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The best Nintendo games do two things. The first is introducing a delightful gaming mechanic - take Ultrahand in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Cappy in Super Mario Odysseyfor some recent examples. The second is building a world around that mechanic for players to explore. Obviously games are more than one specific tool, and building a compelling game around a good mechanic is no small task. But when it all comes together, look out. You've got a game that people will remember for years, if not decades.It's a little early in the Switch 2's lifecycle to say definitively that Donkey Kong Bananza is a game of that caliber, but after playing it for the better part of a week I can say that the smash everything" mechanic that defines its gameplay is an absolute delight. And, just as importantly, Nintendo built a wonderful world around it, completely with varied levels and obstacles, charming characters, bizarre and delightful enemies, some catchy tunes and just enough challenge to keep it interesting. 3D platformers aren't even my favorite game style - I prefer Super Mario Wonder over Odyssey, and I love the various Donkey Kong platformers going back to the SNES days. But Bananza makes consistently good use of every dimension you can play in, and it's the kind of game that I'm going to keep exploring long after I roll credits.To back up quickly: Bonanza introduces us to Donkey Kong and his smashing skills in a somewhat lengthy tutorial where you bust through a mine looking for gold. This sequence involves mashing the Y button to bust up the rocks around you and collect all the treasures that are revealed. DK can jump, climb many surfaces, rip up pieces of the terrain to throw and pound the ground to quickly collect treasure, but the main thing you're doing here is smashing. Smashing as much as possible. You can smash above you, below you and in front of you, and you can smash almost any surface you encounter (the game helpfully makes it obvious when a surface is impervious to DK fists.)At first, I thought I was going to get tired of all the smashing - the tutorial made it feel like mindlessly mashing Y was going to be all I was going to do in the game. But then the expected villain appears, stealing the Banandium gems (just go with it) and DK is compelled to dive deeper and deeper into the crust of the planet to get his bananas back. Once that happens, the game truly reveals itself: each world" you need to clear is a layer of the planet, but this being a Nintendo game none of the rules apply. Lagoon Layer is up first, and there's clear blue skies, water everywhere and varied terrain to explore (and smash). Residents of each layer will direct you to help clean up the trouble wrought by the three Kong creatures who make up VoidCo, the dastardly antagonists who stole the bananas.NintendoBananza is good about guiding you from goal to goal while also giving you tons of freedom to explore and navigate the layers in any way you see fit. My guess is that the first thing you'll do is smash everything in sight. The smash mechanic on its own in the tutorial level didn't feel all that exciting, but putting it into the context of beautifully crafted 3D worlds to explore makes it an absolute delight. You can basically go anywhere you can see, and you can smash nearly anything the game puts in front of you.It's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes smashing so satisfying, besides the obvious and undeniable fact that destruction is fun. But the combination of visual, haptic and audio cues combine to make it something that absolutely does not get old despite my initial reservations. The crunch of smashing through rocks and mountains just feels different than when you're pounding your way through dirt or splintering giant trees. And smashing also equals exploration - if you see a mountain you can just pound your way into it to find gold, fossils (that you can exchange for upgraded costumes), power-ups and, most crucially, Banandium gems.NintendoThe Banandium gems are similar to the stars or moons or whatever else other 3D platformers have you collect as you explore. Some you'll get naturally as you progress through the game and defeat various bosses, but there are dozens hidden around each layer that you'll want to seek out, as getting five gives you an upgrade point. Those you can use to add more health, and upgrade DK's various skills (like being able to smash through tougher terrain). There are also little hidden challenge levels that throw some tough platforming or timed battles at you with multiple bananas as a reward. There are a ton of ways to find bananas, and tons of them scattered around the various levels. I'm not exactly rushing through the game (there's so much to smash, you see), and I don't think I've found more than half of the bananas in any of Bananza's layers.NintendoDonkey Kong Bananza is more than just smashing, though! I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the game's secondary protagonist, Pauline. It's reasonable if you don't know her by name; she's the damsel in distress in the old 80s Donkey Kong games but more recently showed up in Super Mario Odyssey as the mayor of New Donk City who loves to belt out a tune. In Bananza, Pauline is a 13-year-old who was captured by the VoidCo crew but is rescued by DK early in the game. From there, she sits on your shoulder as you work together to achieve your ends: Pauline needs to get to the planet's core to eventually get back to the surface and DK needs to get the VoidCo Kongs to get his Banandium gems back.Pauline's love of singing becomes a crucial part of the game, as her voice guides to checkpoints, unlocks hidden areas and, most importantly, activates various special powers that DK gains throughout the game. Multiple layers have delightfully ridiculous Elder animals presiding over them, including a giant ape, ostrich and zebra. Most of them have peacefully retired in their layers and have taken up DJing as a hobby; if you repair whatever damage VoidCo has caused, they'll grant you a new Bananza power. The Kong power supercharges DK's punches, while the Ostrich power lets you temporarily fly and float. Naturally, these powers end up being crucial to advancing in the game.NintendoThey're all activated by different songs that Pauline learns, and those cut scenes are some of my favorite parts of the game. As a 13-year-old, she's not exactly comfortable singing in front of the big crowds gathered by the Elders, but she gets over it, performs with gusto and starts a wild dance party. As with most Nintendo games in this style, Pauline doesn't get a ton of character development - but watching her bond with DK and become more confident throughout her side chatter during the game is extremely sweet. One of my favorite moments in the game happens when DK takes a nap at the various hideouts you find to recover your energy. As the screen darkens for your nap, Pauline starts chattering about the world you're in or the adventures you've had, and it all feels like a kid trying to talk to their parents to avoid falling asleep. She gets drowsy, starts making a little less sense and eventually nods off. It's an unexpected and totally unnecessary (and optional) part of the game, but it really gives Pauline a personality.I'm in the last stages of the game, and at this point I'm playing as much to see what happens with Pauline and DK as I am to keep smashing more things. That somewhat unexpected combo of heart and destruction has kept me engrossed in Donkey Kong Bananza for the last week, and there's a ton of replayability that'll likely have me starting a new run once I finish this one. There's so much to explore, so many Banandium gems to find, so much to smash. It might not be the system-seller that something like Mario Kart World is, but it's the first truly great game for the Switch 2.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/donkey-kong-bananza-review-nintendos-latest-3d-platformer-is-an-instant-classic-143048108.html?src=rss

Amazon finally launched its first-ever color Kindle last year, and while the Kindle Colorsoft was an impressive first effort, the high price of entry likely put it out of range of a lot of people. Well, we have good(ish) news. Amazon has now added a slightly cheaper Colorsoft to its lineup. At $250, it's still very expensive, but $30 cheaper than the original model, albeit with some sacrifices made. At 16GB, the cheaper Kindle Colorsoft has half the storage of the more expensive variant, but given that most ebooks rarely ask for more than around 2MB of space in your library, this might be good enough. If you own a lot of digital graphic novels and comics (ie the kind of media that really makes good use of color display), you can expect those to hog more storage, but you'd still need a very large library to start pushing towards that 16GB limit. The cheaper model also loses the auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging from the Signature Edition, but beyond that, it's the same ereader. Like its pricier counterpart, the new Kindle Colorsoft has a 7-inch color E Ink display with up to eight weeks of battery life, a handy pinch-to-zoom feature and an adjustable warm light. Amazon has also fixed the yellow-band issue that plagued some early units, including our first review unit. Amazon is also offering theKindle Colorsoft Kids, which comes with an illustrated cover, one year of Amazon Kids+ and a two-year guarantee. It also has child-specific features such as Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise to help kids learn new words as they read, as well as support for the OpenDyslexic font and Bluetooth for audiobooks. There are two covers available - Fantasy River and Starlight Reading - and parents can use the Amazon Parent Dashboard to manage and monitor what their child is reading. The Kindle Colorsoft with 16GB of storage costs $250 and comes with three months of Kindle Unlimited included, and the Kindle Colorsoft Kids costs $270. Both are available today, while the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition remains $280.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/amazon-announces-a-slightly-cheaper-kindle-colorsoft-with-half-the-storage-140137967.html?src=rss

Itch.io has deindexed and hidden all adult games from its browse and search pages to make sure it doesn't lose the ability to sell with the payment processors it uses. The gaming marketplace, which mainly hosts titles from indie developers, has admitted in an announcement that it wasn't able to give creators advance notice. It "had to act urgently to protect the platform's core payment infrastructure," it said, because the "situation developed rapidly."The website explained that it recently came under the scrutiny of its payment processors after an organization called Collective Shout launched a campaign against Steam and itch.io. Collective Shout, which describes itself as an Australian grassroots campaigning movement, directed its concerns to the gaming marketplaces' payment processors. It originally focused its campaign around the game No Mercy that revolves around a character engaging in rape and sexual violence. Both itch.io and Steam removed the game back in April. In its open letter to payment processors published earlier this month, however, the group said it "discovered hundreds of other games featuring rape, incest and child sexual abuse" on Steam and itch.io since then.Steam already banned "content that may violate the rules and standards set forth" by its payment processors, which mostly affected adult games. Now, itch.io is also clearly heading that way. At the moment, the website is doing a comprehensive audit of its content and will keep adult games delisted until it's done. After it's finished, it will introduce new compliance measures and will require creators of adult games to confirm that their titles are allowed under the rules of the payment processors linked to their account.Itch.io admitted that some games will be permanently removed from its marketplace as part of its review and the new policy it will put in place, but it said its "ability to process payments is critical for every creator" on its platform. "To ensure that we can continue to operate and provide a marketplace for all developers, we must prioritize our relationship with our payment partners and take immediate steps towards compliance," the website said in its announcement.Although No Mercy's removal from gaming websites is understandably celebrated by a lot of people, users are concerned about the potential effects of marketplaces adopting anti-porn rules. Queer content, for instance, is disproportionately affected by censorship measures and could be tagged as "adult" or "NSFW" even when it doesn't contain anything sexual.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/itchio-is-removing-nsfw-games-to-comply-with-payment-processors-rules-133045491.html?src=rss

Snapchat can now let your friends know if you're back home from an outing safe and sound without you having to send a message. The app has launched a new feature called Home Safe, which sends one-time alerts to contacts of your choice. You can only send these alerts to people you already share your location with, and since that off by default, you'd have to activate it on Snap Maps for all your friends or for specific ones. Your friends will only get the notification once, and it will shut off afterward.Home Safe sounds especially useful if you and your friends typically check in on each other after meeting up, if you want to let your parents know you'd gotten back home after going out or if you're a woman who's asked a friend to make sure you got back safe after a first date. To switch the feature on, tap your Bitmoji on the Snap Map and then "My Home" to set your home location. After that, whenever you want to send someone a notification, just open your conversation with then, tap on the Map icon and then tap the "Home Safe" button.The app has had location sharing for a while now, but it has built up the safety feature over the years. It added live location sharing that allows you to share your exact whereabouts to friends in 2022. And last year, it introduced new location tracking abilities to its Family Center, allowing parents to get notifications if their child leaves school or home.Jim Lanzone, the CEO of Engadget's parent company Yahoo, joined the board of directors at Snap on September 12, 2024. No one outside of Engadget's editorial team has any say in our coverage of the company.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/snapchat-can-automatically-let-a-trusted-friend-know-you-got-home-safe-130010806.html?src=rss

After teasing it earlier this year, Lego has unveiled its Game Boy set. The 421-piece model is a "brick-built replica of the original Game Boy" and has buttons you can press, including the +Control Pad, A and B buttons and Select and Start - though you can't play games on it, obviously. It even comes with brick replicas of Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and Super Mario Land game paks, along with corresponding lenticular screens or a Nintendo start screen. Once built, you can set the Lego Game Boy and paks on a buildable display stand "for the ultimate piece of retro-inspired home or office gaming decor," Lego says. Other details you can admire include a contrast adjustment and volume dial, along with the Game Pak slot. The Game Boy set is not Lego's first crack at a Nintendo-based product. Back in 2020, the company released a set based on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The new Lego Game Boy set is now available for pre-order on Amazon for $59 with shipping starting October 1, 2025. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/legos-game-boy-set-is-here-sadly-not-playable-122138597.html?src=rss

Sony has entered into a "strategic business alliance" with Bandai Namco holdings, acquiring about 2.5 percent of the Japanese media conglomorate and gaming publisher with a 68 billion yen ($465 million) investment, the companies announced. The aim, Sony said, is to expand the fan community "for IP such as anime and manga around the world and strengthen... engagement, particularly in the anime field where rapid market growth is anticipated."The companies noted that they have historically collaborated on fields like games, anime and music, but plan to extend this into a "broader range of areas." Bandai Namco specifically called out the "production and distribution of anime and other video content, as well as merchandising." In other words, the two companies may want to join the current (and successful) trend of creating series and movies from video game and other content. At the same time, they plan to develop and promote new IP in the anime and manga areas, according to the press release.The deal lines up with Sony's recently stated aim to maximize the value of its content across gaming and entertainment ecosystems. And clearly, converting video game IP to films and series has proven to be highly lucrative, from franchises ranging from Minecraft to Mario Bros. to The Last of Us.Bandai Namco added that the companies plan to provide "the optimal products and services at the optimal timing in the optimal regions." In other words, it will focus some content more in some regions than others, depending on demand. Hopefully, we can expect some announcements around new content based on Bandai Namco IP in the near future.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/sony-bought-a-chunk-of-bandai-namco-to-boost-anime-fan-community-engagement-120047367.html?src=rss

Sony is bringing a welcome quality-of-life feature to the PlayStation 5. In the next PS5 system update beta, players will be able to have their DualSense controllers synced with multiple hardware platforms at the same time. That means you could swap a controller from a PS5 to your gaming PC to your smartphone without needing to re-pair the DualSense each time.Up to four devices can be simultaneously paired with a single controller, and each of them will be mapped to one of the action buttons. To switch between them, first make sure the hardware you want to start using is on, then press the controller's PS button and the corresponding action button at the same time. Hold for three seconds, and when you see blinking on the controller's light bar, release both buttons.It's the sort of change that may not carry weight for all players. But for those of us who do like to hop between platforms, this is very exciting news. The current beta access is limited to an invite-only guest list, but Sony said it plans to roll out the feature globally "in the coming months."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-is-finally-making-it-possible-to-pair-a-dualsense-with-more-than-one-device-211715133.html?src=rss

At its best, AI is a tool, not an end result. It allows people to do their jobs better, rather than sending them or their colleagues to the breadline. In an example of "the good kind," Google DeepMind has created an AI model that restores and contextualizes ancient inscriptions. Aeneas (no, it's not pronounced like that) is named after the hero in Roman mythology. Best of all, the tool is open-source and free to use.Ancient Romans left behind a plethora of inscriptions. But these texts are often fragmented, weathered or defaced. Rebuilding the missing pieces is a grueling task that requires contextual cues. An algorithm that can pore over a dataset of those cues can come in handy.Aeneas speeds up one of historians' most difficult tasks: identifying "parallels." In this setting, that means finding similar texts arranged by wording, syntax or region. DeepMind says the model reasons across thousands of Latin inscriptions. It can fetch parallels in seconds before passing the baton back to historians.DeepMind says it turns each text into a historical fingerprint of sorts. "Aeneas identifies deep connections that can help historians situate inscriptions within their broader historical context," the Google subsidiary wrote.Google DeepMindOne of Aeneas' most impressive tricks is restoring textual gaps of unknown length. (Think of it as filling out a crossword puzzle where you don't know how many letters are in each clue.) The tool is also multimodal, meaning it can analyze both textual and visual input. DeepMind says it's the first model that can use that multi-pronged method to figure out where a text came from.DeepMind says Aeneas is designed to be a collaborative ally within historians' existing workflows. It's best used to offer "interpretable suggestions" that serve as a starting point for researchers. "Aeneas' parallels completely changed my perception of the inscription," an unnamed historian who tested the model wrote. "It noticed details that made all the difference for restoring and chronologically attributing the text."Alongside the release of Aeneas for Latin text, DeepMind also upgraded Ithaca. (That's its model for Ancient Greek text.) Ithaca is now powered by Aeneas, receiving its contextual and restorative superpowers.Researchers can take Aeneas for a spin at DeepMind's "Predicting the Past" website. It also open-sourced the model's code and dataset.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-deepminds-aeneas-model-can-restore-fragmented-latin-text-202004714.html?src=rss

The newest version of the Qi2 wireless standard is coming to iPhones and some Android handsets. It has also received a snappy, new branding of Qi2 25W, denoting the wireless charging speed, which is miles better than the previous name of Qi2.2.The big hook here is right in the name. Qi2 25W provides up to 25 watts of power delivery to compatible products, which is a 66 percent increase over the pre-existing Qi2 platform. Paul Struhsaker, Executive Director of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) says that "Qi2 25W's remarkably fast and efficient wireless charging will encourage increased penetration of wireless charging usage and accelerate the adoption of the new standard."Newer iPhones already use the Qi2 standard, so the company's forthcoming adoption of Qi2 25W isn't that big of surprise, though it is a welcome bit of news. Most Android phones, however, have never been Qi2-certified, so this is a potentially game-changing event for the platform. Some Android phones could technically integrate Qi2 charging, but it typically required a dedicated magnetic case of some kind.Smartphones are just the latest category to adopt Qi2 25W. Several products, including power banks and chargers, were certified earlier this month. Qi2 25W, back when it was called Qi2.2, was first announced in April. The WPC says there are "several hundred" devices in the queue waiting to be tested and receive official certification. We still don't know which Android phones are in that queue.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/qi2-25w-wireless-charging-is-coming-to-iphones-and-major-android-smartphones-183013979.html?src=rss

There's hope that the gaming industry won't follow Nintendo's lead with $80 pricing. (Well, at least not yet.) On Wednesday, Microsoft backtracked on the price increase for The Outer Worlds 2. The game now costs $70, which itself was considered outrageous only a few years ago.Microsoft told Windows Central that those who already pre-ordered Obsidian's shooter at $80 can get refunds at the point of purchase. Unfortunately, you can't simply get a $10 price adjustment. You'll have to refund the full $80 and then pre-order again for $70. I'm beginning to think consumer-friendliness isn't the priority here.The $80 pricing push began with Mario Kart World. Comments by Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford initially suggested Borderlands 4 might have followed. Fortunately, 2K Games saw something in the backlash that made it balk; it's launching at $70. A Bluesky user summed it up in a reply to Obsidian's U-turn. "Consumer advocacy in this awful state of the industry WORKS," @johnbrebbia posted.NintendoThe gaming industry is caught in a godawful whirlwind of layoffs, studio closures and price increases. That's happening against a backdrop of rising costs for consumers. Meanwhile, the gaming industry is projected to reach $189 billion this year, a 3.4 percent increase. That's a combustible mixture if ever there was one.Ironically, Obsidian's sci-fi RPG deals with themes of late-stage capitalism. The developer even deployed in-world satire to announce the pricing change: "Dear Galactic Citizens! We have received your SOS via skip drone about the pricing..." Winking at one's audience is usually a good thing, but this strikes me as more of a "dude, read the room" moment.Regardless, The Outer Worlds 2 is set to arrive on October 29. It will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/microsoft-backtracks-on-80-the-outer-worlds-2-pricing-173027532.html?src=rss

ExpressVPN has released a new patch for its Windows app to close a vulnerability that can leave remote desktop traffic unprotected. If you use ExpressVPN on Windows, download version 12.101.0.45 as soon as possible, especially if you use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or any other traffic through TCP port 3389.ExpressVPN announced both the vulnerability and the fix in a blog post earlier this week. According to that post, an independent researcher going by Adam-X sent in a tip on April 25 to claim a reward from ExpressVPN's bug bounty program. Adam-X noticed that some internal debug code which left traffic on TCP port 3389 unprotected had mistakenly shipped to customers. ExpressVPN released the patch about five days later in version 12.101.0.45 for Windows.As ExpressVPN points out in its announcement of the patch, it's unlikely that the vulnerability was actually exploited. Any hypothetical hacker would not only have to be aware of the flaw, but would then have to trick their target into sending a web request over RDP or other traffic that uses port 3389. Even if all the dominos fell, the hacker could only see their target's real IP address, not any of the actual data they transmitted.Even if the danger was small, it's nice to see ExpressVPN responding proactively to flaws in its product - bug bounties are great, but a security product should protect its users with as many safeguards as possible. In addition to closing this vulnerability, they're also adding automated tests that check for debug code accidentally left in production builds. This, plus a successful independent privacy audit earlier in 2025, gives the strong impression of a provider that's on top of things.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/expressvpn-patches-windows-bug-that-exposed-remote-desktop-traffic-171507501.html?src=rss

Tonal, the wallmounted smart gym, has introduced a new feature that the company says uses "cuttingedge AI" to improve your workouts. The feature is called Daily Lift, and it analyzes your recent lifts and recovery, then builds a personalized workout plan that adapts to you daily. Every day, a user can pull up a customized strength-training session that is based on their most recent data with just a tap.Tonal says these workouts are built using the same training methodology that Tonal's coaches rely on. The workouts are intended to provide new movements and new challenges to expose the user to a variety of different exercises.Like many homeworkout companies, Tonal grew substantially in the postpandemic world of workfromhome before laying off 35 percent of its workforce in 2022. This year the homegym company launched the AIenabled Tonal 2 hardware, featuring a sleeker design and expanded features. Like a lot of "smart" home exercise equipment, the wallmounted unit remains a niche and expensive gadget, retailing for almost $4,300.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/tonals-ai-created-workouts-will-adapt-to-your-daily-progress-170037100.html?src=rss

2024 was an awful year for Sonos. Its long-awaited entry into a crowded headphones market was eclipsed by a bungled app launch which had a knock-on effect that impacted everything the company had planned to do for the rest of the year. Plus, those Ace headphones were missing a major feature.One year later, that TrueCinema spatial audio enhancement is finally ready. And with that update, Sonos added a few more improvements to the Ace, including two-person TV Audio Swap, adaptive noise cancellation and better calls. I spent some time testing every aspect of the update that arrived in June to determine if Sonos' headphones really are better after the tweaks.TrueCinema is finally hereThe first time I tried the Ace at a press event last spring, TrueCinema was one of the main parts of the demo. From the jump, Sonos was clear this wouldn't arrive when the headphones first went on sale, but I also didn't expect the company to take a full year to have it ready.As a refresher, TrueCinema is a feature for the Ace that takes into account the acoustics of the room where one of its soundbars is located. It then creates spatial audio for the headphones based on that info when TV Audio Swap is active. According to Sonos, it supposedly understands the dynamics of your space, acoustically treats it and makes it sound like you have a beautifully tuned 3D audio system right in your headphones." It's similar to the company's TruePlay tuning that calibrates its soundbars to your living room or home theater space.Sonos has championed TrueCinema as a more realistic listening experience. Since it simulates the characteristics of the room, it's supposed to make it seem like you aren't wearing headphones at all. I'm not convinced on that point, but the feature does significantly enhance the spatial audio capabilities of the Ace for TV Audio Swap.For example, subtle details in movies - things like footsteps, as well as various beeps, clicks and taps in Rogue One - are a lot more obvious with TrueCinema. There's more overall depth and direction to the sound as well, which makes this the optimal mode for watching TV or movies with Sonos' headphones. I'm confident my review score would've been higher if this was part of the original package since it makes such an obvious improvement to sound quality.TV Audio Swap for twoBilly Steele for EngadgetThe marquee feature for the Sonos Ace for the last year has been TV Audio Swap. This allows you to send the sound from a compatible Sonos soundbar to the headphones for an individual listening experience. Of course, this means you can watch an action flick at full volume after your family goes to bed or to tune in to a sporting event without annoying your partner. This has worked well for me both during my review and in the time since.Unfortunately, I don't have a second pair of the Ace, so I can't vouch for how well TV Audio Swap now works with a companion. But since the ability to send soundbar audio to two sets of Ace headphones is one of the main items in the recent software update, I can't discuss the overall state of the device without mentioning this feature's availability.Improved ANC and clearer callsAnother aspect of the Ace's update is improved active noise cancellation (ANC), but not in the way you might expect. The company didn't figure out a way to block more noise per se, but it does account for any sound leaks that may impact performance. Sonos says its refined ANC setup can adapt to changes in fit caused by hair, glasses and hats in real time using the sensors inside the Ace. With that tweak, I noticed the slightest difference in ANC performance when sunglasses or a hat kept the ear pads from sitting flush on my face, but it's not quite as good as a tight seal. I'd characterize this update as a modest improvement, but it's still an improvement nonetheless.Sonos also claims that this software update offers an improved call experience thanks to higher resolution audio. The company also added Sidetone, or the ability for you to pipe in your voice during calls when ANC is enabled. Plenty of companies have this, to varying degrees, and the effectiveness depends on how natural the sound is and whether or not you're able to make any adjustments. In the case of the Ace, Sidetone acts as an enhanced ambient mode, and it definitely improves the call experience. Since I could speak normally and didn't feel the need to shout to hear myself, video and voice calls felt more natural.Wrap-upA year after their debut, the Sonos Ace is living up to the lofty expectations the company set when the headphones arrived. After spending time with this batch of updates, I'm convinced the Ace would've benefitted from having all of this ready at launch, especially TrueCinema. Since one of the Ace's main functions is personal living room listening, taking so long to deliver the feature that would boost sound quality this much is another misstep.On the other hand, it's good to see Sonos is still working to improve the Ace. When you consider the company spent most of 2024 fixing a majorly botched app redesign, it would have been understandable if Sonos left the Ace to languish until it was time for version 2.0. The company had to delay products last summer, and according to a report in March, it even canceled another entirely. When CEO Patrick Spence resigned in January, interim chief executive Tom Conrad expressed the need for getting back to basics" (Conrad was named permanent CEO on July 23). Improving a major new product that was overshadowed by a poor run of form is certainly one way to reclaim some of your reputation. It also doesn't hurt that the Ace is currently available for $149 less than its original $449 price.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/a-year-later-the-sonos-ace-is-finally-fulfilling-its-potential-170035355.html?src=rss

Sonos' Very Bad 2024 is well documented. Its redesigned app endured a disastrous launch, to the extent that it was initially fundamentally broken. The company was then forced to delay two product launches in order to fix the botched software that its devices are so reliant on. And in the wake of the mess, the company's then CEO Patrick Spence stepped down at the beginning of 2025. He was replaced by Tom Conrad on an interim basis, but after seemingly steadying what looked like a sinking ship, the former Snap executive has been handed the job permanently.Conrad had been on the board of directors at Sonos since 2017 and conceded after taking the top job back in January that the company had "let far too many people down." Shortly after that he announced that around 200 jobs would be cut as part of a "reorganizing' of the company's product division, before it reportedly canceled its long-rumoured video streaming device far into its development. This was followed by Sonos ending its partnership with IKEA in May.Former CEO Patrick Spence said in an earnings call last year that the total cost of fixing the many issues with the Sonos app was between $20 and $30 million. In a significant recent update to its flagship Sonos Ace headphones, the company finally introduced the TrueCinema feature that was promised when the headphones launched in 2024. This uses a supported Sonos soundbar to measure the acoustics of your room and then channels the data into the delivery of spatial audio in the headphones, making it sound more convincing.In a statement, Sonos' now-permanent CEO said he was "excited to move from rebuilding to imagining the next generation of experiences."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/sonos-gets-to-keeps-its-ceo-as-a-treat-164559137.html?src=rss

At the start of the year, President Trump announced his AI Action Plan, an initiative he said would eventually enact policy that would "enhance America's position as an AI powerhouse." Now, after months of consultation with industry players like Google and OpenAI, the administration has finally shared the specific actions it plans to take.Notably, the framework seeks to limit state regulation of AI companies by instructing the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and other federal agencies to consider a state's existing AI laws before awarding AI-related funding. "The Federal government should not allow AI-related Federal funding to be directed to those states with burdensome AI regulations that waste these funds," the document states. As you may recall, Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" was supposed to include a 10-year qualified moratorium on state AI regulation before that amendment was ultimately removed in a 99-1 vote by the US Senate.Elsewhere, the AI Action Plan targets AI systems the White House says promote "social engineering agendas." To that end, Trump plans to direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology, through the Department of Commerce, to revise its AI Risk Management Framework to remove any mentions of "misinformation, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and climate change." Furthermore, he's calling for an update to the federal government's procurement guidelines to ensure the government only contracts model providers that can definitively say their AI systems are "free from top-down ideological bias." Just how companies like OpenAI, Google and others are expected to do this is unclear from the document.Separately, Trump says he plans to remove regulatory hurdles that slow the construction of AI data centers. "America's environmental permitting system and other regulations make it almost impossible to build this infrastructure in the United States with the speed that is required," the document states. Specifically, the president plans to make federal lands available for the construction of data centers and power generation facilities. Under the Action Plan, the federal government will also expand efforts to use AI to carry out environmental reviews.The president plans to sign a handful of executive orders today to start the wheels turning on his action plan. Trump began his second term by rescinding President Biden's October 2023 AI guidelines. Biden's executive order outlined a plan to establish protections for the general public with regard to artificial intelligence. Specifically, the EO sought new standards for safety and security in addition to protocols for AI watermarking and both civil rights and consumer protections.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/trumps-ai-action-plan-targets-state-regulation-and-ideological-bias-163247225.html?src=rss

Uber has announced that Women Preferences, a feature which will allow women riders to be matched exclusively with women drivers and vice versa, is being tested in the US. This feature was first launched in Saudi Arabia in 2019. Competitor Lyft has also operated its Women+ Connect program since 2023.In the next few weeks, Women Preferences pilots will begin in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit. Once live, women riders will see an option called Women Drivers when requesting a trip on demand. Reservations can also be made to pre-book a trip with a woman driver. For something less certain, riders can set a preference for a woman driver in their Uber app settings. While this won't guarantee a woman driver, it does increase the chances.On the driver's side of things, the new feature functions in much the same way. Women drivers will have the option to request trips with women riders at all times of day by toggling on the "Women Rider Preference" in their app settings.Since its 2019 launch, Uber has expanded this feature to 40 countries, based on user demand and rider feedback. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft have been working to increase rider and driver safety by improving safety tools and expanding ID verification programs.It's notable that while Lyft's Women+ Connect program acknowledges that the program includes nonbinary drivers and riders, Uber's Women Preferences does not. Much of this was in response to lawsuits and alarming reports of sexual assault and violence during rides.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/uber-will-help-pair-women-riders-and-drivers-in-the-us-163022755.html?src=rss

My dream projector delivers the brightest and sharpest image. But it also has to be easy to move around and set up anywhere - especially outdoors. Anker's Nebula X1 long-throw projector promises all of that with a three-laser engine that beams out a category-leading 3,500 ANSI lumens at 4K resolution. It also has features never seen before on a home projector, like liquid cooling to reduce fan noise and a motorized lens gimbal that automates setup. Plus, it offers good sound that can be upgraded with optional satellite speakers. The rub is the price. At $3,000 ($3,298 with the satellite speakers for a limited time) it's one of the more expensive consumer projectors, right up there with models like Epson's LS11000 or the Valerion VisionMaster Pro2. After testing it, I can say that it offers the clearest, most vivid image quality I've seen and has the simplest setup to boot. However, the high price puts it far out of reach for most portable projector buyers. Features and design The Nebula X1 follows in the footsteps of other Anker projectors, like the original Nebula and Cosmos, with a tall rectangular design and handle that neatly retracts with a press. While that makes it easy to carry, it also means the Nebula X1 hangs down more than most indoor projectors when ceiling-mounted. To eliminate the tedious setup that typically plagues projectors, Anker did a clever thing: it placed the lens mechanism on a gimbal that can tilt up to 25 degrees. When combined with a 1.67x zoom, autofocus, keystone correction and ambient light detection, the projector fully automates setup. First, you have to choose a screen or wall location and position the projector at a prescribed distance between 8 and 35 feet, depending on the screen or wall size. You should center the projector as well as you can to avoid any digital (keystone) correction that can adversely affect image quality. Then the magic happens at the press of a button. The Nebula X1 uses a function it calls Spatial Adaptation to scan the area in front of it. The lens tilts up and down, before displaying a checkerboard pattern and then beaming the final image pretty much precisely where it should be. It's not perfect, as some obstacles like small plants or fine wires can throw it off, but it worked nicely for me on both a wall and dedicated screen. The projector can adapt to ambient light and even the wall color, and another function called Spatial Recall lets you save those settings for frequently used locations. The Nebula X1's Spatial Adaptation feature in action. Steve Dent for Engadget Laser engines get hot and are normally cooled with fans that can generate distracting noise. However, the Nebula X1 is the first consumer model with liquid cooling which reduces fan noise to a barely audible 26dB whisper. Thanks to this cooling system, the projector can also have a smaller footprint. That's a big quality-of-life improvement compared to much of the competition. As for inputs, the X1 comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, including one with Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality. That standard supports fast refresh rates of up to 240Hz at 4K, though the X1 tops out at 4K 60Hz so it's not ideal as a gaming projector. It also offers USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports, along with a S/PDIF optical audio port. Google TV is built in for streaming and projector control. It provides a large library of apps via Google Play along with a familiar interface. You also get Netflix's official application with support for 4K Dolby Vision without the need to plug in a streaming device, plus Chromecast support and Google Assistant for voice control. The downside is that it can occasionally be sluggish, particularly with menu settings like projector image control. Image quality Steve Dent for Engadget Anker uses what it calls cinema-grade glass" in the Nebula's 14-element lens to increase brightness, color accuracy and lens durability. The 4K triple laser engine is rated at up to 3,500 ANSI lumens with a 5,000:1 contrast ratio. At the same time, it offers color accuracy with a Delta E value of less than 0.8 and an impressive 110 percent of the Rec.2020 color spectrum, matching high-end ultra short throw (UST) models from Samsung, LG and Formovie. That 4K Dolby Vision support I mentioned is also rare among the competition. The result is the sharpest and brightest image I've seen on any projector in this price range. It was bright enough for me to comfortably watch a soccer match on a sunny day without the shades lowered. And if you switch it to Conference mode, you can ramp the brightness up further for a viewable image even with lights on, but there's the downside of a slight blue color cast. When used in a darkened room or outside at night, the Nebula's image quality is the best of any projector I've tested. Even though it uses the same Texas Instruments 0.47-inch DMD (digital mirror device) as many other 4K models, the image is clearer and sharper thanks to the glass element lens. Contrast and black levels are also tops in this price range and not far off high-end projectors from JVC and Sony that cost twice as much. Once again, that's due to the optics along with Anker's 6-blade dynamic iris - another feature usually only found on high-end projectors - and the company's NebulaMaster 2.0" picture quality algorithm. Color accuracy is outstanding out of the box in both HDR and non-HDR modes thanks to the ISF (Image Science Foundation) certification normally reserved for more expensive projectors. In fact, I found the color calibration nearly perfect on my unit in ISF Night" mode. That meant images were close to how they were calibrated by the filmmakers for TV series and movies like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Andor, Dune 2 and Spider-Man: No Way Home. If the colors aren't quite to your liking, you can make fine adjustments manually. Like many other 4K projectors of this type, the X1 has a slight amount of light spill around the edge of the image. However, it's well-controlled and only noticeable when the projected image is particularly dark. Sound Steve Dent for Engadget Anker put some extra work into the sound as well. Audio quality is solid thanks to the four built-in speakers with 40 watts total output. The lack of fan noise is a big help here. By itself, the X1 offers decent high-end and bass, but more importantly, dialog is easy to hear and understand. For a big sonic upgrade, you can add a pair of Anker's optional Nebula-branded satellite speakers that connect to the projector automatically via Wi-Fi. Each one has a pair of 40-watt front drivers, a 20-watt upward-firing driver and a 20-watt side-firing driver that combine to create a surround effect. Together with the projector, they deliver an impressive 200 watts of sound with Dolby Audio support (though not Dolby Atmos unfortunately). They're also battery-powered with up to eight hours of use, which is especially handy for outdoor viewing. However, that also means you need to keep them charged. To test these speakers, I selected several music-oriented movies including A Complete Unknown, Maestro and Rocketman, along with an action movie that has an impressive score and sound effects, Dune 2. In spite of their small size, the satellite speakers kept elements like music, dialog and sound effects crisp, clear and evenly balanced with powerful dynamic bass. You could certainly do better with a dedicated 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system, but these speakers offer very respectable audio quality, are easy to set up and automatically sync with the picture. The X1 also supports other external Bluetooth speakers, but you may have to adjust the timing in the menus to ensure perfect sync for picture and sound. Anker also offers a $4,000 package that includes a pair of its Soundcore microphones along with the speakers. Those also connect to the X1 automatically and let you use it as a very expensive karaoke machine. They provide clear sound but you don't get the usual benefits of a karaoke setup like AI vocal removal and vocal enhancement. Wrap-up The Nebula X1 offers a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports along with USB-C, USB-A and S/PIDF Steve Dent for Engadget The Nebula X1 is an odd proposition. It's marketed as a portable outdoor projector, but it also happens to be the best indoor projector I've ever tested. With an impeccably sharp, high-contrast and color-accurate image, the video quality is irreproachable. The ease of setup and overall size also makes it an outstanding choice if you want to move the X1 around. With the optional satellite speakers, it's the best portable projector you can get, hands down. The Nebula X1 doesn't have a lot of competition in the portable category, apart from Valerion's $3,000 VisionMaster Pro 2, which also has a 4K triple laser engine. However, the X1 beats that model on image quality, portability and ease of setup. The thing is, most people looking for a portable projector won't spend more than $500, let alone $3,000. So who is this for? I think it's ideal for buyers looking at a UST or high-end long-throw projector who want a bit more versatility. Some may even use it as a standalone indoor projector as it can be mounted on the ceiling or on a stand. In other words, if you have the means, use it any way you want - it's that versatile.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/anker-nebula-x1-projector-review-the-king-of-outdoor-movies-if-you-can-afford-it-161519956.html?src=rss

Google has been putting more AI tools in just about all of its services, and two more are getting the treatment. First up, Google Photos is adding some new AI-powered creation features. Starting today, the platform will support a photo-to-video option that can generate a six-second clip from a still image in your library. The capability is powered by Google's Veo 2 engine, and users will be able to select either "Subtle movements" or "I'm feeling lucky" as the prompt for their video. Google Photos is also getting a Remix feature that recreates images in other artistic styles, such as anime, comics, sketches, or 3D animation. Remix will begin rolling out in the coming weeks for US users on both Android and iOS. These tools will eventually be housed in a new Create tab that's due to start rolling out within the Google Photos platform in the US in August.YouTube Shorts will also add a photo-to-video capability. This is a free feature that will arrive over the next week in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. More markets will receive the option later this year. The company noted that, like with Google Photos, the tool is powered by Veo 2, although Veo 3 support is slated to arrive in YouTube Shorts later this summer. Veo 2 also drives the new generative effects tool for the short-form videos.Google introduced a photo-to-video option to its Gemini app earlier this month, although using the tool there requires a subscription.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-adds-its-photo-to-video-tech-to-youtube-shorts-160033683.html?src=rss

T-Mobile's satellite-to-mobile service is now officially available to all customers. T-Satellite with Starlink connects smartphones in areas "far beyond the reach of traditional networks" by linking up with over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites.T-Mobile has been testing the service for six months. The company says that nearly two million people have already used it to do stuff like texting from remote trails and off-the-grid job sites. It also says that the service proved to be extremely useful during extreme weather events and natural disasters. For instance, over 410,000 people contacted loved ones during the LA fires and nearly 94,000 users did the same in the aftermath of the recent Texas floods.T-MobileT-Satellite supports texting on both Android and iOS devices and users can access a number of apps that have been optimized for satellite data transfers. These include Google, AllTrails, AccuWeather, WhatsApp, X and several others. T-Mobile Experience Beyond subscribers can use the service for free, but it costs $10 per month for everyone else. Non-subscribers will be able to contact 911 for free later in the year.Interestingly, this service is not just for T-Mobile customers. AT&T and Verizon users can also access the platform by ponying up for that monthly subscription.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/t-mobiles-starlink-satellite-service-is-now-available-after-months-of-testing-154211152.html?src=rss

What's another AI chatbot in an already crowded field? That's the question Proton is trying to answer today with the release of its new Lumo assistant. And like with its best known service, Proton Mail, the company says Lumo is for those who want a private alternative to what big tech is offering.Proton says every conversation with Lumo is secured with zero-access encryption, meaning only your device can unlock your content. In the context of an AI chatbot, that has several implications. Most notably, it means not even Proton can view your chats. As a result, the company can't share your data with governments, advertisers or, for that matter, any other company, and it can't use your data to train future AI models. "By using Lumo, you can enjoy the benefits of an advanced AI assistant without the risk of your data being misused," says Proton.I briefly tried Lumo. It's a bit slow to generate a response, but you can broadly expect a similar experience to what you would find using ChatGPT or Claude for free. Lumo can search the web to answer questions beyond its knowledge cut-off date, but by default that feature is turned off to further protect user privacy. You can also upload files to Lumo. Here again Proton says the chatbot won't save any information.Proton isn't touting the performance of Lumo's large language models, but if you're curious about this sort of thing, it's powered by a handful of open-source systems, including Mistral NeMo and Mistral Small 3, among others. Proton told The VergeLumo will filter requests through the model best suited for the task. For example, it will use NVIDIA's OpenHands system for coding requests.Lumo is free to use, with a weekly query limit. You don't need a Proton account to begin a conversation with the chatbot. In addition to being available on the web, Proton offers both Android and iOS apps. A $13 per month Plus plan offers unlimited usage, alongside perks like larger uploads, access to more advanced AI models, priority support and more.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/protons-privacy-focused-lumo-chatbot-encrypts-all-your-conversations-144551345.html?src=rss

Apple has introduced a new tier of its AppleCare insurance policy called AppleCare One. This allows you to cover up to three of your Apple products under a single plan for $20 per month. If you want to add extra devices beyond that, you can do so for an additional $6 per month, per product.Apple first introduced AppleCare+ in 2011 as a means of insuring your iPhone against accidental damage, and has since expanded the plan to its entire product line, adding coverage for theft and loss. Currently, AppleCare+ costs from $10 per month to insure an individual iPhone, with subscription prices starting at $3.49 per month for a Mac, and $5 for an iPad, depending on the model you own. You can also insure your Apple Watch, Vision Pro headset, AirPods, Apple TV and HomePod either individually, or as part of your new AppleCare One plan.AppleCare One features all the same benefits as AppleCare+, including unlimited repairs for accidents such as drops and spills, round-the-clock support from Apple experts, servicing and battery coverage. The theft and loss protection that was previously exclusive to iPhone plans now also covers iPad and Apple Watch if they're included in your AppleCare One plan. You can make up to three claims a year for theft or loss of an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch.The $20 monthly price is fixed regardless of which products you include (as is the $6 you pay to add an additional device), meaning the amount you actually save will depend on what they would cost to insure individually, so it's worth looking into that before you take out the new plan. Apple says that people who cover their iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch could save as much as $11 per month on AppleCare One compared to what they'd pay if each device was insured under AppleCare+.Also new with AppleCare One is the ability to add devices you already own to a protection plan. Previously you'd have to decide within 60 days of purchasing an Apple device. Apple says that providing they're under four years old, are in good condition when added and are in your Apple account, they can be covered under AppleCare One. You may need to run a diagnostic check either on the device itself or at an Apple Store to get it approved.AppleCare One also simplifies the trade-in process. If you trade in a product covered by your plan directly to Apple, it is automatically taken out and replaced by the new device. Unlike AppleCare+, though, there doesn't appear to be a way to pay annually for your plan. Instead, it rolls monthly for as long as you need it, and Apple will let you move products in and out of coverage whenever you want.AppleCare One launches tomorrow in the US, and can be activated either on your iPhone, Mac or iPad, or in an Apple Store.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/applecare-one-lets-you-protect-three-devices-under-one-subscription-135559271.html?src=rss

Ken Pillonel has a history of developing clever projects that add USB-C support to gadgets that have less common, outdated port types. After creating the first ever USB-C iPhone back in 2021, the engineer has returned his attention to that concept. He's created an iPhone case that can provide older device models with a USB-C port, and you can browse the available options on his shop. He also detailed the design process in a fascinating video.For several generations, Apple equipped its smartphones with proprietary Lighting ports. That connection tech required a frankly obnoxious number of adapters and dongles to use. A solution like Pillonel's can help keep those older devices functional in the present day, where USB-C has become the standard for most gadgets, including Apple's."The goal is to give some extra life to those older devices by making them feel less obsolete," he explains in the video announcement. Pillonel has designed cases for all 20 phone models from the Lightning era that can run the current iOS. The design promises fast charging as well as full data transfers to both computers and CarPlay. He's also adding more color options to be released in September.The video is a worthy watch for anyone interested in product design and engineering. And you can also read the backstory on other products Pillonel has tackled, including Apple's AirPods and AirPods Max.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/an-engineers-new-smartphone-cases-can-give-any-iphone-a-usb-c-port-130014357.html?src=rss

Maingear's latest (appropriately named) Retro95 is a deceptive love letter to old-school "pizza box" PCs: Wolfenstein 3D and Sierra adventure games on the outside; Cyberpunk 2077 in ray-traced 4K on the inside.That's because you can fit this sucker with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics. It supports Intel and AMD processors, up to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. You can also customize it with up to 96GB of DDR5 memory, 8TB of Gen4 NVMe storage, Noctua fans and an 850W PSU. It's a ray-traced wolf in pixelated sheep's clothing.MaingearIt looks like the Retro95's case is sourced from the Silverstone FLP01. (That makes sense since Maingear is a custom PC builder.) The case is an ode to beige horizontal PC cases, designed to serve as a pedestal for CRT monitors. They were the default from the early 1980s to mid-1990s. (If you prefer the tower design that succeeded it, Silverstone's follow-up to the FLP01 should scratch that itch.)The Retro95 includes a hidden front-panel I/O array and modern airflow design. And if its exterior has you nostalgic for games you played on similar-looking PCs, you can add a DVD drive. (Who's up for Carmen Sandiego?)Maingear"This one is for the gamers who lugged CRTs to LAN parties, swapped out disks between levels and got their gaming news from magazines," Maingear CEO Wallace Santos wrote in a press release. "The Retro95 drop is our way of honoring the classic era of gaming, with a system that looks like the one you had as a kid but runs like the monster you'd spec from Maingear today."Unfortunately, the Retro95 is a limited-edition run. Maingear says once it sells out, that's game over. Given its high-powered hardware and special edition status, it's no surprise that this PC ain't cheap. It starts at $1,599. You can order one exclusively from Maingear's website on July 23.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/maingears-retro95-pc-blends-90s-workstation-nostalgia-with-modern-horsepower-123027821.html?src=rss

The US government agency in charge of designing and maintaining nuclear weapons was among those breached by a hack of Microsoft's SharePoint server software, Bloomberg reported. However, attackers weren't able to obtain any sensitive or classified information, according to an unnamed source with knowledge of the matter.The breach occurred at the National Nuclear Security Administration, an arm of the Energy Department responsible for producing and dismantling nuclear arms. "On Friday, July 18th, the exploitation of a Microsoft SharePoint zero-day vulnerability began affecting the Department of Energy," a spokesperson told Bloomberg. "A very small number of systems were impacted. All impacted systems are being restored."The exploit only affects SharePoint for on-premises servers. The Department of energy said it was minimally impacted because it widely uses Microsoft M365 cloud "and very capable cybersecurity systems," the spokesperson added.Microsoft blamed the attack on state-sponsored Chinese hackers. They reportedly exploited flaws in SharePoint document management software and were able to access and control systems and steal security credentials and tokens. "It's a dream for ransomware operators," Google's Threat Intelligence Group said, adding that the flaw allows "persistent, unauthenticated access that can bypass future patching."Attackers also accessed the US Education Department and Florida's Department of Revenue, along with government systems in other nations including the Middle East and Europe. Microsoft announced on Monday that it had released a new security patch "to mitigate active attacks targeting on-premises [and not online] servers."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/us-nuclear-weapons-agency-breached-using-microsoft-sharepoint-hack-120027770.html?src=rss

Meta is adding some of its teen safety features to Instagram accounts featuring children, even if they're ran by adults. While children under 13 years of age aren't allowed to sign up on the social media app, Meta allows adults like parents and managers to run accounts for children and post videos and photos of them. The company says that these accounts are "overwhelmingly used in benign ways," but they're also targeted by predators who leave sexual comments and ask for sexual images in DMs.In the coming months, the company is giving these adult-ran kid accounts its strictest message settings to prevent unsavory DMs. It will also automatically turn on Hidden Words for them so that account owners can filter out unwanted comments on their posts. In addition, Meta will avoid recommending them to accounts blocked by teen users to lessen the chances predators finding them. The company will also make it harder for suspicious users to find them through search and will hide comments from potentially suspicious adults on their posts. Meta says will continue "to take aggressive action" on accounts breaking its rules: It has already removed 135,000 Instagram accounts for leaving sexual comments on and requesting sexual images from adult-managed accounts featuring children earlier this year. It also deleted an additional, 500,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to those original ones.Meta introduced teen accounts on Instagram last year to automatically opt users 13 to 18 years of age into stricter privacy features. The company then launched teen accounts on Facebook and Messenger in April and is even testing AI age-detection tech to determine whether a supposed adult user has lied about their birthday so they could be moved to a teen account if needed.Since then, Meta has rolled out more and more safety features meant for younger teens. It released Location Notice in June to let younger teens know that they're chatting with someone from another country, since sextortion scammers typically lie about their location. (To note, authorities have observed a huge increase in "sextortion" cases involving kids being threatened online to send explicit images.) Meta also introduced a nudity protection feature, which blurs images in DM detected as containing nudity, since sextortion scammers may send nude pictures first in an effort to convince a victim to send reciprocate.Today, Meta is also launching new ways for teens to view safety tips. When they chat with someone in DMs, they can now tap on the "Safety Tips" icon at the top of the conversation to bring up a screen where they can restrict, block or report the other user. Meta has also launched a combined block and report option in DMs, so that users can take both actions together in one tap.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/meta-is-adding-new-safety-features-to-kid-focused-ig-accounts-run-by-adults-110000524.html?src=rss

Whether you're backing up important files, editing videos on the go or just freeing up space on your laptop, a fast and reliable SSD drive can make your workflow a whole lot smoother. The best portable SSD options in 2025 combine speed, durability and wide compatibility, often using USB Type-C connections for quick transfers across devices. Unlike a traditional thumb drive or even the best external hard drives, these compact powerhouses can offer faster read speeds, often hitting several hundred or even thousands of Mbps, especially with high-performance NVMe SSD models.

Splitgate 2, the follow-up to the hugely successful 2021 Quake-Portal hybrid concept, is returning to beta. The game launched last month, but developer 1047 Games is pulling it after deciding the release had been rushed. The company doesn't plan to release the project again until 2026."We'll be heads down until early next year, rebuilding major parts of the game to capture the spirit of what made Splitgate special," the founders said in a post to the game's Reddit community. "That means reworking progression from the ground up, adding more portals to our maps, simplifying monetization, refocusing on classic game modes you've been asking for, and more, which we'll share soon."Not only will the sequel go back into development, but 1047 Games is also cutting jobs. And that's after it already laid off some team members shortly after Splitgate 2's initial release. The company said it will shut down the servers for the original Splitgate in order to reduce expenses and keep more of its team members employed.1047 Games has been brutalized in the public eye after co-founder Ian Proulx appeared at Summer Games Fest wearing a hat that read "Make FPS Great Again," which infuriated many of the original Splitgate's players. After the initial stance, posted to the studio's X account on Splitgate 2's release date, that he was both "not here to apologize" and that the hat was "not a political statement," Proulx finally landed on the line that it was all basically a publicity stunt.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/splitgate-2-is-yanked-back-to-beta-a-month-after-release-231022772.html?src=rss

Welcome to Video Games Weekly on Engadget. Expect a new story every Monday or Tuesday, broken into two parts. The first is a space for short essays and ramblings about video game trends and related topics from me, Jess Conditt, a reporter who's covered the industry for more than 13 years. The second contains the video game stories from the past week that you need to know about, including some headlines from outside of Engadget.Please enjoy - and I'll see you next week.This week, I'm fried. Maybe it's the plodding and ever-present crumbling of society and human decency, or maybe it's because Love Island USA just ended so I'm feeling extra listless. It's a familiar summer sensation, but this year everything is exaggerated and extra tense, the stakes of every action seem higher, and instead of melting into the warmth of the season with a popsicle and a smile, I often find myself frozen and numb. I am the popsicle, coo coo ca choo.I'm not sure exactly what I'm trying to convey here, but I think it's clear that I shouldn't be writing anything too serious at the moment. I'm working on a few reports and trying to keep my composure amid the chaos, and all the while, the video game headlines keep rolling on. I've included a few more than usual this week, as penance for my popsicle state.The newsThe Chinese Room escapes from TencentUK studio The Chinese Room, creator of Still Wakes the Deep and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, is independent once again. The Chinese Room leaders completed a management buyout with help from VC firm Hiro Capital to fully split the studio from Tencent subsidiary Sumo Digital, which acquired it in 2018. A number of people were laid off as part of the transition and the studio is left with a total of 55 employees. The Chinese Room is still working on Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 for Paradox Interactive, and it also has original projects in development.Still Wakes the Deep was one of my absolute favorite games of 2024. Whether you're a fan of beautiful paranormal horror or you're just really into oil rigs, give it a go.Read these stories that Vice censoredVice's owner, Savage Ventures, doesn't want you to read this story. Or this one.Vice removed two articles about Steam's new ban on certain adult-only" content and the organization that pushed for the change, Collective Shout, which has the support of prominent anti-pornography groups with conservative religious foundations. The stories were written by contributor Ana Valens, who said the removals were due to concerns about the controversial subject matter - not journalistic complaints." Valens has vowed to never write for Vice again and a handful of reporters there have resigned in solidarity.Censoring stories about censorship is certainly a choice, Vice.Supermassive delays Directive 8020 and shrinks its teamThe home of Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology, Supermassive Games, is laying off 36 people, restructuring its team and delaying one of its projects into 2026. A statement from the studio says the decisions were in response to the video game industry's challenging and ever-evolving environment." It's estimated that Supermassive had more than 300 employees before the layoffs.Directive 8020, the fifth installment in the Dark Pictures Anthology, is now due to come out in the first half of 2026, rather than this fall. Honestly, I'm not surprised to hear Supermassive needs more time to work on Directive 8020. I watched Engadget UK bureau chief Mat Smith play the demo at Summer Game Fest in June, and while it looked great, we were both surprised by how short and non-interactive the segment was. He summed up this feeling in his preview with the line, Finally, I got to play (but only for a few minutes)."Supermassive is also working on Little Nightmares III, a series that it took over from Tarsier Studios. Tarsier created Little Nightmares and its sequel, but lost the rights to the IP when the team was acquired by a subsidiary of Embracer Group in 2019. Series publisher Bandai Namco kept the Little Nightmares brand and commissioned Supermassive to build the third game, while Tarsier is working on its own project, Reanimal.It makes sense that Supermassive would prioritize Little Nightmares III in order to fulfill its obligations with Bandai. The game has already been delayed once, and it's set to hit PC and consoles on October 10.FBC: Firebreak is getting less bustedI still have high hopes for FBC: Firebreak to be the Left 4 Dead revival we've always wanted, but fact is, it's not quite there yet. Remedy Entertainment is aware of this hard truth and has a plan to fix it. The studio laid out its pipeline for making FBC: Firebreak easier to jump into, more fun to play and less confusing overall, with most major changes coming in an update this winter.Valve is still the best retirement community in game developmentPCGamesN published an interview with Counter-Strike co-creator Minh Le, who left Valve years ago to try out independent development. One sentiment stuck out to me.They didn't force me out or anything," Le told PCGamesN. But a part of me kind of regrets it. Looking back, my decision to leave Valve was, financially, kind of a poor decision. If I had stayed with Valve, I would have been able to retire by now."It's not presented as an indictment of Valve, but I find it notable that Le describes the studio as a place to retire, rather than a space to innovate and create the next generation of video games. At this rate, Valve will never outrun its reputation as the studio where talented game developers go to die (professionally speaking).But, hey, at least they're not getting laid off en masse. Which, unfortunately, brings us to the next headline.Your favorite studio's favorite studio faces layoffsCyberpunk 2077, Sea of Thieves and Dune: Awakening support studio Virtuos is laying off 270 developers, which is about seven percent of its staff. Virtuos is currently best known as the studio behind The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered alongside Bethesda, and it has more than 4,000 employees across Asia, Europe and North America. The cuts affect developers in Asia and Europe, with fewer than 10" in France, where work on Oblivion Remastered was headquartered.Heck yeah, there's gonna be a Hellraiser gameMake sure to pin this one on your calendar. Saber Interactive is making Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival, a first-person, action-survival horror game that features actor Doug Bradley as Pinhead for the first time in nearly 20 years. Barker himself provided input on the story, too. It's coming to PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X/S, with no release date yet."The Hellraiser universe is defined by its unflinching exploration of pain, pleasure, and the thin and terrifying line that separates the two," a description from Saber Interactive reads. "That essence is at the heart of our game."An inside look at the fallout of the Zenimax layoffsGame Developer reporter Chris Kerr spoke with a number of employees at Zenimax who are still reeling from the layoffs that Microsoft enacted in early July. The vibes there sound pretty terrible.This carcass of workers that remains is somehow supposed to keep shipping award-winning games," one senior QA tester told Kerr. The developer continued, Microsoft just took everything that could have been great about the culture and collaboration and decimated it. Morale is terrible. It's grotesque. People are stressed. They're crying."Xbox cloud play anywhereWhen Xbox isn't firing thousands of employees in one blow, it's quietly laying the groundwork for the future of video game distribution. An update for Xbox Insiders this week introduces cross-platform cloud support, bringing your cloud library and play history to the Xbox PC app. This means you can access cloud activity on an Xbox console, PC or Windows handheld, and seamlessly play cloud games across devices. This is just how video games are going to work in the coming decades, and it's interesting to watch our future slowly roll out in blog posts and software updates.Subnautica 2 scandal catch-upDid you miss all of the mess around Subnautica 2 last week? Or, more accurately, this past month? To quickly summarize, Subnautica publisher Krafton is being sued by the series creators after it fired them and then delayed their game, allegedly sabotaging a $250 million bonus payout due to developers. To not-quickly summarize, see my complete breakdown of the drama.My Melody & Kuromi hits Netflix this weekI don't know who else needs a little levity in their life right now, but I certainly do. Thankfully, the stop-motion show My Melody & Kuromi is coming to Netflix on July 24, and there's already an adorable tie-in music video by LE SSERAFIM to enjoy. Zen out, watch all of the Sanrio sweetness and finally settle the debate: Are you more of a Kuromi or a My Melody?Additional reading

Amazon's latest move in the AI space is an acquisition. The company is purchasing a startup called Bee, which makes a wearable and an Apple Watch app that can record everything the wearer says. Amazon said that the deal has not closed and that the terms of the acquisition are confidential. Although the company did not provide specific numbers, it added that all Bee employees received offers to join Amazon. TechCrunch first reported this news based on a LinkedIn post from Bee founder Maria de Lourdes Zollo.Bee presents its platform as a personalized AI assistant that passively learns from its wearer by listening to all of their conversations and activities. While the wearable does have a button to mute recording, it can theoretically observe every single thing the owner does or says. The app can then summarize daily activities, suggest to-do items or recall previously discussed details. Bee's website also gives examples of using the assistant for personal growth, such as tracking successes or possible improvements as a parent.Amazon has had a mixed bag with wearables endeavors. It still sells Echo Frames smart glasses, but shuttered its Halo health tracker in 2023. The AI angle of Bee may be of particular interest for Amazon, especially as the company pushes its Alexa+ generative AI assistant. The always-listening aspect of Bee also harkens back to Amazon's privacy debacle of a few years back when it had to address concerns that employees were reviewing conversations recorded by Alexa, including some recorded by accident.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-is-acquiring-an-ai-wearable-that-listens-to-everything-you-do-221103233.html?src=rss

The British government has announced plans to move forward with a law that would bar public organizations from paying off ransomware attackers. The proposed legislation would add schools, town councils, National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and critical infrastructure managers to a ban which already applies to the national government.The logic behind banning payments is simple. If cybercriminals know a ransomware attack against a UK school or hospital won't get them paid, they'll look somewhere else for a more lucrative target. Security Minister Dan Jarvis said that the government is "determined to smash the cyber criminal business model," and added that laws in the proposed package will require even private businesses to seek guidance from the government before paying a ransom.Since the WannaCry attack on the NHS in 2017 launched the modern era of ransomware attacks, the UK has suffered a number of serious incidents. In the last two years alone, attacks have hit the British Library, the BBC and the Ministry of Defence. This may explain why, according to the government's announcement, "nearly three quarters" of public comments on the ban legislation were supportive.Although bans on ransom payments are a popular solution to the ever-increasing scourge of ransomware, there's currently not much data on whether they work. Two US states, North Carolina and Florida, have enacted similar bans, but it's hard to say what impact they've had. Critics argue that some organizations, especially hospitals, can't afford the long-term disruption of leaving the ransom unpaid, and may choose to pay in unaccountable ways. Furthermore, some hacking groups have aims other than money, and may continue ransomware attacks to sow political chaos.The UK is moving into uncharted territory as the first nation to pass a ransomware payment ban. We'll be interested to see whether it helps get attacks under control. Either way, the outcome is likely to inform how other countries respond to the continuing threat of cybercrime.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/new-uk-law-would-ban-ransomware-payments-by-publicly-funded-orgs-210851334.html?src=rss

Meta is no longer paying creators to post on Threads. The company quietly ended the Threads bonus program, which offered some creators thousands of dollars a month in bonuses, earlier this year, Engadget has confirmed.The company hasn't officially commented on why it stopped the payments, but an Instagram support page that once listed details about the creator incentives no longer references Threads at all. In posts on Threads, creators who were once part of the program have said they stopped receiving payments around the end of April. That's roughly one year after Meta first started paying creators for popular posts. Though Meta never publicly shared a lot of details about how the program worked, creators who previously spoke with Engadget reported that they were able to earn monthly bonuses ranging from $500 to $5,000 in exchange for hitting specific metrics around post counts and views.It's not clear what Meta's strategy for creators on Threads is going forward. The company is still trying to lure more brands and notable faces to the platform, and has tested features to help people find popular creators they previously followed on X. Meta has also added creator-friendly tools, like the ability to add more links to profiles and more detailed analytics for the app.But Meta has yet to clearly explain what it can offer creators in return. The platform is hardly driving any traffic to outside websites. It's also much harder to build a following on Threads, since the platform defaults to an algorithmic timeline consisting mainly of recommended content. This means that it's easier for a post from an unknown account to go viral, but viral posts rarely lead to an influx of new followers.Meta may simply be calculating that Threads already has enough momentum without paying people for viral content. At the same time, Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly said he believes the app can be Meta's next billion-user platform. It's difficult to see how that happens without the buy-in of creators.Have a tip for Karissa? You can reach her by email, on X, Bluesky, Threads, or send a message to @karissabe.51 to chat confidentially on Signal.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-has-ended-its-bonus-program-on-threads-201627935.html?src=rss

Switch 2 owners won't have long to wait for Borderlands 4. On Tuesday, Gearbox founder and CEO Randy Pitchford said it will arrive on October 3. While some had worried the game would be pushed back to 2026, it will land on Nintendo's console less than a month after other platforms.Pitchford's video begins with a sober build toward what sounds like bad news. Just when you think he's about to announce a delay, he turns into an excited 10-year-old, yelling about the game's October release date. "That date is October 3! It's October 3, you guys!! It's not next year; it's not even the holiday! It's so much before Christmas; it's so much before Thanksgiving! It's October 3, you guys!!!" Pitchford, who is a magician on the side, clearly relished this.

Gamers aren't usually known for their sartorial elegance. But that doesn't mean we don't deserve nice things. So after checking out a very utilitarian carrying case for the Switch 2, I wanted to explore the other side of things with a more lavish travel bag. And while Waterfield's Magnetic case for Nintendo's latest console certainly isn't the most rugged or affordable way to lug a handheld console around, it might just be the most luxurious. Design: Drape me in this leather Compared to most Switch 2 travel bags that are made out of materials like plastic and polyester, Waterfield's case is an exercise in opulence. It's crafted from buttery full-grain leather that's softer than than a perfectly worn in baseball mitt or fancy Dior gloves. It really is that nice. I've been using the white leather model as I love how clean and simple it looks while still giving you that irresistible pillowy exterior. But for the kind of folk who get excited about patina, the chocolate model features a more distressed look that isn't afraid to show off oil, scuffs and blemishes. And if the need arises, you can always hit the case with hot air from a hair dryer to reduce the appearance of scratches. But the thing that sets Waterfield's case apart from its competition is that instead of relying on a zipper, the pouch has a series of magnets to keep everything together. And honestly, there's just something really nice about not having any sharp objects near or around the case, so there's no fear of your Switch 2 getting nicked. This enclosure system also makes it super simple to thread a cable inside, allowing you to charge Nintendo's latest handheld without it needing to leave the safety of its case. On a practical level, I've also found that because taking the console in and out is so quick and easy, I'm much better about putting things back when I'm done gaming. The obvious downside to this is that it's easier for stuff like sand to get inside and if you're storing tiny accessories like a microSD Express card, there's no real guarantee it won't fall out while you're in transit. Additionally, the trade-off for the case's fancy leather exterior is that it doesn't have the hard, rigid panels used in a lot of competitors, so it's not the most rugged travel companion. If you press down on the outside of the case, you can feel things like console's buttons and joysticks, so this definitely isn't something you'll want to cram into an already stuffed piece of luggage. On the inside, Waterfield's case is lined with a plush microfiber fabric that will keep the Switch 2 nice and cozy. There are also two pockets for stashing small items like charging cables, game cartridges or Joy-Con straps. But I do mean small, because anything larger will cause the case to bulge, which may put undue stress on the console. Optional accessories Sam Rutherford for Engadget This case doesn't come with much in the way of bundled extras. Though like a lot of luxury products (just look at the options list on a Porsche or Ferrari), you can purchase additional accessories such as cord clips, AirTag holders and more. But the most important of these are Waterfield's game card holders, which are available in several sizes (4, 10 and 20). So I went and bought a 10-slot sleeve and it really is the perfect complement to the case. Cartridges fit snug and the holder itself nestles neatly into the pouch's built-in pockets. I just wish one came included, as you're looking at an extra $10 to $30 on top of an already pricey travel protector. Wrap-up Starting at $90 for the nylon or waxed canvas models or $120 for the leather versions, Waterfield's Magnetic Case for the Switch 2 certainly ain't cheap. That's more expensive than Belkin's Charging Case, which comes with its own battery pack. And that's before you factor in a game card holder. Sam Rutherford for Engadget But the sheer suppleness of its leather and its super soft interior might be the comfiest cocoon Nintendo's handheld will ever experience. Then you add in a magnetic enclosure system and it feels like Waterfield has managed to transform a product that might normally be an afterthought into something that's a joy to use all by itself. So for those who want a travel pouch that looks and feels just as good as the console it's protecting (if not better), this case is in a class of its own.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/waterfield-magnetic-case-review-the-most-lavish-way-to-carry-your-switch-2-around-200052731.html?src=rss

Lucid EV owners will soon have full access to Tesla's Supercharger network, which is something that's been in the works since 2023. This goes live on July 31, allowing folks to juice up at more than 12,000 Supercharger stations throughout North America. Some of the company's vehicles can already use these charging stations, with the Gravity SUV gaining access earlier this year.That leaves the Air line of luxury EV sedans. These vehicles will be able to roll up to a Tesla Supercharger for a top-off at the end of the month, but there are some major caveats. First of all, Lucid Air EVs will require an official adapter that costs $220, as they don't ship with a built-in NACS ports. This adapter won't work with V1 or V2 charging stations, which whittles down the convenience factor a bit.There's another problem for Air owners. The adapter is limited to a 50kW peak charge rate, which provides around 200 miles of range per hour of charging. The Air can typically achieve a 300kW peak charge rate. Not only is this hobbled charge rate bad for Lucid Air devotees, it's also annoying for people that own other EVs. Remember, the Air will have to sit at the charger for an entire hour, which will increase traffic at the station.Luckily, there are other charging stations available that make use of that 300kW peak rate. Air owners can use stations by Electrify America, EVgo and ChargePoint for a quick jolt. It's good to know that the Tesla Superchargers will be there in a pinch, which could come in handy during a road trip.The company also recently unveiled the 2026 lineup of Air EVs. There's the Lucid Air Pure, which is a relatively streamlined option. Prices for this one start at $70,900. The Lucid Air Touring boasts an estimated range of 431 miles per charge, which is a decent metric. It starts at $79,900. Finally, the Lucid Air Grand Touring is the baddest of the bunch, with an estimated range of 512 miles per charge. Prices start at $114,900, but the seats offer a massage feature.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/lucid-owners-will-get-full-access-to-teslas-supercharger-network-on-july-31-184020050.html?src=rss

The Chinese Room, maker of Still Wakes the Deep, has bought back its independence. The studio will continue developing new franchises after splitting from the Sumo Group. The latter said earlier this year that it's pivoting away from original games and toward co-development work. Tencent bought the British studio Sumo for $1.27 billion in 2021.Game Developer reported that VC firm Hiro Capital facilitated the Chinese Room's independence deal. Studio head Ed Daly told the publication on Monday that the company is open to partnering with other developers moving forward.Unfortunately, the studio's good news is tainted with an all-too-familiar story. The studio confirmed to Game Developer that it will lay off an undisclosed number of employees as part of the split. "Following the divestment process, a number of roles were regrettably made redundant," a company spokesperson said. "The specifics are confidential, but the studio is currently 55 developers. This was a very difficult process as we sought a future for the studio outside of Sumo. No more layoffs are planned as the studio moves forward."The Chinese Room / Secret ModeThe "modern horror classic" Still Wakes the Deep isn't all the studio is known for. The Chinese Room also made Little Orpheus, Everybody's Gone to the Rapture and the OG walking simulator, Dear Esther. The UK-based developer is also working on Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 with Paradox Interactive. The long-delayed title is scheduled to launch in October. The Chinese Room is also developing two other unannounced titles."This management buyout allows us to scratch the creative itch of continuing to work on new, original intellectual property but also to partner with other studios on other projects when they fit in with our vision," Daly told Game Developer. "This is what we are doing and we want to carry on doing it, so we're happy to carry on in this vein."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/still-wakes-the-deep-developer-the-chinese-room-regains-its-independence-182405167.html?src=rss

Honda and Acura EV owners can now take advantage of the sprawling Tesla Supercharger network with the release of the first Honda-approved NACS-CCS DC fast-charging adapter. This means that Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX owners can join the growing ranks of non-Tesla EVs that you might see filling up at any one of the more than 23,500 selected Tesla Superchargers."Combined with other growing charging networks, Honda and Acura EV drivers now have added peace of mind with a wider range of dependable DC fast charging options nationwide," said Ryan Harty, assistant vice president of Sustainability and Business Development at American Honda Motor Company.While Honda and its subsidiary brand Acura only have one fully-electric model each at the moment, this lays the groundwork for future models to use the Supercharger network.Prologue and ZDX drivers will now see Tesla Superchargers marked on their built-in Google Maps for easier navigation. Once they arrive, drivers will use the Tesla app to begin charging. Integration with HondaLink and Acura EV apps that will allow plug and charge capability are currently under development, according to Honda.Customers can now buy the Honda-approved adapter from their authorized Honda and Acura dealership in the US or online. The adapter will retail for $225.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/honda-and-acura-ev-owners-gain-access-to-tesla-supercharger-network-180654467.html?src=rss

Microsoft has unveiled a new Surface Laptop 5G as part of its computing collection for business customers. The company said that a 5G option was in the works for its business line back in January when it unveiled other updates to the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop for Business, and this requested feature is intended to make the laptop an option that's both portable and connected. With a system of six internal antennas, the Surface 5G should be able to transition smoothly between WiFi and cellular networks, as well as acting as a mobile hotspot for other devices.As for the additional specs, the Surface 5G is a 13.8-inch machine kitted out with Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors. It promises a Neural Processing Unit of more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS) as required to be part of Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program. Pricing information was not shared at this stage, but the Surface Laptop 5G is slated to begin shipments on August 26.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/microsoft-announces-surface-laptop-5g-for-business-170051146.html?src=rss

We knew that Aardman, the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit, was prepping a Pokemon show, but now we have some juicy details and actual footage. Pokemon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu, as the name suggests, follows the sword-wielding Sirfetch'd and the baby pre-evolution of Pikachu.It looks extremely charming, as one would expect from Aardman. The trailer is on the shorter side, but shows the dynamic duo getting involved in some cutesy shenanigans as an oblivious Wooloo relaxes in a field. It makes sense that the footage would highlight a sheep-inspired Pokemon, given that this studio also made Shaun the Sheep.The show takes place in the Galar region, which is the UK-inspired land first introduced in Pokemon Sword & Shield. Aardman is a British studio, so this is a nice match. The program looks to focus entirely on pocket monsters, and not humans. This contrasts with the Netflix hit Pokemon Concierge, which follows a human protagonist.Now for some bad news. Pokemon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu isn't coming until 2027 and there's no streaming platform attached just yet. The trailer dropped during today's Pokemon Presents livestream which also gave us footage of the second batch of Pokemon Concierge episodes and a full hour of Pikachu DJing for some reason.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/aardmans-pokemon-show-is-a-delightful-looking-romp-that-follows-sirfetchd-and-pichu-165907651.html?src=rss

Supermassive Games, the developer behind story-driven games like Until Dawn, The Quarry and The Dark Pictures Anthology, is cutting its workforce due to the ongoing "challenging" state of the games industry. The studio says it's having to adapt its team structure and as a consequence expects to lose up to 36 employees.The current size of the Supermassive's staff is unclear, but in February last year it cut somewhere in the region of 90 jobs, at which time Bloomberg estimated the studio had more than 300 employees."This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be an incredibly difficult time for everyone," the UK-based developer said in a statement published today. "Our absolute priority will be to offer full support to all those affected."Supermassive is currently working on Little Nightmares III and the sci-fi horror adventure Directive 8020, which is the fifth entry in The Dark Pictures Anthology. It said the layoffs will have no impact on the development of the former, which is still due out October 10. Directive 8020 has been delayed to the first half of 2026, which it says will allow it to "deliver the very best experience for our fans." The game had been scheduled to release on October 2.Supermassive is the latest developer to be hit with job losses, following Candy Crush studio King reportedly laying off at least 200 employees as part of the wide-ranging cuts at Microsoft. Virtuos, the studio behind Oblivion Remastered, also shed around seven percent of its staff last week, while Yooka-Laylee developer Playtonic let an unspecified number of its team go at the beginning of the summer.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/supermassive-games-is-delaying-directive-8020-and-laying-off-staff-165815343.html?src=rss

Elgato's latest capture card supports 4K at 60 fps to capture rich ingame imagery in all its glory. The Game Capture 4K S works with just about any modern console, PC or handheld gaming device, including the Switch 2. Retailing for $160, this is the CORSAIR subsidiary's best value yet for capturing in 4K. Elgato's higher-end 4K X supports 4K capture at 144 fps but costs quite a bit more.Though a more affordable model, the 4K S doesn't skimp where it matters. The new capture card features zero-latency passthrough to your main display, and Elgato says latency in software previews can be as low as 30 milliseconds. Short of the most competitive FPS games, this is fast enough to play on a single screen if you must. If you are trying to capture a game like Valorant or CS2 and care more about frame rate than raw resolution, the 4K S can record at 1440p120 or 1080p240.The 4K S also supports HDR10 passthrough up to 4K60, HDR10 capture to 1080p60 on Windows, VRR support and it has an analog audio jack for native team chat. The device is plug-and-play over USB-C for Windows 11, macOS and iPadOS. For those whose creative workflow lives on iPad, the 4K S can capture directly to iPad models with a USB-C port. Thanks to UVC compliance, the device is compatible with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, Zoom, TikTok Live Studio and other major broadcast apps.Elgato is also releasing its newest capture application, Elgato Studio, which will replace 4KCU in the coming months. The software auto-detects the 4K S and offers ultra-low latency on previews. It will also include features like a snapshot tool for social media clips and allow creators to try out beta features through the software.The Game Capture 4K S is available now for $159.99.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/elgatos-new-game-capture-4k-s-is-switch-2-compatible-164745527.html?src=rss

Now that AAA video games cost a full $70, console bundles are the way to go to save a few coins. Nintendo is dropping another Switch 2 bundle just in time for the holiday season, and it's a real treat for Pokemon fanatics. The Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokemon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Bundle drops on October 16 and costs $500.As the name suggests, this bundle includes a shiny new Switch 2 console and a digital copy of the enhanced version of Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The game itself will also be available on that same date.Notice I said "enhanced version." That's because Pokemon Legends: Z-A is technically a Switch 1 game, like its predecessor Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The Switch 2 Edition will feature some nice upgrades for the new console, with the company promising "improved performance, enhanced resolution and smoother frame rates." This is all welcome news, as Arceus struggled to run properly on the now-ancient Switch 1, and who knows how the new one will perform.For the uninitiated, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is an action role-playing game that differs a bit from the traditional Pokemon formula. The gameplay is a mix of real-time capture mechanics and old-school turn-based battles. It also looks to be set entirely in Lumiose City, making it something of a sequel to Pokemon X and Y.This news comes from a brand-new Pokemon Presents livestream in which Game Freak unveiled footage from a new TV show by the makers of Wallace and Gromit and released a trailer for a new season of the Netflix hit Pokemon Concierge.There was also a whole bunch of footage of Pikachu DJing for some reason. Is that electric rodent out here trying to steal thunder from K.K. Slider?This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/theres-a-switch-2-bundle-with-pokemon-legends-z-a-dropping-on-october-16-152613321.html?src=rss

Since last June, when DuckDuckGo introduced AI Chat, you've been able to use chat bots like Claude directly through the browser. Now the company is making it easier to tweak the system prompts of those AI models while retaining your privacy. For the uninitiated, system prompts are a set of instructions given to a chat bot at the start of a conversation to guide things along. Often they'll set the tone of the dialogue, and can sometimes cause a chat bot to be overly sycophantic as was the case with GPT-4o this past March.Both Anthropic and OpenAI give users a way to customize the responses of their respective chat bots, but if you don't know where to look for those settings, they can be tricky to find. DuckDuckGo's new system setting is available directly through Duck.ai's prompt bar and works a bit differently. Whatever customization you add is appended to the default system prompt for each model you chat with, meaning you don't need to set them independently of one another. Moreover, your tweaks are stored locally on your device, with no data being sent to Anthropic, OpenAI or any other model provider. It's a small addition, but if you use Duck.ai to compare the responses between different models, now you'll get more consistency in tone.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/duckduckgo-now-lets-you-customize-the-responses-of-its-duckai-chatbots-151521930.html?src=rss

CMF, the budget-friendly sub-brand from Nothing, has announced its latest smartwatch. Billed by its maker as the ideal entry-level fitness watch, the $99 Watch 3 Pro is the most advanced CMF wearable to date, promising updated health tracking and various built-in AI coaching features.The Watch 3 Pro introduces dual-band GPS, which should make its route tracking more accurate, as well as a new four-channel heart rate sensor that Nothing says offers "improved accuracy across all skin tones and workout intensities." You can choose from 131 sports modes, which is 11 more than its predecessor, with a personalized AI coach providing post-workout summaries and guidance. This includes long-distance running endurance predictions to help you train for that looming 10K.In addition to the updated heart rate and sleep tracking, the Watch 3 Pro is also capable of blood oxygen (SpO) monitoring, stress tracking, guided breathing exercises, hydration and inactivity reminders, as well as women's health tracking.On-wrist ChatGPT integration allows you to ask questions and set reminders using "natural language" voice prompts, and there's a voice recorder with autotranscription for when you want to quickly log a mid-run thought. You can also use AI to generate custom watch faces using the Watch Face Studio, in which you'll find more than 120 styles premade out of the box. Widgets can be applied for fitness, weather, music or reminders, with a full-screen option available.CMF's latest wearable has a 1.43-inch AMOLED, always-on display, and you're getting a 10 percent increase in screen-to-body ratio compared to the Watch Pro 2 before it. Battery life is 13 days with "typical" use, which Nothing says is a two-day improvement over its predecessor. If you're hitting the tracking hard you can expect around 11 days of juice on a full charge. With the always-on display enabled, battery life unsurprisingly takes a significant hit to around 4.5 days.Nothing says the Watch 3 Pro and all other smartwatches in the CMF lineup now use the Nothing X app, with the new control centre promising improved stability and a more intuitive UI. It also plays nice with Strava, Apple Health, and Google Health ConnectYou're getting a fair bit of bang for your buck, then, but we'll have to wait and see how the Watch 3 Pro fares against pricier alternatives where everyday performance is concerned. When TechRadarreviewed the Watch 2 Pro earlier this year, it had lots of positive impressions of the watch, but noted some spotty fitness tracking and sensor detection. 9to5Google was even more critical, finding fault with the heart rate tracking and concluding that the product felt unfinished. And while the Watch 3 Pro covers a lot of the bases for fitness watches with its various sensors, it still lacks NFC for payments, which could be a deal-breaker for some people.Available in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Orange colorways, the CMF Watch 3 Pro costs $99 (a not insignificant $30 bump on the Watch Pro 2) is available to buy now.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/nothings-99-cmf-watch-3-pro-offers-better-battery-life-and-ai-fitness-coaching-151058055.html?src=rss

Calling all gamers with a love of horror films: Hellraiser is getting a video game adaptation. Saber Interactive is turning the cult franchise into a game called Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival. Clive Baker's 1986 novella, The Hellbound Heart, served as the basis for the Hellraiser films. He also wrote and directed the first instalment, which premiered in 1987.Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival is a single-player game that has you play as Aidan while fighting your way through an "action survival horror experience." You also must deal with Pinhead, who's known for harvesting human souls - yeah, this is a creepy game. As Saber Interactive states, "The Hellraiser universe is defined by its unflinching exploration of pain, pleasure, and the thin and terrifying line that separates the two. That essence is at the heart of our game." You can see for yourself in the announcement trailer.The team at Saber Interactive took an additional step to ensure fans of the movie franchise are happy. They spoke with Clive Barker, himself, to maintain an "authentic" storyline. There's no word yet on exactly when Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival will launch, but more announcements should come this year. It will be available on theXbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and the PC through Steam.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/a-hellraiser-game-is-in-development-145313443.html?src=rss

OpenAI has struck a deal with Oracle to add an astounding 4.5 gigawatts of US data center capacity to power the massive workload required by its large language models. The companies haven't specified where these new centers will be built, but Bloomberg is reporting that Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin and Wyoming are all under consideration.The ChatGPT maker says this new capacity is a part of the Stargate Project, and that together with its one GW campus in Abilene, Texas, the company is projecting more than five GW of total capacity running over two million AI chips once the new centers are complete. Oracle began delivering its GB200 racks last month for the Abilene site as it begins operations. OpenAI estimates that the massive undertaking will create over 100,000 jobs, though data centers historically employ few full-time workers, with most of the jobs tied to construction.While details on budget were not shared, OpenAI says that these new data centers represent significant progress toward its promise of investing $500 billion in the United States to build out 10 GW of AI infrastructure over the next four years. These investments, which are all part of The Stargate Project, are being made alongside SoftBank and Oracle as partners, though SoftBank is not financing this phase.This announcement comes as big tech companies are pouring billions into new data centers and power agreements to sustain the growth of AI and power future models. Google recently closed a 3 billion deal to secure 3,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power, while Microsoft is planning to restart the nuclear power plants of Three Mile Island.In a press release announcing the new project, Open AI said " Stargate is an ambitious undertaking designed to meet the historic opportunity in front of us. That opportunity is now coming to life through strong support from partners, governments, and investors worldwide-including important leadership from the White House, which has recognized the critical role AI infrastructure will play in driving innovation, economic growth, and national competitiveness."OpenAI and others are racing to build compute power at an industrial scale, with some US states offering massive tax incentives to land the projects.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-partners-with-oracle-to-built-out-45-gigawatts-in-data-center-capacity-143423570.html?src=rss

Like any habit, maintaining a meditation practice can be challenging. Having the right tools can make it a bit easier, which is why we're excited to see a subscription to Headspace is back on sale. Right now, you can get one year of Headspace for $42, down from $70. The 40 percent discount brings the cost to about $3.50 per month. Headspace is Engadget's (and my) pick for best meditation app overall. It's great for so many reasons, including how easy it is to find different types of meditations. There's courses for everything from anxiety to grieving. Plus, you can do single sessions or focus on mindfulness and sleep. One of the things Headspace does best is make meditation feel doable. It offers a bunch of beginner courses and tools for learning the basics. So, it's a good option if you've wanted to get into meditation but have been unsure how to start. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/headspace-annual-subscriptions-are-40-percent-off-right-now-132813881.html?src=rss

Samsung said the display it used for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can be folded over twice as many times as the display used for the previous iterations of the model. The foldable OLED panel "remained fully functional" after certification company Bureau Veritas put it through a durability test, wherein it was folded 500,000 times over 13 days. That means if a user folds their phone roughly 100 times a day, the display could last for over 10 years. In its announcement, Samsung said that "durability is no longer a limiting factor in the lifespan of foldable smartphones."The company took cues from bulletproof glass to create a shock-proof design for the new foldable OLED panel. It increased the thickness of the display's outermost glass by 50 percent and applied high-elastic adhesive to every layer of the panel so that it can better absorb external impact. The new display can also distribute shock more evenly across its surface, and Samsung used titanium plate as support for the whole structure to make it stronger than before. In addition, by using more advanced materials and redesigning the panel layer, the company was able to achieve a thinner profile so that the device looks and feels like any regular handset now.Previous versions of the Galaxy Z Fold, from the first through the sixth, were only rated for 200,000 folds. And when CNET tested the first Z Fold itself by using a machine that opened and folded it for hours, it only lasted 119,380 folds despite supposedly being able to withstand 200,000. If the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can get anywhere near the 500,000 folds it can supposedly handle, most users don't have to worry about their screens snapping in two before they change phones.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7s-display-is-rated-to-withstand-500000-folds-120048142.html?src=rss

While I wasn't expecting a major design shakeup, Google revealed the design of its new Pixel phone, almost a month before the official launch event.You can take a look for yourself on the front page of the Google Store. A short video teaser reveals one of the upcoming Pixel 10 smartphones. The device bears a similar appearance to the Pixel 9, with a back design that makes the camera unit protrude from the frame, similar to the Pixel 9 Pro. Oh, and an additional camera - if this is the base Pixel 10. Leaks suggest Google will equip all of its phones with telephoto cameras in 2025, but it's still possible the phone in the video is a Pixel 10 Pro.Under a month until we find out.- Mat SmithGet Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The news you might have missed

As is tradition, Google has already shown off at least one of its new Pixel phones before it's announced. The front page of the Google Store currently features a short video teasing one of the Pixel 10 smartphones the company is announcing on August 20.If you take the webpage literally, then Google's video is showing off the base Pixel 10, which has a similar look to the Pixel 9, with some key differences. Those include a new grayish-blue finish, a tweaked back design that makes the back of the phone looks like it's rising out of the frame and an additional camera. If you haven't gotten to try a Pixel 9, last year's phone only had wide and ultrawide cameras, with the telephoto lens exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro models. Leaks suggest Google is giving all of its phones telephoto cameras in 2025, though it's still possible the phone in the video is a Pixel 10 Pro.There's not much to glean from the video beyond that. Some of that could be because of the more modest approach Google is rumored to be taking with its new phones, focusing on technical improvements - like a new Tensor chip - rather than radical new designs.Google runs a leaky ship when it comes to hardware, with most of its new products reported on well in advance of the company actually announcing them. In recent years, Google has seemingly embraced that, teasing the Pixel 9 lineup ahead of launch last year, and revealing the Pixel 7 months before it was announced in October 2022.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-shows-off-the-pixel-10-less-than-a-month-before-its-launch-203924194.html?src=rss

The Unicode Consortium has announced that it's adding what's essentially a Bigfoot emoji to the open Unicode standard this fall. The famous cryptid will appear as "Hairy Creature" alongside a selection of other fun new emoji options in Unicode 17.0.It might seem strange that a consortium of companies as powerful as Apple, Google and Microsoft would practically subtweet one of North America's most famous semi-mythological creatures. But the global nature of Unicode makes avoiding region-specific nomenclature preferable whenever possible. To me, that's Bigfoot, plain and simple, but elsewhere in the world it might scan as a yowie, yeti, nuk-luk, hibagon, orang pendekor or an almas.Unicode ConsortiumBesides "Hairy Creature," here's some of the other new emoji that'll be added with Unicode 17.0: