You don't have to take great pains to preserve your Switch to ensure that you can still play your favorite games on it years and years from now. Nintendo has revealed in its earnings report that the upcoming successor to the Switch will have backwards compatibility and will be able to run games made for the current console. In addition, Switch Online will also be available on the Switch 2, which means your saves stored on the cloud will be carried over and you'll be able to play NES, SNES and Game Boy titles on the new console.Nintendo explained that it's making Switch Online available on the upcoming console, because it thinks it's important for the company's future to "carry over the good relationship" it has built with its more than 100 million annual playing users to the new device. The main way to do so is to make use of the Nintendo Account, which ties a user's history to one account and enables the company to "maintain a continuous relationship" with them across console generations. Before the Nintendo Account was introduced, Nintendo had no easy way to carry a user's history and purchases over to the next console. "As a result, our relationship with the consumers was interrupted when a new system was purchased," it said.The company promised to reveal more information about the Switch 2 "at a later date," though it didn't say when exactly. In a recent event where we thought the new Switch could be announced, Nintendo launched an alarm clock instead. Based on its earnings results, it looks like people could be choosing to wait for the new console instead of buying the current Switch: The company had to downgrade its sales forecast for the fiscal year due to a big decline in console sales compared to the same periods last year.
New details are continuing to surface about the hacking of US telecom companies by a China-linked group that targeted US officials and campaign staffers. Now, The Wall Street Journal reports that the hackers' access was even greater than what's been previously reported, and that the communications of potentially thousands of Americans" may have been impacted.Last week, The New York Times reported that FBI investigators suspected call logs and SMS messages had been accessed by the hacking group, known as Salt Typhoon." The group reportedly targeted the phones of diplomats and government officials, as well as people associated with both presidential campaigns.Now, The WSJ is reporting that the hackers, who were likely" working for a Chinese intelligence agency, spent eight months or more" in US telecom infrastructure, and that they may have been able to scoop up the data of thousands of people who were in contact with the targeted individuals.The Journal confirms earlier reports that the hackers limited their targets to several dozen select, high-value political and national-security figures." But the hackers, who reportedly exploited routers used by telecom firms, had the ability to access the phone data of virtually any American who is a customer of a compromised carrier - a group that includes AT&T and Verizon." Both AT&T and Verizon declined to comment on the report.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/new-report-details-vast-spying-by-china-linked-telecom-hackers-010347224.html?src=rss
Sony announced that it will stop selling the Airpeak S1 camera drone. Sales of the product will end on March 31, 2025. Sony will also stop selling most of the drone's accessories next year, but replacement batteries and propellers will be available until March 31, 2026. Inspections, repairs and software maintenance will continue through March 31, 2030.The Airpeak S1 was initially introduced during a virtual presentation at CES in 2021. The drone was intended to capture high-definition footage with Sony's full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens Alpha cameras. It could fly for 12 minutes with a camera attached and achieved a max flight speed of 55.9mph. While the high-end drone would set buyers back about $9,000 even before buying accessories, it had middling to flat-out negative reviews.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/sony-discontinues-its-pricey-airpeak-s1-camera-drone-in-march-234823252.html?src=rss
The Internet Archive is continuing the recovery process after a series of DDoS attacks that took down its servers in early October. On Monday, the nonprofit digital library posted on X that its 'Save Page Now' service has been restored to the Wayback Machine.
The Mozilla Foundation has made steep cuts to its team. The 30 percent staff reduction will completely eliminate the nonprofit's advocacy and global programs divisions, according to an internal email sent by Mozilla Foundation Executive Director Nabiha Syed. TechCrunch reported on the news, and Mozilla confirmed the cuts in a statement to that publication as well as to Engadget."The Mozilla Foundation is reorganizing teams to increase agility and impact as we accelerate our work to ensure a more open and equitable technical future for us all," according to the statement from Brandon Borrman, vice president of communications at Mozilla. "That unfortunately means ending some of the work we have historically pursued and eliminating associated roles to bring more focus going forward."While the standalone advocacy division will end, Mozilla did affirm its commitment to that work. "We want to clarify that the restructuring has not dropped advocacy; on the contrary, advocacy is still a central tenet of Mozilla Foundation's work and we are in the process of revisiting our approach to it," Borrman said in an additional comment.The Mozilla Foundation is a nonprofit arm under the bigger Mozilla umbrella; Mozilla Corporation is the arm responsible for the Firefox browser. In February, Mozilla announced that about 60 workers would be laid off, primarily on the product development team.Update, November 5, 2024, 4:56PM ET: Post has been updated with additional comment from Mozilla.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/mozilla-foundation-cuts-30-percent-of-its-staff-203951504.html?src=rss
Japanese researchers just sent the world's first wooden satellite to space, as reported by CNN. LignoSat, named after the Latin word for wood, was developed by Kyoto University and a company called Sumitomo Forestry. It was included in a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and will soon be released into orbit above the Earth.Why do this? There are two main reasons. First of all, it'll be a test as to the durability of wood when faced with the harsh conditions of space. If successful, the researchers plan on making more wooden structures and jettisoning them to the cosmos.Kyoto University With timber, a material we can produce by ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live and work in space forever," said Takao Doi, an astronaut affiliated with Kyoto University. This is the first step in a 50-year plan that includes planting trees and building actual timber houses on the moon and even Mars.Early 1900s airplanes were made of wood," said Kyoto University forest science professor Koji Murata. A wooden satellite should be feasible, too."For those balking at the idea of wooden structures being used in space, consider some of the benefits. The material should actually be more durable in space than on Earth because, well, the endless void doesn't have any water or oxygen. There's nothing to cause rot and it's very hard for it to catch fire. It even offers fairly decent protection from radiation.The other reason has to do with all of those other satellites in orbit. The planet's currently surrounded by more than 3,000 satellites, not to mention all kinds of affiliated space debris. Wooden satellites would eventually fall back down to Earth and burn up during re-entry.Metal satellites will (mostly) burn up during the return trip, but not before creating harmful aluminum oxide particles. We don't really have a plan in place for the ever-expanding amount of space junk entombing the planet, so this could help. Doi envisions a scenario in which metal satellites might be banned in the future." In any event, having a log cabin on the moon would be one heck of a good time. There's literally an Apple TV+ show plus about just that.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/japan-just-sent-the-worlds-first-wooden-satellite-to-space-194055742.html?src=rss
Kia debuted two new concept vehicles at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas today. The real standout in the company's SEMA announcements is the PV5 concept EV van. Dubbed WKNDR, it's based on Kia's Platform Beyond Vehicles approach to modular design, which the business unveiled earlier this year at CES.The PV5 uses an adaptable storage solution called Gear Head that can serve multiple functions, including an off-board, sheltered storage space for outdoor gear when the van is stationary. It can be powered by solar panels on top and by the hydro turbine wheels.Kia also introduced the EV9 ADVNTR concept EV SUV at the event. This is an all-electric vehicle with a custom roof rack and a combination of tires and wheels designed for offroading.The company did not provide any details about pricing or availability dates in the press release. Based on the limited information we have about Kia's plans for PVB production, the modular WKNDR van probably won't hit the roads (or charge off the roads) until some time next year at the earliest.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/kia-unveils-two-new-ev-designs-including-a-nifty-modular-van-193156344.html?src=rss
While we felt that the Kindle Colorsoft was by and large a solid first stab at a color ereader by Amazon, there has been a problem with the device. After several buyers pointed out that a yellow band was discoloring the bottom of the display, the same issue occurred on our review unit. Now, the company says it's remedying the problem.A small number of customers have reported a yellow band along the bottom of the display," an Amazon spokesperson told Engadget in a statement. "We take the quality of our products seriously - customers who notice this can reach out to our customer service team for a replacement or refund, and we're making the appropriate adjustments to ensure that new devices will not experience this issue moving forward."For the time being, Amazon has delayed shipments of the ereader while it juggles replacement units and new orders, as The Verge first reported. If you already have a Colorsoft, you can keep using it (as long as you can live with the discoloration) until the company sends a replacement.The issue was significant enough that we removed the score from our review until Amazon resolved it. In any case, it's good to see that the company is acting fairly swiftly to take care of the matter.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/amazon-will-fix-the-kindle-colorsofts-yellow-display-discoloration-190143346.html?src=rss
Hori is bringing its officially licensed Steam controller to the good ole US of A. The company listed the gamepad on Amazon, with an availability date of December 16. Preorders are open right now and the controller costs $60. This Steam-focused gamepad was originally released back in October, but only in Japan. It boasts a big button to pull up the Steam menu and touch sensors on the joysticks for motion controls. It also ships with mappable back buttons. The gamepad connects to a computer, or a Steam Deck, via Bluetooth. To that end, it ships with a USB-A Bluetooth receiver. Hori says the Steam controller will work for around 12 hours on a full charge, though it can operate while charging via USB cable. The controller menu in Steam also allows for making adjustments, like changing stick sensitivity and gyro controls. There are a couple of slight omissions. The controller has no rumble functionality, nor does it boast a trackpad or a headphone jack. If you can get over those issues, this looks like a mighty fine way to work through that ever-growing Steam collection. Hori makes good stuff. As for Valve, it discontinued its own Steam controller back in 2019. That gamepad was notable because it could be configured in a myriad of different ways to suit unique gameplay styles. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/horis-officially-licensed-steam-controller-comes-to-the-us-on-december-16-184221663.html?src=rss
A man allegedly behind a series of corporate cyberattacks is reportedly in custody in Canada. Bloomberg reported on Monday that the suspect, 26-year-old Alexander Connor" Moucka, was apprehended by authorities on a provisional arrest warrant on October 30, following a request from the US. The hacks targeted corporate customers of Snowflake, a cloud data partner of AT&T, Live Nation and others.The hacks targeted over 100 organizations, leading to millions of users' personal data theft. In addition to AT&T and Ticketmaster, that list included Lending Tree, Advance Auto Parts and Neiman Marcus. AT&T declined to comment for this story. We also contacted Live Nation but haven't heard back. (We'll update this story if we do.)Krebs on Security reported on Tuesday that Moucka is named in multiple sealed indictments from US prosecutors and federal law enforcement agencies. The suspect allegedly nabbed stolen credentials from cybercriminal forums (and similar places), betting that customers had reused the same credentials elsewhere. He is said to have then used those logins to access the accounts of Snowflake's corporate clients and extort them, threatening to sell the data on criminal forums if they didn't pay. AT&T reportedly paid the hacker a $370,000 ransom to delete the records.Krebs says the online handles Moucka used corresponded to those of a prolific cybercriminal" sitting at the intersection of Western, English-speaking cybercriminals and extremist groups that harass and extort minors into harming themselves or others." The report claims Moucka was part of a hacking group called UNC5537" that also included an elusive" American, John Erin Binns, currently in Turkey. Binns was behind a 2021 T-Mobile hack that affected at least 76.6 million customers.Snowflake pointed fingers at its corporate clients for failing to set up multi-factor authentication. We have a broader challenge in the security community and enterprises that a lot of people aren't nailing the basics," Snowflake's Chief Information Security Officer Brad Jones told Bloomberg. But Snowflake's apparent failure to require two-factor security sits on equal ground with its customers' decisions not to set it up - especially with millions of customers' information on the line.Why did AT&T and other companies entrust Snowflake with so much customer data? The wireless carrier hasn't said. Snowflake offers cloud-based data analysis services. In July, AT&T said that nearly all" of its customers were affected by the hack, suggesting that almost all of its subscribers were potentially having their data analyzed by a cloud partner of its wireless carrier. A total of 110 million AT&T customers were said to be affected.Fortunately, AT&T said the breach didn't contain the contents of calls or texts. However, it included the phone numbers each account interacted with and a tally of each customer's calls, texts, and call durations. It also contained cell site identification numbers. Cybersecurity expert Javvad Malik told Engadget this summer that the latter could potentially allow for the triangulation of users' locations."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/canadian-police-arrest-alleged-hacker-behind-cyberattacks-that-compromised-nearly-all-att-accounts-181838471.html?src=rss
Looking to watch something really bittersweet? The co-creator of the absolutely incredible sci-fi cartoon Scavengers Reign dropped a trailer for the second season, just after Netflix decided it would not fund a renewal. It's a full minute of new footage, complete with bloodthirsty plants, bat-monkey hybrid creatures and all kinds of psychedelic sci-fi madness.The teaser was produced in-house, using the production company's own money. Co-creator Joe Bennett wrote on Instagram that this is not the end. There is more story to be told, we are ready to make another season." However, he also added that as of right now, Scavengers Reign is not being renewed for a second season."The show has had a rocky road, premiering on Max a couple of years back before being canceled. The critically-acclaimed first season eventually ended up on Netflix, where it attracted new viewers. The so-called Netflix bump" made fans excited for a renewal, but that wasn't in the cards. There's still a chance that buzz generated from this trailer could entice another streamer to invest in the show. Apple TV+ sure has a lot of sci-fi shows, so why not add one more? Someone get Tim Cook on the horn.If you've never watched Scavengers Reign, it's on Netflix right now. This is one of the best sci-fi shows ever made, animated or not. It's seriously so, so good. If you have any interest in classic sci-fi or gorgeous animation, this'll be your jam. It's been called a Moebius comic brought to life" and a gorgeous, hypnotic space trip."The show follows a group of survivors spread across an alien planet after a wreck. They encounter some of the trippiest things ever conceived as they struggle to stay alive and find rescue. It's like a 1950s sci-fi novel come to life but, well, mixed with an acid trip.The voice cast includes Alia Shawkat, from Arrested Development and Search Party, and Wunmi Mosaku from Loki, among others. There are 12 episodes in the first season, which makes for a nice binge or two. Just saying.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/heres-a-cool-trailer-for-scavengers-reign-season-two-which-will-likely-never-happen-171637717.html?src=rss
Amazon has started making deliveries via drone in parts of Phoenix, according to reporting by TechCrunch. We knew this was coming and now it's here. Customers in the West Valley Phoenix Metro area should now have access to a selection of products that will arrive at doorsteps via the friendly skies. These include household, office, health and beauty supplies, among others.Phoenix residents will be able to click on a drone delivery icon before checking out. The company promises that items will be delivered within an hour. This is due to the improved specs of the company's latest drone, the MK30, which was recently approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly beyond the visual line of sight.There are some caveats. Products must be five pounds or less to be eligible, though Amazon says that around 50,000 items are already available for drone deliveries. Also, the drones will only make deliveries during daylight hours and favorable" weather conditions. Currently we do not offer drone delivery at night, during heavy winds, or during heavy rain," the company wrote in a blog post.This is happening just a few months after Amazon ended its drone-based delivery program, Prime Air, in California. The company still makes drone deliveries in Texas and it's planning a major expansion into Europe.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/amazon-begins-drone-delivers-to-phoenix-provided-the-weather-is-favorable-162241367.html?src=rss
There's no such thing as having too much local storage. Whether it's for backups or extra space for all your stuff, an external SSD is always useful to have on hand. Samsung's portable SSDs are a go-to for many folks, and a recent model with ample storage for most people is on sale for nearly half off in an early Black Friday deal. The 4TB T9 Portable SSD has dropped to $300. That's a $250 discount and the deal brings the external storage device almost to a record low price. According to Samsung, the T9 is around twice as fast as the T7 (our current pick for the best external SSD for PS5). The company claims that it can transfer a 4GB video in nearly two seconds or a 90-minute 4K video (of 21GB) in 12 seconds. The two-lane USB interface offers data transfer rates of up to 20 Gbps, while the SSD has sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. That means it shouldn't take long at all to transfer games and other files to and from your PS5's internal storage when need be (the console can run PS4 games from an external drive, but not PS5 titles). It'll be a useful option for moving your files between different computers as well. Alternatively, you might use it to store your 4K movie collection. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-4tb-samsung-t9-portable-ssd-is-nearly-half-off-in-this-early-black-friday-deal-153043895.html?src=rss
MacRumors noticed an unusual feature in the second iOS 18.2 developer beta, showing that Apple may let users upgrade to a paid ChatGPT plan as part of Apple Intelligence. While Siri doesn't need to use ChatGPT for all its tasks, some users enjoy using the integration for power tasks and more.MacRumorsIn the image above, you can see that under advanced capabilities," there's a daily limit" section that shows under limit." This means users can only use the latest advanced ChatGPT functions several times a day. This checks out because ChatGPT-4o free access using any platform is limited and resets every 24 hours. If you've used up your daily limit, Siri will swap to a free version of ChatGPT, which boasts fewer advanced tools. For example, DALL-E 3 image creation is only limited to two daily.If you tap on the upgrade to ChatGPT Plus" button, you'll be redirected in-app to a subscription purchase screen. ChatGPT Plus costs $20 a month. Therefore, while Apple itself isn't implementing a subscription model, it looks like you'll need to pay for unlimited premium ChatGPT access.We also covered an upgrade to Apple's Find My function today. Like this new ChatGPT integration, it's part of the iOS 18.2 developer beta. Both should eventually launch with the finished version of iOS 18.2, which is rumored to arrive in early December.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-might-add-chatgpt-subscription-option-to-ios-182-152125214.html?src=rss
Meta had plans to build an AI data center in the US that relies on nuclear power - it even already knew where it wanted the facility to be built. According to the Financial Times, though, the company had to scrap its plans, because the a rare bee species was discovered on the land reserved for the project. Company chief Mark Zuckerberg was reportedly ready to close a deal with an existing nuclear power plant operator that would provide emissions-free energy to the plant. The Times said he told staff members at an all-hands last week that pushing through wouldn't have been possible, because the company would encounter numerous regulatory challenges due to the bees' discovery.Zuckerberg reportedly told his staff that Meta would've had the first nuclear-powered AI if the deal had gone ahead. It still might come true if the company could find a way, but it has to move quickly because its biggest rivals are investing in nuclear energy, as well. In September, Microsoft revealed that it intends to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant to provide energy for its AI efforts. Meanwhile, Google teamed up with startup Kairos Power to build seven small nuclear reactors in the US to power its data centers starting in 2030. And then there's Amazon, which announced three agreements with different companies to build small modular reactors in mid-October.The Times didn't say whether Meta is looking for a new site - one that doesn't have rare bees living in its vicinity. One of its sources only said that Meta is still exploring various deals for emissions-free energy, including nuclear, to power its future AI data centers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/bees-reportedly-stopped-meta-from-building-a-nuclear-powered-ai-data-center-143050114.html?src=rss
Nintendo was prepared to suck it up financially this year as sales of its aging Switch decline, but things are going a bit worse than it hoped. After selling fewer consoles than it expected over the last two quarters (4.72 million compared to 6.84 million last year), the company has downgraded its sales forecast from 13.5 million consoles to 12.5 million - a cool one million unit drop. The company also lowered its sales forecast by 5.2 percent to 1.28 trillion yen ($8.41 billion), thought it expects the same net profit as last year.The company saw decent financials last fiscal year (ending in March 2024) despite the fact that the Switch was first released in 2017. It achieved that largely through the release of the much-anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomgame and to a lesser extent, the launch of the Super Mario Bros. Movie.However, "there were no such special factors in the first half of this fiscal year and with Nintendo Switch now in its eighth years since launch, unit sales of both hardware and software decreased significantly year-on-year," the company said in its IR explanatory materials. There were some bright spots, though, like a slight boost in Switch sales over last quarter due to the launch of the Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition and other bundled hardware/software releases.The Switch is Nintendo's second-best selling console of all time after the DS, but it has definitely run its course. That means the company will be banking heavily on its next-gen Switch 2 console, but it won't be announced until early next year - so it's not likely to see improved sales in the near future.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-expects-to-sell-fewer-switches-than-planned-as-new-model-looms-140031461.html?src=rss
We're all having a bit of a budget crunch this year, but the good news is that when it's time to bestow presents on the young ones (or young at heart), you don't have to break the bank. This list of our favorite tech, science and design toys is stacked with items under $100, with plenty of reuse packed in so the fun can extend far beyond the holiday season. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-tech-toys-for-kids-140038520.html?src=rss
Election day 2024 has finally arrived in the US and the race between vice president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump is so close we're all going to be glued to our screens waiting to see what happens. Apple is making sure you see developments right away (and can't take any breaks from it) with Live Activities, AppleInsider reports. Starting Tuesday night, Apple News will display the ongoing US election results as a Live Activity.The Live Activity tracker will show up on your lock screen and give you the latest election updates. It's available on iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. If your device has a Dynamic Island, then you'll also be able to track the electoral college results there.If you're interested in receiving Live Activity updates about the election, you can turn it on through Apple News. Click "Follow the 2024 election live" banner or open the "Election 2024" tab and you should see a notification about enabling it.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/track-us-election-results-with-apples-live-activity-feature-130032299.html?src=rss
The block button on X has changed. Now, it allows blocked users to see posts of the accounts that blocked them, but they still can't interact with those accounts. You also can't follow or message the user.X previously said it was making the change because users can already see and interact with blocked accounts by switching to a non-blocked account. X also said blocking the old way could be used to share and hide harmful or private information about those they've blocked, so the new feature allows greater transparency."Experts on social-media abuse disagree, noting these changes will help stalkers and trolls. Enabling blocked users to see posts is catering to abusers and stalkers, indulging and facilitating their behaviors," wrote London Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman last month.While that is unlikely to sway opinion at X, the changes may run afoul of rules on iOS and Google Play app stores. Apple, for one, states in its developer terms of service that any apps with user-generated content must offer the ability to block abusive users from the service." There's still a block button, of course, but it's not really blocking anyone anymore.- Mat SmithGet this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest tech stories you missedNLRB accuses Grindr of using a return-to-office mandate to upend a unionization driveKindle Paperwhite Signature (2024) reviewMeta has a tool for catching teens who lie about their age on InstagramOver 50 enhanced games will be available for PS5 Pro at launchAdvanced ray tracing, higher frame rates and more.Sony just published a list of 50-plus games with enhanced versions when the console launches later this week. It includes hits like Baldur's Gate 3, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarok. Expect to see improvementslike advanced ray tracing, higher frame rates and Sony's proprietary upscaling system, called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. Gran Turismo 7 is missing, despite an already announced enhanced version. It must not be ready yet. Final Fantasy XVI is also absent from the list, with its own frame rate struggles on the base PS5.Continue reading.Netflix is removing much of its interactive contentBlack Mirror: Bandersnatch will survive the cull.NetflixNetflix is deleting much of its interactive content, according to The Verge. The platform currently lists 24 Interactive Specials, but only four of them will remain after December 1. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls will all live to stream another day. Sadly, specials based on Carmen Sandiego, Boss Baby and Puss in Boots, won't.Continue reading.Amazon will tap AI to recap what you're watchingThe beta's available to Fire TV customers from today.Amazon just launched a new tool for Prime Video that uses AI to generate personalized recaps. X-Ray Recaps uses generative AI to create brief, easy-to-digest summaries" of entire TV seasons, single episodes or even portions of episodes. All personalized. So the recap will go up to the exact minute of where you are watching." There are a lot of limits, however: X-Ray Recaps launches in beta for Fire TV customers and right now, it only works with content made by Amazon MGM Studios, like Upload, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Wheel of Time and The Boys.Still, it might be a good time for me to finally get into The Boys.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121520786.html?src=rss
Microsoft, Xbox and Halo Studios are celebrating Halo 2's 20th anniversary by releasing recreations of some of the game's most memorable maps on Halo Infinite, as well as its E3 demo that's probably one of the most important moments of the franchise's history. The demo Bungie presented at E3 way back in 2003 showed the future of Halo and demonstrated what the Xbox, as a console, was capable of. It even featured gameplay that never made its way to the finished game. "The response to the demo at E3 was electric," Halo community director Brian Jarrard said.That demo went public more than a year before the game's actual release date, and it was built on an engine that no longer exists. It only became possible to make it available for fans to play because community modders and the game's community as a whole pitched in to restore it. The "wider Halo community" helped recover its original files and assets, while a team of community modders developed the tools needed to recreate the demo and to improve upon the original."Steven Garcia (known to the community as General_101) was vital in getting this scenario stood up and even improved over the original. He was a one-man army and did a significant chunk of the work in developing tools, updating scripts, and even arting the levels. Digsite team members Ludus, Neo Te Aika, Sean T, xScruffyDaSasquatchx, and Killzone then provided finishing touches to replicate the original demo experience and test for bugs. Without them, we would probably have only had a rather unceremonious drop of raw assets and that was it," said Halo Senior Franchise writer Kenneth Peters.The Halo 2 E3 2003 demo will be available as a free mod on Steam Workshop for the Halo: The Master Chief Collection starting on November 9.In addition, Halo Studios is adding new maps to Halo Infinite's Delta Playlist that will be a blast to the past for long-time fans of the franchise. They're modern recreations of Halo 2 multiplayer maps that were rebuilt in Forge, Halo's suite of in-game tools, by community "Forgers." Xbox adjusted the gameplay in the Delta Arena, as well, disabling sprint and clamber, enabling friendly collision and higher jumps to recreate the original feel of Halo 2.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/youll-soon-be-able-to-play-halo-2s-iconic-e3-demo-in-honor-of-its-20th-anniversary-120020668.html?src=rss
Proton's latest VPN app will be among the first to work natively on Windows ARM PCs, the company announced. The new app was built in collaboration with Microsoft by the same team that developed the encrypted Proton Mail service and promises "best in class security and privacy" on Windows ARM devices, according to Proton. The ARM app offers the same functionality as the x86 version and natively supports Proton VPN's core security and privacy features. Normally, native support means it should also load and run a bit quicker than x86 apps running on Windows 11's emulator, but improved security is the main selling point. As for its claim to be among the first native Windows ARM VPN apps, rival Surfshark launched such an app in August and NordVPN recently said that it's planning to release an ARM-native app "this autumn." Proton also revealed its upcoming winter 2024 roadmap, promising new apps for iOS and iPadOS. Those will include commonly requested features like sorting servers by load, selecting a server based on its city, hiding free servers and more. Proton also promised IPv6 support in more apps, port forwarding on macOS and Linux plus guest modes for iOS and iPadOS. Proton's app topped our best VPN services list for 2024, thanks to its overall security, usability and privacy features. It also offers a no-logs policy, an open-source framework and an official vulnerability disclosure program. There's a free version (with access limited to servers in three countries) or a paid version starting at 4.99 euros ($5.44) per month. Proton recently released an Apple TV app that allow customers with a paid plan to stream their media content from any location on Apple's set-top box. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/protons-vpn-app-now-works-natively-on-windows-arm-devices-110054749.html?src=rss
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against Grindr. According to Bloomberg, the agency alleges that a return-to-office (RTO) mandate that limited remote work and effectively meant a relocation requirement for many workers was an attempt to fend off a unionization drive. Around 80 of Grindr's 178 employees quit as a result of last year's RTO demand, according to the Communications Workers of America (CWA).The NLRB's general counsel office has accused Grindr of violating labor law by retaliating against workers who were attempting to organize. Per Bloomberg, the agency additionally claims the company refused to recognize the union or to negotiate with it in good faith, which would also be a violation of labor law.A Grindr spokesperson told the publication that the claims were "meritless." They added that some employees started signing union cards "only after it was known that the transition back to in-office work was underway."According to the CWA, the company announced on August 4 last year that workers would have to attend its offices at least two days a week. A supermajority of workers announced their unionization in July. The union claims that, by the end of August, around half of the staff had been forced to resign. This, in part, was said to a result of relocation requirements.Among other issues, having to relocate would have required some of Grindr's trans employees to find alternate healthcare providers, the union has said. "The RTO mandate gave workers two weeks to choose between ending their tenure at Grindr or relocating to their respective team's newly assigned 'hub' city to work in-person twice a week," the CWA said when it filed an Unfair Labor Practice against Grindr in September 2023. As CNN noted, many of the workers who had been hired remotely were suddenly required to report to a Grindr office in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Washington DC.This is hardly the first time Grindr has been in hot water lately. Earlier this year, the company was sued for allegedly sharing personal information - including HIV statuses and test dates, ethnicity and sexual orientation - with advertising companies without users' consent.In a statement sent to Engadget, Grindr United-CWA called today's complaint "another huge victory" for the union. The full statement follows:
Have you ever started a show, stopped mid-season and then struggled to get back into it because you have no idea exactly where you stopped watching or what was going on? Amazon just might have you covered. The company just launched a new tool for Prime Video that uses AI to generate personalized recaps.X-Ray Recaps uses generative AI to create brief, easy-to-digest summaries" of entire TV seasons, single episodes or even portions of episodes. All of this is personalized, so the recap will go up to the exact minute of where you are watching." The company promises short textual snippets of key cliffhangers, character-driven plot points" and other details.Adam Gray, vice president of product at Prime Video, says that this tool will help customers quickly jump back into what they were watching or rediscover why they fell in love with a series in the first place." It's powered by Amazon Bedrock, the company's proprietary AWS service for building and scaling AI applications. For those worrying about spoilers, the AI has been trained to avoid them at all costs.AmazonThis is an extension of the pre-existing X-Ray feature, which offers trivia and cast information during the stream. I love this tool and am constantly flabbergasted that other streamers haven't adopted something like it.X-Ray Recaps launches today for Fire TV customers, though in a beta format. Additional devices will receive support by the end of the year. Right now, it only works with content made by Amazon MGM Studios, like Upload, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Wheel of Time and The Boys.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-will-now-use-ai-to-recap-what-youre-watching-194551857.html?src=rss
Here's some bad news for those who thought the future would include streaming versions of Choose Your Own Adventure books. Netflix is deleting much of its interactive content, according to reporting by The Verge.The platform currently lists 24 Interactive Specials", and only four of them will remain after December 1. Luckily, it's the only four most people have heard about. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls and You vs. Wild will all continue to be available for streaming.The same cannot be said for specials based on Carmen Sandiego, Boss Baby and Puss in Boots. Incidentally, Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale was the very first Netflix special to feature this interactive technology, which was a couple of years before Black Mirror: Bandersnatch wowed the world.This is a fairly disappointing end for a technology that Netflix once promised it would be doubling down" on. Company spokesperson Chrissy Kelleher told The Verge that the feature served its purpose, but is now limiting as we focus on technological efforts in other areas." Former Netflix gaming honcho Mike Verdu also told Game File's Stephen Totilo that it wasn't making any more of these interactive titles.Despite putting the kibosh on streaming content with gamified elements, the platform's still dipping its toes into gaming itself. Netflix has a diverse array of mobile titles available for subscribers, and even some legit bangers. However, the company did just shut down its AAA game studio before it even released a single game.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-is-removing-much-of-its-interactive-content-185557989.html?src=rss
Portable Bluetooth speakers are always a good option to pick up for a special someone (or yourself) when early Black Friday tech deals start to pop up. One model worth paying attention in the sales is the JBL Clip 5, which has dropped to an all-time-low price of $50. That's 30 bucks off the regular price. We often recommend JBL products in our buying guides, such as our ones on the best portable Bluetooth speakers and best travel gifts. They're by and large durable devices that deliver ample volume for the beach or a cookout, for instance (but maybe don't use it on public transit if you don't want to risk the ire of your fellow passengers). As the name suggests, the JBL Clip 5 has a built-in carabiner, making it a cinch to attach to a backpack or belt loop, to name a couple of options. JBL said it redesigned the carabiner this time around to make the opening wider. As such, it'll be easier to attach the speaker to a wider range of things. Although the speaker measures just 1.75 inches, it's said to deliver solid audio with punchy bass and a maximum output of seven watts. The JBL Clip 5 should be durable as well, since it has a IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. It's claimed that the speaker will run for up to 12 hours on a single charge but there's a Playtime Boost option that adds up to three extra hours of listening time. In addition, you can pair two Clip 5s for stereo audio or connect the speaker to other Auracast-enabled models from JBL to boost the sound. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/jbl-early-black-friday-deals-include-the-clip-5-bluetooth-speaker-at-an-all-time-low-price-184135106.html?src=rss
Meta is opening up its Llama AI models to government agencies and contractors working on national security, the company said in an update. The group includes more than a dozen private sector companies that partner with the US government, including Amazon Web Services, Oracle and Microsoft, as well as defense contractors like Palantir and Lockheed Martin.Mark Zuckerberg hinted at the move last week during Meta's earnings call, when he said the company was working with the public sector to adopt Llama across the US government." Now, Meta is offering more details about the extent of that work.Oracle, for example, is building on Llama to synthesize aircraft maintenance documents so technicians can more quickly and accurately diagnose problems, speeding up repair time and getting critical aircraft back in service." Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, according to Meta, are using Llama to support governments by hosting our models on their secure cloud solutions for sensitive data."Meta is also providing similar access to Llama to governments and contractors in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Bloomberg reported. In a blog post, Meta's President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, suggested the partnerships will help the US compete with China in the global arms race over artificial intelligence. We believe it is in both America and the wider democratic world's interest for American open source models to excel and succeed over models from China and elsewhere," he wrote. As an American company, and one that owes its success in no small part to the entrepreneurial spirit and democratic values the United States upholds, Meta wants to play its part to support the safety, security and economic prosperity of America - and of its closest allies too."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-opens-its-llama-ai-models-to-government-agencies-for-national-security-182355077.html?src=rss
The PlayStation 5 Pro is nearly here, as it hits retailers on November 7. If you've been on the fence about dropping a cool $700 on a mid-generation refresh, Sony just published a list of more than 50 games that will offer enhanced versions when the console launches later this week. This list includes modern favorites like Baldur's Gate 3, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarok. It also features newer games like NBA2K 25 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. All told, it's a pretty decent start. The console will unlock all kinds of graphical enhancements, like advanced ray tracing, higher frame rates and Sony's proprietary upscaling system called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. However, it's also worth pointing out some games that aren't on the list. Gran Turismo 7 is missing, despite an enhanced version already being announced. It must not be ready yet. Final Fantasy XVI is also absent from the list, and that one has frame rate issues on the PS5. The same goes for both Returnal and Elden Ring. Now, just because these games aren't on the launch list, doesn't mean they won't get enhanced versions down the line. It probably depends on how many consoles Sony sells. The PS5 Pro offers more than just slight graphical upgrades to pre-existing titles. It boasts faster memory, support for Wi-Fi 7 and ships with a large 2TB SSD. Digital Foundry recently did an unboxing and also found 2GB of additional DDR5 RAM and a user-accessible battery bay. These are all nifty upgrades, though I'm still not sure if all of this adds up to me spending $700. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-announces-more-than-50-enhanced-games-available-for-ps5-pro-at-launch-174020762.html?src=rss
By now, you'd think that Apple's vetting procedures for the App Store are watertight, but think again. As reported by The Verge, this Threads post shows that an app called Univer Note, a productivity app on the outside, is actually an illegal app that grants certain users access to pirated films.Kris Holt/EngadgetThe kicker isn't only that the app is Apple-approved. Univer Note actually functions as a productivity app, but if you're in countries like France or Canada, a French menu full of pirated movies and shows will show up. The app's listing makes it appear like a standard, if generic, app, but it has an incredible rating of 4.9 stars out of 5.When we downloaded and tested this ourselves, we found movies and shows like Agatha All Along, Breaking Bad, The Office, Deadpool and Wolverine and many other titles, all streaming for free.Kris Holt/EngadgetThe content is divided into sections for various streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Max, Paramount+ and Crunchyroll, as well as a few French-only platforms. Some of the movies have only recently been released in theaters, including Venom: The Last Dance and Terrifier 3.Apple will likely remove Univer Note from the store soon, and it likely won't be the last app to slip past the tech giant's filters. However, the fact that it has plenty of content from large streaming platforms makes it a particularly egregious slip-up. You have to imagine that Netflix and Disney aren't happy with this.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apple-just-approved-another-app-that-streams-pirated-movies-and-tv-shows-164549689.html?src=rss
Meta has shared more information about how it plans to use AI to catch teens who lie about their age on Instagram. As first reported by Bloomberg, early next year, the company will deploy adult classifier," a tool it says will identify users who are younger than 18 and automatically apply Instagram's more restrictive privacy settings to them.According to Allison Hartnett, Meta's director of product management for youth and social impact, the software will look at indicators like the accounts a user follows and the content they interact with regularly. If the tool suspects someone is under 18, it will move them to a teen account, regardless of what age they claim to be on their profile.Meta did not immediately respond to Engadget's request for comment.Meta first said it would use AI to identify young users who had lied about their age when it began rolling out teen accounts in September. With those accounts, the company automatically applies Instagram's most stringent privacy settings to kids younger than 16. For instance, the accounts are automatically set to private, and they can't message strangers. Facing pressure from lawmakers and parents, Meta had already been applying many of those restrictions to underage users before the rollout of teen accounts, but with the official launch of the feature, the company made it so that teens cannot change those settings without approval from a parent.On Monday, the company didn't disclose how accurate the adult classifier tool is at determining a person's age. Meta told Bloomberg it would eventually give people who are wrongly identified by the software the ability to appeal, though the social media giant is still working out what that process will look like.The company will prompt teens who attempt to manually change the age listed on their account to prove their identity. Users will have the option of either uploading an official government-issued ID or sharing a video selfie to Yoti. Meta previously partnered with Yoti to bring age verification to Facebook dating. The company's machine learning algorithm estimates a person's age based on their facial features. Once Yoti shares its estimate with Meta, they both delete the video.The adult classifier software is part of broader effort by Meta to make it more difficult for people to lie about their age on Instagram. Separately, the company plans to flag teens who attempt to create a new account using an email address that's already associated with an existing account and a different birthday. It also plans to use device IDs to get a better picture of who is creating a new profile.Meta, alongside Google and TikTok owner ByteDance, recently failed to convince a US federal judge to dismiss a series of lawsuits alleging the companies failed to adequately protect their young users from the harmful and addictive effects of social media use.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-details-adult-classifier-tool-for-catching-teens-who-lie-about-their-age-on-instagram-164439051.html?src=rss
Amazon completely revamped its Kindle family in October when it debuted the entirely new Colorsoft ereader along with updated generations of the other three existing models: the standard Kindle, the Paperwhite and the Scribe E Ink tablet. The new Paperwhite has a slightly larger screen, a bigger battery and a more powerful processor that Amazon combined with E Ink tech to make page turns faster. This Paperwhite again comes in a Signature Edition, which adds wireless charging, an auto-adjusting front light and extra storage - all for $200, which is $10 more than the previous Signature Edition. The standard Kindle also got a $10 price bump, leaving the same $90 gap between Amazon's cheapest model and the Signature Edition. I tested both to see whether the price difference between the two is worth it. The higher-end model is certainly posh, but the base model handles ereader basics well. Is the deluxe treatment that much better? Processor, capacity and other hardware features The company is calling the Paperwhite (Signature and standard) the fastest Kindle ever" thanks to a new dual-core processor and an oxide thin-film transistor layer that enables quicker switching of the text and graphics on the page. That layer is also more transparent than the previous tech, so the on-page clarity has increased as well. As for storage, the Paperwhite Signature gets 32GB, double that of the regular Paperwhite, which is the same treatment as the prior generations for both. They have a couple additional backlights this time: ten standard LEDs and nine warm ones for a total of 19. The screen is a little larger at seven inches, up from 6.8, and sports the same 300 ppi resolution. Despite a larger battery capacity (with an estimated 12 weeks of live instead of just ten), the device is a fraction of a millimeter thinner than last time, and weighs just two-tenths of a gram more. It has the same IPX8 rating, meaning it can handle full submersion, and the back is made from a metallic plastic with a rubberized texture that's easy to grip (so you're less likely to accidentally dunk it in water). The bezels help with grip too, as they're just wide enough to accommodate a thumb without triggering a page turn. The hardware upgrades are subtle, but they add up to a downright elegant way to read books. Pulling up menus, opening new titles and turning pages are all speedier than any ereader I've tried. And ghosting is basically non-existent. The roomy screen displays text that's crisper than a January morning and the auto-adjusting front lights are like a warm lantern lighting your way. If I take any issue with the design of the Signature, it's the placement of the power button at the bottom edge. One of the simple joys in this life (for me anyway) is eating while reading. That means I hold a book or ereader on the table in front of my plate as I shovel stir fry into my mouth. Often, resting the Signature on the bottom edge accidentally presses the power button, shutting off my read mid-forkful. Notably, this doesn't happen with the standard Kindle, even though the button is in the same place, simply because the smaller ereader isn't heavy enough to trigger the button-press. The Signature also has a rubber grommet around the edge of the flush-front screen, which I don't hate, but I do find myself distractedly fidgeting with it when I read. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Touch controls and customization I sat the Paperwhite Signature next to other ereaders in my testing collection and compared the page-turn speeds, menu load times and scrolling refresh rates. Though the differences weren't significant, the Signature was definitely faster. (But the Kobo Libra Colour is still the fastest at waking up after a sleep of longer than a few minutes.) The Signature's touch response is impeccable. I've accepted the fact that most ereader screens occasionally need an extra tap before they do what I want. Whether that's turning a page or pulling up a menu, my first gesture sometimes goes unnoticed. Not here; the screen immediately responds to every swipe and tap I make. Unfortunately, sometimes that tap is unintentional, and other times the screen doesn't respond the way I want - but it always responds. That leads me to a couple of disappointments in the Paperwhite's interface. Those misinterpreted taps were almost always page turns. The area that skips back in your reading is a narrow sliver on the left-hand side. Some people may plow forward in a book with no backwards glances, but I often find myself at the top of a new page with the realization that I'd been thinking about toast or Cristin Milioti for most of the last page and have no idea what's going on. Then, when I tap to go back, I'm often taken forward, which confuses me more. To be fair, swipes are generally accurate - but I'm a tapper not a swiper. This wouldn't be a problem if the area for a back tap were wider - but you can't adjust that. In fact, you can't adjust the way your taps and swipes work at all. The middle of the top of the page accesses the header menu and a swipe down from the top brings up the quick settings panel. There's no switching those gestures or the zones to suit your preference. It's unfortunate because that's something both Kobo and Boox devices can do. Those readers also give you finer adjustments for the margins, line spacing, font weight and more. The options the Kindle does provide for the look of your text are honestly fine, though. And the Kindle gets points for letting you create and save themes made up of different combinations of fonts and layouts. Kobo doesn't allow this and Boox can't do it in its native reader app. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Buying, borrowing and listening to books Acquiring books you want to read is maybe one of the most important qualities in an ereader and Kindles have their strengths and weaknesses. These features aren't unique to the Paperwhite, but it's worth mentioning how Amazon's book access compares to its competitors. The first thing to acknowledge is that the Amazon Kindle library is the largest, thanks to Amazon Exclusive books and self-published, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) titles. That said, if you mostly read titles from established publishers, you'll find them on any reader. Amazon's devices are better for people who like to flit between reading and listening to a given book. Not only do you get a discount on an audiobook if you buy the ebook version, the Whispersync feature keeps track of where you are so you can swap between the formats and pick up the story at the right place. And if you're active on Goodreads, a Kindle will also serve you better as the integration with (the Amazon-owned) site is baked-in. What Kindles don't support are ePubs with any digital rights management (DRM) other than its own. If you buy a book from a third party ebook store that uses Adobe DRM, you can't read it on a Kindle - but you can on Kobo and Boox devices (with a few extra steps). Finally, you may want to consider how you'll access books borrowed from your local library. Using either the Libby app on your phone or your local library's website, you just need to choose the send to Kindle" option for them to show up on your reader. It's worth noting that Kobo lets you search for and borrow library books from the device itself, and Boox devices let you do so from the Libby app directly. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget How the Signature compares to the regular Paperwhite and base Kindle The regular Paperwhite is $160 and the Signature Edition is $200. That's a $40 increase that may make sense for some, but probably not for most people. The three add-ons (extra storage, wireless charging and auto-adjusting light) are handy, but won't dramatically improve your reading experience. If you like having offline access to lots of audiobooks, the larger 32GB capacity might be worth it. But if you mostly read ebooks (and/or use your phone for audiobooks, which makes more sense to me), the 16GB-capacity should be more than enough for years of library expansion. The auto-adjusting front light on the Signature Edition is responsive and calibrates the light to the environment pretty well. I still need to manually lower it in a fully dark room, so it's not fully hands-off, plus it's easy enough to adjust. The separate warm light (which you get with the regular Paperwhite) is the more critical feature anyway, as it makes reading into the wee hours of the night far more pleasant. The final Signature-only feature, wireless charging, is probably the least important - you only charge these things once every other month at the most. How you do so feels inconsequential. So if you save $40 by not going with the Signature model, does it make sense to save even more by going with the $110 standard Kindle? That's harder to answer. The base Kindle has the same 300 ppi resolution, the same storage capacity, the same font and layout options and access to the same audio- and ebooks as the standard Paperwhite. But the Kindle's screen is smaller, the device is not waterproof, the battery lasts half as long and there's no warm light. Touch responsiveness isn't quite as good and page turns are slightly slower (though the difference on both counts is minor). Honestly, the lack of a warm light on the base Kindle is the only major drawback. It's far more enjoyable to read the softer yellowish screens of either Paperwhite than the harsher blue of the base model. But I found myself getting used to it fairly quickly, and I probably noticed the difference most when switching back and forth between the two - something most people won't do. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Wrap-up In short, the Kindle Paperwhite and the new Paperwhite Signature offer a more premium reading experience. The flush front screen and soft-touch back feel more upscale. The larger screen feels like the difference between reading a mass market paperback and a trade paperback, which isn't to say the standard Kindle feels cramped, it's just smaller. I see the Paperwhite (especially the Signature model) appealing to people who want the most elevated reading experience - the crispest text, the least lag, the swankiest feel. And the regular Kindle is perfect for those who just want the most direct line to reading nearly any book they want. It comes down to whether you think a heightened experience will make you read more. If so, then it's probably worth the price jump in the long run. But if you're just looking for a no-frills way to read books, go for the base Kindle. Even though it's less high-end, it feels more durable and more portable. The smaller size can fit in a back pocket and you may be more apt to toss it in a cluttered bag - all of which may very well mean you read more, and, really, that's the whole point of any ereader.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/kindle-paperwhite-signature-2024-review-a-luxurious-reading-experience-163036611.html?src=rss
Xbox has revealed the first wave of Game Pass additions for November. While there perhaps isn't anything quite on the mainstream blockbuster level of recent newcomer Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, there's still plenty worth paying attention to.Arguably the most notable new game to hit the service this month is Flight Simulator 2024. For the first time in the series, you'll be able to exit your aircraft and explore more than two dozen biomes. You can seemingly land anywhere in what's said to be the most detailed recreation of our world in the franchise so far. There are new weather features, including auroras. Meanwhile, you'll be able to undertake various aviation careers, including medevac operations and aerial firefighting. On top of that, you'll be able to compete against other players in races.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will hit Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on its November 19 release day. You'll be able to play it via PC (if you have a beefy enough rig), Xbox Series X/S and, appropriately enough, the cloud.In the meantime, you'll be able to check out Metal Slug Tactics on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and the cloud on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass starting November 5. This is a tactical RPG take on the classic run-and-gun series that will hit the service on day one. The game is arriving on Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5 on Tuesday as well.Also on Tuesday, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play the single-player components of StarCraft: Remastered and StarCraft II: Campaign Collection on PC at no extra cost. The multiplayer aspects of both are already free.Four games are joining the Game Pass Standard tier on November 6: Go Mecha Ball, The Rewinder, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (all on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S) and Harold Halibut (Xbox Series X/S only). The following day, you can hop into Goat Simulator Remastered via Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on PC, Xbox Series X/S and the cloud.Meanwhile, Xbox is removing some other titles from Game Pass on November 15. Those are:
There's something so nice about listening to the score of your favorite games or movies. Composer ROZEN has attempted to add to this experience, releasing Celeste's Secret Hideaway, an acoustic album inspired by the game Celeste. He previously created Ghibli Secret Hideaway, another acoustic collection of arrangements, in honor of Studio Ghibli's music.If you haven't played it before, Celeste is a single-player adventure game in which you help Madeline cope with her mental health and inner demons to reach the top of Celeste mountain. Developer Maddy Makes Games released Celeste in 2018. ROZEN's Celeste's Secret Hideaway pays tribute to the game's original score by Lena Raine."The goal with Celeste Secret Hideaway is to transform the game's iconic melodies into warm, intimate folk and acoustic arrangements, enveloping listeners in a rich soundscape that echoes the serenity of snow-covered mountains and quiet, fire-lit cabins," ROZEN said in a statement. "Every track is designed to evoke the spirit of exploration and introspection, pairing soothing guitar work and delicate string instruments with an emotional journey. It's a perfect soundtrack for cozy moments, drawing you into its quiet, reflective world, and making it an ideal companion for chilly fall evenings and wintry nights." The album has 12 tracks and is now available digitally and to stream, with CD, cassette and vinyl versions coming soon.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/celestes-iconic-score-gets-an-acoustic-tribute-album-133048481.html?src=rss
Elon Musk's X has implemented a controversial change to the block function first announced in September, Engadget has confirmed. The update allows blocked users to see posts of the accounts that blocked them, while still not being able to interact with those accounts.For the first time since 2014, I was able to see posts from William Shatner, who blocked Engadget reporters en masse back then (why, Bill?). At the same time, X displays a message below Shatner's pinned post stating that "you can view public posts from @WilliamShatner, but you are blocked from engaging with them. You also cannot follow or message @WilliamShatner." Prior to that, X simply displayed a "You're blocked" message while showing no tweets, replies or other content.X previously said it was making the change because users can already see and interact with accounts that have blocked them by switching to a non-blocked account. X also said that blocking as previously implemented could be used to share and hide harmful or private information about those they've blocked, so the new feature allows for "greater transparency."
Tablets are always a hot gadget category during Black Friday sales and one of the models you can save on is the brand-new iPad mini 7. You can already snag a solid discount on this tablet, which Apple released just a couple of weeks ago, at Amazon. It has dropped from $500 to $484, but three out of the four color options also have a clippable coupon that brings the price down to $400. A $100 discount on a new tablet is not too bad at all. The iPad mini 7 boasts an A17 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, and the base model comes with 128GB of storage. We gave this iPad mini a score of 83 in our review, feeling that it was a necessary update to the previous model from 2021. We reckon it's the best small tablet around. The device has solid speakers and it still has Touch ID rather than Face ID. While we feel that the 8.3-inch screen is by and large very nice, it only has a 60Hz refresh rate, which is a bit disappointing. The internal upgrades are what really matter here though, as the iPad mini now has enough heft to support Apple Intelligence features. The Apple Pencil Pro works with it too. We found the tablet a great device to kick back with and catch up on reading, play some games and watch videos on. We think it's very handy for messaging too. If the 2024 updates don't excite you, there are deals on the iPad mini 6 available now as well. All color options are down to $350, which is $150 off and the lowest price we've seen. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-ipad-mini-7-is-already-100-off-ahead-of-black-friday-125211529.html?src=rss
At the start of the weekend, the FBI issued a statement addressing videos falsely claiming to be from the FBI relating to election security." That includes one claiming the bureau had apprehended three linked groups committing ballot fraud," and one about Kamala Harris' husband.Disinformation has seemingly grown substantially in the final few days, with the presidential election kicking off tomorrow. Late last week, the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said they'd traced two other videos back to Russian influence actors," including one falsely depicting individuals from Haiti voting illegally in multiple counties in Georgia.Just a couple of days to go, then everything will be fine. Right?- Mat SmithGet this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest tech stories you missedAmazon Prime's free games for November include Dishonored and Guardians of the GalaxyElection 2024: What will the candidates do about the digital divide?Engadget review recap: Amazon's colorful Kindle, DJI's latest action cam and moreEngadget Podcast: Apple's M4 chip heads to the Mac familyIt's all about the Mac mini.In this episode, Devindra and producer Ben Ellman dive into all of Apple's new M4 hardware: the new iMac, Mac mini and refreshed MacBook Pros. But seriously, it's mostly them fanboying over the Mac mini.Listen here.Meta's Orion prototype offers a glimpse into our AR futureHands-on with Meta's first AR glasses.EngadgetIf you're a little curious about the future of augmented reality, Meta's Orion prototype makes the most compelling case yet. They're still incredibly chonky, but Orion is about more than finally making AR glasses a reality. It's also the company's best shot at becoming less dependent on Apple and Google, their app stores. Karissa Bell goes hands-on.Continue reading.Disney forms dedicated AI and mixed-reality teamsIt could eventually be a 100-person group.Disney recently formed a dedicated emerging technologies unit. Dubbed the Office of Technology Enablement, the group will coordinate the company's exploration, adoption and use of artificial intelligence, AR and VR tech across all things Disney. A Disney spokesperson told Engadget the Office of Technology Enablement won't take over any existing AI and XR projects at the company. Instead, it will support Disney's other teams, many of which are already working on products using those technologies.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121503555.html?src=rss
If there's one tradition I can count on every fall, it's the annual rewatch of Over the Garden Wall. The leaves start changing color, pumpkins begin to pop up everywhere, and I start thinking about venturing into the Unknown with Wirt and Greg. Something tells me I'm not the only one. But this year is extra special - today marks the 10-year anniversary since the miniseries debuted on Cartoon Network, and there's a new stop-motion short to celebrate it. The short, from Cartoon Network and Aardman Animations, features some of the show's original voice actors, including Elijah Wood as Wirt, Collin Dean as Greg and Melanie Lynskey as Beatrice.Over the Garden Wall creator Patrick McHale pitched the idea for the stop-motion special to directors Mikey Please and Dan Ojari earlier this year, Ojari told Fast Company. All of the figures are hand-carved wooden puppets, and filming took place in miniature sets (including a 10-by-10 square meter forest") that took two months to build. The only thing that's digital is the facial animation," Please told FC.The end result is really beautiful, and the perfect primer for your yearly return to the strange world of Over the Garden Wall. It's available to watch now on YouTube and X.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/cartoon-network-just-released-an-over-the-garden-wall-stop-motion-short-174926664.html?src=rss
The FBI issued a statement on Saturday about deceptive videos circulating ahead of the election, saying it's aware of two such videos falsely claiming to be from the FBI relating to election security." That includes one claiming the FBI had apprehended three linked groups committing ballot fraud," and one about Kamala Harris' husband. Both depict false content, the FBI said.Disinformation - including the spread of political deepfakes and other forms of misleading videos and imagery - has been a major concern in the leadup to the US presidential election. In its statement posted on X, the FBI added:
There's a great deal on Apple's AirPods Pro 2 over at Amazon right now. The earbuds are currently 28 percent off, bringing them down to $179. That's just $10 more than the all-time-low price we saw during October Prime Day, and will save you $70. The AirPods Pro 2 got an update earlier this year that brought some major new features, most notably a suite of hearing health tools and the capability to be used as hearing aids. On top of that, they now offer new gesture-based Siri Interactions and Voice Isolation to reduce background noise when you're on a call. Siri Interactions allow for hands- and voice-free Siri controls; you can respond to Siri's questions simply by nodding or shaking your head. The second-generation AirPods Pro are the best earbuds for iPhone users, with better sound quality than their predecessors and seamless integration with the other devices in the Apple ecosystem. The AirPods Pro 2 offer active noise cancellation and transparency mode, which allows for more natural conversations while they're in your ear. They also support spatial audio and Dolby Atmos for certain media. The buds come with four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes and are IP54 rated for protection against dust and sweat. They get up to 6 hours of listening time (though this will be less with certain features, like ANC, enabled) and up to 30 hours with a little help from the USB-C MagSafe Charging Case. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-airpods-pro-2-drop-to-179-in-this-early-black-friday-deal-161357773.html?src=rss
In a new security advisory, Okta has revealed that its system had a vulnerability that allowed people to log into an account without having to provide the correct password. Okta bypassed password authentication if the account had a username that had 52 or more characters. Further, its system had to detect a "stored cache key" of a previous successful authentication, which means the account's owner had to have previous history of logging in using that browser. It also didn't affect organizations that require multi-factor authentication, according to the notice the company sent to its users.Still, a 52-character username is easier to guess than a random password - it could be as simple as a person's email address that has their full name along with their organization's website domain. The company has admitted that the vulnerability was introduced as part of a standard update that went out on July 23, 2024 and that it only discovered (and fixed) the issue on October 30. It's now advising customers who meet all of the vulnerability's conditions to check their access log over the past few months.Okta provides software that makes it easy for companies to add authentication services to their application. For organizations with multiple apps, it gives users access to a single, unified log-in so they don't have to verify their identities for each application. The company didn't say whether it's aware of anybody who's been affected by this specific issue, but it promised to "communicate more rapidly with customers" in the past after the threat group Lapsus$ accessed a couple of users' accounts.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/okta-vulnerability-allowed-accounts-with-long-usernames-to-log-in-without-a-password-150041758.html?src=rss
I think my colleague Cherlynn Low jinxed us in the last installment with her mention of a slower than usual October. The last week of the month was jam-packed with news, especially from Apple, so we're in for a busy few weeks of reviews to finish out the year. This week, we tested Amazon's long-awaited color E Ink ereader, a DJI action cam that's finally a worthy GoPro rival and Google's latest tv-streaming device. Here's a quick round-up of the week's in-depth reviews, and a quick preview of what's to come in the post-Halloween deluge. Kindle Colorsoft review by Valentina Palladino After years of users clamoring for a color E Ink option, Amazon finally obliged with the Kindle Colorsoft. This model fills a key gap in the company's ereader lineup, with swift performance and a host of conveniences. The key problem is that it's expensive at $280, plus there's a blue tint to the display when warm light it off. What's more, text isn't as sharp when reading in black and white. Still, this new model will be great for things like graphic novels and other material where you really need to see things in full color. "While it's very late to the color E Ink party, the Kindle Colorsoft is a solid premium ereader that provides an excellent experience both in color and black and white," Valentina notes. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review by Steve Dent Our camera expert Steve Dent put DJI's new action cam through its paces to see if the company did enough to catch up to the likes of GoPro. The short answer is yes, as the Osmo Action 5 Pro has the best battery life of any model in the category on top of good low-light performance, useful subject tracking and built-in memory. Color quality and video sharpness could be better, but DJI has finally given the competition something to worry about with this model. "It's one of the best action cameras I've used, with battery life well above rivals, a solid waterproof construction and full support for DJI's Mic 2," Steve writes. "If low-light performance is key, head straight for DJI's Action 5 Pro." Google TV Streamer review by Amy Skorheim Another streaming device from Google? Yep! The Google TV Streamer isn't a perfect option for your living room, but according to buying advice reporter Amy Skorheim, there's a lot to like about this tiny gadget. Google doubled the price compared to the previous option, which isn't great, and the company didn't include an HDMI cable or support for Wi-Fi 6 or 6E. Once you dive in though, the mix of great UI, attractive design, speedy performance and smart home compatibility make the TV Streamer a handy device. "Yes, the extra RAM and storage is great, but there are a few features - like Wi-Fi 6E support, true assistant capabilities, screaming processor speeds - that Google could have packed in to make the $100 price tag unassailable," Amy explains. "The Google TV Streamer is responsive and quick, packing the best streaming interface out there with smart home features that are useful and properly integrated." Upcoming reviews: All the Macs, Sonos Arc Ultra and PS5 Pro Over the course of three days this week, Apple announced a new iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro, all of which are powered by the company's M4 chips. The biggest design overhaul came in the Mac mini, which truly lives up to its name now that it's a five-inch by five-inch box that's two inches tall, which isn't much bigger than an Apple TV 4K. Of course, the changes to iMac and MacBook Pro warrant a new slate of reviews, so we'll be putting all three machines to the test in the weeks to come. Sonos' follow-up to the Arc soundbar started shipping this week, and I've received our review unit for testing. Dubbed the Arc Ultra, this model should offer better bass performance from the soundbar itself, before you connect a separate wireless subwoofer. It's the debut for the company's Sound Motion tech, which increases that low-end tone without the need for larger components inside the living room speaker. Look for my review on this unit as early as next week. Gamers have likely been anticipating a barrage of PS5 Pro reviews, and ours is coming soon as launch day is November 7. As our gaming guru Jessica Conditt shared in her preview last month, it's not a console you need, but rather one that you'll definitely want. Stay tuned for our in-depth thoughts on how the combination of increased power and added tricks factor into that $700 price tag.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-amazons-colorful-kindle-djis-latest-action-cam-and-more-140046906.html?src=rss
Apple has determined that "a very small percentage" of iPhone 14 Plus models are having rear camera issues, and it has launched a service program to repair them for free. If your phone isn't showing a preview when you use its rear camera, then you may be eligible to get your phone fixed at no cost - you can also contact Apple to get a refund if you'd already paid for a repair. The affected devices were manufactured between April 10, 2023 and April 28, 2024, around half a year after the model started shipping in 2022.You can check your device's serial number on the official repair program page to know if your device is included. To get it fixed, you can bring your phone to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or to an Apple retail store after making an appointment. You can also contact Apple Support if you want to mail your device to a repair center. The program covers repairs for all eligible phones for three years after the original date of purchase, so you may want to keep it in mind in case your unit starts exhibiting the issue in the future. Apple says it may "restrict or limit repair" to the unit's original region of purchase, though, so you'll have to check with the company if you bought your iPhone while traveling outside your country.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/new-apple-repair-program-will-fix-iphone-14-plus-rear-camera-issue-for-free-110051988.html?src=rss
If you're wondering what happened to Amazon's new and improved version of its Alexa voice assistant, you're not alone. Bloomberg reports that the new Alexa is still stuck in its developmental phase and Amazon has cut off access to its beta phase including its new Let's Chat" phase. As a result, a planned late 2024 launch has been pushed back to next year.The problem seems to be with its large language models (LLMs). The new Alexa is designed to understand more complicated questions from users but it's also more likely to fail doing some of the most basic things the old version could do quite easily like create a timer or operate smart lights, according to a follow up report from The Verge.Amazon originally planned to unveil its new version of Alexa AI in October but now the timeline has been extended into next year. (As you might have noticed, October has come and gone.) The original timeline planned to premiere the next evolutionary step in Alexa's advancement on October 17 but Amazon decided to pivot and used the date to show off its new line of Kindle ereaders. Then in August, news surfaced that the new Alexa would be powered by Anthropic's Claude AI and come with a monthly subscription fee.As ChatGPT began to rise in popularity in the summer of 2023, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy wanted to see if Alexa could compete if it had an AI upgrade. Jassy reportedly started peppering Alexa with sports questions like an ESPN reporter at a playoff press conference" and its answers were nowhere near perfect." It even made up a recent game score for Jassy.Despite this, Alexa passed the good enough stage and Jassy and his fellow executives felt their engineers could build a beta version by the early part of 2024. Unfortunately, Amazon wasn't able to meet its deadline.Even with the new deadline, the new Alexa still has a long way to go to fix its problems. Some employees told Bloomberg that the problem outside of Alexa's innerworkings is with Amazon's overstuffed management and a lack of a compelling vision for an AI-powered Alexa." .This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-reportedly-bumped-back-its-ai-powered-alexa-to-next-year-215041138.html?src=rss
Disney is adding another layer to its AI and extended reality strategies. As first reported by Reuters, the company recently formed a dedicated emerging technologies unit. Dubbed the Office of Technology Enablement, the group will coordinate the company's exploration, adoption and use of artificial intelligence, AR and VR tech.It has tapped Jamie Voris, previously the CTO of its Studios Technology division, to oversee the effort. Before joining Disney in 2010, Voris was the chief technology officer at the National Football League. More recently, he led the development of the company's Apple Vision Pro app. Voris will report to Alan Bergman, the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. Reuters reports the company eventually plans to grow the group to about 100 employees.The pace and scope of advances in AI and XR are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors, and our business for years to come - making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks," Bergman wrote in an email Disney shared with Engadget. The creation of this new group underscores our dedication to doing that and to being a positive force in shaping responsible use and best practices."A Disney spokesperson told Engadget the Office of Technology Enablement won't take over any existing AI and XR projects at the company. Instead, it will support Disney's other teams, many of which are already working on products that involve those technologies, to ensure their work fits into the company's broader strategic goals.It is about bringing added focus, alignment, and velocity to those efforts, and about reinforcing our commitment being a positive force in shaping responsible use and best practices," the spokesperson said.It's safe to say Disney has probably navigated the last two decades of technological change better than most of Hollywood. For instance, the company's use of the Unreal Engine in conjunction with a digital set known as The Volume has streamlined the production of VFX-heavy shows like The Mandalorian. With extended reality and AI in particular promising tidal changes to how humans work and play, it makes sense to add some additional oversight to how those technologies are used at the company.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/disney-forms-dedicated-ai-and-xr-group-to-coordinate-company-wide-use-and-adoption-205011787.html?src=rss
One of fantasy and sci-fi's all-time greats has passed away. Artist Greg Hildebrandt, known for his iconic work on Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel and Magic: The Gathering, died on Thursday at 85. He and his twin brother Tim, who died in 2006, were a powerhouse duo - the Brothers Hildebrandt - until they decided to pursue solo careers in 1981.The duo was perhaps best known for their Style B" poster (above) for the original Star Wars in 1977. Released in the UK (Tom Jung's Style A" was the original US poster), the art shows Luke Skywalker heroically hoisting his lightsaber high above his head like King Arthur wielded Excalibur. He's flanked by a blaster-toting Princess Leia, with C-3PO and R2-D2 looking on from behind. Darth Vader's imposing mask peers down on them in the background among a sea of stars, the Death Star and starfighters.As for Luke and Leia's noteworthy lack of resemblance to Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, neither the Brothers Hildebrandt nor Jung had access to the actors' photos. So, they made do with generic hero images that could have been ripped from 1970s fantasy book covers. (Still rad, if not screen-accurate.) The Hildebrandt poster was used in the UK until January 1978, when it was replaced by Tom Chantrell's Style C" poster, which depicted the actual cast.Greg Hildebrandt / XThe brothers were also strongly associated with a series of The Lord of the Rings calendars. Decades before Peter Jackson brought the films to live action (and even before the 1978 animated version), their art - which drew on their influence from classic Disney films - was the most prominent visualization of Tolkien's epic for many a 1970s fantasy reader.Among Hildebrandt's many other projects were comics for Marvel and DC, illustrations for Wizards of the Coast (Magic: The Gathering and Harry Potter), magazines Omni, Heavy Metal and Amazing Stories, album art for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Black Sabbath and a long list of book covers.Hildebrandt also fought for freedom with his artistic gifts. After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, he contributed illustrations for Operation USA's benefit anthology comic book series. Profits were donated to Ukrainian refugee relief efforts. Explaining his decision, he wrote, Any project that I can lend my art to that will thwart Putin is a project I will join with all my heart, soul and mind."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/greg-hildebrandt-iconic-star-wars-and-lord-of-the-rings-artist-has-died-at-85-193026772.html?src=rss
A new update for Instagram posted earlier today could fix one of the most frustrating problems for creators. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, announced a new filtering update on Instagram for creators' inboxes.Instagram users with a creator-designated account can now filter message requests in their inbox based on its sender in a similar way to Gmail's labels. Creators can still sort their messages by the most recent" received and by the number of followers" but they can now filter out certain messages. The new filters include requests and messages from verified accounts," businesses," creators" and subscribers."
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are everywhere. If you've spent any time at all on YouTube, chances are you've seen an ad selling VPNs - there have been literally hundreds and thousands of them.We test and review VPNs so you don't have to - but what even is a VPN? The pitch is fairly simple: a VPN can mask your IP address and the identity of your device by routing your traffic through a remote server. Sites and services will see a different IP address to your own, and your internet service provider will only be able to see that you're connected to a VPN server, rather than what sites you're visiting. That means a VPN can be an important tool to keep your data private and secure, especially if you need to connect to an unsecured network. If you're on public WiFi, for example, you can't be sure what they're tracking while you're surfing the internet. With a VPN, there's an additional layer of privacy - as long as you make sure the VPN provider can be trusted. But a VPN should not be the end of your security journey. Complex passwords, multifactor authentication and other security basics should be way higher on your checklist.Another commonly advertised feature of VPNs is evading geoblocking techniques that companies use to prevent you from accessing certain content. Because you're connecting to a remote server, a VPN can effectively change your location, allowing you to watch another country's Netflix content or, say, watch Doctor Who on the UK-only BBC iPlayer. If you're in the EU, it can allow you to access sites that are otherwise blocked due to the region's strict data protection regulations. In the past, VPNs have even been used to skirt political firewalls put up to censor online access.With many VPN makers making sweeping claims about military-grade encryption, digital invisibility and lightning-fast speeds, it's tough to know what's true and what's marketing hype. That's why Engadget started evaluating VPNs in 2023, looking at a number of factors such as security, speed, latency, usage limits and price. And while we don't expect to ramp up to more VPN testing until 2025, our best VPNs guide will continue to be the home base of our coverage. In the meantime, this is our current VPN testing methodology.Background checksBefore we install or sign up for a service, our work begins by investigating each product's lineage. We reference privacy policies, transparency reports and security audits that are publicly available, and note the security specs of each service. We also look into each company's history of security incidents like data breaches. We rely on some pre-existing academic work from bodies like Consumer Reports, VPNalyzer and others when looking into security specs.SetupThe next step in our review process involves a close look at what it's like to get set up on the VPN. This involves looking at the various platforms each VPN supports, from certain web browsers to Smart TVs, to better understand how it can be used. We also look to see just how easy it is to get started on a new VPN. Some will automatically connect to a secure server every time you use your device, while others make you jump through hoops to stay signed in. We seek to understand how user friendly and intuitive these VPNs can be.Usage limitsWhile many VPN providers promise that their service works across every device all the time, there is often small print to consider. We scan the terms of service for each of the company's plans to understand what they are offering. Is there a limit to the number of devices a user can have connected at once? Is there a fair use" limit that kicks in after a certain amount of traffic? Are advanced features multi-hop connections locked to only the priciest plans? We investigate all of these things so you don't have to. We also conduct many of our more specific tests at the same time, which allows us to verify companies' claims about simultaneous device use.Speed and latencyThe first step in testing speed and latency is to ascertain the baseline of the connection before connecting to a VPN. We then use the quick connect" feature on VPN apps to connect to the fastest" provider available when testing internet speed. Once connected, we run internet speed tests by Ookla and ping tests with meter.net. When relaying these results, we will note the average speed and ping across these results, as well as the difference between that average and our baseline when not connected to a VPN.GeoblockingWe test all VPNs from within the US. To check that a service is able to effectively avoid geoblocking, we connect to a Canada-based server and attempt to access content on Netflix that is only available to users in that country. We then connect to a Hong Kong-based server to attempt to watch a news livestream on a YouTube channel that is exclusively available to users in that region. Finally, we conduct a gaming test by playing on servers in the United Kingdom. We're looking to see not only if we can access the same content from all these servers, but also to test for lag or any other headaches that you could run into when using something.Checking for leaksA DNS leak happens when your device sends an unencrypted DNS query outside of your VPN service's encrypted tunnel to an ISP's DNS servers. This effectively nullifies the use of a VPN in the first place by allowing third parties to see and potentially track your browsing activity and IP address.A WebRTC leak is an issue that can occur in modern web browsers that can similarly expose your personal IP address to a website you're on. While you can avoid this by configuring your browser to not send such data, a VPN should be able to prevent this from happening.To check for both of these issues, we use publicly available tools such as NordVPN's IP address lookup tool and ExpressVPN's leak tests before and after connecting to a VPN and make sure neither fault is occurring.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-we-test-vpns-175845189.html?src=rss
Atari and developer Digital Eclipse have announced details of the next paid expansion for Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, a remarkable collection that's both a compilation of many of the publisher's games and a documentary about its half-century history. This second DLC is called The First Console War and it highlights the rivalry with Mattel's Intellivision, Atari's first real competitor in the console market.The bundle includes 19 more games and eight video segments that delve into the rivalry, as well as what eventually led to Mattel making games for Atari systems. Atari and Digital Eclipse say the DLC includes more The First Console War DLC features additional interviews, vintage ads and never-before-seen historical artifacts that help tell the story of the battle between Atari and Mattel. As it happens, it was a war Atari ended up decisively winning, as it bought the Intellivision brand earlier this year.The DLC includes prototypes and other games that never saw the light of day until now. The full list is as follows:
The first American-made Polestar EVs are now on the road. The Swedish automaker said on Friday it delivered the first Polestar 3 SUVs to US and Canadian customers. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Biden in 2022, incentivizes automakers to manufacture EVs in the US, offering tax credits for companies and buyers.Polestar began stateside Polestar 3 production in August at its Ridgeville, South Carolina plant. Those vehicles will serve North American and European markets, complementing the company's more established production in Chengdu, China.Tim Stevens for EngadgetThe automaker says American and Canadian Polestar 3 deliveries will pick up steam in the coming weeks. You can take one for a spin if you live near one of the automaker's Polestar Spaces, essentially brand-building fancy showrooms in or near major US cities.The Polestar 3 is billed as the company's coming-out party, expanding the niche reach of the first two models to a more mainstream audience. Engadget's Tim Stevens tested the EV last month and found that, apart from a few early software glitches, the $73,400 and up SUV is great."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/polestar-delivers-the-first-us-made-polestar-3-evs-180002236.html?src=rss
It's the start of a new month and, as always, Amazon is set to give away a ton of PC games to Prime members. Once again, it's a pretty strong lineup. There's a broad range of offerings from immersive sims and classic platformers to splashy action-adventure titles and chaotic cooking simulators.Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (one of our favorite games of 2021), Mafia: Definitive Edition (a 2020 remake of the 2002 original), Dishonored, Elite Dangerous and Super Meat Boy are among the more well-known titles on the list. Overcooked is brilliant fun and, in my opinion, a perfect relationship test. Meanwhile, if the idea of building and running a dinosaur theme park in which the attractions hopefully won't run amok is your thing, Jurassic World Evolution is one on the options.You can claim Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (via the Epic Games Store) and Mafia: Definitive Edition (via GOG) today. Here's what else you can snap up and when, along with the launcher you can play each game on:November 7
Apple is set to buy a notable developer of photo-editing apps. The company is acquiring Pixelmator, pending regulatory approval. Terms of the deal haven't been disclosed.While it seems likely that Apple will eventually bake some of Pixelmator's tech into its own Camera and Photos apps, the latter said "there will be no material changes to the Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS and Photomator apps at this time." However, it promised there will be "exciting updates" in the future.Pixelmator said in a statement that it has taken inspiration from Apple since the very beginning of its 17-year existence and that it has similarly focused on "design, ease of use and performance." After the deal closes and it joins Apple, Pixelmator expects to "have the ability to reach an even wider audience and make an even bigger impact on the lives of creative people around the world."For quite some time, Pixelmator's apps have been a popular alternative to the likes of Photoshop within the Apple ecosystem. Its tools are available on Mac, iPhone, iPad and even Vision Pro.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-is-buying-the-developer-of-one-of-the-iphones-best-photo-editing-apps-165853866.html?src=rss
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