter hubs "and paint your own animations with multiple colors... for a stunning gradient effect," Nanoleaf said. The new products are set to arrive in Spring 2024, with pricing to be revealed at a later date.NanoleafThe Orchestrator software, meanwhile, can create color and light shows using real-time music analysis and beat detection. It supposedly goes beyond existing music visualizers that simply pick up audio within a space by connecting directly to your computer's sound source to provide the "most accurate real-time audio-visual experience," the company said. In other words, you'll get light shows synced up perfectly to your preferred music apps, including playlists and songs.Orchestrator, set to arrive in Spring 2024, works via the Nanoleaf desktop app and is compatible with any music streaming platform or audio player. The company also announced that its Skylight Smart Modular Ceiling Light announced last year is now on pre-order at $250 for the Smarter Kit (3 panels), and $70 for each expansion pack (1 panel).We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nanoleaf-does-smart-outdoor-lights-now-123522915.html?src=rss

Getting into your home could soon become a more hands-free experience. Lockly, a company with a name that gives away its focus on smart locks, unveiled a face recognition lock at CES 2024. The lock, known as Visage, only needs to scan your face in order to unlock the door - no fingerprint, keys or other devices required.Lockly's Visage works with Wi-Fi and the Matter smart home standard to seamlessly integrate into your existing smart home - Matter's official certification is still pending. Visage uses a pair of 2MP-resolution infrared sensors to detect your face within a range of 2.6 feet from the device. It can store up to 100 profiles (how you would use that many unless it's an AirBnB is hard to fathom) and should unlock the door within a second and a half.While Visage can operate with your face alone, it's also equipped with a 3D biometric fingerprint reader and is compatible with Apple's Home Key, iPhone and Watch. In fact, it's the first in Lockly's Zeno series, which focuses on Apple device integration. Visage should also work with Apple Home, along with technology like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Visage also uses existing Lockly technology like Air Transfer and the PIN Genie. Visage should launch this summer for the price of $350.Lockly isn't the only company that showed up at CES 2024 with a smart lock that doesn't require you to touch it. Philips, meanwhile, introduced a deadbolt that can unlock after "looking at" your palm.Lastly, separate from the smart lock, Lockly also announced the $80 Matter Link Hub at CES 2024 after claiming at last year's event that the device was coming. It should tell you who opened the Visage lock and allow you also to manage older Lockly devices from your Apple Home. Lockly plans to release the Matter Link Hub sometime this year.LocklyWe're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/locklys-visage-smart-lock-can-unlock-doors-by-scanning-your-face-112539587.html?src=rss

As it often does in Las Vegas, Sony focused its CES 2024 keynote on some of the company's more esoteric products. To start with, it rolled out the Afeela electric car first introduced last year at CES, but did it with some gaming panache by driving it using a PlayStation DualSense controller. Otherwise, it mostly talked about how the in-vehicle experience is getting smarter thanks to our old friend, artificial intelligence (AI).Sony also unveiled something else we weren't expecting, namely a new mixed reality headset. Unlike the PlayStation VR 2 consumer model, though, this one is designed for "spatial content creation," so it's designed more for developers, creators and artists than users.It's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip (so it doesn't need to be tethered to a computer) and comes with a controller wand and a smaller ring-sized peripheral. It also sports dual 4K OLEDS microdisplays for a "crisp viewing experience" and allows for "user and space tracking" for mixed reality experiences. There's no word on price, but we should know more when it goes on sale later in 2024.The company also discussed its latest offerings from Sony Pictures entertainment, some PlayStation stats and more. The press conference went on for 46 minutes, but we've cut it down to just six so you can get the gist as quickly as possible.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watch-sonys-ces-2024-keynote-in-under-6-minutes-110037656.html?src=rss

OpenAI and its biggest backer, Microsoft, are facing several lawsuits accusing them of using other people's copyrighted works without permission to train the former's large language models (LLMs). And based on what OpenAI told the House of Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee, we might see more lawsuits against the companies in the future. It would be "impossible to train today's leading AI models without using copyrighted materials," OpenAI wrote in its written evidence (PDF) submission for the committee's inquiry into LLMs, as first reported by the The Guardian.The company explained that it's because copyright today "covers virtually every sort of human expression - including blog posts, photographs, forum posts, scraps of software code, and government documents." It added that "[l]imiting training data to public domain books and drawings created more than a century ago might yield an interesting experiment, but would not provide AI systems that meet the needs of today's citizens." OpenAI also insisted that it complies with copyright laws when it trains its models. In a new post on its blog made in response to the The New York Times' lawsuit, it said the use of publicly available internet materials to train AI falls under fair use doctrine.It admitted, however, that there is "still work to be done to support and empower creators." The company talked about the ways it's allowing publishers to block the GPTBot web crawler from being able to access their websites. It also said that it's developing additional mechanisms allowing rightsholders to opt out of training and that it's engaging with them to find mutually beneficial agreements.In some of the lawsuits filed against OpenAI and Microsoft, the plaintiffs accuse the companies of refusing to pay authors for their work while building a billion-dollar industry and enjoying enormous financial gain from copyrighted materials. The more recent case filed by a couple of non-fiction authors argued that the companies could've explored alternative financing options, such as profit sharing, but have "decided to steal" instead.OpenAI didn't address those particular lawsuits, but it did provide a direct answer to The New York Times' complaint that accuses it of using its published news articles without permission. The publication isn't telling the full story, it said. It was already negotiating with The Times regarding a "high-value partnership" that would give it access to the publication's reporting. The two parties were apparently still in touch until December 19, and OpenAI only found out about the lawsuit on December by reading about it on The Times.In the complaint filed by the newspaper, it cited instances of ChatGPT providing users with "near-verbatim excerpts" from paywalled articles. OpenAI accused the publication of intentionally manipulating prompts, such as including lengthy excerpts of articles in its interaction with the chatbot to get it to regurgitate content. It's also accusing The Times of cherry picking examples from many attempts. OpenAI said the lawsuit filed by The Times has no merit, but it's still hopeful for a "constructive partnership" with the publication.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/openai-admits-its-impossible-to-train-generative-ai-without-copyrighted-materials-103311496.html?src=rss

With Apple's Vision Pro VR/AR headset set to go on sale on February 2, we're starting to see more details about the app requirements. For example, the company has released guidelines for visionOS developers planning to release apps and there's one strange caveat. It would rather developers don't use the terms AR and VR when referring to Vision Pro apps, but rather call them "spatial computing apps," according to the developer page spotted by 9to5Mac."Spatial computing: Refer to your app as a spatial computing app. Don't describe your app experience as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), or mixed reality (MR)," the company states. The headset itself should be called "Apple Vision Pro" with three uppercase words, while "visionOS begins with a lowercase v, even when it's the first word in a sentence." The terms should never be translated or transliterated, Apple added.Given that they're definitely going to be AR and VR apps built for an AR/VR headset, Apple may want to differentiate its own offerings so that consumers don't confound apps for other VR/AR headsets, particularly Meta's Quest 3, with its own. At the same time, Apple has used those terms extensively to describe the headset, with CEO Tim Cook calling Vision Pro an "entirely new AR platform" when it launched at WWDC 2023.In the same document, Apple asked developers to indicate if their AR/VR, er, spatial computing apps contain movements like quick turns or sudden changes in camera perspective. That way, the product page will show a badge to warn users. It also described the use of privacy labels and game controllers. As mentioned, the Apple Vision Pro headset arrives on February 2 for $3,495 - a price likely to attract only highly motivated buyers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-tells-developers-not-to-call-their-ar-and-vr-apps-ar-or-vr-apps-085136127.html?src=rss

Gaming software developer Unity plans to lay off 1,800 employees or about a quarter of its global workforce, according to a securities filing first spotted by The Wall Street Journal. The company said it made the move "as it restructures and refocuses on its core business" in an aim to get back to profitability. The cuts follow major turbulence in the company after it angered developers by introducing and then partially walking back a controversial runtime fee for its game engine.The layoffs add to the more than 1,100 jobs it has eliminated since 2021. Unity fired 265 people in November as part of what it called a company "reset," all of whom were employed as part of its 2021 Weta Digital acquisition. The company also closed down 14 offices around the world. In May of 2023, it announced it would let go around 600 employees, following layoffs of over 500 people in 2022.Last September, Unity rolled out some significant concessions to its developer pricing model after widespread backlash over its plan to charge developers for game installations. CEO John Riccitiello, who took much of the brunt of the criticism, stepped down shortly afterwards and was replaced by former IBM president James Whitehurst, who continues to serve as interim President and CEO.After reporting record profits for 2022, the company has missed revenue forecasts over the last three quarters. In a shareholder letter, the company said it aims to emerge from restructuring as a "leaner, more agile and faster growing company." Unity's game engine is used in titles like Cuphead, GTFO and Kerbel Space Program.With game sales flat over the past year, Unity isn't the only company in that industry to see layoffs. As we detailed in our year-end video game roundup, The Embracer Group, which owns studios like Crystal Dynamics, Square Enix Montreal and Gearbox Software, laid off more than 900 people. Epic Games fired around 830 people, Sony cut 100 jobs at Bungie, CD Projekt RED and Sega laid off 100 employees each and Electronic Arts reduced 6 percent of its workforce, or around 1,130 employees.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/unity-is-cutting-a-quarter-of-its-workforce-074331467.html?src=rss

Duolingo has cut 10 percent of its contractors and using AI tools to handle the tasks they used to do, Bloomberg reports. "We just no longer need as many people to do the type of work some of these contractors were doing," a spokesperson told the news organization without saying what they did for the company exactly. "Part of that could be attributed to AI."As Bloomberg notes, Chief Executive Officer Luis von Ahn told shareholders in November that the company is using AI to create new content, such as scripts, "dramatically faster." Duolingo also relies on AI to generate the voices users hear in-app. The company previously released customer-facing AI features, as well. Last year, it introduced a premium tier called Duolingo Max that gives subscribers access to a chatbot that can explain why their responses were correct or incorrect. Another Max feature called Roleplay lets subscribers practice their language skills in made-up scenarios, like ordering food in a Parisian cafe.The rise of modern generative AIs over the past couple of years brought to surface society's fear of losing jobs to technology. In this case, no full-timers were affected by the job reductions, and the spokesperson said it's not a sign that it's straight up replacing its workers with artificial intelligence. A lot of the company's full-time employees and contractors are apparently using AI tools to accomplish certain tasks in their work.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/duolingo-lays-off-contractors-as-it-starts-relying-more-on-ai-060331602.html?src=rss

CES 2024 may not have officially started yet, but the news is already in full swing. The show's official dates are January 9th to 12th, with the 8th usually being a day of press conferences ahead of the convention centers opening to attendees. Which makes this... Day 0 of CES 2024.The announcements on this day usually gives us an idea of what to expect for the rest of the week, and this year we're already seeing some emerging trends. Samsung and LG both brought us transparent display tech, we saw a slew of pet and kitchen gadgets, while vibrating and massage chairs have taken over the showfloor. Here's a recap of the biggest news out of CES 2024 so far.Let's start with the companies that couldn't even wait till we were in Vegas to share their news.On January 3rd, just one day after people returned to work on the New Year, LG announced it would be bringing its new DukeBox smart speaker to the show. The DukeBox features vacuum tube audio placed behind a transparent OLED screen, allowing you to see the vacuum pipes for a retro vibe even as something is on the display. LG also teased a two-legged AI-powered robot, a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor that goes up to 480Hz, its latest 4K OLED TVs with AI processors, Gram laptops with AI features and the CineBeam Qube 4K projector.We've now seen many of these things in person and I'll tell you more about them in a bit, but other PC and gaming peripheral companies also teased their wares prior to the show. Dell, for example, showed its new XPS 13, 14 and 16 laptops alongside a curved 40-inch 5K monitor that it says offers five-star comfort."Razer also told everyone to be on the lookout for its Blade 16 laptop at CES, because it'll feature the world's first 16-inch 240Hz OLED display." Samsung also teased its trio of Odyssey-branded anti-glare OLED gaming monitors on January 2nd! The day after New Year's Day! I wish companies would stop just spilling their own beans ahead of the actual full reveal, because it gets in the way of actual news. And there was plenty.For instance, Samsung had a whole truckload of new products to share. Yes, it did announce most of its news ahead of CES, but a lot of it was really interesting. The one that stole most of our attention was the world's first transparent MicroLED screen - that's a screen you can see through even as it displays content, and is completely clear when nothing is on. According to our senior reporter Sam Rutherford, who saw the screens up close last night at Samsung's First Look showcase, the transparent MicroLED panel was significantly brighter and noticeably clearer than the transparent LCD and OLED screens next to it.Samsung also launched a new speaker version of its Frame TV, called the Music Frame. This is basically a photo frame that can hold a photograph or art print, while also hiding a solid speaker within. It basically masquerades as home decor, but that doesn't diminish its capability. It has two woofers, two tweeters and two mid-range drivers, and also supports Dolby's Atmos audio. You can pair it with your existing home audio system or use it standalone.That's not all Samsung unveiled. It also showed off Premiere projectors that can turn any surface into an interactive display, as well as its 2024 TV lineup that features plenty of AI.Samsung's main rival at CES is LG, since both companies tend to show off an incredibly similar portfolio of products. This year, LG also came to the game with transparency as its secret weapon, showing off the world's first wireless transparent OLED TV." According to Billy Steele, who's seen this OLED T TV, some of the visuals are a bit unsettling," but because the transparent background made it feel like things on display, like a singer, seemed like they were actually in the room. He said image quality was bright and sharp, though, and that it was comparable to Samsung's MicroLED version. Though LG's set seems more ready for public consumption, the company did not share pricing information, just that it'll be ready to sell the OLED T this year.LG also brought the other products I mentioned earlier and I was able to check out the new Gram Pro laptops in person at the Unveiled showcase last night. They're impressively thin and light, as usual, and trying to do bicep curls with them is really not a challenge.While we're on the topic of laptops, a quick shoutout to HP and Acer. HP brought us the world's lightest 14-inch gaming laptop" and a new 4K 240Hz OLED gaming monitor, among other things, while Acer dragged out a massive 57-inch ultrawide monitor that will cost $2,500. It refreshes at 120Hz and has a Dual UHD resolution of 7,680 x 2,160. Acer also refreshed its Swift and Aspire laptops with Intel Core Ultra processors and dedicated Copilot keys for Microsoft's generative AI shortcuts.We also saw a slew of kitchen and pet products at Unveiled, including GE's Profile smart indoor smoker that cooks meats and imparts a woody flavor without actually smoking up your apartment. The Flappie AI cat door, meanwhile, uses AI to see if your cat is coming back to your house with a rodent and automatically lock so it can't come inside with the gross gift.There's so much more that I can barely cover in this single recap article, so I urge you to check out our liveblog, which we update all the time with the latest news. This has only been a collection of news from the day before the day before the show officially opens, and we've barely begun. Stick around as we continue to cover the biggest news and trawl through the convention to find you the most noteworthy developments from CES 2024.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ces-2024-day-0-recap-all-the-biggest-news-and-the-most-transparent-tvs-051811355.html?src=rss

I don't like talking on the phone in public. Often, I'm gossiping about something I have no business discussing around other people, or I'm talking about some tech product that has yet to be launched. That's why a product like Skyted's Silent Mask entices me. The company launched its Kickstarter campaign today at CES 2024 for its noise-reducing wearable that would allow you to speak freely about confidential information anywhere without worrying about people around you hearing. It's already broken its $8,800 goal many times over, and as of this writing it's raised $54,000, meaning it's a concept that resonated with many people.I'm skeptical of most Kickstarter projects, given the high likelihood they're vaporware, but the Skyted prototype I checked out here at the show felt solid. It didn't have an elastic head strap for me to put it on my head, so I had to hold it to my face while I tested it, but that aside the mask felt well-made. More importantly, the device actually worked.I had to temper my expectations slightly, but otherwise I was impressed. The mask isn't made to completely eliminate noise or let you scream your primal rage out in the middle of a restaurant and still remain unheard. Or, if you're an aspiring Broadway singer like me, it won't completely mute your belted out ballads. It will, however, reduce sound by 25 decibels so if you're speaking at a normal volume, the person next to you won't hear what you're saying.Photo by Cherlynn Low / EngadgetMy colleague Mat Smith was kind enough to join me for part of the demo so I could talk to him while putting the mask on and off my face. When I had the mask on, Mat, who stood right next to me, was sometimes unaware I was speaking. I kept my volume at a consistent level, which was slightly louder than I'd normally speak, given the noise around us on the showfloor. Even without Mat's validation, I could tell that what I was saying was noticeably muffled, to the point where if I had to talk about embargoed or confidential information in public, I would feel certain no one can hear the contents of my conversations. Now, I do need to point out that I did struggle to breathe at some points when trying on the Skyted mask, but that probably has more to do with how tightly I was pressing it to my face than the actual fit.The mask uses technology similar to recent models of jet engines, which use resonators to draw sound away and into chambers. That way, the waves dissipate in a controlled environment instead of being leaked and overheard. There are little holes in the middle of the inside of the mask, and 12mm chambers on either side of the face. A microphone sits inside the mask, and, depending on the model of the device, can connect to your phone or laptop via Bluetooth or a wire. It has audio jacks onboard for input and output, so you can hear both yourself and the other people on your call.The Skyted is currently available for an early bird starting price of $299 on Kickstarter, though after the introductory period it will cost $100 more. There are quite a few applications for a mask that helps keep your realworld conversations private, like allowing people to take meetings on their commutes. Skyted CEO Stephane Hersen said that talking on the phone is illegal on some trains in Europe, which means passengers on longer routes can't take work calls if they need. With Skyted, they would be able to. Hersen, who says he previously worked as a VP at Airbus, believes there are applications in education as well.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-skyted-mask-makes-you-quiet-enough-to-take-calls-even-in-a-library-043759088.html?src=rss

I've always been curious how easy it is to work while you're using one of those under-desk bikes and, thanks to CES 2024, now I know. My jaunt to Las Vegas has taken me to visit LifeSpan, who was showing off its recently-released Ampera standing desk bike. Unlike some desk bikes, Ampera is designed to capture your energy and use it to charge your phone via its 15W Qi charging plate. And, if you feel your legs have more power in them, you can re-juice your laptop via the 65W USB-C port.You don't even need to plug it in, since it operates entirely under its own power, or at least the power it has once you've given it some. The company's official estimates suggest you could get a phone up to 50 percent charge in half an hour. And, if you cycle at speeds over 60 rpm, you'll be able to produce 65 watts per hour, enough to put some decent charge in your laptop or USB battery pack. There's also a companion app which will let you track how much power you've generated, how many calories you've burned and even change the color of the embedded RGB light.And it's certainly comfortable enough to work from, even in the less-than-ideal conditions of a CES media event. Sitting with my laptop balanced on a tall cocktail table, I was able to maintain a fairly brisk typing speed all the while slowly adding some power to my phone. It's sturdily built and helps you feel planted while you're working out, but mercifully there's also a pair of wheels to help move it around. I could very much imagine having one of these under my standing desk to slide in and out when I don't fancy going out and cycling in the real world.The Ampera Office Bike is available to buy right now from Amazon, normally priced at $999, it's presently on sale for $799.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lifespans-standing-desk-exercise-bike-can-charge-your-phone-if-youve-got-the-legs-for-it-041730775.html?src=rss

CES has increasingly become a grilling show, with companies constantly finding ways to bring more tech to your deck or patio. One company that's added a dash of AI to its spice rack is Seergrills, a UK-based startup comprised of engineers and product developers. Its flagship model, the Perfecta, can cook a one-inch-thick ribeye steak in 90 seconds. Overall, the company says the grill, a unit that looks more like a see-through counter-top oven, cooks foods around 10 times faster than conventional cooking methods.Inside, dual vertical infrared burners cook both sides simultaneously, which not only expedites the process, but it also eliminates the need to flip. Seergrills says the burners top out at 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit and the unit can even ensure edges are crisp thanks to 360-degree heating. A built-in AI chef takes the desired doneness and sear level into account, calculating the proper cooking time and temp based on the food. Sensors detect the thickness of things like steak and chicken to prevent over or undercooking and the burners automatically move toward and away from foods as needed during the process. The entire smart setup is what Seergrills calls NeuralFire, with a quad-core processor and host of sensors for gathering cooking data.Photo by Billy Steele/EngadgetThe vertical orientation nixes any flareups, according to the company, as only smoke and water vapor are exhausted out of the top, with fat and grease collected in a dishwasher-safe drip pan at the bottom. The Perfecta also has oven and rotisserie modes, so you can cook pizza and roasted chicken with ease. There's a Chef Mode too, offering full control over the unit. Plus, the company has designed a grill cart for a full outdoor setup. Due to the power of the burners, the Perfecta runs on gas, with a 12-volt electrical cord for the onboard electronics. Those include a touch screen for entering your desired cooking parameters. Since this is an outdoor grill after all, we weren't able to see it cooking at a tradeshow table. but the company says it will be available to early buyers before the end of the year.Seergrills is planning to ship the Perfecta in Q4 of 2024 at a price of $3,500. Early adopters can save $1,000 through the end of CES.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-perfecta-grill-uses-ai-to-help-cook-a-steak-in-90-seconds-041030578.html?src=rss

We didn't have to wait long to get more details about Sony's new mixed reality headset. Just after Sony teased the spatial content creation" device onstage at CES 2024, we got a fresh look, and a few more details about the headset during Siemens' keynote in Las Vegas.The two companies are teaming up on the device as part of a broader vision to enable an industrial metaverse" where mixed reality plays a central role in businesses' manufacturing and design processes. It's still not clear what the device is actually called - Siemens' press release refers to it only as Sony's new spatial content creation system," - but the company shared that the headset will be available beginning later in 2024."We also got a new look at the headset itself which, according to Siemens, is equipped with 4K OLED microdisplays." And, as we noted during Sony's keynote, the device will be enabled with some unusual-looking controllers. It appears there's one worn on the finger and another, larger controller that looks more like a typical VR controller.The two companies also showed off a number of potential use cases for the tech. For example, Red Bull Racing's engineering and design teams will use the headset to visualize the cockpit of a Formula One car (the Red Bull rep onstage said it was still early days for us at the moment" regarding the tech).Siemens is pitching the headset as a tool to enable what the company has dubbed the industrial metaverse," which CEO Dr. Roland Busch defined as an immersive space where people and AI can collaborate in real time to solve real world problems."The keynote seemed to confirm that the headset is intended to be used in industrial and professional settings rather than consumer ones. As expected, this is not an Apple Vision Pro competitor. But it could still open up some interesting new possibilities for mixed reality that may be more appealing than VR workstations.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonys-new-spatial-headset-will-power-whatever-the-industrial-metaverse-is-040838964.html?src=rss

MSI has introduced a handheld gaming device called Claw at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. And unlike its biggest rivals the Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally, it's powered by Intel's processors instead of AMD's. The Claw runs on Intel's new Core Ultra chips and comes integrated with Intel's XeSS technology, which uses advanced AI upscaling algorithms to boost FPS for a smooth gaming experience. MSI says that will allow users to enjoy even resource-intensive AAA games on a handheld device.The device also uses MSI's thermal technology design called the Cooler Boost Hyperflow that redirects airflow to cool internal components so that it doesn't overheat even after extended gaming sessions. Its battery lasts for two hours under full workload conditions, same as ROG Ally's. In fact, the Claw looks pretty similar to its ASUS counterpart, even its curvatures at the bottom for better grip.It has a 7-inch full HD display, as well, with a 120Hz refresh rate. MSI's system enables users to fully customize personal macros for certain games, and it gives them access to Android games in addition to Windows titles on the handheld. We'll be taking the Claw for a spin at CES, so keep an eye out for a hands-on where we'll be talking about its performance.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-msi-claw-is-the-first-gaming-handheld-built-on-intels-core-ultra-chips-033813849.html?src=rss

Following last year's smart toilet which debuted at CES 2023, Vivoo is at it again for CES 2024 with another urine analysis product. The company has unveiled an at-home digital urinary tract infection (UTI) testing kit that provides what it calls "gold standard accuracy results" via a two-minute test.To use it, just pee on the provided UTI test strip and scan it to obtain results via Vivoo's app in "seconds," the company says. If the result is positive, customers can then connect with a doctor to obtain a prescription if required. The company says the product "saves customers time, prevents confusion in readings, and digitalizes the data so customers can share results with healthcare providers via the app, if instant treatment is desired." From the looks of it, the results are obtained via the strip, then deciphered by the app.Vivoo notes that UTIs are the most common type of outpatient infection, with six in ten women experiencing them in their lifetimes. Normally, you'd send your urine off to a lab for analysis, or use an existing at-home test kit. The company says that the new product spares users the bureaucracy of lab testing while also keeping the relevant data for users who might need that, unlike regular testing kits.In fact, many women experience recurrent UTIs, which have become resistant to at least one or even multiple types of antibiotics. By keeping a record of past infections, Vivoo's app could help patients and medical professionals track the problem and treat it appropriately.Last year, the company unveiled a smart toilet device that clips onto existing toilets and provides data like your body's water, magnesium, PH, protein and sodium levels. Later on, it released strips for vaginal PH levels. The new home UTI test will come to market in Q2 2024, but pricing isn't yet available.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/vivoos-new-at-home-uti-test-kit-and-app-can-tell-you-if-you-have-a-urinary-tract-infection-030021462.html?src=rss

If you've ever wanted to turn your car into a DJ, with the sound controlled by how you drive, then you need to buy a Benz, stat. Mercedes-AMG and will.i.am have turned up at CES 2024 in Las Vegas with what they're calling MBUX SOUND DRIVE (all caps, as if to be bellowed). Sadly, it's hard to talk about what it is and what it does without robbing it of its mystery, so apologies in advance: It's essentially a system that pulls data from the car's suite of sensors, which then helps control a specially-deconstructed music file. But, as joyless as that description sounds, once you've experienced it, you'll wonder why it hasn't been done before. Not to mention that, at the risk of gushing, it really does deepen the emotional connection between driving and the music you're listening to.The announcement came as part of Mercedes' CES push, which this year is focused on the power of its audio setup. Alongside the announcement of MBUX SOUND DRIVE, it's boasting of a new partnership with Amazon Music and Audible. That'll see Dolby Atmos versions of its exclusive audio dramas, podcasts and books come to compatible vehicles. (The highlight of the event was when legendary British audio producer Dirk Maggs took to the stage, the figure responsible for the latter radio versions of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.)MBUX SOUND DRIVE works by pairing musical elements in a song with ten inputs taken from the car. Start the car and all you get is the track's bed, so to speak, looping in the background waiting for you to get moving. Push on the accelerator at low speeds and it'll add some bass reverb to the song, while turning the steering wheel gets you extra effects or the chorus loop kicking in. It's only when you open the car up on a clear highway and the main music and lyrics will start blasting, rewarding you for moving along. And then, when you're coasting toward a stop light, the lead vocal and melody will peel away, returning you to the far less intrusive backing track.If nothing else, it's a spectacular piece of hardware and software development, given the fact even the fanciest in-car platform wasn't designed to do this. It's worth pointing out the extent of the achievement that's enabled something like this to happen on an existing system. And there are plans to extend it further so, for instance, if the windshield wipers detect rain, the music will change to reflect the mood.The demo I experienced had 16 tracks pre-loaded, including The Black Eyed Peas' I Got A Feeling and Le French's Night Drive. These songs have all been broken down and rebuilt to take advantage of MBUX SOUND DRIVE's separated format. When you're just cruising around a Las Vegas parking lot, it's all pretty restrained, even if you do put some heavy reverb on while you're parked. In fact, the whole experience at slow speeds could almost be described as teasing, offering you hints of the song you know and love, but never giving you the whole thing.It's only when you (or in this case, your qualified driver) puts their foot down and you suddenly start screaming down the road that the whole song kicks in. Even a song like I Got A Feeling, hardly the most bombastic, suddenly feels epic in this format. The closest thing I can compare it to is those moments in Grand Theft Auto when you're opening it up on the highway and a great track kicks in. Of course, the best example of that would be cruising down the road while David Bowie's Somebody Up There Likes Me plays. But, despite will.i.am's promises that when the system arrives halfway through 2024 all genres will be well-represented, I'm not so sure. After all, it's clear that tracks primarily based on discrete loops are going to be the easiest to translate and the most well-suited to the environment.In terms of the future, will.i.am shared his hopes that tracks could be hard-coded to reflect a geography. He used the example of a car going through a tunnel, which would prompt a gas car driver to put their foot down to fill the space with engine noise. But in our electric future, where there is no engine noise, users will instead have to content themselves with the jolt from their favourite song. He added that he also dreams of building in easter eggs for songs, which would only start playing when the car reaches a specific location. On one hand, I'm curious how many musicians would take the time to remix their existing songs for the size of the addressable market. Which, in this case, is only Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with a second-generation MBUX system. Then again, money talks.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/im-ashamed-how-much-i-love-mercedes-amg-and-williams-attempt-to-turn-cars-into-djs-023948867.html?src=rss

CES 2024 is here, and we're seeing all manner of new gaming gear and accessories. One notable mention is Razer's Project Esther, the world's first HD haptics gaming chair cushion. Yes, that's right, you can get one step closer to feeling like you're in the game - especially if you combine it with a VR headset.The Project Esther concept includes 16 haptic actuators and has ultra-low latency. You can control the haptics' directionality, multiple-device integration and multi-actuator experiences. It also had automatic audio-to-HD haptics conversion, allowing for a plug-and-play solution. Razer claims the cushion is compatible with most gaming and office chairs, so you won't have to get a whole new setup to use it.Razer's Project Esther gaming chair cushion is the result of years of haptics development. In 2018, the company unveiled Razer HyperSense haptics in its new Nari Ultimate headphones. They used advanced digital signal processing and wideband voice-coil actuators to produce the haptics for PC gaming - expanding it into Xbox headphones the following year.CES 2019 brought Razer's Hypersense high-resolution vibration system, which it programmed into keyboard rests, mice, and a chair. In 2022, Razer took another big step, buying Interhaptics, a company specializing in, as the name suggests, haptics. Project Esther functions using Interhaptics technology.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/razer-is-bringing-the-worlds-first-hd-haptics-gaming-chair-cushion-to-ces-2024-020027892.html?src=rss

Razer's new accessories at CES 2024 are every bit as lavish as you'd expect. At this year's convention, the company has a follow-up to its first gaming chair, an 11-port USB-C dock, a gaming cushion with HD haptics and a monitor-mounted light bar with Chroma RGB illumination.Razer Iskur V2 gaming chairThe Razer Iskur V2 Gaming Chair is the successor to the 2020 original. The new model's highlight is its 6D Adjustable and Adaptive Lumbar Support System." Described as the only one of its kind, the lumbar support has a spring-loaded mechanism to adjust to the body's weight and posture, alongside manual controls for the lumbar area's protrusion and height.RazerRazer says it gathered feedback from ergonomics experts and esports communities in designing the Iskur V2. The chair can recline up to 152 degrees and lets you control its tilt. It includes high-density foam cushions and is made of EPU-grade synthetic leather. The company describes it as offering extensive customization in height, position, and angle," and it has a memory foam head cushion.The Iskur V2 costs $650 and is available to order today from Razer's website.Razer USB C DockRazerRazer also has a new 11-port dock compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, iPads and Chromebooks. On the port front, the Razer USB C Dock has four USB-A, two USB-C, a gigabit ethernet, HDMI, a 3.5mm audio combo jack and slots for UHS-I SD and microSD.The dock's HDMI port can output up to 4K at 60Hz, and its audio jack supports 7.1 surround sound. The accessory is made from an aluminum alloy, and its USB ports support 85 W laptop charging.The Razer USB C Dock costs $120 and is available today from Razer.Project Esther cushionFollowing its 2022 acquisition of Interhaptics, Razer is showcasing Project Esther, the world's first HD haptics gaming cushion," which sounds like it could have been made from a CES-themed Mad Lib. The cushion hasn't been announced as a commercial product (at least not yet), but it's designed to flaunt Razer Sensa haptics.Similar to the size and shape of standalone chair massagers, the Project Esther chair mat stretches along where you sit up across the back. Devs can control Sensa's directionality, multi-actuator experiences, and multiple-device integration between different platforms and peripherals." The tech is plug-and-play, automatically converting audio to HD haptics.The chair offers wideband, high-definition haptics," thanks to 16 built-in actuators. It has adjustable straps, and Razer says it's compatible with most gaming and office chairs. (If it ever makes it to market, it could perhaps help the haptic-obsessed save money on gaming chairs.) It supports low-latency connections to ensure its rumbles stay synced without delay with your gaming or media content.Aether Monitor Light BarRazerRazer loves RGB lighting, and the company has a new bar to prove it. The Aether Monitor Light Bar is a mountable accessory with front- and rear-facing LEDs.The light bar has a Color Rendering Index (CRI, a rating of color accuracy) score of 95 and can light a 60cm x 30cm (about 2 x 1 feet) area. Its Chroma RGB lighting supports over 16.8 million colors and a myriad of lighting effects."The bar also includes capacitive touch controls. Its brightness, color temperature and Chroma effects are all user-customizable. It supports the Matter smart home standard, and users can tweak its settings through the Razer Gamer Room app.The Aether Monitor Light Bar will be available in March for $130.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/razer-updates-its-iskur-gaming-chair-with-a-6d-lumbar-system-for-ces-2024-020026353.html?src=rss

Sony's partnership with Honda around a new concept EV called the Afeela has been a highlight of CES for several years now. And while we're not any closer to finding out if and when this car will become a reality, Sony had a fun way to show off the latest iteration of the vehicle: they drove it onto the Sony CES 2024 stage with a PlayStation DualSense controller. Sure, it was just a fun gimmick rather than any evidence of a PlayStation-controlled vehicle coming down the road, but CES is all about the spectacle.SonyWe'll keep an eye out for more details on the Afeela, but Sony just invited Microsoft on stage to talk about how the in-vehicle experience is going to get smarter thanks to - you guessed it - AI. We're getting close to CES bingo here, folks.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sony-drove-its-afeela-ev-onto-the-ces-stage-using-a-playstation-controller-014403857.html?src=rss

Sony's CES 2024 presentation didn't have much news for the first 25 minutes, but then the company revealed a new virtual reality creation headset with... no name so far, aimed at "spatial content creation." With a matte gray finish, the headset looks like a stripped-down PSVR2, and there appear to be two cameras facing out from the front. There is also a controller-wand and a smaller peripheral similar in size to a ring. The new hardware is apparently aimed at creators and artists who manipulate and craft products in virtual spaces.Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said it would offer a "crisp viewing experience" and "intuitive interaction for 3D design", teasing a device aimed at professionals, similar to its professional-level cameras and devices.Sony showed mock-ups of a user tinkering with a bipedal robot while wearing the new headset, manipulating the robot's harm, while two monitors nearby showed things in extra detail.SonyDetails are scant, but it doesn't seem like a Vision Pro rival (or even a next-gen PSVR2) but something possibly more like Hololens. Just more... artistic. Hopefully, we'll hear and see more at Sony's booth later this week.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sony-spatial-content-creation-headset-at-ces-2024-013936595.html?src=rss

Intel is one of the biggest names that's in Las Vegas for CES 2024. The company has several talks and panels lined up, including a keynote from CEO Pat Gelsinger. You'll be able to watch that particular event live at 8pm ET on January 9 at Intel's website, along with the CES 2024 site and app.What to expectIntel hasn't divulged too much about what Gelsinger will dig into. However, it probably shouldn't come as a surprise that AI is one of the topics at hand. According to Intel, Gelsinger will talk about "the critical roles that silicon and software play in making AI more accessible, providing powerful compute and enabling modern economies."Meanwhile, the company has just revealed its full slate of Intel Core 14th-gen processors for desktops and laptops, including HX-series mobile CPUs. Intel says there are more than 60 14th-gen HX-powered systems coming to market from its partners this year. Meanwhile, thin-and-light laptops featuring the new Intel Core U Processor Series 1 lineup will start hitting retailers by the end of March.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-intels-ces-2024-keynote-010001600.html?src=rss

Newsletter platform Substack has removed "some" pro-Nazi publications from its platform following weeks of pressure over its content moderation rules.The takedowns include five newsletters flagged to the company by Platformer, which was first to report the news.The move comes amid growing pressure on the newsletter company after it repeatedly declined to remove publications promoting white nationalist and pro-Nazi views. In November, The Atlantic reported that it found scores of white-supremacist, neo-Confederate, and explicitly Nazi newsletters on Substack," some of which were monetized by their authors.Substack, which has landed in hot water over its refusal to ban Nazis in the past, responded to the article and ensuing controversy by doubling down on its stance. I just want to make it clear that we don't like Nazis either-we wish no-one held those views," Substack cofounder Hamish McKenzie wrote in December. But some people do hold those and other extreme views. Given that, we don't think that censorship (including through demonetizing publications) makes the problem go away-in fact, it makes it worse."In the latest, and somewhat confusing twist, Substack now says it has removed some publications" but hasn't changed its underlying rules. In a statement to Platformer, Substack's founders said that an investigation found that five out of the six publications you reported do indeed violate our existing content guidelines, which prohibit incitements to violence based on protected classes." The founders said they were working on new moderation tools so Substack users can set and refine the terms of their own experience on the platform."A Substack spokesperson also confirmed to Engadget that the company had removed some" newsletters, though it wasn't clear if the company had removed any others besides the ones reported by Platformer. "Substack regularly reviews reports of all potential content violations," the spokesperson said. Substack did not change its policies."Meanwhile, some prominent newsletter writers have already left the platform in protest and have reported cancellations among their paid subscribers. And it's unclear whether the company's latest act of moderation will be enough to reassure its critics. As Casey Newton, who runs Platformer noted, this issue has raised concerns that go beyond the small group of publications that violate the company's existing policy guidelines."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/substack-removes-five-pro-nazi-newsletters-but-says-its-rules-arent-changing-005815459.html?src=rss

Kia is back at CES after five years and just announced a new modular EV platform called Platform Beyond Vehicles, or PBV for short. These vehicles are still in the concept stage and aren't the kind of cars you're going to go out and buy to get around town or go on vacation - at least, not yet. Instead the PV5, the first vehicle Kia is planning, will focus on business utilities like ride-hailing, delivery and other business utilities.Probably the coolest thing about the PV5 is how modular it is. Kia showed off four different configurations. The standard is a small van, but you can swap in an extended roof if you need more space. You can also swap the back two thirds out entirely and have it in a pickup truck configuration, and finally there's a taxi configuration focused on transporting passengers. As you might guess, the inside is completely modular to enable these transformations.Kia didn't mention autonomous capabilities specifically, and shots of the insides of the vehicle showed a somewhat traditional driver seat and steering area. But the company also said it wants to develop a Robotaxi PV5 in partnership with Motional that'll provide an autonomous ride-hailing experience.Beyond the PV5, Kia also teased the large PV7 and relatively tiny PV1, a pair of vehicles meant to work in conjunction. The PV7 is the largest in the lineup, which gives it more interior space as well as driving range, while the PV1 is mean tot be small and "agile" for last-mile deliveries. The cool thing is that there's a rail system that can link the two vehicles together so you can easily move cargo from the larger PV7 into the PV1.KiaAs is so often the case at CES, there isn't a ton of detail on when the PBV initiative will move from concept to a product in production, but Kia is already building a dedicated PBV plant in Korea, with plans for manufacturing capacity of 150,000 vehicles in 2025, ramping up to 300,000 at an unknown future date. So it's possible we'll see the first of the PBVs hit the road next year.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/kia-announced-a-fleet-of-cute-modular-vans-at-ces-2024-004005807.html?src=rss

For years, ROG Phone users had to put up with average camera quality for the sake of mobile gaming experience, and ASUS blamed it on cost reasons. To put it bluntly, it was either ROG Phone for gaming, or Zenfone for photography. Now that we've entered 2024, the Taiwanese tech giant finally has a change of heart. Announced at CES 2024, the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro essentially blend together the best of both worlds, featuring the usual trove of gaming aids in - at last - a brand new design, along with a set of significant camera upgrades derived from the Zenfone line.Specifically, the new 50-megapixel f/1.9 main camera is powered by a more efficient Sony IMX890 sensor (featured on the OnePlus 11's main camera, as well as the 3x periscope camera on Oppo's Find X6 Pro and Realme's GT5 Pro). More importantly, ASUS also brought over the Zenfone line's 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilizer, which further improves low-light shooting and offers a "Super HyperSteady" video mode.The new 13-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide camera benefits from a free-form lens for reduced distortion. As for the third camera, the old 5-megapixel macro camera is now replaced by a more practical 32-megapixel 3x telephoto shooter, which comes with optical image stabilization and pixel-binning process (8-megapixel output) for boosted sensitivity. On the other side of the phone, the 32-megapixel selfie camera - now a punch hole on the screen - has gained a wider field of view, jumping from 73 degrees to 90.ASUSAnother significant change on the ROG Phone here is the appearance. In what ASUS calls the "Gen#3" design, the ROG Phone 8 has opted for compactness by way of reduced bezels (especially top and bottom), body thickness (from 10.49mm to just 8.9mm) and weight (from 239g to 225g). Thanks to this re-engineering, the company was also able to implement IP68 dust and water resistance here - apparently a first for gaming phones, thus making it even more suitable for daily use.The ROG Phone 8 line comes in two looks. The regular model features a redesigned Aura RGB logo on the back, and comes in either "Rebel Grey" or "Phantom Black." The more premium Pro flavor only comes in "Phantom Black," with the main difference being its "AniMe Vision" powered by 341 white mini LEDs. This dot matrix display supports over 20 preloaded animations that respond to the likes of X Mode, incoming calls, powering on and more. You can also create your own custom animations, and should you come across a fellow ROG Phone 8 Pro user, tapping both phones together will unlock new secret animations. (In case you're wondering, ASUS has confirmed that there will be no "Ultimate" edition this time.)It should come as no surprise that the ROG Phone 8 series packs the top options available in terms of processor, thermal design and display. You get Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip paired with a "GameCool 8" advanced thermal system, which features a tiny rapid-cooling conductor to apparently boost thermal efficiency by up to 20 percent. (You can go even further by utilizing the new AeroActive Cooler X attachment, which is designed with a larger cooling chip at the sacrifice of two physical buttons.) Both are tucked underneath a Samsung E6 flexible AMOLED panel - it's the same 2,448 x 1,080 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate and 720Hz touch-sampling rate as before, but now with a whopping 2,500-nit peak brightness (from 1,500 nits).ASUSThere are some small trade-offs, though. For one, the battery size has been reduced from 6,000mAh to 5,500mAh, but it still supports 65W HyperCharge which takes just 39 minutes. ASUS's justification is the improved efficiency of the new processor as well as display, and that it saw the weight of the earlier ROG Phones being a major pain point. It also needed to squeeze out more space for the better (read: larger) camera modules. That said, this phone still somehow manages to add wireless charging support, which follows the Qi 1.3 standard.Another slight downgrade lies within the audio department. What used to be two loud front-facing speakers are now one front-facing speaker and one downward-facing speaker, due to the reduction in the top and bottom bezels. Still, ASUS thinks Dirac's tuning is able to compensate for this change. Speaking of, you also get Dirac Virtuo spatial audio for all headphones, be it wired (3.5mm or USB-C) or wireless (Bluetooth). As for phone calls, the ROG Phone 8 offers computational noise-cancelling for voice input across various scenarios - be it in-game communications, IM calls or regular phone calls.ASUS' signature AirTrigger pressure-sensitive buttons are here to stay, for obvious reasons. There's also X Sense 2.0, an AI pattern recognition system for automatically detecting key events on screen, in order to provide timely prompts for the right moments. For instance, in Genshin Impact, this function will know when to trigger tools like auto pick up, fast forward, running lock and auto press-to-escape. Another AI feature - though not necessarily related to gaming - will be wallpaper generation, due to arrive in a future firmware update. This will leverage fast stable diffusion for creating images offline.The ROG Phone 8 series will be available for pre-order in the very near future, with the base model (16GB RAM and 256GB storage) asking for $1,000 (actual retail price will cost an extra $100), followed by the $1,200 ROG Phone 8 Pro (16GB RAM with 512GB storage), and a more premium $1,500 ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition (24GB RAM with 1TB storage, plus an AeroActive Cooler X which normally costs $100). All models will come with at least two major OS updates (from Android 14), along with four years of security updates.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-new-rog-phone-8-from-asus-finally-puts-a-good-camera-in-a-gaming-phone-002618805.html?src=rss

ASUS just announced a brand-new mini PC at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The ROG NUC mini gaming PC comes after Intel revealed it would stop making first-party NUC systems, instead relying on companies like ASUS.For the uninitiated, NUC stands for Next Unit of Compute and refers to a line of ultra-portable desktop PCs and barebones computer kits. These are complete systems that you can hold with one hand, and the ROG NUC is no different. This mini PC, originally codenamed Scorpion Canyon, comes with your choice of Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070 GPUs, allowing for four simultaneous 4K display outputs.The whole system is designed for speed and multitasking, thanks to the proprietary Performance Hybrid Architecture that distributes additional E-cores to handle intensive tasks. ASUS promises a tool-less chassis design that lets users integrate upgrades and complete maintenance tasks in under 10 minutes.ASUSAs for connectivity, you get a HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4, a single Thunderbolt 4/USB-C Type-C port and a USB 2.0 port. It also supports WiFi 6E and is compatible with both Windows 11 and Linux. Operation system flexibility is always nice. ASUS also says the system has been built to ensure seamless integration with the ROG Raikiri PRO controller and comes with the ROG Armory Crate app for creating unique RGB lighting schemes.This is only the beginning. ASUS promises more mini PCs in the near future, saying that this release heralds a new era in NUC gaming." There's no pricing or availability information for the ROG NUC, but that should come soon.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/asus-debuts-its-first-homegrown-nuc-at-ces-2024-with-core-ultra-9-chips-and-rtx-4070-graphics-000146547.html?src=rss

Due to the lack of new GPUs from NVIDIA at CES 2024, ASUS could have refreshed the processors in its flagship gaming laptop line and simply called it a day. But much to my delight, ASUS still went and completely redesigned the ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 and it feels like the company may have struck the perfect balance between performance and a more sophisticated take on the gamer aesthetic.The biggest change is the new CNC-machined aluminum chassis with a somewhat boxy frame and clean minimalist lines. Not only is this construction stiffer and more durable than before, both new models are smaller (up to 4mm thinner) and lighter (by up to 0.3 pounds) than the previous generation. Keycaps are also 12 percent larger and on the inside, there's enough room for 20 percent larger speakers. Meanwhile on the outside, instead of a bunch of RGB lighting, there's a single white LED strip arranged in a slash across the lid. It looks bold without being too in your face, and you can choose from two colors: Eclipse Gray or a stunning Platinum White. It feels like ASUS has made a stylish machine that adult gamers don't need to be embarrassed about whipping out in public.Another big change comes with its display, as the new Zephyrus G14/G16 will be the first ROG laptops to feature OLED panels: a 3K 120Hz screen on the smaller model or a 2.5K 240Hz option on the larger system. Supplied by Samsung and branded as ROG Nebula Display OLEDs, both screens also feature 16:10 aspect ratios, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, NVIDIA G-Sync support and blazing 0.2ms gray-to-gray response times. In short, they look great.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetASUS opted for slightly different hardware depending on which size you choose. The smaller G14 uses AMD Ryzen 8000 series processors with up to NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics while the larger G16 features an Intel Core Ultra 9 chip with up to an RTX 4090 GPU. Both versions top out with 32GB of DDR5X RAM. Other small differences include a microSD card reader on the G14 versus a full-size option on the G16 along with a larger 90Whr battery (versus 73Whr). The only thing ASUS seems to have missed is support for Wi-Fi 7, but given how early we are into that rollout, it shouldn't be a big deal as Wi-Fi 6e is still plenty fast.One other important addition is the introduction of the ASUS Slim Power jack, which will be the company's default charging port for high-power systems across its mainstream and ROG lines. It looks similar to USB-C, in that it's also reversible, but with a slightly boxier connector. I kind of wish ASUS opted for USB-C power delivery, at least on the smaller G14. But I've been told that the cost and relatively low efficiency of high-power USB-C charging (especially above 140 watts, as the G14 uses a 180-watt brick) still isn't good enough for widespread use.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetRegardless, previous versions of the ROG G14 and G16 have been some of our favorite gaming machines over the past few years and with a full redesign that brings a gorgeous new aluminum chassis, top-notch specs, OLED displays and more. And if this early look at the next-generation is anything to go by, it seems ASUS is hoping to carry that momentum into the rest of 2024.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetUnfortunately, there isn't any word on expected pricing for the ROG G14 and G16 just yet, but check back soon because ASUS says it will provide updates closer to when its new laptops officially go on sale sometime in February.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-and-g16-offer-a-more-sophisticated-take-on-gaming-laptops-in-2024-000022262.html?src=rss

If your home is filled with Samsung and SmartThings-compatible products, an upcoming feature might simplify your life. At its CES 2024 press conference here in Las Vegas, the company unveiled a new service called Now+ that incorporates smart home controls into the TV's interface. With this, not only can you see and control your light switches or air conditioners from your television, but also use your phone as a remote control. The company also unveiled a feature called Daily+, which is customizable and will tap all the info Samsung and Bixby have on you via your SmartThings devices to make it easier to get to relevant apps.According to Samsung, this will allow TVs to detect smartphones that are within range and use them as remotes. A new SmartThings TV Quick Panel will slide in to show "core functions," so you can manage devices, view cameras and, say, ping your phone "without compromising content viewing." The company also described a feature where your TV will turn on as you approach it and show "critical information about your devices and appliances." The platform can also display "your home's camera feed, temperature, and remaining time in your laundry cycle," if you have all the relevant compatible appliances.Details were scarce on when these features can be expected, what TVs and devices are compatible and whether you'll need to be using Samsung smartphones if you want the remote control feature. It's worth noting that SmartThings is compatible with the Matter standard, so quite a large array of connected appliances should work with it.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-has-a-new-interface-that-turns-its-tvs-into-smart-home-control-hubs-232050767.html?src=rss

Lenovo's updated consumer laptop lineup at CES 2024 is (unsurprisingly) focused on AI. The company unveiled an array of Yoga and Ideapad notebooks on Monday in Las Vegas, including new versions of the Yoga Pro 9i and Yoga 9i 2-in-1.The 2024 Yoga Pro 9i and Yoga 9i 2-in-1 still have a military-spec rating (MIL-STD-810H) for durability. Both get a spec bump to the latest Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake" processors - up to Intel Core Ultra 5 / 7/ 9 H Series in the Pro 9i and up to Intel Evo Edition powered by Core Ultra 7 processor in the Yoga 9i 2-in-1.Like practically every other company at CES, Lenovo is touting its new products' AI capabilities. The Yoga Pro 9i and 9i 2-in-1 have a dedicated Lenovo AI Core Chip powering onboard artificial intelligence. They both include Microsoft's dedicated Windows Copilot button on their keyboards.Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i (2024)LenovoThe new pair of machines also ships with Lenovo Yoga Creator Zone, a generative AI-powered image creation suite. Remember, you don't need to buy new hardware to generate AI art, but Lenovo's software is built-in to (depending on the quality) perhaps save users from navigating to Midjourney or DALLE-3 in their browsers. In addition, models with discrete graphics cards can train personalized AI models to learn your style and create matching images.The 2024 Yoga Pro 9i has a 16-inch, 3.2K (3200 x 2000) display with an IPS or mini LED panel. It ships with up to a GeForce 4070 Laptop GPU, 64GB of RAM and 1TB storage. The laptop weighs 4.82 lbs and has a 5MP webcam (including AI-powered auto-framing software). It has six speakers, including advanced bass" support. The Yoga Pro 9i will start at $1,700 and is expected to launch in April.Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (2024)LenovoThe updated Yoga 9i 2-in-1 has a 14-inch screen using PureSight OLED 2.8K or 4K OLED tech. It has a 360-degree rotating soundbar with four Bowers & Wilkins speakers, and it's bundled with a magnetically attached Slim pen. The 9i 2-in-1 launches in April with a $1,450 starting price.The Lenovo Book 9i, the company's wacky dual-screen folding laptop, is also back for another round. Top configurations will include Intel's latest Core Ultra chips, with up to a PureSight OLED 2.8K screen and a rotating B&W soundbar. It, too, is expected to arrive in April. It will start at $2,000.Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2024)LenovoMoving to the company's less expensive models, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 comes in 16-inch and 14-inch form factors with up to a 2K OLED screen in the larger one. The 14-inch model will start at $760, and the 16-inch variant starts at $810. Both begin shipping in April. The screens can reach up to 400 nits brightness, and they cover 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut.Rounding out the new gear are updated models of the Lenovo Slim 7i ($1,050+) and Pro 7 ($1,350+), now supporting up to Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processors with up to RTX 4050 Laptop GPU and PureSight Pro LCD or OLED 3K displays.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lenovo-yoga-pro-9i-and-yoga-9i-2-in-1-now-have-have-ai-chips-and-a-generative-art-suite-230059936.html?src=rss

Typically a 2-in-1 is something that can transform into multiple modes (e.g., a notebook that converts to tablet or vice versa). But with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 hybrid, Lenovo smashed two gadgets together to create one of the funkiest and most interesting laptops we've seen here at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.At first glance, the ThinkBook Plus looks like an ordinary clamshell. However, if you pull up on the display, it lifts right off and becomes a 14-inch tablet while the bottom contains everything needed to power a traditional Windows PC (well, aside from a screen). From there, you can use the tablet as a standalone Android device, a wireless monitor for the laptop base, or a Wacom-like inking display via Lenovo's Freestyle app. Meanwhile, you can use ThinkBook's deck as a mini desktop just by plugging in an external screen.The number of situations that might require having two separate devices running different OSes might be somewhat rare. However, this level of flexibility is rather unique. For example, if you're browsing the web on the couch, you could just grab the tablet section and leave the bulky laptop chassis behind. Or you could give the tablet to a child while you work on the laptop. (Just be mindful of their total screen time, OK?) And to make sharing files across both devices as easy as possible, there's a hybrid folder on both devices that syncs wirelessly. Just drag and drop and voila.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetOn top of that, the specs for both devices are pretty solid. The laptop is the beefier of the two packing an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, Wi-Fi 6e and sizable 75Whr battery. The tablet on the other hand consists of a 14-inch 2.8K OLED screen with stylus input, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, 12GB of RAM and a 38Whr battery. It also houses two rear cameras (13MP + 5MP) and a full HD IR selfie cam that the laptop can also use when the two are attached.The somewhat surprising thing is that, for a pre-production device, everything functioned pretty smoothly. When I yanked off the display, the tablet instantly booted into Android. And when I placed it back on the laptop, it only took a second or two for the Windows desktop to reappear. The only software issue I ran into was when trying to use the tablet as a sketching aid. But that was more of a problem with the insane wireless congestion that you always battle during CES.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetThere were only two minor flaws that I noticed. The first is that, aside from a 3.5mm audio jack, there are only two USB-C ports. But since both are Thunderbolt 4, at least you'll be getting excellent data speeds. The other is that the ThinkBook Plus' keyboard is on the shallow side, so if you prefer a notebook with longer key travel, this might not be for you.However, the ThinkBook Plus' biggest hurdle may be its price. Because, starting at $1,999, Lenovo is charging a bit of a premium for the convenience of having two devices in one. That's because unless you're dead set on having a 14-inch tablet, it's pretty easy to pick up a smaller Android slate plus a well-equipped ultraportable for way under $2,000.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetBut if this sort of frakengadget strikes your fancy, keep an eye out for it when it goes on sale sometime in Q2 2024.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-lenovo-thinkbook-plus-gen-5-is-the-funkiest-gadget-mashup-at-ces-2024-230059087.html?src=rss

Despite launching an all-new version of the m16 last year, Alienware has completely redesigned its mainstream 16-inch gaming laptop again for 2024 to address customer feedback while optimizing performance for the most popular configs. I got to check out the new m16 R2 ahead of CES 2024 and there's a lot to like about Alienware's more purpose-built revamp.Unlike the 2023 M16, which could accommodate RTX 4090 cards, the m16 R2 tops out at an RTX 4070. In return for lowered top-end performance, you get a sleeker and lighter laptop with a larger 90 Whr battery, slimmer bezels, and a larger touchpad - all in a package with a 15 percent smaller footprint.As before, display options will go up to a 16:10 QHD+ panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, while CPU options are getting a bump to Intel's latest batch of Core Ultra H-series chips. Meanwhile, by eliminating the old model's thermal shelf (which was the big protrusion that stuck out past the hinge), Alienware was able to shave off about an inch and a half in depth while also redesigning its cooling system to provide 43% more airflow. Notably, even though the new model is significantly smaller, it still offers a solid selection of ports including Ethernet, a full-size HDMI 2.1 jack, two USB Type-A 3.2 and two USB-C (one of which supports Thunderbolt 4).There are also a handful of subtle, but much-appreciated, aesthetic changes, including a new RGB lightning loop that runs around the perimeter of the touchpad. That said, if you want to quickly hide your power level, you can instantly turn off all of the laptop's lighting and set the system to quiet by hitting F2 and activating Alienware's Stealth Mode. It's a small but very handy addition that makes it easy for you to avoid drawing unwanted attention.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetOther small changes and features include user-upgradeable DDRR5 RAM and M.2 SSDs (two slots each), a new FHD IR webcam with support for facial recognition and Windows Hello and AI-powered noise-cancellation for improved video calling. Additionally, all new Alienware laptops for 2024 will receive upgraded far-field microphones, support for Wi-Fi 7 and the latest version (6.1) of the company's Command Center app.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetBut most importantly, the new Alienware m16 R2 feels like it's better designed for gaming on the go. It's not quite as powerful as last year's model, but it's almost a pound and a half lighter (5.75 pounds vs 7.17 pounds). It should have better battery life too, and it's just easier to carry around thanks to its slimmer dimensions. You still get a premium construction with smooth matte aluminum panels on top and bottom. And if you really want a 16-inch thin-and-light gaming laptop with big graphics, there's always the Alienware x16, which hasn't gotten a redesign but will have updated specs for 2024 including support for up to an RTX 4090.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetThe new Alienware m16 R2 is scheduled to go on sale on January 11 with select configs starting at $1,650 before more options become available later this quarter.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/alienware-m16-r2-hands-on-a-sleeker-gaming-laptop-design-for-ces-2024-230059369.html?src=rss

Without a new generation of NVIDIA GPUs to accommodate, this year at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, laptop manufacturers have been forced to come up with other ways of getting attention. Some OEMs have opted for complete redesigns while others have introduced smaller (and super light) versions of existing models. But on the 2024 Predator Helios 18, Acer has opted for the flashiest method yet, featuring a captivating new hinge along with updated specs.Compared to last year's model, the outside of the Helios 18 doesn't look that much different. It features a familiar matte black chassis and, at 7.17 pounds and 1.14 inches thick, it's about the same size and weight as well. But then you get to the back where its new hinge is waiting to dazzle you with a seemingly endless series of RGB lights to gawk at. It's a cool effect that Acer has dubbed the Infinity Mirror lighting bar, and while I'm not sure that alone would cause me to buy one, it's certainly fun to stare into. All hail the hypno hinge.Aside from that, the other new design change is the introduction of Acer's MagKey 3.0 on the Helios 18's WASD buttons, which allows you to swap not only the keycaps but also the mechanical switches beneath for a truly customized gaming experience. The laptop will come with two extra sets of keycaps and switches in the box. I just wish Acer allowed owners to swap out every key and keycap instead of just WASD. Unfortunately, because I only saw a pre-production model, I didn't have the chance to try it myself.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetInside, the Helios 18 has been refreshed with an Intel Core i9-14900X CPU and support for up to 32GB of RAM, 4TB of storage and NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics. Meanwhile, to keep its operating temps in check, Acer has upgraded to 5th-gen Aeroblade 3D fans and switched to liquid metal thermal grease for improved heat conductivity. And as you'd expect on a system this big and starts at $2,000, the Helios 18 has great connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 and tons of ports (full-size HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, microSD, dual USB-C and more). The Helios 18's display has also gotten some attention with the move to a 250Hz mini LED panel with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and a gamut that covers 100 percent of DCI-P3.And while I didn't get to see it myself, if you don't want a gaming laptop this big, there will also be a Predator Helios 16 that offers all the same specs (up to an RTX 4090) including a 90 Whr battery, but in a chassis that weighs 5.95 pounds and measures 1.05 inches thick.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetBut it doesn't stop there because at CES 2024, Acer is announcing more budget-friendly Neo versions of the machines above. Also available with 16- and 18-inch screens, the Predator Helios Neo 18 and Predator Helios Neo 16 come with the same i9-14900X chip, but with a slightly slower 240Hz display and GPU options that cap out at an RTX 4070. Sadly, similar to the Predator Helios 18, the Helios Neo 16 I saw was a pre-production model and had some finishes and speaker grilles that didn't match the rest of the system, though Acer says that will be fixed on retail models.Regardless, Acer will have a bunch of updated 16 and 18-inch gaming laptops for you to consider no matter your budget.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetThe Predator Helios 16 will start at $1,900 and go on sale in January, followed by the Predator Helios 18 at $2,000, which will arrive sometime in March. Alternatively, the Predator Helios Neo 18 and Neo 16 will start at $1,550 and $1,500 respectively, with both officially launching in March.Update 1/8/2024 3 PM ET: This post has been updated with hands-on video.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-acer-predator-helios-18-has-the-most-mesmerizing-hinge-on-a-laptop-at-ces-2024-230045775.html?src=rss

Alienware is following up its 34-inch ultrawide QD-OLED display with a pair of upgraded models that promise to deliver enhanced in-game visuals: 4K QD-OLED and 360Hz QD-OLED monitors. The company unveiled them at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, and is touting each as a world's first" in some regard.First up, there's the Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED (AW3225QF), which the company calls the world's first 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor." This display has Dolby Vision HDR, a curved panel and a peak luminance up to 1000 nits. The AW3225QF also boasts a 240Hz native refresh rate, a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility.You can expect inky dark black levels and lots of color coverage. In fact, Alienware promises blacks that are 10 times darker than a standard picture. It also claims you'll have access to colors never seen before on a screen," which seems like a lofty promise, but hey, we won't have long to find out. It'll be available on January 11, with a list price of $1,200.AlienwareAlienware also announced the AW2725DF 360Hz QD-OLED gaming display. As you can tell from the name, this screen boasts an astounding 360Hz native refresh rate. Alienware touts another record being smashed here, calling this the world's first" 360Hz QD-OLED display.The screen also features a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time for near instantaneous pixel response" and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400. The monitor comes with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA AdapativeSync tech. The stand is fully adjustable to suit different setups and the minimal hexagonal base allows for added real estate on the desk for accessories.The 27-inch AW2725DF will also be available on January 11, coming in at $900. Both of these monitors come with a 3-year limited warranty for OLED burn-in, which is certainly handy given the increased risk of this issue with OLED displays.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/alienware-teases-a-32-inch-4k-qd-oled-gaming-monitor-at-ces-230045701.html?src=rss

Razer was so proud of the screens on its updated Blade laptops it announced some details a week before CES. Now that I've seen them, I can say they look even better in person.The big upgrade for the Blade 16 is without a doubt its screen, which Razer says is the world's first 16-inch 240Hz OLED display. The impressive thing is that, even when compared to the Blade 14 and Blade 18's panels which both look great, the one on the 16 just pops a little bit more. Colors look rich and it covers 100 percent of DCI-P3 color gamut, plus its response time of just 0.2ms is super fast. You also get VESA ClearMR 11000 and DisplayHDR True Black 500 certifications. And while its QHD+ resolution isn't quite 4K, you can always opt for the dual mode mini LED screen Razer introduced last year.Inside, you get a new 14th-gen Raptor Lake Core i9-14900HX chip and up to an RTX 4090 with a TDP of 175 watts. While the Blade 16's starting price looks pretty steep at $3,000, it's important to note that that figure includes the brand new OLED display and 4070 graphics, which is better than the 4060 cards you get as base from a lot of Razer's rivals. The Blade 16 is on sale today.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetAs for the Blade 14, it's got a new AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS chip and up to an RTX 4070 GPU with a TDP of 140 watts. As for its display you're looking at a 16:10 QHD+ panel with a 240Hz refresh rate. And all this comes in a chassis that still weighs 4.05 pounds and measures 0.7 inches thick, which might make this my favorite of the three due to its combination of power and portability. I just wish that it had the OLED display from the Blade 16. Pricing is still to be determined, though pre-orders are slated for the end of January.Finally, there's the Blade 18, whose most important new feature is the world's first 18-inch 4K 165Hz display. Now I should mention that this display is so new, the model we saw at CES has a placeholder lid, so the system I saw was significantly thicker than it will be at launch. The other big claim is that the Blade 18 will feature a Thunderbolt 5 port, which is the first time I've heard any company pledge to include this connector. Unfortunately, that's all we know about the Blade 18 for now, as it's not scheduled to launch until sometime later this year.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetOne last notable change for 2024 is that across the entire Blade family, you'll now be able to equip each system with up to 96GB of RAM and 8TB of SSD storage. Those are pretty monstrous figures and you can bet upgrading won't come cheap, but if you need it, you need it.Update 1/8/2024 3:14 PM ET: This post has been updated with hands-on video.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/razers-blade-laptop-lineup-shines-bright-with-stunning-screens-at-ces-2024-230044688.html?src=rss

Shokz has making Bluetooth bone conduction headsets for years, including a personal favorite: the OpenRun Pro. However, you may have overlooked one of company's more niche variants. In 2019 the company launched a model called Xtrainerz, a bone conduction headset with an IP68 waterproof rating, 4GB of onboard storage and no Bluetooth. This was pitched as an all around training headset with a focus on swimmers. Recently it was renamed OpenSwim, but today at CES 2024 in Las Vegas the company has announced its improved successor, the OpenSwim Pro waterproof headphones.As with many products being announced at CES this year, the OpenSwim Pro supports Bluetooth 5.3. The big change is that it includes Bluetooth at all, making it a more useful all-around headset and less specifically targeted to swimming or triathlon use. The OpenSwim Pro also has 32GB of onboard storage, which is a healthy bump from the previous 4GB limit.You get nine hours of battery life (one extra hour from the previous gen) and we're told that it offers fast charging, although those details haven't been provided yet. If it matches up to other Shokz models, that would be 1.5 hours with just five minutes of charging, which I've found immensely useful. If you're actively using these while swimming, you can only be submerged for two hours without tempting the limits of its IP68 waterproof rating.The sound quality for this model should be similar to the OpenRun model, with 8th-gen bone conduction tech. The need for a more enclosed design means it can't quite match the slightly bassier output of the OpenRun Pro, which uses venting to enhance the low end. This model does have microphones, however, which is a new addition for the OpenSwim series. It certainly seems to be a necessary feature for a Bluetooth headset, so it's a welcome addition.The Shokz OpenSwim Pro will be available later in the year, although pricing and a specific launch date have yet to be determined. Those interested in receiving updates can sign up on the Shokz website.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/shokz-debuts-its-openswim-pro-bone-conduction-waterproof-headphones-at-ces-2024-230036513.html?src=rss

Sennheiser just introduced its more affordable Accentum noise-canceling headphones in September, aiming to offer some of the best parts of its pricier Momentum cans at a lower price. At CES 2024, the company is already adding a second Accentum model, the Accentum Plus, that carries much of what made last year's installment an attractive alternative to flagship headphones. Sennheiser has spilled all of the details in Las Vegas, and thankfully, the 50-hour battery life remains from the previous version.While the design is still inspired by the Momentum line, the key difference on the Accentum Plus is the addition of touch controls. Gone are some of the physical buttons that adorned the 2023 model, for better or worse depending on your preference for sorting playback and calls. Taps and swipes now handle media, volume and transparency mode. The company has also added automatic pausing for added convenience.I expected at least a slight drop in sound quality from the Momentum 4, but there isn't any. I was amazed by how great the audio is here on the Accentum Plus. There's big bassy boom that offers plenty of thump without overpowering, with crisp detail from the highs and ample mids. The sound is truly impressive for a set of $230 headphones that the company is billing as their mid-range option. The construction isn't as premium as the Momentum products as there's plenty of plastic, especially around the headband. The Accentum Plus is lightweight due to that though, which makes them very comfortable to wear.Most of the DNA of the Accentum remains, including the 50-hour battery life, 37mm drivers, audio customization and multipoint connectivity. Where the first version had hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), this model has hybrid adaptive ANC than automatically adjusts to changes in your surroundings. The fast-charge feature on this model gives you five hours of use in just 10 minutes.The Accentum Plus will be available on February 20 for $230 (230). That's $50 more than the regular version, which makes them a bit less attractive compared to the 2023 model. They'll be available in black and white color options at launch.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sennheiser-accentum-plus-headphones-swap-buttons-for-swipe-touch-controls-but-keep-the-50-hour-battery-life-213043463.html?src=rss

There are earbuds aplenty at CES 2024 and today Sennheiser revealed its two latest models in Las Vegas. The company has updated its flagship Momentum line with a new premium model, the Momentum True Wireless 4, while also debuting its first tech-filled set of fitness earbuds in the Momentum Sport. Both sit at the top end of the company's lineup and will cost you $300 or more when they arrive later this year.Sennheiser says it took over three years of work to build the Momentum Sport, combining fitness tech with its trademark sound quality. Inside, a photoplethysmography (PPG) heart rate sensor and a body temperature sensor can send workout biometrics to apps like Apple Health, Garmin Connect, Strava, Peloton and Polar Flow. The earbuds only send body temp info to that last app though. Sennheiser says the Momentum Sport marks the first time ever that a non-Polar product will be able to leverage the data analytics of Flow for real-time analytics. What's more, the Momentum Sport's stats work with the Polar Vantage V3 watch and you can have training audio (Smart Coaching) sent from the company's app to the earbuds.The company did a live demo of the Momentum Sport earbuds with the Vantage V3 watch and the Polar app. Someone rode a Peloton and sent live biometrics to the app in real time. The integration is seamless, as you would expect across a smartwatch and app from a company worked closely with to develop these wireless earbuds. The team-up means Sennheiser didn't have to develop its own fitness app to make the most of the Momentum Sport's sensors.SennheiserSennheiser explains that it created an all-new 10mm transducer for the Momentum Sport, aiming for the type of "vivid sound and impressive bass" most people desire for workouts. The company also included an acoustic relief channel that relieves the occlusion effect or feeling that your ears are plugged and stressed with pressure. Sennheiser says that design element also reduces breathing noise, footstep thunder and other body noises that could be distracting during a session.The Momentum Sport has a semi-open design that lets a bit of your surroundings in naturally, but you can also opt for transparency mode to stay fully in tune. There's also active noise cancellation (ANC) when you need to focus and an anti-wind mode to combat the breeze when you're outdoors. Sennheiser manages an IP55 rating for the earbuds to withstand moisture and dust, while also using a shock-proof construction and clog resistant eartips so any wax buildup won't be a problem. The charging case is IP54 rated itself and offers wireless charging.Sennheiser promises up to six hours of battery life on the Momentum Sport, but doesn't specify if that's with ANC on or off. There are three additional charges in the case and 10 minutes of charging can give you 45 minutes of use. Of course, these earbuds also work with the company's Smart Control app for tweaking the sound profile and a variety of settings and there's a collection of ear tips and fins to find the ideal fit.The Momentum Sport will be available on April 9 for $330 (330) in black, green and graphite color options.Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4Photo by Billy Steele/EngadgetThe Momentum True Wireless 4 is the follow up to the company's Momentum 3 earbuds that debuted in 2022. Sennheiser says it added over a dozen upgrades to this model, including Qualcomm's S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with Snapdragon Sound in addition to support for Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive Audio, LE Audio, LC3, Auracast and more. A six-microphone setup improves call quality and ANC performance, according to the company, while an adaptive EQ monitors sound input consistent audio across both musical styles and content types. Sound Personalization, Sound Zone and Sound Check features are available here once again through the Smart Control app.Sennheiser says it updated the design of the ear tip and nozzle to better protect against ear wax. It also includes a "comprehensive" fit kit that offers a smattering of ear tips and fins, along with a fit test in its app, to ensure that you're not sacrificing performance with the wrong components. In terms of the sound quality, the company promises "evolved tuning," with "smoother treble response, extensive bass and effortless midrange." Sennheiser has consistently built some of the best wireless earbuds in terms of overall sound for years, so we have every reason to believe these claims.The Momentum True Wireless 4 offers up to seven and a half hours of battery life on the buds (ANC not specified) with another three full charges in the wireless charging case. What's more, the company explains that it upgraded battery performance over time with a battery protection mode that optimizes charging cycles.The Momentum True Wireless 4 will be available to preorder in black copper, metallic silver and graphite on February 15 for $300 (300), $50 more then the previous model cost at launch. The earbuds will begin shipping on March 1.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sennheiser-momentum-sport-earbuds-bring-heart-rate-and-body-temp-sensors-to-your-workout-213047758.html?src=rss

CES is the type of show where one is likely to come across all sorts of dorky, Geordi La Forge-esque smart glasses, but some do manage to include some practical features - like ViXion's auto-focus eyewear. The company, which is a spin-off of Japanese optics specialist Hoya, showed off its the ViXion01, at CES 2024, and it's aimed at people who struggle to focus their eyes due to strain, old age or the time of day. After a quick demo, I could also see myself benefitting from it on a daily basis. I even dig the futuristic look on these glasses, which are the work of Japanese design firm, Nendo.At the heart of the ViXion01 is its front-facing ToF (time of flight) sensor, which lets it measure the distance of your target object and quickly adjust its lenses on the go. The basic concept is similar to a University of Utah prototype that popped up at CES 2017, but ViXion managed to miniaturize and even begin to commercialize it. According to project director Toshiharu Uchiumi, his device will do wonders to enhance fine details in applications like model kit assembly or reading small print.Photo by Richard Lai / EngadgetInitial setup was straightforward. I had to first manually slide both lenses to get a single centered image, then I moved on to the diopter adjustment dial on the right to bring each of my eyeballs into focus, which worked fine despite my myopia of around -4.5 D (you can also set this up in the app via Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity). While the ViXion01 weighs 50 grams, the main circuitry and battery housed on the right made an apparent imbalance, but I didn't have enough time to tweak my fit on the bendable left arm and nose pads.Otherwise, it was a surprisingly pleasant experience, visual-wise. My eyesight was sharper than usual for both far and close distances (down to two inches), and I didn't feel as much eyestrain as I would usually get when looking at things up close - seemingly ideal for when I work on my Gundam models. The automatic switch between different focal distances felt swift and seamless as well.There are some caveats, though. First off, ViXion stresses that this is not a medical device, and you should avoid wearing it while driving or exercising - makes sense given the limited field of view due to the black rings housing the lenses. With that in mind, the 10-hour battery life should be sufficient, and then it's a three-hour charge via USB-C. It's also not waterproof, though it is rated IPX3 for water resistance, which can probably tolerate light rain or sweat.The ViXion01 is now available for pre-order in Japan for 99,000 yen (about $690), with shipments expected to begin in February. There's no plan on an overseas launch just yet, but if that ever happens, chances are ViXion will need to come up with a wider version, anyway.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/vixion01-glasses-reduce-eyestrain-by-doing-the-focusing-for-you-205106281.html?src=rss

LG has been trickling out news about its latest product drops for weeks before CES 2024 officially kicked off, with highlights that include a wireless transparent OLED TV, an ultra portable 4K projector and a friendly looking two-legged robot that can roam your house and watch your pets.The 77-inch signature OLED T has turned heads with its unique "transparent" look and wireless audio and video capabilities. It's also powered by a processor that improves overall display performance and visuals by 70 percent compared to the previous-gen chip, according to LG. Its OLED TV lineup is also getting bigger with the expected launch of the LG Signature OLED M4 and OLED G4 TVs. Both have Alpha 11 AI processor chips embedded in their design, which are meant to improve their image quality. The AI chips promise to reduce visual blurring and improve color contrasts.There are some other big developments worth getting excited about in its display offerings - but in the gaming sphere. LG also announced a 27-inch QHD OLED gaming display with an extremely fast 480Hz refresh rate.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watch-lgs-ces-2024-keynote-in-10-minutes-194905188.html?src=rss

NVIDIA was one of the first big-name companies to hold a keynote at CES 2024. If you don't have time to watch the full video but still want to find out how NVIDIA revealed its news, you can watch our supercut, which boils the event down to just under 10 minutes.As expected, the company refreshed its lineup of graphics cards with RTX 40 Super GPUs that are slated to deliver performance boosts at lower prices. The RTX 4080 Super ($999) and RTX 4070 Ti Super ($799) are set to go on sale later this month and are said to be faster than their predecessors.NVIDIA hasn't divulged the full specs of the latest GPUs yet, but the RTX 4070 Ti Super will have 16GB of memory, compared with the previous model's 12GB. With DLSS enabled, the 4080 Super is said to deliver twice the performance of the 3080 Ti. NVIDIA will also offer a mid-range RTX 4070 Super GPU, which will cost $599 and have 20 percent more cores than the previous version.Given the current landscape, NVIDIA had a number of AI products to discuss too. For one thing, it's partnering with Getty Images to offer a text-to-image generative AI service that appears to include intuitive editing tools. The keynote took a look at some of NVIDIA's robotics work as well.NVIDIA also announced several GeForce Now updates. The service will soon support G-Sync as well as day passes, which provide 24 hours of access to the paid tiers. More notable games such as Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV are on the way to the platform, which will soon open for business in Japan.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watch-nvidias-ces-2024-keynote-in-10-minutes-192533238.html?src=rss

The Peregrine spacecraft has experienced an anomaly' that could endanger its planned moon landing, as reported by the BBC.Astrobotic, the private company behind the project, says this anomaly prevents the spacecraft from pointing its solar panels at the sun. In other words, the vehicle can't charge its battery. Without power, the planned lunar landing for February might have to be canceled.Astrobotic engineers are working the problem and will provide updates as they become available. The launch itself went off without a hitch early this morning, as the issue popped up during post-launch checks after communications had been established. The team behind the launch suggest the most likely cause of the anomaly is a problem with propulsion. Unfortunately, the engineers have a limited window of time to troubleshoot and fix the issue, as the spacecraft's battery is currently reaching operationally low levels." There was a short comms breakdown, but it looks like that issue has been resolved.The company has also stated that the propulsion issue led to a "critical loss of propellant." Astrobotic has planned for a wide variety of fault scenarios and could get everything squared away before too long, but it's looking less likely by the minute. The company says it's still trying to stabilize the propellant loss, but is investigating "alternative mission profiles" and trying to save as much science and data as it can.Peregrine is supposed to be the first American lunar lander to visit the moon in over 50 years. The United Launch Alliance's new Vulcan Centaur rocket carried the craft out of the atmosphere. If it manages to touch down on the moon, Peregrine will become the first commercial craft to land on any planetary body outside of Earth.Though not directly affiliated with NASA, the Peregrine launch is part of the space agency's new Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. To that end, it's supposed to deliver five payloads to the moon for NASA to help prepare for the upcoming Artemis missions. It's also carrying a number of payloads for commercial clients at a cost of $1.2 million per kilogram. This cargo includes everything from mini rovers and science instruments to art collections and physical representations of cryptocurrency.There's also human remains on board, including the DNA of science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke. Peregrine is scheduled to land on the moon's nearside, which faces Earth, on February 23, though that timeframe could change or disappear altogether. Ahead of the launch, CLPS Program Manager Chris Culbert acknowledged that a lunar landing was not guaranteed, stating that landing on the moon is extremely difficult."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/peregrine-spacecraft-experiences-anomaly-that-could-threaten-moon-landing-191221991.html?src=rss

TCL is going for different with its new pro tablet, revealed at CES 2024. There aren't that many premium tablets beyond the annual updates from Apple and Samsung, and TCL plans to make its new 14- and 10-inch slates stand out with their display tech, featuring its next-gen NXTPAPER 3.0. It's aimed at striking a middle-ground between e-readers and tablets. It's not about them being sharper or faster, but gentler on our very human eyes.The TCL NXTPAPER 14 Pro's display features heavily focus on eye comfort, with a new VersaView interface that can switch between a black-and-white reader mode and the standard tablet views. The 14-inch 2.8K display (2,880 x 1,800) features the company's new NXTPAPER 3.0, aimed at better reflecting, literally, how the human eye reads natural paper, but on a digital display. NXTPAPER is TCL's display tech that tries to offer a tablet experience with a paper-like reading surface. We've written about earlier iterations found in devices like the NXTPAPER 11 tablet and even some of its recent budget smartphones.The company says its next family of phones - no fewer than seven, including the TCL 50 XL NTXPAPER 5G and 50 XE NTXPAPER 5G - will also feature NXTPAPER 3.0 technology. The NXTPAPER 14 Pro is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 8020 chip, with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is fine if unremarkable. It's truly all about the screen.Photo by Mat Smith/EngadgetTCL says its NXTPAPER series continues to filter out up to 61 percent of blue light to ease the effects on users' eyes. Version 3.0 is brighter, hitting 700 nits on the 14-inch matte display. A new Circularly Polarized Light (CPL) screen should also light up text more naturally, while being easier to read in sunlight. TCL claims this creates a reading experience closer to reading books in natural light. There's also DC dimming, which should also lower flickering effects experienced on some lower-refresh rate screens. In tablet mode, the NXTPAPER 14 Pro can reach up to 120Hz refresh rates, and the new CPL tech also means it maintains legibility even if you're wearing polarizing lenses.Meanwhile, the Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G packs some of the same display technology (NXTPAPER 3.0) but on a 10.4-inch, 2K (2,560 x 1,440) screen. And no dedicated viewing mode button. It does, however, feature 5G support.To really make sure you get it, TCL also created an Eye Health Assistant to nag remind you to reduce screen brightness or perhaps not stare at your new tablet at midnight. The NXTPAPER 14 Pro also has a dedicated physical button for switching between three different viewing modes. The tablet's VersaView UI means users can switch between a standard tablet mode and NXTPAPER mode.Photo by Mat Smith/EngadgetThe latter is an e-ink style (but not e-ink!) monochrome mode, which rarely features on devices headed to the US. However, this isn't just the tablet processing the Android interface into grayscale. The interface includes stripped-down icons, like line drawings, that can still be differentiated from each other and a lot more blank space and white backdrops for reading ease. It feels like a concentration mode, which I appreciated. You've probably heard of the hack' of turning your smartphone system into black-and-white to make everything less compelling. This simplifies everything 2even more aggressively while ensuring that some content, like video, can still be played in full color. Swiping around the tablet, or using TCL's stylus on the screen in both modes was fluid, and refresh rates seem much improved from the earliest NXTPAPER hardwareThere are no prices for either of TCL's new tablets yet, but the company has confirmed that the NXTPAPER 14 Pro will be coming to the US in early 2024. In the meantime, these are our reigning picks for the best tablets you can currently buy.We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tcls-nxtpaper-14-pro-is-somewhere-between-a-tablet-and-a-giant-e-reader-190047895.html?src=rss