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The wait is over: Apple has announced the dates for its 2025 fall event. The company will unveil new hardware on September 9 at 1PM ET at its Cupertino headquarters. The tag line for the event is "awe dropping," which doesn't give a whole lot away.There has been plenty of speculation already about what will be announced at the upcoming event. The highlight of the iPhone lineup this year is expected to be a new ultra-thin, ultra-light, most likely called the iPhone 17 Air. We've already heard rumors about everything from the frame material to the battery for this new offering, so it should be interesting to see whether Apple has managed to keep anything about iPhone 17 Air under wraps to reveal during the event.The rest of the iPhone lineup will likely follow the usual trends from past years, with a base iPhone 17 model, a flashier iPhone 17 Pro, and a flashier and bigger iPhone 17 Pro Max. Autumn can also be a time for Apple to share updates to share about its accessories lineup, so be sure to tune in if you're looking for the latest on AirPods or Apple Watch. And we already have the software side of the new wave covered, with iOS 26 introduced during WWDC and a public beta underway.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-host-its-iphone-17-event-on-september-9-160502418.html?src=rss

Considering its popularity, Google Translate sure hasn't received much attention lately. However, that just changed with a big update. The latest app introduces AI-powered live translation along with new language learning tools that might give Duolingo a run for it's money.Google said it heard from users that the toughest skill to master was conversation - ie, learning to listen and speak with confidence. To that end, it's piloting a new language practice feature (on iOS or Android) targeted toward an individual's specific needs.To create tailored listening and practicing sessions, the new learning tool posts a couple of questions. It first requests which language you want to learn (like Spanish) and your your current level, then asks "What's motivating you to learn Spanish?" From there, it will generate customized scenarios that allow you to either listen to conversations or practice speaking, with helpful hints available when needed.The app was "developed with learning experts based on the latest studies in language acquisition," Google explained in a blog post. To that end, it can track your daily progress to help build your language skills, possibly as an aid to Duolingo and other dedicated language learning apps. "We see what we're doing right now as really complementary to other things out there," Google product manager Matt Sheets said in a media roundtable. "So whether you're taking classes in a formal educational setting or doing immersion experiences, we think this is something that can work alongside of those."Following early testing, language learning is rolling out more widely as a beta experience for English speakers practicing Spanish and French, as well as Spanish, French and Portugese speakers working on English.Google also introduced AI-powered live conversations, a feature that builds on Translate's existing conversation feature by making it more seamless and adding more powerful models. It offers the ability to have a back-and-forth conversation in real time with audio and on-screen translations right inside the Translate app.It's available in the Translate app for Android or iOS when tapping on "Live Translate." First select the languages you want to converse in and being speaking. You'll hear the translation out loud and written in both languages on your devices. It will switch between the two languages spoken by you and the other party, identifying pauses, accents and intonations so you can have a natural conversation.Live translation uses Google's advanced Gemini voice and speech recognition models designed to help isolate sounds, so it works better than before in real-world environments like a noisy cafe or airport. The company noted that the new models helped it "take huge strides in translation quality, multimodal translation and text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities." The new live translate mode supports 70 languages including Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil and is now rolling out in the US, India and Mexico.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-translates-latest-feature-is-its-take-on-duolingo-160035157.html?src=rss

The newest Apple M4 iMac desktop computer is on sale via Amazon for $1,150. This is a discount of $150 and a record-low price. The deal applies to all available colorways. This version was originally released at the tail-end of last year. We heaped praise on this model in our official review, calling it the "best all-in-one" out there. The M4 processor is extremely capable for both garden variety computing tasks and more advanced stuff like video-editing and music-making. The iMac also comes with 16GB of RAM as the base-level option. The webcam has been significantly improved over its predecessor, so this is a capable machine for Zoom calls and the like. The 24-inch Retina display is crisp and the various colorways are easy on the old eyeballs. This deal is for the entry-level model and there really isn't any way to make adjustments, which happens sometimes when buying Apple stuff on Amazon. This translates to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The RAM is fine for most applications, but that storage is going to fill up fast. Luckily, there are four Thunderbolt ports in the back for attaching an external. Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-m4-imac-is-back-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-155826634.html?src=rss

AT&T is set to acquire $23 billion worth of spectrum licenses from EchoStar, the parent company of Dish Network, Sling TV and Boost Mobile. The deal will see AT&T gain control of approximately 50MHz of low-band and mid-band spectrum, which are frequencies commonly used in 5G and LTE networks.EchoStar had been under pressure from the FCC to build out the spectrum in its portfolio or consider divesting it. The FCC's regulations take a 'use it or lose it' approach to ensure that the spectrum licenses granted by the government actually lead to real service for customers and not spectrum warehousing.As part of the agreement, AT&T and EchoStar will add to their long-term wholesale network services agreement, allowing EchoStar to operate as a hybrid mobile network operator providing service under the Boost Mobile brand. This means Boost Mobile will begin relying primarily on AT&T's network infrastructure, though customers will still have access to the T-Mobile network. The arrangement will also ask Boost Mobile to wind down elements of its own limited cellular infrastructure.The licenses cover more than 400 markets in the US, and the company says it intends to begin deploying these licenses as soon as possible. The acquisition is expected to close in mid-2026 and is subject to regulatory approval.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/att-acquires-23-billion-worth-of-spectrum-licenses-from-echostar-154549655.html?src=rss

Fittingly enough, the team behind Baby Steps is treading cautiously. The walking simulator was previously scheduled to arrive on PS5 and Steam on September 8, but Hollow Knight: Silksong's imminent release date of September 4 prompted publisher Devolver Digital (and developers Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzzillo and Maxi Boch) to delay their game until September 23.They made the announcement with the help of a funny clip that sees Baby Steps protagonist Nate trying to scale a replica of Silksong's Hornet only to inevitably tumble into the dirt. "Nate, the wary, onesie-donned failson at the heart of the eccentric adventure in literal walking simulator Baby Steps, has stumbled after attempting to ascend his greatest challenge yet: launching the week after Hollow Knight: Silksong's surprise release date," Devolver said in a press release.Baby Steps is a sort-of spiritual successor to Foddy's classic, rage-inducing QWOP, in that you take granular control over Nate's legs to help him climb a mountain. I've been looking forward to the full game - especially after enjoying the silliness of the demo - but I don't mind waiting a couple of extra weeks for it.Several other indie developers and publishers have delayed their games to avoid getting swallowed up by the Silksong discourse. The horror-tinged, slot machine-based roguelite CloverPit and tactics RPG Demonshool have moved from September 3 to September 26 and November 19, respectively, while the 1.0 version of adventure RPG Faeland and a Metroidvania called Aeterna Lucis no longer have firm release dates. However, Bloober Team is staying the course with Cronos: The New Dawn, which is still set for September 5, and Rogue Factor is doing the same with Hell is Us (September 4).These delays are reminiscent of reports that publishers and developers were putting off any fall release date announcements for their games for fear of getting crushed by Grand Theft Auto VI, which was supposed to be dropping by the end of the year. Rockstar has delayed its game until May but Devlover says it's not running scared of that particular blockbuster - it has committed to releasing a game on the same day as GTA VI. However, Silksong perhaps seems like just too formidable an opponent for Baby Steps.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hollow-knight-silksong-release-date-prompts-another-game-delay-as-baby-steps-inches-back-153301303.html?src=rss

There's a refresh of the popular Framework Laptop 16 available for pre-order right now, and it's a doozy. The new model is heavy on high-grade specs, with the inclusion of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 Series processors.We loved the modular nature of the previous iteration, but said the internals were a bit underpowered for serious gamers. It looks like that's been handled here.The company has also made the NVIDIA-powered graphics module fully backwards compatible, so current owners of 2024's Laptop 16 can scoop that up instead of buying a whole new computer. The company promises a 30 to 40 percent increase in gaming framerates when compared to the Radeon RX module that shipped with the previous model.The company also updated the thermal system, with a redesign of the fan blades to reduce noise. This was another major complaint we had with the last version, so it's a welcome change.FrameworkConsumers can choose from a couple of AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series variants. There are 8-core Ryzen 7 and 12-core Ryzen 9 options, both running at 45W sustained TDP. The mainboard module has been updated to allow support for four simultaneous display outputs and both storage and memory are upgradeable. Users can get the RAM all the way up to 96GB and the storage up to 10TB.The new Framework Laptop 16 also ships with a redesigned power adapter, which will be the default adapter moving forward. This may be the first laptop ever with a 240W USB-C adapter, which should let users run the system at a sustained full load without too much of a battery drain.Other upgrades include a new webcam, a remade CNC aluminum top cover and several new keyboard designs. As previously stated, pre-orders are open right now. Prices start at $1,500 and shipments go out in November. The company has also reduced the price of the previous Laptop 16 iteration down to $1,300.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/the-latest-framework-16-modular-laptop-includes-the-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070-150527564.html?src=rss

You might be feeling like it's time to upgrade your ereader or even buy your first one, particularly if you're hoping to do some reading this Labor Day weekend. Alternatively, it may be that you're looking for a way to read digital comics without all of the distractions of an iOS or Android tablet. In such cases, it may be worth considering Amazon's Kindle Colorsoft, which is currently $30 off at $220. That's a record low price for this particular model, which has 16GB of storage - half as much as the Signature Edition. This version also lacks the auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging found in the Signature Edition, which costs $280. In our review of the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (which is otherwise the same as the version that's currently on sale), we described it as a "good Kindle" with which "Amazon has finally filled a glaring hole in its ereader lineup." The quick load times and page turns, and pinch-to-zoom feature are definite highlights, while we were glad to see that Amazon isn't charging a premium to turn off lock screen ads. The Kindle Colorsoft has a seven-inch color E Ink display with a pixel density of 300 ppi for black-and-white content and 150 ppi for color content. Amazon claims the ereader can run for up to eight weeks on a single charge and that it has a waterproof rating of IPX8 (the company says it's able to endure immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes). There's also Audiobook support. One of our main drawbacks was that the device was expensive, but this discount mitigates that concern somewhat. We also felt that there was a small dip in sharpness and contrast while reading black-and-white text. In any case, if a color ereader is of interest to you, the Kindle Colorsoft is a good option, especially at this price. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-16gb-kindle-colorsoft-is-30-off-ahead-of-labor-day-weekend-141656390.html?src=rss

Google's Gemini is getting new features for editing images with AI. The latest image editing model is the work of the DeepMind artificial intelligence team, and these updates will be available starting today in the Gemini app. Google noted that all images either generated or edited in Gemini will be visibly and digitally watermarked to designate them as created with artificial intelligence.The first aspect of the new editing model offers consistency across different versions of an image. It's particularly focused on keeping human characters looking the same as more changes are made the the surrounding visuals, with the idea that people could upload a picture of someone and still look true to reality as they put themselves in different settings or outfits with AI.The second part of the model involves advanced image editing options. These features include the ability to combine two separate pre-existing images into a new scene, using a visual trait from an existing image as a new prompt or new design element, and multi-stage editing where individual components of an image can be changed in a sequence without losing the accumulated updates.Image generation of humans was unavailable for a few months last year after Gemini created inaccurately diverse results for prompts based on particular places and times in history. Users regained the ability to AI-generate images of people with the Imagen 3 model.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/gemini-image-generation-is-adding-more-editing-tools-140034014.html?src=rss

My first thought when I heard Spotify had launched a messaging service was, "Why?" But, after looking into it a bit more, I'm intrigued at the idea of sharing recommendations within the app.So, what is Spotify's new Messages feature? Basically, like Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms, Spotify is creating a way for you to share content and thoughts from within its app. You can send playlists, songs and podcasts without having to use a link on another platform.You can see the Messages feature by clicking on your profile photo. Spotify should recommend accounts you've interacted with before, whether for creating a playlist, joining a jam or sharing a family plan. You can start a conversation there or by clicking the share button on any piece of content within Spotify. This tab is also where you can return to chats and approve message requests.Spotify claims that it wants Messages to "complement" other sharing options, like posting a song to social media, rather than serve as a replacement. But, if you find switching apps a bit clunky, then this is a good alternative for sending content.However, it's not clear exactly who can use the new feature. According to Spotify, Messages will start rolling out this week to both free and premium users who are over the age of 16. But, the feature is limited to mobile devices in "select markets."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/spotify-introduces-an-in-app-messaging-feature-134401088.html?src=rss

Another day, another instance of AI companies purportedly engaging in copyright infringement. Two Japanese media groups, Nikkei and the Asahi Shimbun, are suing Perplexity for illicitly having "copied and stored article content" from the pair's servers, the Financial Times reports. Nikkei owns the Financial Times.The two media groups claim Perplexity supplied inaccurate information and credited these falsehoods to the companies. "If left unchecked, this situation could undermine the foundation of journalism, which is committed to conveying facts accurately," Nikkei and the Asahi Shimbun, which filed a joint lawsuit, stated.Each company requests 2.2 billion yen ($15 million) in damages and for Perplexity to remove any stored articles. "Perplexity's actions amount to large-scale, ongoing free riding' on article content that journalists from both companies have spent immense time and effort to research and write, while Perplexity pays no compensation," Nikkei said in a statement.Ironically, this news comes just one day after Perplexity announced a new revenue-sharing plan for publishers. It's using a new Comet Plus subscription that provides users with "premium content from a group of trusted publishers and journalists" for $5 per month.Publishers are poised to get 80 percent of the revenue, initially receiving payment out of a $42.5 million pool. However, that means a subscription gives publishers $4 for turning over their entire library, a significant decrease from the $20 to $30 many newspapers now charge for access.Perplexity's current Publisher Program provides shares of ad revenue that a publisher might have received if users clicked on their articles, rather than reading Perplexity's summary.These moves create the appearance of Perplexity trying to act above board, but the most recent lawsuit isn't the first time reports have emerged of Perplexity raking websites' content without permission. It's not even the first time this month.An early August report from Cloudfare found that Perplexity has allegedly deployed web crawlers to sneak around robots.txt files and firewalls. Cloudfare claims that Perplexity is impersonating Google Chrome with a generic browser and rotating through IP addresses not linked to the company.Perplexity also faced a series of accusations in the summer of 2024. Forbes accused the company of illicitly pulling its stories and publishing them, while Wired reported that Perplexity was scraping content from it and other Conde Nast-owned publications.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/perplexity-sued-by-japanese-media-giants-for-stealing-information-and-presenting-false-information-133048116.html?src=rss

YouTube TV could soon lose access to Fox channels, it announced on its official blog, mere days before the 2025 NFL season begins. It warned users that it's actively negotiating with Fox now that the renewal date for their partnership is approaching, but Fox is allegedly asking for an amount "far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive." YouTube TV says it's aiming to reach an agreement that "reflects the value of their content and is fair for both sides" without the service having to raise its prices to be able to offer Fox channels.If both sides aren't able to come to an agreement by 5PM Eastern time on August 27, subscribers will no longer be able to access all Fox news and business programs, as well as all sporting events (like NFL games) broadcast on Fox channels. The content from the channels saved in their library will also disappear. In case YouTube TV fails to reach a deal with Fox and the network's channels become unavailable for "an extended period of time," it will give subscribers a $10 credit.It's worth noting that Fox's own streaming service, Fox One, went online on August 21. The service gives subscribers access to all Fox-branded news, sports and entertainment content, including all NFL and MLB games aired on Fox networks, for $20 a month. It's not clear how the issue will affect NFL Sunday Ticket, though, which YouTube TV exclusively offers as an add-on for $34.50 a month for the first eight months. The sports package gives subscribers access to regular season NFL games not broadcast on local channels in the user's area.YouTube TV had issued similar warnings in the past when it couldn't quickly reach a deal with Disney for its channels and with Paramount for CBS, CBS Sports and Nickelodeon, among its other properties. In both cases, YouTube was able to reach an agreement with the companies to continue offering their content.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-tv-warns-subscribers-they-may-lose-fox-channels-131504760.html?src=rss

Fans of music-driven puzzlers loved 2018's block-dropping puzzle game Tetris Effect. The same publisher behind it, Enhance, revived another Tetris-inspired game called Lumines and created indie darling Lumines Remastered. Now Lumines is getting the full Enhance treatment a la Tetris Effect, in the form of Lumines Arise, a new title set to be released on November 11.We got a chance to go hands-on with the music-driven, block-dropping puzzle game earlier this summer. The game's sensory-rich effects and striking graphics are enhanced further by new mechanics. And the soundtrack is sure to satisfy, with new music from Hydelic, the same band behind the award-winning soundtrack for Tetris Effect: Connected.Before November, fans of Lumineswill get their chance to test run this new title. Enhance has released a playable demo and it's available right now on PC via Steam and PS5 for one week only, until September 3. It features a never-before-seen multiplayer "Burst Battle" mode as well as three single-player Journey Mode stages. The full game will feature 35 of these stages as well as many additional modes and challenges that will not be included in the demo.Lumines Arise comes to PS5 and Steam on November 11.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/beat-driven-puzzler-lumines-arise-will-overload-your-senses-on-november-11-130008360.html?src=rss

Google will implement a new safety feature that would require developers to verify their identity if they want Android users to be able to sideload their apps. The company said that it made the decision after recent analysis found "over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play." By verifying a developer's identify first, it hopes to better protect users from "bad actors spreading malware and scams."In its announcement, Google said that apps need to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices. Pretty much all Android phones in the US and Europe are certified if they come with Google Play. The company is now building a new Android Developer Console, specifically for developers that distribute outside its app store, so they can quickly authenticate their identities. Developers will be able to go through the verification process in the console, as well as register their package names.Google likened the process to "an ID check at the airport" in that it will only confirm the identity of an app's developer but will not be reviewing the content of the app. The company also clarified that the verification process will not prevent developers from distributing their apps wherever they want, including app stores other than Google Play.The developer verification requirement will start rolling out in late 2026 in Brazil, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. A global rollout will follow at a later date.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-124521174.html?src=rss

Silent Hill f starts off with a grounded (but still heavy) setup, establishing a miserable family dynamic for protagonist Hinako. With an alcoholic, abusive father, a submissive mother and an absent sister, who's shown in flashbacks with that classic horror trope, face unseen. Something horrible is about to unfold inthe sleepy, remote village of Ebisugaoka, sometime in the early 1960s.The latest entry in the Silent Hill series still has jumpscares, like you'd expect from the horror series, but both the setting and game systems are more focused on tension, putting both Hinako and the player under constant duress. A typical health meter is joined by a sanity gauge and even your weapons have limited durability, so you're forced to pick your fights.During a two-hour demo, I had to do exactly that. As Hinako escapes her family home to find someone, anyone, to talk to, the village is eerily empty. A kei truck blocks the direct route to the local shop, with a crushed bird nearby adding to the weird. Soon, a sinister fog and red undergrowth attack four assembled high school students.KonamiOf course, it only gets weirder. As marionette nightmares pop up, all Hinako can do is run and evade attacks. A focus mode, pressing L1, burns the sanity gauge but gives better prompts for both dodging and eventually counter-attacking monsters.Hinako is no soldier. She's no battle-hardened survivor. When I eventually find a steel pipe to fight back with, even fast attacks are a little sluggish, while heavy swings, which can often stun and knock down enemies, take a while to charge up and can be hard to aim if you haven't locked onto the enemy. If there's more than one attacker, it's a tense struggle and I'm often forced to burn through recovery items more so than when facing a sound and light-sensitive crawling beast, a fleshy-spherical ogre and other middleweight boss fights.Fortunately, there are hokora, miniature Shinto shrines, dotted around the village, which act as save points. The eerie location of Ebisugaoka and when a friend continually calls Hinako a "traitor" further amplify the sense of dread. The older sister is briefly shown during a flashback, but her face is obscured. Even in the younger sister's journal, the biog page for the sister is covered in scribbles and ink. It's very Japanese Horror, and less shotgun-to-the-zombie-face. And just plain stressful.A new sanity system is intriguing too. It's not an entirely new premise: the Gamecube's Eternal Darkness would manipulate the graphics and sound within the game as the character's sanity declined. But that was, depressingly, over 20 years ago.Some items can top up your sanity, but if you don't use them, you can offer them at a shrine for an in-game currency and spend that on charms to boost Hinako's stats. I managed to afford a stamina-boosting charm during my playthrough and was tantalizingly close to affording another charm before getting cut down by scarecrows dressed as high-schoolers.The scarecrow confrontation is hopefully a good example of nuanced puzzles that will appear in the full game. Initially, a bloodied rag tells you to take the thorns out of the one scarecrow that isn't part of the group - the one that isn't going to cut you up with their sickle. Unfortunately, all of the scarecrows have a thorn, so you're tasked with finding the pattern of his group.KonamiThe entire experience is drenched in atmosphere, supported by this new sanity system - is there anything more 2025 than a mental health gauge? The constant feeling of isolation ("Where is everyone?") and unanswered questions made the demo a persuasive introduction to the game. A particularly tense moment involves collapsing after a fight, further emphasizing the character's vulnerability. Also, there's some kind of dashing fox spirit in a mask, who coaxes Hinako through the dreamlike, blood-soaked temple areas. The mysterious fox spirit knows her name, which adds yet another layer of intrigue.I hope all will be made clear when the game launches, roughly a month from now.Silent Hill f launches on PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S on September 25 2025.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/silent-hill-f-preview-gamescom-2025-123030305.html?src=rss

Hasselblad has launched the followup to its first 100MP medium-format camera with a new model that improves on it in almost every way. The X2D II 100C promises better image quality, a brighter display, 10-stop stabilization and updated hybrid autofocus. As with any Hasselblad product, it's expensive - but less so than the previous model.The original X2D 100C took beautiful photos but lacked even basic technology like continuous autofocus. That's no longer the case. The X2D II 100C is the first Hasselblad camera with AF-C phase-detect AF backed by AI algorithms and LiDAR assistance, finally allowing burst shooting for movings subjects (albeit at a low 3 fps). With those changes, the new model promises "fast and accurate" AF, especially, in low light - which would be a big improvement over the previous model.At the same time, Hasselblad is pushing the image quality envelope further. The X2D II 100C is the first medium-format camera to support true end-end-end HDR, which reduces overexposure, enhances highlight retention and improves tonal depth for more natural looking images. Those can then be viewed directly on the display as HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG images. The updated 100MP BSI sensor also delivers 16-bit RAW images and up to 15.3 stops of dynamic range, among the highest of any camera available.HasselbladAnother key change is the updated 5-axis in-body stabilization system. It now delivers up to 10 stops, more than any other camera (Fujifilm's GFX100 II offers 8 stops and some Canon models go up to 8.5 stops) - perfect for a high-resolution camera where sharpness is critical. With the new system, Hasselblad claims you can capture "hand-held long exposures lasting several seconds without a tripod" for extra creative possibilities.The X2D II 100C weighs 7.5 percent less than the X2D 100C at around 730 grams without a lens - not bad at all for a medium format camera. The grip has also been updated with a textured surface to "enhance comfort and control," the company wrote.Other updates include a new 3.6-inch touch display with 1,400 nits of peak brightness that tilts 90 degrees upward and 43 degrees downward to make high and low angle shooting easier. Hasselblad also included a 5D joystick to change focus or operate the menus, addressing a big user complaint about the X2D 100C. It comes with 1TB of built-in storage as before - something almost no other mirrorless camera offers - along with a CFexpress Type B slot (as before, there's no support for video). Finally, Hasselblad introduced a new app, Phocus Mobile 2, that allows users to remotely control the camera, transfer shots and even edit them.HasselbladAs for the price, it's less shocking than you may expect. The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is now on sale for $7,399, $800 less than the X2D 100C at launch and (perhaps strategically) $100 less than rival Fujifilm's GFX100 II was at launch.Hasselblad also introduced a new zoom lens, the XCD 2.8-4 35-100E (28-76mm full-frame equivalent). It promises "top-tier" optical performance and the fastest stepping motor in its XCD lens lineup, along with control rings for shutter speed, aperture and more. Like all Hasselblad lenses, it incorporates a leaf shutter that allows for up to 1/4000th flash sync speeds for easier use of fill light in bright conditions. The XCD 2.8-4 35-100E is now available for $4,599.Finally, the company introduced the $469 Hasselblad-branded Vandra 20-liter backpack that will help you flaunt the brand name even if the camera's tucked away. It can hold an X2D II 100C body, two lenses and accessories. Finally, Hasselblad unveiled three new 86mm filters: a UV for $299, ND ($329) and circular polarizer (CPL) for $559. Ouch.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/hasselblads-x2d-ii-100c-offers-improved-autofocus-and-world-beating-stabilization-120006496.html?src=rss

After all the new Pixel 10 phones - expect to hear our review verdicts soon - we had time to take a closer look at the AI-centric software features Google often excels at. These include advances in Voice Translate, which can create a synthetic version of your voice speaking German. Or French. Or Japanese.EngadgetThere's also Pro Res Zoom (Pixel 10 Pro devices only), which cranks zoom up to 100x, with AI guide rails to avoid twisted human faces and garbled text. In short, fewer AI hallucinations but improved detail and crispness. There's also the Camera Coach, but I'm already a pretty good photographer. Brag. Managing Editor Cherlynn Low explains which features caught her attention at the Made By Google event.Also: Add Me is still incredible, as designated group photographer.- Mat SmithGet Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The news you might have missed

The US Attorneys General of 44 jurisdictions have signed a letter [PDF] addressed to the Chief Executive Officers of multiple AI companies, urging them to protect children "from exploitation by predatory artificial intelligence products." In the letter, the AGs singled out Meta and said its policies "provide an instructive opportunity to candidly convey [their] concerns." Specifically, they mentioned a recent report by Reuters, which revealed that Meta allowed its AI chatbots to "flirt and engage in romantic roleplay with children." Reuters got its information from an internal Meta document containing guidelines for its bots.They also pointed out a previous Wall Street Journal investigation wherein Meta's AI chatbots, even those using the voices of celebrities like Kristen Bell, were caught having sexual roleplay conversations with accounts labeled as underage. The AGs briefly mentioned a lawsuit against Google and Character.ai, as well, accusing the latter's chatbot of persuading the plaintiff's child to commit suicide. Another lawsuit they mentioned was also against Character.ai, after a chatbot allegedly told a teenager that it's okay to kill their parents after they limited their screentime."You are well aware that interactive technology has a particularly intense impact on developing brains," the Attorneys General wrote in their letter. "Your immediate access to data about user interactions makes you the most immediate line of defense to mitigate harm to kids. And, as the entities benefitting from children's engagement with your products, you have a legal obligation to them as consumers." The group specifically addressed the letter to Anthropic, Apple, Chai AI, Character Technologies Inc., Google, Luka Inc., Meta, Microsoft, Nomi AI, OpenAI, Perplexity AI, Replika and XAi.They ended their letter by warning the companies that they "will be held accountable" for their decisions. Social networks have caused significant harm to children, they said, in part because "government watchdogs did not do their job fast enough." But now, the AGs said they are paying attention, and companies "will answer" if they "knowingly harm kids."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/us-attorneys-general-tell-ai-companies-they-will-be-held-accountable-for-child-safety-failures-035213253.html?src=rss

SpaceX's massive Starship rocket was scheduled to lift off from the company's Texas launch site this evening for its 10th flight. After scrubbing the launch initially planned for Sunday, August 24, things were apparently back on track for Monday, August 25. The launch window opened at 7:30PM ET (6:30PM CT) and was even livestreamed on the SpaceX website and on X, with a webcast starting 30 minutes before the supposed launch. However, SpaceX ultimately stood down from the test flight due to weather conditions at 8:02PM. The company is still determining the next launch opportunity.Yesterday, the weather looked iffy for launch, as well; SpaceX said on Saturday that conditions were looking only 45 percent favorable. Ultimately the Sunday (and then the Monday) launch was cancelled "to allow time to troubleshoot an issue with ground systems," according to a SpaceX post on X.

Despite all the division and controversy rife in the modern era, sometimes the Internet does manage to collectively agree on something. Right now, they agree that they hate Imgur parent company MediaLab.After being acquired by MediaLab in 2021, the once famously open-to-anything image-sharing service began placing restrictions on content in 2023. More recently, the site has experienced service issues, including problems with notifications. Many members of the Imgur community have claimed that MediaLab fired most of its US content moderation team in favor of AI, while others have said that the site is deleting or hiding content that is critical of the owner and its policies.The exact timeline, as well as what brought things to a tipping point, is still fuzzy at best. But for hours today, the Imgur homepage has been dominated by spammed images of a John Oliver meme in protest of what users see as MediaLab's poor management of the platform. Whatever team is currently working at Imgur appears to be unable to handle the rate that the memes are being posted, so it's anyone's guess how long the spam protest will dominate the front page.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/imgur-protest-covers-the-front-page-in-anti-medialab-memes-225502091.html?src=rss

The next season of Overwatch 2 will bring more than the usual new hero and battle pass to the team shooter. Blizzard announced that Season 18 will introduce a new take on the progression system. As they currently stand, the progression numbers feel pretty divorced from the gameplay; this revamp introduces new ways to display your prowess to teammates and foes in matches as well as some welcome changes to how you see and equip your rewards.The new Progression 2.0 system has overhauled the visual side. For starters, there will be new portrait frames that increase in fanciness every 20 levels, capping at level 60. These Ascended borders will be displayed when you pick your hero for a match. Between the different Ascended frames, players will unlock five tiers of hero badges that also display in Hero Select under your portrait.Overwatch 2 Hero BadgesBlizzardIn addition to the new flash, the Hero Select screen will show your allies a card with your top heroes on it. I doubt anyone will pay too much attention to cards in the Open Queue matches, so this seems like a Competitive-angled addition. It could help make it easy to build a team composition based on the whole group's strengths, creating a test of your crew's cooperation ability before the game even starts. Blizzard clarified that in Competitive, opponents won't be able to see your portrait borders until 10-15 seconds after a match begins, and hero cards won't be displayed to an enemy until one of you eliminates each other. That means nobody should be able to use your hero card against you in the ban phase.I've almost never thought about the rewards I get for progression stats because it's unclear when I've gotten a new item and I rarely bother searching for them in my cosmetics collections, so having a dedicated progression menu added should place a new focus on tracking how far you've gotten with a particular character. The hero-specific rewards on the horizon will be displayed on that page, and already-unlocked items can be equipped directly from that menu. Blizzard is also offering occasional Epic and Legendary loot box freebies as you rise through the ranks for each hero, which is always welcome.The progression levels will be rewarded retroactively when the season starts. For long-time fans, that means you can expect to see a whole bunch of rewards to browse through when you first log in during Season 18. For new players, there will be more credits and cosmetics available to unlock in the first 20 levels. That first set of 20 levels will also be scaled to be quicker to complete, while later levels will require more time.The new season kicks off tomorrow, on August 26. Season 18 will also bring a new option for keyboard and mouse controls on console and the permanent addition of watery support hero Wuyang.

Perplexity is launching a new revenue-sharing plan for publishers that will pay them every time its AI assistants use an article to answer a question, The Wall Street Journal reports. Perplexity is launching the plan (and partially paying for it) with a new Comet Plus subscription that gives subscribers access "to premium content from a group of trusted publishers and journalists."Comet Plus costs $5 per month, and based on Perplexity's description, it's primarily designed to account for the actions its Comet Agent (included in the Comet browser) takes on websites, which aren't considered in existing publisher deals. "When you ask Perplexity to synthesize recent coverage of an industry trend, that's indexed traffic," the company writes. "When Comet Assistant scans your calendar and suggests articles relevant to your day's meetings, that's agent traffic."The company's existing Publisher Program, which counts publications like TIME and Fortune as participants, shares ad revenue based on the traffic a Perplexity search is stealing away by providing a summary of an article. The money shared through Comet Plus will presumably account for what's lost when an AI agent visits a webpage on your behalf, zooming past ads you'd normally see or hear.Publishers will get 80 percent of the revenue of Comet Plus, according to Perplexity, with the remaining 20 percent allocated to "compute." The Wall Street Journal writes that Perplexity will initially pay participating publishers out of a "$42.5 million revenue pool" that will expand over time, presumably as sign-ups grow for Comet Plus, and the Comet web browser becomes available to more people. That starting sum likely takes into account Perplexity's existing Pro and Max subscribers, who will receive Comet Plus as part of their subscriptions and are paying into the revenue-sharing scheme by default.It sounds generous on its face, and maybe with a large enough volume of subscribers it will be, but 80 percent of $5 is $4. That's $4 that will presumably unlock unlimited access to a publication's entire library of content. Most newspapers charge anywhere from $20 to $30 per month to access all of their articles. Why would they settle for less?It's not clear if this plan replaces Perplexity's existing Publisher Program, or will exist alongside it. It's also hard to say if not paying for Comet Plus will change the quality of responses you receive in Comet or Perplexity. Engadget has contacted Perplexity for more information and will update this article if we hear back.Perplexity likely wouldn't be exploring new revenue-sharing plans if it hadn't already been caught plagiarizing articles in the first place. The company wants its agentic browser to be a success, and that ideally requires a certain amount of participation from the people who create the articles, images, and videos agents browse. It remains to be seen if Comet Plus is the kind of arrangement that will make publishers play ball.

Google wants to get Gemini in your smart home, and it looks like it's planning to release a lineup of new Nest Products to make it happen. The company teased a new smart speaker during its Pixel 10 launch event, and now Android Headlines has new images and details that confirm the look of the speaker and a collection of other Nest products that are on the way.Based on the images Android Headlines sourced, Google's new smart home lineup looks nearly identical to the cameras and doorbells it's already selling. The exception is the new smart speaker, now called the Google Home Speaker, which is smaller and rounder than the Nest Audio, and could be a replacement for the puck-shaped Nest Mini. The new speaker will come in what looks like red, light green, black and beige color options, and offer "360-degree sound." Android Headlines writes that the speaker also supports Gemini Live, Sound Sensing for detecting smoke alarms or glass breaking and pairing with a Google TV Streamer.

The long-awaited cyberpunk platformer Replaced has been delayed once again. Now it's not coming out until next spring. Developer Sad Cat Studio apologized for the delay and said that this is simply "what's right for the project" and that the team remains dedicated to creating a "truly special experience."This isn't the first time the game has suffered a delay. It was originally announced back in 2021, with a pending release date of 2022. That didn't happen. In 2024, the company announced a release date of 2025. As today's news indicates, that also isn't going to happen.Why all of the delays? The company wants a polished finished product, sure, but the real world intervened on its original release plans. The company was based in Belarus before relocating after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This was the primary factor behind those earlier delays.For the uninitiated, Replaced is a nifty-looking sidescrolling platformer that takes inspiration from old-school games like Out of this World (also called Another World) and Flashback. It looks soaked in cyberpunk vibes. Assuming there are no more delays, it'll come out next year for PC and Xbox Series X/S. The trailers have gotten us amped for this one.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pixel-art-cyberpunk-platformer-replaced-delayed-again-this-time-until-spring-2026-182908044.html?src=rss

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is bullish on the future of robotics, and sees it as the chipmaker's biggest opportunity outside of AI. Today the company announced the next generation of its Jetson AGX system-on-module called Jetson Thor. The developer kit and T5000 production modules are computers designed for physical AI and robotics.The company has been iterating on these robot brains for a few years now, with each model more powerful than the last. The newest generation is powered by NVIDIA's Blackwell GPU architecture and offers 7.5 times more AI compute and 3.5 times greater energy efficiency than its predecessor, the Jetson Orin. These chips can run generative AI models, including large language and visual models, to help robots interpret the world around them. We've built Jetson Thor for the millions of developers working on robotic systems that interact with and increasingly shape the physical world," said NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.The module is powered by NVIDIA's full-stack Jetson software platform, which is purpose-built for physical AI and robotics applications. The company counts Amazon, Meta, Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics among its robotics clients using Jetson chips, which should give you an idea of who the target audience for this technology is. The Jetson AGX Thor is now on sale for $3,499 as a developer kit, and NVIDIA will sell the Thor T5000 modules for installation in production-ready robots. These will be sold at a wholesale price of $2,999 per module for a minimum order of 1,000 or more.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/nvidia-releases-the-next-generation-of-its-cutting-edge-robot-brain-180434373.html?src=rss

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI is suing Apple and OpenAI, as reported by Reuters. The suit accuses the companies of illegally conspiring to stop rival AI companies from getting a fair shot on the App Store, alleging they have "locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing."The complaint suggests that Apple and OpenAI have been conspiring to suppress xAI's products on the App Store. "If not for its exclusive deal with OpenAI, Apple would have no reason to refrain from more prominently featuring the X app and the Grok app in its App Store," xAI told Reuters.Apple has integrated OpenAI's ChatGPT into several of its products, but it remains to be seen if that has translated to any anticompetitive practices. It's worth noting that rival AI apps like DeepSeek and Perplexity have both spent time on the top of App Store charts since this partnership began, according to CNBC.

When Subaru's first electric car launched in late 2021, the Solterra had something of a problem: It wasn't exactly competitive in any of the major factors that EV buyers typically look for. Its 220-mile range and 215-horsepower output were middling at best when compared to vehicles like the Tesla Model Y. Its quirky styling didn't exactly help, either.For 2026, Subaru is giving the Solterra a significant up-do. Don't call it a reboot, as it's still very much the same SUV as before, but with more range, more power and better tech (though we're still waiting on the pricing). The result is a much more compelling car. Now, with Tesla's international appeal falling to an all-time low, which takes the Model Y off the table for many buyers, Subaru's first EV feels like it's finally found its time to shine.More of what you wantTim Stevens for EngadgetI'm the first person to tell a potential EV buyer that range is not the first criterion they should be considering when EV shopping. There are many more important factors that impact your quality of life on a daily basis than how many charging stops you'll need to make on your annual road trip. Still, when the original Solterra was doing 220 miles on a charge, while the Tesla Model Y did well over 300, that made the thing a bit of a hard sell.Thankfully, the 2026 Solterra gets a big bump in that department, up to 288 miles on a charge. It's not class-leading by any means, but as someone who's lived with EVs for years, I can confidently say that's plenty of juice to eliminate range anxiety for most.Impressively, the new Subaru does that on a battery pack that's barely any bigger: 74.7 kWh vs. 72.8 before. Where does the extra range come from, then? Subaru and Toyota engineers (this car is mechanically identical to the 2026 Toyota bZ) deployed a raft of subtle improvements that result in substantial efficiency, everything from aerodynamic tweaks to updated electronics and new motors.When it's time to plug in, the Solterra and the Model Y can now use the same chargers. For 2026, the Solterra switches over to a Tesla-style NACS port, though the car comes with adapters for using J1772 and CCS ports. Outright charging speed is up by 50 percent over last year's car, but that only equates to a maximum charging rate of 150 kW. Again, it's a big improvement, but not class-leading.It can at least burn those electrons more quickly. Outright power is up, with the Solterra now putting down 338 horsepower through all four wheels on the XT trims, a nice boost from the old car's 215.Big display, big safetyTim Stevens for EngadgetAll those updates are nice, but potential buyers will be more immediately wooed by a completely rethought dashboard layout that's still quirky but significantly less awkward than before. A new, 14-inch touchscreen dominates proceedings, giving you quick and easy access to everything from navigation to media playback. It serves as a generous canvas for either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, both of which are offered wirelessly.There's not one but two wireless charging pads to keep your devices juiced while slinging tunes and navigation, plus a pair of USB-C ports in the second row for passengers. With 60 watts of output, back-seat productivity hounds can keep happily typing away even if they forgot their adapter.They'll be comfortable, too. There's a good amount of headroom and legroom in the rear seat, plus 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear.When it comes to keeping everyone safe, the new Solterra offers Subaru's EyeSight system standard, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and a lane-centering system. I got a good chance to sample these systems in the increasingly heavy traffic in and around Denver, Colorado. The adaptive cruise brought the car to a complete stop and resumed on its own when traffic came to a crawl, while the active lane-keep system ensured the Solterra stayed centered.The driveTim Stevens for EngadgetFor my day behind the wheel of the new Solterra, Subaru provided me with a model in top-shelf Touring XT trim, the highest performance. That meant I got to sample the car's full 338 horsepower, but I have to admit that in terms of acceleration, the thing still isn't a rocket ship. It has the instant torque of an EV and is certainly quick, but the power is delivered in a somewhat more relaxed way than many of the peppier EVs on the market today.That character continues throughout the Solterra drive experience. Steering is quite sharp and responsive, but the suspension doesn't really encourage any overly dramatic cornering antics. The traction and stability control systems quickly and abruptly kill all power at the first hint of loss of grip. For many Subaru enthusiasts, that's just when things start getting fun.It won't be a terror on your favorite gravel road, but the Solterra is reasonably competent when the asphalt ends. Subaru set up a short dirt course, which was more meander through the trees than proper expedition. Still, it proved the SUV capable on the sorts of terrain a mass-market machine like this is liable to see.In terms of comfort and ride quality, the Solterra handled most road imperfections and bumps without issue, but felt a little harsh over bigger stuff. There's no real wind noise or the like, making it a quiet and calm highway cruiser, but a fair bit of road noise did come up through the suspension on rougher stretches of asphalt.Wrap-upTim Stevens for EngadgetIn many ways, this improved Solterra feels like the electric SUV that the brand should have launched in the first place. Better late than never. The big boost in range and performance, plus all the other tech and feature upgrades, make for a significantly improved car. It still comes up a little short of the competition from Hyundai or Tesla in terms of key metrics that EV shoppers tend to hyper-fixate on - particularly range - but it's close enough now to be judged on its other merits. Thankfully, those merits are good.Update, August 25, 2025, 11:14AM ET: This story was originally published with a placeholder for the Solterra's price, which hasn't yet been announced. When Subaru reveals the 2026 Solterra's price, we'll update this story.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/subaru-solterra-first-drive-big-improvements-in-all-the-right-places-for-2026-130023352.html?src=rss

We now have the opening dates for Netflix's branded entertainment complexes that we first learned of in 2023. The 100,000-square-foot amusement centers will be centered around all things Netflix and will include a retail component, a restaurant called Netflix Bites and numerous "immersive story-driven experiences" based on the company's most successful properties.The Netflix House in Philadelphia will open November 12 at the King of Prussia Mall, and the Dallas location will open December 11 at Galleria Texas. A third location is planned for Las Vegas in 2027. As part of the branded build-out, the Philadelphia location will house large-scale immersive experiences such as Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts, while Dallas will feature Stranger Things: Escape the Dark and Squid Game: Survive the Trials.These entertainment hubs come after Netflix has already undertaken dozens of live interactive experiences based on its most popular shows. Aside from these experiences and the Netflix Bites restaurant, the locations will also showcase immersive virtual reality games where guests will play as the main characters from some of the company's hit shows. There will also be themed mini-golf, a theater showcasing Netflix shows and movies, themed arcade games and more.Netflix isn't the first tech company to step into the world of brick-and-mortar. Amazon has spun up a few branded stores to varying success. Meta also opened physical stores to showcase its virtual reality headsets, taking a page out of Apple's book.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-sets-opening-dates-for-its-destination-entertainment-hubs-150851082.html?src=rss

As an iPhone user who has watched the release of foldable Android mobile phones with envy, I can't wait for 2026. Yes, Apple's 2025 iPhone launch event is next month, but I've been eyeing Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored to launch next year. It's part of three years of Apple's planned iPhone redesigns.While this would be a new addition to Apple's lineup, Bloomberg reports that it will come with a throwback feature: Touch ID. Why it's reverting to Touch ID from Face ID is unclear as the last use was on the third-generation iPhone SE. Apple did something similar when it brought back its MagSafe charging line with the iPhone 12's release - it initially worked with MacBooks.According to Bloomberg, Apple was initially going to give the new iPhone on-cell touch sensors, but pivoted to an in-cell option, similar to the current iPhone. An in-cell screen builds the touch sensors directly into the display, while an on-cell adds a layer on top, creating a thicker end product, which can be more noticeable in folding phones where its display creases. The foldable iPhone is also rumored to have four cameras and come in white, black, light blue and light gold.While we'll have to wait a while for the foldable rumors to be confirmed, this year's event shouldn't be without its interesting moments. There will likely be an ultra-thin device called the iPhone Air, reported to have just one camera and a basic A19 chip.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-will-reportedly-bring-back-touch-id-on-a-foldable-iphone-135831748.html?src=rss

The last thing anyone wants at the end of a long day is to look down at their phone and see its battery almost dead. One way to avoid that is to keep a compact power bank on you at all times, and it's arguably easiest to do that with one like Anker's 621 MagGo portable battery. This sleek, 5K magnetic brick attaches to the back of your iPhone to power it up, even while you're still using it. Now, it's on sale for 30 percent off - you can pick up any of five coloways for only $28 a pop. This particular model didn't make our list of the best power banks, but plenty of other Anker products did. The 621 MagGo is equipped with magnets that attach to the back of certain iPhone models, which makes it easy to charge up the handset while still using it. The 5,000 mAh device can juice up the latest flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max to around 60 percent when fully charged. This is a thin and light device, so it's perfect for pockets, purses, backpacks and just about anywhere else. It charges up via an included USB-C cable. As a warning, the Anker 621 MagGo requires a magnetic connection via the smartphone itself or a magnetic case. It won't work with non-magnetic cases. It also runs a bit hot, reaching internal temperatures of up to 118 F, which could be something to keep an eye on during use. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-anker-5k-magnetic-power-bank-is-on-sale-for-only-28-161505856.html?src=rss

Google is changing the way you confirm if contacts are legit. The company has begun rolling out a QR code to verify that the person you're communicating with is, in fact, who they say they are, 9to5Google reports. The feature is currently available in beta.An end-to-end encryption card isn't anything new, but verifying the encryption meant seeing an 80-digit code you could compare. Now, you'll still go Google Messages, tap their name and then go to their details page. But, instead, there will be an option to show your QR code or scan their code.Verify keys "ensure only you and your contact can read the RCS messages you send each other," Google states. The 80-digit comparison is still available if there's an issue with the QR code.Google first announced the new feature last October, stating, "We're creating a unified system for public key verification across different apps, which you can verify through QR code scanning or number comparison." At the time, it said the feature would be available on all Android 9 devices and newer.QR codes could be the new norm at Google. The company is also planning to switch SMS-based two-factor authentication on Gmail to QR codes.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/google-tests-qr-code-verification-for-text-messages-114357424.html?src=rss

Ayn added more than just a touch of nostalgia with its upcoming dual-screen handheld that gives us modern-day Nintendo DS vibes. After teasing the device in a YouTube video earlier this week, Ayn dropped the full spec sheet, price range and release date for its Thor handhelds. The Thor Lite base model will start at $249 for preorder pricing, but you can opt for the top-of-the-line Thor Max model that goes for $429. Besides the clear purple colorway, the Ayn Thor will come in black, white and rainbow, which colors its buttons like the SNES.AynAyn built all of its Thor models with a primary six-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, while the secondary 3.92-inch AMOLED screen will have a 60Hz refresh rate and a smaller 1,240 x 1,080 resolution. The Thor Lite maxes out at 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, but you can upgrade to 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage with the Thor Max. The Pro and Max models will pack a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, while the Lite will use the less powerful Snapdragon 865.Outside of the spec differences, all Thor models will run on a 6,000 mAh battery and Android 13. The dual-screen handheld will have video output capabilities, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm audio jack, a TF card slot and can connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. As with all foldable devices, the hinge is often a point of failure, so Ayn built the Thor with a reinforced hinge, along with an active cooling system and Hall effect joysticks.Ayn isn't the only handheld maker getting into dual-screen devices. The market was previously dominated by the Ayaneo Flip DS, which currently starts at $1,139, but Ayaneo has announced a more affordable dual-screen handheld called the Pocket DS. Along with the Retroid Flip 2 that was released earlier this year, Retroid is selling an add-on accessory to make some of its other products into a dual-screen handheld. As for the Ayn Thor, preorders start August 25 at 10:30PM ET, with the first shipments expected in mid-October.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ayn-reveals-a-nintendo-ds-style-handheld-that-comes-in-the-classic-game-boy-color-purple-194416424.html?src=rss

Known for its premium handhelds that often go for more than $1,000, Ayaneo announced a higher-end version of the first handheld to release under its more affordable sub-brand called KONKR. Ayaneo revealed the new Android gaming handheld, called the Pocket Fit Elite, in a YouTube video that detailed most of its specs.The Pocket Fit Elite will be built with a six-inch 1080p display that has a 144Hz refresh rate, an 8,000 mAh battery, and Hall effect joysticks and triggers. However, Ayaneo didn't confirm what processor it will use for the Pocket Fit Elite, whose name could be a nod towards the inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. We're expecting a more powerful chip than the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, which Ayaneo said will be used for the Pocket Fit base model that was announced in July. Looking at the two models, the unrevealed processor for the Pocket Fit Elite will be the main difference.Unlike the Ayaneo 3 and its $1,399 starting price, the Pocket Fit Elite will start at less than $399, while the Pocket Fit will be even cheaper with a sub-$329 starting price. Ayaneo said in its latest YouTube video that it's in the final preparation stage for the Pocket Fit launch, which will be sometime in September.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-first-premium-handheld-from-ayaneos-budget-brand-arrives-in-september-183533792.html?src=rss

Unhinged as Grok may be, it's now open source. xAI's CEO, Elon Musk, posted on X that the company made the older Grok 2.5 model available to the public and will do the same with the upcoming Grok 3. For now, anyone can download, run and even tweak Grok, whose source code was uploaded to the Hugging Face platform. However, there are restrictions to xAI's open-source license, which doesn't let people use Grok to train, create or improve other AI models.It's not the first time xAI has made its models available to the public. In March 2024, the company released the raw base model of Grok-1, which isn't finetuned for any specific task. As xAI continues to make Grok more accessible, it's a stark contrast to OpenAI, which has only offered less powerful models of its ChatGPT model to researchers and businesses.Making Grok open source allows independent developers to potentially improve on the AI model, but xAI is still trying to move past an extremely alarming episode of Grok providing antisemitic responses and referencing itself as MechaHitler. The Grok team attributed the incident to "deprecated code" that has since been fixed. As for Grok 3, Musk also said on X that it will also go open source in six months, but we may have to take that estimated release with a grain of salt, considering the CEO's other promised timelines.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/you-can-now-download-and-tweak-grok-25-for-yourself-as-it-goes-open-source-164734471.html?src=rss

Anker makes some of our favorite charging gear, and now you can save on a bunch of wireless power accessories from the brand. Whether you're going back to school soon or want a new charging station that can power up a few devices at once, there are discounts here worth considering. One of the best is this 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station, on sale for a record low price of $63. The Qi2-certified charger wirelessly charges your compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods on one compact and convenient dock. Qi2 boasts 15W of power, so you can take advantage of fast charging on compatible devices. This means the station can charge an iPhone 16 Pro Max to 20 percent in just 20 minutes and an Apple Watch Series 10 from zero to 100 percent in just over an hour. The magnetic stand for your iPhone is adjustable with 45 degrees of vertical rotation and 360 degrees of horizontal rotation, so you can always find the perfect angle for your phone while charging. Being able to wirelessly charge these three daily devices at once might remind you of Apple's wireless charging pad that never was, but Anker's 3-in-1 charging station offers an elegant solution. We tend to like Anker's charging products, and we've found they make some of the best charging stations on the market. Anker's products can be a bit pricey, though, which is why the best time to pick them up is during these sales. The company actually has a slew of its charging products on sale right now. Its 3-in-1 wireless charging cube is 31 percent off right now and down to $104. If you're a Prime member and have a Qi2-compatible iPhone, then you might also look at Anker's simple Qi2 charging pad, which is 35 percent off for a two-pack right now. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-up-to-35-percent-off-anker-wireless-chargers-ahead-of-labor-day-145325615.html?src=rss

The Ooni Labor Day sale is here, bringing deep discounts to all kinds of pizza ovens and aspiring pizzaiolo accessories. One of the highlights of the sale is the Volt 12 pizza oven, which is 30 percent off and down to $629. Ooni also discounted the Volt's cover as well, so you can pick on up for only $49 along with the oven itself. The Volt 12 is an electric pizza oven that operates indoors, a first for the company. We praised the unit in our official review, saying that it "works just as well" as the company's indoor models. It preheats quickly and the interior is spacious. It can hit 850 degrees, which cooks a pizza in 90 seconds. The oven also requires little-to-no supervision during use. It's pretty much a set it and forget it type appliance. This operates in stark contrast with the company's outdoor models, which demands that folks pay attention to the fire during use. The Volt 12 made our list of the best pizza ovens, and it's absolutely the finest indoor model available right now. The only major downside is the price. It's tough to recommend any indoor kitchen doodad at $900, but it's easier to do so at $629. This isn't the only interesting item on sale right now at Ooni. The company's selling the Koda 2 Max outdoor pizza oven for $1,039, which is a discount of $270. This extra-large gas-powered oven can handle multiple pizzas at once. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ooni-labor-day-sale-get-30-percent-off-the-volt-12-pizza-oven-150908698.html?src=rss

Amazon's Blade Runner limited series finally has a release window. Deadline reports that the upcoming sequel show, Blade Runner 2099, is slated for a 2026 release on Prime Video. The story at this point remains a mystery, though the title suggests it'll take place 50 years after the events of Blade Runner 2049. Ridley Scott is said to be involved in the production.It was revealed last year that Michelle Yeoh will star in the series, and according to Deadline, she'll be joined by Hunter Schafer, Dimitri Abold, Lewis Gribben, Katelyn Rose Downey and Daniel Rigby. We first heard about the possibility of Blade Runner 2099 back in 2022, when it was reported that Amazon Studios was developing a live-action series set in that universe, but there have been few updates since. The release window was noted in an internal memo obtained by Deadline, which reports that the series is now in post-production.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/blade-runner-2099-will-reportedly-be-released-next-year-on-prime-video-210513272.html?src=rss

Overwatch 2 console players will officially be able to use a keyboard and mouse starting with the release of Season 18. In patch notes posted ahead of the new season, the Overwatch 2 team says matchmaking pools will be tweaked slightly so players are sorted into a Mouse and Keyboard Pool and a Controller Pool. Those playing on a console using keyboard and mouse (KBM) inputs will be paired with PC players and other KBM console players, while the Controller Pool will be reserved only for console players using a controller. Season 18 arrives on August 26.For players who switch to the Mouse and Keyboard Pool, "your internal MMR, skill ratings and ranks for all game modes will be separate from your statistics in the Controller Pool," according to the patch notes. This group won't have access to aim assist, as has been the case and will continue to be for PC players using a controller. KBM players will have to accept the prompt to switch to that pool in order to play, or manually switch in the Gameplay Options menu.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/overwatch-2-will-allow-kbm-on-console-but-youll-be-up-against-pc-players-200034777.html?src=rss

Apple is going after another one of its previous employees for allegedly sharing trade secrets with a new employer. Apple's lawsuit listed Chen Shi, a former employee who worked on the Apple Watch team, along with Oppo, as defendants, claiming they "conspired to steal Apple's trade secrets."According to the lawsuit, Shi worked as a Sensor System Architect for the Apple Watch from January 2020 to June 2025, but was seeking employment with Oppo as early as April 2025. Apple claimed that its former employee didn't disclose that he was leaving to join Oppo and instead said he was going back to China to look after his elderly parents and didn't have any plans to find a new job. However, the lawsuit said that Shi "set up and attended dozens of one-on-one meetings" with Apple Watch team members to learn about their work on "optical sensors, temperature sensors, and ECG sensors."In the lawsuit, Shi allegedly downloaded 63 files from one of Apple's protected folders and transferred the material to a USB drive before searching the internet for "how to wipe out [a] macbook" and "can somebody see if I've opened a file on a shared drive?" Along with these claims, Apple said in the lawsuit that Shi sent a message to his future Oppo employers that he would "collect as much information as possible" about Apple's health-sensing technologies.Oppo has since provided a statement to MacRumors about Apple's lawsuit, claiming that it has "found no evidence establishing any connection between these allegations and the employee's conduct during his employment at OPPO." The company statement also said that OPPO has not "misappropriated Apple's trade secrets."It's not the first time that Apple has taken legal action against one of its former employees. Earlier this summer, the company sued a design engineer, alleging that he stole trade secrets about the Vision Pro and shared them with his new employer, Snap.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-claims-an-ex-employee-stole-apple-watch-trade-secrets-for-oppo-182636187.html?src=rss

The Assassin's Creed fanbase may be waiting for the first DLC for Assassin's Creed Shadows, but Ubisoft instead confirmed new content for its previous title, Assassin's Creed Mirage. The studio announced on the official Assassin's Creed X account that there will be a new story chapter and missions for protagonist Basim, who will venture into ninth-century alUla. More importantly, the DLC will be free.According to the post, Ubisoft will bring gameplay improvements to both the new content and the base game, which revisits the franchise's roots that emphasize open-world design and stealth combat. The announcement from Ubisoft comes after a Les Echos report earlier in the year said that new content for Assassin's Creed Mirage was created thanks to a partnership between Ubisoft and Savvy Games Group, a gaming and esports company that has backing from the Saudi Arabian government.The upcoming DLC sheds more light on what Stephane Boudon, one of the Ubisoft developers for Assassin's Creed Mirage, teased during a Reddit AMA following the game's release in October 2023. In the thread, Boudon said the game was designed "as a standalone experience without any DLC plan," only adding that the team had "ideas of how we could extend the story of Basim." Ubisoft didn't specify exactly when the DLC would drop, only revealing that it would be "later this year." In the meantime, Microsoft updated its included games for the Xbox Game Pass for August, which include Assassin's Creed Mirage.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/assassins-creed-mirage-will-get-fresh-content-later-this-year-and-itll-be-completely-free-163728673.html?src=rss

Waymo can now test its self-driving cars in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has announced. Local authorities have granted the company the permit needed to be able to test autonomous vehicles in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. It's the first-ever permit for the "testing deployment" of AVs the city has granted. Waymo will be able to deploy a fleet with up to eight vehicles in the city until late September 2025. For now, though, the permit only allows Waymo to test its AVs with drivers behind the wheel.The company announced earlier this year that it was going to test its driverless system in 10 new cities in 2025. In June, it filed a request for permission to test its AVs in New York City in hopes that it can someday bring its autonomous ride-hailing service to the Big Apple. To note, while Adams said the city granted Waymo the first permit of its kind, the company deployed its vehicles to map some parts of NYC back in 2021.Under the permit, Waymo will be required to regularly report the data gathered from its testing to the Department of Transportation to certify that it's "adhering to the industry's best practices related to cybersecurity." Waymo will be given the opportunity to apply for an extension after its pilot testing period ends in September. It may have to continue testing them with human operators for a while, though: New York state law prohibits the operation of vehicles without a driver behind the wheel, but Waymo told Forbesthat it's lobbying to change the regulation.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-can-now-test-its-self-driving-vehicles-in-new-york-city-150015938.html?src=rss

Even though the Switch 2 basically just came out, we're already starting to see discounts on some of its accessories. One of the more charming peripherals, the HORI Piranha Plant camera, is on sale right now for only $40. That's $20 off and a record-low price. It's a good deal for anyone who wants to take advantage of the Switch 2's camera functionality in games like Mario Kart World and that recently-released campfire sim. This was designed specifically for Nintendo's new console, so it's a plug-and-play affair. It's actually cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera with this sale and it looks a whole lot cooler. It's a Piranha Plant from the Mario franchise. We called it a "work of art" upon encountering the device and that holds true today. This thing is not only stylish, resembling an Amiibo more than a camera, but it's downright useful. The pot the Piranha Plant sits in functions as both a stand and USB extension for the device. The plant itself detaches from the pot, so the camera can be used in portable mode by popping it into the USB port at the top of the console. There's also a built-in privacy shutter. Just close the plant's mouth to obscure the lens. The actual camera specs here aren't going to win any awards, with a frame rate of 30FPS and a resolution of 640 x 480p. However, that's more than enough to capture footage of your floating head to accompany your kart as it races through the Mushroom Kingdom. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/horis-piranha-plant-camera-for-nintendo-switch-2-is-33-percent-off-right-now-145031014.html?src=rss

Users with Mississippi IP addresses can no longer access the Bluesky app. The decentralized social media network has explained in a post that Mississippi's new age verification law for social networks "would fundamentally change" how it operates, and it wouldn't be possible to comply with its small team and limited resources.Bluesky says that while it does follow the UK's Online Safety Act, it works very differently from Mississippi's approach to age verification. In the UK, it's only required to check for a user's age if they're accessing certain content and features. In Mississippi, however, it cannot allow anyone to access its service at all, unless they hand over sensitive data proving how old they are. Further, the platform will be required to keep track of which users are children under 18, and it will be responsible for making sure those users won't be able to access "harmful materials." Earlier this month, the Supreme Court decided not to intervene with the legislation, allowing it to go into effect.The service says that it doesn't have the significant resources needed to be able to build the required "verification systems, parental consent workflows and compliance infrastructure." In addition, it could be penalized with up $10,000 per user if the government finds it to be non-compliant. Because only big tech companies can afford the costs associated with those requirements, Bluesky says the "dynamic entrenches existing big tech platforms while stifling the innovation and competition that benefits users."Bluesky will now show a note to any user accessing the service from Mississippi, telling them why it's no longer available in the state.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/bluesky-blocks-mississippi-due-to-its-new-age-verification-law-133049512.html?src=rss

Meta has signed a partnership with Midjourney, an AI service that can generate images and videos from text prompts. According to Alexandr Wang, Meta's Chief AI Officer, Meta is licensing Midjourney's "aesthetic technology" for its future models and products. "To ensure Meta is able to deliver the best possible products for people it will require taking an all-of-the-above approach. This means world-class talent, ambitious compute roadmap, and working with the best players across the industry," Wang added.

Welcome to our latest recap of what's going on in the indie game space. It's been a very busy week in that realm, thanks to Gamescom. Before we jam through a few of this week's new releases and some of the many, many Gamescom reveals, there's one game that has risen high above the din to the point where it's drowning out many of the smaller announcements.Yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong has a release date, and it's very, very soon. September 4, in fact. I feel for all the developers who have games coming out around the same time, such as Cronos: The New Dawn, Hell is Us, Baby Steps and even NBA 2K26. Sure, Silksong may primarily be for a different audience than the latest edition of a massive basketball franchise, but it's going to take up much of the oxygen in the gaming space for a while. As such, some developers are delaying their games to give Silksong a wide berth.CloverPit was scheduled to drop on September 3, but it's getting the hell out of Silksong's way. The grimy, slot machine-based roguelike is now going to arrive on September 26. "We like a gamble, but this one is too risky lol," developer Panik Arcade said. "We want to give ourselves and our fans some time to enjoy Silksong, so we're launching a few weeks later and will use the time to polish CloverPit even further." Meanwhile, Talegames is pushing back the 1.0 release of its adventure RPG Faeland and Aeternum Game Studios is delaying a Metroidvania called Aeterna Lucis from September into 2026.There's no doubt that Silksong's arrival is a big deal. It's been the most wishlisted game on Steam for yonks, was a focus of Microsoft's Xbox Ally handheld reveal and is a sequel to an indie blockbuster that has now sold more than 15 million copies. In any case, we'll soon find out if that very, very long wait was worthwhile. Years of Silksong memes sure were. I'm going to need some other long-awaited game to joke about before every showcase now.New releasesI have no earthly idea why it took me so long to try this, but I tested my PlayStation Portal by my building's pool for the first time this week and it turned out that the Wi-Fi was, in fact, strong enough there for me to use the handheld. It was a fitting place to check out Sword of the Sea, which hit PS5 (including on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium) and PC this week.I'm only an hour or so into this $30 game from Giant Squid, but I'm enjoying the relaxed approach to exploration here. As you'd might expect from developers who have worked on The Pathless, Abzu and Journey, the movement in Sword of the Sea is delightful. You'll take off from wavy dunes and pull off tricks like you're in an SSX game as you surf across sand and water on a sword in the aim of restoring life to the barren landscape. Sword of the Sea is a looker, and I'll surely be getting lost in it some more over the coming days.Speaking of games that have an eye-catching aesthetic, Herdling is another exploration and adventure title that dropped this week. This one's from Okomotive (Far: Changing Tides, Far: Lone Sails) and publisher Panic.Here, you'll be guiding a ragtag herd of beasts across hilly terrain toward the summit of a mountain. You'll have to solve some "light" environmental puzzles and even endure some stampedes along the way. Herdling typically costs $25, but there's a 25 percent launch discount. It's available on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. It's on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass too.With Ball x Pit on the horizon, I figured we were all taken care of for the foreseeable future as far as Breakout-esque roguelites go. Not so fast, said the team behind Vampire Survivors.Poncle has spun up its own publishing arm and the second game it's releasing (after Berserk or Die) is Kill the Brickman from Doonutsaur. Poncle released the game on Steam and Xbox without prior warning this week, and it costs five bucks.You'll collect and augment various bullets that you use to destroy bricks from outer space. There's a lot going on in the minute-long trailer, but I particularly love how some of the bricks "cry" when a bullet smacks into them.Discounty is a life sim about managing a supermarket in a small town. Hopefully, you'll be a more magnanimous proprietor than the operators of the JoJa Mart in Stardew Valley, but you'll still have to deal with some folks who are none too pleased about the effect of the business on their town.Developer Crinkle Cut Games and publisher PQube suggest there are some secrets to discover in Discounty, which is out now on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Steam and Epic Games Store. It's coming to GOG as well at a later date. The game typically costs $20, though there's a 20 percent launch discount on PC.UpcomingEngadget senior reporter Igor Bonifacic spent a few hours with Absolum, a fantasy beat-'em-up with a roguelite spin from co-developers Guard Crush Games and Supamonk and publisher Dotemu (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, Streets of Rage 4). I highly recommend reading his write up for the full lowdown as Absolum sounds like a real treat.The demo for this slipped through the cracks for me during the early June chaos of Summer Game Fest and Steam Next Fest, but it's still available and I'll absolutely be checking it out to get a taste of Absolum before it arrives on October 4. It's coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5.As I mentioned in our liveblog for Gamescom Opening Night Live this week, any new Ron Gilbert game is worth getting excited about. He's the director of the first two Monkey Island games and Return to Monkey Island, as well as a developer and producer of so many other projects over the years. Death by Scrolling. is something completely different for Gilbert.It's a vertical-scrolling, action-heavy roguelite in which you need to stay alive and earn enough gold to pay a toll to a ferryman to escape from the afterlife. The look is very heavily reminiscent of Stardew, so if plundering the mines in that game was more your jam than farming and fishing, this might be up your alley.There's no release date as yet for Death by Scrolling, which Gilbert started working on back in 2019, but it's said to be coming this year. In the meantime, you can read updates about the game's development on Gilbert's terrific blog.It's fun that we had mentions of two John Carpenter-related projects at Gamescom this week. Not only was there another look at John Carpenter's Toxic Commando during Opening Night Live, there was the reveal of Halloween the Game from IllFonic and co-publisher Gun Interactive.Set to arrive in 2026, Halloween the Game follows the likes of Friday the 13th: The Game (from the same teams) and the Gun-published The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. It has a 1 vs. 4 asynchronous multiplayer mode in which the quartet will have to use anything at their disposal - from wielding weapons to calling the cops - to survive the threat of the unkillable Michael Myers. There's going to be a single-player aspect to this game as well, as you'll be able to control the legendary mass killer in an adaptation of the original film's story. Halloween the Game is coming to PlayStation, Xbox, Steam and Epic Games Store.A game about a guy with a brown backpack who scours ruined, overgrown suburban homes in search of valuable resources that can help him survive a bunch of zombies in the post-apocalypse? It has to be Long Gone, of course! What other game could you possibly be thinking of?This is a linear pixel-art narrative adventure from Hillfort Games and co-publisher Outersloth (Among Us studio Innersloth's publishing wing). The developers seem to have been influenced by a little game you might have heard of called... Gone Home, as you'll look through the belongings of people who used to live in this world and learn the truth about what happened. There's no combat here. Instead, zombie encounters require puzzle solving. There's no release window as yet for this point-and-click game, which is coming to Steam.Fittingly enough, I've had my eye on Militsoner for some time, so I was delighted to hear that there's a two-week playtest on Steam that's open to everyone. This is an immersive sim in which you'll try to escape a town, but that may not be too easy as there's an enormous policeman watching your every move. The playtest is limited to a slice of the town, but I'm really looking forward to getting in there and finding out what this is all about.I have to hold my hands up here and admit I'm not familiar with puzzle game maker Rusty Lake. But when the trailer for their next game popped up this week, it had me utterly captivated, because Servant of the Lake looks very, very pretty.This is a point-and-click puzzle adventure that will see you carrying out tasks as seemingly innocuous as straightening picture frames to helping with experiments and cleaning up afterward. You'll play as a housekeeper of an estate, but it's not entirely clear whether you'll be able to survive the weekend... Servant of the Lake is coming to Steam, Itch.io, iOS and Android in Spring 2026.BPM: Bullets Per Minute developer Awe Interactive is back with another rhythm-based shooter, albeit one that has a top-down perspective instead of a first-person one. BPM Bitcrushed (which is being published by Kwalee) is a roguelite, pixel art dungeon crawler that syncs shooting, jumping and dodging to the beat. The dungeons are procedurally generated and there's a "wide variety of powerful weapons, unique items and rhythm-based abilities" to discover.What's most interesting to me here though is that, along with the game's own soundtrack, you can load in your own tunes via the custom music feature. Perhaps setting the action to some slow-tempo sludge metal will make things a bit easier.Couch Planes is an arcade plane racer from Skylab Interactive that's coming to Steam, Epic Games Store and consoles next year. There are a few different modes, 15 maps with environmental hazards and collectable power ups including homing rockets, mines and speed boosts. There's support for four-person local multiplayer and 12-player online action.From Starfox and Grand Theft Auto V to The Falconeer and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, I've never been much good at flying in games. But hey, Couch Planes looks like it could be a fun time with friends.Let's close out this bumper post-Gamescom edition of our indie games roundup with something that might not be for me, but could be for you. Canvas City is the first project from Disc 2 Games, which is self-publishing the game with help from Dredge studio Black Salt Games.Turn-based tactics games aren't typically my jam, but I'm always going to have at least some interest in one that's about a group of upstarts rebelling against an oppressive force. In this case, you'll take charge of skaters and street artists who are fighting back in a "vibrant yet suppressed urban world" (which sounds a little similar to Unbeatable, which this week got a November 6 release date).What caught my attention here is that fluid movement is a key part of the game. When it's your turn, you can use rails, ramps and other parts of the environment to pull off combinations of tricks and attacks. These chained actions can also earn you Style Points that can enhance your abilities.Disc 2 hasn't revealed a release window for Canvas City as yet. It's in development for Steam and Nintendo Switch.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/surfing-sand-and-sea-herding-beasts-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110053175.html?src=rss

President Donald Trump says the US government is taking a 10 percent stake in chip maker Intel. Trump shared the news during a press conference on Friday, though an official announcement is still forthcoming, Reuters reports. News of a plan to convert Intel's previously promised CHIPS Act funding into equity in the company was first reported earlier in August.A meeting between Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan and Trump following the President's call for Tan to resign seems to be the source of the deal. "He walked in wanting to keep his job and he ended up giving us 10 billion dollars for the United States. So we picked up 10 billion," Trump shared during the press conference.Intel later announced more details on the investment. The company said in a press release that the government will "make an $8.9 billion investment in Intel common stock." It adds that the equity stake will be funded by $5.7 billion previously earmarked for Intel as part of the CHIPS act, and $3.2 billion awarded as part of the Secure Enclave program. Intel had previously recieved $2.2 billion in CHIPS grants, bringing the government's total spend on the chipmaker to $11.1 billion. The government paid $20.47 per share, so the $8.9 billion investment is equivalent to a 9.9 percent stake in the company.It's important to note that the government investing in Intel is not the same thing as receiving free money, it's the exact opposite. Despite earlier comments from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggesting the stake would be non-voting, common stock does come with voting rights. Intel does note that the investment will be passive, with no board representation, and that the government has agreed to vote with its board of directors "on matters requiring shareholder approval, with limited exceptions."Intel was supposed to receive up to $10.86 billion in federal funding to expand its chip manufacturing business in the US as part of the CHIPS Act. By agreeing to this deal, Tan is likely trying to make sure that funding still goes through, one of several drastic moves to keep Intel afloat. Tan assumed the title of CEO following Pat Gelsinger's sudden retirement in 2024. Since taking over, he's already committed to cutting Intel's workforce by 20 percent. Even with lower costs and guaranteed investment, the company's future is still uncertain: Intel is reportedly struggling to make its next-gen Panther Lake chips at scale.The Trump administration says it won't seek similar equity deals with other recipients of CHIPS act funding. That hasn't stopped them from making other equally unprecedented financial arrangements. NVIDIA and AMD reportedly struck a deal with the US government that gives the companies the ability to export products to China in exchange for 15 percent of their profits.Update, August 22, 6:20PM ET: This story was updated after publish with more information on the deal from Intel, and the headline was changed to the dollar figure, rather than the previously stated "10 percent" amount. A section quoting US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying that the stake was non-voting was also ammended to reflect the final details of the deal.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-us-government-is-taking-an-89-billion-stake-in-intel-205047795.html?src=rss

As the handheld PC boom has taken off, companies have tried to push the boundaries of the Steam Deck form factor Valve helped popularize. Lenovo tried detachable controllers. Acer is trying an 11-inch screen. And Abxylute is apparently combining them both (and then some) into the Abxylute 3D One, which The Verge reports features an 11-inch, glasses-free 3D display and detachable controllers, all for "under $1,700."The Abxylute 3D One is based on a hardware prototype co-developed by Intel and Tencent that the companies demoed at CES 2025. The prototype, dubbed the "Sunday Dragon 3D One," featured a display that used eye-tracking to achieve its 3D effect. The version Abxylute is selling seems to be offering more or less the same features, with an Intel Lunar Lake chip, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, an 120Hz display and a built-in kickstand.The Abxylute 3D One's controllers can detach like Joy-Cons, which leaves it looking like a chunky Surface Pro.Abxylute"Abxylute claims the product's specifically optimized to deliver 3D for 50 of the top Steam games," The Verge writes, though it can also be used for more than gaming if you're desperate. The Abxylute 3D One will include software for converting 2D photos and video to 3D, and a detachable keyboard accessory complete with a trackpad.No part of what Abxylute is offering here seems particularly practical, but if you like 3D and are into the company's maximalist approach, you could be getting a deal. Acer's 11-inch handheld, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, starts at $1,100. A 3D laptop like the ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 starts at $2,000. The Abxylute 3D One could approximate the features of both for a fairly reasonable price in the middle.That might not make up for the fact that it seems too heavy to hold for more than 30 minutes at a time, but you can put that to the test yourself when the Abxylute 3D One goes on sale in "late September or early October."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/abxylute-will-sell-an-absurd-3d-handheld-from-intel-and-tencent-games-for-under-1700-220556583.html?src=rss

Last week, Samsung announced the world's first Micro RGB TV and while it sounded fantastic on paper, you can never really get a good sense of what a fresh display looks like until you see it in person. But after going to Samsung's new headquarters in New Jersey, I can attest that it is truly a sight to behold.Now, before we get to the TV itself, it's probably a good idea to dive into what's going on with Samsung's latest panel tech. In many ways, Micro RGB is a step up from current Mini LED screens. On a technical level, the Micro LEDs and the self-emissive pixels of Samsung's The Wall probably remain the more sophisticated end goal for next-gen TVs.At its core, Micro RGB is still based on LCD tech, the difference is that instead of using blue or white backlighting like a lot of sets today, it features individually controlled red, green and blue Micro LEDs (hence the name Micro RGB) to produce an even wider range of colors. The result is that Samsung claims this is the first TV to cover 100 percent of the BT.2020 standard. For context, that covers more than 75 percent of the visible spectrum and has an even wider color range than what you get from DCI-P3, which is one of the most commonly used high-end standards for modern filmmaking.In person, that means the TV can produce stunningly rich and vivid colors that put Samsung's other top-tier TVs to shame, including the new Neo QLED QN90F which starts at a whopping $26,999. Like its sibling, Samsung's Micro RGB TV is only available in one size (115 inches) and has a similar design, while its panel features a 144Hz refresh rate and a matte glare-free coating. But that's kind of where the similarities end, because this new flagship model features four times the number of dimming zones. Furthermore, because the Micro RGB LEDs require more computing power to manage all those pixels, Samsung had to create a new RGB Engine AI processor to properly control everything.In short, this is a lot of words to describe what might be the best-looking TV I've ever seen. While I only got to view some demo footage (which admittedly is designed to make the set look its best), I couldn't help but appreciate the sheer intensity of the hues and shades on display. When the video loop shifted to primarily blue and green scenes, the TV's color depth was almost overwhelming. That said, due to the immense size of the panel, when you get up close, it's easy to see individual pixels. However, when you're sitting in its sweet spot (about 11.5 feet from the display), everything looks ridiculously sharp and overflows with detail. And even for those off-center, there appeared to be no falloff in brightness or saturation.While Samsung's $26,999 Neo QLED QN90F boasts a price tag that's nearly as expensive as the $29,999 Micro RGB TV, there's still a very obvious difference in color.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetNow, of course, the major downside of Samsung's new Micro RGB TV is that at $29,999, it makes everything but The Wall (which starts at a cool $40,000) seem cheap. But the funny thing is that when compared to the Neo QLED QN90F, which Samsung also had on display in a nearby room, the difference in quality and color was immediately obvious. This sort of makes me wonder why anyone with super deep pockets would even consider the latter just to save a few thousand dollars, because when you see them in person, there's no doubt which set is superior.Unfortunately, the Micro RGB's full glory doesn't translate across the internet due to the much more limited specs of the web. It's one of those things you need to see for yourself to fully grasp. But if you're the kind of person with enough money that you don't need to care about price tags, Samsung's latest flagship should be an immediate contender as the centerpiece in your mansion.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsungs-new-29999-micro-rgb-tv-looks-ridiculously-good-194629549.html?src=rss

Apple might use Gemini to power its revamped version of Siri, Bloomberg reports. The companies are in the early stages of exploring a partnership, with Google training a version of its Gemini model that can run on Apple's servers. The iPhone maker was previously reported to be considering similar partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic."The company is simultaneously developing two versions of the new Siri: one dubbed Linwood that is powered by its models and another code-named Glenwood that runs on outside technology, " Bloomberg writes. A final decision has yet to be made on what AI model Apple will ultimately use, but it's entirely possible it sticks with its internally-developed models.While seceding a potentially key technology to a competitor seems decidedly un-Apple, it's a testament to how much difficulty the company has had rolling out Apple Intelligence. Apple included the majority of its new AI features in the release of iOS 18, but failed to ship an updated version of Siri that can draw on personal data to take action in apps. Apple ultimately admitted the Siri update was delayed in March, with the new launch now expected sometime in 2026.The turmoil caused by the delay reportedly led to Apple's various AI projects changing hands internally, and the company's decision to consider using a third-party AI model. As of the launch of the Pixel 10, Gemini now offers a similar set of capabilities to what Apple promised with the new Siri. It could presumably do the same things on iOS with the right changes. Using a version of Gemini that runs on Apple's hardware and servers - the company calls this Private Cloud Compute - could also add an additional layer of security.Apple was reportedly planning to offer Gemini as an alternative to ChatGPT in Apple Intelligence, but the option has yet to ship. Having Gemini power some of its AI features would put Apple in a similar position to Samsung, who's Galaxy AI relies on a mix of custom models and Gemini.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-is-reportedly-considering-using-gemini-to-power-the-new-siri-184528449.html?src=rss

On Friday, Ubisoft announced... something. The company describes The Division 2: Survivors as "an updated take on the survival extraction experience." Is it DLC? Is it a new game mode? We have no idea. But Ubisoft said it will "strive for transparency during its development." Unfortunately, that didn't apply to its announcement.Ubisoft said Survivors is in its early stages, which may explain the lack of detail. Other media outlets have reported that it will come in 2026. But the company's franchise roadmap places its release date under "TBA.""The Division 2: Survivors is as much your baby as it is ours, and we strive for transparency during its development," Executive Producer Julian Gerighty wrote in the announcement blog post. "Clear communication and community involvement are a focus as we build the new experience, and we will be closely involving you as we move forward on the development journey."UbisoftUbisoft also confirmed that its free-to-play mobile game is still in the pipeline. The Division Resurgence is expected this year. The company announced a delay last summer.A Redditor who played a beta version in 2023 described it in less than appealing terms. "Overall, Resurgence is a console clone of The Division, where you can team up and play with clunky, small mobile controls." To be fair, much could have changed in its development since then. Regardless, you can sign up for the closed beta on Ubisoft's website.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-division-2-survivors-will-bring-survival-extraction-to-the-series-171948909.html?src=rss

Google held its annual Made by Google showcase this week, during which it unveiled the latest Pixel phones and various new AI features. What it didn't announce is a Gemini-powered smart home speaker, but it might have snuck one into the presentation as an easter egg.As spotted by The Verge, about 15 minutes into the stream, on a table next to F1 driver Lando Norris during a Gemini demonstration, you can clearly see what looks a lot like a smart speaker. The fabric-wrapped device we see in the video is white with a light around its base, and it looks more like an upside down HomePod mini than any of Google's other speakers. According to Android Headlines, it's called the Google Home Speaker, and is unsurprisingly powered by Gemini.Android Headlines claims to have seen more images of the as-yet unannounced smart speaker, which it says will also be available in red, light green and black. It adds that Google's Gemini Live AI assistant will be a baked-in feature for voice conversations, though without a screen or camera there's no visual element here. There could also be new natural voice options on the speaker, as well as standard features like media control and smart home automations. It can reportedly also detect unusual sounds like breaking glass or smoke alarms and can send an alert to your phone or tablet if this happens.According to the Android Headlines report, the Home Speaker can pair with a Google TV Streamer and double as an additional surround sound speaker, much like the HomePod does with Apple TV. It functions as a smart hub too, with support for Matter. Google announced Gemini for Home this week, which will gradually replace Google Assistant on the company's existing smart devices, with free and paid tiers offered to users.What the leak doesn't contain is a launch date for this mysterious speaker. But given that Google was seemingly happy enough to have one sitting there in its most important keynote of the year, the smart money would be on an official reveal pretty soon. Engadget reached out to Google for comment, but the company said it had nothing to share at this time.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/googles-first-gemini-smart-speaker-detailed-in-leak-164227031.html?src=rss