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Ford will take just a bit longer to reach the electric vehicle production goal it set for itself. As The Washington Post reports, Ford CEO Jim Farley now expects the automaker to be able to start producing 600,000 EV units per year sometime in 2024. The company was originally aiming to reach that production level in late 2023 with the help of lithium iron phosphate battery packs, which will help Ford cut manufacturing costs and reduce its dependence on nickel and other materials prone to shortage.In the company's earnings report, (PDF) Farley explained that the "[t]he near-term pace of EV adoption will be a little slower than expected," but that he believes it's going to "benefit early movers like Ford." He added: "EV customers are brand loyal and we're winning lots of them with our high-volume, first-generation products." The automaker's all-electric division did well in the second quarter of the year, with revenue from the first generation F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E vehicles increasing by 39 percent.Ford was inundated with pre-orders for the F-150 Lightning after it was announced and had to temporarily stop taking reservations due to the demand. The company has recently slashed the vehicle's prices citing increased production capacity, though it could also be because it's looking to entice more customers who are also eyeing models by rivals like Tesla and General Motors.Ford CFO John Lawler said "[t]he transition to EVs is happening, it just may take a little longer" and "it will be a little slower than the industry expected." The automaker was also aiming to manufacture 2 million EVs a year by 2026, but this delay affects that goal, as well. CNBC said Ford now doesn't know when it can reach that level of production, but Lawler assured that the company will still invest the same amount of money into its EV endeavors.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ford-expects-to-reach-its-ev-production-goal-a-year-later-than-planned-101804539.html?src=rss

Apple will soon start cracking down on Apps that collect data on users' devices in order to track them (aka "fingerprinting"), according to an article on its developer site spotted by 9to5Mac. Starting with the release of iOS 17, tvOS 17, watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma, developers will be required to explain why they're using so-called required reason APIs. Apps failing to provide a valid reason will be rejected started in spring of 2024."Some APIs... have the potential of being misused to access device signals to try to identify the device or user, also known as fingerprinting. Regardless of whether a user gives your app permission to track, fingerprinting is not allowed," Apple wrote. "To prevent the misuse of certain APIs that can be used to collect data about users' devices through fingerprinting, you'll need to declare the reasons for using these APIs in your app's privacy manifest."The new rules could increase the rate of app rejections, some developers told 9to5Mac. For instance, an API called UserDefaults falls into the "required reason" category, but since it stores user preferences, it's used by a lot of apps. At the same time, it sounds like Apple will basically need to take a developer's word for reason declarations. If those prove to be false, though, it would certainly have a paper trail for any potential penalties.Fingerprinting apps can use API calls to retrieve characteristics of your smartphone or PC, including the screen resolution, model, OS and more. It can then take all this information and create a unique "fingerprint," so it can identify you when you go to other apps or websites.Apple effectively declared war on tracking when it released iOS 14.5 in 2021, requiring developers to ask users' permission before tracking them. Since that feature arrived, only 4 percent of US iPhone users have agreed to app tracking. Now, it's trying to stop fingerprinting (also called canvas fingerprinting), which first appeared in the digital zeitgeist a decade ago. Back in 2018, Apple said it would address fingerprinting on macOS by limiting the data that websites can access on its Safari browser, and now, it's addressing the issue with apps as well.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-cracking-down-on-fingerprinting-with-new-app-store-api-rules-080007498.html?src=rss

NASA is launching its very own streaming platform called NASA+ sometime this summer. While the space agency already livestreams launches and other events on its website, NASA+ will feature not just live broadcasts, but also collections of original video series. A handful of the first shows on the platform will even be new titles launching with the service, and what's even better is that it will be free and will not be interrupting shows with ads. In other words, it's where you should go if you want to binge watch NASA and space content.The streaming service will be available through the agency's iOS and Android apps on mobile devices. You'll also be able to access it on desktop and mobile browsers, as well as stream shows on demand through media players, such as Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV.Marc Etkind from NASA's Office of Communications said:"We're putting space on demand and at your fingertips with NASA's new streaming platform. Transforming our digital presence will help us better tell the stories of how NASA explores the unknown in air and space, inspires through discovery, and innovates for the benefit of humanity."In addition to introducing its own streaming service, NASA is also giving its whole digital presence an overhaul. It's currently working on a new web (and app) experience that can better consolidate information about its missions, research projects and updates about the Artemis program, among other things. NASA has numerous websites for different programs and divisions, but the new experience will include content from several of them. It will also feature integrated navigation and search function for easier access to information across NASA websites. You can visit the beta version of the upgraded web experience right now, but take note that the agency plans to connect more libraries and websites to it even after it's been fully launched.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nasa-is-the-space-agencys-very-own-streaming-platform-063042960.html?src=rss

Call of Duty Season 5 will feature Nicki Minaj as the first ever female celebrity "Operator" playable character, Activision announced. She'll appear in Warzone and Modern Warfare 2 as part of CoD's "50 Years of Hip Hop Celebration," along with Snoop Dogg and 21 Savage.Other celebrities including Lionel Messi, Kevin Durant and Snoop Dogg (multiple times now) have appeared in CoD in the past. Minaj, however is "Call of Duty's first-ever self-named female Operator," the developer noted. "Playtime is over; this is not 'Chill Nicki'; this is Red Ruby Da Sleeze," it added, referencing Minaj's track and video released earlier this year.Minaj will appear and have her own storefront later in Season 5, with items for sale likely including the hot pink rifle pictured above. Minaj's appearance was previewed last year in a YouTube video called Squad Up, which also featured Lil Baby, Bukayo Saka, and Pete Davidson - though there's no word if those people will also appear in CoD at some point.The Season 5 website also shows information on the 9mm ISO sub machine, the AN-94 assault rifle and other weapons. CoD also previewed multiplayer additions like new maps for Livestock and Petrov Oil Rig. Meanwhile, Warzone 2.0 adds new locations like Verdansk Stadium. Season 5 will also include a reveal of the upcoming Call of Duty 2023 (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3) - in Warzone. Season 05 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone are set to launch on August 2 at 9 AM PT across all platforms.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nicki-minaj-will-be-a-playable-character-in-call-of-duty-051544179.html?src=rss

Ahead of the final two races of Season 9 in London, Formula E showed off the "unlocked" potential of its Gen3 electric race car. The EV series has claimed the world record for indoor land speed, clocking in at 135.9 MPH (218.71 KPH) in a GenBeta development car. The run took place on a .176-mile straight on the London E-Prix circuit, a portion of which is inside the ExCeL London arena. The car, piloted by NEOM McLaren Formula E driver Jake Hughes, beat the previous record of 102.7 MPH (165.2 KPH) by 33 MPH.Hughes went head-to-head with fellow driver Lucas di Grassi (Mahindra Racing) in a modified version of Formula E's duels format typically used for qualifying. Each one was given a chance to set the fasted speed on the indoor section of track and both bested the former world record on all three of their practice runs before making official attempts. Neither Hughes nor di Grassi had driven the GenBeta car prior to this exhibition.Formula E says the GenBeta car has a number of upgrades to make it faster and more powerful than the Gen3 car used in race events. First, it has an enhanced power output of 400kW, up from 350kW in race trim. The added power comes via all-wheel drive for the first time in a Formula E car through "activation of the front powertrain kit" for more traction while accelerating.The GenBeta is the first time that four-wheel drive has been activated in a single-seater race car for both acceleration and braking regeneration," explains Alessandra Ciliberti, Formula E's technical manager. "The GenBeta showcases what will be possible for Formula E racing in the near future."The GenBeta car was also running softer Hankook tires which afforded "faster warm-up and better peak grip." The harder race-day tires are currently designed for all conditions and to offer low degradation over the course of an E-Prix. Additionally, 3D-printed wing endplates, wheel fins and a wind deflector were installed for enhanced aerodynamics and peak straight-line speed. Al was also used to analyze the drivers' runs, powered by Google's Vertex platform and McKinsey & Company's QuantumBlack, helping interpret telemetry and fine-tune strategy.In order to make the record official, the drivers had to start from a standstill and completely stop inside the convention center. This meant taking a 130-degree turn at about 25 MPH before going flat out along the straight. Speeds were captured 16.4 feet before the drivers hit the breaking zone, or the section of the circuit needed for them to stop and remain inside the building.The regular Gen3 car is already the fastest and most efficient electric racer ever built. It's capable of over 200 MPH at top speed and generates 40 percent of the power it needs to complete an E-Prix through braking. Formula E describes GenBeta as "an innovation platform" that was created by the racing series, the FIA, Sabic and Hankook. Projects with the vehicle are meant to experiment with new materials and technology in a bid to increase performance, efficiency and sustainability.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/formula-e-breaks-indoor-land-speed-world-record-in-unlocked-gen3-car-040005749.html?src=rss

AMD has revealed its first mobile gaming processor with 3D V-Cache. As the name suggests, 3D V-Cache enables AMD to stack more cache on top of the CPU. The tech arrived on desktop processors last year, and soon you'll be able to pick up a laptop with a 3D V-Cache CPU.This approach allows AMD to cram extra 64MB of L3 cache onto the Ryzen 9 7945X3D. For a total of 144MB. That helps mitigate the chances of cache miss. If your system can't find information it's looking for in the cache, it has to go to system memory. That could result in processes taking 10 times longer to carry out, according to AMD. The company claims its 3D V-cache approach can help increase the frame rates of games.By moving vertically instead of padding more cache onto a CPU's typical 2D plane, AMD is able to increase the size of the cache without having to make the chip wider or longer. In essence, the company can get more performance out of a CPU while avoiding any increase to the horizontal real estate it takes up on a motherboard.The company claims this is the fastest mobile gaming processor on the planet, and that it's more than 15 percent faster than the Ryzen 9 7945HX on average. It has 16 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.4 Ghz boost speeds and 55W+ TDP. The CPU is built on the Zen 4 architecture.You won't have to wait too long to get your hands on a laptop that uses the Ryzen 9 7945X3D. ROG's Strix Scar 17 X3D machine will be available on August 22nd.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amd-unveils-its-first-laptop-processor-with-3d-v-cache-010028830.html?src=rss

Nearly three years ago Meta announced it was partnering with more than a dozen independent researchers to study the impact Facebook and Instagram had on the 2020 election. Both Meta and the researchers promised the project, which would rely on troves of internal data, would deliver an independent look at issues like polarization and misinformation.Now, we have the first results of that research in the form of four peer-reviewed papers published in the journals Science and Nature. The studies offer an intriguing new look at how Facebook and Instagram's algorithms affected what users saw in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election.The papers are also a notable milestone for Meta. The company has at times had a strainedrelationship with independent researchers and been accused of "transparency theater" in its efforts to make more data available to those wishing to understand what's happening on this platform. In a statement, Meta's policy chief Nick Clegg said that the research suggests Facebook may not be as influential in shaping its users' political beliefs as many believe. The experimental studies add to a growing body of research showing there is little evidence that key features of Meta's platforms alone cause harmful affective' polarization, or have meaningful effects on key political attitudes, beliefs or behaviors," he wrote.The researchers' initial findings, however, appear to paint a more complex picture.One study in Nature looked at the effect of so-called echo chambers," or when users are exposed to a large amount of like-minded" sources. While the researchers confirm that most users in the US see a majority of content from like-minded friends, Pages and groups," they note all of it isn't explicitly political or news-related. They also found that decreasing the amount of like-minded" content reduced engagement, but didn't measurably change user's beliefs or attitudes.While the authors note the results don't account for the cumulative effects" years of social media use may have had on their subjects, they do suggest the effects of echo chambers are often mischaracterized.Another study in Nature looked at the effect of chronological feeds compared with algorithmically-generated ones. That issue gained particular prominence in 2021, thanks to revelations from whistleblower Frances Haugen, who has advocated for a return to chronological feeds. Unsurprisingly, the researchers concluded that Facebook and Instagram's algorithmic feeds strongly influenced users' experiences."The Chronological Feed dramatically reduced the amount of time users spent on the platform, reduced how much users engaged with content when they were on the platform, and altered the mix of content they were served," the authors write. Users saw more content from ideologically moderate friends and sources with mixed audiences; more political content; more content from untrustworthy sources; and less content classified as uncivil or containing slur words than they would have on the Algorithmic Feed."At the same time, the researchers say that a chronological feed did not cause detectable changes in downstream political attitudes, knowledge, or offline behavior."Likewise, another study, also in Science, on the effects of reshared content in the run-up to the 2020 election found that removing reshared content substantially decreases the amount of political news, including content from untrustworthy sources" but didn't significantly affect political polarization or any measure of individual-level political attitudes.'Finally, researchers analyzed the political news stories that appeared in users' feeds in the context of whether they were liberal or conservative. They concluded that Facebook is substantially segregated ideologically" but that ideological segregation manifests far more in content posted by Pages and Groups than in content posted by friends." They also found conservative users were far more likely to see content from untrustworthy" sources, as well as articles rated false by the company's third-party fact checkers.The researchers said the results were a manifestation of how Pages and Groups provide a very powerful curation and dissemination machine that is used especially effectively by sources with predominantly conservative audiences."While some of the findings look good for Meta, which has long argued that political content is only a small minority of what most users see, one of the most notable takeaways from the research is that there aren't obvious solutions for addressing the polarization that does on social media. The results of these experiments do not show that the platforms are not the problem, but they show that they are not the solution," University of Konstanz' David Garcia, who was part of the research team, told Science.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/new-research-shows-how-metas-algorithms-shaped-users-2020-election-feeds-213002211.html?src=rss

Google's earthquake warning system for Android is supposed to provide notices in time to reach safety, but that might not have happened following the quake in Turkey on February 6th. BBC investigators claim that none of the hundreds of people they talked to in three Turkish cities received an alert before the first tremor hit. Only a "limited number" got an alert for a second tremor, investigators say.We've asked Google for comment. Product lead Micah Berman tells the BBC millions of people in Turkey received earthquake alerts, although the company hasn't shared data indicating widespread notifications. Google did show a handful of social media posts from people who said they received a warning, but only one was for the first quake. Berman says he doesn't have a "resounding answer" as to why social networks were quiet about alerts, but does note the nature of a quake and the reliability of internet access can affect the system.The Android Earthquake Alert System uses the accelerometer (that is, motion sensing) in phones to effectively crowdsource warnings. If many phones vibrate at the same time, Google can use the collective data to find the epicenter and magnitude of the quake, automatically sending a warning to people who are likely to feel the brunt of the shaking. While there's no more than a minute's notice, that can be enough time to find cover or evacuate. The technology can theoretically help people in areas where conventional warnings are unavailable.The concern is that the system might have failed during a strong (7.8-magnitude) earthquake. Even if it worked, it's not clear how many people should and do receive warnings in cases like this, not to mention milder incidents. Without more data, it's not certain that Android's quake alerts are reliable substitutes for traditional warnings over radio and TV.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/androids-earthquake-warning-system-failed-in-turkey-according-to-the-bbc-210612253.html?src=rss

X (formerly Twitter) continues to struggle to keep advertisers on board, and the brands that have stuck around are seeing ads show up in unexpected places. As reported by Media Matters, brands such as Honeywell, Discovery, Showtime and USA Today are having their ads placed alongside tweets from The National Socialist Network account, a neo-Nazi group that actively advocates for violence and terrorism. A job recruitment ad for the U.S. Border Patrol also appeared on the page.It's clear that not only is X still allowing hate groups to exist on the platform, it's allowing them to monetize their tweets. The National Socialist Group's leader Thomas Sewell was found guilty of "recklessly causing injury and array" following a 2021 attack. Other members of the group have pleaded guilty to "possessing documents and records of information for terrorist acts." Yet, the group's Twitter account is still active.Media Matters also reports that the account joined shortly after owner Elon Musk purchased Twitter. It has been "verified since July 2023," and according to Musk, all verified accounts are eligible to receive a share of ad revenue on the platform.Earlier this week, Twitter started slashing new ad booking prices by 50 percent through the end of the month. The company says that the discount is necessary to allow advertisers to "gain reach during crucial moments" such as sporting events. Twitter was also asking brands to spend at least $1,000 per month on ads or verification in order to retain their verified badge on the platform.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-placed-ads-from-discovery-showtime-and-usa-today-on-a-neo-nazi-account-202133800.html?src=rss

Google's anti-stalking measures are rolling out. The company's unknown tracker alerts and other safety measures, announced at Google I/O in May, should start appearing on Android 6.0+ devices beginning today. The initiative aims to reduce the unfortunate rise in digital stalking that materialized soon after Apple's AirTag launch in 2021.Android's unknown tracker alerts tell you if an unknown Bluetooth tracker is traveling with you but not its owner. If your Android phone notifies you about a discovered tracking accessory, you can tap on the alert to learn more about it, including a map of where it traveled with you and (in some cases) a serial number and info about the device's owner. You can also tap a Play sound" option to make the accessory chirp to help you locate it. If it turns out to be something suspicious, it will provide instructions on deactivating it so its owner will no longer receive updates. (In the case of AirTag, that means twisting its top off and removing its battery.)The Android rollout also allows you to manually scan for nearby trackers rather than waiting for an alert. Once your phone receives the update, navigate to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Unknown Tracker Alerts, and select the Scan now" button. Google says the manual search only takes about ten seconds, and if it finds one, you'll see the same options as if you received an automatic alert.Google and Apple are partnering to address concerns about unwanted tracker stalking; they're working on an industry standard that will enable other third-party trackers to work with the system. In addition, Google announced today that its Find My Device network (equivalent to Apple's Find My), also announced at Google I/O, is delayed. Google decided to wait for Apple to implement its full unknown tracking protections into iOS before rolling out the new feature.Note that Google's anti-stalking measures may reduce the effectiveness of following tracked stolen items on a map since enterprising thieves can soon quickly discover hidden trackers, no matter which phone they use. However, it's understandable that reducing stalking would override that concern in Google and Apple's security balancing act.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-rolls-out-anti-stalking-measures-for-airtag-and-other-bluetooth-trackers-194936293.html?src=rss

Mesh router systems are a great way to beef up your home's WiFi network and one of the best-reviewed units out there is the TP-Link's Deco XE75. You can now pick up this tri-band system for 30 percent off, from $450 down to $330. For the price, you get three units, or nodes, to place throughout the home. This isn't the lowest price ever for this system, but it's just $10 more than this year's Prime Day deal.So what's so special about this system? It's just solid on all fronts, offering an easy installation, seamless integration with the three major wireless bands (2.4, 5 and 6), connectivity with up to 200 devices and enough coverage to handle 7,200 square feet. You also get three analog ports for each node, totaling nine possible wired connections for gaming consoles, computers and other devices that demand ultra-high speeds.In our round-up of the best mesh wireless systems, we wrote that TP-Link's offering expertly balances raw power and user-friendliness." As a matter of fact, the only negatives we found were minor nitpicks, like shorter-than-average power cables and an app that could use a bit more polish.There's one potential downside for some consumers. This system comes with three units, making this the perfect set-up for larger-than-average homes of four bedrooms or more. If you live in a smaller home, you probably don't need all of this mesh goodness. You'd be fine with one or two units, depending on the size of your space. These smaller packs are also on sale, but just 18 to 23 percent off, depending on which combo you go with.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/one-of-our-favorite-mesh-wifi-systems-tp-links-deco-is-30-percent-off-180716707.html?src=rss

Reddit has started testing its version of verification badges on its platform with a new "Official" label. According to a post by a Reddit admin, the new label is in early testing and is only available to a small group of organizations ("in the double digits") that already have existing relationships with Reddit. The company says that the label will appear next to their usernames, similar to how flairs are currently implemented.Reddit clarifies that this should not be taken as an endorsement or promotion on its part and that it's simply there to identify authentic brand accounts. "The label is a visual indicator of an authenticated profile, and it does not unlock any special privileges or protections. This new 'Official' label should not be mistaken for our existing 'Promoted' label, which continues to be our (only) indicator of a paid ad," Reddit says.It's worth noting that this is a test on Reddit's part and it's unclear if or when the company plans on expanding the program to cover more than just businesses. Reddit seems to be taking the classic Twitter approach, manually verifying brands at this time. This is in contrast to other platforms such as Instagram, which allow users to pay for their respective verification badges. Though, it's possible that Reddit shifts to the latter method down the line when it needs to start verifying both users and brands.Reddit has had a rough last several months as the company has changed its API rules. Third-party developers used Reddit's APIs to build thousands of apps that hook into the social media platform. With the shutdown, many subreddits closed or restricted access in order to protest the change. And of the subreddits that were forced to open back up, some started marking all new posts as NSFW, which prevented Reddit from monetizing them.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/reddit-is-testing-verification-labels-for-brands-174640320.html?src=rss

Tesla has been accused of exaggerating EV driving range in the past, but it's now facing allegations that it's trying to minimize complaints about performance. Reuterssources claim Tesla had a secret "Diversion Team" in the Las Vegas area that aims to cancel range-related service appointments. If a customer complained that the range didn't live up to marketing claims, advisors in the team would tell owners that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) range figures were just predictions, and that battery degradation would reduce range. The unit initially ran remote diagnostics and called customers, but wouldn't share non-range issues and eventually stopped testing altogether.The aim was reportedly to both save money (about $1,000 per appointment, according to managers) and reduce strain on service centers already facing long appointment queues. Tesla updated its mobile app to remove appointment options for users asking about range, and instead gave them the choice of asking a company representative to call.The complaints don't stem from technical flaws, the insiders claim. Instead, Tesla supposedly began tinkering with range estimates roughly a decade ago to exaggerate figures when an EV was fully charged. Cars would only begin showing more accurate range numbers below a 50 percent charge. The company also gave vehicles a 15-mile range buffer when the estimate reached zero, much as combustion engine cars still have fuel in the tank when the gauge reads "empty."It's not certain if Tesla continues to rely on code to exaggerate range, if the report is accurate. Tesla has disbanded its public relations team and isn't available for comment. However, the company has already faced criticism and legal trouble over range concerns. The EPA asked Tesla to slightly reduce its range estimates from the 2020 model year onward, and South Korea fined Tesla $2.2 million in January for allegedly failing to disclose that range can drop in cold weather.Tesla isn't alone in embellishing range, but may be worse than most. The standards body SAE International recently published a study indicating that EVs typically fall 12.5 percent short of their official range in highway driving. One of the co-authors, Gregory Pannone, tells Reuters that Tesla's shortfall was a much higher 26 percent. Brands like Ford, Mercedes and Porsche also offer more conservative estimates by using an EPA formula instead of running extra tests.Elon Musk's firm isn't necessarily cheating, as Pannone explains. Instead, it may be exploiting EPA range procedures more aggressively than its peers. If true, though, that's still problematic for buyers who might never come close to the range they expected.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tesla-allegedly-formed-a-team-to-quash-driving-range-complaints-164750696.html?src=rss

Researchers at NYU's Tandon School of Engineering and Grossman School of Medicine have created an app to help people with visual impairments navigate New York City's subway system. Commute Booster uses a smartphone camera to recognize relevant signs along a transit route, guiding the user to their destination while ignoring nonessential signs and posters.Commute Booster is designed for the middle mile," where passengers trawl through turnstiles, busy passageways and terminals to stay on the correct route. The app combines general transit feed specification (GTFS), a standardized and publicly available database about public transportation routes, with optical character recognition (OCR) to interpret signs and guide the user accordingly. By integrating these two components, Commute Booster provides real-time feedback to users regarding the presence or absence of relevant navigation signs within the field of view of their phone camera during their journey," an NYU press release published today reads.A study that used the app on three NYC stations - Jay Street-Metrotech, Dekalb Avenue and Canal Street - had a 97 percent success rate in identifying the relevant signs needed to reach a mock destination. It managed to read" the signs at a distance and from various angles expected from a typical commute.The middle mile' often involves negotiating a complex network of underground corridors, ticket booths and subway platforms. It can be treacherous for people who cannot rely on sight," said John-Ross Rizzo, MD, an NYU professor (and co-author of the paper) known for his engineering work that helps people with disabilities. Most GPS-enabled navigation apps address first' and last' miles only, so they fall short of meeting the needs of blind or low-vision commuters. Commute Booster is meant to fill that gap."Next is a planned human subject study to see how well the app holds up in real-world navigation scenarios. After that, the researchers hope to make it available for public use in the near term." Commute Booster is a simple smartphone app using a modern handset's standard sensors, but that means users need to hold their phones' cameras up as they navigate New York's subway system -still well worth it, but less than an ideal setup. One can easily imagine this or a similar app running on AR smartglasses if or when they ever find broader consumer appeal. (Some companies have already tried.)This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/researchers-app-could-help-people-with-visual-impairments-navigate-the-nyc-subway-163456689.html?src=rss

It's been two months since The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomknocked our socks off, so if you've saved Hyrule and are looking for something else to play, Nintendo may have you covered. The company just dropped two classic Zelda titles onto its Nintendo Switch Online platform.The games include The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, both released for the Game Boy Color way back in 2001. Despite sharing similar names and original release dates, these are separate titles with unique power ups, gimmicks, overworlds, NPCs, dungeons and more, though they do connect in certain spoilery ways.Both of these classics are top-down adventures in the style of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and feature charming pixel-based graphics of the era. These are the original releases and have not been remade in any way, so you won't get the same graphical flourishes seen in 2019's remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. However, that remake was $60 and these are (sort of) free. Also, many consider this pair to be some of the best games in the franchise's storied history.You need a Nintendo Online subscription to play both games, which costs $20 per year or $4 per month, with a seven day free trial available for newbies. You don't, however, need one of those fancy Expansion Pack subscriptions. For the price, you also get access to plenty of other iconic Zelda titles from the NES and SNES days.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-drops-two-classic-zelda-titles-for-switch-online-subscribers-160801831.html?src=rss

It didn't take long for Sony to cross another PlayStation 5 milestone. The company confirms it has sold over 40 million PS5 consoles since the system's debut in November 2020. That's roughly 8 million units sold since the start of the year. That unsurprisingly doesn't top last year's holiday sales, when Sony moved 7.1 million PS5s in one quarter. However, the company says inventory is finally "well-stocked" and keeping up with demand - you might not have to wait for stores to get fresh supplies.The PS5 reached the 10 million mark in its first eight months. However, it also had the benefit of launching during a holiday when many people were stuck at home during the early pandemic - it became Sony's fastest-selling console to date. The tech giant is now is getting closer to that pace even in the post-holiday period, when demand tends to drop.The company had shipped over 117 million PS4s as of early 2022, and nearly 157 million PS2s as of 2013. Nintendo, meanwhile had moved nearly 123 million Switches as of the end of 2022. Those leads aren't surprising given the extra years of sales involved, but they suggest Sony has a while to go before it eclipses both its all-time best figures as well as the current-gen competition.How that momentum changes isn't clear. A redesigned or upgraded console isn't guaranteed to arrive in the near future. At the same time, the game catalog is improving. More PlayStation games are PS5-only, including upcoming blockbusters like Spider-Man 2. Sony is also going into late 2023 with a few potential system-selling accessories, including PlayStation VR2 and the Project Q streaming device. There's no guarantee Sony will continue to enjoy rosy sales, but the ingredients are there for a strong year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sony-has-sold-over-40-million-ps5-consoles-150040065.html?src=rss

Last year, I asked if we'd ever see an e-cargo bike for the people," with powerful electric assist, generous cargo capacity and an affordable price. Soon after, Mycle got in touch to say its own offering, the Mycle Cargo, was exactly the bike I was looking for. It added that the struggles I'd had with heavy loads and steep hills wouldn't be a problem for its affordable cargo longtail. After spending the better part of three months riding this thing around, I can heartily agree that it ticks many of the boxes I was hoping for. I may not have fallen head-over-heels in love with it in the way I had hoped, or expected to, but I'm sure it could find a place in the homes of many cyclists.Mycle is a British-built e-bike which fits into the same category as Tern's GSD, with a step through frame and beefy longtail. Support struts and plastic panels enclose the thick rear wheel, which houses the surprisingly-powerful 250W hub motor. Now, I won't bang this drum too much, but this thing is less than half the price of some of its competitors in the cargo longtail space. Here in the UK, a Tern GSD or Yuba's Spicy Curry will set you back around 5,000 before you start picking optional extras. By comparison, the Cargo's retail price is 1,999, which will get you the standard setup, including integrated front and rear lights.Daniel CooperThe model I tested, meanwhile, had a few luxuries added on, including an LCD display which adds 150 to the price. My model also had a front basket (89) and a caboose to enclose the rear deck to help keep my kids safe (129). The only other mainstream e-cargo bike in this price bracket is Rad Power'sRadWagon 4, which I'm looking to test in the future to offer a good head-to-head comparison. On paper, the RadWagon has a far lower center of gravity and a bigger payload weight, but a far shorter promised range.Every issue I could raise about the Mycle Cargo, and I have a few, can likely be answered by its price. These bikes need to be affordable to win over would-be buyers who can quite reasonably say that five grand would get you a decent second-hand car and cover a year's running costs. And while two thousand pounds is no small investment for a lot of people right now, it may wind up saving them cash if it helps them get around without a car. You can certainly carry at least two kids on the rear deck, and can probably mount a third seat up front should you need.Daniel CooperMycle Cargo measures in at 187cm (73.6in) long and 73cm (28.7in) wide, with a quoted kerb weight of around 80 pounds. Even in my fairly spacious house, it took up a lot of room, and it requires a decent amount of effort to get it up my front steps. Which is a euphemistic way of saying that if you're in a small space, or don't have great upper body strength, you might need to look for an alternative. I found that, the longer I rode it, the easier it became to handle, so I think my time with the bike has contributed to some minor enswolening of my arms.The bike arrives half-assembled, and you'll need to get a hex key to screw in the footplates, caboose, front basket and fit the handlebars. This requires a decent amount of patience, since there's so much engineering going on that your fingers won't have much room to maneuver. If you can, get a bike store to do the finishing off for you, especially if you've got chunky hands and a tendency to swear in frustration after the screw falls out three times in a row.Daniel CooperThe bike is fitted with a wonderfully comfortable seat, and is equipped with a modest, but solid, set of components. There's Tektro mechanical disc brakes and a 7-speed Shimano Altus set, which might provoke a sniff or two from higher-minded cycling types. Both are what I'd call modestly priced, and aside from the odd stiff gear change, neither felt out of place, with good braking even on steep hills. It's also clear that cost savings in this area help get the overall price down without causing too much pain for the rider on a daily basis. One nitpick I do have is that the built-in double-sided kickstand is sturdy, it still feels a little weak and I wish it was a bit thicker.Now, from here on out, we'll be talking about my experience of riding Mycle Cargo, and I'd say that I'm a general-purpose cyclist at best. Certainly, I'm open about my deficiencies, and hope that I can offer a better perspective for would-be riders than a road-hardened professional. If you're a novice rider looking for a cargo bike, then these are the issues you'll probably want to be mindful of, whereas more experienced riders can probably just look at the price, what you get for that chunk of cash, and head to the Mycle website to pre-order one.Daniel CooperThe issue with weight, for instance, is going to be harder for novices to deal with compared to people who already own more than one pair of waterproof trousers. Mycle Cargo is heavy and, in my early rides, proved to be more than I could handle in terms of its balance issues. Even with fat tyres, which are designed to improve balance, I found it very easy to lose control of this thing at lower speeds. I tried to take the kids to school in rush-hour traffic, and pushed off in a quiet moment, only to find the bike started to wobble. I tried to correct it, but in doing so nearly pitched sideways into a van coming the other way.Fortunately, this problem did eventually go away, but it took me a lot of (solo) trial-and-error and some counterintuitive tyre-deflating before I put the kids back on it again. Once I'd got the Mycle set up the way I did, riding became a lot easier and I had some fairly glorious runs around the local area. But don't expect to climb on this in the first hour or two and expect to be zooming around your town without a care in the world. The learning curve is there, and it is steep, and I found the damped steering - designed to prevent you making risky, aggressive turns - was a bit of a pain in my early trips.Daniel CooperOnce you get past the slow-speed wobbles, however, do you find Mycle Cargo's comfort zone, which is unleashing its vast reserves of power. Accelerate a bit, and you'll find riding the bike is easy and comfortable, but if you only run it on flat ground, you'll miss out on its party piece. My kids' school is at the top of a hill that measures around 11 degrees (or more) at its gentlest point. And I've ridden a few 250W hub motor bikes up there with varying levels of comfort, and even a light single-seater can sometimes struggle.This thing? With all the added weight in its frame and two kids in the back? I have never seen a bike move this fast. It shot up the hill faster than the car I was passing, and I very quickly had to dial down the assistance level to stop feeling uncomfortable. When that pedal assist kicks in after a second or so's delay, you feel as if you're being towed by a car. It ships with a throttle but I don't think I was ever compelled to use it outside of trying to intentionally test it, because one full turn of the pedal and this thing moves like a rocket.Daniel CooperI cannot overstate how much power Mycle has managed to wring out of this motor, to the point where I'd almost want to joke that it's really a 500W motor with the wrong label. I cannot imagine anyone riding this thing and thinking that it'll do anything but conquer any terrain you put in front of it. If I had infinite time and money, I'd take this to France and irritate everyone doing a mountain cycle climb as I lap them while lazily pedaling my way to lunch. The downside is the lack of refinement; dial down the electric assist and you'll very quickly feel a lurch as the motor steps down a notch.That's really where your money isn't going with a bike like this - into the refinements that would see it go from a two grand bike to a five grand one. I can think of plenty of tweaks I'd like to see, including a lighter weight, lower center of gravity and better handling. But if the choice is this bike or one that'll cost more than twice the price, I'd rather keep my cash in the bank.You can pre-order the Mycle Cargo now, with deliveries slated for some point in August. That will come with a few tweaks, including upgraded brakes - hydraulic, rather than mechanical - and fittings for a new rear-caboose. The new model will also be able to use a new clubhouse-style weather tent to keep your kids dry on windier days, but there's no word on how much that'll cost you at present.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mycle-cargo-is-almost-the-longtail-of-the-people-ive-been-waiting-for-130046591.html?src=rss

Generative AI in Photoshop is now useful for more than filling in gaps. Adobe has updated the Photoshop beta with a Generative Expand feature that grows an image using AI-made content. Drag the crop tool beyond the original picture size and you can add material with or without a text prompt. This can help when an image is simply too small, of course, but Adobe also believes it can help when you want to change aspect ratios, fix a cut-off subject or otherwise touch up artwork.At the same time, generative AI text prompts in the beta now work in over 100 languages. You won't have to use a very common language like English to produce content.Generative Expand and the wider text prompt support should be available once you've updated the Photoshop beta app. Adobe is teasing more generative AI features arriving this fall, so you'll have more creative tools before long.As with Generative Fill, Expand is meant primarily for creators who are more interested in artistic expression than accuracy. The catch, of course, is that you can also distort or exaggerate images. You can create a dramatic panorama of a pristine beach when the reality is far uglier, for instance. While manipulating images in editors like Photoshop is nothing new, the AI makes it easier to spread misinformation or otherwise mislead viewers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/photoshop-can-now-use-generative-ai-to-expand-images-133421406.html?src=rss

The following contains spoilers for Under the Cloak of War."Some things break in a way that can never be repaired, only managed." It's the final line in a powerhouse episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Under the Cloak of War" lays out a host of questions about memory, grief and redemption - reiterating the key obsessions of this season - none of which it could possibly answer. For some shows, this would be a bad thing, but Strange New Worlds is becoming increasingly comfortable living with ambiguity. Much as I may be flush with recency bias, I already feel it may be the standout of the season.The Enterprise has been asked to carry Dak'Rah (An unrecognizable Robert Wisdom), a successful, but deeply controversial, Federation ambassador to the Prospero system. Controversial because he's a Klingon who defected during the recent war, who is also known as the Butcher of J'Gal." Not just because of the orders he gave, including massacring his own civilians, but because he killed all of his generals just before he defected. Dak'Rah is embraced by Pike, Una and Uhura as a beacon of hope for a more peaceful future. But Ortegas, who fought in the war, and M'Benga and Chapel, who actually served in a field hospital on J'Gal, can't get over the past, or their own pain.We flash back to Chapel's arrival on J'Gal, where she's greeted by Trek good luck charm Clint Howard's commanding officer. Her orientation lasts for all of a minute before she's picking up casualties from the transporter pad and trying to save them without key medical tech. One soldier gets loaded into the pattern buffer to keep him alive until rescue arrives, while others get operated on the old-fashioned way. M'Benga and Chapel quickly bond over their rough time in the medical trenches, and develop a shorthand to help each other along.Paramount+In the present, Pike asks all three to quell their objections and come to dinner with Dak'Rah, who is trying to hold court over the captain's table. None of them are able to make nice for too long, and Ortegas quickly leaves, with Chapel following behind. Pike notices that while M'Benga remains, he's gripping the arms of his seat so tightly that he's about to rip them off, and asks him to go look after the absent pair. But not before Ra, knowing that M'Benga loves martial arts, asks to set up a session between the two with an arm grip that's a little too aggressive.Back on J'Gal, M'Benga treats a wounded soldier who wonders what the point of this battle really is. The doctor gives a rousing speech, bringing to mind the you want me on that wall" speech from Aaron Sorkin's A Few Good Men. He says the risk of Klingon expansionism is too great, and that Starfleet fights so that others can live their lives in peace. But while the speech is effective, it's delivered a little too convincingly, especially given we soon learn that M'Benga used to be the guy wielding the knife rather than the scalpel.Soon after, a special forces commander asks M'Benga for some Protocol 12, the green steroids M'Benga and Chapel used in The Broken Circle." As annoyed as I was that M'Benga himself created it - I'm never a fan of secret origin stories where the same five characters are at the center of literally everything in the universe - I was pleased we didn't get an over-explanation of its genesis. The doctor refuses, so the commander asks if M'Benga himself, under his old guise of The Ghost" will join the team on its daring mission given how effective his murder skills are, or were.The military is planning to send a small unit to try and wipe out J'Gal's leaders once and for all, while committing the bulk of its forces to a grand frontal assault as a distraction. The soldier M'Benga previously patched up is going back out there to get chopped up, everyone knowing ahead of time they're being sent to the meat grinder. But the Klingons are ready for them, disabling the field hospital's power generators, preventing them from saving the casualties as they pile up. Chapel gets a transporter online, but can't activate it without wiping the soldier who was kept in the pattern buffer earlier, something M'Benga does with little hesitation.Back on the ship, M'Benga and Dak'Rah start their sparring session, with Dak'Rah doing his best to try and make nice with the doctor. He talks about how good the symbolism of two former enemies, quite literally on the opposite sides of the same battle, standing side-by-side would be. But M'Benga can't bring himself to be friends, just allies, and soon starts to ask Dak'Rah which of his generals fought the hardest during his final day on J'Gal. Dak'Rah can't answer, because it wasn't Dak'Rah that killed them, but M'Benga, hopped up on his own fury steroids and looking for revenge.The Enterprise takes a shortcut to get their unwanted Klingon off the ship before someone gets hurt, but not before Dak'Rah once again goes to M'Benga. The Doctor is looking at his little personal effects case, which includes a D'k tahg he kept as a reminder from J'Gal. They discuss the fallout from their prior discussion, with M'Benga angry that Dak'Rah has used the deaths M'Benga caused to launder his own reputation. We cut, then, to the other side of the doctor's office, through partially-opaque glass, as the pair scuffle, before cutting back to Dak'Rahdead on the floor with a dagger in his chest.Chapel provides cover for M'Benga, saying Dak'Rah caused the fight, which M'Benga agrees to, despite Pike pressing him for an off-the-record admission of guilt. He tells his captain he's not responsible, but he's glad his old enemy is he kept as a reminder from J'Gal. They discuss the fallout from their prior discussion, with M'Benga angry that Dak'Rah has used the deaths M'Benga caused to launder his own reputation. We cut, then, to the other side of the doctor's office, through partially-opaque glass, as the pair scuffle, before cutting back to Dak'Rah dead on the floor with a dagger in his chest.Michael Gibson/Paramount+If there's one thing that Star Trek (both back in the day and now) can sometimes forget, it's that history doesn't just happen to other people. As much as it focuses on the great people of history making soliloquies on the bridge of their starships, that's the start of things, not the end. Despite its apparent progressivism, it rarely engages with the material concerns of the ordinary people living and serving in Starfleet on that sort of level. That's why the fact we got to see the Klingon war from something approaching the ground is a refreshing change.And at the start of the season, I talked about how confident Strange New Worlds' storytelling had become. Bursting out of the gate, even its weaker episodes were elevated by a production team pulling their hardest in the same direction. With a strong script, credited to writer/producer Davy Perez and directed by Jeff W. Boyd, there's not much that can go wrong. It helps, too, that Strange New Worlds this year has restrained its urge to explain, and over-explain, every facet of what's going on. But what really makes this episode is the towering, blockbuster performance by Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M'Benga who, once again, demonstrates he's this series secret weapon.It's Olusanmokun who holds the broad tangle of ideas in this script together, including the key issues around memory, grief and forgiveness. There's a clear dichotomy between those in the crew who are motivated for revenge and those who are looking toward a better future. I'm sure that particular conflict can be mapped over several real-world fault lines, for better or worse. The episode, wisely, doesn't necessarily take one side over the other, although the fact M'Benga and Chapel are our POV characters this week means we're already on side.It's a shame that there's less emphasis on making Dak'Rah as fully rounded-out a character as he could, or should be. He's not given space to justify Pike's faith in him, and it's clear pretty much as soon as he arrives that he's ever so slightly phony. Much of this can be attributed to our old enemy running time, and the fact that Strange New Worlds' storytelling is that much more ambitious this time out. But I'm never going to criticize a series for having too many ideas and not enough time to explore all of them in enough detail.Oh, and I wanted to draw attention to Strange New Worlds' excellent use of virtual stages both here and for much of the season. The world of J'Gal feels pretty believable, rendered as a living backdrop behind the field hospital in the flashback sequences. Given the cost and logistical demands of trying to set up a series of night shoots on rough terrain, I can understand why the team opted to shoot the scene in the studio. But while keen-eyed fans will be looking for the edges of the stage, the atmosphere feels a lot more real than if they were acting in front of a green screen.It's clear now that each season of Strange New Worlds conforms to a similar shape across its run. After a mission-setting premiere, you get three episodes exploring standard Trek tropes, with a focus on Una and La'an. Episode five is a Spock-heavy romantic comedy romp, followed by a heavy episode that emphasizes the season's overall theme. Seven is a lighter episode, while eight is primarily focused on Dr. M'Benga, while nine is one of two big showcase episodes to cap the season. And I'm hoping I get some credit for clocking - last year - that we were going to see a musical episode, which is what we're getting next week.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-probes-the-limits-of-redemption-130025700.html?src=rss

GoodRx, best known for its prescription drug price comparison tool, has launched a new free offering called Medicine Cabinet." The tool will allow GoodRx app users to manage their prescription medications on a single platform. This comes on the heels of the news that the company is working with CVS Health to develop the Caremark Cost Saver, which could lower pharmacy out-of-pocket drug costs for shoppers.Medicine Cabinet will automatically integrate within the GoodRx app and will feature tools like a prescriptions dashboard" where a consumer can set up refill reminders and find the best pharmacies to pick up their medications at the lowest price. At the heart of the app are daily pill reminders that are customizable to any treatment plan that is uploaded into the app. GoodRx Chief Product Officer Mark Hull said the reminders feature is huge because 50 percent of the time, Americans are struggling to take their medications as prescribed for reasons as simple as forgetfulness or cost.The Medicine Cabinet also includes a dashboard for GoodRx's rewards program which offers users monetary perks like e-gift cards for staying on top of medication refills. Nobody's integrating or rewarding people for having those healthy habits," Hull said.

Our phones can replace a lot of things we used to need on the regular - our wallets, our car keys and now even scanners. Thanks to your handset's camera, the power to scan things is built into your iPhone. You can use it to scan documents, QR codes and more, allowing you to save IRL files in a pinch, pull up menus at restaurants and even check grocery prices on the fly. Here's how to scan almost anything with your iPhone.How to scan documents with an iPhoneThe default way to scan a document with an iPhone lives within iOS' native Notes app. Open it and open a new note. Tap the camera icon on the bottom menu bar, tap Scan Documents and then hold your phone to frame the document you want to scan.Photo by Julia Mercado / EngadgetThe camera will scan the document automatically. But, just like taking a photo, you also have the option to do it manually by tapping the white button at the bottom of the screen or pressing the volume button.If your document is more than one page, repeat the process for each page and hit the Save button at the bottom right corner when you're done. If you need to redo or edit a scan, tap the stack icon at the bottom left corner. Once saved, all of the pages will be attached to the same note in your library.Photo by Julia Mercado / EngadgetYour iPhone also has the ability to scan the text in your document and make a note from it as well. Just tap and hold on text in your scanned document and highlight the portion you want to extract. You can then make a new note from that, or copy and paste the text into an existing note.How to scan a QR code with an iPhoneOpen the Camera and hold it up to the QR code. Tap the link that generates beneath the code and it will take you straight to your browser. You will automatically be sent to the site or PDF that the QR code links to.Another way to scan a QR code is by using iOS' built in Code Scanner. First, go to settings and tap Control Center. Then, tap the green plus icon next to Code Scanner to add it to your Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner of your home screen and tap the Code Scanner. The icon is represented with a small QR code inside four corners framing it.Photo by Julia Mercado / EngadgetThat option will take you to another form of your camera. This time, there's no need to click a link: just frame the code in the four white corners and wait. Code Scanner will automatically show you what's linked in your browser.How to scan a barcode with an iPhoneUnfortunately, iPhones can't handle barcodes on their own just yet, but there are third-party apps that can. Depending on the barcode, each app can help you do something different. If you are looking to keep track of books in your library, you can rely on Goodreads. If you just want to shop smart, ShopSavvy can help you find coupons on items you're thinking of buying. And if you need a basic scanner, Barcode Scanner can look up anything and add it to your history, plus it even lets you make your own QR codes.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-scan-with-iphone-120030667.html?src=rss

An investigation into Microsoft's potential antitrust practices is underway nearly three years after Slack first filed a complaint against the company. The European Commission has announced a probe into if Microsoft bundling Teams with its product suites violated EU competition rules. Slack filed its antitrust complaint in 2020, alleging that Microsoft's decision to include Teams with Microsoft 365 or Office 365 is illegal and that the company blocked some users from removing the software.In April, Microsoft agreed to remove Teams from its Office suite in an attempt to prevent a probe, but said it was unclear how it would do so. The effort wasn't enough to avoid concerns and make a deal. In its announcement opening the investigation, the European Commission said it "is concerned that Microsoft may grant Teams a distribution advantage by not giving customers a choice on whether or not to include access to that product when they subscribe to their productivity suites and may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings."A Microsoft spokesperson responded to the news: "We respect the European Commission's work on this case and take our own responsibilities very seriously. We will continue to cooperate with the Commission and remain committed to finding solutions that will address its concerns."This isn't the first time Microsoft has found itself in hot water with the European Commission. In 2009, the company agreed to offer EU users different browser options instead of forcing them to use Internet Explorer in Windows. Four years later, the European Commission fined Microsoft 561 million ($625 million) after a "glitch" stopped the browser choice screen from consistently appearing. The current investigation has no decision deadline, so it might be some time before the European Commission announces Microsoft's fate.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-faces-an-eu-antitrust-probe-over-its-bundling-of-teams-114147712.html?src=rss

Cruelly timed for just after The Morning After newsletter yesterday, Samsung's latest Unpacked media event was a first for the company. It's the first time the company has launched over five devices in a single day. Ah wait, no. Was it the first time K-Pop superstars BTS helped promote Samsung's latest smartphone? Nope, that's been done before, too. No, this July event was the first Unpacked in the company's native South Korea, in Seoul.The move speaks to the confidence Samsung has about its newest smartphones, which includes its fourth-generation foldables. For me, those devices are the exciting part, even though the company is bringing back the bezel to its wearables and has made its premium tablets water resistant.EngadgetThe Galaxy Z Flip 4 ($999) gets the most evolutionary treatment this year, with a far more expansive external display, new widgets and features. At this point, it has to match what we saw on Motorola's Razr+, but it initially doesn't seem as versatile as Moto's take on the secondary screen. Expect our review to put those new features through their paces.The Galaxy Z Fold 4 ($1,800, yikes), meanwhile, is slightly slimmer, slightly more powerful and a little too similar to last year's Fold 3 at first blush. Samsung's new Flex Hinge - said to have a more streamlined design while still boasting IPX8 water resistance - erases that jarring gap between the screen halves while decreasing its overall thickness to 13.5mm. (Note: That's still thicker than its rival foldable, the Pixel Fold.)I've corralled the other highlights from Samsung - is this the year you'll buy a foldable?- Mat SmithYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!Samsung Unpacked July 2023 highlightsSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 hands-on: A larger external display holds promiseSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 hands-on: Is Samsung squandering its head start?Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs Moto Razr+: A clamshell comparison Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Pixel Fold: Did Samsung rise to Google's challenge?Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 hands-on: The spinning bezel's triumphant returnSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra hands-on: A premium tablet with water protection Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 pre-orders on Amazon include a $200 gift card The other biggest stories you might have missedThe $9,995 Fuell Fllow electric motorcycle is available for pre-order todayAugust's PlayStation Plus monthly games include Death's Door' and Dreams' Xbox home screen revamp provides quicker access to gamesThe best wireless headphones for 2023Meta had its best quarter since 2021 despite losing more money on the metaverseMeta is fully committed' to the metaverse.Meta just had its best quarter since 2021, even as it continues to lose massive amounts of money on the metaverse. In fact, the company said it expects to lose even more money on its efforts in the year to come. I mean, the company changed its name - it's not going to give up so easily.Reality Labs, the Meta division overseeing its virtual and augmented reality projects, lost $3.7 billion during the second quarter of 2023 and generated just $276 million in revenue, according to the company's latest earnings report. Aside from the metaverse, it was an otherwise strong quarter for Meta, which reported $32 billion in revenue, an 11 percent increase from last year.Continue reading.Amazon Prime members can now get pre-approved for new Boost Infinite cellular plansThere's a storefront selling Boost Infinite's SIM kits.Amazon has teamed up with Boost Infinite, a wireless carrier owned by Dish Wireless, and has launched a storefront to make the latter's SIM kits more accessible. While Amazon sells SIM cards from a variety of providers, this is a genuine tie-up that automatically pre-qualifies Prime members for the carrier's $25-per-month postpaid wireless plan. Subscribers can purchase Boost Infinite's Unlimited $25 SIM kit from the Amazon store with a 20 percent discount. It's not quite the free cellular service rumors we've heard about, but a discount is a discount...Continue reading.X threatens to drop verification status for advertisers spending under $1,000 per monthMusk says it's to prevent scammers from creating millions of accounts.EngadgetTwitter, now X, is reportedly hardballing advertisers to increase its bottom line. Reports earlier this month suggested X's revenue had dropped by a staggering 50 percent. The company's latest strategy, according to The Wall Street Journal, is asking brands to spend at least $1,000 per month on ads to maintain their verified status on the platform. Musk says the "moderately high" cost is a preventative measure to help reduce the number of scammers creating "millions of accounts" on the platform. Millions!Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-everything-announced-at-samsungs-summer-unpacked-2023-event-111543940.html?src=rss

If you want to keep track of your luggage or if you have items you need to protect from theft or loss, Apple's AirTags are the answer. You can now pick up a four-pack at Amazon and Walmart for $85 (14 percent off) - just slightly higher than the lowest price we've ever seen. The deal is ideal if you have multiple items to keep safe.If you're in Apple's ecosystem, AirTags give you some big advantages over rival trackers from Tile and others. The ultra-wideband functionality offers precise tracking with iPhone 11 (and up) devices when you get close, so you can tell whether your missing object is under a couch cushion or behind a chair, for example. Meanwhile, the AirTag network enabled by all Apple device users allows you to find a missing bag that might be a longer distance away.The coin-sized design is nice and simple and you'll get a seamless experience thanks to the Find My App. You can also force the AirTag to emit a chime to help you more easily locate your item if you're close to it. However, it doesn't have a built-in keyring like rival devices, so you'll need to buy additional accessories - luckily, Engadget just released a buyer's guide for AirTag keyrings, straps and more.The main drawback is that it only works with Apple devices, so Android users will have to look elsewhere, and battery life is also limited. Still, Apple users can now grab a four pack at one of the lowest prices we've seen.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/apple-airtag-4-pack-falls-back-to-85-075538136.html?src=rss

Samsung has reported KRW 0.67 trillion ($527 million) in operating profit for the second quarter of 2023, which is just slightly higher than last quarter's, thanks to its memory business posting a narrower loss. That figure is also, however, much, much smaller than the KRW 14.1 trillion ($10.8 billion) operating profit it posted in July 2022. In its latest earnings report, the tech giant also revealed a consolidated revenue of KRW 60.01 trillion ($47 billion), which represents a 6 percent decline from the previous quarter's and a far cry from last year's record-breaking KRW 77.2 trillion ($59.4 billion).The company blames the drop in revenue mostly to a decline in smartphone shipments "as the effect of the Galaxy S23 launch" in the first quarter faded. If you'll recall, Samsung's mobile division performed well the previous earning period due to the strong sales of the Galaxy S23 series, specifically the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Now, the division's consolidated revenue has slipped from KRW 31.82 trillion ($23.7 billion) to KRW 25.55 trillion ($20 billion), while its operating profit dropped by $500 billion.Samsung expects the overall smartphone market to pick back up in the second half of the year, especially in the premium market. Unsurprisingly, it plans to focus its efforts on the newly launched Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 series. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 boasts a 3.6-inch external display - the previous model had a 1.9-inch one - while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a new hinge that gets rid of the gap between the two screen halves.Meanwhile, Samsung's DS Division or memory business experienced a slight recovery in revenue from KRW 13.73 trillion ($10.2 billion) in Q1 to KRW 14.73 trillion ($11.53 billion). Its operating loss, while still massive at KRW 4.58 trillion ($3.4 billion), is at least a bit smaller at KRW 4.36 trillion ($3.4 billion). Going forward, the company plans to focus on the sale of what it calls "high-value-added products," such as DDR5 and LPDDR5x components.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-blames-q3s-drop-in-revenue-to-decline-in-smartphone-shipments-055356695.html?src=rss

Meta just had its best quarter since 2021, even as it continues to lose massive amounts of money on the metaverse. In fact, the company said it expects to lose even more money on its efforts in the year to come.Reality Labs, the Meta division overseeing its virtual and augmented reality projects, lost $3.7 billion during the second quarter of 2023 and generated just $276 million in revenue, according to the company's latest earnings report. And the company, once again, said it expects its metaverse spending to accelerate. CFO Susan Li said that Meta is expecting Reality Labs' losses to increase meaningfully" compared with last year, when it lost more than $13 billion on the efforts.Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg tried to downplay the significance of the losses. We remain fully committed to the metaverse vision," he said during the company's earnings call. When pressed for more details on the company's metaverse spending, he pointed to the upcoming Quest 3 headset, which he said would launch at Meta's Connect event in September. This is going to be the biggest headset that we've released since 2020," he said. There are just a lot of expenses related to bring that to market."Aside from the metaverse, it was an otherwise a strong quarter for Meta, which reported $32 billion in revenue, an 11 percent increase from last year. Zuckerberg touted Reels, which are now drawing 200 billion views a day across Facebook and Instagram, thanks to the company's renewed emphasis on AI-driven recommendations. He also highlighted the recent launch of Threads and the company's Llama 2 large language model.Though early analytics data has suggested Threads engagement has declined substantially since its launch, Zuckerberg said the company is seeing more people coming back daily than I'd expected" and that he sees a path for the app to eventually reach hundreds of millions" of users.Meta also confirmed that the bulk of its layoffs, which resulted in the company shedding more than 20,000 jobs since last fall, have been substantially completed." Zuckerberg previously dubbed 2023 as Meta's year of efficiency" as he cut staff and attempted to streamline the company's management structure. Zuckerberg pointed to Threads' launch, which he said was overseen by a relatively small team, as proof that cultural changes" at Meta are working.Zuckerberg didn't, however, offer a timeline of when he thought the company's metaverse spending might start to pay off. This is a very long term bet," he said, You know, on a deep level, I understand the discomfort that a lot of investors have with it. And look, I mean, I can't guarantee you that I'm gonna be right about this bet -I do think that this is the direction that the world is going in."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-had-its-best-quarter-since-2021-despite-losing-more-money-on-the-metaverse-231925266.html?src=rss

Erik Buell, best known for founding Buell Motorcycles, announced Fuell, his new electric motorcycle venture, back in 2019. In that same announcement, he said that Fuell would begin work on its first electric motorcycle: the Fuell Fllow. Following though a few years later, Fuell is giving us more details on the Fllow and opening pre-orders today.The Fllow is a mid-sized motorcycle that claims to have the capacity of a larger bike, with 10 gallons of total storage in addition to space for a passenger. It features 150 miles of city range on a full charge and uses the CCS connector for charging. You can expect to fully charge in about 30 minutes with a Level 2 charger and between one and a half to two and a half hours for a standard home charger. In a pinch, you're looking at around eight hours when plugged into a standard 110/220V home outlet. While the bike's standard CCS connector is widely available in North America, we've seen a recent uptick in major car brands adopting Tesla's NACS connector - fortunately, adapters are common. The bike has a top speed of 85 miles per hour with a speedy 0-60MPH time of 3.5 seconds.Buell says that one of the main focuses with the Fuell brand is integrated and interchangeable battery packs. This technology would enable the ability to swap some components as the technology improves in the future. The company calls it the battery pack module" and enables components such as the charger, rear wheel motor and fast charging socket to be swapped out and upgraded over time.While Buell has a history with Harley-Davidson, Fuell is its own independent company, separate from the Buell Motorcycles brand. Founded in 1983, the brand ran for a decade before Harley-Davidson acquired 49 percent of the company in 1993, followed by full ownership in 2003. In 2009, Harley-Davidson announced the discontinuation of the Buell product line. While the brand has been resurrected since then Buell himself is solely focused on Fuell going forward.Harley-Davidson hasn't been sitting quietly on the sidelines, either. The company's LiveWire division announced its S2 Del Mar electric bike in early 2023. The bike features a 110 mile range and a 0-60MPH time of 3.1 seconds. While the S2 Del Mar has a faster 0-60 time, the Fuell has longer range and faster charging. The Fllow is also prioritizing cargo capacity and modularity in its design.The Fuell Fllow is available now for pre-order at $9,995, with an MSRP of $12,995.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-9995-fuell-fllow-electric-motorcycle-is-available-for-pre-order-today-220016821.html?src=rss

Don't expect to see many Waymo-powered autonomous big rigs in the near future. Waymo now plans to "push back" its driverless trucking efforts and shift its attention toward its One ride-hailing service. The move will help the company concentrate on making these self-driving taxis a "commercial success," according to co-CEOs Dmitri Dolgov and Tekedra Mawakana.Waymo justified the decision by pointing to "significant" growth in demand for its robotaxis in Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. It also noted rapid upgrades to Driver, the AI system that handles its autonomous cars. There's "tremendous momentum" in One, the co-chiefs say, and the new strategy will help make the most of this trend.The Alphabet-owned brand still intends to work with Daimler on self-driving semi trucks. It's shifting most of its technical development toward Waymo One, but believes work on Driver (particularly for highway driving) will indirectly benefit trucking. There's no updated timeline for when trucks may reach the roads, but TechCrunchunderstands only a handful of workers will lose jobs as a result of the transition. Most have taken other positions at Waymo.Waymo started testing autonomous big rig trucks in 2017, with rapid expansions in 2019 and 2020 that included the launch of its Via cargo transportation division. The firm won the attention of major partners, including UPS and former rival Uber Freight. However, there's no doubt that Waymo One was the star and won the most interest. Uber even expects to offer Waymo rides and deliveries in Phoenix later this year.The change isn't guaranteed to pan out. While Waymo is closer to offering paid rides in multiple markets, it's still facing opposition from officials who are concerned about safety issues. Driverless cars have blocked traffic, interfered with first responder vehicles and otherwise caused problems, and there's a call for regulators to limit just where and when robotaxis can operate.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/waymo-pushes-back-its-self-driving-truck-efforts-to-focus-on-ride-hailing-211355559.html?src=rss

Amid its rebranding to X, Twitter is reportedly hardballing advertisers in an effort to increase its bottom line. Reports earlier this month suggested that Twitter's revenue had dropped by a staggering 50 percent. The company's latest strategy to increase revenue, according to The Wall Street Journal, is asking brands to spend at least $1,000 per month on ads in order to maintain their verified status on the platform.Responding to a tweet about The Wall Street Journal's report, Musk says that the "moderately high" cost is a preventative measure to help reduce the number of scammers creating "millions of accounts" on the platform. Musk added that brands could instead choose to pay $1,000 per month for the company's verified organization badge.It's clear that Twitter is looking for ways to reduce its losses, and the company's main source of revenue is advertising. The Wall Street Journal also reports that Twitter is slashing prices on some of its advertising slots. For example, Twitter is giving all new bookings a 50 percent discount through July 31st. The company claims that the point of these discounts is to allow advertisers to "gain reach during crucial moments" such as sporting events.While the $1,000 monthly rate is unlikely to be an issue for larger brands, the new change could hurt smaller businesses that don't want to or don't have the extra budget to commit.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-tells-advertisers-to-spend-1000-per-month-or-risk-losing-verification-status-201528621.html?src=rss

Elon Musk's rebranding of Twitter as X is... not going according to plan. Indonesia has temporarily blocked X.com due to the country's laws forbidding gambling and porn. Officials don't think the site is suddenly going downhill, though. Rather, it's that the web domain's previous owners broke the country's content laws. In other words, X didn't check to see if the the predecessors had done anything leading to national bans.The impasse likely won't last long. Information director general Usman Kansong tells the press that X has already been in touch about the issue, and is sending a letter to indicate that Twitter is taking ownership of X.com. This is more a formality than a major legal hurdle.Still, this is another indicator of just how unplanned the Twitter-to-X transition was. Meta, Microsoft and numerous other companies already own trademarks on X, opening the door to lawsuits. X may have trouble registering and protecting trademarks, too. The company has even had problems changing its signage - a crew pulling down the Twitter sign in San Francisco had to stop over permit issues, leaving the "er" and old bird logo intact.Musk announced the sudden transition as part of a broader plan to turn Twitter into a "super app" like China's WeChat. In theory, you could use X for payments, messaging and other tasks that go well beyond social media. The service has also lately tried to steer users toward $8 per month Blue subscriptions by both offering perks (such as much longer posts) and limiting existing features.The momentary Indonesia ban isn't a major roadblock. However, it still means that roughly 24 million users can't even try X.com at the moment. That may be welcome news for competitors that don't face similar restrictions, including Meta's recently launched Threads (already available in Indonesia).This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/indonesia-is-blocking-elon-musks-x-domain-for-its-gambling-and-porn-history-195551771.html?src=rss

In a move to prevent public companies from delaying news about cyberattacks, the US Security and Exchange Commission has set a four-day deadline to disclose "material cybersecurity incidents." A US attorney general could potentially delay that disclosure if doing so would lead to "substantial risk to national security or public safety." Otherwise, the rules will serve as a stiff new guidepost - albeit, one that's slightly less restrictive than the EU's GDPR cyberattack deadline of just three days.The news comes after Microsoft was criticized by security experts for taking weeks to confirm an attack against Outlook and other online services. We really have no way to measure the impact [of the attack] if Microsoft doesn't provide that info," Jake Williams, a cybersecurity researcher and former NSA hacker, told the AP in June.While GDPR rules are more about protecting the public, the SEC appears to be more focused on investors: Currently, many public companies provide cybersecurity disclosure to investors," SEC Chair Gary Gensler said in a statement. "I think companies and investors alike, however, would benefit if this disclosure were made in a more consistent, comparable, and decision-useful way."Technology companies have pushed against the SECs rules since they were initially announced last year, which ultimately led to the inclusion of a delay clause, Bloomberg reports. Additionally, the Information Technology Industry Council argued that the four-day deadline is too short, since companies may not know enough about the cyberattack by then.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sec-public-companies-must-report-cyberattacks-within-four-days-193713534.html?src=rss

Deconstructeam announced today that its upcoming divination-based game, The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, arrives on August 16th. The player-choice-driven narrative adventure will be available for PC and Nintendo Switch. In addition, a new launch trailer gives us a closer glimpse at the title's tarot deck building and weighty decision-making.In The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, you assume the role of Fortuna, a witch imprisoned for 1,000 years on a remote asteroid after foretelling an unwelcome prediction of doom. (You join her 200 years into her sentence, although the game includes plenty of pre-exile flashbacks.) However, Fortuna's stay isn't as lonely as you may expect: She's accompanied by Abramar, a god summoned by Fortuna to help her escape and serve cold revenge on the coven. You'll also receive a surprising number of visitors for someone floating on a space rock in the middle of nowhere.Following Deconstructeam's Gods Will Be Watching and The Red Strings Club, its latest entry expands on the studio's tendencies toward philosophical and narrative experiences in dystopian settings. Much of the gameplay revolves around the narrative forks you choose (primarily through dialog trees) and the building and deployment of tarot decks, presented intricately in vibrant pixel art. You can customize the cards' backgrounds, symbols and supporting elements, crafting a magical repertoire that feels distinctly yours. (However, you can keep the deck-creation process relatively simple if you prefer a more straightforward playthrough.) At its core, Cosmic Wheel is a visual novel with narrative paths dictated by the player's choices," Jessica Conditt wrote in Engadget's April preview.The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood will cost $18 when it launches on August 16th for Switch and PC. You can pre-order it on Steam and wish-list it on GOG ahead of its arrival. (Nintendo hasn't yet published its product listing.)This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/witchy-narrative-adventure-the-cosmic-wheel-sisterhood-hits-pc-and-switch-on-august-16th-184513016.html?src=rss

Sony has revealed the PlayStation Plus monthly games lineup for August. There's no clear headliner here, but a trio of nifty titles are about to drop, including the incredible Zelda-ish adventure Death's Door and a little-known golf sim called PGA Tour 2K23. Also in the lineup is Media Molecule's long-running game-making platformDreams.Dreams is a community-focused app that builds upon the level-creation tools first debuted in the LittleBigPlanet series. Players have used the system to make just about anything you can imagine, from VR experiences to full-fledged CGI movies. Sony even allowed some of the more popular creators to sell their works.Unfortunately, Sony is winding down Dreams, as the company recently announced it will stop releasing updates later this year. The launch on PS Plus, however, will provide users with one last hurrah, especially given the final game on this month's list of releases, which is another Media Molecule title. Tren is a train-based adventure game that was entirely built in Dreams and only accessible within the title. Sony calls it a nostalgic adventure that puts you in the driving seat of a remarkable toy train, and tells a personal tale about growing up - and the transformative power of play."These titles are all available on August 1st and you have until the final day of July to scoop up expiring games like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Alan Wake Remastered and Endling - Extinction is Forever.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/augusts-playstation-plus-monthly-games-include-deaths-door-and-dreams-182331045.html?src=rss

Microsoft isn't done refining the interface on your Xbox console. The company is rolling out an updated home screen for Xbox Series/X and One users that theoretically puts games within closer reach while giving you more room to customize the experience. There's now a quick access menu that helps you jump to your collection, Game Pass, the Microsoft Store and common functions like search and settings. You can pin favorite games and groups, and there are curated lists of games to help discover titles. The update should reach everyone within a few weeks.At the same time, a simpler layout creates more room for your custom background. An option can change the background to match the game you've selected in your recently played list, somewhat like PlayStation's carousel. A refreshed community row helps show what friends are doing, while media spotlights and lists help you find new content to see or hear.It's easier to buy games, too. At the same time, PayPal has revealed that you can "soon" use Venmo to buy games, apps and subscriptions in the Microsoft Store on Xbox in the US. This will help you make use of spare Venmo funds, of course, but it will also give you a way to split payments if you can't justify an up-front purchase.The rethink comes eight months after Microsoft began publicly experimenting with a new Xbox interface. The company has a history of frequent UI redesigns and tweaks, particularly in the Xbox One era. Sony, in contrast, is relatively conservative and rarely makes major changes to the PlayStation front end in the middle of a console cycle. Microsoft's iteration may be frustrating if you're hoping for a consistent experience, but it does suggest the company is responding to gamers' feedback and hoping to stand out in the market.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xbox-home-screen-revamp-provides-quicker-access-to-games-173010398.html?src=rss

Seven major automakers have banded together to create a new charging network in North America, with an eventual target of 30,000 high-powered charge points near urban and highway locations. The companies involved with the venture include BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes and Stellantis. The venture issued a statement on the move, saying they are trying to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles" and make zero-emission driving even more attractive."The goal of this venture is 30,000 new charging points, and the companies say they will leverage public and private funds" to get there. After all, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that the country will need around 182,000 fast chargers to accommodate the massive influx of EVs hitting the roads by 2030. This venture represents a good portion of these needs.These stations will use the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard and the North American Charging Standard (NACS). It's worth mentioning that Tesla's superchargers use the NACS charging type and the company recently opened up the technology to other EV manufacturers.This new joint program will formally begin operations sometime this year, assuming it clears regulatory approval conditions, and it plans on opening up its first stations next summer. Each site will boast multiple chargers and plenty of amenities, like canopies, restaurants, restrooms and integrated brick-and-mortar retail stores.EV sales are expected to contribute to more than 50 percent of total automobile sales by 2030, so the more charging stations available, the better. To that end, some of the companies involved in this venture are also striking out on their own to build more charging stations. GM, for instance, promises to build 40,000 charging stations at car dealerships throughout the US and Canada.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/major-automakers-team-up-to-create-new-north-american-ev-charging-network-171532385.html?src=rss

NASA and DARPA have chosen aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin to develop a spacecraft with a nuclear thermal rocket engine. Announced in January, the initiative - in which BWX Technologies will provide the reactor and fuel - is dubbed the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO). The agencies aim to showcase the tech no later than 2027 with an eye toward future Mars missions.Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) has several advantages over chemically propelled rockets. First, it's two to five times more efficient, allowing ships to travel faster and farther with greater agility. In addition, its reduced propellant needs leave more room on the spaceship for storing scientific equipment and other essentials. It also provides more options for abort scenarios, as the nuclear engines make it easier to alter the ship's trajectory for a quicker-than-expected return trip. These factors combine to make NTP (perhaps) the ideal Mars travel method.These more powerful and efficient nuclear thermal propulsion systems can provide faster transit times between destinations," said Kirk Shireman, VP of Lunar Exploration Campaigns for Lockheed Martin. Reducing transit time is vital for human missions to Mars to limit a crew's exposure to radiation."NASA / DARPAThe NTP system will use a nuclear reactor to heat hydrogen propellant rapidly to extremely high temperatures. That gas is funneled through the engine's nozzle, creating the ship's thrust. This nuclear thermal propulsion system is designed to be extremely safe and reliable, using High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel to rapidly heat a super-cold gas, such as liquid hydrogen," BWX said today. As the gas is heated, it expands quickly and creates thrust to move the spacecraft more efficiently than typical chemical combustion engines."To help quell concerns about radioactive leaks in the Earth's atmosphere, NASA and DARPA plan not to power up the reactor until the ship has reached a nuclear safe orbit," where any tragedies would occur outside the zone where it would affect Earth. The agencies aim for a nuclear spacecraft demonstration by 2027, launched from a conventional rocket until it reaches an appropriate location above low earth orbit."Nuclear reactors will also likely play a key role in powering future Martian habitats, with NASA testing small and portable versions of the tech as far back as 2018.Before NTP propels the first humans to Mars, it could find use on much shorter flights, as nuclear-powered spacecraft could also make transporting material to the Moon more efficient. A safe, reusable nuclear tug spacecraft would revolutionize cislunar operations," said Shireman. With more speed, agility and maneuverability, nuclear thermal propulsion also has many national security applications for cislunar space."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nasa-picks-lockheed-martin-to-build-the-nuclear-rocket-thatll-take-us-to-mars-170035659.html?src=rss

The Overture Maps Foundation, a group founded by Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and TomTom, has released an initial open dataset that will help developers build mapping apps and other location-based tools. The "alpha" set includes worldwide info for over 59 million places, 780 million unique buildings, road data from OpenStreetMap and borders.The map layers are packaged in a recently-launched Overture map format that's meant to be standardized and interoperable between platforms. The group is mainly sharing the data at this stage to get public feedback, rather than to support complete products.The foundation was formed in December last year by a range of companies that include geospatial and mapping firms in addition to tech giants. While open map data isn't a new concept, Overture believes the collective effort is necessary to deliver accurate, up-to-date info that's no longer practical for any one organization to provide. Ideally, a newcomer won't have to worry about supplying outdated or incomplete directions.Overture is quick to warn that there's still a lot of work left before its material is truly ready. Upcoming releases will include more open data, greater interoperability and the use of a stable ID system that will help map builders consistently add content. You might not see apps relying much (if at all) on the alpha dataset, but it serves as a starting point that gives app creators an idea of what's possible.Google has historically dominated the mobile navigation app market, with Google Maps and Waze together claiming a clear majority of use in recent years. Apple Maps, meanwhile, tends to get nearly all the remaining share. There's not much room for challengers, and they normally need massive resources just to be competitive. Overture's open data could make it much easier to produce viable alternatives, even if they're unlikely to unseat Apple or Google any time soon.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-microsoft-led-group-shares-data-for-open-alternative-to-google-maps-160001416.html?src=rss

Samsung didn't only have new phones to show off at its Unpacked event. The company took the opportunity to reveal the Galaxy Watch 6 too. The latest wearable starts at $300, but Amazon is sweetening the deal. If you lock in a pre-order there, you'll get a $50 Amazon gift card. Note that the offer only applies to the Bluetooth models, and not the LTE or Watch 6 Classic variants. You'll get a free fabric watch band as well. The Watch 6 will be available starting on August 11th.The Bluetooth model does not, unfortunately, feature the return of the rotating bezel (you'll need to plump for the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic for that), but there are still some other interesting updates. During our hands-on time with it, we found that a new one-click mechanism makes it much easier to swap between certain bands.The standard Watch 6 is available in sizes of 40mm and 44mm. The screen is much sharper and brighter this time around. It has a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, so you shouldn't have much trouble seeing the display on a sunny day. Samsung has also upgraded the processor and added a larger battery. The company claims you'll get up to eight hours of use after eight minutes of fast charging.The sleep-tracking and coaching features have seemingly been upgraded, while there's a new Personalized Heart Rate Zone feature that aims to help you attain the fitness results you're looking for. Meanwhile, Samsung Wallet has replaced Samsung Pay to make the device compatible with digital IDs, boarding passes and event tickets.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/pre-order-a-samsung-galaxy-watch-6-on-amazon-and-get-a-free-50-gift-card-153132435.html?src=rss

Samsung has only just unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Galaxy Z Flip 5, but there are already deals to be had if you lock in a pre-order on Amazon. Those who pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will get a $200 Amazon gift card as well as a free storage upgrade from 256GB to 512GB. That should somewhat make up for the foldable's high base price of $1,800.We've had some hands-on time with the Z Fold 5. There's a new hinge that all but eliminates the gap between the two halves of the screen and it reduces the device's overall thickness to 13.5mm. The Flex Hinge still has IPX8 water resistance, according to Samsung.The Galaxy Z Fold 5 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform chipset and it has 12GB of RAM. The 6.2-inch OLED cover screen and main 7.6-inch display both have 120Hz refresh rates. The camera array includes a 50MP main lens, a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.So far, we feel that the Z Fold 5 has improved multitasking, but rivals such as Google and Oppo are catching up to Samsung on the foldables front. The high price doesn't help, but at least the Amazon pre-order deal takes the sting out of that a bit. The Z Fold 5 will ship on August 11th.Meanwhile, you'll get a $150 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. A free storage upgrade to 512GB can be all yours too. The Z Flip 5 starts at $1,000 and it will also be broadly available on August 11th.Samsung's latest clamshell foldable has a 3.4-inch external screen, which is nearly four times the size of the one on the previous model. It also boasts a Flex Hinge to minimize the crease between the two halves of the 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED main screen.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-pre-orders-on-amazon-include-a-200-gift-card-142351976.html?src=rss

This year's summer edition of Samsung Unpacked was busy, to put it mildly. The company not only introduced its latest wave of foldable phones, but major updates to its smartwatch and tablet lineups. But don't worry if that's a lot to take in - here's everything Samsung introduced at its event.Watch the highlights of Galaxy Unpacked summer 2023If 7AM Eastern was too early for you to watch live, don't worry. We've cut down Samsung's summer Unpacked presentation to a more reasonable nine minutes. You can watch the highlights of the keynote here, including all the major product introductions.Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetIn a slight twist, the highlight of the foldable phones this year was the "entry" clamshell device, the Galaxy Z Flip 5. The new model has a much larger 3.4-inch external display than its predecessor, letting you reply to messages, use Wallet and otherwise handle tasks that previously required opening the phone. A new hinge design also eliminates the gap when the handset is closed. You can also expect a speedier custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and double the storage. It starts at $999, and is available for pre-order through Samsung and Amazon ahead of its August 11th release.The Galaxy Z Fold 5, meanwhile, is an iterative (if still welcome) update. The book-style foldable delivers a thinner, gapless design with a brighter primary display, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and improved multitasking abilities. It ships August 11th starting at $1,799, and you can pre-order it now through Samsung and Amazon.Galaxy Watch 6Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetThe biggest update at summer Unpacked was arguably for Samsung's smallest computing device. The company unveiled a Galaxy Watch 6 family that makes some much-requested improvements to the Wear OS timepieces. Most notably, the rotating bezel is back - buy a Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and you can scroll through apps and widgets with a tactile feel. Both watches offer larger, brighter displays, upgraded processors, larger batteries and a "one-click" strap swapping system.The Galaxy Watch 6 line arrives August 11th. You can pre-order through Samsung and Amazon starting at $300 for the base model and $400 for the Classic.Galaxy Tab S9Photo by Mat Smith/EngadgetSamsung catered to fans of high-end Android tablets at unpacked by introducing the Galaxy Tab S9 range. While the design hasn't changed much (mainly slimmer bezels), it's still a significant upgrade with dynamic refresh rate AMOLED screens, the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, more powerful speakers and even IP68 water and dust resistance for both the tablet and included S Pen.The series goes on sale August 11th, with pre-orders open at Samsung and Amazon. The 11-inch Galaxy Tab S9 starts at $800, while the 12.4-inch Tab S9+ begins at $1,000. The enormous 14.6-inch Tab S9 Ultra costs at least $1,200.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/summer-samsung-unpacked-2023-everything-announced-at-the-event-134721886.html?src=rss

Seven years after Bumble launched Bumble BFF, the company is finally giving users their own app for making friends. Bumble has announced the release of Bumble For Friends, an app dedicated solely to finding friends in your area. The company started testing the app earlier this year in the United Kingdom and select regions of Asia, Mashable reported.Bumble For Friends will function almost exactly like Bumble BFF (which makes up 15 percent of Bumble's monthly active users, a Bumble spokesperson told TechCrunch). However, there will be no need to download a dating app - something coupled-up users will likely be happy about. Like a dating app, though, you create a profile with a mix of photos, information about yourself and responses to prompts. It can include things like if you drink, your political affiliation, your relationship status and why you're looking to make friends. Your Bumble For Friends profile will also have space to share some of your interests, like dogs or dancing - one of the things Bumble uses to help match you with potential friends.There is one new feature on Bumble For Friends: the option to create a group chat. Basically, if you think any of your matches would also get along, you can add two or more of them to a group chat. To use this option, go into the conversations tab and pick a Bumble-suggested activity or add your own. You can also just give the group chat a name (which you can edit later on) if you don't want to pick what to do. From there, you can invite matches and get talking. Invitees will receive a notification about the chat showing them your chosen title or the potential activity.Bumble For Friends is free to download on Apple's App Store or the Google Play Store. You can create a new account or log into your existing one and have your profile and matches transferred over. At that point, your Bumble BFF account will disappear from the original app, but you can still use Date or Bizz modes. Bumble doesn't seem to be forcing anyone to switch to the new app, so you can still keep all your accounts in one place if you prefer.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/bumble-spins-its-bff-friend-finding-feature-off-into-a-standalone-app-130040779.html?src=rss

Robotics engineer Ken Pillonel, known for creating a makeshift USB-C iPhone and AirPods, has revealed his next project. The modding wunderkind has deconstructed Apple's AirPods Pro case and built a custom repairable version. Pillonel is sharing the design for free, allowing enterprising self-repair enthusiasts with a knack for engineering to make their own.Pillonel has already tackled the AirPods Pro with a custom replaceable printed circuit board (PCB). However, his new project attempts to dissect the earbuds' entire case, offering a complete blueprint for others to do the same - with 3D-printed sections and a few (cheap) afterparty parts. Most gadgets are designed without repairability in mind, unlike the durable technology of the past that seemed built to last," Pillonel wrote, noting that iFixit gave the second-gen AirPods Pro a dismal zero repairability score. It is troubling to see design choices like non-replaceable batteries, glued-in components, and a lack of transparency in public information leading to the rise of fast electronics.'"In response, the engineer took on this latest project to demonstrate how one of the most popular gadgets today - Apple's AirPods Pro - could have been easily made repairable with minimal effort." His stated goal is to inspire consumers and multi-billion-dollar corporations (ahem, Apple) to treat technology less like a locked-down disposable commodity and more like something one can tinker with, learn from and - with the right skills - repair themselves. Of course, a central component is using screws and nuts instead of adhesives to create a makeshift case you can crack open and fix down the road.Ken Pillonel / Exploring the SimulationPillonel says this was one of his most challenging custom projects yet, as he had to create precise scans of the case's every component. As he explains in the video below from his YouTube channel, some of the case's parts proved especially difficult with complex curves that a simple caliper and basic 2D scans couldn't quite nail down. He even detailed his quest for finding the right spring-loaded contact pins to charge the buds and an affordable 3D scanner to capture some of the more oddly shaped parts. I recommend a quick watch to anyone curious about sustainability and the nuts and bolts behind iconic consumer tech gadgets. (Remember that such tinkering will void your warranty, and you should probably only give it a shot if you're experienced with electronics repairs.)I am thrilled to make these repairable designs available to the public at no cost, encouraging individuals and manufacturers alike to prioritize repairability in their product development," Pillonel wrote today. Together, we can work towards a circular economy that not only minimizes electronic waste but also fosters a culture of conscious consumption and responsible tech innovation." You can peruse Pillonel's designs and storefront for replacement parts on his website.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-man-behind-the-usb-c-iphone-rebuilt-the-airpods-pro-case-to-make-it-repairable-130008565.html?src=rss

Samsung has finally announced its next generation of foldable smartphones, and a whole lot more. The company hosted its first ever Galaxy Unpacked event from its hometown of Seoul, South Korea overnight, and, in addition to the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, we also saw a new Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Tab Ultra.

It's no secret that AI development brings a lot of security risks. While governing bodies are working to put forth regulations, for now, it's mostly up to the companies themselves to take precautions. The latest show of self-supervision comes with Anthropic, Google, Microsoft and Open AI's joint creation of the Frontier Model Forum, an industry-led body concentrating on safe, careful AI development. It considers frontier models to be any "large-scale machine-learning models" that go beyond current capabilities and have a vast range of abilities.The Forum plans to establish an advisory committee, charter and funding. It has laid out for core pillars it intends to focus on furthering AI safety research, determining best practices, working closely with policymakers, academics, civil society and companies, and encouraging efforts to build AI that "can help meet society's greatest challenges."Members will reportedly work on the first three objectives over the next year. Speaking of membership, the announcement outlines the necessary qualifications to join, such as producing frontier models and showing a clear commitment to making them safe. "It is vital that AI companies-especially those working on the most powerful models-align on common ground and advance thoughtful and adaptable safety practices to ensure powerful AI tools have the broadest benefit possible," Anna Makanju, OpenAI's vice president of global affairs, said in a statement. "This is urgent work and this forum is well-positioned to act quickly to advance the state of AI safety."The creation of the Forum follows a recent safety agreement between the White House and top AI companies, including those responsible for this new venture. Safety measures committed to included tests for bad behavior by external experts and putting a watermark on content AI created.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/anthropic-google-microsoft-and-openai-form-an-ai-safety-group-122032326.html?src=rss

Amazon has teamed up with Boost Infinite, a wireless carrier owned by Dish Wireless, and has launched a storefront to make the latter's SIM kits more accessible. While Amazon sells SIM cards from a variety of providers, this is a genuine tie-up that automatically pre-qualifies Prime members for the carrier's $25-per-month postpaid wireless plan. Subscribers can purchase Boost Infinite's Unlimited $25 SIM kit from the Amazon store with a 20 percent discount. And if they do, they're also getting a $25 bill credit that will go towards their first month of service, provided that they've activated their SIM within 30 days of receiving it.Dish first introduced Boost Infinite in mid-2022 with a plan that offers "unlimited data, talk and text." The plan also provides users with 5G internet, which uses AT&T's, T-Mobile's and Dish's own network, though it will get throttled after the first 30GB of the month. Subscribers can add up to five lines per account, as well. Boost Infinite promises a wireless service with no surprise, or even planned, price hikes. It says members can expect to pay $25 a month for as long as they're active.Customers who purchase a SIM kit from Amazon don't have to walk into a store to activate their account. They simply need to complete their registration via the carrier's app, after which it will pair them up with a customer support rep - a "real person," the company emphasizes - to help them with setup and activation. To note, new subscribers can bring in their (unlocked) phones or get a new one from Boost Infinite, and they can keep or change their number. Boost Infinite's network is compatible with both unlocked iPhones and Android devices, and it also comes with eSIM support for Apple's mobile phones.Steve Downer, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Amazon, said:"Amazon has always been about providing convenience, value, and selection to customers. Part of that is making it easier for customers to access wireless plans that are compatible with a variety of devices and can be set up from home. The Boost Infinite Unlimited SIM kit gives Prime members an exclusive deal to access affordable postpaid wireless service on one of the top networks in the U.S. at a great value."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-members-can-now-get-pre-approved-for-new-boost-infinite-plans-120058552.html?src=rss

Samsung has taken the wraps off its latest clamshell-style foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip 5. The new handset's biggest change is a 3.4-inch cover display that is significantly larger than the 1.9-inch outer panel on last year's Galaxy Z Flip 4. This should generally make the device more convenient when it's folded up, as there's now more space to reply to texts, check notifications, take selfies and the like. Other upgrades include a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and a redesigned hinge that makes the whole package slimmer when folded.The larger external display brings the Galaxy Z Flip 5 much more in line with the Moto Razr+, another flip-style foldable that arrived earlier this year. To assist anyone deciding between the two devices, we've laid out how the two devices compare on the spec sheet below. Raw specs can't tell the whole story, of course: Our Razr+ review found that phone's camera performance to lag behind its peers, and Samsung and Motorola are taking different approaches to how Android works on the outer display. Still, if you're thinking of dropping $1,000 on one of these devices, here's a quick look at the hardware that money will get you. For more details on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, check out our hands-on preview.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5Motorola Razr+Pricing (MSRP)$999.99$999.99DimensionsUnfolded: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm (6.5 x 2.83 x .27 inches)Folded: 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1mm (3.35 x 2.83 x .59 inches)Unfolded: 170.83 x 73.95 x 6.99mm (6.73 x 2.91 x .28 inches)Folded: 88.42 x 73.95 x 15.1mm (3.48 x 2.81 x .59 inches)Weight187g (6.6oz)184.5g (6.51oz)Magenta model: 188.5g (6.65oz)Display sizeUnfolded: 6.7 inchesExternal cover: 3.4 inchesUnfolded: 6.9 inchesExternal cover: 3.6 inchesDisplay resolutionUnfolded: 2,640 x 1,080 (426ppi)External cover: 720 x 748 (306ppi)Unfolded: 2,640 x 1,080 (413ppi)External cover: 1,066 x 1,056 (413ppi)Display typeMain: Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz)External cover: Super AMOLED (60Hz)Main: pOLED (165Hz)External cover: pOLED (144Hz)Battery3,700mAh3,800mAhStorage256GB, 512GB (not expandable)256GB (not expandable)Rear camera(s)Main: 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8mUltrawide: 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12mMain: 12MP, f/1.5, 1.4mUltrawide: 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12m4K at 30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60fps videoFront camera(s)10MP, f/2.2, 1.22m32MP, f/2.4, 0.7m4K at 30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60fps videoSoCSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for GalaxyOcta-core CPUAdreno 740 GPUSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile PlatformOcta-core CPUAdreno 730 GPURAM8GB8GBWiFiWiFi 6EWiFi 6EBluetoothv5.3v5.3OSAndroid 13One UI 5.1.1Android 13ColorsMint, Graphite, Cream, LavenderSamsung.com exclusive: Gray, Blue, Green, YellowInfinite Black, Glacier Blue, Viva MagentaOther featuresIPX8 water resistance, 25W wired charging, 15W wireless chargingIP52 water resistance, 30W wired charging, 5W wireless chargingThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-5-vs-moto-razr-a-clamshell-comparison-114506038.html?src=rss

Samsung followed through on its promise to reveal its two latest foldables during its Unpacked event in Seoul today. We now know that the new flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, indeed uses a new Flex Hinge to narrow the gap between the two halves of the screen, shaving more than two millimeters off the folded thickness. The new model also employs the second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 processor and the internal screen got a brightness boost.As our reviewer Sam Rutherford notes in his hands-on, that's where the big differences end. The Z Fold 4 and 5 have the same cameras, same screen sizes and resolutions, and the same batteries - though the new processing tricks and more efficient chipset may allow this year's model to make better use of that hardware. The new phone also carries the same $1,800 MSRP, so if you're deliberating between this model or the previous one, you may as well go for the latest.But how does the latest Z Fold compare to Google's Pixel Fold? For a long time, Samsung was the only major player on the foldable pitch, until Google released its entrant and brought some serious competition. Both phones have the same size internal screen, but Samsung's orientation is taller and skinnier than Google's. The Z Fold 5 has a little bit bigger battery and three of the five cameras boast more megapixels than the ones on the Pixel Fold.Here are the specs for Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google's Pixel Fold side-by-side so you can see which one makes the most sense for you. We also included specs for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 so you can see what changed (and what didn't) this year.Galaxy Z Fold 5Pixel FoldGalaxy Z Fold 4PricingStarts at $1,800Starts at $1,799Starts at $1,800Release dateAugust 2023June 2023August 2022Open Dimensions(H x W x D)6.1 x 5.1 x 0.24 in(154.9 x 129.8 x 6.1 mm)5.5 x 6.2 x 0.23 in(139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mm)6.1 x 5.1 x 0.25 in(155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm)Folded dimensions(H x W x D)6.1 x 2.6 x 0.53 in(154.9 x 67.1 x 13.5 mm)5.5 x 3.1 x 0.47 in(139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm)6.1 x 2.6 x 0.62 in(155.1 x 67.1 x 15.8mm)Weight8.9 oz(253 g)10 oz(283 g)9.3 oz(263 g)Screen size (internal)7.6 in(193 mm)7.6 in(193 mm)7.6 in(193 mm)Screen size (external)6.2 in(157 mm)5.8 in(146.7 mm)6.2 in(157 mm)Screen resolution (internal)2176 x 1812 at 374ppi2208 x 1840 at 380ppi2176 x 1812 at 374 ppiScreen resolution (external)2316 x 904 at 402ppi2092 x 1080 at 408ppi2316 x 904 at 402 ppiScreen type (internal)Dynamic AMOLED (120Hz)OLED (120Hz)Dynamic AMOLED (120Hz)Screen type (external)Dynamic AMOLED (120Hz)OLED (120Hz)Dynamic AMOLED (120Hz)ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Google Tensor G2Snapdragon 8 Gen 1Battery4,400 mAh4,821 mAh4,400 mAhRAM12GB12GB12GBInternal storage256GB, 512GB or 1TB256GB or 512GB256GB, 512GB or 1TBRear camerasThree cameras:Main: 50MP, f/1.8 apertureUltra wide: 12MP, f/2.2 apertureTelephoto: 10MP, f/2.4 aperture, 3X optical zoomThree cameras:Main: 48MP, f/1.7 apertureUltra wide: 10.8MP, f/2.2 apertureTelephoto: 10.8MP, f/3.05 aperture, 5x optical zoomThree cameras:Main: 50MP, f/1.8 apertureUltra wide: 12MP, f/2.2 apertureTelephoto: 10MP, f/2.4 aperture, 3X optical zoomFront Camera10MP, f/2.2 aperture9.5MP, f/2.2 aperture10MP, f/2.2 apertureInternal camera4MP, f/1.8 aperture8MP, f/2.0 aperture4MP, f/1.8 apertureWater resistanceIPX8IPX8IPX8Connectivity5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.35G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.35G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2Charging25W fast charging12W wireless30W fast charging7.5W wireless25W fast charging12W wirelessColorsIcy Blue, Phantom Black, Gray, Blue or Samsung-exclusive CreamObsidian or PorcelainGraygreen, Phantom Black, Beige or Samsung-exclusive BurgundyThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-galaxy-z-fold-5-vs-pixel-fold-did-samsung-rise-to-googles-challenge-113709671.html?src=rss

It looks like the big entertainment powers are digging in for a long battle with striking actors and writers. Not that they don't have money to use. Here's an example: Netflix's recent job posting for a machine learning platform product manager, with a heady annual salary of $300,000 to $900,000 (that's a range). That's compared to many actors who make around $200 a day, according to this SAG-AFTRA contract. AI's role in creating future entertainment is a key item of debate for both striking parties.The job listing indicates AI will be used to create great content" and not just develop new algorithms to recommend shows and movies. The posting also alludes to integrating artificial intelligence in all areas of the business." The first tentative steps have already been made: Netflix currently airs a Spanish reality dating series called Deep Fake Love, which scans contestants' faces to create AI-generated deepfakes, while its gaming studio employs generative AI to compose narratives and dialogue.- Mat SmithYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest stories you might have missedThe best password managers for 2023 The Arc personalized web browser is now available to everyone How to watch this week's Congressional UFO hearing Elon Musk is taking his SEC fight to the Supreme Court The EU Chips Act just received its final approvalChatGPT app is now available for Android Orange Amps' portable Bluetooth speaker shines by sticking to the basicsDJI Air 3 drone reviewA high-quality zoom adds new creative options.EngadgetDJI is one of the most innovative gadget companies out there, constantly trying new things with its drones, like a triple-camera setup on the Mavic 3 Pro. With the launch of the midsized Air 3 camera drone, the company has introduced a new trick called dual primary cameras. That means the telephoto camera has the same specs as the main one, rather than being relegated to lesser quality like it was on the Mavic 3. That opens up new possibilities for pilots, giving them two ways to create cinematic shots. Further highlights include long battery life, reliable obstacle protection and an extensive feature set. Image quality might not be good enough for some pros when compared to the $2,200 Mavic 3 Pro, but at $1,100, it's considerably cheaper.Continue reading.Threads adds the chronological feed we all wantedAnd a bunch of features.Threads is about to get vastly more useful as Meta rolls out chronological feeds of posts from the people you actually follow. Many observers said this was a key feature Threads needed to truly compete with Twitter, long a vital source of real-time information. And hopefully bury all the celebrities and brands spamming my feed. Meta has added a few other features to Threads. In the Activity tab, you can now filter notifications by follows, replies, mentions, quoted posts, reposts and interactions from verified accounts (or just opt to view all your notifications together).Continue reading.Spotify grew far more than expected, but is still losing moneyThe company blames its losses on podcasts and restructuring.Spotify saw its million monthly active users (MAU) climb to 551 million after welcoming 36 million new listeners in the last quarter. Despite the massive influx, Spotify still lost a significant amount of money. Its total revenue for the period is $3.5 billion (3.2 billion), 11 percent larger than last year's. However, it also posted an adjusted operating loss of $123.7 million (112 million). Spotify blamed those losses on the shutdown of its podcast shows, as well as on excess real estate and severance for employees laid off due to company restructuring.Continue reading.GM's next-gen Chevy Bolt is on the wayThe company is ending production on the original model amid a shift to its Ultium battery system.General Motors isn't quite done with the Chevrolet Bolt. The company said it would end production of the popular, wallet-friendly EV and EUV this year, largely because it relies on old battery cell tech and the factory where it's made is being refitted. However, there's some positive news: GM has confirmed a new version of the Bolt is on the way. The company hasn't revealed many details about it - you'll need to wait until later this year for that - but the next-gen model will use GM's Ultium battery system as well as its Ultifi software platform.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-netflix-lists-900000-ai-job-to-help-create-great-content-111516278.html?src=rss

After I reviewed the Motorola Razr+ earlier this year, I grew besotted with its external screen. Not only was its 3.6-inch outer panel larger than the 1.9-inch version on Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 4, it was also more useful. Since then, I'd been hoping that Samsung would adopt a bigger outer display on its next-gen Flip foldable, and today, my wish has been granted. The Galaxy Z Flip 5, which the company launched today, sports a 3.4-inch window on the outside that's 3.78 times larger than before.It also has a new Flex Hinge" that allows the device to fold shut without leaving a gap between the two halves of the internal screen. Throw in the typical processor upgrades, double the base storage and some software enhancements, and the Z Flip 5 appears to be a small, but meaningful step up for the same $999 starting price as last year.A larger external screen with lots of potentialThe highlight of the Z Flip 5 is clearly its larger external display, which Samsung has infuriatingly decided to rename the Flex Window. I don't know why, since this panel doesn't fold and the old name of Cover" screen still makes sense. Confusing name aside, it's easy to see why the bigger panel is more useful. Widgets like Calendar or Weather can show data for multiple events and days. Buttons are larger, so you can more easily skip songs in the media player, start or stop timers and more.With more room, Samsung was able to squeeze two additional shortcut buttons in the Quick Settings drawer that appears when you swipe down from the home screen. Dragging up opens Samsung Wallet, so you can quickly pay for your morning coffee.To be clear, the Flip 5's 3.4-inch panel doesn't stretch across the entire back half of the phone. It's shaped like a file folder, sort of like a rectangle that's been awkwardly cut to avoid the pair of cameras at the bottom right. This makes for a very strange aspect ratio that many apps might struggle with, but for the most part, the software sees the screen as a rectangle. The little tab at the bottom left is largely ignored and is devoted to a Samsung Pay shortcut or a space for any ongoing activities to show their progress. If you have a timer running or a song playing, for example, a small progress bar appears there.Because Samsung now supports more widgets on the cover, getting through all of them can become a slog. I saw about a dozen of them on the demo unit, and having to swipe 10 times to get to the one I want would suck. Thankfully, the company introduced a new gesture that lets you pinch out to access Multi Widgets view, and from there you can quickly jump to the tile you want. Don't confuse this with the All Apps page on Android - it may look similar, but it only shows you the widgets that Samsung has made available on One UI 5 for the Flip 5.Photo by Sam RutherfordAnother thing that may have you thinking the Flex Window can give you the full Android experience is that it supports a handful of apps like Message, YouTube, Google Maps, WhatsApp and Netflix. In countries like Korea, you'll also find popular options like Kakao Talk. These aren't widgets - they run like the full-fledged versions of themselves on the outside screen. I watched some YouTube videos, drafted messages and looked up restaurants in the area on the smaller panel and found them to be pretty much identical to the larger versions.Though the practicality of using full Android on the external display is debatable, I still find it questionable that Samsung limits what apps can run natively on the Flex Window. That's not to say you can't find a workaround. The company itself offers an app called Good Lock that will let you run any Android app on the tiny panel. Still, it's different from the Moto Razr+, which basically runs Google's whole operating system up front.Samsung's approach is meant to ensure that only users who are invested enough to install a separate app to mimic the full Android experience on the Flex Window can. This way, if things break or look weird, you only have yourself to blame.Another area where Moto and Samsung differ on the cover screen is the QWERTY keyboard. Both companies let you respond to messages and notifications with a full-sized keyboard, and Moto takes up the entire canvas to give you bigger buttons. Meanwhile, Samsung only uses about the bottom two thirds of the space, while retaining the message or input field at the top so you can see what you're entering or responding to.I like having larger keys, but Moto's layout adds a step where, after typing your reply, you have to back out of the keyboard to the app and hit the submit button. On the Flip 5, the Send button is right above the keyboard and you can tap it when you're done. I'll have to spend more time with a review unit to better evaluate the two approaches and see which I prefer.Cameras and Flex ModeOne of the best things about having a larger cover screen is how much more useful it is as a viewfinder. Most foldable phones let you use the secondary display to preview shots you take with the rear cameras, which are almost always superior to the interior sensors. On the Z Flip 4's tiny sliver of a panel, it was hard to see what I was recording. This year, you'll actually be able to view your entire shot before taking it. Like before, you can also swipe to change modes and lenses, as well as pinch to zoom in on your subjects.The camera hardware hasn't really changed. Samsung applied a different coating to the primary lens and tweaked some of the software to enable greater digital zoom. But on paper the Flip 5 has the same pair of 12-megapixel main and ultra-wide cameras as its predecessor. Inside, the 10-megapixel selfie camera has a slightly larger aperture of f/2.2 (compared to last year's f/2.4), which should make for brighter, clearer shots. Without a side by side comparison, though, it's tough to tell how noticeable of a difference it will make.It's not like you'll want to use the internal camera much, since you can easily frame up shots with the outside sensors now. But it could come in handy for video calls or livestreams, in which case you might find it handy to prop the phone up by folding it at a 90-degree angle and sitting it up on a table.When you fold the Flip 5 but don't completely shut it, Flex Mode kicks in (on compatible apps). We've seen this on older models - apps like YouTube, Camera and Gallery will adapt their layouts by presenting content on the top half and controls on the bottom. This year, though, Samsung added more shortcuts to the Flex panel that appears on the lower half (if you enable the feature). When the Flip 5 is flexed, a small icon shows up on the bottom left that will bring up the navigational panel and move the rest of the app to the top portion of the screen.Photo by Sam RutherfordHere, you can have settings that make one-handed use slightly easier. You can press a button to bring down the notifications shade instead of having to reach your thumb all the way to the top. You can also take a screenshot using a shortcut or bring up a touchpad for exploring the top half of the screen with a cursor. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with the updated Flex Mode at the hands-on session, but I know I was less than impressed when I reviewed the Flip 4 last year, after initially being excited about the feature. This time around, I won't be so easily fooled (I hope).New hinge, old creaseOne of the more significant changes to the Z Flip line is Samsung's new Flex Hinge." I'm still a little miffed about the obsession with calling everything Flex" this and Flex" that and honestly Flex Hinge" sounds like a dating app exclusively for people showing off their biceps. But it's just a marketing name for Samsung's redesigned hinge with a dual-rail structure that is supposed to help diffuse impact.Putting aside my distaste for the name (once more), I have to admit the new mechanism seems solid. The phone closes, without a noticeable gap like the Flip 4. It still felt as sturdy as older models, holding itself up at various angles from about 20 degrees to 160 degrees or so. Those of you who found the gap irritating should be relieved.Photo by Sam RutherfordPeople who hated the crease in the middle of the internal screen, though, will be disappointed. When I held up the Flip 5 next to a Flip 4 that I brought, the degree to which their flexible displays wrinkled was pretty much identical. But in my years of testing foldable phones, creases have never been anything more troublesome than an aesthetic quirk. It won't get in the way of actually using the device.Processor, storage and other specsIn fact, you'll probably enjoy the Flip 5's internal screen, which is a 6.7-inch Full HD AMOLED panel that refreshes at 120Hz. The 22:9 aspect ratio is slightly taller than your average smartphone, but most apps run fine. Powering everything this year is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset that's also in the Galaxy S23 series. Samsung doubled the storage for the Flip 5, so the base model gets 256GB (instead of last year's 128GB) while costing the same. That's a nice touch, and might even make me forgive the company's overuse of the word Flex.Also in Samsung's favor is this year's selection of colors. You can choose from the standard black (graphite), cream, lavender or this generation's signature color - mint. It's a similar shade of green to the one Apple used for the iPhone 12, which is still one of my favorite colors ever used on a handset. Plus, I was beginning to find the Flip 4's Bora Purple a little dated.Photo by Sam RutherfordPretty much everything else about the Flip 5 is the same as its predecessor. The battery size is the same at 3,700mAh, and it recharges at the same rate as well. That's a little disappointing, considering the Flip 4 already struggled to last an entire day. But, perhaps the new larger cover screen is useful enough that you can conserve battery life by using the internal display less.The Flip 5 also retains the same IPX8 water-resistance rating as the Flip 4, though it uses the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering on the outside. The handsets didn't feel very different to me, so any changes here are pretty subtle.Frankly, the biggest difference to the Flip 5 is its Flex Window, followed by its Flex Hinge. Some tweaks to Flex Mode round up the set of upgrades Samsung is bringing to its smaller foldable this year. Though I'm a fan of roomier screens on the outside of flip-style foldables, I can't help but wonder: is Samsung limiting the Flip 5's potential with its reluctance to run full Android on the small display?That's a question I can only answer after spending more time with a review unit and evaluating things like camera quality, battery life and real-world performance. For now, Samsung has brought us hardware that holds a lot of promise. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 starts at $999 and is available for pre-order at Samsung and Amazon starting today.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-5-hands-on-a-larger-external-display-holds-promise-110059050.html?src=rss

Though CD Projekt Red has a few games in the pipeline, the company behind the Witcher video game series apparently doesn't have enough work for all its employees. As a result, CD Projekt Red has announced it's cutting about 100 jobs or around nine percent of its workforce. This news follows layoffs in May and June when 29 people were let go from The Molasses Flood (owned by CD Projekt Red), followed by 30 people who worked on a Witcher card game that was scaled back."To meet our own high expectations and ambitions to create the best role-playing games, we not only want to have the best people but also the right teams," CD Projekt Red CEO Adam Kiciski said in the announcement. "There's no easy way to say this, but today we are overstaffed. We have talented people on board who are finishing their tasks and - based on current and expected project needs - we already know we don't have other opportunities for them in the next year." The company will notify all impacted employees now, but layoffs will be staggered, with some not taking effect until the beginning of 2024.CD Projekt Red had a rough last few years - especially with the mess that was the Cyberpunk 2077 launch. Sony Interactive Entertainment pulled the game from its PlayStation Store at the end of 2020 - only one week after it was released - due to widespread glitches. Customers were offered a refund, and CD Projekt Red's stock tumbled by over 20 percent, a drop of $1.8 billion. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, its follow-up starring Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba, will hopefully have a smoother launch when it comes out on September 26th.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cd-projekt-red-is-laying-off-nine-percent-of-its-staff-103509519.html?src=rss