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Influencers have been using TikTok to land brand deals and promote products for years, but now the company is ushering in a more formal shopping experience. TikTok is launching its e-commerce product in the United States in an attempt to capitalize on the app's popularity, and turn its viewers into consumers. In a recent blog post, the company announced its TikTok Shop - which includes a host of features for users, content creators and businesses.The TikTok Shop includes a Shop Tab" for businesses to display their products, affiliate videos placed in users' feeds that allow creators to earn commissions and shopping ads for businesses. TikTok is also launching its own logistics arm called Fulfilled by TikTok," which will facilitate storage and shipping for registered merchants.In an interview with The New York Times, TikTok executive Nico Le Bourgeois said the TikTok Shop had more than 200,000 registered sellers, with over 100,000 creators already having access to its livestream shopping buttons. Bourgeois went on to discuss the company's plans to shake up the industry.We have a very aggressive plan to make a splash in the industry and make sure that people out there understand that TikTok is a place for shopping," he said. We'll be very present for Black Friday and Cyber Monday through a combination of traffic, free shipping and deals."TikTok Shop is based on a similar and hugely successful feature on its sister app, Douyin, available across Asia. While there's no doubt that hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt has fueled product discovery on TikTok, live shopping hasn't quite taken off in the US yet. Of course, TikTok isn't the first social media app to attempt a pivot to e-commerce. Meta has tried for years with Facebook and Instagram. Pinterest has also been navigating the e-commerce waters by offering its users an easier and faster way to by what they see. However, those efforts have not skyrocketed just yet.As of right now, the Shop Tab is available for 40 percent of TikTok users. The feature will be rolled out gradually and become available for all users by early October.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-is-pushing-shopping-features-into-nearly-every-part-of-its-app-212002587.html?src=rss

Not much was leaked about the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 ahead of the company's launch event today, and it might be because most of the changes weren't easily photographed. One of the biggest updates to the company's flagship smartwatches is the S9 SiP (system-in-package), which promises better animations, on-device Siri processing, as well as a whole new gesture called Double Tap. The latter allows you to make a pinch gesture twice in mid-air and use it to do things like answer calls, pause music, dismiss alarms and more.There's also a new material called FineWoven that's meant to replace leather, and features in some new straps and accessories. While most of the other changes this year, like brighter displays and greater use of recycled material, are less exciting, I found myself very intrigued by Double Tap.This isn't Apple's first attempt at gestures that minimize having to tap a smartwatch screen, by the way. It introduced Assistive Touch in 2021 to allow people who may not have full use of their fingers or have other mobility issues to clench their fists (and perform other actions) to navigate watchOS.Based on my experience with both so far, Double Tap feels like a more refined approach. I put on a demo unit of the Watch Ultra 2, and pinched quickly in mid-air. By default, doing so from the home screen brings up the Smart Stack, and continuing to double tap will scroll through individual cards. You can also tweak it so that the subsequent pinches will launch the top card of your Smart Stack.For the most part, the Watch Ultra 2 recognized all my pinches, and wasn't tricked by me clenching other fingers together. It also wasn't fazed when I touched my thumb to my knuckles, only reacting when I quickly brought thumb to index finger pad.Apple uses the same mechanism that's looking for blood flow anomalies to recognize when you're pinching, by tapping the optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope. It's surprisingly accurate, but didn't always detect when I put my thumb to my pointer finger. You'll have to be quite deliberate when doing it, but I imagine over time users will learn the right way to double tap.Photo by Cherlynn Low / EngadgetAs someone who hates getting dirt or smudges all over my devices, I love the idea of this gesture for when I'm cooking or cleaning. It could also come in handy if you've forgotten to start a workout when you're out on a run, and the watch prompts you to launch one after it auto detects your activity.Double tap is arguably the most interesting new feature, and also the easiest one to check out at this hands-on space. From my limited time so far, I can't tell you whether the Watch Ultra 2's new display, which can get as bright as 3,000 nits, is truly more readable on a hike, for example. Nor did I get to see how much faster on-device Siri is or ask the assistant for my health queries.I do like that the new Modular Ultra face manages to squeeze in so much info at once. With this new layout, Apple's making full use of the space, expanding content all the way to the extreme edges of the screen - so much so that it's even saying you can find information about elevation or depth in the bottom bezel. (It's not actually in the bezel, since bezels aren't screens and are not capable of displaying anything.)The new Watches will also activate Night Mode automatically when the ambient light sensor detects it's too dark. I especially appreciate that the Ultra 2 can go down to one nit so those who are particularly bothered by bright screens can be exposed to as little as possible while still reading their watch displays.As mentioned earlier, as part of Apple's goal to be net carbon neutral by 2030 the company has stopped selling leather bands and accessories and in place of that material, it's developed FineWoven. I tried putting on a FineWoven magnetic loop, and it felt... normal. That's a good thing, since FineWoven is made from recycled materials and yet manages to have a suede-like feel.While the Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 may not seem like massive upgrades at first glance, I have a feeling that features enabled by the S9 SiP, like Siri on-device and Double Tap will make for a meaningful change in the long run. But I will only be able to know for sure after spending more time with a unit out in the real world, so make sure to stay tuned for our detailed review.Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-ultra-2-and-series-9-first-impressions-double-tap-is-accurate-and-tricky-203116431.html?src=rss

Fresh off of Apple's Wonderlust" event, Devindra and Engadget Editor-in-Chief Dana Wollman dive into the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro and the Apple Watch Series 9. We explain why Apple's move towards USB-C on the iPhones has been a long time coming, and why we're excited about even more emergency satellite calling capabilities. And while the Apple Watch Series 9 looks like a worthwhile upgrade, we're more intrigued by the new double tap finger gesture.Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, Engadget News!Subscribe!

Apple announced both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro during today's "Wonderlust" keynote event. Some of the numerousrumors about the new handsets have been confirmed, while others, like the possibility of an iPhone Ultra, didn't materialize. Like in years past, Apple reserved its newest mobile chip for the Pro model (giving last year's Pro-level chip to the new standard iPhone). The A17 Pro is the first "Pro" chip for an iPhone and sports 19 billion transistors. Apple claims its two performance cores are 10 percent faster than last years's A16.The long-hoped-for conversion to USB-C charging has been confirmed for all models of the iPhone 15, but the Pro got a few perks that the standard model isn't getting such as the Action Button. Formerly the mute toggle, the button can be programed to quickly activate the camera, flashlight, Voice Memos, or your own Shortcuts. The new titanium case, fused to an internal aluminum frame makes this the lightest iPhone Pro yet.It starts at $999 which is actually the same price as the iPhone 14 Pro, and you can pre-order it on Friday. Before you dive in, you may want to take a moment to compare it to other high-end handsets on the market. Here's a side-by-side comparison highlighting how the specs of the new iPhone 15 Pro compare to Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google's Pixel 7 Pro.Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 7 ProApple iPhone 15 ProSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraGoogle Pixel 7 ProPricingStarts at $999Starts at $1,200Starts at $899Release dateSeptember 22, 2023February 17, 2023October 13, 2022Dimensions5.77 x 2.78 x 0.32 in(146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm)6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in(163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm)6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in(162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm)Weight6.60 oz(187 g)8.25 oz(234 g)7.48 oz(212 g)Operating systemiOSAndroidAndroidScreen size6.1 in6.8 in6.7 inScreen resolution2556 x 1179 at 460ppi3088 x 1440 at 501ppi3120 x 1440 at 512ppiScreen type (refresh rate)Super Retina XDR (120Hz)Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz)LTPO OLED (120Hz)ProcessorA17Pro chipSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Tensor G2Water and dust resistanceIP68IP68IP68Batteryunlisted5000mAh5000mAhRAMunlisted8GB /12GB12GBInternal storage128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB256GB / 512GB / 1TB128GB / 256GB / 512GBRear camera(s)Three cameras:Main: 48MP, f/1.78 apertureUltrawide, 2x optical zoom: 12MP, f/2.2 apertureTelephoto, 3x optical zoom: 12MP, f/2.8Four cameras:Wide: 200MP, f/1.7 apertureUltrawide: 12MP, f/2.2 apertureTelephoto, 3x optical zoom: 10MP, f/2.4 apertureTelephoto, 10x optical zoom: 10MP, f/2.4 apertureThree cameras:Main: 50MP, f/1.85 apertureUltrawide: 12MP, f/2.2 apertureTelephoto, 5x optical zoom: 48MP, f/3.5 apertureVideo capture4K at 60 fps8K at 30 fps4K at 60 fpsFront camera12MP, f/1.9 aperture12MP, f/2.2 aperture10.8MP, f/2.2 apertureWi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6ECharging20W fast charging, 15W wireless45W fast charging, 15W wireless23W fast charging, 23W wirelessConnectorUSB-C 3UCB-CUSB-CFollow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-iphone-15-pro-vs-the-competition-clash-of-the-cameras-201700930.html?src=rss

Apple's iPhone 15 event today saw the company spend a lot of time (and money) talking about its "Apple 2030" vision for carbon neutrality and environmental responsibility. The irony is, Apple wants you to buy more iPhones, and to do so, it's introducing new models with slightly different features so you'll spend your money. With the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro this year, Apple is also beginning to comply with EU regulations that mandate every new device made by the end of next year support USB-C charging. While that's good news for most people, it does mean that those who might not have already a compatible wire will have to, once again, get a new charger.In addition to the new port (farewell, Lightning!), the iPhone 15 Pro Max gets a zooming lens thanks to a tetraprism system, as well as a so-called Action button that replaces the slider switch on the side. On the base iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, we're also bidding goodbye to the notch and saying hello to the Dynamic Island. It looks like with the iPhone 15 series, we're leaving a lot of things in the past, hopefully for better things.The most intriguing of these changes is the Action button, which can be programmed to do one of many things. By default, it will still switch between Silent and Ring modes. But by going into the settings, you can customize it to start a voice recording, open the camera, switch focus modes and more. Within each shortcut, you can get more precise about what the action button does. Say you choose the Camera shortcut. You can tap a dropdown list to choose whether it launches in regular photo mode or in selfie, video or portrait.One thing worth noting about the Action button is that, aside from the default mode, you'll have to long-press it to actually start your shortcut. If you just press it, you'll see an onscreen indicator next to the button that tells you to hold it down, while the Dynamic Island changes to indicate what will launch. I thought it would be annoying to have to long-press the button to actually trigger what I want, but in spending a bit more time with it I felt it might be too easy to set the action off. While I don't think a long-press will necessarily prevent accidental pushes, it's at least less likely to happen than a simple tap. This is clearly something I'll have to test in the real world by throwing into my purse or fanny pack to see how annoying it will be.I was able to quickly check out the new zoom lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max by taking pictures of media personalities from far away. I used my iPhone 14 Pro to get a picture of Michael Fisher (aka The Mr Mobile) from across the giant demo area, pushing my camera to its maximum 15x zoom. Then, with a demo iPhone 15 Pro Max, I snapped a pic of another person from slightly farther away, using the maximum 25x zoom. Not only were images from the newer phone a lot closer, they also seemed a bit brighter and clearer.Of course, that's not something I can properly evaluate until a real world side-by-side comparison with fairer setups, but I can already tell you that on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you'll get a little window at the top left to show where in the frame you're zoomed in on. This is basically how all phones with extreme zooms (like the Pixel and Galaxy flagships) do it, too.Photo by Cherlynn Low / EngadgetMost of the other changes to the iPhone 15 Pro line weren't things I could test at the demo area, like the performance of the new A17 Pro processor, the second-generation ultra wideband (UWB) chip and battery life. I did get a sense for how smooth the hardware-accelerated ray tracing looked as an Apple staff member played a bit of Diablo IV for me to see. I also couldn't plug a USB-C cable into the new port, of course, but I did spend a few minutes gawking at it while taking pictures.I do like the way the new titanium material feels, though. The iPhone 15 Pros feature a brushed metal finish, and the Pro Max that I spent time with definitely felt noticeably lighter than its chonkster of a predecessor. The iPhone 14 Pro Max always felt like it would crush my skull if I dropped it on my face while reading in bed, while the new model felt like it would only gently dent my cranium.I also briefly fondled a case made from Apple's new FineWoven material, which is meant to replace leather as the company ceases to sell items made from that. The case felt slightly furry, sort of like suede, and though no one said if this would change, it's the sort of texture I could see Apple tweaking over time. The idea is that suede also feels somewhat premium like leather, and though I prefer the feeling of leather over FineWoven, I can live with it if it means better things for the environment.Photo by Cherlynn Low / EngadgetiPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus first impressionsOf course, the Pros weren't the only new phones unveiled today. The iPhone 15s may be slightly less interesting, but they did get some potentially useful updates, too. They now feature 48-megapixel main cameras on their rear, supporting 24-MP default resolution pictures, and ditch the longstanding notch for the pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout that was introduced last year.I'm a fan of the new colors on the iPhone 15 series, as well as the way they've been infused into the back glass. It gives off a slight frosted effect that makes the pastel pink, blue, green, yellow and black hues look classy as opposed to cute. The phone's enclosure is also slightly different than the iPhone 14, with a contoured edge that makes the device feel slightly thinner.I was taken by how much thinner the bezels on the iPhone 15s looked, too. Together with the contoured edges, brighter screens and losing the notch, the handsets feel refreshed and definitely like a bigger change than last year's models were.There wasn't a lot more about the iPhone 15 line that I could check out at the demo area, but for all the details on what's new this year, check out our article laying out all the updates.Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/iphone-15-pro-max-first-impressions-lights-camera-action-button-200647981.html?src=rss

Apple's 2023 iPhone event came and went almost in the blink of an eye. As always, the company had a bunch of new devices to show off during the "Wonderlust" showcase but thanks to long-standing rumors, there weren't too many major surprises.On the phone front, we have the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. There's no new iPhone SE just yet, unfortunately, while the rumored iPhone Ultra may join the lineup next year. Though it was widely expected, the biggest news is that Apple has ditched the Lightning port across the entire iPhone 15 lineup. USB-C is the way of things now.Elsewhere, we have an Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, along with AirPods that have a USB-C port in the charging case. In addition, we learned just when iOS 17, iPadOS 17, tvOS 17, watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma will arrive.iPhone 15 and 15 PlusAppleAs mentioned, Apple is sending the Lightning port sailing into the sunset. After gradually phasing out the port in favor of USB-C on iPad over the last few years, the company is making a more immediate switch with the iPhone 15 lineup. The European Union has forced Apple's hand here, due to legislation that requires mobile devices sold in the bloc to have a USB-C charging port.On the downside, that means the collection of Lightning cables, dongles and accessories you've amassed over the years will become less useful. On the other hand, there should be far greater compatibility of cables and other devices with the latest iPhones. It'll probably be easier for you to find a charging cable when you need one - the same cable can power up your Mac, iPad, iPhone or new AirPods Pro case. Those who still plug their phones into computers may be pleased, since USB-C data transfer rates are far faster than what Lightning cables are capable of. In a pinch, you can also charge your AirPods case or Apple Watch from your phone.Apple hasn't changed the screen sizes of this year's iPhones. The base iPhone 15 and the Pro have 6.1-inch displays, while the Plus and Pro Max have 6.7-inch screens.The iPhone 15 has an all-new design with rounded edges, Apple said. The most obvious consequence of that is the dynamic island that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro is coming to this year's entire lineup. There's a 2,000-nit Super Retina XDR display in the iPhone 15 that's twice as bright as the one on the iPhone 14. You'll get up to 1,600 nits of brightness while viewing Dolby Vision video and other HDR photos and videos.Apple has introduced a new camera system to the iPhone 15 that includes a 48MP main camera, an ultrawide lens and TrueDepth front camera. With the rear cameras, you'll be able to take more details "next-generation portraits," Apple says. You won't have to manually switch to portrait mode either, since the phone's machine leaning capabilities will be able to tell when you're focusing on a person, according to Apple. You can even switch the focus to a different person after the fact when you're editing the image.The iPhone 15 runs on the same A16 chip as the iPhone 14 Pro and it has a second-gen ultra wideband chip. Apple says the latter can help you find your friends' exact location when you're looking for them in a crowded place. The company also claims that the latest iPhone does a better job of filtering out background noise on calls.If you're in a remote location and need roadside assistance, satellite connectivity can help you contact who you need to. You'll be able to use satellite connectivity to contact first responders in an emergency too.The iPhone 15 is available in pink, yellow, green, blue and black. It starts at $799 and the iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899. Pre-orders start on September 15. Both phones will arrive in stores on September 22.iPhone 15 Pro and Pro MaxAppleApple has a significant change in store with the iPhone 15 Pro designs this year too: a titanium body for durability. That also makes these the lightest iPhone Pro models to date. Apple says the iPhone 15 Pro has the thinnest screen borders of any iPhone as well. Another interesting thing to note is that Apple says an updated internal architecture makes the device more repairable.Perhaps of more interest to many folks, however, is the introduction of an Action button on an iPhone for the first time. You can think of it as an upgraded mute switch. While you can still use it to put your phone in silent mode, you simply hold it down to activate Action button mode.As is the case on the Apple Watch Ultra, you can customize the Action button. You might set it to launch the camera app instantly, activate a voice recording, turn on an accessibility function or even trigger a shortcut.A new A17 Pro chip powers the latest iPhone Pro models. It's a 3nm chipset that has 19 billion transistors. It has a six-core CPU with two high-performances cores and four high-efficiency cores, along with a six-core GPU that supports hardware-accelerated ray-tracing that's four times faster than before, Apple claims.There's also a 16-core neural engine on the A17 Pro, along with dedicated ProRes engines, support for an always-on display. Video streaming should get an upgrade too, thanks to an AV1 video decoder. All of that power means that the iPhone 15 Pro can natively run modern AAA games such as Assassin's Creed Mirage, Death Stranding and Resident Evil Village.As for the iPhone 15 Pro's camera system, that can capture 3D spatial videos that will be compatible with Apple Vision Pro headsets. What's more, if you opt for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you'll get a 5x telephoto zoom lens with a 120mm focal length equivalent.The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max start at $999 and $1,199, respectively. Pre-orders open this Friday (September 15), and the phones will ship on September 22.Apple Watch Series 9AppleThe major change in the Apple Watch Series 9 is an upgraded chipset. The S9 chip has 5.6 billion transistors and a GPU that Apple says is 30 percent faster than before. There's a four-core neural engine and machine learning capabilities that are up to twice as fast on those seen in the Series 8.These power more advanced Siri experiences, Apple says. Siri requests are now processed on-device, which should make them faster as Apple won't need to send them to the cloud and back. You'll be able to log and ask for health data with Siri too.There's a second-gen ultra wideband chip to help you find a misplaced iPhone with more precision (as long as the phone has that chip too). The display reaches 2,000 nits, making it twice as bright as the Series 8 and as bright as the Apple Watch Ultra. The brightness can also drop as low as one nit, which should be useful for when you're at the movies and don't want to bother other people with the always-on display.On top of that, Apple is introducing a new gesture called Double Tap. By tapping your thumb and index finger together twice, you'll carry out the primary action in an app - answering or ending a call, playing or pausing a song, stopping a timer and so on. The S9 chip's neural engine powers Double Tap (so don't expect to see it on earlier models) and the feature will be available in October. This builds on accessibility features that have been available on Apple Watch for some time.The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for a GPS model and $499 if you want cellular connectivity. You can pre-order the new wearable today. It will ship on September 22.Apple Watch Ultra 2AppleThe Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the same S9 SIP, Double Tap, on-device Siri and ultra wideband features as the Series 9. It has the same battery life as the first Ultra (up to 36 hours and 72 on low-power mode). That's despite having a far brighter display.The screen is 50 percent brighter than the previous model at 3,000 nits. An ambient light sensor will be able to automatically switch the display to night mode.The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799 for GPS and cellular connectivity. Pre-orders go live today and it will ship on September 22.SoftwareAppleThose of you who aren't convinced about getting the latest iPhone or Apple Watch won't miss out on all the new stuff entirely. More features are coming to recent iPhones and Watches thanks to iOS 17 and watchOS 10, both of which will drop on September 18.That's not all, though. Apple has announced that iPadOS 17 and tvOS 17 will arrive on September 18 as well. As for those of you with an Apple desktop or laptop, you can upgrade your operating system to macOS Sonoma on September 26.Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/everything-announced-at-todays-apple-event-iphone-15-usb-c-apple-watch-series-9-and-more-200111613.html?src=rss

One of the main benefits of Apple's "pro" iPhones is the camera rig, which somehow gets pretty significant improvements every year. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are no exception. As they've done for several years now, both phones sport three-lens arrays, but there are a handful of noteworthy details this year, particularly for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.For the first time, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a "5X" optical zoom, with a 120mm focal length equivalent. That's significantly longer than the 3X 77mm focal length that you find on the standard iPhone 15 Pro (as well as both of last year's 14 Pro phones). It has a 25 percent larger sensor than the 3X camera in the 14 Pro Max while keeping an f/2.8 aperture, which Apple says is the largest of any smartphone in this optical range.Usually, longer telephoto lenses are literally longer in physical space, as well. To get around this, Apple is using what it calls a "tetraprism" design. Light rays are reflected four times through the glass which lets the light travel for longer without needing a physically larger design. There's a more advanced image stabilization system on board as well, something necessary when shooting at longer focal lengths. Of course, we're going to want to try this camera out to see how it performs, but it sounds like an impressive upgrade for anyone buying the iPhone 15 Pro Max - if you're an avid smartphone photographer, these changes alone might make the Max worth buying over the smaller model.A number of other updates are coming to both Pro-level iPhones. The "main" camera is 48 megapixels again, but advances in using that resolution will allow you to shoot with that main lens at your choice of three effective focal lengths: 24mm, 28mm and 35mm. You can choose your preferred setting and set it as your default. You won't typically output photos at the full 48-megapixel resolution - Apple combines pixels to improve low-light performances and the default output will be 24 megapixels. But if you'd rather use the full resolution, you can shoot in 48-megapixel ProRAW format, or in HEIF for a file that's smaller and more easily shareable.As with last year's cameras, the "main" shooter can also use the center of that 48-megapixel sensor to give you effective 2X zoom photos at 12 megapixels. And the smaller iPhone 13 Pro retains the 3X optical lens.Naturally, there are software improvements all throughout the iPhone's photo processing system, which Apple calls the Photonic Engine. That includes things like better low-light performance, improved HDR, continuous zoom when shooting portraits, the ability adjust portrait focus after the photo has been shot, improved dynamic range and more. But one of the ones that'll be immediately obvious is the iPhone automatically switches into Portrait mode when focusing on a human or pet, saving you the step of having to decide to activate it.While most of the camera improvements this year focused on photos, there is a big video change directly tied to a future Apple device. Later this year, the iPhone 15 Pro lineup will be able to shoot spatial video that can be viewed on the upcoming Vision Pro headset. These are essentially 3D videos shot using both the ultra-wide and main camera sensors to give a more immersive experience when using Apple's headset. Obviously, very few of us have had the chance to see how this works, but it's a smart way for Apple to get people shooting videos that'll presumably look compelling on the Vision Pro.While the standard iPhone 15 received a more modest set of upgrades, there's still a few things worth noting. The main camera sensor has been upgraded to 48 megapixels. This means that you can get a 2X zoom on the standard iPhone 15 for the first time, as it can crop into the center of the sensor and produce a 12-megapixel image without the degradation you get from digital zoom. You'll also get 24-megapixel images that combine pixels to improve low light and detail while still offering manageable file sizes. These are good improvements for people who don't want to think too much about the finer points of iPhone photography - but if you want more control over your images, the Pro models remain the best choice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-used-tetraprisms-to-cram-a-120mm-lens-into-the-iphone-15-pro-max-195545915.html?src=rss

Apple snuck in a significant change to iCloud data storage near the end of its Wonderlust" iPhone 15 event. The company added two new iCloud+ storage tiers: 6TB ($30 / month) and 12TB ($60 / month).The 6TB and 12TB cloud storage tiers join the existing 50GB, 200GB and 2TB plans currently available. Greg Joswiak, the company's marketing VP, said during the keynote that the higher-capacity options will provide even more room to keep your photos and videos safe," as Apple targets professional photographers and filmmakers who need extra space.The new plans are great for users with large photo and video libraries or those using Family Sharing, and will provide access to premium features, including Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domains, and HomeKit Secure Video support," the iPhone maker wrote today.Apple says the plans will arrive next week, and they aren't yet available to purchase on the iOS 17 betas. The current iCloud+ monthly payment options are $0.99 for 50GB, $2.99 for 200GB and $9.99 for 2TB. (Free users get 5GB with their account.) The monthly cost for Google's 5TB and 10TB plans cost $25 and $50, respectively, putting them in the same echelon as Apple's. Meanwhile, Dropbox's per-month pricing is more aggressive at $15 for 5TB and $24 for 15TB.Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/icloud-adds-new-6tb-and-12tb-storage-tiers-194853580.html?src=rss

An FDA medical advisory panel ruled that phenylephrine (PE), a key ingredient in many over-the-counter cold medications, does not actually work to treat nasal congestion when taken orally at the recommended 10 mg dose every 4 hours. Phenylephrine was last evaluated for over-the-counter use as an oral and intranasal decongestant in 1976, according to the panel. If you're keeping score at home, that means many of the OTC decongestants consumers in the US have been buying for nearly the last 50 years were, according to the FDA, "failed to provide any benefit over [a] placebo."This determination will impact drug makers that use PE as an active ingredient, which can be found in Sudafed, Vicks Sinex, and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion, for example.As part of the panel's review, the FDA reported that in 2022, an estimated 242 million packages of OTC cough and allergy oral products containing PE were sold in retail stores, which raked in about $1.8 billion in sales. It even notes that the true extent of use of PE-containing cold products is likely underestimated because retail sales data does not capture sales activity from Costco, convenience stores, specialty stores, internet sales, phone sales, or kiosks."The FDA will now need to determine if it will revoke PE's oral OTC designation as safe and effective." Without that designation, drug makers may see their products removed from stores.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-most-common-oral-decongestant-in-the-us-does-not-work-fda-finds-193003406.html?src=rss

After the usual flurry of rumors, we now know exactly what Apple is packing into the new iPhone 15. We also know models start at $799 and are up for pre-order starting this Friday with availability on September 22. The headline feature is the charging port: now all iPhone 15 models have USB-C instead of the old Lightning port (thanks, European Union). Other changes include the introduction of the Dynamic Island, previously reserved for Apple's Pro-level handsets only. Around back, the dual cameras incorporate a 48MP lens and a 12MP telephoto cam with a 2x optical zoom. And now Portrait Mode is enabled automatically, letting you apply the effect later, or not at all. It's all powered by the A16 Bionic chip, previously found in the iPhone 14 Pro models of the previous generation.If you're intrigued by that USB-C port and are in the market for a new iPhone, you may want to compare Apple's newest handset to the latest, most similar models: Samsung's Galaxy S23 and Google's Pixel 7. Here's a side-by-side comparison of all three of the major flagship phones:Apple iPhone 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Google Pixel 7Apple iPhone 15Samsung Galaxy S23Google Pixel 7PricingStarts at $799Starts at $700Starts at $599Release dateSeptember 22, 2023Feb 17, 2023October 13, 2022Dimensions5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in(147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm)5.76 x 2.79 x 0.30 in(146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm)6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in(155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm)Weight6.02 oz(171 g)5.93 oz(168 g)6.95 oz(197 g)Operating systemiOSAndroidAndroidScreen size6.1 in6.1 in6.3 inScreen resolution2556 x 1179 at 460ppi2340 x 1080 at 425ppi2400 x 1080 at 416ppiScreen type (refresh rate)Super Retina XDR displayDynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz)OLED (90Hz)ProcessorA16 Bionic chipSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Tensor G2Water and dust resistanceIP68IP68IP68Batterynot listed3900mAh4355mAhRAMnot listed8GB8GBInternal storage128GB / 256GB / 512GB128GB / 256GB128GB / 256GBRear camera(s)Two cameras:Main: 48MP, f/1.6 apertureWide, 2x optical zoom: 12MP, f/2.4 apertureThree cameras:Wide: 50MP, f/1.8 apertureUltrawide: 12MP, f/2.2 apertureTelephoto: 10MP, f/2.4 apertureTwo cameras:Wide: 50MP, f/1.85 apertureUltrawide: 12MP, f/2.2 apertureVideo capture4K x 60 fps8K at 30 fps4K at 60 fpsFront camera12MP, f/1.9 aperture12MP, f/2.2 aperture10.8MP, f/2.2 apertureWi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6ECharging20W fast charging, 15W wireless25W fast charging, 12W wireless20W fast charging, 20W wirelessConnectorUSB-C 2UCB-CUSB-CFollow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-iphone-15-vs-the-competition-goodbye-lightning-hello-usb-c-192629676.html?src=rss

Apple unveiled the new Apple Watch Series 9 on Tuesday. The main upgrade is a new S9 chipset, which includes the wearable's first real CPU upgrade since the Series 6 in 2020 and helps enable features like a "double tap" gesture for controlling parts of apps hands-free. There's also a brighter display, a new neural engine, a fresh pink colorway and, according to Apple's product listing, a more expansive 64GB of storage. Designwise, however, the new watch looks much like the old ones.Should you upgrade? We'll have to review the Series 9 to see, but for now, we've laid out how the new wearable compares to a couple top rivals, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Google Pixel Watch, on the spec sheet. Specs can't tell the whole story, of course: WatchOS and Wear OS are different beasts, and many of Apple's biggest updates this year are software-based. Plus, just because two watches have similar sensors doesn't mean they're equally accurate. But if you're curious about what your money gets you in 2023, here's how the Series 9's hardware stacks up.There is a caveat to this, as Google has already confirmed that a new Pixel Watch will arrive in October. That one will come with better water resistance and, in all likelihood, an improved chipset. That said, we won't have full rundown of its specs until next month, and Google's sneak preview suggests it'll be similar to the existing model physically.Apple Watch Series 9Samsung Galaxy Watch 6Google Pixel WatchPricing (MSRP)41mm Aluminum: $39945mm Aluminum: $42941mm Stainless steel: $69945mm Stainless steel: $74940mm: $299.9944mm: $329.99$349.99Dimensions41mm: 1.61 x 1.38 x 0.42 inches45mm: 1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 inches40mm: 1.53 x 1.59 x 0.35 inches44mm: 1.69 x 1.75 x 0.35 inches41mm: 1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 inchesWeight (approx.)41mm Aluminum: 1.13 ounces45mm Aluminum: 1.37 ounces41mm Stainless steel: 1.49 ounces45mm Stainless steel: 1.82 ounces40mm: 1.02 ounces44mm: 1.16 ounces1.27 ouncesCase materialAluminum or Stainless steelAluminum (Stainless steel on Galaxy Watch 6 Classic)Stainless steelDisplay size41mm: 1.69 inches45mm: 1.9 inches40mm: 1.31 inches44mm: 1.47 inches1.2 inchesDisplay resolution / pixel density41mm: 430 x 352, 326 ppi45mm: 484 x 396, 326 ppi40mm: 432 x 432, 330 ppi44mm: 480 x 480, 327 ppi320 ppiDisplay typeLTPO OLEDAluminum: Ion-X glassStainless steel: Sapphire crystal glassSuper AMOLEDSapphire crystal glassAMOLEDCorning Gorilla Glass 5Display brightnessUp to 2,000 nitsUp to 2,000 nitsUp to 1,000 nitsChipsetApple S9 (dual-core)Exynos W930 (dual-core, 5 nm)Exynos 9110 (dual-core, 10 nm)Storage64GB16GB32GBBattery life (claimed)Up to 18 hours / up to 36 hours in Low Power ModeUp to 40 hours with always-on display (AOD) off / up to 30 hours with AOD on40mm: 300mAh44mm: 425mAhUp to 24 hours294mAhWireless chargingYes, via proprietary standardYes, via WPC-based chargers10WNot officially supportedWater resistanceUp to 50 meters, IP6X dust resistanceIP68, 5 ATM5 ATMGPSGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, GalileoGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, GalileoHealth featuresOptical heart rate sensor, blood oxygen measurements, temperature sensor, ECG app, sleep tracking, irregular heart rhythm notificationsOptical heart rate sensor, blood oxygen measurements, temperature sensor, ECG app, sleep tracking, irregular heart rhythm notifications, bioelectrical impedance analysis sensorOptical heart rate sensor, overnight blood oxygen measurements, Fitbit ECG app, sleep trackingWi-Fi802.11 b/g/n802.11 a/b/g/n802.11 b/g/nBluetoothv5.3v5.3v5.0NFCYesYesYesOSwatchOS 10Wear OS 4, One UI 5 WatchWear OS 3.5Case colorsAluminum: Pink, Starlight, Midnight, Silver, Product RedStainless steel: Gold, Silver, GraphiteGraphite, GoldChampagne Gold, Matte Black, Polished SilverOther featuresAlways-on display, ultra-wideband chip, fall detection, crash detection, emergency SOS, optional 4G LTE (standard with stainless steel model), altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscopeAlways-on display, fall detection, emergency SOS, optional 4G LTE, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscopeAlways-on display, Fitbit integration, fall detection, emergency SOS, optional 4G LTE, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscopeThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-watch-series-9-vs-the-competition-same-design-more-power-191333859.html?src=rss

Apple just teased an interesting feature for the just-announced iPhone 15 Pro line of smartphones. Thanks to the redesigned camera system and the addition of the powerful A17 Pro CPU, these phones can shoot 3D spatial videos and photos which can then be viewed by using the forthcoming Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset.When Apple unveiled the Vision Pro, it spent some time on the notion of spatial videos and photos. Basically, these are completely three-dimensional experiences that you can relive by donning the headset. For instance, if you make a spatial video of your daughter's birthday party, you can wear the Vision Pro and relive the day, as the operating system makes it feel like you're back in the moment.

We figured the iPhone 15 Pro would feature some sort a new A17 chip, but Apple surprised us by debuting its first "Pro" chip today. The A17 Pro is Apple's most powerful mobile silicon yet. The 3 nanometer chip features 17 billion transistors and a six-core CPU. Apple claims its two performance cores are 10 percent faster than the A16, while its four efficiency cores offer far better performance per watt. The 6-core GPU is also 20 percent faster than before, and it features advanced graphics features like hardware accelerated ray tracing.Developing...Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-unveils-a17-pro-a-3nm-chip-powering-iphone-15-pro-182113747.html?src=rss

Today at its annual fall iPhone event, Apple announced its next two flagship handsets in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. And while their overall design looks similar to last year's devices, there are a handful of interesting new features that could make them worthy upgrades.Starting with their displays, screen sizes are staying pat at 6.1 and 6.7 inches respectively while Apple's Dynamic Island is being used againto house the phone's selfie cam and FaceID sensors. However, their bezels are noticeably thinner, resulting in a slightly larger screen-to-body ratio. On top of that, thanks to their new grade 5 titanium frames, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the lightest Pro handsets Apple has ever made while also offering improved durability compared to the stainless steel chassis on the previous models. The company says the back glass on the iPhone 15 Pro is also easier to replace due to a new substructure. And on the side of the phone, there's also a new Action button that uses haptic feedback to give you more control over the device's settings and controls.As for performance, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will be powered by Apple's latest 3nm A17 chip and a USB-C port that's faster than what you get on the standard model due to support for up to USB 3 speeds. Apple says its A17's GPU is 20 percent faster than before with even better power efficiency. And for the first time ever on an A-series chip, the A17 supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing.For photography, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max feature a new 48-MP main camera with a larger sensor, while portrait pics are getting an upgrade thanks to a feature that captures depth information automatically so you don't need to select the mode yourself. Meanwhile in darker environments, Apple says its improved Smart HDR does a better job of capturing bright colors with more detailed highlights and dynamic range.But perhaps the biggest photo upgrade is the new 5x telephoto zoom lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The new optical zoom is based on a new tetra-prism setup to deliver increased range over the 3x optical zoom on the smaller iPhone 15 Pro.Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This story is still developing...This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/iphone-15-pro-has-a-titanium-case-an-action-button-and-usb-c-181257580.html?src=rss

Apple is switching from Lighting to USB-C for the port on the entire iPhone 15 lineup, but the company isn't stopping there. During today's Apple event, the company announced it would also be swapping out the wired charging jack on the second-generation AirPods Pro that debuted last year. You can use a USB-C cable to charge the AirPods Pro case from an iPhone 15 too.The second-gen AirPods Pro are a big improvement over the company's first version, with better audio quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) performance. Apple's earbuds and headphones have the most natural-sounding transparency mode of any we've tested, which is a huge boost for both video and voice calls. You can hear yourself so well you don't need to shout, and at times, it sounds like you aren't even wearing them. Conveniences like hands-free access to Siri, seamless switching between iCloud-connected devices and the added volume control also come in handy.Apple is also getting ready to add three new features to the latest AirPods Pro. Adaptive Audio will fine-tune ANC and transparency mode to your environment. This tool "dynamically blends" the two as you move from one spot to the next and encounter varying degrees of ambient distractions. Personalized Volume, according to Apple, uses machine learning to predict your desired listening level based on your activity over time. And lastly, Conversation Awareness will lower the volume while also focusing on voices and reducing background noise. It's triggered when you start speaking, so you don't have to press a button to use it.In addition to those main items, Apple's pending update will further improve seamless switching between various devices synced to your iCloud account. This includes jumping from iPhone to MacBook Pro when you have a video call, for example. Speaking of calls, you'll soon be able to mute/unmute by pressing the stem on the AirPods Pro. This feature will also be available on the first-generation AirPods Pro, AirPods Max and the third-gen AirPods. We expect the software-based updates to arrive soon, but there's no word yet on exactly when that will be.Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-airpods-pro-now-come-with-a-usb-c-charging-case-175348512.html?src=rss

At today's Apple event, the company has pulled the cover off the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus and, as expected, it's mostly another iterative update - but with a few nice new features nonetheless. That said, the biggest change will undoubtedly impact lots of potential buyers, as Apple is saying goodbye to the Lightning port it introduced in 2012 with the iPhone 5. In its place, as expected, is USB-C.As you'd expect, USB-C will carry power, audio and video, and a USB-C Apple Watch charger cable will let you power up your Watch via your iPhone's battery.Like last year, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include 6.1- and 6.7-inch displays, respectively. The big change this year is that the notch is gone, replaced by the so-called Dynamic Island that Apple first brought to the iPhone 14 Pro lineup last year. Almost everyone will likely appreciate a less obtrusive front camera cutout, though the notification utility of the Dynamic Island isn't exactly the game-changer that Apple positioned it to be last year.Another big change to the display this year is that it is brighter than ever before - the peak brightness in sunlight reaches 2,000 nits, while HDR video playback goes up to 1,600 nits.The camera is getting some notable upgrades, as well. While there are still only two distinct camera lenses, the phone now has the same 48-megapixel sensor that Apple first introduced in last year's iPhone 14 Pro. It groups the pixels and makes a 24-megapixel output, but you can also crop in closer and use the middle 12 megapixels for a 2x telephoto option. Naturally, it still also has a wide-angle lens as well. There's also a new portrait mode that is enabled automatically when it sees you focusing on a person or pet.Unsurprisingly, the iPhone 15 is using the A16 Bionic chip that Apple put in the iPhone 15 Pro last year. That's not a big surprise, given that the A15 chip is now two years old - even though it's still plenty powerful, it would have been surprising to see Apple try and stretch it for another year.There's a new ultra-wideband chip in the iPhone 15, same as the one found in the Apple Watch Series 9. This makes it easier to find friends or devices when you're near them. You'll get an indicator showing you which direction to head and about how far away you are. Apple's existing SOS service is being extended to work with AAA roadside service, as well.Like Apple is doing with the Apple Watch, new iPhone cases will not use leather; instead they are using Apple's own FineWoven fabric. As usual, the iPhone 15 comes in five colors: Black, light blue, mint green, light yellow and pink. (These are my interpretations of these colors; I'm sure Apple will have their own names for them.) Pricing is unchanged from last year: The iPhone 15 will cost $799 and the 15 Plus will cost $899, both with 128GB of storage.Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-iphone-15-has-a-48-megapixel-camera-and-the-dynamic-island-174520662.html?src=rss

Apple's premium smartwatch is getting its first major upgrade. The company showed off the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2, the first update for the high-end watch meant for extreme athletes and others with more specialized fitness-tracking needs.As expected, the second-gen device will keep the same 49-millimeter form factor as the original, but still sport some significant upgrades. Notably, the Ultra 2 comes with a new extra-bright 3,000 nit display to make the screen easier to read in any lighting conditions. In darker settings, the display's night mode will activate automatically thanks to its ambient light sensor.The Ultra 2 will be among the first watches to get Apple's new S9 chip, which will power the new double tap" gesture, and upgraded Siri functionality. As with the Series 9, the gesture allows wearers to answer calls, snooze alarms and perform other tasks by quickly pinching their thumb and forefinger together.As with the original Ultra, the second-gen device boasts a longer battery life than its smaller Series 9 counterpart. According to Apple, the Ultra 2 will top out at 36 hours of battery life on one charge, but can last up to 72 hours in low-power mode. That's a slight improvement over last year's model, which could go 60 hours in low-power mode and 36 hours on one charge.When the Ultra launched last year, one of its standout features was its depth-tracking abilities meant for scuba divers and other underwater activities. Now, the onboard depth app has been upgraded to automatically save past dives so you can track depth history directly from the watch.The Ultra 2 will also get the same software upgrades as the Series 9, thanks to watchOS 10. Among the upgrades are new cycling workout-tracking features and new, more powerful widgets, as well as an upgraded compass app.Apple noted it switched to 99 percent recycled materials in the Ultra 2, part of its broader push to less the environmental impact of its products (the company claims the Ultra 2 is carbon neutral" when paired witht he company's new Alpine loop band).The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available now for pre-order, and will ship on September 22.Developing...Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-watch-ultra-2-has-an-extra-bright-display-and-s9-chip-174156027.html?src=rss

Apple's watchOS 10 will officially be available on September 18, the company announced during its iPhone 15 launch event today. The update is simultaneously one of the biggest facelifts ever for watchOS, while also being a throwback to the original "Glances" feature from the original Apple Watch. Instead of focusing on individual apps, WatchOS 10 relies on widgets in every watch face - just turn the Digital Crown and you'll have quick access to things like timers, music, or a podcast episode that you're listening to.Given how confusing multitasking has been in watchOS for some time, it makes sense for Apple to reorient the platform around simple tasks, rather than have you flip through multiple app screens. (Maybe Apple just noticed that people really like using the Siri watch face, which offered a similar array of widgets.)As we saw during WWDC, watchOS 10 will come equipped with two new watch faces - a colorful view called Palette, and one featuring Woodstock and Snoopy - and includes a slew of other upgrades. You'll be able to add corner shortcuts to the Activity app, for one, while the Compass app will automatically log where you last had cellular connectivity (in case you need to backtrack for an emergency call).watchOS 10 will be available on the Apple Watch Series 4 or later, and it also requires an iPhone XS running iOS 17.Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Wonderlust' event right here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watchos-10-brings-widgets-to-your-apple-watch-on-september-18-173827349.html?src=rss

Apple added a new gesture to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 that the company believes will change how you use your wearable. Double Tap lets you control various system functions by tapping your thumb and index finger together twice in quick succession - no need to touch the display or free up your other hand.The company gave several examples of the feature in action. You can use Double Tap to answer or end calls, snooze alarms, play / pause music or start and stop timers. Apple COO Jeff Williams said it's especially useful for times when your other hand isn't free, like when walking a dog or carrying groceries. Williams added that you can use Double Tap to call up the Smart Stack, watchOS 10's new scrollable series of widgets you can also reach by twisting the Digital Crown from your watch face.Apple says Double Tap requires the faster Neural Engine S9 SIP, so older models will be left out. The company says the Neural Engine processes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor with a new machine learning algorithm. The algorithm detects the unique signature of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb perform a double tap."The S9 will be found in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the company says it will arrive in a software update next month.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/double-tap-adds-versatile-gesture-control-to-the-apple-watch-series-9-and-apple-watch-ultra-2-173610798.html?src=rss

Native Instruments' Kontrol S series MIDI keyboards are a favorite among producers and musicians for their solid build and tight integration with the company's instruments like Kontakt and Massive X. This year the controllers are getting a pretty significant upgrade that pushes the hardware to new heights and tightens the integration with the company's flagship software.Physically there are few immediately obvious differences on the Kontrol S MK3. For one the stark matte black aesthetic has been toned down a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's still a mostly black affair, but there are some additional lights and colored labels have been added to some of the buttons. The touch strip has also been moved above the pitch and mod wheels which, might seem like a minor tweak, but greatly improves playability. It could often get in the way and it's something that a lot of Native Instruments' customers complained about, so it's good to see the company listening to feedback.Terrence O'Brien / EngadgetThe other glaring difference is the screen. Where the MK2 had two small, but functional screens, the MK3 has one large hi-res screen. It's bright and crisp and easy to view from any angle. Many of the graphics and UI elements have been updated to take advantage of the new display, too. You can't do everything in your DAW on the keyboard, the way you might with say with an Ableton Push, but you can do almost anything inside of Komplete Kontrol. The screen allows you to browse through all your Native Instruments plugins and sound packs, and even many third party VSTs, like those from Arturia, complete with artwork. And then change parameters, complete with visual feedback, until you get the sound you're looking for.If you'd rather not deal with the additional overhead of Komplete Kontrol, the keyboard can tap directly into Kontakt 7. Frankly I much preferred this. While being able to browse, load and tweak presets, regardless of instrument directly from the keyboard is nice, it can be a little overwhelming. And there is a touch more lag loading Kontakt soundbanks when you're going through the middleman of Komplete Kontrol. (And they open slow enough on my four-year-old Dell as is.)Terrence O'Brien / EngadgetThe eight knobs under the screen give you quick access to a number of parameters based on what instrument you've loaded. And in Kontakt, there's additional flexibility because they can vary based on preset, which loads with a performance mode by default. These are the eight parameters deemed most important for live tweaking. But you can dive deeper by hitting a button above the screen to switch to edit mode where you can page through the complete set of options and get really detailed designing a patch. All of this is thanks to the new NKS 2.0 (Native Kontrol Standard) platform.Two of the other major changes to the S Series are a little less obvious. For one there's a new unibody shell that, might not make any practical difference, but does give generation a slightly more solid feel. The capacitive encoders and pitch and mod wheels are all made from machined aluminum as well. This is a keyboard that feels worthy of a professional studio.Terrence O'Brien / EngadgetMore exciting though, is the new keybed which was developed in coordination with Fatar and brings polyphonic aftertouch to the Kontrol series. While there aren't a lot of Native Instruments' plugins that take full advantage of this yet, it does add a bit of future proofing to the lineup. With MPE gaining in popularityThe company had to do something to keep pace with the time.It feels great too. I tested the Kontrol S49 which, like its slightly bigger sibling the S61, has a semi-weighted keybed. The travel for aftertouch is short, but satisfying and in general it responds to playing naturally allowing you to get a lot of nuance from your playing. The S88 however will have a full hammer action keyboard that might appeal more to serious piano players.Terrence O'Brien / EngadgetLastly, it's worth noting that there is plenty of connectivity on board as well. Obviously, there's MIDI over over USB-C, but there's also dedicated five-pin MIDI ins and outs, plus four pedal input jacks (one sustain, one expression and two assignable).The Native Instruments Kontrol S Series MK3 keyboards are available for preorder today starting at $749 for the S49, $849 for the S61 and $1,299 for the S88. All three are expected to start shipping sometime in October.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/kontrol-s-series-mk3-hands-on-a-high-end-midi-keyboard-for-the-native-instruments-faithful-162055627.html?src=rss

In a world of generic electric bikes, the JackRabbit is hard to ignore. The micro, pedal-free ride blends the convenience of a scooter with the sitdown comfort of a bicycle. We loved the original, but there was plenty of room for improvement. That room has been dramatically reduced with the unveiling of the JackRabbit XG - a newer, more powerful and slightly (just slightly) bigger version available starting today.The XG initially looks very similar to the OG" (as it has since been dubbed) that came before it. What you will notice is that it sports a more conventional diamond-style frame. There are also two batteries this time around for up to 20 miles of range (double the original). As mentioned earlier, the wheelbase is a shade longer, but only by an inch or two. The result is a more refined bike with not only more range but, thanks to a new 500W motor, more power for going up hills with the same 20 mph max speed.The quality-of-life enhancements also extend beyond extra power and range. The JackRabbit XG comes with an actual bike computer so you can see real time speed, trip length and a more refined battery life gauge. Before, the only feedback you had for anything were three LEDs to indicate remaining power. Additionally, there are new all-metal footpegs, which is great as the original used rubber shoes" on its pegs and they easily fell off - I lost both within two short rides.The addition of the extra battery, combined with that new motor are what really makes the JackRabbit XG feel like an improvement on the original. I stated in my review that the battery life was perhaps on the shorter side and if you ever ran out of juice, like I once did, it wasn't a very fun time getting back home on, effectively, an adult balance bike. Thankfully, with double the amount of cells, the XG now reaches up to, and maybe even beyond 20 miles of normal usage putting it well on par with what you'd expect from a scooter. (There are no pedals here, so that range is motor-only.)Photo by James Trew / EngadgetOne of the first things you noticed when you rode the original was the higher center of gravity which gave the JackRabbit a lively" riding experience. Thankfully, the XG feels a lot more stable and doesn't seem to feature any of the twitchy physics at higher speeds. And thanks to the three power modes, you have more control over the maximum speed (and thus range and ride feel) of the bike.Naturally, that extra battery and longer frame add a bit of heft. The OG model weighed in at 24 pounds, while the XG adds another eight to that. You can still easily lift the bike with one hand though, and a dash up the subway stairs with it is still perfectly manageable. By keeping with the same battery as the OG, upgraders might even have some spares ready, but also the double battery bay means you can ride on just one cell if needed, or if you just fancy a lighter ride with less range. Thankfully, the batteries no longer require a key to unlock them for swapping out, with new permanent clips on the underside of the XG instead, which is much easier and saves having to carry another, easily losable, key.Some smaller details show how the JackRabbit is maturing. For example, the bike now comes with powered front and back lights which connect to a new power port on the side. There's also a front brake now to augment the rear one so you won't have to pull a rad slide in certain strong braking situations. That said, there are a couple of other listed features that are perhaps more creative on the marketing side than practical for the user. For one there's a walk mode" - which typically has the bike roll itself along slowly as you stroll. But here that mode is achieved not by holding down a button to engage the throttle slightly, instead you loosen the handlebars, rotate them 90 degrees (so that the bike is thin") and Jackrabbit's walk mode" is activated." That said, the same process does easily allow for tidy storage of the bike.Photo by James Trew / EngadgetIt's in the riding that the XG comes to life. The OG model would pull away when you pressed the accelerator, but the new model requires you to push off first, much like on a scooter. It's a minor change, but one that does stop the bike pulling away from you if you accidentally activate the throttle. In high" mode, you don't need to push off to start moving, so if that's what you prefer you can keep it in that setting. Having the three power modes is a welcome way of moderating battery usage without having to be as judicious with the accelerator. I won't lie though, high" is the most fun and that's where I find myself keeping it now that it sports the extra range.The OG model had a few rough edges, but was a fun alternative to scooters or small e-bikes. The XG feels much more refined and practical with all the major pain points addressed with very little tradeoff - though it's a shade larger and heavier making it just that much less convenient than a foldable scooter. With all these changes though comes a much higher price tag. The original was $1,200 when we wrote about it but has since dropped back to $1,000. The XG will cost $1,750 at launch.That's a decent step up, but it bests its younger sibling in every conceivable way. That also puts it up in the same price range as many regular e-bikes. If you're considering the XG purely as an alternative to a scooter then it's clearly a pricier option. If, however, you want the flexibility of a bike that can perk up your daily commute and go on adventures that scooters can't, the JackRabbit XG suddenly seems much more attractive.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jackrabbits-xg-e-bike-adds-more-range-power-fun-and-expense-160038972.html?src=rss

Once again, we're at Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, waiting for the company to unveil new hardware. But unlike WWDC earlier this year, there is much less hype over what we expect to see. Instead of a mixed reality headset that was a first for the company, this time we're most likely getting new iPhones and Apple Watches - things that Tim Cook and friends have spent so many years refining it's hard to imagine them looking drastically different.Still, iPhones are the most popular phones around, and we might still be treated to surprise announcements. Stick around as we bring you all the news straight from Apple Park. The keynote begins at 1pm ET (or 10am PT), and we'll begin liveblogging about an hour before that, so come through with your favorite snacks and beverages!This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-event-2023-live-updates-on-the-new-iphone-15-160001658.html?src=rss

Virtual private networks (VPNs) continue to increase in popularity, and one of the most famous services is offering a great deal to entice new customers. NordVPN is selling two-year subscription plans for up to 68 percent off, depending on which tier you go with. You also get three free months of service when you sign up, which is never a bad thing.Here's how the deal breaks down. The company's Standard plan is 62 percent off, costing $108 for two years, while the Advanced plan is 68 percent off, coming in at $140 for two years. The Standard plan is likely the best option for average consumers, unless you run a crypto mining farm in your basement or something. This plan gives you access to the VPN itself for secure browsing in addition to ad-trackers, ad-blockers, malware protection software, a file-sharing service and a dark web monitor.The Advanced plan is for power users and includes all of the above plus access to a dedicated and permanent IP address you can use when browsing. The fluctuating IP address available with the Standard plan is fine for most people, but using a static IP address is good when pursuing online activities that demand higher security, like online banking or remotely accessing sensitive data.NordVPN just missed our list of best virtual private networks, due to a higher-than-average price point, so this deal certainly solves that problem. The company's generally considered to be solid, with well-performing networks and an active customer service arm. There's a reason NordVPN's been around since 2012, which is an eternity in the volatile VPN industry.If you aren't even sure what you would need a VPN for, they are actually quite useful for those who spend a lot of time online. These services are nearly-mandatory if you often access public Wi-Fi, to protect from nefarious cybercriminals. VPNs also work to block malicious sites and help keep your personal data private. Finally, they let you pretend you are in other locations, allowing you to access your favorite streaming platforms when, say, traveling abroad.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/good-deal-nordvpn-two-year-plans-are-up-to-68-percent-off-right-now-154504370.html?src=rss

Fujifilm has taken the wraps off the GFX100 II medium format camera, a successor to the original GFX100 launched back in 2019. It carries the same 102-megapixel resolution of the original model, but has a new sensor and processor that delivers faster shooting speeds, improved autofocus, full-sensor 4K (and even 8K) video and a lot more. At the same time, it's more like the GFX100S in terms of size and price.Where the GFX100 was gigantic in size due to the built-in battery grip, the GFX100 II has separated those two things, so the camera body alone is considerably smaller (the grip is sold separately for $500). It has a new 9.44 million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), the highest in the industry, that's removable as before. That allows the use of an optional $569 tilt adapter that makes low-angle shooting easier. The rear touch display tilts up, down and a bit to the side, but doesn't flip out (sorry, rich vloggers).FujifilmWith the latest X-Processor borrowed from the X-H2S and X-H2 cameras, the GFX100 II can shoot at 8fps (up from 5fps before), pretty darn fast for a medium format (43.8 x 32.9mm) sensor camera. It now comes with subject-detection autofocus with face/eye detection, and can also track animals, birds, vehicles and other fast-moving subjects like insects and drones - both for photos and video.The body looks more like the X-H2/X-H2S than other X-series cameras, with just a single mode dial and a large LCD display on top. It offers 5-axis in-body stabilization with up to 8-stops of shake reduction. In terms of storage, it supports dual cards with one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II slot - and you can also capture video to an external SSD via the USB-C port. Other features include headphone/mic ports, a full-sized HDMI port and an ethernet port. It even supports timecode jamming for video via the Atomos AirGlu BT.FujifilmIf you want to shoot video with a nearly 70mm-sized frame, the GFX100 II can do that impressively well also. It supports 4K at up to 60p using the full width of the sensor, and even keeps rolling shutter to a reasonable level - likely via line skipping or pixel binning. There's even an 8K mode, albeit with a 1.53 times crop, that reads the sensor pixel-for-pixel with some upscaling. On top of 8K, UHD and 4K DCI modes, it can shoot anamorphic video at up to 4.8K.It can record Apple ProRes vide in three formats (422 HQ, 422 and 422 LT), along with H.264 and ProRes 422 proxy files. The higher-quality codecs require CFexpress Type B or USB SSD capture.Fujifilm clearly thinks that pros will use the GFX100 II for video, as it offers waveform and vectorscope overlays to help nail exposure. It has front and rear tally lamps, the ability to use fractional shutter speeds to avoid flicker and an optional fan accessory that allows for unlimited 4K/60p recording times. And as mentioned, it supports timecode sync and jamming, so it can work in a multi-camera shooting environment. On top of all that, it supports up to four channels of audio.Along with the camera, Fujifilm introduced a new $2,300 55mm f/1.7R WR lens (44mm equivalent in full-frame terms), along with two tilt-shift 30mm and 110mm lenses for architectural an artistic shooting ($4,000 and $3,500 respectively). The GFX100 II launches in "early fall 2023 for $7,500, compared to $6,000 for the GFX100S and $10,000 for the GFX 100.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fujifilm-launches-the-slimmed-down-cheaper-gfx-100-ii-medium-format-camera-153054647.html?src=rss

If you've been thinking about getting a new keyboard for yourself, there are some fresh options on the market to consider. Drop is launching updated editions of its CTRL, ALT and SHIFT models. New features for the V2 keyboards include plate-mounted Drop Phantom Stabilizers, more LED customization and 50 new LED patterns. The new keyboards also have additional layers of foam, including Poron top and bottom case foam and IXPE switch foam. Plus, the SHIFT V2 comes with a new black colorway.The aircraft-grade aluminum of Drop's original keyboards remains alongside the upgrades. "The new and improved CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT V2 keyboards represent a leap forward in design, performance, and functionality while preserving the cherished qualities that made their predecessors beloved by our community," Drop CEO Jef Holove said in a statement. "With the addition of highly requested features such as stabilizer upgrades, new switch options, and enhanced RGB LED capabilities, we offer the community an upgraded and unparalleled typing experience that will make them fall in love with these reinvented, classic keyboards all over again."The news follows Corsair's recent acquisition of Drop for an undisclosed amount. In the July announcement, Holove said that Drop would still work together with "community favorites" while providing products to a larger audience at a quicker speed.Drop's V2 CTRL, ALT and SHIFT keyboards are available as barebones or fully assembled models. You can get the scaled-down versions for between $140 to $190 and the completed keyboards for $180 to $250. The company is also releasing the PCBA + foam kit and Phantom Stabilizers as add-ons - starting at $105 - if you already own a Drop keyboard but want to upgrade it a bit.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/drops-refreshed-ctrl-alt-and-shift-keyboards-offer-improved-stabilization-and-led-patterns-150003774.html?src=rss

Lyft has announced an initiative that aims to bolster safety for riders and drivers who identify as women or nonbinary. Women+ Connect is a feature that gives women and nonbinary drivers the option to match with women and nonbinary riders more often. Lyft says this is an opt-in feature that's preference-based. If a driver activates Women+ Connect but there are no women or nonbinary people who are looking for a ride close by, they'll still be matched with a male rider and vice versa.The feature will initially be available in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose. Lyft plans to enable it in more cities in the near future. When it's available in their area, women and nonbinary riders and drivers will see a "count me in" prompt. If they agree to this, it's more likely that they'll be matched with a woman or nonbinary person.Improving safety is a major goal for Lyft with this effort. The company is also hoping it will encourage more women and nonbinary folks to sign up as drivers. Lyft says that, according to a recent survey, nearly half of riders are women, but they make up 23 percent of drivers on the platform. Women drivers tell us it's hard to drive at night," Jody Kelman, Lyft's executive vice president of customers, told The New York Times. We need to remove a barrier for women drivers today."Ridesharing platforms such as Lyft and Uber have added more safety features to their apps over the years amid reports of sexual assaults and other violent encounters. They have made it easier for riders and drivers to contact support staff and 911, keep loved ones up to date with their location and record audio from the ride. Lyft consulted with experts such as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives as it built Women+ Connect.It is worth noting that Lyft makes it a cinch for riders and drivers to change their gender identity in the app with a few taps. You'll see a driver or rider's preferred pronouns in the app, but not their gender identity.Access to Women+ Connect is based on the gender that users identify with in the Lyft app. Lyft says the default gender identity it uses for drivers is based on the license it has on file, while riders always self-identify their gender. However, any user can change their gender identity in the app at any time. Balancing the ability for users to easily express their gender accurately (particularly for those who are transitioning) while ensuring this feature works as intended is a tricky needle to thread and may cause some issues, but at least Lyft is considering that factor while implementing Women+ Connect.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lyft-aims-to-match-women-and-nonbinary-riders-and-drivers-with-each-other-more-often-145047131.html?src=rss

A deal is great, but a deal and a gift card is even better. Amazon is offering just that, giving customers who purchase an already discounted Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 or Galaxy Tab S9+ a $100 gift card to - you guessed it - Amazon. The Tab S9 is 13 percent off, dropping from $920 to $800, and the Tab S9+ is 11 percent off, taking it from $1,120 to $999.Samsung's Galaxy Tab series is a solid option overall, with the S9 and S9+ both representing good buys. We're partial to them over the newer Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, which we gave a 78 to in our review due to its beautiful screen and powerful hardware (pro), but a $1,200 price tag (con). The cheaper Galaxy Tab S9 still has excellent features like an 11-inch high-quality screen, Wi-Fi 6E compatibility and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. The Tab S9+ has a 12.4-inch screen, a 10,090mAh battery (compared to the S9's 8,400mAh) and a 512GB option.The $100 gift card is available with your purchase until September 24th, using the code PDHMT3LPAACC, and will be sent in an email as soon as your shipment is complete. If you prefer to buy directly from the manufacturer, Samsung currently has the same sales going on as Amazon. Of course, you'd be foregoing the gift card though.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-is-giving-away-100-gift-cards-with-samsung-galaxy-tab-s9-purchases-142045167.html?src=rss

Panasonic has unveiled the Lumix G9 II, its first Micro Four Thirds camera with hybrid phase-detect autofocus. A successor to the 20-megapixel photo-centric G9 released way back in 2017, it comes with a new 25.2-megapixel (MP) sensor, and offers features like 60 fps burst speeds, 5.7K and 4K 60p ProRes video, USB-C SSD recording and 8 stops of optical image stabilization. It instantly becomes Panasonic's best Micro Four Thirds camera and should appeal to users ranging from wildlife photographers to content creators.The key feature is the new 25.2-megapixel dual native ISO sensor. It carries the same resolution as the GH6, but adds hybrid phase-detect (PDAF) autofocus with 779 points that's married to Panasonic's AI subject tracking. The new system allows not only for faster tracking, but better AF in backlit conditions, low illumination and other tricky conditions. It recognizes not just faces and eyes, but also human bodies, and can track animal eyes, cars and motorcycles.Panasonic is promising blackout-free burst speeds of 60 fps with continuous AF and the electronic shutter, or 10 fps in mechanical mode. At the same time, the buffer takes three seconds to fill, meaning you can grab around 160 RAW+JPG images before shooting slows. It's also got a pre-burst shooting function (0.5-, 1- or 1.5-second settings), meaning photographers won't miss a decisive moment if they're a bit late on the shutter.PanasonicPanasonic also borrowed the "Dynamic Range Boost" function from the GH6. It's essentially an HDR photo mode that combines low and high ISO images to produce a composite with both low noise and high saturation. The G9 II also has Panasonic's handheld high-res mode that combines multiple images to create a 100MP JPEG photo with extra detail. It uses the camera's IBIS mechanism to keep the camera steady, meaning no tripod is required.As for the IBIS, it's also borrowed from the GH6 and delivers 8 stops of compensation, or 7.5 stops in 5-axis Dual IS 2 mode (used for longer telephoto lenses). As with other recent models, the G9 II also offers Active IS for shooting on the move, and Enhance IS to correct larger shake when running or walking.The G9 II has a weather-resistant design, a new 8-direction joystick and supports an all-new optional $350 camera grip (also compatible with the S5 II/S5 IIx). The 1,840K dot LCD display fully articulates for vloggers and self-shooters, of course, and it comes with a decent 3,680K dot OLED. Other features include microphone/headphone ports and a full-sized HDMI port.PanasonicPanasonic downplayed it a bit, but the G9 II is now the company's most powerful Micro Four Thirds mirrorless model for video, thanks largely to the PDAF. It can shoot 4:2:0 10-bit 17:9 5.7K video at up to 60 fps, or 10-bit 4K at up to 120p. It also offers 4:3 open gate (5.8K) and 4:3 anamorphic shooting (4.4K). Plus, it supports regular MP4 formats (including I-frame) and Apple ProRes - not bad for a camera aimed at photographers.You can shoot V-Log/V-Gamut video with 13+ stops of dynamic range, while applying your own LUTs in real time to see how graded footage will look. Panasonic also has a few new creative looks including Leica Monochrome "for deep black-white contrasts."Other handy video features include a red rec frame indicator, a frame marker and AWB (auto white balance) lock. You can capture video not just to the dual UHS-II SD cards (relay, backup and allocation recording), but also to an SSD via the USB-C Gen 3.2 port. It also supports external ProRes recording via HDMI. The major drawback compared to the GH6 is the lack of a fan and a dedicated cooling design - so it may shut off during long recordings at high frame rates in hot conditions.PanasonicThe Panasonic G9 II arrives to the US in early November for $1,900. That's $200 more than the original G9 at launch, but a bit less than OM System's OM-1 Micro Four Thirds camera. Along with the G9-II, Panasonic introduced the new $1,600 Leica DG 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II Power OIS lens (200-800mm 35mm equivalent), ideal for wildlife and macro photography. It also unveiled the $1,150 Leica DG 35-100mm f/2.8 (70-200 35mm equivalent).This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/panasonics-lumix-g9-ii-is-its-first-micro-four-thirds-camera-with-hybrid-autofocus-140036804.html?src=rss

Up to three times the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4. Support for multiple 8K displays, as well as gaming monitors running at up to 540Hz. 240 watts of charging power. These aren't just the highlights of my PC connectivity dreams: They're key features of Thunderbolt 5, Intel's latest stab at creating the ultimate PC cable. And this time, the chip maker may actually succeed.When Thunderbolt 4 dropped in 2020, it mostly seemed like a refined version of Thunderbolt 3. It had the same maximum bandwidth of 40 gigabits per second, but its increased efficiency allowed Intel to standardize support for multiple 4K screens, as well as double storage device speeds. At the very least, Intel required at least one Thunderbolt 4 to support USB-C charging.Thunderbolt 5, on the other hand, is a major leap forward. It's built on the USB4 v2 spec, which offers the same speed improvements, but Intel is making key features a requirement. That includes a baseline speed of 80 Gbps and support for 120 Gbps using bandwidth boosting (USB4 requires 20 Gbps); support for dual 6K screens (Thunderbolt 4 requires dual 4K monitors); and a minimum of 140 watt charging and a more powerful 240W mode.Since it was originally known as Light Peak, Intel's goal with Thunderbolt was to develop a single cable that could handle all of your data and power needs. This latest version should satisfy even more demanding PC users. With up to 240W of charging, for example, some gaming laptops and workstations wouldn't need a separate power port. That means fewer cables to carry, as well as the assurance that you could always borrow someone else's USB-C cable and adapter to juice up.IntelAs Intel previously announced, Thunderbolt 5 will also support the DisplayPort 2.1 and PCI Express Gen 4 standards. The latter should be particularly helpful with external GPUs, which have been significantly bandwidth limited until now. We can also expect that additional bandwidth to support new accessories like external AI accelerator, as well as far faster external storage.Intel says that Thunderbolt 5 accessories and PCs will be available in 2024. It'd be nice to have a clearer time frame, but Intel may be trying to avoid scaring off people from buying new systems this year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/intel-thunderbolt-5-launch-130006804.html?src=rss

I waved goodbye to Assassin's Creed Valhalla after 12 hours. I took my time to do everything I could in the opening area, then spent a couple of hours in the main part of the game. After yet another side objective that Ubisoft jammed into this bloated game, it dawned on me - nope, I can't go any further.Ubisoft's tendency to overstuff its games coiled around AC Valhalla, squeezing much of the fun out of my time with it. I could tell early on that the world was too big with too much to do. I had a similar problem with Far Cry 6, another recent open-world Ubisoft game I endured for around the same length of time.Assassin's Creed Mirageis blessedly billed as a return to the series' leaner early days, when Ubisoft was restricted by PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 hardware. After a few hours of hands-on time split across three sections of the new game, it feels like that's the case, but it's hard to say for sure given the curated nature of the demo.I started out with a brief prologue and a time skip to a training segment, the latter of which included an appropriately weighty initiation ceremony, the critical moment in which Basim, the protagonist, became a Hidden One and received the iconic hidden blade. It also featured the incredible voice of Shohreh Aghdashloo as Master Roshan, Basim's mentor.I was then able to spend 90 minutes or so in the open world. After I loaded into this section, Basim appeared on a perch and I was told that there were new points of interest to check out. I immediately opened the map and was pleased to see there weren't a million icons that threatened to pull me away from the main objectives. There were 15 or so, which feels far more palatable than the overwhelmingly busy maps I've seen in previous games.Mirage largely takes place in ninth century Baghdad, a couple of centuries before the Holy Land setting of the original Assassin's Creed, but around the same time as AC Valhalla (Basim made his first appearance in that game). Ubisoft has crafted a rich, lived-in world that's full of detail and is said to be around the same size as Paris in Assassin's Creed Unity. Most importantly, the bits I played were dense with structures, so it was far more about parkouring across rooftops than sailing on Viking ships with raiding parties. It reminded me of exploring Venice in Assassin's Creed II.There were some key things to try, such as tearing down posters to reduce my wanted level, a returning mechanic from previous games. That was essential to avert unwelcome attention after I executed every single person responsible for stealing tea from one of Basim's associates (there's no forgiveness for such a crime). Pickpocketing was also an important part of Basim's toolkit, as a means of procuring valuable items to bribe contacts for information. Still, I had no trouble focusing on the missions instead of getting distracted by, say, a nearby eagle feather.UbisoftThe last section of my hands-on time centered on an investigation. Ubisoft's approach here is a callback to the black-box format of games like Unity: You'll need to discover information about an assassination target before you can take them out by completing smaller objectives. You can take these on however you like.One involved infiltrating an enemy camp to find intel. It took me a few attempts to find an approach that worked here. Sending Basim's eagle companion Enkidu to scout out bad guys' locations was a big help, but it all inevitably fell apart when I failed to account for one goon whose buddy I executed right in front of them. I learned to be more careful in my later attempts, and not to rush through the encounter despite the time limit on my demo.The enemy AI seemed smarter than before, too. During the prologue, I messed up (intentionally, of course) an attempt at pickpocketing, which used a timing-based minigame. It took a few minutes of fleeing over and around buildings to finally shake my foes so I could return to my task. I also had to account for more intelligent adversaries that seemed wise to some of Basim's tricks during my foray into the enemy camp. I died a few times, but eventually found a way to complete my task.While you'll be able to unlock new abilities and level up Basim's weapons and tools through skill trees, it seems Ubisoft has pulled back on some of the RPG elements that have seeped into the series in recent years. I didn't need to worry about finding armor to boost a certain stat, for instance, and I was very thankful for that.Mirage feels like a throwback in the most positive of ways. It's a return to a format that feels fresh rather than dated. Basim's movement feels fluid and he has enough tools at his disposal to give you a lot of strategic options for enemy encounters. Stealth-based combat and the return of social blending are welcome. However, I completely forgot to try Basim's chain-assassination ability, which looked cool whenever Ubisoft showed it off.UbisoftI think we need more AAA games that are smaller in scope, rather than the enormous blockbusters that can take more than 100 hours to complete. Cutting out bloat could reduce developers' workloads and mitigate the need for crunch as well. After reading some Starfield reviews suggesting that game doesn't really get going until around the 12-hour mark, I'm far less interested in checking it out (though I inevitably will).Assassin's Creed Mirage is an entirely different game than Starfield, but I'd like to see more projects going in this direction. There will still be plenty of room for games that will take months to fully complete, but major publishers and studios stand to benefit from offering more intimate experiences in their key franchises - or at least different ones.It remains intriguing that Ubisoft has decided to charge $50 for Mirage, rather than the typical $60 or $70 that AAA games cost these days. The publisher may be wary of criticism over charging more" for "less" purely in terms of game length: Mirage is expected to ship with about 30 hours of content.On one hand, the pricing decision devalues the work of the development team that created Mirage. On the other, Ubisoft might be very wary of bad press after years of thuddingbody blowafterthuddingbody blow. That said, there's still an in-game store where you can buy cosmetic items if you wish, so some old tendencies remain.This is one of Ubisoft's first steps in a grand plan to bring its tentpole series together as part of a project called Assassin's Creed Infinity. Based on my first few hours with Mirage, the company is moving in the right direction, which may involve scarpering up the side of an exquisitely crafted structure.Assassin's Creed Mirage will arrive on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC on October 5.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/assassins-creed-mirage-preview-a-throwback-in-the-best-of-ways-120018919.html?src=rss

AI chatbots are coming to your Salesforce applications and it looks like it'll all of them. Company executives had a lot to show off during Tuesday's Dreamforce 2023 keynote address, including major updates to both its Einstein AI and Data Cloud services.Einstein AI has received a slew of updates and upgrades since we saw it integrated with Slack back in May. The new Copilot service will take the existing AI chatbot and tune it to a client company's specific datasets using their Salesforce Data Cloud data. This enables the Einstein AI to provide better, more relevant and more actionable answers to employees' natural language questions and requests."Copilot is a conversational AI assistant for both companies and employees to securely and safely access generative AI to do their jobs better, faster and more easily," Salesforce CEO of AI, Clara Chi, said during a press call monday. "It's going to be available to every Salesforce user across every cloud."The new Copilot Studio takes that tuning process a step further, allowing customers to "customize Einstein Copilot with specific prompts, skills, and AI models," per a Monday release. This more tightly structures Einstein's behaviors without constricting its generative capabilities. What's more, Salesforce executives announced that Copilot will be available across a variety of mobile platforms, including "real-time chat, Slack, WhatsApp or SMS.""We think that there is an incredible opportunity in AI," Patrick Stokes, Salesforce EVP and GM of Platform, said during the press call. "We think that it is creating jobs, we think that it is driving productivity across organizations... we also think that as customers and businesses are driving towards these AI strategies, they may not have the platform that they really want or that they really need."He notes that much of their customers' data is fractured and split among different applications, data lakes, APIs and vendors. "This is all leading to low productivity, and what they really want, is one connected platform or one that will connect their data," Stokes continued. To address that need, Salesforce also announced that it is integrating the chatbot with its Data Cloud service to create a one-stop platform for building low-code AI-powered CRM applications. Salesforce calls it the Einstein 1 Platform."All of these fields coming together from different systems that speak different languages... now speak one language on the platform," Chi said. "Any data from any system can now be used like any other object or field in Salesforce."One of Salesforce's first big innovations was its metadata framework a system that describes the relationship between, and behaviors of, individual pieces of a company's data. That metadata framework is also an ideal medium for training machine learning models to better understand customer interactions and business operations, thereby improving and refining their performance."Much of Salesforce is built on this metadata framework - from our platform to analytics, commerce, sales service and marketing," Stokes said. "Now our Data Cloud and Einstein are really giving you one platform where you can build all of your customer experience in one place with all of the data and AI that you need."To minimize the rate of hallucination and false responses by the AI, Salesforce has developed the "Einstein trust layer" which we first saw roll out to the company's CRM applications in March. The trust layer both secures data retrieval from the cloud and masks any sensitive or proprietary information before passing it on to the language model with another round of toxicity checks after that.The company does not deny that this new generation of generative AI can and likely will lead to job losses, such as coders whose services will be replaced by Einstein 1, but remains confident that there is reason for optimism. "I think it is a it's a big moment in time and there will certainly be impact a certain jobs," Chi admitted. "There's also certainly going to be a new jobs that are being created such as prompt engineer." Oh boy, a prompt engineer, the career every kid dreams of.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-next-generation-einstein-ai-will-put-a-chatbot-in-every-salesforce-application-120004305.html?src=rss

Anker makes some of the best charging products out there, but the extra quality comes at a price. If you've been waiting for a sale, you can now grab a number of Anker chargers and other smartphone accessories at Amazon with discounts of up to 50 percent. Some of the key items include the Anker 621 MagGo magnetic charger ($30 or 50 percent off), the 511 Nano 3 PIQ 3 charger at $17 in all colors, the 313 Power Bank 10,000 mAh portable charger and the MacBook Pro 100W charger ($27 or 30 percent off).The Anker 621 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) snaps right on to your iPhone 12/13/14, adding 5,000mAh of range. It's relatively thin at 12.8mm, attaches using a super-strong magnet and charges either wirelessly or via the USB-C port and included cable. It also doubles as a kickstand, letting you prop up your phone for video chats, movie watching and more. It's normally priced at $60, but you can now grab one for $30 for a savings of $30 (50 percent).The Anker 313 Power Bank, meanwhile, comes with a 10,000 mAh battery app and PowerIQ charging tech to triple the battery life of your iPhone or Android smartphone, all in a relatively slim and light size. Anker's 511 30W Nano 3 charger is one of our favorite accessories for Apple Watches and it's down to $17 instead of the usual $23. It's compact, foldable and has built-in safeguards to protect against overheating - and it's even powerful enough to juice up an iPhone.Finally, the company's 100W MacBook Pro charger is on sale for $27, or 30 percent - a particularly good deal if you compare it to Apple's own MacBook Pro chargers. It can charge up a 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro to 100 percent in just an hour and twenty minutes, while taking up a lot less space than the factory charger. The sale includes a number of other chargers, cables and other devices, but it's best to act soon before the sale ends.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/anker-charging-accessories-are-up-to-50-percent-off-at-amazon-115035029.html?src=rss

Apple's annual iPhone event kicks off today, so if you can't stand the company's presentations or devices, you might want to disconnect this afternoon. But for anyone interested in what the most influential tech hardware company is doing, expect to see a new iPhone... obviously.All the iPhone 15 models (except for perhaps a new SE) could shift from the notch to the Dynamic Island cutout, which debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. There were rumors of an iPhone Ultra, but we're now expecting that next year.EngadgetRumors also suggest the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max could switch to titanium frames from stainless steel. This upgrade could make the new pro hardware stronger, lighter and more premium," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The Pro Max model could well get a camera upgrade to a new periscope lens, using a prism to fold light, leading to an optical zoom of 5x to 6x without making the phone beefier.The company may phase out the Lightning port with the iPhone 15, making a long-awaited switch to USB-C and addressing European Union rules regarding unified charging ports. We may also see USB-C friendly AirPod cases too, if not entirely new AirPods.Expect minor Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra updates too, with a shift to the S9 chip, marking the product's first real processor upgrade since 2020. However, watchOS 10 - arguably the biggest software update so far for the wearable - should change how we use the Apple Watch.We'll be there in person, reporting and handling all the new hardware, and you can watch along right here.- Mat SmithYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest stories you might have missedWhat we bought: The self-emptying litter box that'll also empty your bank accountHitting the Books: Meet Richard Arkwright, the world's first tech titanApple event: How to watch the iPhone 15 revealForza Motorsport preview: A warm welcome for casual racing fansLogitech's newest webcam has a giant armIt's a crowdfunded project.LogitechLogitech just announced a new webcam called the Reach, with a flexible and articulating arm. There's a button for vertical movement and lossless zoom up to 4.3x, with a grip to move the camera along the vertical plane. Logitech's being a bit cagey about pricing and availability, but there's a survey on the official site that indicates a discounted price of $300 to $400 for early adopters. As a note, the Streamcam costs around $180 by itself. The Reach won't be sold via official means: Logitech is turning to Indiegogo Enterprise to fund the camera. Ah yes, the poor struggling startup that is 41-year-old Logitech, with revenues of over $5 billion in the last year alone.Continue reading.The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class mixes big range with style400-plus miles of range.Mercedes BenzSure, this is a concept car. Gorgeous, presumably insanely expensive to build, but it also teases vehicles that could change everything you've come to expect about acceptable range from an electric car. The Concept CLA inherits a lot from the not-for-sale Vision EQXX, but this car is a lot more ready for production and should be a lot more affordable. The current CLA is one of the most affordable Mercedes-Benz cars you can buy - and this EV might not break the bank, either.Continue reading.The best ereaders for 2023Kindles are no longer your only option.Ereaders combine the best of paper and computers, and while Amazon's Kindle ecosystem dominates this market, there are some worthy competitors - especially useful if you have an aversion to Amazon's stranglehold on books. Other companies, particularly Kobo, now make solid ebook readers that might be better for your needs. We tested out some of the best ereaders, and we have some surprising recommendations.Continue reading.Apple chips made in the US may still require assembly in TaiwanThe Information says TSMC can only package advanced chips in Taiwan.Apple chief Tim Cook previously announced the tech giant will purchase chips for its key products from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) new factory in Phoenix, Arizona. It seemed like a huge win for the Biden administration, which signed the CHIPS Act into law last year to boost US manufacturing and lessen its reliance on overseas suppliers. Now, The Information reports that even though the components for Apple's chips will be manufactured in the US, they'll still have to be sent back to TSMC's home country for assembly. The factory in Arizona apparently doesn't have the facilities to package - the final part of chip assembly - its customers' more advanced silicon.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-what-to-expect-at-apples-wonderlust-iphone-event-today-111510535.html?src=rss

Meta has rolled out software update v57 for its Quest headsets, and one of the biggest changes it brings is giving you the ability to make your avatar a better representative of your true self. When you choose a certain color for your hair and eyebrows, for instance, you'll be able to fine-tune it further through a slider that lets you adjust its depth. Yes, that means you'll now be able to more accurately pick your avatar's skin tone. You can put makeup and face paint on your avatar, in the exact colors you want, as well.In addition, update v57 gives you the capability to unsend image messages in virtual reality and the Meta Quest mobile app. When you hover over the image in VR or click on it in the app, you'll see the option to "Unsend a message." If you choose to do so, both parties will get a notification that a message has been removed for transparency. At the moment, this particular feature is available in Australia, Canada, Iceland, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and the US.If the feed that greets you when log into VR looks different, that's because Meta is also replacing Quest's Explore feed with an updated one dubbed the "Horizon Feed." It still shows content relevant to your interests, though, so long as they're age-appropriate. Finally, update v57 introduces free-form locomotion, which lets you teleport throughout your Home space instead of being confined to predetermined spots. You still can't move through walls, furniture and other objects, but you can now at least explore your environment more freely.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/metas-customizable-quest-avatars-get-a-lot-more-inclusive-105509001.html?src=rss

A small number of Apple's iPhone 15 models manufactured in India could be available on launch day for the first time, according to a report from Bloomberg. Apple has built iPhones in India since 2017, but it has typically taken up to a year to ramp up production. This time, a small number built in India could go on sale immediately in that nation and some other regions.It's been known for a while now that Apple contractor Foxconn would manufacture more iPhone 15 models than before at a facility in Tamil Nadu, India. It's part of Apple's plan to diversify manufacturing in the face of supply chain risks due to tensions between the US and China. The number of units available on launch day from India will reportedly depend on the availability of components manufactured elsewhere and Foxconn's ability to ramp up production.Apple has only built a fraction of its iPhones in India, and production has typically lagged behind China by six to nine months. That changed with the iPhone 14, as Foxconn (and another manufacturer, Pegatron) were able to start manufacturing in India within the same month of the official release. Apple intends to eventually shift 25 percent of its production to the nation.Recent conflicts between the US and China haven't impacted Apple much, likely because Foxconn and other suppliers in the nation employee millions of people. It also has followed China's laws, removing thousands of illegal apps like VPNs. However, recent actions in the country to ban iPhones and other foreign devices for government officials have left the company more vulnerable than usual. Apple also sells a large number of phones in China, accounting for about 19 percent of its total revenue.Apple is set to release the iPhone 15 today at its Cupertino HQ, reportedly with thinner bezels, a titanium frame, USB-C charging and more. We're also likely to see updated watches and Airpods, along with its latest iOS 17, watchOS 10 and iPadOS 17 operating systems.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-launch-day-iphone-15s-may-originate-from-india-103337179.html?src=rss

Apple chief Tim Cook previously announced that the tech giant will be purchasing chips for its iPhones, Macs and other key products made in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) new factory in Phoenix, Arizona. It seemed like a huge win for the Biden administration, which signs the CHIPS Act into law last year to boost manufacturing in the US and lessen its reliance on overseas suppliers. Now, The Information has reported that even though the components for Apple's chips will be manufactured in the US, they'll still have to be sent back to TSMC's home country for assembly.Apparently, the manufacturer's factory in Arizona doesn't have the facilities to package its customers' more advanced chips. "Packaging" is what you call the final stage of fabrication, wherein the chip's components are assembled inside a housing as close together as possible to enhance speed and power efficiency. The iPhone, in particular, has been using a packaging method developed by TSMC since 2016. Chips for iPads and Macs can be packaged outside of Taiwan, but the iPhone's will have to be assembled in the country.The Information says Apple is the manufacturer's only customer using its packaging method at high volumes, but TSMC has other clients, including NVIDIA, AMD and Tesla. It's unclear how many of those companies' chip models will have to be sent back to Taiwan for packaging, but they reportedly include chips for artificial intelligence, including NVIDIA's H100. The publication also previously reported that Google will be using TSMC's advanced packaging used on the iPhone for its future Pixel phones.The government set aside over $50 billion in funding under the CHIPS Act to provide subsidies for companies building chip factories in the US. President Joe Biden and his administration are encouraging the growth of the US semiconductor industry to mitigate fallout from the growing tension between the United States and China over Taiwan. In August, the president even signed an executive order that limits American investments in Chinese tech firms dealing with semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence.Seeing as the government recently established (PDF) a National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing program to boost chip packaging in the US, it's aware of the need to bring the process into the country, as well. Apple and all the aforementioned TSMC clients aren't the only companies whose chips have to be sent overseas for assembly, since manufacturers aren't making enough products in the US to justify building packaging facilities in the country. However, that program is only getting $2.5 billion in funding under the CHIPS Act, and the Institute of Printed Circuits told the publication that the amount shows packaging isn't being prioritized. As for TSMC, The Information's sources said it has no plans to build packaging facilities in the US due to the huge costs involved, and any future packaging method it develops will most likely be offered in Taiwan.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-chips-made-in-the-us-still-require-assembly-in-taiwan-report-suggests-075211020.html?src=rss

It turns out that Threads' recently introduced keyword-searching abilities won't work for all topics. The app is currently blocking searches for a number of potentially sensitive" words, including vaccines," covid," and other variations of words that have previously been linked to misinformation on Meta's platform.The limits, which were first reported by The Washington Post, are an apparent attempt to prevent controversial content from spreading on Meta's newest app. The company has blocked a number of covid and vaccine-related terms, including covid," coronavirus," covid-19," vaccines" and covid vaccines," as well as other terms associated with potentially unsavory content like gore," nude," and sex."The company confirmed it was blocking searches in a statement to The Post, calling it a temporary measure. The search functionality temporarily doesn't provide results for keywords that may show potentially sensitive content," a spokesperson said. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram who also oversees Threads, tweeted that the company was trying to learn from last [sic] mistakes and believe it's better to bias towards being careful as we roll out search."Meta's history shows the company has good reasons to be cautious about search on Threads. Instagram search has been widely criticized as a vector for misinformation and its ability to lead users down conspiratorial rabbit holes. The app's search was particularly weaponized during the early days of the pandemic, when it promoted conspiracy-touting anti-vax accounts in its top results for simple queries like vaccine" and 5g."At the same time, it's telling that Meta is now opting to block all searches containing potentially sensitive" keywords, even posts that don't contain rule-breaking content. It's also a notably more aggressive approach than the social media company has taken in the past.While Meta has previously limited search functionality on both Facebook and Instagram, the company has typically intervened when search terms were explicitly linked to rule-breaking content, like specific hashtags related to QAnon. In other cases, the company has worked to clean up search results for topics like vaccines, and pushed in-app PSAs directing users to official resources.As The Washington Post points out, the result of the total block on covid-related search terms is that users are also prohibited from looking for information, resources and conversations that don't break the platform's rules, which could be a barrier to those seeking advice or credible information from experts.Meta's caution also underscores just how quickly the company rushed the development of Threads. The app was released just five months after a small group of Instagram engineers started working on the project. The quick turnaround meant that Threads launched with several basic features missing from the service. And while Meta has said Threads has the same safety policies of Instagram, it hasn't disclosed many details about its plans to moderate content on the Twitter-like app, where posts look and feel very different.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-is-blocking-potentially-sensitive-topics-from-threads-search-231028963.html?src=rss

According to Semafor, data from NewsWhip showed that engagement on public posts linked to the New York Times website has dropped dramatically since late July. This is seemingly a unique issue to the NYT as other news organizations like CNN, the Washington Post, and the BBC have not seen similar dips in engagement.According to the report, the New York Times' reach hasn't changed on Facebook and other social media platforms. Additionally, recent tweets by former President Barack Obama that include NYT links saw less engagement when compared to his other tweets. For example, when Obama shared articles about healthcare costs, his posts reached fewer than 800,000 users. Most of his posts reach a minimum of 10 million users.While it's unclear what exactly is causing the drop in user reach, this wouldn't be the first time Elon Musk's X appeared to be affecting user engagement. In August, X was reported to be interfering with links to Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads, Substack and of course-the New York Times, to make them load noticeably slower. At the time, it appeared that the high-profile websites affected were only big names that Musk publicly attacked in the past.X and The New York Times could not be immediately reached for comment.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-is-allegedly-limiting-user-reach-to-posts-that-link-to-the-new-york-times-224200207.html?src=rss

MGM Resorts confirmed on Monday that it was hit by a cybersecurity issue, shutting down systems across its suite of casinos. The hotel giant owns a notable swath of casinos along the Las Vegas Strip, where some gamblers reported slot machines being taken offline because of the incident. At MGM Resorts' international properties, hotels are currently taking reservations via phone because of website shutdowns."MGM Resorts recently identified a cybersecurity issue affecting some of the company's systems," the company wrote in a statement. It said the company "took prompt action to protect our systems and data, including shutting down certain systems" in response to the attack. MGM Resorts has not confirmed how widespread the shut down is, what systems have been affected or other details about the incident.Customer anecdotes report issues making reservations, using ATM machines, playing certain games and mobile key entry into hotel rooms, but Engadget has not independently confirmed these reports. While MGM Resorts informed the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department about the incident, the department said in a statement that these types of incidents are typically passed along to federal agencies.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mgm-resorts-hit-by-cybersecurity-issue-leading-to-massive-outage-215205561.html?src=rss

You didn't actually believe all those founder's myths about tech billionaires like Bezos, Jobs and Musk pulling themselves up by their bootstraps from some suburban American garage, did you? In reality, our corporate kings have been running the same playbook since the 18th century when Lancashire's own Richard Arkwright wrote it. Arkwright is credited with developing a means of forming cotton fully into thread - technically he didn't actually invent or design the machine, but developed the overarching system in which it could be run at scale - and spinning that success into financial fortune. Never mind the fact that his 24-hour production lines were operated by boys as young as seven pulling 13-hour shifts.InBlood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech- one of the best books I've read this year - LA Times tech reporter Brian Merchant lays bare the inhumane cost of capitalism wrought by the industrial revolution and celebrates the workers who stood against those first tides of automation: the Luddites.Hachette Book GroupExcerpted from Blood in the Machine by Brian Merchant. Published by Hachette Book Group. Copyright (C) 2023 by Brian Merchant. All rights reserved.The first tech titans were not building global information networks or commercial space rockets. They were making yarn and cloth. A lot of yarn, and a lot of cloth.Like our modern-day titans, they started out as entrepreneurs. But until the nineteenth century, entrepreneurship was not a cultural phenomenon. Businessmen took risks, of course, and undertook novel efforts to increase their profits. Yet there was not a popular conception of the heroic entrepreneur, of the adventuring businessman, until after the birth of industrial capitalism. The term itself was popularized by Jean-Baptiste Say, in his 1803 work A Treatise on Political Economy. An admirer of Adam Smith's, Say thought that The Wealth of Nations was missing an account of the individuals who bore the risk of starting new business; he called this figure the entrepreneur, which translated from the French as adventurer" or undertaker."For a worker, aspiring to entrepreneurship was different than merely seeking upward mobility. The standard path an ambitious, skilled weaver might pursue was to graduate from apprentice to journeyman weaver, who rented a loom or worked in a shop, to owning his own loom, to becoming a master weaver and running a small shop of his own that employed other journeymen. This was customary.In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, as now in the twenty-first century, entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to use technology to disrupt longstanding customs in order to increase efficiencies, output, and personal profit. There were few opportunities for entrepreneurship without some form of automation; control of technologies of production grants its owner a chance to gain advantage or take pay or market share from others. In the past, like now, entrepreneurs started small businesses at some personal financial risk, whether by taking out a loan to purchase used handlooms and rent a small factory space, or by using inherited capital to procure a steam engine and a host of power looms.The most ambitious entrepreneurs tapped untested technologies and novel working arrangements, and the most successful irrevocably changed the structure and nature of our daily lives, setting standards that still exist today. The least successful would go bankrupt, then as now.In the first century of the Industrial Revolution, one entrepreneur looms above the others, and has a strong claim on the mantle of the first of what we'd call a tech titan today. Richard Arkwright was born to a middle-class tailor's family and originally apprenticed as a barber and wigmaker. He opened a shop in the Lancashire city of Bolton in the 1760s. There, he invented a waterproof dye for the wigs that were in fashion at the time, and traveled the country collecting hair to make them. In his travels across the Midlands, he met spinners and weavers, and became familiar with the machinery they used to make cotton garments. Bolton was right in the middle of the Industrial Revolution's cotton hub hotspot.Arkwright took the money he made from the wigs, plus the dowry from his second marriage, and invested it in upgraded spinning machinery. The improvement of spinning was much in the air, and many men up and down Lancashire were working at it," Arkwright's biographer notes. James Hargreaves had invented the spinning jenny, a machine that allowed a single worker to create eight threads of yarn simultaneously-though they were not very strong-in 1767. Working with one of his employees, John Kay, Arkwright tweaked the designs to spin much stronger threads using water or steam power. Without crediting Kay, Arkwright patented his water frame in 1769 and a carding engine in 1775, and attracted investment from wealthy hosiers in Nottingham to build out his operation. He built his famous water-powered factory in Cromford in 1771.His real innovation was not the technology itself; several similar machines had been patented, some before his. His true innovation was creating and successfully implementing the system of modern factory work.Arkwright was not the great inventor, nor the technical genius," as the Oxford economic historian Peter Mathias explains, but he was the first man to make the new technology of massive machinery and power source work as a system - technical, organizational, commercial - and, as a proof, created the first great personal fortune and received the accolade of a knighthood in the textile industry as an industrialist." Richard Arkwright Jr., who inherited his business, became the richest commoner in England.Arkwright was the first start-up founder to launch a unicorn company, we might say, and the first tech entrepreneur to strike it wildly rich. He did so by marrying the emergent technologies that automated the making of yarn with a relentless new work regime. His legacy is alive today in companies like Amazon, which strive to automate as much of their operations as is financially viable, and to introduce surveillance-intensive worker-productivity programs.Often called the grandfather of the factory, Arkwright did not invent the idea of organizing workers into strict shifts to produce goods with maximal efficiency. But he pursued the manufactory" formation most ruthlessly, and most vividly demonstrated the practice could generate huge profits. Arkwright's factory system, which was quickly and widely emulated, divided his hundreds of workers into two overlapping thirteen-hour shifts. A bell was rung twice a day, at 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. The gates would shut and work would start an hour later. If a worker was late, they sat the shift out, forfeiting that day's pay. (Employers of the era touted this practice as a positive for workers; it was a more flexible schedule, they said, since employees no longer needed to give notice" if they couldn't work. This reasoning is reminiscent of that offered by twenty-first-century on-demand app companies.) For the first twenty-two years of its operation, the factory was worked around the clock, mostly by boys like Robert Blincoe, some as young as seven years old. At its peak, two-thirds of the 1,100-strong workforce were children. Richard Arkwright Jr. admitted in later testimony that they looked extremely dissipated, and many of them had seldom more than a few hours of sleep," though he maintained they were well paid.The industrialist also built on-site housing, luring whole families from around the country to come work his frames. He gave them one week's worth of vacation a year, but on condition that they could not leave the village." Today, even some of our most cutting-edge consumer products are still manufactured in similar conditions, in imposing factories with on-site dormitories and strictly regimented production processes, by workers who have left home for the job. Companies like Foxconn operate factories where the regimen can be so grueling it has led to suicide epidemics among the workforce.The strict work schedule and a raft of rules instilled a sense of discipline among the laborers; long, miserable shifts inside the factory walls were the new standard. Previously, of course, similar work was done at home or in small shops, where shifts were not so rigid or enforced.Arkwright's main difficulty," according to the early business theorist Andrew Ure, did not lie so much in the invention of a proper mechanism for drawing out and twisting cotton into a continuous thread, as in . . . training human beings to renounce their desultory habits of work and to identify themselves with the unvarying regularity of the complex automaton." This was his legacy. To devise and administer a successful code of factory discipline, suited to the necessities of factory diligence, was the Herculean enterprise, the noble achievement of Arkwright," Ure continued. It required, in fact, a man of a Napoleon nerve and ambition to subdue the refractory tempers of workpeople."Ure was hardly exaggerating, as many workers did in fact view Arkwright as akin to an invading enemy. When he opened a factory in Chorley, Lancashire, in 1779, a crowd of hundreds of cloth workers broke in, smashed the machines, and burned the place to the ground. Arkwright did not try to open another mill in Lancashire.Arkwright also vigorously defended his patents in the legal system. He collected royalties on his water frame and carding engine until 1785, when the court decided that he had not actually invented the machines but had instead copied their parts from other inventors, and threw the patents out. By then, he was astronomically wealthy. Before he died, he would be worth 500,000, or around $425 million in today's dollars, and his son would expand and entrench his factory empire.The success apparently went to his head - he was considered arrogant, even among his admirers. In fact, arrogance was a key ingredient in his success: he had what Ure described as fortitude in the face of public opposition." He was unyielding with critics when they pointed out, say, that he was employing hundreds of children in machine-filled rooms for thirteen hours straight. That for all his innovation, the secret sauce in his groundbreaking success was labor exploitation.In Arkwright, we see the DNA of those who would attain tech titanhood in the ensuing decades and centuries. Arkwright's brashness rhymes with that of bullheaded modern tech executives who see virtue in a willingness to ignore regulations and push their workforces to extremes, or who, like Elon Musk, would gleefully wage war with perceived foes on Twitter rather than engage any criticism of how they run their businesses. Like Steve Jobs, who famously said, We've always been shameless about stealing great ideas," Arkwright surveyed the technologies of the day, recognized what worked and could be profitable, lifted the ideas, and then put them into action with an unmatched aggression. Like Jeff Bezos, Arkwright hyper-charged a new mode of factory work by finding ways to impose discipline and rigidity on his workers, and adapting them to the rhythms of the machine and the dictates of capital - not the other way around.We can look back at the Industrial Revolution and lament the working conditions, but popular culture still lionizes entrepreneurs cut in the mold of Arkwright, who made a choice to employ thousands of child laborers and to institute a dehumanizing system of factory work to increase revenue and lower costs. We have acclimated to the idea that such exploitation was somehow inevitable, even natural, while casting aspersions on movements like the Luddites as being technophobic for trying to stop it. We forget that working people vehemently opposed such exploitation from the beginning.Arkwright's imprint feels familiar to us, in our own era where entrepreneurs loom large. So might a litany of other first-wave tech titans. Take James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine that powered countless factories in industrial England. Once he was confident in his product, much like a latter-day Bill Gates, Watts sold subscriptions for its use. With his partner, Matthew Boulton, Watts installed the engine and then collected annual payments that were structured around how much the customer would save on fuel costs compared to the previous engine. Then, like Gates, Watts would sue anyone he thought had violated his patent, effectively winning himself a monopoly on the trade. The Mises Institute, a libertarian think tank, argues that this had the effect of constraining innovation on the steam engine for thirty years.Or take William Horsfall or William Cartwright. These were men who were less innovative than relentless in their pursuit of disrupting a previous mode of work as they strove to monopolize a market. (The word innovation, it's worth noting, carried negative connotations until the mid-twentieth century or so; Edmund Burke famously called the French Revolution a revolt of innovation.") They can perhaps be seen as precursors to the likes of Travis Kalanick, the founder of Uber, the pugnacious trampler of the taxi industry. Kalanick's business idea - that it would be convenient to hail a taxi from your smartphone - was not remarkably inventive. But he had intense levels of self-determination and pugnacity, which helped him overrun the taxi cartels and dozens of cities' regulatory codes. His attitude was reflected in Uber's treatment of its drivers, who, the company insists, are not employees but independent contractors, and in the endemic culture of harassment and mistreatment of the women on staff.These are extreme examples, perhaps. But extremity is often needed to break down long-held norms, and the potential rewards are extreme, too. Like the mill bosses who shattered nineteenth-century standards and traditions by automating cloth-making, today's start-up founders aim to disrupt one job category after another with gig work platforms or artificial intelligence, and encourage others to follow their lead. There's a reason Arkwright and his factories were both emulated and feared. Even two centuries later, the most successful tech titans typically are.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hitting-the-books-meet-richard-akrwright-the-worlds-first-tech-titan-205045895.html?src=rss

Microsoft announced a new Xbox Mastercard today. Cardmembers can earn points on purchases to redeem on games in the Microsoft Store. The card will launch exclusively for Xbox Insider Program members in the US on September 21, but it will open to all US-based Xbox users next year.The fruit of a partnership between Microsoft and Barclays, the card (unsurprisingly) encourages you to buy Xbox content. The Mastercard will give users one reward point for each dollar spent on everyday purchases. But the incentive grows to five points per dollar spent at the Microsoft Store. In addition, purchases made at some streaming (including Netflix and Disney+) and dining (including Grubhub and DoorDash) services will earn three points per dollar. Reward points are each worth a penny to be redeemed on Xbox games and add-ons, so if you pay $1,000 for standard purchases using the card, you'll earn the equivalent of $10 in points for new games.XboxThe card will be available in the five iconic designs" seen above, and you can optionally personalize it with your Xbox Gamertag. The company says it will work with contactless payments and digital wallets, and users will get free access to their FICO credit score. The Xbox Mastercard's terms and conditions say its APR can be 20.99%, 26.99% or 31.99%, depending on the results of a credit pull.Microsoft has a few extra perks for signing up and using the card. It says you'll receive a bonus of 5,000 card points (a $50 value) after your first purchase with the card. Members will also receive three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate after using the Mastercard for the first time - and you can transfer it to a friend if you're already a subscriber.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/forget-cash-back-microsofts-xbox-mastercard-exclusively-earns-game-discounts-185141446.html?src=rss

Logitech just announced a new webcam called the Reach with a flexible and articulating arm, allowing for easy movement and even downward-facing video footage. The company says this is the perfect tool for non-digital show-and-tell presentations, as the downward angle allows you to capture video of the stuff on your desk. In other words, use the Logitech Reach for interactive remote meetings, online tutoring, livestreams and all kinds of other presentations.The company recommends that users lay out the content to show first, then position the camera." To that end, the articulation follows multiple axes, sort of like a microphone stand, for increased versatility in what you can capture. There's a button for vertical movement and lossless zoom up to 4.3x, with a grip to move the camera along the vertical plane. There are even built-in guidance indicators to help the image stay upright as the camera moves. These axes combine to create novel vantage points" that remove the pain points of sharing non-digital content.The camera is an enhanced version of the popular Logitech Streamcam with better glass optics and a new smart autofocus feature. Other than that, the specs are the same so expect 1080p/60fps video capabilities. Logitech touts a plug-and-play experience for the device, as it connects via USB and automatically integrates with most computers and streaming platforms. It also ships with a low-profile edge clamp for a more compact experience during use.Logitech's being a bit cagey regarding pricing and availability, but there's a survey on the official site that indicates a discounted price point for early adopters at $300 to $400. As a note, the Streamcam costs around $180 by itself. The Reach won't be sold via official means, as Logitech's turning to Indiegogo Enterprise to fund the camera. There's no concrete start date for the campaign.If you're wondering if you can buy the mount without the camera, so you can add your own, the answer looks to be no. Logitech product lead Gaurav Bradoo told The Verge that the team considered this move but market research indicated they should go with an end-to-end solution and not just a mount."Of course, Logitech is a multi-tentacled beast and the camera division is just one of many. The company's been making moves in other areas lately, with a recent refresh to the Pebble line of keyboards and an update to the G Pro X Superlight gaming mouse.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/logitechs-reach-camera-has-an-articulating-arm-that-lets-you-point-it-just-about-anywhere-184302381.html?src=rss

As part of Samsung's fall sale event, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 for as little as $100 with a new phone purchase. The phones eligible for this bundle deal include the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.The Watch 6, which debuted in August at a starting price of $300, is effectively getting a $200 price drop in this deal. That might be compelling if you already need a new phone and are on the fence about a smartwatch.The exact savings you can get with a purchase will vary depending on the size of the watch and if you choose a Bluetooth or LTE model. The basic 40mm size with Bluetooth connectivity will run $100 as part of the bundle, while upgrading to 44mm will cost $110, down from $330. On the LTE side of things, the 40mm and 44mm varieties go for $120 and $130, respectively. That top-spec version technically shaves $250 off the retail price, so spend a little more, save a little more.For those that don't need a watch, you can alternatively get the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for $130 off with your purchase. The Buds 2 Pro, which comes in white, purple, or graphite, normally sells for $230 but can now be purchased for $50 with a phone. However, if both a smartwatch and a new pair of wireless earbuds don't tickle your fancy, you can add a Galaxy Tab S9 to your Android collection instead. You can save up to $230 on the 256 GB beige tablet. It originally goes for $920, but with this deal will only cost $690, but only if you get the Galaxy S 23 Ultra.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-6-bundles-are-up-to-250-off-right-now-181049133.html?src=rss

Spectrum owner Charter and Disney have resolved a dispute that prevented millions of customers from watching networks such as ABC and ESPN through their cable provider since August 31. The companies reached an agreement that features some intriguing streaming-related perks for Spectrum subscribers. Those include access to the long-awaited standalone ESPN streaming service, whenever that debuts, for those on a Spectrum TV Select plan.Those subscribers will also have access to the ad-supported basic tier of Disney+ in the coming months, while Spectrum TV Select Plus customers will be able to check out ESPN+ as part of their plan. According to CNBC, Charter will pay higher subscriber fees to Disney.It seems that Charter customers having access to ad-supported versions of Disney's streaming services was a point of contention between the companies before they finally reached a deal. In the meantime, Disney started offering Hulu + Live TV at a discounted rate of $50 a month for three months (the usual rate is $70) ahead of a price increase in October.The newly forged agreement between Charter and Disney means that subscribers again have access to 19 of the latter's networks, including ABC-owned stations, the Disney Channel, FX and the Nat Geo Channel. Just in time for Monday Night Football, the full suite of ESPN networks is back as well. However, Spectrum subscribers are losing the ability to watch Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FXM, FXX, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Mundo through the cable service.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/disney-channels-are-back-on-spectrum-after-12-day-standoff-174333955.html?src=rss

Mario Kart Tour has carved out a niche for itself in the mobile gaming space since launching as a beta in 2019, but all good things must come to an end. Nintendo just announced that there are only three more "tours" (original multiplayer events) scheduled for the next month and after that the tours will repeat from the beginning. There will be no new courses, drivers, karts, gliders or features of any kind added after October 4th, according to an in-game screengrab posted to Reddit.Does this mean the game is heading to the digital scrapyard? Yes and no. Nintendo is abandoning the development of new content for the free-to-play racer, but it'll still be available to download and experience. Without the lure of fresh content, however, the player base will likely shrink dramatically, despite Nintendo saying they hope people will continue to use the app.Nintendo/Engadget Engadget reached out to Nintendo for clarification as to why the content spigot was turned off and we'll update this post when we get something official. However, every game eventually runs out of new content, and it could be just as simple as that. It's worth noting that Mario Kart Tour has been a success for the company, raking in nearly $300 million as of last year, which was originally reported by Eurogamer. This haul makes it Nintendo's second-most profitable mobile title, behind the massively popular Fire Emblem Heroes.Despite financial success, Mario Kart Tour has had its share of controversy. Like most free-to-play mobile games, it constantly asks you for money and the most egregious instance of this was something called Spotlight Pipes." This gacha mechanic provided loot boxes with undisclosed odds, so you had no idea if it was worth it or not. Gamers rallied against this mechanic and Nintendo removed the pipes last September. However, the company faces a class-action lawsuit after a parent claimed his child spent $170 on Spotlight Pipes, as reported by Kotaku.Nintendo's still churning out content for other mobile games, including Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, Super Mario Run and the aforementioned Fire Emblem Heroes. The company recently partnered with mobile giant DeNA to create something called Nintendo Systems, which presumably is developing new smartphone games and related experiences.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-is-sunsetting-mario-kart-tour-next-month-170533206.html?src=rss

Sir Ian Wilmut, the scientist who led the team that cloned Dolly the sheep in 1996, has died at 79. The University of Edinburgh, where he served as a professor before his 2012 retirement, announced his passing today. Dolly was the first successful cloning of a mammal from an adult somatic cell, demonstrating the viability of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The controversial milestone helped pave the way for today's research on regenerative medicine.Born near Stratford-upon-Avon (also Shakespeare's birthplace) in 1944, Wilmut discovered an interest in biology while at school in Scarborough; he later switched his major at the University of Nottingham from agriculture to animal science, kicking off the work he would be most known for. His Ph.D. studies at the University of Cambridge foreshadowed his later breakthroughs, focusing on the preservation of semen and embryos for freezing." In 1972, he became the first scientist to successfully freeze, thaw and transfer a calf embryo, which he called Frostie," to a surrogate mother.Wilmut's work at The Roslin Institute in Edinburgh continued to push the boundaries of animal genetics. He strived to create modified sheep that would produce milk with proteins that could treat human diseases. A year before Dolly, he successfully cloned two lambs (Megan and Morag) whose cells were taken from sheep embryos.University of EdinburghDolly's successful birth in 1996 marked the first time a mammal was successfully cloned from an adult cell. The scientifically groundbreaking announcement also set off a media firestorm as experts and casual observers wrestled with lab-made mammals' ethical implications. Specifically, many wondered: If they're doing sheep now, how long until they clone humans? Religious groups accused the researchers of playing God." Even those who focused more on the natural world than supernatural ones worried about the potential for making designer humans" or something out of The Island of Dr. Moreau.While Dolly proved that cells could be used to create a copy of the animal they came from, Wilmut's next experiment proved that they could also be altered. Polly, born in 1997, was the first genetically modified cloned mammal. His team spliced the host's genes with a human gene to create a sheep that would produce a protein missing from people with hemophilia. Polly was Wilmut's last cloning experiment.Wilmut moved to the University of Edinburgh the following decade, focusing on using cloning to make stem cells for regenerative medicine. He was knighted in 2008 and retired in 2012. Wilmut was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018 and became a patron of a new research program at the university working to slow the disease's progression with next-gen therapies.According toThe Guardian, Sir Ian is survived by his wife Sara, his children - Helen, Naomi and Dean - and his five grandchildren: Daniel, Matthew, Isaac, Tonja and Tobias.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sir-ian-wilmut-who-cloned-dolly-the-sheep-has-died-164536893.html?src=rss

Embracer's days of buying nearly every game developer and publisher it possibly can seem to be over, with the company now looking to reduce expenses. It recently closed Saints Row studio Volition as part of a restructuring plan that includes layoffs and game cancellations. Embracer may now be set to sell one of its more valuable assets.The company is considering several options for what to do with Borderlands creator Gearbox, according to Reuters. Some third parties are said to have shown interest in snapping up the developer and publisher, which Embracer bought in February 2021 in a deal that was worth up to $1.4 billion. Embracer is reportedly exploring a sale with the help of Goldman Sachs and Aream, while marketing materials are being made available to potential suitors.Embracer said in June that it was making sweeping changes in order to reduce its debt by around $605 million to less than approximately $903 million by the end of its financial year. The Swedish company said at the time that a proposed investment worth over $2 billion over six years ultimately fell apart. It was later reported that the Saudi government-funded Savvy Games Group was the partner Embracer tentatively had a deal with.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/embracer-may-sell-borderlands-creator-gearbox-amid-financial-woes-161505145.html?src=rss

I'll admit that, between Forza Horizon and Forza Motorsport, I'm more of a Horizon player. I'm interested in driving and crashing beautiful cars in exotic locations, and occasionally entering a low-stakes race, rather than perfecting my times on professional tracks with top-tier equipment. Despite this predilection, I've had a lot of fun tinkering around in the first few hours of Forza Motorsport's serious, car-obsessed world.I played a near-final version of the new Builders Cup Intro Series, which features three tracks and three cars - a 2019 Subaru STI S209, 2018 Honda Civic Type R, and 2018 Ford Mustang GT. On top of the actual races, the Builders Cup career mode includes a robust vehicle-customization system and the Challenge the Grid betting module. Developers at Turn 10 Studios have discussed this section of the game at length, but the preview marks the first public playtest of these roads, cars and systems.Put simply, they feel fantastic.Turn 10 StudiosTurn 10 knows how to build a smooth, responsive racing game with dynamic vehicles and tracks. Forza Motorsport is the ultimate showcase of these skills. Each car in the intro series handles differently, but none of them feel unwieldy. The Ford can't cut corners as sharply as the Subaru or Civic, but it's a powerhouse on the straightaway; the Civic is more floaty than the Subaru; the Subaru can handle quick braking better than the other two. These unique features are baked into each vehicle, but the customization screen also allows for fine adjustments that truly affect the way they drive.The beginning of Forza Motorsport is inviting in numerous ways. It offers a difficulty slider, three modes of play, a bounty of training and real-time assist options, and a rewind button (my absolute favorite feature). In Driving Assists, I turned the Global Presets down to light, set the Suggested Line on for braking only, and I kept ABS on, with automatic shifting. This configuration helped me feel in control on the tracks, and the customization made me comfortable experimenting with new angles and turn speeds in practice laps.Turn 10 StudiosThis is also where the rewind button became my best friend. If you're new to Forza, rewind might seem like a silly feature for a game that takes racing so seriously, but it's absolutely necessary for the pacing of practice rounds specifically. Rewind allows racers to mess up and quickly reset without leaving the track, and it encourages players to try, try again. It encourages play, and it's a lovely feature - one you can turn off at any time, if you think gaming should be pure punishment.One of the main reasons Forza Motorsport feels so great is its framerate. Motorsport runs at 60 fps on all platforms, including Xbox Series S, and I didn't notice any dropped frames during my playthrough on that console. This is vital for a racing sim, but feels especially notable when many AAA games today are either locked at 30 fps or fail to hit 60 fps on Series S. Microsoft requires feature parity between the Xbox Series X - the most technically powerful console on the market - and the Series S, Microsoft's less powerful, cheaper and most popular option this generation. In the case of games like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Redfall and Starfield, developers have prioritized high resolutions in big, dense worlds over framerate, often to the detriment of combat and animations on the cheaper console.Responsiveness is paramount in a racing game, and Turn 10 clearly knows this. The studio prioritized the proper things in order to hit 1080p and 60 fps on Xbox Series S, and the result is a game that looks pretty, but plays beautifully. Ray-traced global illumination and dynamic lighting make the cars and roads sparkle, and the environments along the tracks are busy without being distracting. So far, Forza Motorsport offers a strangely serene, high-octane experience, and I'm eager to dive into the full game.Turn 10 StudiosThere was drama recently over some features that won't be in Forza Motorsport at launch, namely spectator mode, AI racing in featured multiplayer, and splitscreen - and that last one is a sensitive topic for Xbox owners. In August, Baldur's Gate III creator Larian Studios had to delay the game's Xbox versions because they couldn't make splitscreen work on Series S, despite it running fine on Series X. Larian eventually worked out a deal with Microsoft and it plans to release Baldur's Gate III on Series S without the feature later this year, but Xbox players still remember that sting.After playing Forza Motorsport's Builders Cup intro series, I'm finding it hard to be concerned about the missing features. Turn10 is crafting a solid racing sim that nails the basics of responsiveness, customization and accessibility. It's a clean, polished foundation for years of DLC to come, and there's already plenty to mess around with in the game's first hours.Forza Motorsport is made to be replayed. After 18 years and seven installments, 2023's Motorsport is the final game that Turn 10 plans to release in the series, and it'll serve as the foundation of a live-service system. The goal is for Motorsport to be a hub for regular content drops (new maps, vehicles and challenges) over the coming years, with social and sharing features built into the experience. It makes a lot of sense for the franchise.In the game's introductory stages, Motorsport strikes a compelling balance between customization and complexity, making each track bingeable off the bat. The game's forgiveness stems from its malleability; nearly every setting is customizable, from vehicle upgrades, to AI difficulty, accessibility options and actual driving mechanics. This means that, when something goes wrong during a race, it doesn't feel like the game's fault. Forza Motorsport offers a true, repeatable test of player skill. Plus, it's really pretty, even on Xbox Series S.Forza Motorsport is scheduled to hit Xbox Series X/S and PC on October 10.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/forza-motorsport-preview-a-warm-welcome-for-casual-racing-fans-160010843.html?src=rss

Apple's iPhone 15 event is upon us, as we say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. You can watch the stream right here and marvel at the spate of announcements beamed live from Cupertino. The keynote, subtitled Wonderlust", begins promptly at 1 PM ET, or 10 AM in the sunny environs of Apple's California's campus. As always, we'll also have in depth coverage on each announcement as they happen.So what's the company planning on unveiling? It's a September keynote, typically referred to as the fall iPhone event, so the iPhone 15 will almost certainly take center stage. You can expect the typical offerings, with a standard iPhone 15, an iPhone 15 Plus, a high-end iPhone 15 Pro and the even higher-end iPhone 15 Pro Max (which might get rebranded to iPhone 15 Ultra.)As for specs, leaks indicate that the iPhone 15 will kick off the USB-C era, finally eschewing the proprietary Lightning port. This move comes after European regulations forced Apple to adopt a more universal port standard. Since the company must comply to satisfy EU standards, the rest of the world will likely also reap the benefits of going with USB-C. Screen size should remain static and the top-tier models will likely still boast the company's ProMotion, its rebranding of a 120Hz variable refresh rate display. All four models are rumored to get the Dynamic Island feature that launched with the high-end iPhone 14 options.The iPhone 15 should get most of the attention here, but this is an Apple event, so expect the unexpected. New Apple Watch editions typically accompany iPhone releases, so look out for Apple Watch Series 9 and a refresh of the Apple Watch Ultra. Rumors swirl that the forthcoming smartwatches will feature a brand-new processor, the first major CPU upgrade since 2020.AirPods are likely to get an unexciting refresh, with a switch from Lightning to USB-C being the standout feature. Software suites should also get some attention, including iOS 17, watchOS 10 and, potentially, iPadOS 17. It's likely that macOS Sonoma will get more details and a concrete release date.Finally, the uber-expensive and uber-cool Apple Vision Pro is set to launch early next year, so the keynote will likely show off some new features or software in development for the mixed-reality headset. Keep this page open and ready to go for the stream.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-apples-iphone-15-event-153656934.html?src=rss

There's good news if you want to upgrade your wireless headphones for the new school year (even as adults, September will always feel like that). Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is touting a 23 percent discount, dropping from $230 to $178 - the lowest we've seen it since Black Friday. All three colors are on sale, but interestingly, the white model is one whole dollar less than its graphite and bora purple counterparts.Samsung's release of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro was a big step up from earlier models like the Galaxy Buds Live - which had terrible noise cancellation - and the original Galaxy Buds Pro, which struggled with sound blocking and quality. We gave the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro an 86 in our review, thanks to their much better noise canceling feature and their improved fit. The battery life (about five hours of ongoing listening) and the call quality both stayed roughly the same as its predecessor.The discounted Galaxy Buds 2 Pros are part of a larger Samsung "Smart Home event" currently happening on Amazon. Current Samsung deals include 29 percent off the 49" Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor - dropping from $1,400 to $1,000 and a 30 percent discount on the Galaxy Watch 5 40mm LTE, bringing its price from $330 to $230. Gadgets like the Galaxy Z 5 Flip Cell Phone, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Bespoke Edition and the Pro Ultimate microSD Memory Card are also on sale.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-galaxy-buds-2-pro-are-23-percent-off-right-now-150026884.html?src=rss