Mark Zuckerberg says Threads has 150 million monthly active users

Metas Twitter/X rival Threads is growing at a stable pace. The social network now has more than 150 million monthly active users up from 130 million in February Mark Zuckerberg mentioned during the companys Q1 2024 earnings call. Since the last quarterly earnings call, Threads has notably taken steps towards integrating with ActivityPub, [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

U.S. President Biden signs bill that will see TikTok sold or banned next year

As U.S. President Joe Biden has signed the bill, TikTok-parent ByteDance has less than a year to divest its ownership or see TikTok banned in the U.S.

Xaira, an AI drug discovery startup, launches with a massive $1B, says its ready to start developing drugs

Advances in generative AI have taken the tech world by storm. Biotech investors are making a big bet that similar computational methods could revolutionize drug discovery. On Tuesday, ARCH Venture Partners and Foresite Labs, an affiliate of Foresite Capital, announced that they incubated Xaira Therapeutics and funded the AI biotech with $1 billion. Other investors [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 193 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview , the experimental browser Apple first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari. Safari Technology Preview 193 includes fixes and updates for Accessibility, CSS, Forms, JavaScript, Rendering, Web API, and Web Inspector. The current Safari Technology Preview release is compatible with machines running macOS Ventura and macOS Sonoma , the latest version of macOS that Apple released in September 2023. The Safari Technology Preview update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser . Full release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website . Apple's aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download. Tag: Safari Technology Preview This article, Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 193 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

WhatsApp for iOS Gains Support for Passkeys

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp today announced that it is rolling out support for passkeys on iOS, a feature that will let WhatsApp users log in to their accounts on iOS devices using Face ID , Touch ID , or their device passcode. Passkeys serve as a replacement for a traditional password, and because device authentication is required, passkeys put a stop to online attacks like phishing. With a passkey, there's no password to steal, and no one-time SMS or authentication code that can be intercepted. Passkeys are also more convenient, because logins are done with a quick Face ID or Touch ID scan rather than a password. WhatsApp passkeys can be enabled by opening up the app settings, choosing the Account section, and tapping on Passkeys. Apple has supported passkeys since 2022, and they work on devices that run iOS 16 and later, iPadOS 16 and later, and macOS Ventura and later. Many companies have been implementing support for passkeys, including X (formerly Twitter), Google, TikTok, PayPal, Best Buy, Microsoft, PlayStation, and eBay. Tag: WhatsApp This article, WhatsApp for iOS Gains Support for Passkeys first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Anduril moves ahead in Pentagon program to develop unmanned fighter jets

Anduril Industries has taken another step forward in its quest to become the next great American prime, this time by beating out major defense companies to develop and test small unmanned fighter jet prototypes. The venture capital darling beat out Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman on the deal, under the Air Forces Collaborative Combat [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Apple Releases Open Source AI Models That Run On-Device

Apple today released several open source large language models (LLMs) that are designed to run on-device rather than through cloud servers. Called OpenELM (Open-source Efficient Language Models), the LLMs are available on the Hugging Face Hub , a community for sharing AI code. As outlined in a white paper [ PDF ], there are eight total OpenELM models, four of which were pre-trained using the CoreNet library, and four instruction tuned models. Apple uses a layer-wise scaling strategy that is aimed at improving accuracy and efficiency. Apple provided code, training logs, and multiple versions rather than just the final trained model, and the researchers behind the project hope that it will lead to faster progress and more trustworthy results in the natural language AI field. OpenELM, a state-of-the-art open language model. OpenELM uses a layer-wise scaling strategy to efficiently allocate parameters within each layer of the transformer model, leading to enhanced accuracy. For example, with a parameter budget of approximately one billion parameters, OpenELM exhibits a 2.36% improvement in accuracy compared to OLMo while requiring 2x fewer pre-training tokens. Diverging from prior practices that only provide model weights and inference code, and pre-train on private datasets, our release includes the complete framework for training and evaluation of the language model on publicly available datasets, including training logs, multiple checkpoints, and pre-training configurations. Apple says that it is releasing the OpenELM models to empower and enrich the open research community with stage-of-the-art language models. Sharing open source models gives researchers a way to investigate risks and data and model biases. Developers and companies are able to use the models as-is or make modifications. The open sharing of information has become an important tool for Apple to recruit top engineers, scientists, and experts because it provides opportunities for research papers that would not normally have been able to be published under Apple's secretive policies. Apple has not yet brought these kinds of AI capabilities to its devices, but iOS 18 is expected to include a number of new AI features, and rumors suggest that Apple is planning to run its large language models on-device for privacy purposes. Tag: Artificial Intelligence This article, Apple Releases Open Source AI Models That Run On-Device first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Threads has 150 million monthly users

Metas Threads app now has more than 150 million monthly users, an increase of about 20 million new users since February . Mark Zuckerberg shared the latest user numbers during Metas first-quarter earnings call, saying that the app continues to be on the trajectory that I hope to see. The update suggests Threads is continuing to grow steadily, though at a slower rate than its initial explosive growth. The app racked up more than 100 million downloads in its first week, but later saw a drop-off in engagement. But over the last six months, Threads has seen more consistent growth and Zuckerberg has speculated the service could eventually be Metas next billion-user app. Notably, Threads seems to be out-performing X (formerly known as Twitter) by some metrics. Estimates from analytics firm Apptopia indicated Threads has more daily users in the United States than X, Business Insider reported earlier this week. (X has claimed 550 million daily users globally.) Threads also scored another significant win recently when Taylor Swift joined the platform to promote her latest album. Threads is, for now, unique among Metas apps in that it doesnt have advertising so the company doesnt make money from the app directly. That will likely change at some point provided Threads continues to expand its reach. Zuckerberg has previously said the company would focus on monetization only after the app has grown sufficiently. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/threads-has-150-million-monthly-users-215853190.html?src=rss

Save up to $300+ on TENWAYS CGO series e-bikes with bonus savings starting from $1,499

TENWAYS, an e-bike manufacturer headquartered in the Netherlands, has discounted its two CGO series e-bike models by up to $400 through April 30, with bonus savings and bundle options available, which we discuss further down. The first of the two models is the CGO600 Pro e-bike for $1,499 shipped . Down from a more regular $1,899 price tag, discounts on these e-bikes seem far less common than the bigger, more famous brands that have been around longer like Aventon, Juiced, or Rad Power. Todays deal is the lowest price we have tracked for this particular model, coming in as a 21% markdown off the going rate and landing within a more affordable range alongside other popular brands. Keep in mind that only the Pebble Grey colorway is discounted by $400, with the other colorways receiving $300 discounts. more

Govees Glide Hexagon Ultra smart light panel 10-pack returns to $280 all-time low (Reg. $350)

The official Govee Amazon storefront is offering its Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra 10-pack for $279.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $70 off coupon . Down from $350, this is only the sixth official discount since its release back in September. It spent most of 2023 keeping at or above $300, with Black Friday sales dropping costs to the $280 low. Todays deal comes in as the third discount of the new year, amounting to a 20% markdown off the going rate and returning costs to the all-time lowest price we have tracked matching Black Friday prices. You can learn all about these panels newer features by heading below the fold or in our launch coverage . These are the latest light panels from Govee, sporting a modular design that allows you to arrange the 10 included panels in any configuration that you prefer. Each panel has 129 LED beads packed inside far more than past models and offer three different lighting modes alongside the usual 3D color illumination. The six sides of the panels can even be spliced together giving you virtually limitless combinations and possibilities. Head below to learn more. more

Review: Razers new top-tier Viper V3 Pro gaming mouse tips the scales at just 54g [Video]

Razers latest high-end gaming mouse is the Viper V3 Pro. We got a taste of what could be in store back with the V3 Hyperspeed last fall but it only left me waiting for this the 54g symmetrical gaming mouse thats aimed directly at taking down one of the FPS kings, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. So how does it perform for the $160 price tag? Be sure to hit the video to find out. more

A Polestar Phone now inexplicably exists

Polestar normally makes electric cars, but now it's releasing a phone.

Spotify and Apple Again Clash Over App Store Rules and Fees

Spotify has not been able to get Apple to approve an EU app update that added information on subscription pricing and links to the Spotify website, and it turns out that's because Spotify has not agreed to the terms of Apple's Music Streaming Services Entitlement. A recent antitrust ruling from the European Commission fined Apple nearly $2 billion and mandated that Apple emove anti-steering provisions for music apps in the European Economic Area (EEA). As a result, Apple updated its App Store rules with a Music Streaming Services Entitlement that allows music apps in the EEA to inform users of other ways to purchase digital music content or services and to add website links for purchasing digital music subscriptions. That might sound like a win for apps like Spotify, but Apple requires developers who use the entitlement to pay a 27 percent fee (reduced for subscriptions older than one year and for small businesses) on all website purchases referred by Apple. So if Spotify puts a link in its app and a user clicks it and subscribes, Spotify would owe Apple a 27 percent commission (three percent less than the App Store purchase fee). Spotify does not currently pay Apple any money, and it does not want to. Directly after the European Commission's ruling, Spotify on March 5 submitted an EU app update that had information on subscription pricing and links to its websites for customers to make purchases. This was prior to when Apple had announced its entitlement plan. Apple ignored Spotify's app update, and Spotify complained on March 14 that Apple had not acknowledged or responded to its App Store submission. Spotify at the time called on the European Commission to force Apple to approve its app update. Apple kept ignoring Spotify's submission, until today, when Spotify submitted a new version of its app. Spotify said on X ( formerly Twitter ) that the update has no links and includes just the are minimum on pricing and a mention that subscriptions can be purchased from Spotify, which it claims is acceptable under the European Commission's ruling. Spotify left out a small detail, though. It turns out that Spotify did not request a Music Streaming Services Entitlement and did not agree to Apple's new terms for the entitlement. The App Store Review Team sent Spotify a letter (via AppleInsider ) that says the entitlement is required even though there is no link because Spotify's submission has a call to action to purchase a Spotify subscription on its website. We are reaching out to let you know about new information regarding your app, Spotify - Music and Podcasts, version 8.9.33. As you may be aware, Apple created a new Music Streaming Services Entitlement (EEA) for iOS and iPadOS music streaming apps offered in EEA storefronts. The entitlement allows music streaming apps to use buttons, external links, or other calls to action to direct customers to a purchase mechanism on a website owned or controlled by the developer. You must accept its terms before adding any of these capabilities to your app. Please find more information about the entitlement here. We note that your current submission includes a call to action to purchase a Spotify subscription on your website. As such, you must accept the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement (EEA) and include the entitlement profile in your app for submission. To be clear, this entitlement is required even if your app does not include an external link (nor does it require that you offer an external link). We will, however, approve version 8.9.33 after you accept the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement (EEA) and resubmit it for review. If you have any questions about this information, please reply to this message to let us know. Apple says that if Spotify agrees to the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement, it will approve the latest Spotify app update. Without a link to the Spotify website, Spotify would presumably not have to pay Apple a commission because there would be no way for Apple to track clicks from its app to Spotify, but there may be some other part of the entitlement that Spotify is reluctant to agree to. Apple does not plan to let Spotify include a link to the Spotify website without paying the required 27 percent fee, but adding subscription pricing information without a link does seem to be permitted per the language of Apple's letter to Spotify. Spotify has confirmed that it does not plan to opt in to Apple's EU App Store business terms, which are separate from the Music Streaming Services Entitlement and are part of the changes that Apple implemented as required by the Digital Markets Act. Because Spotify does not want to agree to the EU App Store business terms, it is limited on the features that it can add to its app in the EU. To offer the Spotify app directly from its website in the EU, Spotify would need to agree to the terms and would have to pay a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for users that download the app. Spotify does not let customers sign up for a Spotify subscription in the app as of right now, so it does not have to pay anything. Web-based distribution and linking out to the Spotify website both have associated fees, and Spotify is aiming for a solution where it does not have to pay anything. Spotify's full statement on its update, from Chief Public Affairs Officer Dustee Jenkins: Despite Apple's attempts to punish developers with new fees, we remain committed to giving consumers real choice in our app at no increased cost. That's why we have submitted a new update to Apple. It features basic pricing and website information - the bare minimum outlined under the European Commission's ruling in its music streaming case. By charging developers for communicating with consumers through links in-app, Apple continues to break European law. It's past time for the Commission to enforce its decision so that consumers can see real, positive benefits. Though Spotify has a clear path to get its app update approved, the company claims that Apple is breaking European law by charging the 27 percent fee for links and it calls on the European Commission to enforce its decision. Tags: Spotify , European Union This article, Spotify and Apple Again Clash Over App Store Rules and Fees first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

TikTok Lite axes addictive as cigarettes reward-to-watch feature under the EUs watchful eye

The EU has effectively vanquished a TikTok feature that Europes digital commissioner described as toxic and addictive as cigarettes. Owner ByteDance said on Wednesday that TikTok Lites reward-to-watch feature would be suspended. Its been a brutal day for TikTok as President Biden signed a bill (also on Wednesday) forcing ByteDance to sell the platforms US operations or face a ban. TikTok Lite, launched earlier this month in France and Spain, lets users earn rewards by watching and liking videos. They can then exchange their points for real-world perks like Amazon vouchers or in-app ones like TikToks virtual currency, which is used to tip creators. The EU Commission said the task and reward feature can stimulate addictive behavior in childre n. Our children are not guinea pigs for social media, EU commissioner Thierry Breton posted on X (Twitter) on Wednesday. I take note of TikToks decision to suspend the #TikTokLite Reward Program in the EU. However, he added a parting shot to remind ByteDance it isnt out of the woods: The cases against TikTok on the risk of addictiveness of the platform continue. Statement on TikTok Lite: TikTok always seeks to engage constructively with the EU Commission and other regulators. We are therefore voluntarily suspending the rewards functions in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that they have raised. TikTok Policy Europe (@TikTokPolicyEUR) April 24, 2024 Breton fired a warning shot at ByteDance earlier this week, saying the EU had opened a formal investigation into TikTok for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). The landmark legislation, adopted in 2022, gives European regulators the teeth to force significant changes in social media platforms to protect consumers. Companies that break the rules can risk fines of up to six percent of their global revenues enough to force compliance from even the richest companies. Wednesdays suspension marks the first concrete example of the EU using the DSAs enforcement powers to force significant changes on a social platform. The EUs formal investigation into TikTok Lite was its second targeting the platform this year. An earlier case, launched in February, opened proceedings against TikTok and Meta for their handling of the privacy and safety of minors . The Guardian notes that both cases remain active. TikTok always seeks to engage constructively with the EU Commission and other regulators, the platforms Policy Europe X account posted on Wednesday. We are therefore voluntarily suspending the rewards functions in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that they have raised. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-lite-axes-addictive-as-cigarettes-reward-to-watch-feature-under-the-eus-watchful-eye-211157092.html?src=rss

Nation-state hackers exploit Cisco firewall 0-days to backdoor government networks

Perimeter devices ought to prevent network hacks. Why are so many devices allowing attacks?

IBM moves deeper into hybrid cloud management with $6.4B HashiCorp acquisition

With HashiCorp, Big Blue gets a set of cloud lifecycle management and security tools, and a company that is growing considerably faster than any of IBMs other businesses. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Rabbits R1 is a little AI gadget that grows on you

If theres one overarching takeaway from last nights Rabbit R1 launch event, its this: Hardware can be fun again. After a decade of unquestioned smartphone dominance, there is, once again, excitement to be found in consumer electronics. The wisdom and longevity of any individual product or form factor while important can be set [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Score two TP-Link Tapo mini smart plugs with Matter for $21 (Reg. $30), more from $25

For today only, Best Buy is offering the TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini with Matter 2-pack for $20.99 shipped . Down from its usual $30 price tag, weve more regularly seen its single pack or 3-pack counterparts getting discounts over at Amazon, where the 2-pack is surprisingly missing. Todays deal comes in as a 30% markdown off the going rate and lands among some of the lowest prices we have tracked just $5 above the all-time low from Black Friday and Christmas sales. These Matter smart plugs boast an all-around compatibility with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings unifying your smart home ecosystems and giving you control over anything and everything that is plugged into them. Youll be able to set schedules, timers, give voice commands, and more, while also allowing multiple admins access to the controls for shared device management. Head below to read more. more

PUBG will take a nostalgia-infused trip back to its first map in May

PUBG: Battlegrounds is somehow old enough to evoke nostalgia. The pioneering battle royale game, which entered Steam Early Access in 2017 , will borrow a page from Fortnite s playbook and honor its first map. Erangel Classic will recreate the old-school battlefield from the games inception for a limited two-week run in May and June. Developer and publisher Krafton says the Erangel Classic map will reproduce the originals concepts, graphics, atmosphere and UI. However, it will blend those with modern tweaks to deliver the enjoyable gameplay experiences that players have grown accustomed to. In other words, much like remasters of other classic games , the goal is to feel as close to the original as possible without chucking out all of its subtle quality-of-life improvements from the games evolution. Krafton If the revamped map idea sounds familiar, Fortnite brought back its original 2018 island map late last year, breaking its records for player counts. (It peaked at 44.7 million players, marking its biggest day ever.) Its easy to see why Krafton would want a piece of that action. Specific nods to the original map include foggy and rainy weather to add an air of unpredictability. In addition, youll find bench weapons on the starting island (get ready to scramble for your favorite), and all weapons will have reduced recoil to match the original. It will also have a Tommy Gun in the care package, a vintage map UI and a charmingly tacky font and graphics. The tiered rollout will arrive on PCs and consoles at different times, extending the playtime for those who own the game on multiple platforms (perhaps helping Krafton sell a few extra in-game items). Erangel Classic will be available in PUBG: Battlegrounds on PC from May 14 to May 28 and on consoles from May 23 to June 6, replacing the modern Erangel map during those periods. Krafton says the May 14 patch notes will go into more detail about all the maps changes, so keep an eye out. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pubg-will-take-a-nostalgia-infused-trip-back-to-its-first-map-in-may-194736249.html?src=rss

JioCinema, the Indian streaming service, launches 35-cent tier to box out Netflix and Prime Video

JioCinema introduced new monthly subscription plan on Thursday, with the lowest tier costing just 35 cents. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Eric Schmidt-backed Augment, a GitHub Copilot rival, launches out of stealth with $252M

Augment, a startup developing an AI-powered platform similar to GitHub's Copilot, has launched out of stealth valued at nearly $1 billion. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

August makes one of the most affordable HomeKit smart locks at $134 (Reg. $200)

Amazon is currently offeringAugusts latest 4th Generation Wi-Fi HomeKit Smart Lock for$133.95 shipped. This is first and foremost a new all-time low. It drops from $200 and saves you $66 while also beating our previous mention by an extra $6. Augusts latest smart lock makes for a notable upgrade to the front door for finally getting your HomeKit, Alexa, or Assistant setup in on some added security. Itll pair over Wi-Fi right to your router so theres no need to worry about an additional hub, and brings notable features like auto-unlock, the ability to share virtual keys with friends or family, and your typical voice control from a preferred assistant. You can get a closer look in ourhands-on review . Then be sure to head below for more. more

TikTok ban signed into law by President Biden: How we got here, and what comes next

TikTok faces an uncertain fate in the U.S. once again. A bill including a deadline for TikTok parent company Bytedance to divest within nine months or face a ban on app stores to distribute the app in the U.S., was signed by President Joe Biden on Wednesday as part of broader legislation including military aid [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Review: Marshalls new Major V headphones bring 100-hour battery life to a classic design

Marshall has a new pair of headphones out, and I have been daily driving them for the past few weeks. The Marshall V headphones might not look all too different from their predecessors, but with a tried and true design, thats hardly an issue. The newfound 100-hour battery life only makes these an easier recommendation, as well as everything else I highlight below. more

Exclusive 20% off all Burton Goods leather iPhone cases + 30% off Apple Watch bands

This week Burton Goods and 9to5Toys are teaming up to offer some big-time savings on its leather iPhone cases, iPad covers, MacBook cases, and Apple Watch bands. While its full-grain leather gear can sometimes be a bit pricey, we are doing everything we can to bring prices down for folks starting with todays exclusive 20% price drop on everything the brand sells , and even deeper deals on its leather Apple Watch straps. This includes everything from its new new full-grain leather MagSafe iPhone 15 case to the 2-piece magnetic wallet folio model to its leather military pilot-style Apple Watch band , and all of the gear we highlighted in our launch coverage. Be sure to swing below the fold for todays Burton Goods promo codes. more

JetBlue's in-flight entertainment system just got a watch party feature

JetBlue is revamping its in-flight entertainment system , complete with a new branding. Its now called Blueprint and brings several features that should make your next flight just a teensy-bit less grueling. The biggest news here is a watch party feature that lets customers view the same TV show or film with up to five other people. This is actually pretty cool, as watching stuff with friends and family during a long flight typically requires the finicky push play at the exact same time and hope nobody has to go to the bathroom method. The watch party feature includes functionality that pauses content for all viewers, should one have to take a break to deal with existential panic from being six miles above the ground. It also works no matter where the seats are. Introducing Blueprint by JetBlue, a personalized inflight experience, giving you new ways to use your seatback screen with watch parties, the ability to resume your content on your next flight, entertainment recommendations and real-time arrival details. Available on select pic.twitter.com/KCg5StLNNV JetBlue (@JetBlue) April 24, 2024 The watch party tool is just one aspect of the revamped in-flight entertainment experience. The system will now provide content recommendations based on previous viewing history, as it will be tied to individual accounts. This means that customers can save their favorite movies and shows for repeat viewings. It also means that people can pick up where they left off from one flight to the next. JetBlue says this can be useful for a connecting layover flight or even a trip months down the line. JetBlue has a content partnership with Peacock, so customers have access to the streamers catalog during flights. Both Twisted Metal and Mrs. Davis are solid in-flight binges. The company also teased more exclusive entertainment and offers coming to Blueprint in the future. As for availability, Blueprint is ready to go on JetBlue aircraft with AVANT seatback touchscreens. This includes the Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321LR (Long Range) and Airbus A220. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jetblues-in-flight-entertainment-system-just-got-a-watch-party-feature-185913233.html?src=rss

Radical thinks the time has come for solar-powered, high-altitude autonomous aircraft

Though many eyes are on space as orbit develops into a thriving business ecosystem, Radical is keeping things a little closer to the ground but not too close. Its high-altitude, solar-powered aircraft aim to succeed where Facebooks infamous Aquila failed by refining the tech and embracing more markets. Its hard to believe that Facebooks [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Apple Vision Pro Gains Apple Arcade Games Crossy Road Castle and Solitaire Stories

Apple Arcade games Crossy Road Castle and Solitaire Stories are set to launch on the Vision Pro headset tomorrow, adding two additional popular games to Apple's first head worn device. In Crossy Road Castle, players can progress through tower levels with pinch and flick gestures. Up to four players can play at one time, though there's also a solo version of the game. Crossy Road Castle for Vision Pro has the same features as the other versions of the game, including characters and hats to unlock, game controller support, and challenge events to complete. Levels are procedurally generated, so each new game is different. Solitaire Stories provides players with a virtual card table to play classic solitaire games. There are multiple versions of solitaire included, such as Klondike Quick Play, Spider, and Draw 3, as well as support for online multiplayer gameplay. The game includes a progressive story with increasingly difficult levels, along with different deck designs to unlock. There are also daily challenges and contests. Crossy Road Castle and Solitaire Stories will soon be available for download from the Vision Pro App Store . Several Apple Arcade games available on iOS and macOS are receiving updates today, including Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop, Cooking Mama: Cuisine, Fruit Ninja Classic, and Zookeeper World. Tag: Apple Arcade This article, Apple Vision Pro Gains Apple Arcade Games Crossy Road Castle and Solitaire Stories first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Threads is testing automatic archiving for posts

Threads users may soon have a new way to clean up their timelines. The app is testing a new archive feature that can be used to manually archive individual posts or automatically hide posts after a set period of time, Adam Mosseri shared . As on Instagram, archiving a post on Threads will hide it from public view, though the post will be available to the original author to view or undo. The Instagram head said the feature will be available to a small number of people to start. Though optional, Mosseri has made no secret that his preference is for all posts on the service to be somewhat ephemeral. I think we should move to automatically archive posts on Threads after a month or so, he wrote in a post back in February . But, in a poll shared with that earlier post, Threads users overwhelmingly said they would never want their posts automatically hidden from public view. In his latest update, Mosseri noted that the resounding feedback was not to make this the default so the company will try out archiving as an option to start. While archiving old posts is popular on Instagram, the feature could be somewhat more controversial on Threads. As the service grows and adds more features geared toward real-time information , posts that automatically archive could make it harder to go back and revisit the original source of an update. (If Mosseri, for example, were to automatically archive all his old posts, it would be much more difficult to track his evolving thoughts on Threads, which he often shares publicly on the platform.) At the same time, allowing posts to be ephemeral often encourages users to share more often, which is even more important for Threads continued growth. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/threads-is-testing-automatic-archiving-for-posts-184243484.html?src=rss

Review: Hyper's USB Hubs and SSD Enclosure Offer an Array of Connectivity Options

Several months ago, Hyper introduced a series of accessories under the HyperDrive Next family, bringing a variety of options for USB-C hubs and other products. I've recently spent some time testing out some of these accessories, and I've found them to offer an assortment of capabilities across price points to suit a variety of users. USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure Priced at $119.99, Hyper's USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure offers support for a speedy external drive inside a robust aluminum enclosure protected by a silicone bumper to cushion against impacts and provide IP55 dust and water resistance. The enclosure supports M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4/3 SSDs up to 16 TB with a snap-in installation process that requires no screws. SSDs in 2230/2240/2260/2280 sizes are supported. For testing, I paired Hyper's enclosure with a 2TB WD_BLACK SSD that supports up to 7,300 MB/s transfer speeds, allowing me to push the enclosure to its limits without being capped by the SSD. The installation process was as simple as advertised, and all I had to do was pop open the enclosure by hand, slide the SSD into the drive slot, secure it with a rubber secure grip, peel off the protective film on a preinstalled thermal pad, and close everything back up. An extra thermal pad and secure grips are provided in the box in case you need them. A 0.5-meter USB4 cable is included with the enclosure, and upon plugging the enclosure in to my MacBook Pro, I was able to quickly format it for APFS with Disk Utility to work with macOS. An illuminated Hyper logo on the enclosure shines through an opening in the silicone bumper, giving you some information about drive status. The logo shines a steady white when the enclosure is powered on and the drive is idle, and it blinks while data is being read from or written to the SSD. The logo will blink red if detects an SSD is not connected. Hyper says the enclosure supports up to 3,800 MB/s transfer speeds, and in my testing with a 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro I saw both read and write speeds registering around 3,100 MB/s with the WD SSD. That's plenty fast for most users, allowing for fast file transfers and even the ability to work with large projects directly from the external drive. I was able to copy a ~28 GB folder with roughly 17,500 items in it to the drive in around 15 seconds. The enclosure gets slightly warm even when not in active use, with the finned aluminum design of the enclosure and small Hyper logo-shaped holes in the silicone bumper helping move heat away from the drive. The heat was not a concern in any of my testing, as it remained comfortable to touch. Overall, I was pleased with the performance of the enclosure, and it's a convenient solution for backing up data or just adding extra storage. At $119.99 before adding in the cost of the SSD itself, it's pricier than some other solutions, but when you consider the higher-end specs it offers, it's within the same price range as many other options from trusted brands. Hyper is currently sold out of the SSD enclosure on its own site, but does have it available through Amazon . 10 Port USB-C Hub At the low end of Hyper's USB hub range is the 10 Port USB-C Hub priced at $99.99. It includes support for a single external display at 4K60Hz over HDMI while offering a pair of 10 Gbps USB-C ports, two USB-A ports (one at 10 Gbps and one at 5 Gbps), SD and microSD 4.0 card slots supporting up to a theoretical maximum of 312 MB/s, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack. There's also a USB-C port with PD support at up to 140 watts, allowing for passthrough power to your computer if you hook up an external power adapter. Otherwise, the hub will run in bus-powered mode off of your computer. The hub connects to the attached computer over an integrated USB-C cable, which ensures you always have the proper cable with you but introduces a potential failure point for the whole accessory. The cable does feel fairly thick and sturdy with some strain relief reinforcement around where it enters the hub, so hopefully it will remain durable over the long term. This is a compact, lightweight (97 grams) hub in a very dark gray or almost midnight aluminum finish, and in my testing it's proven to be a solid option for on-the-go use cases. It slips easily into a computer bag or sleeve and offers a really nice selection of ports to help you make use of a wide variety of accessories you might run across. With support for a single external display, this may not be for true power users, but the vast majority of people are likely to only need to connect to a single display, especially in travel environments where this hub excels. A more powerful dock with additional display support and even more ports would likely suit these users better at more fixed home and office locations. Hyper is currently sold out of the 10 Port USB-C Hub on its own site, but it is available through Amazon and Best Buy . Dual 4K HDMI 7 Port USB-C Hub Hyper's mid-range Dual 4K HDMI 7 Port USB-C Hub priced at $149.99 offers fewer ports than the lower-end model but with enhanced display support. It includes two HDMI ports (one HDMI 2.0 at 4K60Hz and one HDMI 1.4 at 4K30Hz), a pair of 10 Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a single 10 Gbps USB-A port, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a USB-C port allowing you to optionally connect a PD 3.0 power adapter of up to 100 watts for passthrough charging of up to 85 watts to a connected computer. If you don't want to connect a power adapter, the hub will run in bus-powered mode from the attached computer, so no external power brick is needed. The design is an unobtrusive space gray plastic with subtle Hyper branding on the top. An integrated USB-C cable on one side connects to the host computer, while the available USB-C passthrough power port is on the opposite side. All other ports are on the rear of the hub, allowing for a relatively clean look on a desk. There are several rows of tiny Hyper logos on the ends of the hub, with the top row on each end being ventilation holes. The integrated cable is convenient for ensuring your cable is always at hand, but if it frays or otherwise breaks, the hub is rendered useless. It does appear quite durable based on my time with it though. Given that this is a hub rather than a wall-powered desktop dock, it's ideal to take on the go to connect to displays and other devices as needed. While dual external displays are supported over the HDMI ports, it's important to note that USB bandwidth limitations means that only one of the displays can run at 60Hz, with the other running at 30Hz. This is likely fine for less demanding productivity tasks, but definitely something to be aware of if you're hoping to drive displays with heavier demands. The inclusion of two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps transfer speeds is nice for connecting external drives and other modern devices, while the USB-A port offers legacy connectivity. I prefer a couple of USB-A ports on my full-time desktop dock due to a number of accessories I use that have integrated USB-A cables or proprietary charging connectors that use USB-A at the other end, but for a portable solution, this hub does the trick just fine. I connected the USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure via this hub, and it unsurprisingly impacted performance of the SSD as it was now sharing bandwidth other accessories, potentially including displays. I was still able to get write speeds of around 975 MB/s and read speeds of 850 MB/s, which should be sufficient for most users' needs. The Dual 4K HDMI 7 Port USB-C Hub offers a number of connectivity options primarily aimed at users on the go, but you'll need to ensure it suits your needs. It's on the pricier side of USB hubs at $149.99, so make sure you need all of its capabilities and can't get away with a cheaper and simpler option. But on the flip side, the display limitations mean demanding users may want to look at other solutions such as separately connecting multiple displays to their computers for maximum performance. Hyper is currently listing the Dual 4K HDMI 7 Port USB-C Hub as on sale for $104.99 on its own site, though it is currently out of stock. Amazon has it available for the regular price of $149.99, but hopefully Hyper gets this model back in stock soon at the sale price. 10 Port Business Class USB-C Dock For those looking for more capabilities, Hyper offers the $199.99 10 Port Business Class USB-C Dock . While this dock has the same dual display capabilities of one HDMI 2.0 port at 4K60Hz and one HDMI 1.4 port at 4K30Hz, it offers a different combination of other ports. As a business-focused dock, there's a heavier emphasis on legacy connectivity such as two USB-A ports, both of which run at up to 10 Gbps. The extra USB-A port is offset by the inclusion of only a single downstream USB-C port, which also runs at 10 Gbps. In addition to the same 3.5mm combo audio jack as on the 7-port hub, the 10-port model includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and an SD 4.0 card slot supporting transfer speeds up to 312 MB/s, In another nod to the business market, Kensington and Kensington Nano lock slots are included to help physically secure the dock. The dock connects to the host computer via a short detachable USB-C to USB-C cable, which conveniently snaps into the edge of the dock for travel, so this is a great balance of convenience and repairability. While the dock can be bus powered over this connection, you can also provide external power to the dock that can pass through to your laptop. The dock allows for power input via either USB-C or a DC barrel connector, but an external power adapter is not provided with the dock. I experienced no issues in my testing, with the dock reliably driving two displays, keeping in mind that the 30Hz refresh rate on the second display may be insufficient for some uses. Productivity users are, however, unlikely to notice any issues due to that limitation. Ethernet and USB connectivity worked as advertised. SD card reader speeds also appeared as advertised, with my test card nearing its maximum specs at write speeds of 125 MB/s and read speeds of around 220 MB/s. While the 10 Port Business Class USB-C Dock is priced at $199.99 at Hyper, Best Buy is currently offering it for a discounted price of $159.99. Wrap-up Overall, Hyper offers a nice selection of USB-C hubs and docks to suit a variety of needs. While they don't have quite the capabilities of a Thunderbolt dock, they can provide good options for port expandability both on the go and in a desktop situation. The USB4 SSD Enclosure supports the latest USB standard for high read and write speeds that should satisfy almost all users, and it comes in a compact package ideal for extra portable storage. Just make sure the SSD you're using can take advantage of the speeds the enclosure has to offer. Note: Hyper provided MacRumors with the hubs, dock, and SSD enclosure for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Hyper, Amazon, and Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Tag: Hyper This article, Review: Hyper's USB Hubs and SSD Enclosure Offer an Array of Connectivity Options first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Transparent Turntable: Minimalist Design Meets Cutting-Edge Audio

Transparent , the Swedish audio brand, continues to captivate with its see-through speakers, a favorite among minimalists since 2019. Their latest offering, the Transparent Turntable, follows suit, embodying the brands commitment to minimalist aesthetics. Unlike other turntables, the Transparent model takes the nearly not there approach to design, featuring tempered glass planes and solid aluminum components in either white or black. This turntable doesnt just excel in looks its also packed with features. The built-in phono stage and Qualcomm Bluetooth chip allow for wireless streaming, while input ports are discreetly located under the glass plinth. With a belt-driven platter and an Ortofon OM5E cartridge on an aluminum tonearm, the Transparent Turntable delivers both style and performance. Modularity is a key feature of this turntable, allowing for easy disassembly when repairs or upgrades are needed. Its design blurs the line between audio component and design object, catering to Gen Zs nostalgia for vintage technologies. Retailing at $1,300 , the Transparent Turntable is available at select stores including MoMA, Bloomingdales, MR Porter, and the brands online shop. With its blend of minimalist design, cutting-edge features, and nostalgic appeal, the Transparent Turntable stands out as a versatile and stylish addition to any home audio setup. Whether its viewed as a piece of art or a high-quality audio component, it remains a testament to Transparents dedication to innovation and aesthetics. Transparent Turntable: Minimalist Design Meets Cutting-Edge Audio , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .

Stripe, doubling down on embedded finance, de-couples payments from the rest of its stack

Stripe continues to hold the title of being the biggest financial technology business still in private hands, with a current valuation of about $65 billion anda whopping $1 trillion in total processed payment volume last year alone. But fintech is fragmented and a fast-moving target, and with competitors chipping away at its place, Stripe is [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

WhatsApp is enabling passkey support on iOS

Several months after Meta brought WhatsApp passkey logins to Android , its doing the same on iOS. The company is rolling out the feature now, and it will be available to all users in the coming weeks. Passkeys are seen as a more secure login method as (for one thing) it mitigates the risk of scammers convincing users to share their SMS passcode. Instead, you can log in by verifying a passkey using facial recognition, biometrics or a PIN stored on Apples passkey manager. Passkeys work by securely storing an authentication credential on your device that pairs with one saved by the service you want to log into. To turn on passkeys for WhatsApp on iOS, go to the Account section of the apps Settings, and then tap Passkeys. Passkey verification will make logging back into WhatsApp easier and more secure. Were excited to launch this on WhatsApp and give users an added layer of security, Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApps head of product, said in a statement. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/whatsapp-is-enabling-passkey-support-on-ios-182527962.html?src=rss

Why code-testing startup Nova AI uses open source LLMs more than OpenAI

Enterprises still don't trust OpenAI, while open source AI models are cheaper and more than sufficient for targeted specific tasks, Nova AI founder says. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

The White House wants a zero-emission freight industry by 2040

The Biden administration is tackling the monumental task of making Americas industrial freight system more environmentally friendly. The White House said on Wednesday that it aims to have 30 percent of industrial truck sales produce zero emissions by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. In addition to those non-binding targets, the White House is meeting on Wednesday with stakeholders from the commercial vehicle, shipping and infrastructure industries to help execute its agenda. The roundtable is designed to advance the Biden Administrations goal of supercharging the buildout of the infrastructure necessary to make a zero-emissions freight ecosystem a reality in the United States. Unsurprisingly, the freight industry uses a lot of energy and produces a lot of pollution to match. Bloomberg notes that the transportation sector emits about 29 percent of US greenhouse gas emissions, and freight (including shipping, trucking and trains) makes up about a third of that figure. So, you can ballpark that the American freight industry is responsible for roughly 10 percent of the countrys carbon emissions. As part of the election-year rollout, the Biden Administration plans to ask the public to comment on charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles, signaling that the specifics of the plan arent yet finalized. The White House wants to avoid a fragmented industrial EV charging system without a universally agreed-upon standard. The industry has seemingly settled on Teslas NACS as the de facto choice in the lightweight consumer sector. Alongside the newly announced industrial goals, the Biden Administrations Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is opening up about $1 billion in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding to replace Class 6 and 7 vehicles (school buses, garbage trucks and delivery trucks) with electric equivalents. The IRA requires that at least $400 million of that funding goes to local communities hit the hardest by industrial pollution. The White House says 72 million Americans live near truck freight routes and bear the brunt of their short-term output. Sadly but unsurprisingly (given the nations history), people of color and those from low-income households are most likely to be heavily affected by high environmental toxin levels. The White Houses goals are admirable, given the urgency of the global climate crisis and the freight industrys role. However, one significant problem remains: These are voluntary, non-binding resolutions that could and, given public comments , almost certainly would be undone by a second Trump Administration, should the serial napper return to office next year. As with many other aspects of the nations and worlds future, US voters will decide the outcome this November. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-white-house-wants-a-zero-emission-freight-industry-by-2040-180401537.html?src=rss

How NASA Repaired Voyager 1 From 15 Billion Miles Away

The far-traveled space probe is once again transmitting usable data, after a glitch caused months of gibberish.

Matter support headlines Govees new addressable RGB Neon Rope Light 2 from $55

Govees official Amazon storefront now offers itsnew Neon Rope Light 2 for$74.99 shipped after youve clipped the on-page coupon . That drops the 16.4-foot long version down from $100 for only the third time since being introduced earlier in the year. Its the third-best offer to date at within $10 of the all-time low from launch. Todays deal also carries over to theshorter 9.8-foot model at $54.99 , down from $70 with the on-page coupon to mark its third-best price to date, too. more

PBS Retro is a new FAST channel playing just the classics

Parents throughout the country just breathed a sigh of relief at the prospect of allowing more screen time for their kids that doesnt revolve around some really loud and annoying YouTube dude. PBS just launched a new free ad-supported channel called PBS Retro, as reported by The Wrap . As the name suggests, this is a repository for all of your favorite edutainment classics from the 1980s, 1990s and beyond. The nostalgia is strong with this one. PBS Retro is available via The Roku Channel , which is a streaming service on smart TVs and, of course, Roku devices. The 24/7 channel airs all of the shows youre likely picturing right now, including Reading Rainbow and Mister Rogers Neighborhood . Youll also be able to introduce your kids to Thomas and Friends , Zoboomafoo and Kratt's Creatures , among others. Its a collection of old-school classics. This isnt the only PBS-adjacent channel available on Rokus platform. Its home to other ad-supported channels like PBS Antiques Roadshow, Antiques Road Trip, PBS Food, Julia Child and PBS Nature. There are also plenty of PBS-related channels available via subscription, including PBS Masterpiece, PBS Kids, PBS Living, PBS Documentaries and PBS America. Some of these are available on Hulu+ Live TV . PBS may become an even bigger fixture in the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) space in the future. The organization says it's in the early days of experimentation with a goal of making PBS content available in new places. It will continue to consider additional opportunities if these FAST channels increase revenue and brand awareness. In the meantime, Mister Rogers Neighborhood makes for some mighty fine ASMR. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pbs-retro-is-a-new-fast-channel-playing-just-the-classics-173125500.html?src=rss

Save 50% on this iPhone 15-ready UGREEN MagSafe car mount for Teslas at $15

UGREENs official Amazon storefront now offers its MagSafe Tesla Car Mount for $14.95 after code 32HT42J8 has been applied at checkout. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25. This is a discount from the usual $30 going rate and a new all-time low. Its an extra $6 under the previous discount, one of the first markdowns overall, and saves you a total of 50%. more

Best Buy takes $85 off the stainless steel Bella Pro 8-quart digital air fryer now at $45 for today

For today only, Best Buy is offering the stainless steel model of the Bella Pro 8-quart Digital Air Fryer for $44.99 shipped . It usually carries a price tag of $130 and is now seeing a short-term price drop of $85 in savings to the third-lowest price we have tracked ultimately $10 above the all-time low from Christmas sales. Youll also find the black stainless steel and the blue stainless steel models included in the discount as well, with both dropping to the same $70 rate , down from $140. We saw a similar one-day sale on the black and blue models back at the start of this month that took prices $10 lower, but left out the standard stainless steel model that is in the spotlight today. more

Apple Seeds Third Public Beta of macOS 14.5

Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming macOS Sonoma 14.5 update to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of its launch. The public beta comes a week after Apple released the second public beta and a day after Apple seeded the beta to developers. Beta testers can opt-in through the Software Update section of the System Settings app. Under Beta updates, simply toggle on the Sonoma Public Beta. Note that you must sign up to participate on Apple's beta testing website . There have been no new features found in the macOS Sonoma 14.5 developer betas so far, and Apple listed no additions in its release notes. It is likely that the update focuses on bug fixes and other small under-the-hood improvements. Related Roundup: macOS Sonoma Related Forum: macOS Sonoma This article, Apple Seeds Third Public Beta of macOS 14.5 first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Releases Third Public Beta of iOS 17.5

Apple today seeded the third betas of upcoming iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 updates to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of its release. The second public iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 betas come a week after Apple released the second betas for public beta testers, and a day after the software was made available to developers. Public beta testers can get the beta by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the Beta Updates option, and toggling on the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 Public Beta. Signing up on Apple's beta testing website is required. iOS 17.5 is limited on new outward-facing features, focusing primarily on changes in the European Union. App developers in the EU are now able to add their iPhone apps to their website, so that users can download them directly without having to use the App Store . To offer an app for download from a website in the European Union, developers need to meet specific criteria. Developers need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more and must have an app with more than one million first installs on iOS in the European Union in the prior year. Other requirements include submitting to Apple's notarization process and publishing transparent data collection policies. This feature is limited to the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act and is not available to all users. iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 also have updates to mobile device management and there are code changes suggesting Battery Health functionality could come to the new iPads and that Apple will soon add alerts for third-party item trackers. Related Roundups: iOS 17 , iPadOS 17 Related Forums: iOS 17 , iPadOS 17 This article, Apple Releases Third Public Beta of iOS 17.5 first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Updating Californias grid for EVs may cost up to $20 billion

Charging electric vehicles at home will exceed most power lines' capacity.

Reddit is making it easier to navigate conversations on its mobile apps

The company is launching a new unified media player, along with instant comment loading and a direct shortcut to conversations. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Rare discount drops Philips Hue Lily kit with three outdoor HomeKit spotlights to $261 (Reg. $340)

Amazon is now offering thePhilips Hue Lily White and Color Outdoor Spot Light Base kit for$261.48 shipped. Down from the usual $340 price tag, this is the very first price cut of the year. Its $69 off and marks the best price weve seen not just in 2024, but also since all the way back in October when it was just a few cents less. Its a perfectly-timed spring discount and great chance to give your patio or garden some smart home flare for upcoming outdoor hangouts. more

The Fall Guy spotlights its amazing stuntmen in meta marketing video

It's the latest and best of a string of meta marketing videos to promote the film.

The new Snapdragon X chips are faster than an M3, but should we believe it?

Macworld If you follow tech outside the world of Apple, you may have noticed that Qualcomm has been getting a lot of attention lately. Thats because the company is promoting its upcoming Snapdragon X Plus and Elite chips, which arent going to be in PC laptops until this summer. As part of its marketing, Qualcomm compares its chips performance to Intel (of course), but it also calls out Apples latest M3 chip. According to Qualcomm (via PCWorld ), its Snapdragon X Elite chip is 28 percent faster and the Snapdragon X Plus chip is 10 percent faster than the Apple M3 in a MacBook Pro in Geekbench testing. Which, for chips that will ship some seven months after the M3 launched, leaves an impressionat least Qualcomm thinks so. However, these are Qualcomm-provided numbers and one major point that is left out of the M3 comparison is power consumption (not to mention memory and price). Apple takes a great deal of pride in the fact that its chips provide top performance while being efficient. In fact, Qualcomms chart below comparing multi-threaded performance based on power consumption conspicuously doesnt include any Apple chips. For a mobile chip, thats a notable exclusionespecially since it challenges Apple at every other turn. Qualcomm Qualcomm Qualcomm That are other flags, such as the fact that Qualcomm doesnt include the M3 Pro or M3 Max. Wouldnt an X Elite (which has 12 CPU cores) versus a M3 Pro or M3 Max be a better comparison? Seems so. Then theres the whole issue of whether Qualcomms benchmarks are believable at all, which the website SemiAccurate claims isnt the case, and the numbers that they are showing to the press and are not achievable with the settings they claim. In any case, why should Apple users even care what these new Qualcomm chips do? After all, you cant (officially) run macOS on a PC laptopeven our sister site, PCWorld, says it doesnt care as much about how the X Elite and X Plus shape up to Apples best. If anything, it just shows the importance of Apple in the market, and in the very competitive world of PC laptops, you try to find customers wherever you can. Even with a significantly undersized market share, Apple makes a ton of noise with the Mac, and PC makers will do everything they can to convince PC buyers that the devices they sell are just as good. As for whether the X Plus and X Elite really do outperform the M3, well just have to wait and see when PCWorld tests the chips after they become available this summer. Theyll probably match up in some benchmarks with some asterisks and caveats. Also, Apples M4 is expected later this year , so this comparison will eventually be moot. CPUs and Processors

Rabbit R1 hands-on: Already more fun and accessible than the Humane AI Pin

At CES this January, startup Rabbit unveiled its first device , just in time for the end of the year of the rabbit according to the lunar calendar. Its a cute little orange square that was positioned as a pocket companion that moves AI from words to action. In other words, its basically a dedicated AI machine that acts kind of like a walkie talkie to a virtual assistant. Sound familiar? Youre probably thinking of the Humane AI Pin, which was announced last year and started shipping this month. I awarded it a score of 50 (out of 100) earlier this month , while outlets like Wired and The Verge gave it similarly low marks of 4 out of 10. The people at Rabbit have been paying close attention to the aftermath of the Humane AI Pin launch and reviews. It was evident in founder and CEO Jesse Lyu's address at an unboxing event at the TWA hotel in New York last night, where the company showed off the Rabbit R1 and eager early adopters listened rapturously before picking up their pre-orders. Engadget's sample unit is on its way to Devindra Hardawar, who will be tackling this review. But I was in attendance last night to check out units at the event that industry peers were unboxing (thanks to Max Weinbach for the assistance!). What is the Rabbit R1? As a refresher, the Rabbit R1 is a bright orange square, co-engineered by Teenage Engineering and Rabbit. It has a 2.88-inch color display built in, an 8-megapixel camera that can face both ways and a scroll wheel reminiscent of the crank on the Playdate . The latter, by the way, is a compact gaming handheld that was also designed by Teenage Engineering, and the Rabbit R1 shares its adorable retro aesthetic. Again, like the Humane AI Pin, the Rabbit R1 is supposed to be your portal to an AI-powered assistant and operating system. However, there are a few key differences, which Lyu covered extensively at the launch event last night. Rabbit R1 vs Humane AI Pin Let's get this out of the way: The Rabbit R1 already looks a lot more appealing than the Humane AI Pin. First of all, it costs $199 less than a third of the AI Pin's $700. Humane also requires a monthly $24 subscription fee or its device will be rendered basically useless. Rabbit, as Lyu repeatedly reiterated all night, does not require such a fee. You'll just be responsible for your own cellular service (4G LTE only, no 5G), and can bring your own SIM card or just default to good old Wi-Fi. There, you'll also find the USB-C charging port. The R1's advantages over the Pin don't end there. By virtue of its integrated screen (instead of a wonky, albeit intriguing projector), the orange square is more versatile and a lot easier to interact with. You can use the wheel to scroll through elements and press the button on the right side to confirm a choice. You could also tap the screen or push down a button to start talking to the software. Now, I havent taken a photo with the device myself, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of images I saw on its screen. Maybe my expectations were pretty low, but when reviewers in a media room were setting up their devices by using the onboard cameras to scan QR codes, I found the images on the screens clear and impressively vibrant. Users wont just be capturing photos, videos and QR codes with the Rabbit R1, by the way. It also has a Vision feature like the Humane AI Pin that will analyze an image you take and tell you whats in it. In Lyus demo, the R1 told him that it saw a crowd of people at an event or concert venue. Cherlynn Low for Engadget Well have to wait till Devindra actually takes some pictures with our R1 unit and downloads them from the web-based portal that Rabbit cleverly calls the Rabbit Hole. Its name for camera-based features is Rabbit Eye, which is just kind of delightful. In fact, another thing that distinguishes Rabbit from Humane is the formers personality. The R1 just oozes character. From the witty feature names to the retro aesthetic to the onscreen animation and the fact that the AI will actually make (cheesy) jokes, Rabbit and Teenage Engineering have developed something thats got a lot more flavor than Humanes almost clinical appearance and approach. Of all the things Lyu took shots at Humane about last night, though, talk of the R1s thermal performance or the AI Pins heat issues was conspicuously absent. To be clear, the R1 is slightly bigger than the Humane device, and it uses an octa-core MediaTek MT6765 processor, compared to the AI Pins Snapdragon chip. Theres no indication at the moment that the Rabbit device will run as hot as Humanes Pin, but Ive been burned (metaphorically) before and remain cautious. I am also slightly concerned about the R1s glossy plastic build. It looks nice and feels lighter than expected, weighing just 115 grams or about a quarter of a pound. The scroll wheel moved smoothly when I pushed it up and down, and there were no physical grooves or notches, unlike the rotating hinge on Samsungs Galaxy watches. The camera housing lay flush with the rest of the R1s case, and in general the unit felt refined and finished. Most of my other impressions of the Rabbit R1 come from Lyus onstage demos, where I was surprised by how quickly his device responded to his queries. He was able to type on the R1s screen and tilted it so that the controls sat below the display instead of to its right. That way, there was enough room for an onscreen keyboard that Lyu said was the same width as the one on the original iPhone. Whats next for the Rabbit R1? Rabbit also drew attention for its so-called Large Action Model (LAM), which acts as an interpreter to convert popular apps like Spotify or Doordash into interfaces that work on the R1s simple-looking operating system. Lyu also showed off some of these at the event last night, but Id much rather wait for us to test these out for ourselves. Lyu made many promises to the audience, seeming to acknowledge that the R1 might not be fully featured when it arrives in their hands. Even on the companys website, theres a list of features that are planned, in the works or being explored. For one thing, an alarm is coming this summer, along with a calendar, contacts app, GPS support, memory recall and more. Throughout his speech, Lyu repeated the phrase were gonna work on amid veiled references to Humane (for instance, emphasizing that Rabbit doesnt require an additional subscription fee). Ultimately, Lyu said we just keep adding value to this thing, in reference to a roadmap of upcoming features. Hopefully, Lyu and his team are able to deliver on the promises theyve made. Im already very intrigued by a teach mode he teased, which is basically a way to generate macros by recording an action on the R1, and letting it learn what you want to do when you tell it something. Rabbits approach certainly seems more tailored to tinkerers and enthusiasts, whereas Humanes is ambitious and yet closed off. This feels like Google and Apple all over again, except whether the AI device race will ever reach the same scale remains to be seen. Last nights event also made it clear what Rabbit wants us to think. It was hosted at the TWA hotel, which itself used to be the head house of the TWA Flight Center. The entire place is an homage to retro vibes, and the entry to Rabbits event was lined with display cases containing gadgets like a Pokedex, a Sony Watchman, a Motorola pager, Game Boy Color and more. Every glass box I walked by made me squeal, bringing up a pleasant sense memory that also resurfaced when I played with the R1. It didn't feel good in that it's premium or durable; it felt good because it reminded me of my childhood. Whether Rabbit is successful with the R1 depends on how you define success. The company has already sold more than 100,000 units this quarter and looks poised to sell at least one more (Im already whipping out my credit card). I remain skeptical about the usefulness of AI devices, but, in large part due to its price and ability to work with third-party apps at launch, Rabbit has already succeeded in making me feel like Alice entering Wonderland. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/rabbit-r1-hands-on-already-more-fun-and-accessible-than-the-humane-ai-pin-163622560.html?src=rss

These PowerA slim Nintendo Switch cases also store game cartridges starting at $14

Amazon is offering several PowerA Slim Cases for Nintendo Switch starting from $14.14 shipped, with free shipping available to Prime members or on orders over $25. Some of these cases are down from a $20 price tag, while others are falling from higher $25 or $28 MSRPs, like the Kirby Power Case that is seeing the biggest discount (28% off) from $25 to $17.99 Prime shipped. Youll be getting some of the best prices weve seen on various designs, only beaten out in the last year by $13 rates at the start of 2023 and $12 rates at the start of 2024. All-in-all, the cheapest current offer sits $5 above the all-time low from October 2022. more

Apple Watch Series 9 Now Available on Apple's Refurbished Store in U.S.

Apple today began selling certified refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 models in the U.S. for the first time since the device was released in September. The refurbished Series 9 models are discounted by approximately 15% compared to the equivalent brand new models, with pricing starting at $339, down from $399. A variety of configurations are available as of writing. Apple says it puts all of its refurbished products through a thorough cleaning process and inspection, and performs full functionality testing. In general, refurbished products sold directly by Apple have a very good reputation. Like new Series 9 models sold directly by Apple in the U.S. currently, we expect that the Blood Oxygen app is deactivated on the refurbished models, due to a legal battle with medical technology company Masimo. Last year, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) banned Apple from importing and selling Apple Watch models with blood oxygen sensing after it ruled that the feature infringed on Masimo's patents. Apple is appealing the decision, and could re-enable the Blood Oxygen app with a watchOS update if it is overturned. As a reminder, Apple began selling refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in the U.S. and select other countries last week. Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9 Tag: Apple Refurbished Products Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral) This article, Apple Watch Series 9 Now Available on Apple's Refurbished Store in U.S. first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Next Apple Watch Said to Use Material Allowing for Thinner Logic Board

At least one next-generation Apple Watch model will start using resin-coated copper, according to supply chain sources cited by Taiwanese website DigiTimes . As the name implies, resin-coated copper is a thin layer of copper foil coated with a resin, such as an epoxy. While adoption of this material would offer many benefits for a future Apple Watch's logic board, such as improved durability and water resistance, a key advantage is that it would allow for a thinner logic board , which in turn would provide additional internal space for other components and sensors in the Apple Watch. Any extra space that can be freed up in the Apple Watch is extremely valuable, as Apple continues to add health features to the device. The next Apple Watch models due later this year are rumored to feature blood pressure sensing , for example, and Apple is reportedly working on non-invasive blood glucose monitoring as a long-term project. There is still uncertainty surrounding the next Apple Watch lineup, as it is unclear if the redesigned Apple Watch X will be launching this year or next year. In addition, it was rumored that there might not be an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year . A new Apple Watch SE is likely this year if Apple sticks to a two-year refresh cycle for that model. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last year said iPhone 17 Pro models also might adopt resin-coated copper for the logic board next year, so this is a change that might extend to multiple devices in Apple's lineup over the next few years. Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9 Tag: DigiTimes Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral) This article, Next Apple Watch Said to Use Material Allowing for Thinner Logic Board first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

DSW cuts a rare extra 30% off clearance: Nike, adidas, Cole Haan, ASICS, Birkenstock, more

DSW is currently offering an extra 30% off clearance with code LASTCHANCE at checkout. Inside this sale you can score deals on Nike, Cole Haan, ASICS, adidas, and more. DSW Rewards Members ( free to sign-up ) receive free delivery. A highlight from this sale is the Nike Waffle Debut Running Shoes that are currently marked down to $42 and originally sold for $75. These shoes are great for walking, training, or running errands. Theyre available in two color options and have a pull-tab at the heel that make them easy for heading out the door. The insole is also highly cushioned and the design is lightweight to keep you quick on your feet. Rated 4/5 stars from DSW customers. Find the rest of our top picks from DSW below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more

Dripos raises $11M Series A to replace Square, Toast and 8 other pieces of software

Dripos brings together point-of-sale, mobile payments, employee management and payroll, loyalty and marketing automation and administrative functions like accounting and banking. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

TechCrunch Minute: Perplexity AI could be worth up to $3B. Heres why

Perplexity AIs latest, large fundraising event could be quickly superseded by another, even larger chunk of capital, TechCrunch reports. Yes, the $62.7 million that the startup raised at just over a $1 billion valuation could be quickly stomped on by a raise of as much as $250 million at a valuation that is up to [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Stainless is helping OpenAI, Anthropic and others build SDKs for their APIs

Stainless, a startup building a platform to generate SDKs from APIs, has raised a seed round of funding from Sequoia. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Google has delayed killing third-party cookies from Chrome (again)

Google keeps promising to phase out third-party cookies on Chrome but not actually doing it. The company vowed to deprecate cookies back in 2020 , pushing the date back to 2023 and then 2024. We did get some traction earlier this year , when Google disabled cookies for one percent of Chrome users , but those efforts have stalled. Now, the company says it wont happen until next year . Its easy to drag Google for this but its not entirely in the companys hands. The tech giant is working closely with the UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to ensure that any tools it implements to replace the cookies tracking and measurement capabilities arent anti-competitive. These tools are known collectively as the Privacy Sandbox and Google says it has to wait until the CMA has had sufficient time to review results from industry tests thatll be provided by the end of June. Googles Privacy Sandbox has stirred up some controversy in recent years. The proposed tools have drawn complaints from adtech companies, publishers and ad agencies, on the grounds that they are difficult to operate, dont adequately replace traditional cookies and give too much power to Google. To that end, the company said that it recognizes ongoing challenges related to reconciling divergent feedback from the industry, regulators and developers. This is another reason given for the delay until next year. The CMA isnt the only regulatory agency giving the side-eye to the current iteration of these Privacy Sandbox tools. The UK-based Information Commissioners Office drafted a report that indicated these tools could be used by advertisers to identify consumers, as suggested by the Wall Street Journal . Those in the ad industry want to see cookies given the heave-ho, despite complaints about Privacy Sandbox. Drew Stein, CEO of adtech data firm Audigent , told Engadget that its time for Google to deliver on the promise of a better ecosystem by implementing its plans to eliminate third-party cookies. The CMA, on the other hand, has indicated a willingness to keep third-party cookies in play, particularly if Googles solution does more harm than good. Craig Jenkins, the CMAs director of digital markets, recently said the organization would delay implementation of Privacy Sandbox tools if were not satisfied we can resolve the concerns, as reported by Adweek . Well see what happens in 2025. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-has-delayed-killing-third-party-cookies-from-chrome-again-155911583.html?src=rss

This deal adds a headphone jack to your Lightning iPhone for just $3

Macworld If you own a recent iPhone before the latest model, two things are true: It has a Lightning port and it doesnt have a headphone jack. Todays deal can fix that for very cheap: Best Buy is selling a 2-pack of Insignia Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone adapters for just $6 , a savings of $11.50 and the best price youre ever going to see. This adapter has one job: One end connects to the Lightning port on your iPhone and the other accepts a 3.5mm jack from your headphones or some other audio device. The cables are braided, so they should stay free from frays and breaks, and since you get two, you can keep one in a bag, use it on another device, or give it to a lucky friend. For comparison, Apple sells a similar adapter for $9 , so this deal is quite a bargain. Were not sure how long stock will remain, so if you want one go grab one now. iPhone

Joe Biden signs the bill that could ban TikTok in the United States

The bill that will force a sale or ban of TikTok in the United States is now law. President Joe Biden signed a package of foreign aid bills that included the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, one day after the legislation was approved by the Senate . In a statement , TikTok said it would challenge the law in court, which could delay an eventual sale or ban. This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court, the company said. We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail. The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation. This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans. The law gives TikToks parent company ByteDance, which is based in China, up to a year to sell the app to a new owner. If the company fails to divest, then TikTok will be banned from US app stores and web hosting services. Unlike previous attempts to force a sale or ban of the app, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, had overwhelming bipartisan support and was able to move through Congress with remarkable speed. The original version of the bill, which called for a six-month window to divest, passed the House in March , just days after it was introduced. An updated version, which allows up to 12 months for a divestment, passed over the weekend. In a video shared on TikTok , CEO Shou Chew called it a disappointing moment for the company. Make no mistake, this is a ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice, he said. It's actually ironic because the freedom of expression on TikTok reflects the same American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom. Developing... This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/joe-biden-signs-the-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-in-the-united-states-154106950.html?src=rss

12.9-Inch iPad Air No Longer Expected to Feature Mini-LED Display

Apple's upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air will feature an LCD display like its smaller sibling, according to Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO and analyst Ross Young. Earlier this month, Young said that the larger iPad Air would feature a mini-LED display like the current iPad Pro of the same size. The existing 10.9-inch iPad Air is equipped with a standard LCD panel, and the move to mini-LED technology for the 12.9-inch model would have provided increased brightness for HDR content, deeper blacks, lower power consumption, and more. He said the 12.9-inch iPad Air would use leftover mini-LED display panels from the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, with the 10.9-inch model sticking with LCDs. Now, in a post to subscribers on X (formerly Twitter), he said that this is no longer expected to be the case due to the panel's high cost, despite confirmation from multiple supply chain sources. As a result, both iPad Air models will feature LCD displays, clearly delineating them from the iPad Pro, which is expected to move to OLED. However, Young added that there may be a new iPad model with a 12.9-inch mini-LED display introduced in the fourth quarter of 2024. Speculatively, the device could be a high-end iPad Air, a low-end iPad Pro, or something else entirely. Next-generation iPad Air and iPad Pro models are expected to be announced at Apple's Let loose event on May 7. Related Roundup: iPad Air Tags: Mini-LED , 2024 iPad Air Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Don't Buy) Related Forum: iPad This article, 12.9-Inch iPad Air No Longer Expected to Feature Mini-LED Display first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Fox News AI Newsletter: AI predicts your politics with single photo

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Save $501 on GoTraxs Everest electric dirt bike with 53 MPH top speeds

Best Buy is offering the GoTrax Everest Electric Dirt Bike for $5,999 shipped . Normally fetching $6,500, this model has only seen three previous discounts since its release in the summer of 2023, with two of them bringing costs down to $6,000 during August and Decembers Christmas sales, and a one-day sale last month that saw it fall to a new $5,500 low. Todays deal comes in as a repeat of its first two discounts, taking $501 off the going rate and returning it to the second-lowest price we have tracked. more

Biden signs bill that would ban TikTok if ByteDance fails to sell the app

President Biden has signed a bill that would ban TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, fails to sell it within a year. The bill, which includes aid for Ukraine and Israel, was passed by the U.S. Senate in a 79-18 vote late Tuesday after the House passed it with overwhelming majority over the weekend. [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

iPad mini 7: Heres whats next for Apples smallest tablet

Macworld Apples smallest iPad was given a substantial facelift at the end of 2021. The 6th-generation iPad mini sports a complete redesign with a bigger display, Touch ID on the power button, USB C instead of Lightning, and an upgraded front camera. This represented the first major change to the design since the iPad mini was first introduced back in 2012. The mini celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2022 without an update and no update was forthcoming in 2023 either. But a new iPad mini 7th generation is rumored to be in the works for 2024. Update April 24: Apple announced its Let Loose iPad event for May 5, but the iPad mini is not expected to be announced. iPad mini 7 release date: When is the new iPad mini coming out? Its been more than two years since the 6th generation iPad mini launched in September 2021, and, based on the dates when other iPad mini models have launched, a fall 2023 update for the iPad mini would have made sense. But now its looking like a new iPad mini wont arrive until fall 2024. Apple will hold its Let Loose event on May 7 to launch new iPads, but the iPad mini isnt expected to be among them. Apple will reportedly release new iPad Pro and iPad Air models at the event, but the mini isnt expected to arrive until the fall. Way back in December 2022, respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the new iPad mini wont arrive until late 2023 or early 2024. However, in November 2023, Kuo pushed that prediction back: saying the 7th-gen iPad mini wont arrive until the second half of 2024 . iPad mini 7 price: How much will the new iPad mini cost? The arrival of the redesigned iPad mini 6th generation saw a $100 increase in price over the previous model to $499. Heres how the prices of the 6th and 5th generations compared: iPad mini 6th generation: $499/569 (At launch was 479 in the U.K) iPad mini 5th generation: $399/379 That price increased even further outside the U.S. including in the U.K. where the price increased again by 90 a few months after the launch. However, it is hoped with the new generation that prices will drop in some markets. We hope that when the new models launch pricing in the U.K. will match the U.S., so $499/499, rather than $499/569. iPad mini 7 specs: What new features will the iPad mini have? Theres an expectation the new iPad mini will feature a more impressive processor than it does currently. We are also hoping for some small internal improvements. A16 processor The iPad mini 6 offers the A15 Bionic chip as found in the iPhone 13, mini, Pro and Max, however, this chip is down-clocked compared to the one inside the iPhone 13 series. Heres how that chip compares to the rest of the range and what is expected for the next generation. iPad Pro : M2. The next generation is expected to get an M3 chip. iPad Air (5th gen): M1. The next generation is expected to get an M2 chip. iPad mini (6th gen): A15, as found in iPhone 13 series. The next generation is expected to get A16, as found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 . iPad (10th gen): A14, as found in iPhone 12 series. The next generation is expected to get A16, as found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15. iPad (9th gen): A13, as found in iPhone 11 series. Its unclear how (or if) Apple will update this model. Kuo reported in December that the iPad minis main selling point would be the new processor. He didnt specify which processor at the time, but it is now expected to be the A16 chip found in the iPhone 14 Pro and Max and the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. You may be looking at the iPad Air and wondering if the iPad mini might get an M1 chip like that found in the iPad Air. Perhaps its something Apple might consider down the line, but the rumors around the launch of the iPad Air indicated that Apples reason for using the M1 was actually the reduced of availability of the A16 at the time, as per this tweet from Mark Gurman. Could also be another explanation for why the iPad Air got the M1 (supply). https://t.co/lrvuVR0QkW Mark Gurman (@markgurman) March 13, 2022 Increased storage On the current iPad mini 6th generation, the base model starts off with a rather paltry 64GB of storage. For a device like an iPad, where you can store movies, TV shows, books, comics, magazines, games, and a wide range of apps, that amount can often become a problem, especially if you want to take your iPad away on holiday or use it for your commute without needing to manage the storage. Although Apple has something of a history of giving base models low storage capacities, we think it would be a wise move to upgrade the entry-level iPad mini 7th generation to at least 128GB. File sizes are growing all the time, due to higher-quality cameras and software, so doubling the existing 64GB would be a very consumer-friendly solution. Along these lines, theres also the possibility that the upper limit of the storage could be increased. At the time of writing, the most storage available on the iPad mini 6th generation is 256GB. Moving up to 512GB would be the logical step, especially if the baseline storage moves to 128GB. iPad mini 7 display: Will the iPad mini get a new screen? The iPad mini will likely keep the same design for several generations. The iPad mini will likely keep the same design for several generations. IDG The iPad mini will likely keep the same design for several generations. IDG IDG Its unlikely that the design will change, but the new iPad mini is expected to include a new display controller designed to mitigate a problem described as a jelly scrolling issue that reportedly makes content look laggy. There have been reports for a while that Apple will move the display technology to OLED but this looks like it wont happen until at least next year. Apple is said to be talking to LG, Samsung, and other companies regarding active matrix OLEDs (AMOLEDs). But, according to market research company Omdia: Apple is continuously discussing the possibility of widely adopting OLED technology for the iPad mini and iPad Air lineup as the next phase of its strategy from 2026 onward. Screen size The iPad mini screen was 7.9-inches up until the current iPad mini 6th generation launched in 2021. The iPad mini 6th generation screen is 8.3-inch thanks to the removal of the Home button. A report from ET News suggests that an iPad mini with a larger 8.7-inch OLED display is in the works. However, this change might not happen with the 7th generation as the iPad mini with OLED screen isnt expected until 2026. Folding display Apple is said to have been working on an iPad with a folding display, but its unlikely to come to this model. In December 2022, Ming-Chi Kuo said that reports of a folding iPad mini in development were wrong because a foldable iPad will have a markedly higher price than an iPad mini, so such a replacement is not reasonable. (3/3) Additionally, Apple is currently working on a new version of the iPad mini equipped with a new processor as the main selling point, and the mass shipment is expected to start by the end of 2023 or in 1H24. (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) December 27, 2022 ProMotion screen The screen in the 7th gen model isnt expected to grow from the current 8.3-inch, but there may be new screen technology. A post on a South Korean forum back in November 2021 indicated Apple had ordered 8.3-inch displays from Samsung that support 120Hz maximum refresh rates . If true, the post on Clien ( translated here ) could mean the next mini offers the ProMotion ultra-smooth scrolling feature currently seen on the iPad Pro, iPhone 13 Pro models, and 14- & 16-inch MacBook Pro. This could address the minor issue of jelly scrolling that some users have complained about with the current iPad mini. I would be surprised since it is currently an a-Si LCD which isn't compatible with ProMotion. Only their Pro models support ProMotion as they use an Oxide LCD. Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) June 28, 2022 However, its not looking like this particular rumor is accurate. Analyst Ross Young , CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, doesnt believe that Apple will be giving the iPad mini a ProMotion display yet. He indicates that doing so would require significant hardware changes. This would require a whole new level of engineering, according to Young. We remain skeptical of a ProMotion upgrade as its one of the main differentiators between the standard and Pro devices Apple sells. iPad mini design: What will the new iPad mini look like? Its been surprisingly quiet on the rumor front, which probably means the iPad mini 7 design will be largely the same as the 6th-gen model. Heres what weve managed to uncover. One of the most obvious changes to the iPad mini 6th generation was the new palette of colors that Apple made available. While you can currently select between space gray, pink, purple, and starlight, there are several interesting hues available on the iPad Air when it received its new look in fall 2021, including silver, rose gold, green, and sky blue. It would therefore seem reasonable to assume that some of these make it to the mini. Plus now that the iPad 10th generation brought a bold selection of colors, the iPad mini may get a completely new palette. However, the iPhone 15 introduced an extremely light palette of colors so its unclear which direction Apple will go. Well update this article as more details become available, but until then, be sure to read our iPad buying guide to see which models wed recommend if you want to buy one of Apples tablets today. And check our roundup of the best iPad mini deals for the latest bargains on the current range. iPad

Fintech gaming startup Sanlos webshop tool could help developers avoid costly app store fees

Sanlo, a fintech startup that helps gaming companies manage finances, announced Wednesday the closed beta launch of its webshop tool, giving select game developers and studios a plug-and-play solution that works alongside their existing tech stacks. Gaming companies can join the waitlist starting today. With Google and Apple charging a 30% fee for in-app purchases, [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

SpaceX has now landed more boosters than most other rockets ever launch

Can the Falcon 9 eventually challenge Soyuz for launch totals?

Anon is building an automated authentication layer for the GenAI age

As the notion of the AI agent begins to take hold, and more tasks will be completed without a human involved, it is going to require a new kind of authentication to make sure only agents with the proper approval can access particular resources. Anon, an early-stage startup is helping developers add automated authentication in [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Steam closes an early-access loophole in its refund policy

Valve has closed a loophole in Steam's refund policy that effectively allowed players to beat a game before its official release date and get their money back. The company has long had a policy in place whereby users could refund a game, no questions asked, as long as they havent played for more than two hours within 14 days. Until now, the refund policy was far more lenient for games in early access or advanced access, but Valve has nipped that in the bud. When you purchase a title on Steam prior to the release date, the two hour playtime limit for refunds will apply (except for beta testing), but the 14-day period for refunds will not start until the release date, Valve's updated policy reads, as noted by IGN . For example, if you purchase a game that is in Early Access or Advanced Access, any playtime will count against the two-hour refund limit. If you pre-purchase a title which is not playable prior to the release date, you can request a refund at any time prior to release of that title, and the standard 14-day/two-hour refund period will apply starting on the games release date. Early access enables players to try an incomplete version of a game. Its helpful for developers as they can take feedback from players and use that to improve their project before ramping up the marketing campaign ahead of the official release. Supergiant famously used this strategy to tremendous success with Hades (and is perhaps looking to repeat that trick with the sequel ). But a game can remain in early access for years. Under the previous policy, players could put many hours into an early access game and still claim a refund on Steam. As for advanced access, that relates to playing a full version of a game before its proper debut. It's pretty common for publishers to sell a deluxe edition of a game that lets players dive in a few days early. However, Steam made it possible for someone to beat a game in advanced access and get their money back before the standard version was available to everyone. Now, the two-hour time limit applies to games in early access and advanced access. There's also a new advanced access label to make it clear when a game offers that. There is one other key issue with the otherwise generous two-hour refund policy that Steam hasn't fully addressed, however. It's not uncommon for players to roll credits on very short games, typically indie titles. That leaves the game's developer and publisher out of pocket . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/steam-closes-an-early-access-loophole-in-its-refund-policy-150003143.html?src=rss

How to scan documents on iPhone

Macworld Sometimes, you need to turn a piece of paper into a digital file. Maybe you need to include a receipt, registration, or other form of proof in an online form. Or, you want to keep copies of your important documents in the cloud, so theyre always accessible and safe from being lost or destroyed. Such documents are often digitized as Portable Document Format files (or PDFs). It used to be that you needed to use either dedicated hardware or a third-party iPhone appto take a photo of a document and convert it to PDF. That is no longer the case: Apple includes a very handy document scanner in the iPhones Notes and Files apps, and it does a surprisingly good job of capturing most documents and converting them to PDF. Because its not very obvious, youd be forgiven for not even knowing it exists. Heres how you scan documents using an iPhone. We also cover how to convert the scan into a PDF and how to autofill the PDF on an iPhone. We also have a round up of the best free PDF editors for Mac and explain How to edit a PDF on a Mac . You may also be interested How to create a PDF on an iPhone. At a glance Time to complete: 5 minutes Tools required: iPhone with iOS 11 or later Cost: 0 1. How to scan a document on iPhone using Notes Foundry Open the Notes app. Create a new Note or select an existing one. Tap the camera button and select Scan Documents . Hold your iPhone over your document until it is highlighted. Try to get it as level and square as possible. Either hold your iPhone (or iPad) still until the scan captures automatically or press the shutter. Depending on whether you are happy or not choose Retake or Keep Scan . Unhappy with the scan? There are two modes: if you use Auto (the word Auto appears in the upper-right corner), Notes captures a page whenever it detects a document. Most of the time the results are pretty accurate, but if they arent good enough you can switch to Manual by tapping Auto in the top right, then you can drag the corners to adjust the scan until you are happy. Keystoning will be applied. (Keystoning is the effect of a rectangle appearing to be a different shape when not capturedor projected as with a slide projectorabsolutely squarely.) Once you are happy with the scan, tap Keep Scan . Continue scanning until all pages are captured, or tap Save . Notes will attempt to extract some text at the top of the document to use as its title. 2. How to turn a scan into a PDF on iPhone Foundry The method above allows you to scan a document into Notes, which is useful if you want to store your scans in Notes. But what if youd rather store it as a PDF? Luckily if you save the scan it will automatically save as a PDF. Open a Note containing a scanned document. Beside the scanned document tap on the arrow. Choose Save to Files . Select a folder within Files in which to save a PDF of the scan. Give the file a name (and tags if you wish) at the bottom of the screen. This will save the scan as a PDF. 3. How to scan a PDF on iPhone Foundry You dont have to save your scan in Notes, you can also scan directly into Files, where your document will automatically be saved as a PDF. Open Files on your iPhone (or iPad). Choose a location to save your scan. Tap the more button () in the upper right, and choose Scan Documents . Line up your document and tap the shutter, or hold the iPhone still to automatically capture the image. If you use the shutter, you can drag the corners to adjust. Once you are happy tap Keep Scan . Add additional scans if required and tap Save when youre done. The scan will be saved in your chosen location as a PDF, and likely named Scanned Document . The name will be highlighted so you can easily change it. 4. How to fill in a PDF on iPhone Foundry Now that you have your PDF scanned onto your iPhone it is easy to fill it in. In fact, your iPhone can even use AutoFill to complete some parts of the PDF. Once scanned the PDF will invite you to AutoFill Form, this iOS 17 feature means that details like your name, address and other information can be automatically filled in (as long as you have previously added it to your Contact Card. See how to autofill passwords, names and addresses . You can then fill in details by tapping on the fields. To add text tap on the pencil icon at the bottom right. When you tap in the signature box the software will recognize that a signature is required and you can easily add a signature if you have one saved, or you can add or remove a signature. You might find it easier to fill in a PDF on a Mac, read: How to edit a PDF on Mac. iOS, iPhone, PDF Editors

Husqvarnas Automower 115H robotic lawn mower with smart controls now $599 (Reg. $700)

Amazon is offering the Husqvarna Automower 115H Robotic Lawn Mower for $599 shipped. Down from $700, with an original price tag of $1,500, this mower spent the first months of 2023 bobbing between its low and its high, eventually settling at the $700 rate that seems to have become its new listing price. While its not the lowest price we have seen, todays deal still comes in as a solid $101 markdown off the new going rate and lands at the third-lowest price we have tracked just $39 above the all-time low from Christmas sales. more

Best Buy Takes $100 Off M1 iPad Air, Starting at $499.99

Best Buy this week has steep $100 discounts on every M1 iPad Air model, with prices starting at $499.99 for the 64GB Wi-Fi tablet. These deals follow in the wake of Apple's announcement of an event coming in May, which is expected to include refreshed iPad Air models with M2 chips. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. As is typical when new product generations are set to launch, we're now seeing prices consistently dip on the outgoing generation of iPad Air. In addition to the 64GB Wi-Fi tablet, Best Buy also has the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $649.99 , as well as both cellular models on sale. $100 OFF M1 iPad Air (64GB Wi-Fi) for $499.99 $100 OFF M1 iPad Air (256GB Wi-Fi) for $649.99 $100 OFF M1 iPad Air (64GB Cellular) for $649.99 $100 OFF M1 iPad Air (256GB Cellular) for $799.99 Best Buy has every color available on sale for every configuration of the fifth generation iPad Air. Across the board, these prices are all solid second-best prices on the iPad Air. If you're a My Best Buy Plus/Total member, you can also save 25 percent on the Logitech Crayon stylus when purchasing an iPad. Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week. Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, Best Buy Takes $100 Off M1 iPad Air, Starting at $499.99 first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

The TikTok ban clears key hurdle while Perplexity AI continues to shake up search

Well, if you are a big TikTok fan and live in the United States, I have some bad news for you: A bill that would force a sale of TikTok or ban it in the United States passed the Senate. And the President is expected to sign it. Given that China has made noise that [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Mercedes electric G-Wagon is more capable than the gas version

With four motors, deeper fording, and more power, you can forget about the gas version.

Jetsons Canyon folding electric scooter with 22-mile range falls to $380 ($520 in savings)

Update: Amazon has dropped the price further to $379.52 shipped. Amazon is offering the Jetson Canyon Folding Electric Scooter for $411.50 shipped . Already down from its $900 MSRP, this is only the sixth discount we have tracked over the course of the last year and comes in as a 54% markdown off the going rate that lands at the fourth-lowest price we have tracked, saving you a whopping $488 off the MSRP. You wont be able to find this particular model on the manufacturers website anymore either, as it has been retired since December, but when it was available it was last listed at its MSRP. more

adidas Members Sale takes up to 40% off thousands of styles: UltraBoost, NMD, more

The adidas Members Sale takes up to 40% off thousands of styles and free delivery when you sign up for a adiClub subscription ( enroll here ). Discount is applied at checkout. Inside this sale you can find best-selling running shoes, apparel, sneakers, accessories, and more. A standout from this sale is the Stan Smith Lux Shoes that are currently marked down to $84 and is a great option for spring outings. For comparison, this style is regularly priced at $120 and can be paired with jeans, joggers, shorts, and more. The all-white style is highly versatile and can easily be dressed up or down. The insole is also cushioned to promote comfort and the outsole is rubber that helps to give your traction, especially if you run into spring showers. Find even more deals by heading below, and you will want to swing by our fashion guide for additional sales today. more

WORX 40V PowerShare14-inch cordless electric chainsaw hits $189 (Reg. $270) for today only

Best Buy is offering the WORX 40V PowerShare 14-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw with two 2.0Ah batteries for $188.99 shipped through the rest of the day. Normally fetching $270, this chainsaw saw regular ups and downs over the last year mainly keeping above $199, with drops as low as $170 after the start of the new year. Todays deal comes in as a 30% markdown off the going rate that gives you $81 in savings and lands at the fourth-lowest price we have tracked $37 above the all-time low from 2022. Equipped with a brushless motor alongside a 14-inch bar and chain that automatically adjusts tension levels to their optimal points, this chainsaw also sports a quick-stop chain brake to keep you in control and prevent accidental cutting. Its two 2.0Ah batteries are compatible across the WORX PowerShare ecosystem, allowing you to interchange batteries between 20V, 40V, and 80V cordless tools. It even has a battery indicator that tells you at a glance how much juice is left for the tasks at hand. Youll also receive a dual-port charger and a sheath along with your purchase. Head below to read more. more

Drop Samsungs Galaxy SmartTag 2 down to $18 each when you buy 4 for $72 (Reg. $100)

Amazon is now offering a 4-pack of Samsungs latest SmartTag 2 Item Finders for $71.99 shipped. This bundle would typically set you back $100. Now, you can save $28 and score the second-best price to date. It comes within $2 of the all-time low from earlier in the spring and is the lowest in over a month. While Android users are still waiting for Google to release its Find My Device network, Samsung smartphone owners dont have to wait to keep tabs on their gear thanks to these new Galaxy SmartTag 2. We broke down whats new over at 9to5Google , and also detail what to expect below the fold. more

Nvidia acquires AI workload management startup Run:ai

Nvidia is acquiring Run:ai, a Tel Aviv-based company that makes it easier for developers and operations teams to manage and optimize their AI hardware infrastructure, for an undisclosed sum. Ctech reported earlier this morning the companies were in advanced negotiations that could see Nvidia pay upwards of $1 billion for Run:ai. Evidently, the negotiations went [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Security bugs in a popular phone-tracking app exposed users precise locations

The location-sharing app iSharing, which has 35 million users, fixed vulnerabilities that exposed users' personal information and precise location data. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Block lets Square merchants convert a part of their daily sales to bitcoin

Block, the company behind Square, Cash App and other services, announced a new program today allowing merchants using Squares solutions to convert a percentage of their daily sales to bitcoin. The feature, rolling out in the U.S. starting today, will transfer 1-10% of Square sellers daily sales to their personal Cash App account. This amount [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Diddos new funding will bring its shoppable TV API to streaming platforms

Diddo is an API for streaming services and other platforms to integrate shoppable video, enabling consumers to buy their favorite characters clothing and accessories directly on their screens. The company announced Wednesday that it raised $2.8 million in seed funding. Diddo was founded in late 2022 by Rishi Nair, Ryan Sullivan, and Pamela Chen. Funnily [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Spotify submits a new update to Apple with pricing information for EU users

Spotify said today that it has submitted a new version of its app for EU users with pricing information and basic site information. Critically, the version doesnt contain the link to the website. The music streaming company said it is not opting into Apples new Digital Markets Act (DMA) changes that charge a core technology [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

5 Best VPN Services (2024): For Routers, PC, iPhone, Android, and More

It wont solve all of your privacy problems, but a virtual private network can make you a less tempting target for hackers.

Samsungs all-new S90D 4K OLED TVs see first discounts from $1,798 (Save $200)

Samsung just launched its new lineup of OLED TVs back in March, and now the first cash discounts are here. The new Samsung S90D series 4K OLED TVs are now on sale for the very first time. Everything starts with the 55-inch model at $1,797.99 shipped . This is $200 off the usual $1,998 price tag it just launched with a month ago and is a new all-time low. You can also step up to the 65-inch version at $2,497.99, down from $2,698. This is also the first cash discount and a new low. more

Hackers are carrying out ransomware experiments in developing countries

Businesses in Africa, Asia, and South America hit before moving on to western targets.

Gigabyte Aorus 49-Inch AI-Enabled QD-OLED Gaming Monitor Debuts in India: Price, Features

Gigabyte has introduced the Aorus CO49DQ, a new QD-OLED gaming monitor, in India. The 49-inch monitor sports an extra-wide curved QD-OLED display with 5120 x 1440 pixel resolution and a high refresh rate of 144Hz ideal for gaming.

Tesla profits drop 55% as Elon Musk dodges cheap car questions

Tesla spent $1 billion on GPUs even as its profit margins shrank by half.

Qualcomm is expanding its next-gen laptop chip line with the Snapdragon X Plus

Last fall, Qualcomm revealed a major upgrade for its laptop chips with the Snapdragon X Elite. And while were still waiting for those processors to make their way into retail devices, today Qualcomm is expanding the line with the Snapdragon X Plus, which I had a chance to test out ahead of its arrival on gadgets later this year. Similar to the X Elite, the X Plus is based on the same 4nm process and Arm-based Oryon CPU architecture as its sibling. The difference is that the new chip is meant to be used in slightly more affordable mainstream laptops, and as such it only has 10 CPU cores (vs 12 for the X Elite) and reduced clock speeds (3.4Ghz vs 3.8Ghz for the X Elite). This positioning is a lot like what Qualcomms rivals have been doing for a while, with the X Elite serving as the flagship chip (like Intels Core Ultra 9 series) and the X Plus sitting just below that (which would be equivalent to the Core Ultra 7 line). Qualcomm However, one thing that hasnt changed is that just like the X Elite, the X Plus Hexagon NPU puts out the same 45 TOPS of machine learning performance. This is particularly notable as Microsoft recently suggested that laptops would require at least 40 TOPS in order to run various elements of its Copilot AI service on-device. Qualcomm is also making some big claims regarding power efficiency, with the X Plus chip said to deliver 37 percent faster CPU performance compared to an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H when both chips are running at the same wattage. And when put up against other Arm-based chips, Qualcomm says the X Plus is 10 percent faster than Apples M3 processor in multi-threaded CPU tasks. Photo by Sam Rutherford Unfortunately, the X Plus is not expected to show up in retail devices until sometime in the second half of 2024. That said, at a hands-on event, I was able to run a few benchmarks on some early Qualcomm-built reference devices. And to my pleasant surprise, the X Plus performed as expected with multi-core scores in Geekbench of 12,905 and multi-thread performance in Cinebench 2024 of 852. (Note: Because the processor has not been released yet, theres an error in Cinebench that results in the chips GPU incorrectly being listed as from the X Elite instead of the X Plus.) This is a promising showing for Qualcomms second and less expensive chip featuring its Oryon architecture. Though as always, the real test will come when the X Plus starts showing up in proper retail hardware. Thats because even if it boasts impressive benchmark figures, these processors will still need to play nicely with Windows, which has not had nearly as smooth a transition to Arm-based silicon as Apples macOS. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget But with renewed support for Windows on Snapdragon PCs and Qualcomm recently working with major players like Google to bring dramatic performance improvements in Chrome for devices running its laptop chips, things may be smoother this time. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/qualcomm-is-expanding-its-next-gen-laptop-chip-line-with-the-snapdragon-x-plus-130018288.html?src=rss

Snowflake releases a flagship generative AI model of its own

All-around, highly generalizable generative AI models were the name of the game once, and they arguably still are. But increasingly, as cloud vendors large and small join the generative AI fray, were seeing a new crop of models focused on the deepest-pocketed potential customers: the enterprise. Case in point: Snowflake, the cloud computing company, today [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Tomorrow, TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 takes over Boston

Tomorrow is the day weve all been waiting for! TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 kicks off in Boston, and we cant wait to see you there! Were expecting 1,000+ attendees for a full day of all things early-stage startups. As you gear up for an immersive dive into the world of startup success, heres a quick [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Lenovos Tab Extreme with floating hinge OLED screen now $150 off at $950 low

Best Buy offers the Lenovo Tab Extreme Android Tablet for $949.99 shipped . This is down from the usual $1,100 price tag and marks one of the first chances to save, period. Its $150 off and matching our previous mention from February, which is the only other offer in 2024. Todays sale is also only the second time it has ever dropped to the all-time low. We break down the package over in our review at 9to5Google , while taking a deeper dive below the fold. more