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Microsoft and Activision Blizzard accused of 'bad faith bargaining' by Raven Software union workers
Raven Software’s union — the first of its kind in the gaming industry — has hit another snag negotiating its collective bargaining agreement with Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, games journalist Stephen Totilo reported in his Game File newsletter. The union has filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging chiefly that their employer refuses to bargain, or is not bargaining in good faith. The Raven workers succeeded in their union drive, joining the Communications Workers of America (CWA), over two years ago.
The full complaints have not been made available to the public as of Wednesday. We also reached out to Microsoft and Activision Blizzard for a comment on the complaint but did not receive a response as of presstime.
CWA president Claude Cummings Jr. released a statement following the unfair labor practice charges. He urged Microsoft to follow through on its agreement to respect the rights of the Raven Software workers’ union efforts.
“After Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, our members were optimistic that they would progress quickly to a first contract at Raven Software,” Cummings wrote. “Unfortunately, that has not happened. We encourage Microsoft to address the concerns raised in the unfair labor practice charge and make reaching a fair agreement a priority.”
An NLRB investigation revealed Activision Blizzard withheld raises from Raven’s workers following a separate unfair labor practice charge. The complaint filed by the CWA on behalf of workers in 2022 also accused the game publisher of retaliating against workers attempting to form a union by laying off staff members and moving QA workers to separate teams.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/microsoft-and-activision-blizzard-accused-of-bad-faith-bargaining-by-raven-software-union-workers-183040645.html?src=rss
GameStop pivots to retro gaming at select locations
GameStop is pivoting to retro games at select locations. As the industry moves to digital media — and the retailer struggles to adapt to the shifting landscape (including a short-lived stab at NFTs) — the company is betting on the old school. The GameStop Retro locations will stock physical consoles, discs and cartridges from classic Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox and Sega platforms.
The retailer announced the Retro GameStop locations in a post on X (Twitter). The company also has a website where you can search for retro-friendly locations within a 100-mile radius. (I found a grand total of one in my city.)
GameStop lists 18 classic systems supported by its Retro stores, stretching back to the 8-bit glory days of the Nintendo Entertainment System. Here’s the complete list (according to the company’s brief announcement), including their US launch years:
NES (1985)
SNES (1991)
Game Boy (1989)
Sega Genesis (1989)
PlayStation (1995)
Sega Saturn (1995)
Nintendo 64 (1996)
Sega Dreamcast (1999)
PS2 (2000)
Game Boy Advance (2001)
Nintendo GameCube (2001)
Original Xbox (2001)
Nintendo DS (2004)
Xbox 360 (2005)
Nintendo Wii (2006)
PS3 (2006)
Nintendo Wii U (2012)
PS Vita (2012)
You’ll notice that the PSP isn’t among the systems listed. Engadget emailed GameStop to try to confirm it’s omitted and learn more about the initiative. We’ll update this story if we hear back.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/gamestop-pivots-to-retro-gaming-at-select-locations-180704406.html?src=rss
Xbox's streaming app is coming to more Fire TV devices
The Xbox August update is here, bringing with it plenty of little tweaks and new features. Perhaps the biggest news is that the Xbox streaming app is coming to more Fire TV devices. This means that more people will be able to access the wonderful world of Xbox Cloud Gaming.
It was already available for the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) and the Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen), but now it’s available for the previous iterations of those devices, alongside the Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen.) Expanding the availability of cloud-gaming is never a bad thing. There’s the usual caveat, however, as a Game Pass subscription is required here.
Xbox is also amping up Discord integration, which is welcome news. Xbox consoles will now deliver let people know when a friend is playing, chatting or streaming, making it easy to jump into a voice chat or watch that stream. This can all be done directly from the console, without having to use the Discord app on PC or mobile.
As indicated above, users can now watch Discord streams straight from Xbox consoles — or stream their gameplay directly to Discord — which is a nice add-on.
Xbox
The update will also let people customize downloads. This should allow users to only download what’s needed to actually play the game, saving crucial hard drive space. Somebody should get the Call of Duty team on the horn about this one.
Finally, there are additional controller customization options. Toggle hold is coming to the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. When enabled, toggle sends a string of consecutive inputs just like old-school 'turbo' buttons, but without the need to keep that button depressed. That sounds like a great way to sail past “push this button a million times” minigames.
This update is rolling out now and should reach all users by the end of the week. It applies to the Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xboxs-streaming-app-is-coming-to-more-fire-tv-devices-172946436.html?src=rss
AMD Ryzen 9000 Zen 5 and Ryzen 7000 Zen 4 CPUs just received a performance boost
If you own a computer with AMD’s Ryzen 9000 Zen 5 or Ryzen 7000 Zen 4 series of CPUs, you can now improve their performance. AMD also just announced that it has clarified why these processors’ performance was lacking in the first place. Before we get into that, let’s talk about the update.
This Windows optional update is labeled KB5041587, and you can immediately download and install it by opening your Windows Update menu. This development means you don’t have to update your Windows to version 24H2. The performance boosts KB5041587 and version 24H2 offer will be identical. Therefore, you don’t have to wait for the increased frames while gaming.
Jeremy Gan/Engadget
The primary reason for the initial slower speeds was that AMD conducted tests in Super Admin mode. This mode isn’t recommended for those who use computers casually or for gaming. Therefore, the new update mentioned above will let you play games at the speeds AMD intended to deliver with their CPUs.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/amd-ryzen-9000-zen-5-and-ryzen-7000-zen-4-cpus-just-received-a-performance-boost-163014261.html?src=rss
Gemini will soon generate AI images of people again with the upgraded Imagen 3
Google’s generative AI tools are getting some of the boosts the company previewed at Google I/O. Starting this week, the company is rolling out the next-gen version of its Imagen image generator, which reintroduces the ability to generate AI people (after an embarrassing controversy earlier this year). Google’s Gemini chatbot also adds Gems, the company’s take on bots with custom instructions, similar to ChatGPT’s custom GPTs.
Google’s Imagen 3 is the upgraded version of its image generator, coming to Gemini. The company says the next-gen AI model “sets a new standard for image quality” and is built with guardrails to avoid overcorrecting for diversity, like the bizarre historical AI images that went viral early this year.
“Across a wide range of benchmarks, Imagen 3 performs favorably compared to other image generation models available,” Gemini Product Manager Dave Citron wrote in a press release. The tool allows you to guide the image generation with additional prompts if you don’t like what it spits out the first time.
Citron says Imagen 3 performs “favorably” compared to the competition. It also includes Google’s SynthID tool to watermark images, making it clear that they’re AI-made and not the genuine article.
Citron says the ability to generate people will return in the coming days for paid users, months after Google yanked the feature. He says new guardrails will prevent the generation of “photorealistic, identifiable individuals” — a far cry from the problematic deepfakes generated by Elon Musk’s Grok. Also off-limits are children and (as with other image generators) any gory, violent or sexual scenes. The product manager grounds expectations by saying Gemini’s images won’t be perfect, but he promises the company will continue to listen to user feedback and refine accordingly.
Starting this week, the Imagen 3 model will be available for all users, but reintroducing images featuring people will begin with paid users. English-speaking Gemini Advanced, Business and Enterprise users can expect human image generation to return “over the coming days.”
Initially previewed at Google I/O 2024, Gems are Google’s custom chatbots with user-created instructions. It’s essentially Gemini’s answer to OpenAI’s GPTs, which Google’s competitor rolled out late last year. Gems begin rolling out in the next few days.
“With Gems, you can create a team of experts to help you think through a challenging project, brainstorm ideas for an upcoming event, or write the perfect caption for a social media post,” Citron wrote. “Your Gem can also remember a detailed set of instructions to help you save time on tedious, repetitive or difficult tasks.”
In addition to the blank slate of custom Gems, Gemini will include premade ones “to help you get started” and inspire new ideas. Prebuilt Gems include:
Learning coach - to help you understand complex topics
Brainstormer - to inspire new ideas
Career guide - walk you through skill upgrades, decisions and goals
Writing editor - provide constructive feedback on grammar, tone and structure
Coding partner - upgrade coding skills for developers and inspire new projects
Gems begin rolling out today on desktop and mobile. However, they’re only available for Gemini Advanced, Business and Enterprise subscribers, so you’ll need a paid plan to check them out.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/gemini-will-soon-generate-ai-images-of-people-again-with-the-upgraded-imagen-3-161429310.html?src=rss
Watch out, there's a new AI pin in town that can transcribe all your conversations
I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. Standalone AI devices have crashed and burned harder than the Hindenburg. They are, as one might say, not ready for prime time. Heck, the jury’s still out on AI for smartphones. However, the show must go on, so here’s another AI pin that will likely cause Marques Brownlee’s hair to fall out when it officially launches.
The Plaud NotePin could solve some of the issues that plagued rival products by limiting the scope. This thing isn’t a purported digital assistant that will streamline every aspect of modern life. It’s a note-taking device, albeit one with some AI bells and whistles.
The NotePin automatically records and transcribes conversations, and that’s pretty much it. I could see this being useful for students, stopping the cruel punishment known as “jotting down notes.” The same goes for people stuck in an endless kaleidoscope of meetings.
The AI comes into play in a number of ways. First of all, this thing isn’t stuck on English. The pin can transcribe and translate 59 languages, with more on the way. It also, allegedly, will pay attention to context to correctly name each speaker and organize the talk into something resembling a script.
Finally, there’s an AI analysis component that summarizes everything. This data can be accessed via a chat window, so you can ask specific questions about any of the dozens of conversations you’ve had while wearing the pin.
Plaud
The NotePin is small and light, with the company saying it weighs about the same as a AA battery. This form factor will let users pin it just about anywhere, so it won’t be quite as obvious as the scalding-hot (and heavy) Humane AI pin. Pre-orders are available now, and it’s fairly reasonable at $170. However, an $80 annual subscription is required if you want to record more than 300 minutes of audio per month.
But I’m not done. Here’s where things get weird. This is just the first step in the company’s plans toward something grandiose. Plaud hopes to one day use the trove of recordings to create a “digital twin” of each user, according to an interview with Wired.
“Someday, you’re going to be able to utilize AI to reproduce yourself—create this real digital twin. That’s kind of this grand mission, where we think if we’re able to help users connect to so many memories, it’s going to be grand,” said Plaud CEO Nathan Hsu.
However, Hsu says this dream may take “decades” to achieve, so at least he’s being realistic, unlike every other AI company out there. Also, I don’t want a digital twin. One of me is enough, thank you very much.
For now, though, there’s the NotePin. I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t work (mostly) as advertised. I also don’t see why anyone would need it when they already carry around a computer with a microphone that could very easily house software to do everything the NotePin can do. Shrug.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/watch-out-theres-a-new-ai-pin-in-town-that-can-transcribe-all-your-conversations-153131281.html?src=rss
Snap is trying to help educators better understand how students use Snapchat
As millions of young people head back to school, Snap wants to help educators have a better understanding of how teens use Snapchat, and be aware of the safety resources and protections that are available. The Educator’s Guide to Snapchat features videos that detail features that schools can employ, as well as safeguards for young people.
The guide offers educators materials they can pass along to parents and counselors to help students navigate serious online risks such as bullying, mental health concerns and sextortion. Through a new form, Snap is also seeking feedback from educators directly about how the app is used in school communities.
Snap's aim is to help educators stay connected with their students, and having a working knowledge of online platforms plays an important role in that. A toolkit that the company developed in partnership with Safe and Sound Schools provides educators with information on how to better support the online safety and wellbeing of their students. There is, of course, an onus on explaining how Snapchat works.
According to Snap, more than 20 million US teens use Snapchat. Schools across the country have taken a variety of approaches to managing phone use, with some requiring students to seal their handsets in pouches while they're in class. Some states have outright banned students from using their phones in classrooms or on school grounds. The merits of sweeping bans on phones in schools are up for debate, but there's no denying that there's value in helping educators and students have a better understanding of how to safely use their devices, various apps and the internet.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/snap-is-trying-to-help-educators-better-understand-how-students-use-snapchat-150754158.html?src=rss
Uber teen accounts 2.0 revealed with more convenience and safety features
Uber has updated its teen accounts with new and improved features primarily designed for convenience and security. Besides previous functions like tracking trip progress and Uber Eats connectivity, the rideshare company is now announcing several additional features. Parents in charge of teen accounts, which are available in all 50 states and 250+ cities can apply them to their teens’ accounts.
Previously, teen accounts did not support parents booking trips using their own phones, but the new guardian booking feature now allows this. Parents using guardian booking will have access to the same security features a teen account will use. Parents with an Uber One membership can also now share the benefits with teens, such as free delivery and cash back trips. Any cash back funds go to the teen’s account for future use.
Teen accounts can also now use Uber Reserve to request rides up to 90 days ahead. Reserve trips can be at least booked with as little as 30 minutes of advance notice, too. Finally, teen accounts can now use Uber Cash if they receive Uber gift cards. They can use the money on their own for future rides or food.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/uber-teen-accounts-20-revealed-with-more-convenience-and-safety-features-142209566.html?src=rss
Anker Labor Day deals including this 10K magnetic power bank for only $30
Just because summer is ending (yes, I will admit it) doesn't mean that the day trips or weekend getaways must stop. If you spent the whole season desperately looking for an outlet, then maybe reward yourself this fall with a power bank? Right now, a few of Anker's best portable chargers are on sale, including the 334 Magnetic Power Bank. The wireless portable charger is down to an all-time low price of $30 from $40 — a 25 percent discount.
Anker's 334 Magnetic Power Bank provides a 7.5W charge without any need for a wire. I don't have this one, but I do have another Anker power bank, and being able to connect without worrying about a cord is a game changer. Worth noting: this accessory is solely for iPhone users and is compatible with the iPhone 12 and above. Plus, you can charge the accessory and your iPhone at the same time if you're only traveling with one plug.
If you're looking for a power bank with more, well, power then check out some of the other deals on Anker accessories. Anker's Qi2 Certified 15W MagGo Power Bank is down to $70 from $90 — a 22 percent discount. The accessory is one of our top picks for 2024's best power banks and portable chargers thanks to features like its fast charging speeds, sturdy kickstand and clear battery percentage indicator. It's compatible with the iPhone 12 and higher, giving you a full charge and about two-thirds of the way to another.
The other option to consider is Anker's 200W Prime Power Bank with three ports and a 100W charging case. It's available for $150, down from $185, and has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. A clear front display also states how much charge is left (or how long until the power bank is back to 100 percent). It works with laptops and smartphones and can charge two computers at once with 100W each.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-labor-day-deals-including-this-10k-magnetic-power-bank-for-only-30-135615179.html?src=rss
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with beautiful artistic flair
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 first appeared with an intriguing trailer as part of Microsoft's summer showcase, teasing a dream world where squads of adventurers fight in a bid to defeat “The Paintress” who is gradually shaving years off the maximum life that people could live.
It’s a very JRPG-sounding premise. It’s the first title from new French studio Sandfall Interactive, set in a bleak, ethereal world inspired by Belle Époque-era France (spot the twisted Eiffel Tower), adding slightly more reason to battle this powerful, mysterious Paintress. You’ll play a team of Expeditioners, exploring fantastical landscapes and fighting monsters to defeat the Paintress. It sounds vague because well, I don’t quite understand what the hell is going on. I went back to the trailer – perhaps that will help clarify things.
Clear as mud. But that’s fine, this is a fantasy RPG — I didn't expect to understand the story from the outset. I recently watched some hands-off gameplay with Guillaume Broche, Creative Director for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the game’s producer, François Meurisse.
We toured a handful of levels and locations, also introducing a handful of the party characters. You’ll start the game with Gustave. Each party member has their own unique battle mechanic, which charges up during battles. You can increase the charge speed with judicious guarding, dodging and parrying. With Gustave’s robotic arm, for example, he can build up a shock attack that he can unleash early for extra damage, or charge up further for an extra aggressive strike.
Maelle, Gustave’s adoptive sister who goes missing early in the game, has a stance technique that can augment her battle stats after an attack from her fencing saber. The game is turn-based, with enemies and allies able to attack (or recover) in a predetermined order. This is augmented with some action RPG touches and QTEs (quick-time events) where you’ll need to defend with precision timing. Get enough parries in a row, and characters will damage the enemy heavily. I got to see a boss monster strike my entire party — fortunately, you only have to nail the dodge once for the entire team to block or parry. The fights themselves are reminiscent of Persona 5, with dramatic camera-angle shifts, inky, paint-themed special effects and a focus on the beautiful character (and monster) design. Special attacks and spells use ability points, which are also replenished from successful guarding and QTE timing. In short, you will still have to pay attention during battles. Sorry.
Alongside Maelle and Gustave, the party in the demo was rounded out by Lune, apparently the team’s mage. You’ll come across the rest of your expeditionary party during the adventure, in typical JRPG style. Broche told me at the outset that Expedition 33 was a tribute to the classic RPGs of the ‘90s, even if it looks nothing like them. Outside of pixelated Switch adventures, turn-based RPGs have long fallen out of favor, replaced by action RPGs, even for remade titles. This is Sandfall Interactive’s attempt to reinvigorate the turn-based RPG for 2024.
Each character has a dedicated weapon type that can be gradually enhanced and strengthened, adding new abilities as the character grows. I caught a glimpse of a complicated skill tree that players will get to chip away at. Elemental attacks will depend on the weapon your character is wielding, likely meaning some careful party creation (or customization) will be needed later in the game.
Beyond elemental weaknesses, some enemies will also have shielding that will protect them from your attacks. As you progress, some will have visible weaknesses that players will have to shoot at – usually with visual tells, like the weak spots on early anchor enemies. This free-aim system is also used in the environments. I saw a few ‘shooting’ puzzles used to unlock treasure and other rewards. Expedition 33 will be separated into different thematic areas, each offering alternative routes (some may offer extra treasure or tougher enemies) and visual landmarks that will offer more insight into the world and lore. The developers said that much of the story will have to be unearthed by players themselves, hunting down collectible notes from the husks of failed expeditions of the past.
Sandfall Interactive
The early environments I saw of Expedition 33 were gorgeous. One of the initial areas is built as if you’re walking along the bottom of the ocean, laced with plankton, coral and curtains of seaweed. In fact, the beautiful world is only outdone by the character models. The team seems to have put a lot of effort into making its heroes emote and react in a way you wouldn’t have seen in RPGs of old.
I’m wary of how much of an RPG epic the Sandfall Interactive team will be able to make, given its size. While I didn't get to play Expedition 33 at this point, I wonder how much exploration will be possible in the finished game and whether it will reward players’ curiosity beyond plot lore and mournful letters from dead expeditions.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S and PC.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/clair-obscur-expedition-33-is-a-turn-based-rpg-with-beautiful-artistic-flair-130050721.html?src=rss
How to use a VPN on your iPhone
There’s a good chance your iPhone (or other smartphone) is your primary access point to most of your online activities. Everything from checking email to streaming your favorite shows to shopping online happens on our mobile devices, but that flexibility can come at the expense of privacy and overall security. (Yes, your ISP and mobile carrier can see all the sites you're visiting by default.) Using a VPN on your iPhone can give some of the privacy back, while also letting you do things like stream foreign Netflix shows more easily. Here’s everything you need to know about using a VPN on your iPhone.
Choosing the right VPN
What VPN you use — or don't use — makes all the difference. For instance, while Apple offers a VPN-like service in the form of iCloud Private Relay, it's not really a full-service virtual private network. And with a small handful of notable exceptions, it’s imperative not to avoid most free VPNs, as they’re notorious for collecting your personal data and selling it to advertising networks — the very antithesis of what VPNs stand for. So while you’ll have to shell out some money for a good service, many of the top providers offer a free trial period to start.
I suggest you check out our article on the best VPNs, where we recommend a few options and explain what makes each service attractive. Each one supports iOS, and you can find them easily on the App Store. Do your own research and choose one you feel fits your needs and budget.
John P. Falcone/Engadget
Installing a VPN
Once you’ve decided which VPN to install, head to the App Store on your iPhone and search for it. Go through the download and installation process as you would with any other app.
If you haven’t already purchased a VPN subscription, you can once you install the app. Unlike purchasing on the VPN’s website, buying an in-app subscription is extremely easy and only requires verifying the purchase with your Face ID or logging into your Apple ID.
Again, many of the best VPNs also provide limited free bandwidth, so you can test its servers and functionality before investing in a subscription. Typically, they’ll give anywhere from 1GB to 10GB of monthly data, which isn’t a lot at all.
Using a VPN on your iPhone
Now that you have the VPN installed on your iPhone and purchased the subscription, you’re ready to start using it. Although each app has a different layout, the basic functionality of every iPhone VPN is the same.
There’ll be a list of all the available servers where you can choose the country (or city) you want to connect to. Then, all you need to do is press the big “Connect” button. It’s pretty simple to use an iPhone VPN.
If you’re tech-savvy, you can tweak a few other settings, such as enabling a kill switch, choosing which protocol to use and turning on auto-connect.
While installing the app of your chosen VPN provider should integrate it into your iPhone's networking options, there's an alternate configuration route — one that you may need to use if you're installing a corporate or school VPN. Enter the Settings app on your iPhone, go to VPN & Device Management section under General, and click "Add VPN Configuration." You'll need details like the server address and remote ID, as well as your username and password, of course.
Making sure your iPhone VPN works
This screenshot was not taken from London.
whatismyipaddress.com
Once you turn the VPN on, you should see a square VPN sign where all the network icons are in the top right of your iPhone screen. This means that you’re connected to your VPN. However, there are a few things you can do to double-check.
To start, you could check your IP address at a site like whatismyipaddress.com — first with the VPN off, then with it on. If the number (and the location on the map) doesn't change, that means your VPN is not properly engaged.
Another method is to set your VPN for another country and open your streaming platform of choice. If you notice that the content library differs from what you usually see, your VPN is correctly place-shifting your location. For instance, you'll no longer find Friends on US Netflix, but (as of the time of this writing) it's available for streaming when you set your location to the UK.
TL;DR
Installing a VPN on your iPhone is extremely simple. If you already have a VPN subscription, installing it on your phone gives you an additional level of privacy and geographic flexibility. For those new to VPNs, read our best VPNs article, purchase a subscription, install it and you’re ready to start using a VPN on your iPhone.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-iphone-124543616.html?src=rss
https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-iphone-124543616.html?src=rss
Samsung's 27-inch 5K ViewFinity S9 monitor is 48 percent off at Amazon for Labor Day
Samsung's first 5K monitor is now on sale at Amazon for almost half off its original price. The company announced the ViewFinity S9 5K monitor at CES 2023 and released it first in South Korea before bringing it to the United States with a list price of $1,599 in July last year. Now, you can get the 27-inch monitor for only $830, 48 percent less than its list price and the lowest we've seen the device go for on the e-commerce website. To note, ViewFinity S9 is comparable to the 27-inch Apple Studio Display, which is also a 5K monitor that will set you back at least $1,599.
The ViewFinity S9 has a 5,120 x 2,880 resolution, 218 pixels per inch, 99 percent DCI-P3 that delivers color saturation and a 60Hz refresh rate. It was designed with creatives in mind and has a matte display to reduce light reflections. The monitor also comes with an Intelligent Eye Care mode that automatically optimizes brightness, reduces blue light and eliminates screen flickering in order to reduce eye strain.
You can connect it to both Windows and Mac devices, thanks to its DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, so you can use it as a monitor for various PCs. If you stream or attend video calls frequently, you can use its built-in SlimFit 4K camera that's also compatible with both Macs and Windows computers.
The monitor is Apple AirPlay-compatible and will be able to mirror or extend your screen, which you help you boost your productivity. If you're looking at lengthy documents and a vertical screen would be ideal, you can pivot the monitor 90 degrees to keep reading without scrolling as much. In addition, you can just as easily use it for entertainment, because it comes embedded with several smart TV apps, as well as Samsung's Gaming Hub.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/samsungs-27-inch-5k-viewfinity-s9-monitor-is-48-percent-off-at-amazon-for-labor-day-123013009.html?src=rss
The best instant cameras for 2024
Instant cameras have become a popular category for one simple reason: they’re fun. You can whip one out at a party or event and take a snap, then a couple of minutes later you have a real, physical photo that everyone can touch, feel and enjoy instead of staring at a screen. It’s also a lot cooler than a smartphone shot thanks to the retro, nostalgic vibes.
Given the large number of models on the market, choosing one can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this buying guide that will help you choose the best instant camera for you based on factors like price, film size, photo quality and more.
What to consider before buying an instant camera
The main factor for most people is the size of the film. Fujifilm’s Instax alone offers three formats: Mini, Square and Wide, with film sizes of 3.4 x 2.1 inches, 3.4 x 2.8 inches and 3.4 x 4.3 inches. The corresponding image sizes are 2.44 x 1.81 inches, 2.44 x 2.44 inches and 2.44 x 3.9 inches.
Leica’s Sofort 2 and Lomography models also uses Fujifilm’s Mini format, while Polaroid’s smaller Go format is 2.64 x 2.13 inches (1.81 x 1.83-inch image) and its i-Type size is 3.46 x 4.21 inches, with a square image size of 3.11 x 3.11 inches.
When most people think of retro instant cameras, they think of a square image size. That’s why Instagram, which used to have a Polaroid-like app icon, only supported square images for years. If that’s what you want, then Fuji’s Square or either of Polaroid’s formats are best. However, if you want as large an image as possible, Fujifilm’s Instax wide is the way to go.
As for prices, Fujifilm’s Instax films are generally around $1 per shot for square or wide color film and $.60 - $.75 for mini color film. Those prices go up a bit if you choose custom models with colorful or patterned borders, and down if you buy in bulk. Polaroid’s i-Type film is a bit more at about $1.50 per shot or $1.00 per shot for Go color film.
Image quality isn’t really the point with instant cameras of course, as they’re always going to be fuzzy compared to digital photos. However, some models (notably Fujifilm and Polaroid models) are a bit better than others.
And in terms of pricing, cameras with larger film are generally more expensive. It also increases if you add hybrid features like USB-C connectivity, smartphone sharing, the ability to print out photos and more, along with niceties like a selfie mirror. The best, most feature-laden cameras can cost upwards of $200 and basic versions can be well under $100.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/best-instant-camera-120034778.html?src=rss
https://www.engadget.com/cameras/best-instant-camera-120034778.html?src=rss
X's Grok chatbot now directs election queries to Vote.gov
Misinformation is all over the internet, including the — at times — chaos that is X (formerly Twitter). AI bots have a habit of adding to it. Now, with barely two months left until the presidential election, an update to Grok, X's premium chatbot, could curve some of it (after being called out for said election misinformation). Grok will now direct anyone with an election-related query to Vote.org, a non-partisan website operated through a partnership between the US government, the US Election Assistance Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
The catalyst for change came on July 21, only hours after President Biden announced his decision not to seek reelection, when Grok falsely posted that the ballot deadline had passed in nine states, implying officials couldn't change the democratic candidate. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon had staff attempt to contact X about the error, to which they received the response, "Busy now, please check back later." Grok continued to share the response for ten days.
Secretary Simon joined the Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington Secretaries of State — all states wrongly named by Grok — in writing an open letter to X and xAI CEO Elon Musk calling for Grok to direct any election queries to CanIVote.org, another non-partisan resource. They claimed Grok's response, though only available to X Premium and Premium+ subscribers, reached "millions of people" due to screenshots and shares.
The letter also shamed Grok and xAI a bit further, explaining how its competitor, OpenAI, had teamed up with the National Association of Secretaries of State to provide accurate, up-to-date election information. It also mentioned that OpenAI's bot, ChatGPT, was already programmed to direct users to CanIVote.org if it received questions about the US election.
The update is a start. The bot has also created misleading images of the top party candidates. "We appreciate X's action to improve their platform and hope they continue to make improvements that will ensure their users have access to accurate information from trusted sources in this critical election year," the Secretaries of State said in response to the update. "Elections are a team effort, and we need and welcome any partners who are committed to ensuring free, fair, secure, and accurate elections."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/xs-grok-chatbot-now-directs-election-queries-to-votegov-114516549.html?src=rss
The Morning After: Why aren’t you playing Balatro yet?
As a regular reader of TMA, you might have picked up on regular references to the addictive card-game-that-isn’t-a-card-game, Balatro. If you want to get technical, it’s a single-player poker-themed rogue-like deck builder game where you build and modify your decks with powerful joker cards to overcome scores that increase in each round. (I am aware of how boring that makes it sound, but trust me: It’s amazing)
If you’re not playing it yet, get on it. The makers have announced a collaboration with a handful of games, introducing new themed decks based on The Witcher, Vampire Survivors (another addictive game recently added to Apple Arcade), Dave the Diver and Among Us.
These themed decks are seemingly the only twist. There are no super-powered new jokers, but a new challenge is welcome. Now, where’s that mobile version? According to the creator of Black Mirror, it could end humanity.
— Mat Smith
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Telegram CEO charges include distributing CSAM and money laundering
There are 12 charges in total.
French authorities have arrested Telegram boss Pavel Durov on charges that include money laundering and distributing child pornography. The charges reportedly come from a judicial investigation opened in July against an unnamed individual. The arrest has sparked debate around how much responsibility platform owners have for content on their platforms. Telegram denies the charges, while Elon Musk (ugh) has called for Durov’s release. French President Emmanuel Macron defended the arrest, stating France is committed to upholding the law.
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Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ laptop review
A capable AI PC but issues with Windows on Arm.
The XPS 13 is a capable and stylish Copilot+ PC, but it’s still slower than the Intel model, at times. On top of that, it doesn’t run some games and apps. Sadly, battery life is also surprisingly average. With an NPU capable of 45TOPS, the laptop is better equipped for future AI features.
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The retro Barbie flip phone arrives only 15 months after the movie
It’s set to launch in October.
HMD’s Barbie Phone finally has pricing and release info. The Mattel-sanctioned hot pink flip-phone launches in October — only 15 months after Greta Gerwig’s movie hit theaters! — for $129. Better late than never? Or just… never?
Continue reading.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-why-arent-you-playing-balatro-yet-111600293.html?src=rss
The best wireless workout headphones for 2024
Setting the mood with the right music can make working out easier and more enjoyable. Wireless workout headphones give you the freedom to do any kind of exercise you prefer, be it weight-lifting or skateboarding, untethered and in your own little world with your favorite playlist or podcasts. But if you plan on sweating or doing anything more vigorous than a brisk walk with your headphones, there are things to consider like water resistance, battery life and overall comfort. And if you want just one pair that you can use in and out of the gym, the decision can quickly get complicated. At Engadget, we’ve tested and reviewed a bunch of headphones for working out to come up with our top picks, plus some advice to consider before you pick up a pair.
Editor's Note (August 2024): Jabra recently announced it will exit the consumer earbuds business, which is disappointing considering the company has made excellent headphones for running (and all other types of exercise). Our top picks include two Jabra models and we feel comfortable recommending them still because Jabra plans to support its current earbuds for "several years." However, we're constantly testing new buds and reassessing our top picks, so we'll update this list accordingly in the future.
What to look for in workout headphones
Design
Before diving in, it’s worth mentioning that this guide focuses on wireless earbuds. While you could wear over-ear or on-ear headphones during a workout, most of the best headphones available now do not have the same level of durability. Water and dust resistance, particularly the former, is important for any audio gear you plan on sweating with or taking outdoors, and that’s more prevalent in the wireless earbuds world.
Most earbuds have one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The first two are the most popular. In-ears are arguably the most common, while those with hooks promise better security and fit since they have an appendage that curls around the top of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, but rather sit just outside of it. This makes it easier to hear the world around you while also listening to audio, and could be more comfortable for those who don’t like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.
Water resistance and dust protection
Even if a pair of headphones for working out aren’t marketed specifically as exercise headphones, a sturdy, water-resistant design will, by default, make them suitable for exercise. To avoid repetition, here’s a quick primer on durability, or ingression protection (IP) ratings. The first digit you’ll see after the “IP” refers to protection from dust and other potential intrusions, measured on a scale from 1 to 6. The second refers to water resistance or even waterproofing, in the best cases. The ratings for water resistance are ranked on a scale of 1 to 9; higher numbers mean more protection, while the letter “X” means the device is not rated for protection in that regard.
All of the earbuds we tested for this guide have at least an IPX4 rating, which means there’s no dust protection, but the buds can withstand splashes from any direction and are sweat resistant, but probably shouldn't be submerged. For a detailed breakdown of all the possible permutations, check out this guide published by a supplier called The Enclosure Company.
Active noise cancellation and transparency mode
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is becoming standard on wireless earbuds, at least those above a certain price point. If you’re looking for a pair of buds that can be your workout companion and serve you outside of the gym, too, noise cancelation is a good feature to have. It makes the buds more versatile, allowing you to block out the dull roar of your home or office so you can focus, or give you some solitude during a busy commute.
But an earbud’s ability to block out the world goes hand-in-hand with its ability to open things back up should you need it. Many ANC earbuds also support some sort of “transparency mode,” or various levels of noise reduction. This is important for running headphones because exercising outdoors, alongside busy streets, can be dangerous. You probably don’t want to be totally oblivious to what’s going on around you when you’re running outside; adjusting noise cancelation levels to increase your awareness will help with that. Stronger noise cancelation might be more appealing to those doing more indoor training if they want to block out the dull roar of a gym or the guy exaggeratingly lifting weights next to you.
Battery life
All of the Bluetooth earbuds we tested have a battery life of six to eight hours. In general, that’s what you can expect from this space, with a few outliers that can get up to 15 hours of life on a charge. Even the low end of the spectrum should be good enough for most athletes and gym junkies, but it’ll be handy to keep the buds’ charging case on you if you think you’ll get close to using up all their juice during a single session.
You’ll get an average of 20 to 28 extra hours of battery out of most charging cases and all of the earbuds we tested had holders that provided at least an extra 15 hours. This will dictate how often you actually have to charge the device — as in physically connect the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to power up.
How we test workout headphones
In testing wireless workout headphones, I wear them during every bit of exercise I do — be it a casual walk around the block, a brisk morning run or a challenging weight-lifting session. I’m looking for comfort arguably most of all, because you should never be fussing with your earbuds when you should be focusing on working out. In the same vein, I’m cognizant of if they get loose during fast movements or slippery when I’m sweating. I also use the earbuds when not exercising to take calls and listen to music throughout the day. Many people will want just one pair of earbuds that they can use while exercising and just doing everyday things, so I evaluate each pair on their ability to be comfortable and provide a good listening experience in multiple different activities.
While I am also evaluating sound quality, I’m admittedly not an audio expert. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and you’ll find much more detailed information about audio quality for some of our top picks in his reviews and buying guides. With these headphones for working out, however, I will make note of related issues if they stood out (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably strong bass out of the box, weak highs, etc). Most of the wireless workout headphones we tested work with companion apps that have adjustable EQ settings, so you’ll be able to tweak sound profiles to your liking in most cases.
Best workout headphones for 2024
Others wireless workout headphones we tested
Apple AirPods Pro
The Apple AirPods Pro have an IP54 rating, which protects them from brief encounters with dust and splashes. While that’s more dust protection than many other earbuds we tested, it’s the same level of water resistance that most exercise-specific competitors have. We generally like the AirPods Pro, but the Beats Fit Pro offer many of the same features and conveniences (namely good transparency mode and the H1 chip), with a design that’s more appropriate for working out.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
The Powerbeats Pro are a good alternative to the Beats Fit Pro if you’re a stickler for a hook design. However, they cost $50 more than the Fit Pro (although they often hover around $180) and don’t offer any significant upgrades or additional features aside from their design. They’re also quite old at this point (launched in 2019) and it appears Beats is putting more effort into upgrading and updating its newer models rather than this model.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro
The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s version of the Shokz OpenFit, but I found it to be less secure and not as comfortable as the latter. The actual earbuds on the AeroFit Pro are noticeably bulkier than those on the OpenFit, which caused them to shift and move much more when I was wearing them during exercise. They never fell off my ears completely, but I spent more time adjusting them than I did enjoying them.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
The most noteworthy thing about the Endurance Peak 3 is that they have the same IP68-rating that the Jabra Elite 8 Active do, but they only cost $100. But, while you get the same protection here, you’ll have to sacrifice in other areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it came to sound quality or comfort (the hook is more rigid than those on my favorite buds of a similar style) and their charging case is massive compared to most competitors.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-wireless-workout-headphones-191517835.html?src=rss
https://www.engadget.com/best-wireless-workout-headphones-191517835.html?src=rss
The retro Barbie flip phone arrives in October, only 15 months after the movie
HMD’s Barbie Phone, the novelty device for Y2K-nostalgic hot pink aficionados, finally has pricing and release info. The Mattel-sanctioned champion of tardy movie tie-ins launches in October — only 15 months after Greta Gerwig’s movie hit theaters! — for $129.
The handset is the creation of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), which currently owns the branding rights to Nokia phones. Rather than a smartphone replacement, the Barbie Phone is a retro-styled flip phone (positively Nokida-esque) with a T9 keyboard and no third-party apps in sight. The company pitches it as “the perfect tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone.”
You won’t find any social media apps, but the phone still makes calls and sends texts. When powering the handset up, you’ll be greeted by a “Hi Barbie” voice before you fire up Malibu Snake for a tribute to OG mobile gaming. Its keypad (in “Barbie pink,” of course) has hidden designs like palm trees, hearts and flamingos that light up in the dark. Because why the hell not?!
HMD
The Barbie Phone has a 5MP camera with a flash that “delivers authentic Y2K style images.” It ships with two alternate covers in addition to the standard one. The two plates include one honoring “the brightly colored swirls of the 1992’s iconic Totally Hair Barbie doll” and another with a shooting-heart design.
Also in the box is a pastel-beaded phone strap that you can adorn with charms like a tiny roller skate or a “Barbie doll-sized ice cream.” You’ll also get sparkly stick-on gems and retro vintage Barbie stickers (including flowers, flamingos and rainbows) to decorate the phone to your heart’s content. It even has a pink USB-C charger.
Naturally, the phone has a Barbie-themed user interface (described as “achingly easy to navigate”), themed wallpapers and app icons. Since HMD is branding the handset as a vacation from smartphone hell, it even includes a digital well-being app.
The Barbie Phone will be available on October 1 for $129. It will ship unlocked and ready to activate on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks. You can pre-order it from HMD’s website beginning on September 23.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/the-retro-barbie-flip-phone-arrives-in-october-only-15-months-after-the-movie-230136984.html?src=rss
Self-storage rooftops will become a nationwide 100MW+ solar farm
Electrek reports that a solar energy company is renting 8.5 million square feet of roof space from the National Storage Affiliates Trust’s (NSA) buildings for its newest solar panel project.
The commercial and community solar developer Solar Landscape’s new rooftop solar panel grid on the NSA’s 1,052 self-storage facilities and properties across 42 states and Puerto Rico are expected to produce at least 100 megawatts of solar capacity. The NSA, headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, is one of the nation’s largest self-storage operators with brands like iStorage, Move It, Northwest and SecurCare.
These solar energy panels won’t just generate power for the NSA’s facilities. The panels will also provide clean power to nearby businesses and homes for a discounted price.
One of the challenges of implementing solar energy is finding enough space for the solar panels. These panels can take up a lot of space, like the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant that set a world record in 2019 with 3.2 million solar panels taking up over 3 square miles of space.
Solar Landscape and the NSA may have found an interesting solution to solar panel projects’ space problem. If this partnership is successful, it could inspire similar deals for other communities looking to benefit from solar power technology.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/self-storage-rooftops-will-become-a-nationwide-100mw-solar-farm-223004138.html?src=rss
Google's Gemini AI can now take notes on your Meet video calls
Google Meet is getting a new AI tool called take notes for me, which will generate summaries of key points during a video call. Rather than offering a word-by-word transcription, this feature uses Gemini AI to record key discussion points in a Google Doc that will appear in the meeting owner's Google Drive. The document can be automatically sent to the attendees or added to the calendar event after the call. It will also include links to the meeting recording and transcript if those features have been enabled.
Google Workspace customers with the Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education Premium, and AI Meetings & Messaging add-ons will be the first to have access to this note-taking feature. Its use is currently limited to English language and to meetings on computers or laptops.
The tech company announced plans to include generative AI in more services last year, and has been aggressive in putting AI features into its hardware and software since then. Its Gemini AI assistant is getting baked into Android and into its Workspace apps. As always, the usefulness of these features may vary depending on how well the AI works and how accurate it is. The specter of Google's AI Overviews telling people to eat glue pizza will likely continue to hang over its ongoing efforts in this space.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-gemini-ai-can-now-take-notes-on-your-meet-video-calls-215741583.html?src=rss
Lyft is testing a new rider verification safety measure
Lyft is piloting its own rider verification program, much as Uber did earlier this year. This feature confirms to drivers that the person getting in their vehicle is who they say they are. The program is launching first in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Phoenix and Seattle.
Lyft will confirm riders' legal names using third-party databases, but has not disclosed which services it is using. If a rider is unable to be verified in one of those unspecified databases, they can also provide a government ID, such as a driver's license, passport or state ID card in order to be verified. Once a rider completes the process, drivers will see a verification badge on that person's profile.
For now, at least, the verification process isn't mandatory, although Lyft's FAQ says that "riders are highly encouraged to participate." If the program works as Lyft is expecting, then drivers may be more inclined to accept requests from verified riders (and unverified riders could see longer wait times.)
Ridesharing poses significant safety risks for drivers. Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft received more than 4,000 reports of sexual assault (though it did not differentiate between those allegedly committed against drivers vs passengers). Driving gig workers also face the risk of carjacking and other violent crimes. The hope is that verification programs like this one could make drivers feel more at ease when letting a stranger into their vehicle. One of Lyft's other recent measures to improve driver safety is the Women+ Connect feature, which was expanded to more cities in February.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/lyft-is-testing-a-new-rider-verification-safety-measure-201515898.html?src=rss