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by Cheyenne MacDonald on (#6GDDK)
Amazon has begun notifying Comixology users that they'll no longer be able to read comics on the app come December 4. Comixology is merging with the Kindle app, and users' libraries will soon only be accessible via the latter. The move caps off the ruination of Comixology that began nearly two years ago, when Amazon started chipping away at the platform's native features and general usability in order to force a fit with its own ecosystem.The Comixology app will officially be dead as of December 4, according to Amazon. From that point on, all of the comics, manga and graphic novels a user has purchased or borrowed on Comixology will live exclusively in the Kindle app. While Amazon says things like reading progress will be synced, you'll have to redownload everything in the Kindle app if you want to pick up where you left off, even on the same device. There are filters to see Comics & Manga" or Books" only, for anyone not thrilled about having it all jumbled together.The writing was on the wall for Comixology for some time, and while the termination of the app may not entirely come as a surprise for longtime users, it's surely a bummer. Amazon has owned Comixology since 2014, but only in recent years has it really started to impose its influence on the product in a noticeable way.
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by Pranav Dixit on (#6GDDM)
A set of features rolling out to Google Photos today will make it much easier to declutter your photo library, the company announced in a blog post. Google Photos will now automatically identify similar photos that you took in rapid succession - helpful for those times when you clicked 50 shots of that gorgeous sunset to get the one perfect frame you will never look at again - and group them in a single stack" to clean up your library.The service will select a top pick that best represents the moment, but you can manually choose an image you want too. If you prefer to have multiple sunsets littering your library, you can turn off stacking.GooglePhotos will also automatically organize your pictures, separating IDs, receipts, and tickets into different albums, a feature that seems like it should have been there ages ago given how good Google Photos is at recognizing what's in your images. You can also add an event to your calendar directly from a screenshot or a photo of a ticket, which seems really useful.Unsurprisingly, Google says that all these features are powered by AI, something that the company has lately been cramming into all its products in general. Google Photos, however, has always been powered by AI. For years, the service sucked up all your photos and stored them in exchange for training its machine learning algorithms on them to be able to recognize their contents. That's why you can search Google Photos for pictures of dogs or the beach, for instance, so easily (Google stopped providing free storage for Photos a couple of years ago).Earlier this year, Google added another AI-powered feature to Photos that creates personalized scrapbook montages. Google's algorithms sort your photos into relevant categories and create titles that you can modify if you want. Google also lets people use AI to easily make edits, such as removing unwanted people or objects from photos.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-photos-has-new-ai-powered-features-to-clean-up-your-library-204512642.html?src=rss
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by Stephanie Barnes on (#6GDB3)
It's been a long time coming, but the Switch version of Outer Wilds now has an official release date of December 7, developers Annapurna Interactive and Mobius Digital announced during the Nintendo Indie World Showcase on Tuesday. Pre-orders for the digital version are now open, with a physical edition expected in early 2024.Outer Wilds is already available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 but there have clearly been some delays with the Nintendo Switch version, which was initially expected in 2021. For whatever reason, this seems to be a common issue with Nintendo Switch ports: We've reported on several other third-party publishers who have experienced setbacks in bringing their games to the Switch.For the uninitiated, the popular game launches players into space for a little exploration, but things take an unexpected turn. Players soon realize they're stuck in a time loop. They'll have just 22 minutes to figure out what's happening before the sun goes supernova and forces them to start over again and again and again. Players must use the knowledge gained from each loop to bypass earlier obstacles and make it to the end.Nintendo Switch users can purchase just Outer Wilds for $25 or Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition, featuring Outer Wilds and the Echoes of the Eye expansion for $38. Both editions are available for pre-order and currently 20 percent off until December 12.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/outer-wilds-is-actually-finally-coming-to-switch-in-december-195942023.html?src=rss
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by Malak Saleh on (#6GDB4)
A group of lawmakers from a House of Representatives committee wants Apple, like many Jon Stewart enthusiasts, to explain why its streaming arm abruptly canceled the talk show The Problem With Jon Stewart. The current affairs TV series hosted by Jon Stewart briefly made its debut on Apple TV+ in 2021 but its time on air ended when the show received the ax for a third season, reportedly due to disagreements" over show topics.According to Reuters, Lawmakers want to know if the show's coverage and criticism of China has anything to do with the show's cancellation. The government officials have asked Apple to speak on the issue by Dec 15, 2023.In a letter to the tech giant, the House members wrote that while Apple has the right to determine what content it deems appropriate for its platform, the coercive tactics of a foreign power should not be directly or indirectly influencing these determinations." This effort is bipartisan, with members from both Republican and Democratic parties affiliated with the House of Representatives' Select Committee on Competition with the Chinese Communist Party.
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GDB5)
When the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) unveiled its Qi2 charging standard earlier this year, we noted that it was built using Apple's MagSafe technology. So it only makes sense that the iPhone 15 line will be among the first smartphones to adopt the new wireless charging method. It's honestly quite rare to see Apple jumping on-board with a new technology so quickly, though the company has allowed for Qi wireless charging in the past.In other words, new wireless iPhone 15 chargers are coming soon, this holiday season as a matter of fact. The WPC says companies like Belkin, Mophie, Anker and Aircharge have all pre-announced Qi2 products that should integrate with Apple's latest and greatest. All told, over 100 devices are currently undergoing testing with an eye toward a near-future release. This includes Anker's recently-announced MagGo lineup of chargers.So what's the big deal with Qi2? The WPC advertises faster charging, higher efficiency and greater convenience. It's replacing the original Qi charging standard, which is over 13 years old now so, yeah, it's time for a refresh. The Qi2 platform offers support for 15-watt charging and boasts foreign object detection, in addition to enhanced safety features to prevent device damage or battery life shortening.Perhaps the greatest draw for Qi2, however, is with regard to interoperability. This is a new standard that should be adopted industry-wide, so you'll be able to, in theory, use one Qi2 charger with a broad range of devices, no matter where you live in the world. The protocol even allows for the charging of unusually-shaped accessories that typically struggle with a flat charging pad.All Qi2 devices will feature an obvious logo for branding purposes, so you know you aren't about to use a knockoff charger. As a final aside, it's pronounced chee two" if you find yourself at a dinner party or something. Just a heads up.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-iphone-15-series-will-work-with-the-upcoming-qi2-wireless-charging-standard-190807866.html?src=rss
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by Will Shanklin on (#6GDB6)
Cameo has added a pair of timeless superstars to its stable of celebrities (a term used loosely in some cases) available for personalized video greetings. Cookie Monster and Elmo, who may or may not have fallen on hard times, will shamelessly plug their services on the six-year-old platform, offering to count to your kid's age or rattle off words that start with the same letter as your child's name - for $25 a pop. Perhaps that relatively low price for the Sesame Street icons is because humans don't appear to record their voices: Cameo describes the characters as powered by artificial intelligence."Cookie Monster and Elmo join a Cameo crew that also includes Kenny G ($350 per message), Danica McKellar ($150) and Billy Dee Williams ($300), among many others. Other animated characters on the platform include Thomas the Tank Engine, Grumpy Bear (from Care Bears) and JJ from CoComelon.Hiya, it me, Cookie Monster," the perpetually hungry, AI-fueled blue Muppet says in a sample Cameo on the service's website. Me so excited to meet you and maybe share a cookie or two. Me love to sing Happy Birthday,' say goodnight before bedtime or just say hi. Me can't wait."Cameo / Sesame WorkshopDisclosures on the websites for the Sesame Street characters notify customers that AI powers them. Elmo is a virtual character powered by artificial intelligence," the description reads. They will take the details you give them and craft a custom video just for you!" Engadget reached out to Cameo to clarify which parts of the message are AI-generated; we'll update this article if we hear back.Whether parents will find it worth paying for personalized" greetings conjured by artificial intelligence remains to be seen. Still, at least the algorithmically created furry monster messages only cost around 12 percent of the price of Michael Rapaport.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai-powered-elmo-and-cookie-monster-are-shilling-25-video-messages-on-cameo-185614571.html?src=rss
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by Kris Holt on (#6GDB7)
It has been a year since Apple enabled emergency SOS via satellite on all iPhone 14 units in the US. The feature lets users text emergency services for help when they don't have cell service. The company is offering two years of free access upon activating an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15.Apple has not said how much it will charge for the feature when the free access period ends. However, users won't have to worry about that for a couple more years. Apple says existing iPhone 14 users (i.e. those who activated their phone before Wednesday in a country where the service is available) will get free access for an extra year."Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save lives around the world. From a man who was rescued after his car plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, we continue to hear stories of our customers being able to connect with emergency responders when they otherwise wouldn't have been able to," Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice president of worldwide iPhone product marketing, said. "We are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free."Apple is extending the free access period for many users not long after it emerged that Qualcomm's bid to offer a similar feature on Android devices has sputtered out. Iridium, its partner on the Snapdragon Satellite project, said smartphone makers have opted not to include the tech in their devices. Qualcomm noted that OEMs are looking for "standards-based solutions." The costs involved in the initiative may have put them off too.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-extends-free-emergency-sos-satellite-access-for-existing-iphone-14-owners-183256442.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GD8D)
Chinese automobile manufacturer HiPhi, otherwise called Human Horizons, just unveiled the HiPhi A, an all-electric hypercar that's drenched in power. The company claims it can reach a top speed of 186 MPH and can accelerate to 60 MPH in around two seconds. The maximum power output is 1,305 PS, thanks to the company's in-house-developed high-performance powertrain with a front single-motor drive and rear dual-motor drives.The A" in HiPhi A stands for Apollo and refers to the company's technology partnership with the EV maker of the same name. Apollo's behind several innovative hypercars, including the Intensa Emozione and Project Evo models. As such, the HiPhi A is more than just raw power and all-electric bona-fides. It boasts adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering and a proprietary torque vectoring system that the company says improves both handling and braking.There's also plenty of premium features to suit consumers with deep pockets. These include a 23-speaker Meridian audio system, nappa leather trim and a robust driver-assist platform that features 34 sensors including lidar. As is the case with most modern high-end vehicles, there's also an entertainment/infotainment screen to stave off boredom during those long road trips. This screen is attached to an eight-direction, infinitely adjustable, high-speed motion robotic arm."This is an electric vehicle, so the battery is worth discussing. The 800-volt electrical system was developed in-house and features a battery that discharges up to 1,500 kw at its peak. Those numbers look good on paper, but HiPhi has yet to provide a range estimate, despite saying that the casing is fireproof.The HiPhi A will take center stage at Friday's Guangzhou Auto Show, which will be the first time people will be able to see it in person. The company promises more information, like pricing and availability, in the coming months. It's worth noting that the brand doesn't currently operate in the US, but has recently expanded to Europe.Electric supercars are extremely expensive, so you had better start hitting up your rich relatives now. For instance, the Lotus Evija cost over $2 million when it launched back in 2020.HiPhi's release shouldn't be quite so bad, as the company's all-electric HiPhi Z all-electric sedan cost around $90,000 when it launched. This isn't a hypercar, of course, but does include many of the same features, such as that nappa leather interior and floating entertainment screen.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chinas-hiphi-debuts-electric-hatchback-with-a-top-speed-of-186-mph-181037798.html?src=rss
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by Nathan Ingraham on (#6GD8E)
Google has been trying to make it easier for people to secure their accounts for years now. The company is one of several that are pushing a transition to passkeys from passwords, and they have also sold physical keys for unlocking accounts that support FIDO standards. Today, Google has updated its lineup of Titan security keys with some features that'll make them work better with passkeys as well as passwords.As before, Google is offering two Titan keys, one with USB-C and another with USB-A. Both keys still support NFC so they can be used to unlock accounts on compatible smartphones as well as through the physical port. The new key supports FIDO2 specifications for password-free sign-ins and can store up to 250 passkeys.Google is using this as an opportunity to push people towards using passkeys to protect their Google account - as part of the set-up process, you'll be encouraged to create a passkey and store it on the Titan key rather than continue using your password. At that point, you'll also set up a PIN that can be used in conjunction with the security key to unlock your Google account. But the Titan key can work with any supported account, not just Google. And, of course, you can use it as a two-factor authentication device alongside traditional passwords, as well.These new Titan keys are on sale today on the Google Store and cost the same as the ones they're replacing. The USB-A model is $30, while the USB-C key costs $35.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-updated-titan-security-key-can-store-up-to-250-passkeys-180035899.html?src=rss
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by Will Shanklin on (#6GD8F)
The kids' version of the Tesla Cyberquad is back on sale. Made by Radio Flyer (the 106-year-old company known for its Americana-steeped red wagons), the children's ride with Cybertruck stylings initially launched in 2021. However, it was recalled for not meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Radio Flyer says the new version of the $1,900 children's vehicle now meets all CPSC requirements and will begin shipping later this month.We're thrilled to announce the official relaunch of the Cyberquad for Kids by Radio Flyer, a product we have been working to enhance for the last two years," Robert Pasin, Radio Flyer's CEO (described as Chief Wagon Officer"), wrote in a press release.The updated Cyberquad for Kids is Model 915, replacing the recalled Model 914 that quickly sold out nearly two years ago. The CPSC claimed model 914 violated ATV federal safety standards for youths and had an inadequate mechanical suspension and maximum tire pressure, among other issues. When the older model was pulled, the government agency said Tesla had sold around 5,000 units.According to Radio Flyer, Model 915's safety updates include the replacement of the rear spring with a steel tube with rubber-coated metal inserts that secures the rear frame to the main frame," an updated age range of nine to 12 years old, a tire inflation warning label and another revised warning stating it isn't an ATV or intended for off-road use.Radio Flyer / TeslaThe vehicle still includes a 500-watt motor with a max speed of 10 mph. It has an estimated 15 miles of range and an LED headlight and taillight mimicking the Cybertruck. The ride-on toy includes a steel frame, high-pressure rubber air tires and a 36V Radio Flyer battery, which the wagon-maker says provides the best performance with a lower impact on the environment, as well as the longest run time and fastest recharge time compared to other products on the market."Tesla, whose involvement Radio Flyer has described as limited primarily to the sales and the vehicle's appearance, offers the updated Cyberquad for Kids exclusively on its website - along with Model S for Kids and My First Model Y. The Cyberquad ride-on toy is available now for $1,900. The EV maker says orders will begin shipping in late November.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/1900-tesla-cyberquad-is-on-sale-again-less-likely-to-maim-children-174552173.html?src=rss
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by Cheyenne MacDonald on (#6GD8G)
Google is experimenting with a feature that would allow people to add their own notes to search results for anyone to see. In theory, this would make results more helpful, providing a bit of human perspective - like feedback on recipe links or tips relating to travel queries - so people can better find the information that's relevant to them. Notes are available now as an opt-in feature in Google's Search Labs.Search Labs is where Google tests new features that may or may not eventually make it to its flagship search engine. For those who are enrolled and have opted in for the Notes experiment, a Notes button will appear in Search and Discover, and tapping that will pull up all the insights other people have shared about a given article. You can also add your own, and dress it up with stickers, photos and, down the line (for US users only), AI-generated images.GoogleWhile community-sourced notes sound a bit like a recipe for disaster in an age of rampant misinformation and trolling, especially with the inclusion of AI imagery, Google says it will use a combination of algorithmic protections and human moderation to make sure notes are as safe, helpful and relevant as possible, and to protect against harmful or abusive content." The company is also looking into ways to let site owners add notes to their own pages.It's still just a test, and users will have the opportunity to submit feedback based on their experiences with Notes. The experimental feature has started rolling out for Search Labs on Android and iOS in the US and India.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-is-testing-community-sourced-notes-for-search-results-173022736.html?src=rss
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by Kris Holt on (#6GD8H)
Meta has called for legislation that would require app stores to get parental approval before their teens download any app. That would effectively put more onus on parents, as well as Google and Apple, to protect younger users from apps that have the potential to cause harm."Parents should approve their teen's app downloads, and we support federal legislation that requires app stores to get parents' approval whenever their teens under 16 download apps," Antigone Davis, Meta's global head of safety, wrote. The company is proposing a plan that would see app stores notifying parents when their teen wants to download an app, in a similar way to how they are alerted when a kid wants to make an in-app purchase. The parent would then approve or deny the request.Meta says its approach would let parents verify their teen's age when they set up a phone, rather than requiring everyone to verify their age multiple times across various apps. The company suggests legislation is needed to make sure all apps that teens use are held to the same standard.It notes that states are enacting "a patchwork of different laws," some requiring teens to get parental approval for different apps and others mandating age verification. However, "teens move interchangeably between many websites and apps, and social media laws that hold different platforms to different standards in different states will mean teens are inconsistently protected," Davis wrote.Under current proposals, Meta argues that parents would need to navigate different signup methods and provide "potentially sensitive identification information" for themselves and their teens "to apps with inconsistent security and privacy practices." Indeed, experts say that such age verification practices threaten the privacy of all users.Utah is enacting legislation that will require social media apps to obtain parental content before a teen can use them. That state and Arkansas both passed social media age verification laws. Following a lawsuit from tech companies, a federal judge struck down the Arkansas legislation a day before it was set to take effect in September. The Utah laws are scheduled to come into force in March.In its call for federal legislation, this could be seen as a case of Meta trying to pass the buck to parents and app stores. A judge this week rejected attempts by Meta, YouTube parent Google and TikTok owner ByteDance to dismiss lawsuits blaming them for teens' social media addiction. In October, 41 states and the District of Columbia sued Meta for allegedly releasing "harmful features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children and teens to their mental and physical detriment," among other things.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-calls-for-legislation-to-require-parental-approval-for-teens-app-downloads-171016744.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GD8J)
Roku's Streaming Stick 4K has dropped to $30 on Amazon as part of a Black Friday deal. This is the best price we've seen all year for the streaming stick and represents a savings of 40 percent. It's the lowest price we've seen all year for the device. You have to go all the way back to last year's Black Friday sale to find something cheaper.This is considered to be one of the best standalone streaming devices out there. As a matter of fact, Roku's 4K streaming stick sits atop our list of the best streaming media players, and for good reason. We appreciated the pocket-friendly form factor, the straightforward user interface and, of course, those glorious 4K visuals. We thought this was a great value at its original MSRP, so that value has certainly increased with this sale.Despite being a straightforward streaming stick with access to more than 500,000 movies and shows, Roku's device does boast some interesting features. There's a universal search function to browse through the aforementioned flood of content, for one, and this feature doesn't prioritize one result over another. The same cannot be said for Amazon products.It ships with a voice-enabled remote and supports Apple AirPlay 2, for streaming from Macs and iOS devices. Additionally, the stick offers support for HDR streaming and Dolby Vision. If you want the best remote Roku offers, go for the Roku Streaming Stick+, which isn't on sale. However, the Roku Express 4K+ is on sale for $25, though this is a larger device than a streaming stick.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-roku-black-friday-deal-cuts-the-price-of-the-streaming-stick-4k-down-to-29-165523603.html?src=rss
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by Sarah Fielding on (#6GD55)
Microsoft has announced a project it has been "refining in secret for years;" Its own custom silicon in the form of two new server chips. The company unveiled the fruits of its labor at Microsoft Ignite, showing off the Azure Maia AI Accelerator and the Azure Cobalt CPU. The latter of which, at least, the company is happy to admit is ARM-based, which can still feel unthinkable to eyes so used to Microsoft and Intel's hand-in-glove dominance of the computing market.The company turned to OpenAI to receive feedback on Azure Maia and to use the company's models for testing. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the updated Microsoft's Azure will also provide the opportunity for training improved models and making them more affordable for customers.The custom-designed chips can further optimize Microsoft's infrastructure instead of relying on third-party options. "Much like building a house lets you control every design choice and detail, Microsoft sees the addition of homegrown chips as a way to ensure every element is tailored for Microsoft cloud and AI workloads," a blog post from the company explained. "The chips will nestle onto custom server boards, placed within tailor-made racks that fit easily inside existing Microsoft datacenters. The hardware will work hand in hand with software - co-designed together to unlock new capabilities and opportunities."The company plans to use the new Maia 100 AI Accelerator to power some of Microsoft Azure's biggest internal AI workloads. Microsoft claims both the accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU will improve efficiency and performance. The chips will make their way to Microsoft's data centers early next year for powering services like Microsoft Copilot (now encompassing Bing Chat) and Azure OpenAI Service.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-will-use-custom-designed-chips-to-bolster-its-ai-services-160050479.html?src=rss
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by Mariella Moon on (#6GD56)
Microsoft is rebranding Bing Chat and is now simply calling it "Copilot," giving its generative AI assistant a consistent identity across its products. Similarly, Bing Chat Enterprise will also just be known as Copilot, and it will be generally available starting on December 1. It will still be free for specific Microsoft 365 licenses, which will include F3 accounts for frontline workers, though the $5-a-month standalone subscription will be available that day, as well.Copilot is based on OpenAI's latest models, GPT-4 and DALL-E 3, and the company says it will not save prompts and responses. Microsoft will not see interactions happening within Copilot at all, and it will not use customers' chats to further train the underlying models. In addition to announcing Bing Chat's rebranding, Microsoft has also revealed at its Ignite AI event that it's giving Copilot for Microsoft 365 more personalization options. Users will be able to set their preferred formatting, style and tone, starting with Word and PowerPoint, and then later on with other apps.In Teams, Copilot will gain the ability to take notes throughout the meeting starting sometime next year. Users will even be able to tell the assistant specific information to include - they can, for instance, ensure that a co-worker's remarks are in the meeting notes by asking Copilot to "Quote [the co-worker's name]." They can also have Copilot assist in a meeting to provide answers on the fly when needed without enabling transcription. The assistant can even list and visualize Teams discussions in a collaborative space in Whiteboard that all participants can access. In Teams channels, users will be able to use Copilot to synthesize long posts or review key happenings throughout the day.In Outlook, Copilot will be able to comb through invitation details, related emails and pertinent documents to build a summary of events that users can review quickly starting in spring next year. A feature that's "coming soon" to Word will allow users to be able to easily discern the latest changes to a document simply by asking Copilot a question, such as "How do I see what has changed in this document?" And in PowerPoint, users will be able to use corporate brand assets and easily reimagine them using AI-generated visuals. These are but a few of Microsoft's announcements at Ignite, which also include its two new in-house AI chips, the Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU.Update, November 15 2023, 1:20PM ET: This story originally contained references to "Copilot Pro" as the new name for Bing Chat Enterprise, but Microsoft has since let us know that it's using Copilot to refer to all its offerings.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-rebrands-its-ai-powered-bing-chat-as-copilot-160027250.html?src=rss
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by Nathan Ingraham on (#6GD57)
YouTube Premium may have gotten more expensive in the last year (like basically every other streaming service), but the company at least has adding features pretty frequently as well. YouTube Music in particular has gotten a lot of upgrades in 2023, but today YouTube is announcing a number of experimental features and offers for subscribers to check out.Probably the most significant is that YouTube's "enhanced" 1080p playback feature is coming to everyone, regardless of what device you're using. It started out as an iOS-only feature, but is now available on Android, the web and smart TVs too. This quality setting provides an improved bitrate that YouTube says has more information per pixel. The enhanced 1080p setting started rolling out to some users on the web this summer, but it should be available to all Premium subscribers regardless of what device you're using.In the same vein, a "continue watching" feature that YouTube launched for phones and on the web is rolling out to tablets and smart TVs as well. Basically, if you're watching a video on one device, all your other ones will remember what you're watching and where you left off so you can seamlessly continue the video.You'll also be unsurprised to learn that YouTube is starting to bring AI-generated content into the Premium experience. Earlier this month the company announced it was testing out AI-generated summaries of comment sections as well as a chatbot that can attempt to answer questions about what you're watching. The company didn't do a full announce then, just dropping some info on a YouTube support page, but with today's news you can sign up for a spot to try the chatbot out. YouTube says that only a limited number of people will get into the test, so don't hesitate if you want to give it a shot. You can find the details about YouTube's experimental features here.YouTube also has a handful of decent perks available for Premium subscribers at the moment. Among them are three-month trials to Discord Nitro, Walmart+, and Game Pass for PCs (the last one is "coming soon"). There's also a four-month subscription to the Calm meditation and sleep app and an "in-game loot bundle" for Genshin Impact. Finally, there are some cute new achievement badges highlighting how much you've watched or listened, among other things.As part of the announcement, YouTube also noted that it now has 80 million paid and free trial users of Premium around the world. None of these new features are exactly the kinds of things that'll drive more people to try the service, but existing subscribers should try and get as much as they can out of it - particularly people who are new to Premium in the face of YouTube's recent crackdown on ad blockers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtube-rolls-out-high-bitrate-1080p-to-all-premium-subscribers-160018538.html?src=rss
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by Kris Holt on (#6GD58)
The Steam Deck OLED aren't the only new handheld gaming variants you can snap up this week. The Analogue Pocket will soon be available in eight fresh colorways. Analogue says they're color matched and manufactured in eight classic Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Advance colors: blue, green, indigo, spice orange, pink, red, silver and yellow. They all look just lovely.Pre-orders will open up on November 17 at 11AM ET on Analogue's website. The company will start shipping these models on November 20. So, if you want to gift one of these versions to a (very special) someone this holiday season, it should arrive with plenty of time to spare.However, you'll surely need to act fast if you want one of these Classic Limited Editions. As with other special-edition Pockets, these will probably all be snapped up quickly. The Glow in the Dark model sold out in just two minutes. Even so, the limited-edition models may be your best chance of getting an Analogue Pocket anytime soon. The standard version is rarely in stock, and even when it is, it often takes quite some time to ship.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-analogue-pocket-will-soon-come-in-eight-game-boy-pocketadvance-colors-160009109.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GD59)
Researchers at the Zurich-based ETH public university, along with a US-based startup affiliated with MIT, have done the impossible. They've printed a robot hand complete with bones, ligaments and tendons for the very first time, representing a major leap forward in 3D printing technology. It's worth noting that the various parts of the hand were printed simultaneously, and not cobbled together after the fact.Each of the robotic hand's various parts were made from different polymers of varying softness and rigidity, using a new laser-scanning technique that lets 3D printers create special plastics with elastic qualities" all in one go. This obviously opens up new possibilities in the fast-moving field of prosthetics, but also in any field that requires the production of soft robotic structures.Basically, the researchers developed a method to 3D print slow-curing plastics, whereas the technology was previously reserved for fast-curing plastics. This hybrid printing method presents all kinds of advantages when compared to standard fast-cure projects, such as increased durability and enhanced elastic properties. The tech also allows us to mimic nature more accurately, as seen in the aforementioned robotic hand.Robots made of soft materials, such as the hand we developed, have advantages over conventional robots made of metal. Because they're soft, there is less risk of injury when they work with humans, and they are better suited to handling fragile goods," ETH Zurich robotics professor Robert Katzschmann writes in the study.ETH Zurich/Thomas BuchnerThis advancement still prints layer-by-layer, but an integrated scanner constantly checks the surface for irregularities before telling the system to move onto the next material type. Additionally, the extruder and scraper have been updated to allow for the use of slow-curing polymers. The stiffness can be fine-tuned for creating unique objects that suit various industries. Making human-like appendages is one use case scenario, but so is manufacturing objects that soak up noise and vibrations.MIT-affiliated startup Inkbit helped develop this technology and has already begun thinking about how to make money off of it. The company will soon start to sell these newly-made printers to manufacturers but will also sell complex 3D-printed objects that make use of the technology to smaller entities.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/researchers-printed-a-robotic-hand-with-bones-ligaments-and-tendons-for-the-first-time-160005103.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GD5A)
Apple's latest and greatest iPad Air tablet is on sale via Amazon for $500 as part of an early Black Friday deal. The MSRP is $600, so this represents a savings of $100 for the fifth-gen device. The record-low deal applies to every available color, from purple to space gray, but some hues require you clip an affiliated coupon on the side of the page. You know the drill.This deal is for the M1-equipped iPad Air, so it'll be fast enough for just about anything you throw at it. It's the 64GB version, though the 256GB models are also on sale for $650 instead of $750. Additionally, there's a similar discount for the 5G cellular models that shaves off $100 from that sticker price.The fifth-gen iPad Air is generally considered to be the best all-purpose tablet that Apple makes. There's a reason, after all, why it sits atop our list of the best iPads. We gave it high marks in our official review, calling out the sheer power of the M1 chip and the excellent battery life, which lasts around 12 hours per charge. We also admired the much-improved front camera, the optional 5G and, of course, the top-notch design and build.On the downside, the storage options are a bit stingy, as is typical with Apple. The 64GB model will fill up fast, particularly if you are downloading apps and games at a rapid pace. This model also lacks Face ID, if that's a dealbreaker for you. Finally, like all Apple tablets, the official pencil and keyboard accessories are on the expensive side. Despite these caveats, though, this was the best Apple tablet you could buy at $600, so that certainly holds true at $500.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-ipad-air-m1-drops-to-a-record-low-500-in-an-amazon-black-friday-deal-155933724.html?src=rss
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by Daniel Cooper on (#6GD0Z)
It's been a couple of years since Amazon first showed off Astro, its Alexa-equipped home robot with an extendable camera. Now the company is announcing Astro for Business which will let small and medium-size businesses use Astro as a security guard. Amazon thinks it's here they'll get the most use from the platform, keeping watch over business sites no larger than 5,000 square feet.It's $2,350 for a unit, and the buying company will get four months free access to both Ring Protect Pro ($20 a month) and Astro Security ($60 a month). The former lets you hook up to an existing Ring setup, while the latter lets you set up specific patrol routes and alerts. Users that pay for both will also get the chance to upgrade to Virtual Security Guard for $99, which routes the feed to a local monitoring company when it detects something is awry.Astro has been kinda/sorta available to consumers for a while now, but only part as a limited, invite-only system. Amazon has been testing it in business contexts for the better part of a year and this is likely the first time it'll be available to buy without any sort of barriers to entry. Although even if you had missed out so far, the prohibitive pricing might dissuade you from taking advantage.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-dinky-astro-robot-is-now-available-as-a-security-guard-143027983.html?src=rss
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by Sarah Fielding on (#6GD10)
Google Maps is rolling out some new features ahead of the very fun, not at all hectic travel season known as the holidays. The updates aren't actually holiday specific - though we'll admit the timing isn't bad - with a focus on ways to figure out where you're going and how you're getting there.Let's start with the how. Google is expanding the ways you can customize your transit directions. Now, you can use filters such as ETA, length of trip, time spent walking, type of transit and number of transfers. If you get carsick on buses or hate walking that hilly path, for example, simply change the settings to suggest other options first. Click the options button at the top right of displayed transit routes and you'll see preferred modes and route options to pick from. Google Maps should save your preferences so you don't need to redo them every time you search.Google is also adding clearer directions to station entrances, including which side of the street to enter on depending which direction your train is going. This update will be available in 80 cities, from Boston to Singapore.Now for the where: Google Maps is introducing collaborative lists. Basically, share any location on Maps and all of you can create a list of places you're interested in going and vote on them with a heart or thumbs down emoji.Speaking of emoji reactions, the last Google Maps update lets you respond to reviews with emojis. You can even create your own emoji of sorts with AI and the Emoji Kitchen. The pair will suggest mashups based on whats in a photo and any emojis you use. This new feature is available now, while the updates to Google Maps will roll out on Android and iOS devices over the next few weeks.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-maps-adds-collaborative-lists-and-new-transit-search-customizations-140031424.html?src=rss
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by Jeff Dunn,Valentina Palladino,Amy Skorheim on (#6GD11)
"Black Friday" has really become a misnomer in recent years. What was once one day with truly limited-time offers has expanded into a month-long sales marathon that can feel more exhausting than exciting. It's happening again in 2023: Target, Best Buy and Walmart are already advertising their deals, while Amazon Black Friday deals kick off in earnest later this week.
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by Billy Steele on (#6GD12)
Master & Dynamic didn't get off to a good start with its true wireless earbuds, but the company's last two efforts were much-improved. After rounding into form with the MW08 Sport, M&D has returned with the MW09 ($349 or $399): earbuds with a familiar design but enhancements to sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC) and call performance. As always with the company's audio gear, high-end materials are on display, although the starting price is higher than most of the competition.DesignMaster & Dynamic didn't make too many changes to its design. The same basic D-shaped housing remains for the outer portion of each bud. The company did add a circular element on the outer panel where its trademark M" branding resides, but this is purely aesthetic. There's no additional touch panel or physical button there. Controls are still on the top edge with a volume rocker on the left and a multi-function button for playback and calls on the right. The volume controls also enable/disable ambient sound and ANC with a long press on either end, but it's just an on/off function that recalls your last preset choice. It doesn't cycle through all of the MW09's available options.One of M&D's calling cards is its use of premium materials. Usually a mix of leather and metal, but those don't translate well to earbuds. Like the MW08 Sport, the company opted for a mix of aluminum and sapphire glass with a shiny aluminum charging case. There's also a Kevlar option for the case, and certain colors are only available with it, but that material will cost you an extra $50. Even with the high-end details, the MW09 is IP54 rated against dust and moisture while the case is IPX4. Master & Dynamic offers more fit options than most headphone companies as well, including five sizes of silicone tips and and two sizes of foam tips in the box.Software and featuresEvery setting and customization that's available on the MW09 is done through the M&D Connect app. The software shows battery life for the earbuds (one number for both) and the case on the main screen after you choose the connected device. A gear icon in the top right gives you access to sound presets, a fully customizable EQ and ambient sound - all of which appear under the Sound menu. Sidetone, the ability to hear your voice on calls, and the option to disable audio prompts are also available here.Deeper in the Settings menu, Master & Dynamic allows you to disable in-ear detection and set the auto-off timer. There's an acoustic earbud seal test and the option to manage Bluetooth connections. Multipoint is supported here, and it works well. The company doesn't overload you with options, and none of them are particularly nifty, but all the basics are covered and there's a solid degree of customization available. For example, there are three settings each for active noise cancellation and ambient mode, so even with those you aren't stuck with one default configuration.Sound quality and noise cancelationPhoto by Billy Steele/EngadgetThe one thing I enjoy most about the Master & Dynamic's consistent tuning is its affinity for balanced, natural sound. They've always had great clarity too, so it's easy to listen to them for long periods of time.That knack for detail returns on the MW09 and it's on full display for albums like Chris Stapleton's Higher. You can hear every bit of texture in the singer's bluesy rock riffs and things like the subtle decay in the snare drum rattle are easily lost on other earbuds. The MW09 really shines with genres like Stapleton's country rock, Nickel Creek's bluegrass and classic jazz. Even more bombastic styles like metal are thick and layered rather than seeming flat and compressed. Drain's Living Proof, for instance, is just as angry, gritty and loud as it is on a set of over-ear cans. The stock tuning is fine but I personally preferred the Audiophile sound preset, which emphasizes treble and mids.Master & Dynamic says it optimized" the microphone and sensor placement of its ANC setup on the MW09, with new adaptive noise-blocking algorithms for improved performance. The company offers three presets - Max ANC, All Day ANC and Adaptive ANC - with two designed for high- and low-noise settings with the third built to automatically adjust to environmental changes. I found the Max option the best at combating distractions overall, but the company has been clear that it impacts battery life. What's more, all three struggle to keep up at volumes below 50 percent, with things like white noise machines and human voices are ever present below 50 percent.Call quality and ambient soundThe company touts a new AI-enhanced" voice setup for calls that employs six microphones and offers wind reduction to keep you sounding your best. Every earbud maker claims to provide pristine performance and almost all of them fall short. The MW09 does a great job cutting down on background noise, but the overall clarity isn't as natural as M&D brags. It's fine for casual chats, but you'll want something better for your voice and video calls at work.You'll want to switch to one of the MW09's three ambient sound modes to keep yourself from getting overly shouty. The company's app does include the ability to pipe in your voice here via Sidetone, but you don't get the full effect if you stay in ANC mode. I found the Voice preset the best of the three ambient modes for both calls and keeping tabs on my surroundings, but there's a more general Natural option as well as an enhanced" Awareness tuning. M&D's transparency mode isn't as natural sounding as on Apple's AirPods Pro, but it's above average.Battery lifePhoto by Billy Steele/EngadgetMaster & Dynamic has extended the battery life on the MW09 by two hours over the MW08 Sport when you have ANC on. With noise cancelation turned off, you'll get four more hours than that model. That's 12 and 16 hours compared to 10 and 12 hours. There's also an additional two hours in the charging case, up to 32 hours as opposed to the MW08 Sport's 30. Thanks to a quick charge feature, the MW09 can give you two hours of use in just five minutes, hitting 50 percent in 20 minutes.During my test with the All Day noise canceling setting enabled and volume at around 85 percent, the MW09 only lasted 10 hours. That's a higher volume level than I'd typically run, but these earbuds are also quieter than most of the competition. You have to listen to them cranked up. M&D says the 12 hour figure is an average of run times in various scenarios and codecs at a volume just over 50 percent. That level just wasn't loud enough for me. While it's disappointing to not hit the stated number, 10 hours is still at the top end of most premium earbuds these days. Sony manages eight out of its flagship model while Bose gets six, both are with ANC on.The competitionSony's WF-1000XM5 remain our top pick for best wireless earbuds. You can find better ANC performance from Bose and slightly better sound quality from Sennheiser, but Sony is a close second in both. What gives the 1000XM5 the edge is Sony's continued ability to put a ton of useful features on its earbuds, the sum of which no other company does. Things like Speak-to-Chat automatic pausing for conversations, automatic sound adjustments based on activity or location and DSEE Extreme upscaling that keeps Sony's audio chops near the best you can buy. They're Sony's most expensive earbuds yet, but they're still $49 less than the MW09.Bose's new QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are also worth a look. They're cheaper than the MW09 at $299 and support Bose's unique take on spatial audio that doesn't require specially-created content. The design is nearly identical to the QuietComfort Earbuds II, but that's okay since that shape is a lot more comfy than the previous iteration. Plus, the company's stellar noise-canceling setup is on the QC Ultra model, which is really the star of the show.Wrap-upWith the MW09, Master & Dynamic makes tweaks to a familiar formula with the most significant changes coming the sound profile and customization options. Ambient sound mode is improved and the convenience of multipoint Bluetooth that works well can't be overstated. However, ANC performance is just okay and overall call quality is average. Lovers of a more natural sound profile and premium materials will be happy with these, but you can get more for less money elsewhere if those are your primary concerns.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/master--dynamic-mw09-review-premium-materials-impeccable-clarity-132522028.html?src=rss
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by Daniel Cooper on (#6GCXX)
In the US, Apple's iMessage is so popular that the fact it shows texts from non-iOS handsets in a different color is a big deal. This status anxiety is so great, the Android world has begged regulators to force Apple to... change the color of a text bubble. Now, Nothing is taking matters into its own hands, partnering with unified messaging platform Sunbird to hide that shame. Sunbird uses your Apple ID to route comms between your Nothing phone and your friends' iPhones through a server farm of Mac Minis. If it works as well as promised, it means your friends won't know you own an Android handset... until the next time you see them in person.Of course, none of this is happening with Apple's blessing, so it needs a workaround. You need to hand over your credentials to a third party and risk the fallout should Apple decide to intervene. Nothing CEO Carl Pei believes Apple can't risk the bad PR if it shuts Sunbird down, but that's not a bet I'd like to take. It's worth saying this is almost unique to the US - most of the world just uses third-party platforms like WhatsApp. Not to mention if your friends give you grief because of the phone you own, they aren't your friends.- Dan CooperYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest stories you might have missedAbleton Live 12 can create MIDI riffs and has a new synth to play themThe best smartwatchesVenmo's Groups feature could spell trouble for bill-splitting appsHere are the coolest trailers from Nintendo's Indie World eventThe 16 best gift ideas for remote workersMake life easier when you're WFH-ing.Will Lipman Photography for EngadgetWorking from home makes you happier, healthier, more productive and helps you keep on top of things outside of office life. It's no surprise people enjoying those benefits are keen to improve their domestic working environment. Today's guide is a list of handy gifts for home workers, including productivity timers, ergonomic mice, extra monitors and more.Continue Reading.Opal's Tadpole proves webcams don't need to be big or boringIt's so small, but mighty.Photo by James Trew / EngadgetOpal makes ultra-premium webcams in surprisingly small bodies. Its latest, the Tadpole, is absolutely for laptop users. James Trew put the dinky device through its paces, and he thinks it might be a winner. Picture quality is pretty good, but the directional audio helps screen out enough unwanted audio that it deserved extra praise.Continue Reading.AI is starting to outperform meteorologistsBut can an LLM make cheesy jokes on the news?A machine-learning algorithm that can predict weather patterns is causing a storm in the meteorological community. DeepMind's GraphCast can predict 10 days of patterns in under a minute and, according to one study, vastly outperform the existing technology. It's already borne fruit, too, successfully predicting when Hurricane Lee would land on Long Island 10 days before it happened.Continue Reading. Uber is cracking down on users who give bad ratings just to get refundsIt's to prevent drivers being blamed for things out of their control.Uber says it wants to make the platform better for riders and drivers alike and will now clamp down on users who give bad reviews just to score a refund. The company is targeting those negative nellies and will discard or downrank their complaints to protect the ratings of otherwise good drivers.Continue Reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-imessage-comes-to-nothings-android-phones-for-now-121541024.html?src=rss
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by Mariella Moon on (#6GCVJ)
Pokemon Concierge, a stop-motion animation show from Japan's Dwarf Studio, will be available for streaming on Netflix starting on December 28. The streaming service has announced the show's arrival nine months after revealing the project, which it says is the "first-ever collaborative production between Netflix and The Pokemon Company." Pokemon Concierge has a totally different feel from the games, the anime series and the movies that came after it. There are no battles in the new show, no trainers fighting for dominance and no monsters pulling off their special moves.Instead, we get Pokemon chilling in pools and living their best lives as they go on a vacation. The series follows a new concierge working at the Pokemon Resort named Haru, along with her companion Psyduck, as they learn how to serve and make their Pokemon guests happy. Based on the trailer shared by Netflix, viewers will also see a number of other popular monsters, including Pikachu, Eevee and Magikarp, as they visit the resort.Haru will be voiced by Karen Fukuhara (The Boy and the Heron) in the English language version of the show. The Pokemon company and Netflix also signed up Mariya Takeuchi to sing a warm and relaxing theme song for the series that goes perfectly with its vibe. Takeuchi, who rose to fame in the 80's for the City Pop genre, has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years after her song Plastic Love went viral on YouTube.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflixs-stop-motion-pokemon-show-arrives-on-december-28-100743389.html?src=rss
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by Mariella Moon on (#6GCSS)
US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that the companies that own and run the most popular social networks today will have the face lawsuits blaming them for teenagers' social media addiction. According to Bloomberg Law, that means Google, which owns YouTube, Meta which runs Facebook and Instagram, ByteDance, which owns TikTok, and Snap can't get out of hundreds of federal lawsuits filed against them over the past couple of years.Rogers, who'll be overseeing the cases, disagreed with the companies' argument that they're not liable for personal injury claims under the First Amendment and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Section 230 protects publishers from what their users post on their platforms, but the judge said the lawsuits cover more than just third-party content. Further, she said the companies had failed to explain why they shouldn't be held responsible for other complaints against them, including defective parental controls, the failure to implement effective age verification systems and adding barriers to the account deactivation process. At the same time, the just dismissed some of the complaints, such as the ones suing the companies for failing to limit certain kinds of content.The lawsuits in questions were filed on behalf of minors across the country. In 2022, a mother from Connecticut sued Meta and Snap, accusing them of causing an addiction in her 11-year-old daughter who took her own life. In October this year, Meta was sued by 41 states as well as the District of Columbia, accusing the company of knowing that its "addictive" features were harmful to children and teens. Companies like Meta have been facing increased scrutiny over the past couple of years after former employee Frances Haugen revealed an internal Facebook research that found Instagram to be "harmful for a sizable percentage of teens."Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda told Bloomberg Law that protecting children has always been core to the company's work. "In collaboration with child development specialists, we have built age-appropriate experiences for kids and families on YouTube, and provide parents with robust controls," he added. "The allegations in these complaints are simply not true." A TikTok spokesperson gave Reuters a similar statement and said the app has "robust safety policies and parental controls."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-meta-and-other-social-media-companies-will-be-forced-to-defend-teen-addiction-lawsuits-081727526.html?src=rss
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by Mariella Moon on (#6GCQG)
You may want to check your Google account storage situation if you back up your WhatsApp conversations to Drive on Android. In 2018, WhatsApp and Google announced that you could save your WhatsApp chat history to Drive without it counting towards your storage quota. But starting in December 2023, backing up the messaging app to Drive will count towards your Google account cloud storage space if you're WhatsApp beta user. If you don't use the app's beta version, you won't be feeling the change in policy until next year when it "gradually" makes its way to all Android devices.Personal Google accounts come with 15GB of free cloud storage shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos. In its announcement, Google noted that that's "three times more than most mobile platforms." Apple's iCloud, for instance, only comes with 5GB of free space. Still, it's very much possible (and maybe even easy at this point) to hit or go beyond 15GB, depending on how many pictures and files you've backed up and uploaded.Google has linked to its storage management tools in its post to make it easier to remove large files or photos you no longer need. You can also delete items from within WhatsApp, so they'll no longer be included in your next backup. Of course, you also have the option to purchase extra storage with Google One, which will set you back at least $2 a month for 100GB. The company promises to provide eligible users with "limited, one-time Google One promotions" soon, though, so it may be best to wait for those before getting a subscription. Take note that this change will only affect you if you back up your chat history using your personal account. If you have a Workspace account through your job or another organization, you don't have to worry about WhatsApp taking up a chunk of your cloud storage space.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/whatsapp-chats-backed-up-to-google-drive-will-soon-take-up-storage-space-055300237.html?src=rss
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by Richard Lai on (#6GCP9)
Following the pedestrian collision on October 2nd, Cruise had its driverless vehicle permit revoked in California, but the company is now also voluntarily pausing its supervised and manual robotaxi operation in the US "in the coming days." This will be part of an expanded safety probe conducted by independent engineering consulting firm, Exponent, which originally came on board to focus on "a technical root cause analysis" of the aforementioned accident. The suspended manual operation will apparently affect around 70 vehicles - a fraction of Cruise's fleet of 950 robotaxis, which were recalled following the freak accident instigated by a separate hit-and-run.The same announcement shared that Craig Glidden, General Motors' Executive Vice President of Legal and Policy and Cruise board member, will be joining the subsidiary as Chief Administrative Officer. The exec will oversee Cruise's legal, communications and finance teams, on top of his current role at GM. The company is also continuing its search for a permanent Chief Safety Officer, while retaining "a third-party safety expert in the coming weeks to perform a full assessment of Cruise's safety operations and culture."It'll be an uphill battle for Cruise from here on out. Recent reports discovered that these robotaxis struggled to detect children, not to mention the firm's seeming lack of data around child-specific situations on the streets. Despite this known flaw, Cruise continued to operate its autonomous vehicles on the streets. It is also reported that Cruise employees will face layoffs over the next two weeks, as the company struggles to regain trust from the public and authorities - not just for itself, but also for the entire robotaxi industry.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cruise-is-also-pausing-its-manned-robotaxi-rides-for-a-full-safety-review-040140791.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GCKP)
Roland just unveiled its latest software plugin instrument. Galaxias, not to be confused with the Galaga-esque arcade game Galaxia, offers access to 20,000 sounds, leading Roland to call it one big super instrument." It runs as a standalone application on both macOS and Windows, in addition to operating as a VST3 or AU plugin.This looks a lot like Arturia's amazing Analog Lab software, as Galaxias provides access to sounds across Roland's entire history. There are presets sourced from nearly every Roland instrument you can think of, from the iconic Jupiter 8 synthesizer to the, uh, even more iconic TR 808 drum machine. These sounds aren't just from retro darlings, as there are plenty of options culled from recent releases like System 8 and Zenology, among others.As a matter of fact, the company says Galaxias provides access to any instrument available via Roland Cloud. You can also layer up to four instruments together, along with two effects per layer, to create custom soundscapes that Roland calls Scenes. Additionally, there are some beefed up adjustment parameters here, with macro controls that let you change up 128 parameters via internal LFOs or an external MIDI controller.RolandJust like Analog Lab, everything's designed around a proprietary interface that allows for custom organization options, so you won't lose your favorite preset in a mad dash to find the beefiest bassline. Roland also says that more sounds and capabilities will be added regularly.Galaxias is available now and is included with a Roland Cloud Ultimate membership, which costs $200 per year or $20 each month. There's a 30-day free trial for those curious about what all the fuss is about.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/rolands-new-software-instrument-galaxias-offers-access-to-20000-sounds-010004849.html?src=rss
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by Will Shanklin on (#6GCFP)
If you or a loved one are in the market for a new fitness tracker, you may want to check out Amazon's early Black Friday deal on the Fitbit Charge 6. Just launched in September, the wearable - which works with Android and iOS smartphones - brings back the physical side button and deepens its Google integration. The tracker typically costs $160, but this Amazon Black Friday deal drops its price to $100, a record low.Fitbit says the Charge 6 is the company's most accurate heart rate tracker, offering up to 60 percent more accurate stats compared to previous models. In addition, it includes an ECG app to let you know about any heart rhythm irregularities and an EDA sensor that can tell you how your body is responding to stress. The tracker can also measure blood oxygen levels (SpO2) and skin temperature. You can even wear it to bed and receive a Sleep Score to keep tabs on your rest patterns.The Fitbit Charge 6 Black Friday deal lets you choose from three colors: black case (with a black band), gold case (red band) or silver case (white band). All three combinations are eligible for the $60 discount on Amazon. The tracker includes both small and large bands in the box, so you don't have to worry about measuring your wrist and buying a correct version in advance.As far as integration with Google apps, the tracker can display Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions on your wrist, and it supports Google Wallet for mobile payments and YouTube Music for streaming audio on the go.The wearable tracker has a face made of aluminum, glass and resin. It includes a 1.04-inch AMOLED touchscreen to display all your stats, and its battery is estimated to last seven days on a full charge. If you own a compatible exercise machine from companies like Peloton, Tonal and Nordic, the Fitbit Charge 6 should have no problem connecting. (Just make sure the workout machine supports Bluetooth Heart Rate Profile.)Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fitbits-charge-6-is-on-sale-for-100-right-now-during-amazons-black-friday-sale-213042954.html?src=rss
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by Pranav Dixit on (#6GCFQ)
Tesla apparently won't sue Cybertruck buyers for reselling the vehicle within the first year of buying it. Its newly-updated purchase agreement, which had included the controversial clause as of last week, has now been removed, according to Electrek, which first spotted the change.The previous version of the agreement stated that Tesla may seek injunctive relief to prevent the transfer of title of the Vehicle" if buyers breach its resale provision, or it may demand liquidated damages from you in the amount of $50,000 or the value received as consideration for the sale or transfer,whichever is greater." Buyers who tried to flip their Cybertrucks could also be banned from buying Tesla vehicles in the future, the previous agreement said. It was also unclear how long Tesla would enforce this clause.Electrek noted that clauses like these have been used by other car companies like Ferrari, Ford, and Porsche before to prevent resellers from scalping rare or expensive cars. But the Cybertruck, whose first deliveries are due around the end of this month, is supposed to be a mass-produced vehicle, with Tesla claiming to be able to build around 125,000 of them each year. The company has delayed the Cybertruck numerous times and won't start full-fledged production until 2024.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybertruck-resellers-rejoice-tesla-wont-sue-you-for-flipping-your-car-too-soon-211929865.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GCCT)
Music gear and plugin maker Arturia is known for its annual Black Friday sale and it's that time of year again. The sale is officially live, offering deep 50 percent discounts on most of its software instruments and effects plugins.That means you can snag the stellar V Collection 9 for $300 instead of $600. The latest and greatest collection of vintage synth recreations now features 32 instruments, along with thousands upon thousands of presets. The sounds are pristine, the interface is solid and the presets are easily accessible, thanks to integration with the company's Analog Lab software. You even get integration with those newer Mac chipsets.The sale also applies to Arturia's collection of effects plugins, which recently added a rotating Leslie speaker to its roster of studio-grade effects. Other than that, the collection includes everything you need to finish up high-quality tracks, from compressors to reverbs and beyond. The sale brings the price down to $250 from $500.The discounts aren't just for collections of virtual instruments and plugins. You can also get the well-reviewed Pigments synthesizer for $100 instead of $200. This is the company's flagship modern soft-synth, with two engines working in parallel to create unique sounds. Arturia also frequently updates this software with new engines and effects.Analog Lab is also on sale for $100 instead of $200, making for an extremely attractive entrypoint to Arturia's many offerings. The Black Friday sale starts today and ends on December 5, so you have a couple of weeks to set aside plugin money.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/arturias-black-friday-sale-is-live-and-offers-50-percent-off-flagship-software-200027466.html?src=rss
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by Igor Bonifacic on (#6GCCV)
Android has long had an iMessage problem. In the US, Apple's proprietary chat platform reigns supreme, particularly among teens. In fact, many Americans won't switch for fear of the perceived social stigma that comes with the green chat bubbles iMessage assigns to messages from Android phones. Google has tried a few different things to convince Apple to open the platform, including turning to the European Commission for regulatory relief. For most Android users, that's meant there's been little they've been personally able to do about the situation. Until now.Nothing today announced Nothing Chats, a messaging app that supports both RCS and iMessage. Nothing Chats builds on Sunbird, a unified messaging platform that has been available in closed beta since the end of last year. Sunbird allows users to access all of their chats, including iMessage, from a single interface. As of this past April, the app had a waitlist more than 100,000 entries long. Sunbird is one of a few apps that Android users can turn to chat with their iPhone-touting friends. The most well-known player in the space is Beeper, which is the brainchild of Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky.NothingWith Friday's release of Chats, Nothing isn't just promising to allow Phone 2 owners to camouflage" themselves as iPhone users. Out of the box, Chats will ship with support for many of iMessage's signature features, including typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing and proper group messaging. Read receipts and Tapback reactions will arrive at a later date. As mentioned above, Chats also supports RCS, meaning you can enjoy iMessage-like features when messaging your Android friends too.We understand that the blue bubble vs. green bubble dilemma, especially in North America - although seemingly ridiculous - is real. Nothing Chats allows for freedom of communication between anyone regardless of their brand of smartphone - which is how it should be," said Nothing CEO Carl Pei. We want to remind consumers that they do have a choice when it comes to device selection and that their daily behaviors should not be dictated by any one company."So, what's the catch? There's no data saved on the platform, so users don't have to worry about their privacy," Pei told Inverse. But there are some concerns. Sunbird, like Beeper, employs a workaround that Apple doesn't officially support, and that the company would almost certainly argue puts users at risk. Nothing told Inverse Sunbird's patented" process for bringing iMessage to Android involves server farms of Mac minis that route a user's messages through to Apple.Before someone can access iMessage on Nothing Chats, they must first sign into their Apple ID through Sunbird's platform. Nothing told Inverse all iMessage content sent through Chats is encrypted, and that at no point can Sunbird access your messages or Apple ID." Additionally, Nothing notes the startup will delete a user's Apple ID credentials after two weeks of inactivity. Still, if you decide to use Nothing Chats to access iMessage, you're effectively handing over the keys to your Apple ID to a company that isn't Apple.NothingAs for whether Nothing Chats is long for this world: Asked about the possibility of Apple taking legal action against Nothing and Sunbird, Pei told Marques Brownlee he thought the tech giant would probably [do] nothing."In a separate interview with The Washington Post, Pei said Nothing has sold about six figures' worth" of Phone 2 devices in North America, Britain and Europe. In other words, it's a small fish in a big pond. More importantly, Apple finds itself in a regulatory environment where attempting to shut down a platform that is opening up iMessage would draw the attention of regulators in the European Union and beyond.Nothing Chats will be available to download from the Play Store starting on November 17. For the time being, a Nothing Phone 2 is required to access the platform, with regional availability limited to the US, Canada, UK, EU and other European countries, including Norway and Switzerland.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nothing-phone-2-is-getting-imessage-support-this-friday--with-some-catches-194655776.html?src=rss
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by Will Shanklin on (#6GCCW)
If you want extra help in the kitchen for this Thanksgiving (and beyond), Amazon has the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro on sale for $130 off its sticker price. The stainless steel countertop oven is incredibly versatile, offering 13 settings for cooking and heating. Typically costing an eye-opening $450, this oven is down to a tempting $320 in this Amazon Black Friday deal.The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is one of Engadget's best air fryers for 2023 and the best air fryer toaster oven on the list. It's powerful enough to act as a secondary oven (or your only one if your primary oven is out of commission), but it can also do things as simple as reheat leftovers or toast a slice (or nine) of bread.Its modes include air frying, toasting, broiling, baking, pizza, dehydrating, slow cooking and proofing. It has an internal capacity of one cubic foot and can cook an entire 14-pound turkey and fit things like a five-quart Dutch oven, a 9 x 13 pan or 12 muffin trays. It's also spacious enough to spread out things like fries for optimal crispiness.The Breville oven has an LCD that makes it easy to choose heating modes. It can indicate when it reaches a pre-heat temperature and automatically begins counting down the cooking time.The oven supports a temperature range of 80 to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Breville says its super convection feature can reduce cooking time by up to 30 percent for crispy-golden air frying, dehydration or roasting. However, the oven takes up a decent amount of counter space, so ensure your kitchen has room for the 21.5-inch wide x 17.5-inch deep x 12.7-inch high product before taking the plunge.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-cuts-the-price-of-the-breville-smart-oven-air-fryer-pro-by-29-percent-for-black-friday-193021062.html?src=rss
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by Stephanie Barnes on (#6GCCX)
After a series of delays, Hogwarts Legacy is now available for the Nintendo Switch console. The wizardly game was released in February for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, with the PS4 and Xbox One versions following in May. The Switch version was also expected during the first half of the year. However, it was pushed to July and finally, November 14.Hogwarts Legacy developers said the Switch version was delayed to create the best possible experience" for players. The Switch's aging hardware may have also contributed to the delay as this isn't the first setback we've seen for third-party publishers bringing their games to the console.As for gameplay, Hogwarts Legacy is, as you're probably aware, based on the Harry Potter series. The game is a prequel, set over a hundred years before Harry and the gang entered the school of witchcraft and wizardry. Once the game starts, players can choose and customize their characters, including which Hogwarts House to join. After that, players will learn to cast spells, brew potions and master different magical abilities. Hogwarts Legacy is currently available for $60 in the Nintendo Store. There's also a deluxe edition with a Dark Arts Pack, featuring a Dark Arts cosmetic set and a new battle arena. The Hogwarts Legacy: Digital Deluxe Edition will cost $70.Since its release, Hogwarts Legacy has sold millions of copies - making it one of the best-selling games of 2023 so far. But despite its obvious popularity across platforms, Hogwarts Legacy did not snag a single nomination for this year's Games Awards.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hogwarts-legacy-is-finally-available-for-the-switch-192159972.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GCCY)
Nintendo just held one of its Indie World showcase events, the first since April, and debuted a number of trailers for forthcoming Switch titles developed by small studios. There were plenty of nifty indies teased for the future or even surprise-released today, but let's get one thing out of the way first. There was no new trailer for Hollow Knight: Silksong, nor was there any availability information, so the waiting game continues.Just because Hollow Knight's sequel continues to be vaporware doesn't mean that the event didn't see some big metroidvania news. There's a new Shantae game, and it has taken even longer than Silksong to release. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution was a title that started development over 20 years ago and was originally intended for the Game Boy Advance. The hook here seems to be multiple layers that Shantae can move between to find secrets. It will be released sometime next year.Next, there's Moonstone Island, a game that's been eating up the Steam charts lately. This is an absolutely stellar game in the cozy" genre that's basically a combination between Pokemon and Stardew Valley. There are creatures to collect, turn-based battles, farming, romance and plenty of mystery. The world is huge and I've yet to uncover it all even after months of playing. The Switch version is due to arrive in spring of next year.Another big Steam hit from earlier this year is making its way to the Switch in 2024. Core Keeper is a nifty mining-themed roguelike that I've had a lot of fun these past several months. The gameplay loop is addictive, with base-building, upgrades aplenty and huge bosses. There's also a fairly robust multiplayer component.The gorgeous tactical RPG Howl surprise-launched today. Set in medieval times, Howl has you trying to fend off a plague that turns folks into feral beasts. You'll participate in turn-based battles as you search for a cure. The graphics and art style sure are strong with this one. There's a demo for those curious and the full release costs $15.Another gorgeous title, A Highland Song, releases on December 5. This sidescrolling adventure looks to share some DNA with games such as Limbo and promises an adaptive narrative that changes along with player choice. There's also a soundtrack populated exclusively by Scottish folk bands.Of course, that's just scratching the surface of the trailers shown at Indie World. The Nintendo Switch is getting a refresh of one of the most iconic indie games of all time, Braid. Additionally, there's the turn-based mouse sim Backpack Hero, the drawing-based puzzler Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist and many more, all releasing today or in the near future.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/here-are-the-coolest-trailers-from-nintendos-indie-world-event-185937988.html?src=rss
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by Kris Holt on (#6GCA3)
Instagram is expanding its Close Friends feature from Stories and Notes to feed posts and Reels. As such, you'll be able to share Reels and feed posts with a smaller, perhaps more trusted audience instead of everyone who follows you.The Instagram team says folks use Close Friends "as a pressure-free space to connect with the people that matter most." By expanding the Close Friends option to Reels and feed posts, the developers hope you'll have "more ways to be your most authentic self on Instagram while having more choices over who sees your content."Sharing a Reel or feed post only with Close Friends is pretty straightforward. When you're creating one, hit the Audience button, select Close Friends and then tap Share. The post or Reel will have a green star label, so those on your Close Friends list who see it will know they're part of an exclusive club. To highlight the expansion of the feature, you might see the app's plus button turn into a green star icon today.It's worth noting that the Close Friends list will be the same group of people across all Instagram features. However, Instagram has been looking at other ways for everyone to share things with smaller audiences. Last month, Instagram head Adam Mosseri revealed that his team was experimenting with a way to let users share Stories with different subsets of followers. Facebook users have long been able to set up many different lists of friends and choose which one to share a post with.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-can-now-limit-instagram-posts-and-reels-to-close-friends-181123680.html?src=rss
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by Malak Saleh on (#6GCA4)
A machine learning-based weather prediction program developed by DeepMind researchers called GraphCast" can predict weather variables over the span of 10 days, in under one minute. In a report, scientists highlight that GraphCast has outperformed traditional weather pattern prediction technologies at a 90% verification rate.The AI-powered weather prediction program works by taking in the two most recent states of Earth's weather," which includes the variables from the time of the test and six hours prior. Using that data, GraphCast can predict what the state of the weather will be in six hours.In practice, AI has already showcased its applicability in the real world. The tool predicted the landfall of Hurricane Lee in Long Island 10 days before it happened, while the traditional weather prediction technologies being used by meteorologists at the time lagged behind. Forecasts made by standard weather simulations can take longer because traditionally, models have to account for complicated physics and fluid dynamics to make accurate predictions.Not only does the weather prediction algorithm outperform traditional technologies to forecast weather patterns in terms of pace and scale, GraphCast can also predict severe weather events, which includes tropical cyclones and waves of extreme temperatures over regions. And because the algorithm can be re-trained with recent data, scientists believe that the tool will only get better at predicting oscillations in weather patterns that coincide with grander changes that align with climate change.Soon, GraphCast, or at least the basis of the AI algorithm that powers its predictions, might pop up into more mainstream services. According to Wired, Google might be exploring how to integrate GraphCast into its products. The call for better storm modeling has already paved a path for supercomputers in the space. The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) says it has been working to develop models that will provide more accurate readings on when severe weather events might occur and importantly, the intensity forecasts for hurricanes.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai-is-starting-to-outperform-meteorologists-173616631.html?src=rss
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by Malak Saleh on (#6GCA5)
Subscriptions to the Headspace app are half off this Black Friday for new and returning customers who have had memberships expire. Starting on November 14 through the 27th, the annual $70 fee will be slashed to $35. Alternatively, you could get a monthly subscription for $6.50 each pay period instead of $13.A subscription to the mindfulness app will get you access to an entire suite of meditation programming, as well as sounds that can help you focus. But the app isn't just for stress - it landed a spot on our best sleep app list. Users will also gain access to curated yoga and fitness videos that can help them stick to their fitness goals and in turn, improve overall wellness.Headspace also offers video content and stress-relieving meditation programs specific for work and school. You can calm your nerves and learn how to connect with your peers by taking the advice of a professional before a presentation if you struggle with public speaking, for example. Or you could follow along with a 7-minute meditation clip to help you decompress after a long day at work. If you're new to meditation, you can start as a beginner through a four-week guided program assembled by a Headspace expert.If you're navigating change or undergoing a stressful time, this Black Friday deal might be the perfect gateway into meditation and getting extra mental health support. If you're thinking about shopping for the holidays, Engadget has recommended a subscription to Headspace app as a thoughtful gift for teachers, or students alike.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/headspaces-black-friday-deal-knocks-half-off-annual-and-monthly-memberships-140017944.html?src=rss
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by Kris Holt on (#6GCA6)
Uber drivers (and riders) need to maintain a high rating to keep using the app, but bad actors can pull that score down. Some may even give a driver or courier a poor rating for a perfectly fine ride or food delivery just so they can get a refund. Uber says it's doing more to tackle that problem and to make the platform fairer and safer for riders and couriers.The company says it has established new systems to pinpoint users who make complaints solely in an effort to get a refund or other appeasement. Uber says any allegations that these flagged users make will not impact a driver's rating or play a factor in account deactivation decisions. The company notes that this builds on a policy it's had since 2017 to discard low ratings for issues that are outside of a driver's or courier's control, such as heavy traffic.Elsewhere, drivers and couriers will receive clearer information as to why Uber deactivated their account. They'll be able to ask Uber to review the decision and include any details that may help their case, such as video or audio recordings. In addition, drivers in the US who have been accused of operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs will have the option of taking a test to prove their innocence. Uber will cover the cost of the drug test.These are part of a number of measures Uber is bringing in to make the platform safer and fairer for drivers. For one thing, the company is expanding its Record My Ride feature to more cities in the US. Drivers in more locations will be able to use their iPhone's front-facing camera to capture video of their trips. As with the audio recording feature that's now available nationwide, no one will have access to an encrypted video capture unless a driver sends it to Uber for review.In another safety-oriented update, Uber says that in 2024 it will "significantly expand verification of rider identities to compare rider account details against trusted data sources or an ID document." Eventually, it will start informing drivers whether the rider they're set to pick up is verified. The idea is to give drivers more peace of mind before they accept a trip.Other updates Uber has announced include Android Auto integration so the Uber Driver app can be accessed on a larger screen. That builds on previous CarPlay integration.Drivers will soon be able to share real-time traffic and route information that other drivers can access, while information on roadworks, crashes and lane closures that are sourced from TomTom are automatically factored into Uber's suggested routes. Meanwhile, couriers can now see if there's free parking close to their destination and they can access more information about their drop-off point, including photos of the building or door.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/uber-is-clamping-down-on-users-who-give-bad-ratings-just-to-get-refunds-164045280.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GC6D)
Ableton's simply-named Push MIDI controller, which is actually the Push 3 for those keeping count, is on sale for 20 percent off straight from the manufacturer, bringing the cost down to $1,600 from that eye-watering MSRP of $2,000. This deal's for the standalone version of the hardware, so you can make beats wherever you want.Ableton doesn't do hardware sales too often, so this is worth considering if you've been on the fence about the Push controller. To sweeten the deal, the company's also selling its DAW, Live 11, for 20 percent off, bringing the price down to $350 for the standard version and $600 for the complete Suite version with 70+ gigs of additional content. There's also a bare-bones version for $80, down from $100.If you're an Ableton-head, you probably know that Live 12 just got announced with a release date of early next year. Don't worry. Buying Live 11 now with today's discount ensures a free upgrade to Live 12 when it arrives.The latest and greatest Push controller is a hybrid device that works as a standalone groovebox or connected to the computer, similar to the Native Instruments Maschine+. We admired the Push controller when we used it, calling out the usefulness of the 64 MPE enabled pads and the power of the integrated 11th Core i3 processor with 8GB of RAM.We were impressed by the decreased latency during use, noting that playing with the controller in standalone mode actually featured less lag than when working tethered to a computer. This makes it a fantastic device for live performances. The battery life isn't the greatest, but that's to be expected with all of that juice. The price is also exorbitant, which has been mitigated a bit by this sale.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/abletons-push-standalone-midi-controller-is-20-percent-off-in-early-black-friday-deal-161429042.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GC6E)
iRobot's Roomba Combo j5+ robot vacuum is $300 off in an early Black Friday deal via Wellbots. This is a record-low for the appliance, dropping the price to $500 instead of the MSRP of $800. In the past, discounts for the j5+ stalled at around $200 off. As typical with Wellbots deals, there's a promo code. Just enter ENGBF300" at checkout and you'll be good to go.The Roomba Combo j5+, as the name suggests, is a combination unit that includes both a vacuum and a mopping feature. It can pinpoint no-mop zones, so you don't have to worry about the robot spraying fluid all over your brand-new carpet. The j5+ can also avoid more than 80 common floor obstacles. As a matter of fact, iRobot will replace the unit for free if it doesn't avoid pet waste, as part of the company's P.O.O.P." pledge. No, we didn't make that up. It stands for Pet Owner Official Promise."This is a well-regarded robovac with one obvious downside when compared to pricier models like the Roomba j7+ and the flagship j9+. Despite the combo functionality, you have to manually swap out the bins when switching between vacuuming and mopping. The more expensive robots do this automatically. Still, the j9+ costs $900 and the j5+ is currently on sale for $400. You'll have to decide if that automation feature is worth the price difference.Wellbots is also selling the junior-grade Roomba 694 vacuum for $115 off. Just enter ENGBF115" and grab it for $159. This is your basic workhorse robovac with no mopping functionality. It does one job and it does it well, which is why it ended up on our lists of the best robot vacuums for 2023 and the best budget robot vacuums.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/irobots-roomba-combo-j5-is-300-off-in-an-early-black-friday-deal-150047886.html?src=rss
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by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GC2T)
Google's Pixel Buds Pro earbuds are on sale for $117 via Wellbots. This matches a record-low for the well-regarded device and represents a savings of $83. Just pop the earbuds in your cart and put in the code ENGPIXBF" at checkout. These earbuds drop to $117 every once in a while, but they don't ever go lower than that.We called these earbuds Google's best effort to date in our official review, praising the useful touch controls and wireless charging options. We also liked the deep and punchy bass offered by the buds and the fact that they ship with active noise cancellation technology, a first for this line. There's a reason, after all, why the Pixel Buds Pro made our list of the best wireless earbuds for 2023.The battery gets 11 hours per charge from the earbuds, but up to 31 hours with the included charging case. They are also IPX4 water-resistant and offer multipoint connection options. These are earbuds designed by Google, however, so Android users get some bonuses, like the company's Translate Conversation Mode. If you're tied into the Apple ecosystem, these may not be the best fit.This isn't the only Google product on sale via Wellbots. You can also snag a Nest Hub Max smart display for $124 with the promo code ENGMAXBF." This represents a savings of over $100 for the 10-inch touchscreen-enabled device.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-pixel-buds-pro-fall-to-record-low-price-of-117-in-early-black-friday-deal-140030014.html?src=rss
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by Kris Holt on (#6GC2V)
Starting today, Venmo is rolling out what it says is one of its most-requested features: the ability to manage and settle up shared expenses in groups. The aptly-named Groups feature seeks to make it easy for users to figure out how much money each person owes to someone else in the group, and then take care of the payments all in one app.Venmo says it's easy for anyone in the group to add expenses and it will automatically figure out the amounts due. The feature is designed to be ongoing, so if you often go to dinner with the same bunch of friends or travel with your family every year, you'll be able to manage expenses within the same group for the long haul.To create a group, go to the Me page, then the Groups tab. The feature will be enabled for some users in the latest version of the Venmo iOS and Android app. It will be available more broadly in the coming weeks.Managing and settling up shared expenses in a single app could spell trouble for other services that only support the former. Casual users of apps like Splitwise (which has more in-depth features like receipt scanning for paid members) and even Facebook Messenger's bill-splitting tool may prefer to handle everything in Venmo instead.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/venmos-groups-feature-could-spell-trouble-for-bill-splitting-apps-140045240.html?src=rss
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by James Trew on (#6GC2X)
As computer accessories go, the humble webcam doesn't get a ton of attention. Two or three brands tend to dominate the market and almost everything looks, well, webcamy? Opal entered the scene in 2021 with its C1 model. The idea was simple, to sexy-up the humble old webcam with a high quality sensor, a slick design and (for mac users at least) companion software that didn't feel like a grind to use. Today, the company unveils its second camera, the Tadpole, and it's something quite different.Just one glance at the Tadpole and obviously it's a big change from the C1 or really almost any other webcam out there. For starters it's designed for laptops, which is evidenced in the tiny form-factor. This idea, the company claims, was inspired by the discovery that over 40 percent of people buying the C1, were using it with a laptop. Macbooks and most PC laptops come with a webcam built-in, but as the pandemic forced many more people to work from home, the shortcomings of those soon became very apparent.In terms of design, the Tadpole is reminiscent of the last generation iPod Shuffle, clip included. The functional design extends to the built-in cable which hides a capacitive mute button in the USB-C connector - so you won't have to hunt for the one on screen in Zoom. The Tadpole's focus on portability extends to it having its own hard carry case - though that's an additional purchase.Photo by James Trew / EngadgetAs for the actual camera, it's using a 48-megapixel Sony IMX582 Exmor RS sensor set to deliver 1080p video with an f/1.8 aperture. Despite the smaller form-factor, this puts the Tadpole above its bigger, older (and more expensive) sibling in terms of optics. Opal told Engadget that the camera actually shoots in 4K but scales down to 1080p for compatibility with most video calling software. There are some controls in the companion software for adjusting the image settings and other preferences but currently that's Mac-only. Company representatives also told Engadget that they wanted this camera to be as friction-free as possible with minimal need to dive into settings anyway.Sure enough, the image that the Tadpole outputs is visibly clearer and more detailed than whatever you're going to have in your laptop. Side-by-side with the 4K Logitech Brio, the Tadpole looked a little darker and in my initial tests, background details seems a little softer, through apps like Zoom and Google Meet at least. Viewing the image through Opal's own software and things look sharper again.It's on the audio side where things get a little more interesting. Opal claims the Tadpole is the first webcam with a directional microphone. What's for sure is that the Tadpole certainly picks up less ambient noise than a Macbook's internal mic or the one on the Logitech Brio. I happened to test the Brio and the Tadpole side by side with a noisy washing machine running in the background and you can hear it on the Brio but not on the Tadpole. What's more, the omni-directional microphone on most webcams tends to sound very roomy." Whereas voices on the Tadpole feel much more centered and with less environmental reverb.Opal even goes as far to claim that the microphone is directional enough that if it's not in shot, you won't hear it. While it's true that the mic is a lot more focused on what's in front of it, it's still possible for sounds out of shot to be present, albeit far less so than in rival products. In the test recordings embedded in this story you can hear something like birds outside clearly on the Brio's audio. They're still present on the Tadpole audio, but significantly less so. Either way, this more focused audio is likely going to be very much appreciated by your colleagues if you're taking video meetings in an office environment.One thing's for sure, the webcam market has remained fairly stuffy and without much originality for too long. We're not expecting boutique devices in the same vein as mechanical keyboards, but there's clearly a space for more products with interesting, practical designs, even with a focus on specific use cases, like the Tadpole.Photo by James Trew / EngadgetOpal's biggest feat might well be proving that webcams don't have to be large or dull, black blobs on top of our screens. The choice of either white or black here with the braided cable and the smart capacitive button on the USB connection show that it's possible to make a better webcam without inflating the price. The C1 was $300 at launch ($250 now), and the Tadpole launches today, with a better sensor, improved autofocus and that directional microphone for $175, a little over half the price.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/opal-tadpole-webcam-140025595.html?src=rss
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by Sarah Fielding on (#6GC0B)
YouTube has announced new steps to combat AI misuse and misinformation that will roll out over the coming months. The new policies address transparency in videos made using AI and the rampant issue of deepfakes. YouTube is making it "possible to request the removal of AI-generated or other synthetic or altered content that simulates an identifiable individual, including their face or voice."Individuals can submit calls for removal through YouTube's privacy request process, but the company will weigh the decision based on whether it's satire or if the person can be uniquely recognized - such as a public figure. Similarly, musicians or their representatives can also request the removal of any content using AI to mimic their voice. The policies come at a time when deepfakes are being widely pushed and shared, such as Civitai, which is encouraging sexualized recreations of influential women.On top of streamlining removal, YouTube will also make sure any altered or synthetic content is labeled as such. Creators will see new options to disclose this information and, if they don't, could face post removal, a YouTube Partner Program suspension and other repercussions. YouTube claims it will connect with creators about using this new tool before it rolls out. On the viewer side, this will lead to a big banner in the description stating the content is "altered or synthetic," with the option to learn more. Regardless of proper labeling, YouTube might still take down AI-created videos if they contain purposely disturbing content.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtube-will-let-musicians-and-actors-request-takedowns-of-their-deepfakes-131533866.html?src=rss
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by Daniel Cooper on (#6GC0C)
In the history of modern gaming handhelds, Sony was there in the fairly early days with the PSP and Vita. Both were well regarded, if flawed, living and dying long before the age of the Switch and the Steam Deck. So it would be reasonable to expect the new PlayStation Portal, which marks Sony's return to handhelds, would be a triumph. Yeah. About that.Portal is a $200 handheld that can only stream from your own PlayStation 5, either at home or when you're on the go. There are no local titles, or any bells and whistles for that matter, it's just a way to play on your own PS5 when the TV isn't available. Devindra Hardawar has been testing one for a while and the obvious flaws remain obvious.If your internet connection isn't rock-solid, then the Portal isn't very useful, especially when you can pick up a mobile handheld dock for a lot less cash. It doesn't help that Sony's not the best at perfectly integrating its hardware and software, so things you might expect to be seamless are anything but. Click to read Devindra's full review, but if you're a Sony diehard, it might be best to hide behind your hands while you do so.- Dan CooperYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest stories you might have missedData breach of Michigan healthcare giant exposes millions of recordsNintendo's next Indie World showcase takes place on November 14NVIDIA's next generation of AI supercomputer chips is hereCybercriminal gang LockBit leaks alleged Boeing dataRemedy scraps plans for a free-to-play multiplayer gameYou can now delete your Threads profile without nuking your Instagram accountThreads users can now opt out of automatically sharing posts to Facebook and InstagramGoogle reportedly pays Apple 36 percent of search-advertising revenues from SafariSpoiler: It's a lot of money.It's common knowledge that Google pays Apple a king's ransom to be the default search engine on Safari. What is less well known is Google also hands over a 36 percent commission on the revenue generated by those searches. The news accidentally let slip during a recent hearing, despite both companies' insistence the figure remain strictly confidential. Oops.Continue Reading.Volvo's EM90 living room on the move' minivan has up to 450 miles of EV rangeIt's a relaxing way to sit in traffic.VolvoVolvo's first fully electric minivan, the EM90, which it describes as a living room on the move," has been announced for the Chinese market. Based on the Zeekr 009, it includes plush reclining chairs, air suspension and external noise cancellation. The range is no slouch, either, with a promised 450 miles on a single charge, if you can believe those sorts of promises.Continue Reading.Popular AI platform introduces rewards system to encourage deepfakes of real peopleOh grow up, people.There are plenty of words a respectable newsletter writer can't use when describing how people behave online. You'll just have to imagine how I'd like to describe the operators and members of an AI marketplace encouraging its users to create the most realistic-looking deepfakes of real people. It's not just creepy requests for celebrities, which would be bad enough, either, since reporters also found requests for fakes of private citizens.Continue Reading.Baldur's Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 lead the 2023 Game Awards nomineesIt reflects a blockbuster year of games.Larian Studios2023 has been an odd year for the gaming industry, pairing the highest highs with the lowest lows. The Game Awards' lineup of nominees reflects the former, since this year we've had a stellar lineup of new releases. It speaks volumes about the quality of the year's run that it's hard to identify a nailed-on winner for Game of the Year.Continue Reading. ASUS revealed to be total anime fan poseur via costly typo on motherboardThis is almost as bad as third impact.ASUSASUS has reminded us all why it's important to double check your work in case an error gets through. It launched a series of motherboards catering to fans of blockbuster anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. But a misprint means the units instead bear the name EVANGENLION, which probably makes them even more of a collector's item than they were before.Continue Reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-sony-whiffs-another-gaming-handheld-121546041.html?src=rss
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by Amy Skorheim on (#6GBY6)
According to our testing, Amazon's Fire TV Stick Lite is the best budget streaming device you can buy. And thanks to an early Black Friday deal at Amazon, it's down to just $16. That's a 46 percent discount off the $30 list price (though it often goes for $20) and only $1 more than its all-time low. If you're looking for a way to turn any screen with an HDMI port into a smart TV, this is one of the most affordable ways to do it, particularly now that it's on sale.The Fire TV Stick Lite doesn't stream content in 4K and can't control the TV's volume or on/off functions, but it will give you access to all major streaming platforms through Amazon's Fire TV interface. You can also use it to access free ad-supported TV like Amazon's Freevee and PlutoTV. We found the Fire TV interface easy enough to figure out, though we note that it does tend to favor and promote it's own Prime content. The Alexa remote is particularly helpful, letting you launch apps just with your voice. It'll also handle standard requests like weather forecasts and answering questions. If you've got Alexa-enabled smart home devices like a camera or doorbell, the Fire TV Sticks can also send live feeds to your TV, turning it into a smart display of sorts.Also included in the early Black Friday deals is the standard Fire TV Stick. It's currently down to $20, which is 50 percent off the $40 list price (though it's often on sale for $25). That said, if you do want a crisper picture, the new Fire Stick 4K is $25, down from $50, while the Fire Stick 4K Max is $20 off at $40.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-amazon-fire-tv-stick-lite-drops-to-16-in-an-early-black-friday-deal-140047555.html?src=rss
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by James Trew on (#6GBY7)
It was almost exactly three years ago that we were celebrating the relatively quick arrival of Ableton Live 11. Today, the company is unveiling Live 12, the next version of its popular digital audio workstation (DAW). In terms of release cycles, this is the shortest time between versions in recent memory, and it brings with it some exciting new features. The less fun news is that you won't actually be able to get your hands on Live 12 until early next year, but there's plenty to get excited about in the meantime.Usually, the first thing people want to know is if there are any new instruments, and the answer is yes. Live 12 Suite comes with Meld" which the company describes as a macro oscillator synth, and there's also a new distortion effect called Roar. Other updates include a feature where Live 12 will create MIDI arrangements or transform existing ones via new tools in Live's Clip view. There's also an option to track the scale and key of what you're working on so that any effects or edits will automatically be in that key (if you wish). On the other hand, if you want to create music in non-western tones and scales, there's full support for a wide range of musical tunings now baked right into Live. Most of the above is also MPE ready where applicable. There's a lot more, which we'll go through below but those are the headline features.Meld synthesizerAbletonThe newest instrument to join the Ableton Live family is going to be a lot of fun. At first glance, the two oscillator setup seems pretty straightforward. But this macro oscillator" synth has a lot of interesting waveforms to play with. Everything from classic sine/saw/square shapes through to more noise type formations like rain" and bubble" mean Meld can really create some unique textures. If you're a fan of moog-style big pulsing sounds, the swarm" waveforms are for you. Both oscillators have a modulation matrix that makes it super easy to bend and shape the sound to your liking. From some quick experimentation, Meld looks perfect for sound design and creating big, gritty leads as well as abstract pads and real-word sounding textures.Roar distortion effectLive already has a decent selection of distortion effects, but Roar is possibly the most comprehensive yet. The range of tone shapes available range from light, pedal-style crunchiness through to aggressive hard digital clipping and everything in between. The power with Roar lies in the amount of controls you have throughout the chain. Right from dialing in the perfect amount of distortion through the filter to the modulation options, again, controlled by a matrix setup. It's perhaps not quite as comprehensive as Arturia's ColdFire, but it's close. Live's primary distortion tools, Saturator and Overdrive, often worked best together. Meld offers the power of both of those tools and adds complex signal bending tools for good measure.Generative MIDI toolsWhen it comes to songwriting, Live 12 offers some exciting tools to get you started or to help push you through a creative block. Specifically, Live 12 will generate random MIDI clips for you according to certain parameters (length, note density and so on). Alternatively, if you already have a clip with a MIDI sequence that you like, the transform" tab in the Clip view will create endless variations on it depending on your requirements.On the generative side of things, there are options for more rhythmic patterns, melodic arrangements or even chords. The created MIDI can be almost any length, but shorter clips tend to have more success. Every time you change a parameter - length, pitch and so on - Live will create a new pattern and you can keep cycling through variations until you find one you like. Here is where Live 12's new scale aware" feature really shines, as when activated, this will ensure any generated MIDI matches the key and scale of what you are working on.AbletonThe transform tool is ideal for when you have a progression you already like but want to create some variations on it. This could be something simple like arpeggiation or velocity adjustments through to more detail-oriented tweaks such as how the notes flow into each other or creating a humanized strum" effect on chords. Despite their power, both the transform and generate tools are neatly tucked away as tabs in the Clip view and mostly have straightforward controls, though some experimentation is encouraged. It's pretty easy to get lost in a rabbit hole, testing out different settings and parameters until you end up with something barely recognizable. Which, to be fair, is sometimes exactly what you want.TuningsAn addition to the main library in Live 12 is the Tunings tab. Simply put, here you'll find a collection of tunings outside of the conventional western 12 note scale. So if Turkish Makam is your thing or you're a fan of Just Intonation, there are several options here that can be activated and adapted as you prefer. The scales library consists of .ascl files meaning you can add to your library of scales from third-party or user-created files also.UI improvementsIf you've used Live for any amount of time, you likely have Tab and Shift+Tab muscle memory so deeply ingrained you can switch views blindfolded. In this update, you'll no longer have to jump over to Session view to access the mixer as finally it's available in Arrangement view also. The same is true for the Device and Clip view windows, meaning you can see the MIDI/audio at the same time as the synth/effects chain without having to jump between them constantly. Things can get a bit busy if you have all three panels open at the same time, but this is a solid quality of life enhancement that's long overdue.Library managementOrganizing and navigating your sample library in Live 12 comes with a number of improvements. Notably, the ability to tag MIDI clips, plugins and audio at a granular level. Tag categories include everything from Type (Loop/MIDI clip and so on) to musical key, groove and many other categories. You can, of course, also add your own custom tags.AbletonIf your library is quite large and disorganized, the initial tagging might take a while, but you can select multiple items at once and tag them at the same time. Right now, it doesn't appear that you can tag at the folder level, which would be handy for large sample collections but it's a useful tool nonetheless.A much neater trick is Live 12's ability to find similar" sounds. For example, if you have a kick drum sample and know you have others like it in other sample packs/folders, but don't remember where, clicking the new Show Similar Files" radio button will pull up all the samples you have that Live has deemed to be, well, similar. In testing, it does a good job for percussive sounds matching length, sound style and so on. Searching on melodies, leads and even vocals also does a decent job of bringing up related samples, but it's perhaps more open to interpretation here as the timbre can be quite different with the length, shape and gain of the sound seeming to have more weight on what's a match. Either way, both new features will be a boost to those of us that only got as far as organizing their library alphabetically.There are other enhancements to the general user experience that go far beyond creative functionality. For one, Live 12 is optimized for screen readers and almost everything can be controlled with the keyboard which is a big plus for accessibility. As always there are updates across the board including the included core library of sounds and modulation parameters. Likewise, some Live 11 sounds and instruments - such as Analog and Tension synths - are available in the Standard edition of 12 whereas before they were exclusive to the more expensive Suite edition.As for availability, Ableton hasn't confirmed a date, but you should expect Live 12 to launch around late February or March next year. The Standard edition will cost $439 (279) which features most of the above minus Meld and Roar. Live 12 Suite edition, which features all the above plus the Operator synth and Granulator effect among other perks will retail for $749 (599).This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ableton-live-12-whats-new-meld-roar-094528196.html?src=rss
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by Mariella Moon on (#6GBV6)
Zelle recently made a huge change to its policy that would give victims of certain scams the chance to get their money back. The payment processor has confirmed to Engadget that it started reimbursing customers for impostor scams, such as those perpetrated by bad actors pretending to be banks, businesses and government agencies, as of June 30 this year. Its parent company Early Warning Services, LLC, said this "goes beyond legal requirements."As Reuters noted when it reported Zelle's policy change, federal laws can only compel banks to reimburse customers if payments were made without their authorization, but not when they made the transfer themselves. The payment processor, which is run by seven US banks that include Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo, explained that it defines scams as instances wherein a customer made payment but didn't get what they were promised. It had anti-fraud policy from the time it was launched in 2017, but it only started returning money to customers who were scammed, possibly due to increasing scrutiny and pressure from authorities."As the operator of Zelle, we continuously review and update our operating rules and technology practices to improve the consumer experience and address the dynamic nature of fraud and scams," Early Warning Services, LLC, told Engadget. "As of June 30, 2023, our bank and credit union participants must reimburse consumers for qualifying imposter scams, like whena scammer impersonates a bank to trick a consumer into sending them money with Zelle. The change ensures consistency across our network and goes beyond legal requirements.Zelle has driven down fraud and scam rates as a result of these prevention and mitigation efforts consistently from 2022 to 2023, with increasingly more than 99.9% of Zelle transactions are without any reported fraud or scams," it added.A series of stories published by The New York Times in 2022 put a spotlight on the growing number of scams and fraud schemes on Zelle. The publication had interviewed customers who were tricked into sending money to scammers but were denied reimbursement, because they had authorized the transactions. Senator Elizabeth Warren also conducted an investigation last year and found that "fraud and scams [jumped] more than 250 percent from over $90 million in 2020 to a pace exceeding $255 million in 2022." In November 2022, The Times reported that the seven banks that own Zelle were gearing up for a policy change that will reimburse scam victims.In Zelle's "Report a Scam" information page, users can submit the scammer's details, including what they were claiming to be, their name, website and their phone number. They also have to provide the payment ID for the transfer, the date it was made and a description of what the transaction was supposed to be about. Zelle said it will report the information provided to the recipient's bank or credit union to help prevent others from falling victim to their schemes, but it's unclear how Zelle determines whether a scam refund claim is legitimate or not."Zelle's platform changes are long overdue," Senator Warren told Reuters. "The CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) is standing with consumers, and I urge the agency to keep the pressure on Zelle to protect consumers from bad actors."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/zelle-may-refund-your-money-if-you-were-scammed-062826335.html?src=rss
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