AI performances and screenplays won't be eligible for Oscars
Will that stop them from taking over?
Apple appears to have discontinued its cheapest Mac mini
The compact desktop Mac now starts at $799 and comes with 512GB of storage.
There's already a way to mount your smartphone to a Steam Controller
Just don't expect it to work with many iOS or Android apps yet.
LG's 2026 Gram laptop lineup starts at $1,150
They're available today from LG's website.
Oura adds more detailed hormonal health insights to its Series 3 and 4 rings
The system will track potential side effects of various birth control methods.
Engadget Podcast: Is the Valve Steam Controller worth $100?
And why it's not exactly a PC gamepad.
The Morning After: Instagram will try to penalize 'unoriginal' posts
Did Instagram put its feed slop on notice?
Netflix has reportedly greenlit a prequel for 'The Crown'
It will cover events from Queen Victoria's death in 1901 until Princess Elizabeth's wedding.
Microsoft's Xbox mode starts making its way to Windows 11 PCs
Xbox mode brings a console-like interface to Windows 11.
Toilet maker Toto is here to help with the RAM crisis
It's pledged to invest more into its division making ceramics used in the production of NAND memory.
Meta says it may withdraw its apps from New Mexico if judge agrees to the state's demands
Welcome to the Land of Enchantment.
Modder releases loader to turn the PS5 into a Linux system
Linux is having a very busy year.
You can now choose which games use Quick Resume on Xbox
The option is part of a collection of updates Microsoft is making to consoles and the Xbox PC app.
The minimalist Light Phone III will soon support a curated set of third-party apps
An SDK will allow developers to start building non-commercial tools soon.
City of None is the next game from the co-creator of Celeste
Extremely OK Games is publishing the project.
Anbernic's swiveling retro handheld will be available May 11
The RG Rotate starts at just $88.
LG's UltraGear evo 5K gaming monitor is available to pre-order
The monitor uses a Mini LED screen and supports AI upscaling for lower resolution content.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 support for PlayStation VR2 is now live
Asobo Studio says it also improved the game's performance with the latest update.
Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approves AI chatbot age verification
It's a rare moment of working across the aisle.
Subnautica 2 will be in early access May 14, at long last
The hotly anticipated sequel has been the subject of all kinds of drama.
Amazon's AI-generated shopping experts now let you ask questions
It's an expansion of the mobile app's Hear the Highlights feature.
Atomfall is the latest indie game being turned into a TV show
The extremely British action RPG should translate well to an episodic format.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is getting some updates, including Automatic Super Resolution
Xbox Insiders can preview the new tech today.
ChatGPT developed a goblin obsession after OpenAI tried to make it nerdy
A warning for all you nerds out there.
The upcoming Resident Evil movie looks legit scary in its first trailer
Zach Cregger's take on the video game source material hits theaters on September 18.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer lands on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on October 6
A $160 physical collector's edition includes a rad-looking landspeeder model.
Even Realities' G2 smart glasses will keep an eye on your AI agent
It's designed to keep you appraised of what your coding agent is doing, even when you're not at your desk.
The HyperX Clutch Talon is a super configurable multi-platform gaming controller
It features a bunch of hot-swappable components inside its bundled case and it's even Xbox-certified.
YouTube's picture-in-picture mode is rolling out to all users worldwide
It will be available to everyone, not just Premium users.
Sony says your PlayStation won't check for game licenses every 30 days
Rumors that Sony's new digital rights management (DRM) system might check PlayStation game licenses every 30 days appear not to be true.
Mark Zuckerberg says Meta is working on AI agents for personal and business use
The CEO wants to make an agent so easy even his mom can use it.
Gemini can now generate files, including Microsoft Word and LaTeX documents
No need to copy and paste Gemini's outputs anymore.
Humanoid robots will work as baggage handlers at Tokyo airport
Has nobody watched Terminator?
Families of Tumbler Ridge shooting victims sue OpenAI
Sam Altman apologized for not notifying local authorities last week.
Texas Instruments made a new flagship graphing calculator: the TI-84 Evo
Texas Instruments graphing calculators have helped many a student with algebra, pre-calculus and upside-down anatomical slang. Now, the company is back with an upgrade for the modern world, the TI-84 Evo . The new device lets you get your math on with a faster processor, a new icon-based home screen and a redesigned keypad. TI is marketing it as something akin to the Light Phone of calculators. Unlike calculator apps on phones or computers, the distraction-free TI-84 Evo is a single-purpose device designed to do one thing exceptionally well math. Without notifications, social media apps or even Wi-Fi, there's less to draw your focus away from the math problems at hand. (However, there will always be the sidesplittingly funny 58008 to relieve your boredom.) Texas Instruments The new model's processor is three times faster than its predecessor. It also adds 50 percent more graphing space, a simplified keypad and USB-C charging. There's also a new feature that lets you trace along a graph to find points of interest. The TI-84 Evo is available now. Individual customers will pay $160 . (School districts can contact the company for bulk pricing.) The calculator ships in a modern array of colors: white (the standard model), mint, pink, purple, teal, raspberry and silver. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/texas-instruments-made-a-new-flagship-graphing-calculator-the-ti-84-evo-201903438.html?src=rss
iOS 27 will reportedly come with new AI-powered photo editing tools
Apple reportedly plans to fix bugs and expand the capabilities of Apple Intelligence with the release of iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 year, and it seems like tweaks to the company's AI could go beyond a more functional version of its Siri assistant. Bloomberg reports that this year's software updates will also include new AI-powered photo editing tools that will let users change things like the background and framing of images, too. You can currently use the Photos app across Apple's operating systems to adjust things like saturation and contrast, apply filters, crop photos or use AI to remove objects with the Clean Up tool . Clean Up will apparently be one of several Apple Intelligence Tools after these new updates roll out, Bloomberg writes. Along with Clean Up, users will be able to use Extend to expand the background of the photo with generative AI, Enhance to automatically improve things like lighting and image quality and Reframe to shift the perspective of a photo after it's taken, primarily for Apple's spatial photos. The new features, if released, will bring Apple's photo-editing tools more in line with competitors like Google and Samsung, though both companies still lap Apple in their willingness to create entirely generated images. Google's Magic Editor feature , which debuted in 2023, still takes the cake in terms of giving users leeway to radically add to and change their photos. Other than new photo tools, Apple is reportedly also debuting its new version of Siri powered by Google's Gemini models, a standalone Siri app and AI-powered search inside its apps. Apple will likely introduce many of these new features during its WWDC keynote on June 8 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/ios-27-will-reportedly-come-with-new-ai-powered-photo-editing-tools-194119562.html?src=rss
Games Done Quick will host its first ever event in Europe
Games Done Quick, the charity video game speedrunning series, is making its European debut in a live event at Germanys Gamescom this summer. GDQs marathon event will run for the duration of the three-day show in Cologne, starting August 28-30, and will feature popular runners and an on-site live audience. The event will be broadcast on Twitch and YouTube, with programming kicking off at 4am ET (one for all you early risers) daily and running until 2pm. Were thrilled to expand Games Done Quick globally and to bring a live event to gamescom in Germany, an opportunity thats incredibly meaningful to our team, said Ashley Farkas, Games Done Quicks Owner and Business Director. This partnership not only supports an amazing initiative, but also creates space for more runners to participate, especially those who havent previously had the opportunity to travel to the US. Games Done Quick was established in 2010 and has since raised more than $60 million for charities worldwide. Its first event of this year took place back in January, and featured live speedruns of Super Mario Sunshine , Hades II and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , to name a few. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/games-done-quick-will-host-its-first-ever-event-in-europe-170637194.html?src=rss
Google Translate uses AI to help you practice pronunciation
Google is celebrating Translates 20th birthday by launching pronunciation practice, which the company says is one of the most requested features for the product. The feature is only rolling out on Android at the moment for English, Spanish and Hindi in the US and India. If its available for you, youll see a button at the bottom of the app that says Practice, which gives you the option to either pronounce what youve translated or to listen to how its actually pronounced by native speakers. If you choose the pronounce option, Translate will listen to you speak and then use artificial intelligence to analyze how you said the words to provide instance feedback. It will then show you a phonetic spelling of how specific words should be pronounced. In the example Google provided, for instance, the speaker pronounced the Spanish word for juice as jugo with the English j sound instead of with the Spanish j sound. So, Translate spells it out as HU-go in its pronunciation suggestion. Google said around third of users on mobile use Translate to practice speaking and listening in order to be able to hold real-world conversations, making this new feature a very useful addition. The company also revealed other stats about the app. Apparently, it now supports over 250 languages, including some endangered and indigenous ones, and has over 1 billion monthly user who have been translating over 1 trillion words every month. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-translate-uses-ai-to-help-you-practice-pronunciation-160000542.html?src=rss
Google has signed a deal that allows the US Department of Defense to use its AI models for any lawful government purpose. This is according to a report by The Information , which also notes that the full details of the contract are classified. An anonymous source within the company has suggested that the two entities have agreed that the search giant's AI tech shouldn't be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without appropriate human oversight and control. However, the contract also reportedly doesn't give Google any right to control or veto anything the government decides to do. In other words, the famously trustworthy US government will just have to be taken at its word. We believe that providing API access to our commercial models, including on Google infrastructure, with industry-standard practices and terms, represents a responsible approach to supporting national security, a Google spokesperson told Reuters . The spokesperson also echoed that the company holds the opinion that AI shouldn't be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weaponry without appropriate human oversight. Some might argue that the technology shouldn't be used for that stuff at all, oversight or not. More than 560 Google employees have signed an open letter urging CEO Sundar Pichai to reject the US government's use of the company's AI technology for classified military operations. pic.twitter.com/GLyzlA1Dfd Yahoo Finance (@YahooFinance) April 27, 2026 To that end, nearly 600 Google employees just penned an open letter to CEO Sundar Pichai to urge the company against making this kind of deal with the Pentagon. This stems from concerns that the tech would be used in inhumane or extremely harmful ways. Human lives are already being lost and civil liberties put at risk at home and abroad from misuses of the technology we are playing a key role in building, the letter states. As people working on AI, we know that these systems can centralize power and that they do make mistakes. Google will join OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI in this endeavor, as they both have made classified AI deals with the US government. Anthropic had a deal in place, but refused the government's demands to remove weapon and surveillance-related safeguards. NEW: Trump to blacklist Anthropic in the most consequential and controversial policy decision to date at the intersection of artificial intelligence and national security. With @m_ccuri , as ever https://t.co/z3FDEHdsOx Dave Lawler (@DavidLawler10) February 27, 2026 That refusal annoyed President Trump and the Pentagon so much that Anthropic was entirely blacklisted from federal use . This doesn't exactly sound like the actions of a government that is dedicated to appropriate human oversight and control of dangerous AI military tech. Engadget has reached out to Google to ask for more specifics and will update this post when we hear back. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-and-the-pentagon-sign-classified-deal-to-give-the-department-of-defense-unfettered-access-to-its-ai-models-155211834.html?src=rss
The FTC says Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025
Americans lost at least $2.1 billion in 2025 to scams that originated on social media, according to the Federal Trade Commission . That figure marks an eightfold increase since 2020. The FTC said Americans reported losing $1.1 billion last year to investment scams that started on social media. These often began with a post or ad offering a program that claimed to help people learn how to invest. More than 40 percent of Americans who lost money through a social media scam last year blamed shopping-related ads, many of which took them to unfamiliar websites, the FTC said. The agency also highlighted the problem of romance scams that start on social media. Most of these scams started on Facebook, with WhatsApp and Instagram in a distant second and third, the FTC noted. A lawsuit filed against Meta, which owns all three platforms, last week claimed that it misled users about scam ads. In 2025, it was reported that Meta was making billions of dollars from ads promoting scams and illegal products. Of course, other types of internet scams are snaring regular folks. The FBI said earlier this month that Americans reported losing nearly $21 billion to internet-related crimes in 2025, more than half of which was to cryptocurrency scams. Artificial intelligence scams cost Americans around $893 million last year, the FBI said. And that's just what people have reported losing many victims won't file complaints to the FBI or FTC. The FTC offers some advice on how to protect yourself from social media scams, such as limiting the reach of your posts so scammers have less specific information to work with and to avoid letting someone you have met only on social media direct your investment decisions. The agency also suggests searching for a company's name along with scam or complaint before buying anything. As always, tread cautiously, do your own research and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be careful out there, folks. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/the-ftc-says-americans-lost-at-least-21-billion-to-social-media-scams-in-2025-152846798.html?src=rss
Ted Lassos fourth season starts August 5
It turns out you can go back again, especially if you win a pile of awards, mint a crop of stars and turn a potentially obscure sitcom into Apples biggest hit. The iPhone maker has today announced Ted Lasso season four will debut August 5, with new episodes arriving every Wednesday through October 7. This time out, Ted and Beard have returned to Richmond to take over coaching its womens team as it languishes in the second division. Ted Lasso wrapped up its initial three-season arc back in 2023 , wrapping up its storylines in a fairly definitive manner. Despite this, Apple wanted to maintain one of its earliest breakout hits and so quickly started making moves to get an additional run under way. Jason Sudekis, Brendan Hunt, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein and Jeremy Swift are all returning for the run. But, given the focus on the womens team, theres a whole new crop of cast members, including Sex Educations Tanya Reynolds and Andors Faye Marsay. There are changes behind the scenes too, especially given showrunner Bill Lawrences split focus on his current hot streak of shows. Consequently, Jack Burditt, who created Last Man Standing , is taking the role of executive producer - try not to worry, however, he also worked on Frasier, 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt . You should check out the teaser trailer below and wonder why Tracy Ullman, who is all over the footage, doesnt even get so much as a namecheck in Apple TVs press release. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/ted-lassos-fourth-season-starts-august-5-150337209.html?src=rss
Trump administration is paying more companies to abandon offshore wind projects
The Trump Administration has signed deals with two major energy companies to abandon their respective offshore wind farms, with both firms agreeing to invest in oil and gas projects instead. The separate agreements were detailed in a press release from the Interior Department, which named Bluepoint Wind and Golden State Wind as the companies that have voluntarily agreed to end their current leases for a combined $885 million. Both firms have also said they dont intend to pursue any new offshore wind projects in the US going forward. Bluepoint Wind is an early-stages wind farm located off the coast of New Jersey and New York, while Golden State Wind, which is similarly in its infancy, is off Californias central coast. The government will provide dollar-for-dollar reimbursements of what each lease cost when they were agreed under the Biden administration, which Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said were only viable when propped up by massive taxpayer subsidies. Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which co-owns Bluepoint Wind with Ocean Winds, will invest up to $765 million into a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in the US. Ocean Winds is also one half of the 50/50 partnership that owns Golden State Wind, which will recover approximately $120 million in lease fees after investing in further oil and gas projects along the Gulf Coast. The deals are similar in structure to the one the Trump administration agreed last month with French energy giant TotalEnergies, reaffirming the governments seemingly unwavering commitment to outright rejecting clean energy in favor of doubling down on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the accuracy of President Trumps claims about climate change and the cost of renewable energy continues to be challenged. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/trump-administration-is-paying-more-companies-to-abandon-offshore-wind-projects-150216769.html?src=rss
Traeger debuts the Irontop, a more affordable gas-powered griddle
Traegers first non-pellet grills debuted in 2023. Jumping into the griddle craze, the company introduced the Flatrock series in a three-burner model later adding the smaller, two-burner option . Now Traeger is back with two new griddles, the two- and four-burner Irontop, which actually offer more cooking area than their predecessors. Plus, these new griddles are more affordable, too. Traeger promises the Irontop models will offer fast preheating, precise temperature control, edge-to-edge heating and a durable construction. The cooking area has a food-safe, rust-resistant coating the company says only requires simple seasoning and care. Traeger says the consistent heating across the cooktop is the same level of performance as the more expensive Flatrock series of griddles. The Irontop griddles also have integrated wind guards to insure reliable heating in windy conditions. The Irontop griddles sit atop carts with four casters. Each model also has two side shelves and a larger shelf underneath for storage. The side shelves can accommodate some of Traegers Pop-And-Lock accessories, like the storage bin and roll rack. Those shelves also have three hooks on each side, where you can hang spatulas and other griddle tools. The two- and four-burner Irontop griddles starting May 15 from various retailers for $500 and $600 respectively. Traeger also recently added two sizes of the new Westwood smart pellet grill to its list of more affordable options, starting at $700. Update, April 18, 2026, 11:30AM ET: This post has been updated with more detailed availability info from Traeger. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/traeger-debuts-the-irontop-a-more-affordable-gas-powered-griddle-150000759.html?src=rss
Amazon brings dark mode to Kindle Colorsoft and Scribe Colorsoft
Amazon has today announced a software update for both the Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft which will bring dark mode to both e-readers. Even better, users will be able to toggle the settings for specific menus on both devices, so if they want their library dark and their notebook light, they can. Given the option is available on plenty of other Kindle devices, its omission here always felt like something Amazon was just getting around to addressing. In addition, the update brings Smart Shapes to notebooks, enabling users to add pre-drawn lines, arrows, circles, triangles and rectangles from the toolbar. In addition, a hold-to-snap tool lets you draw a shape freehand, after which point itll pull itself into a nice tidy design. Both should help folks who want to add some graphical zing to their note taking who cant do all those fancy journal designs on their own. The update is rolling out across the ecosystem across the next few days, further empowering would-be journal scribes using these tablets. For tablets like the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft , its clear Amazon needs to build out the Scribe half of the equation, which looks like a poor relative compared to its competition. As Cherlynn Low wrote in her review, its a fine e-reader, but one thats sorely lacking in many areas. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/amazon-brings-dark-mode-to-kindle-colorsoft-and-scribe-colorsoft-130054573.html?src=rss
DJI Mic Mini 2 review: The tiny wireless mic is colorful and much cheaper
Not long ago, high-quality wireless mic systems cost over $500 and required a bulky transmitter and lav mic wire tucked under the subjects shirt. DJIs Mic Mini showed how unnecessary all of that was, combining mic and transmitter into a 0.35-ounce device that delivered high quality sound for under $100. Now, DJI has released the Mic Mini 2 (around $100) as a mild update to the original at a much lower price. Its more fashion forward thanks to the colorful new magnetic covers and offers an audio upgrade via new voice tone presets. Those changes make it the best budget wireless mic for new buyers, but its not worth the upgrade if you already have a Mic Mini and DJIs flagship Mic 3 is better if you can afford it. However, beware that the Mic Mini 2 isnt currently on sale in the US as it hasnt yet been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Design and features The Mic Mini 2 now comes in two packages for smartphone and camera users. One includes a receiver with a 3.5mm mic output for mirrorless cameras, while the other offers a mobile receiver with a USB-C port for smartphones. Both kits include a charging case, one or two transmitters (mics) and a receiver. You also get a magnetic mount, clip mount, black and white magnetic front covers and a windscreen for each mic. The camera kit includes a smartphone adapter as well. The camera kit contains 10 mic covers in a rainbow of hues that look like they were borrowed from 90s iMacs, letting you match a subjects clothing or add a pop of color. They all have a huge, distracting DJI logo, though, so many creators may want to cover it with a piece of tape. DJI also has optional designer front covers with four very 90s looking abstract patterns in several pastel shades, available for around $45. Steve Dent for Engadget DJI has changed the transmitter design slightly from the previous model's faceted shape to a flatter design to better accommodate the new magnetic covers. The mic portion also weighs slightly more at 0.39 ounces. Though tiny, each mic is rated to run up to 11.5 hours on a charge, and the receiver is supposed to go for about 10.5 hours with noise cancellation disabled. In my own testing (recording continuously with a looped video as an audio source), I was even able to slightly exceed these times, so you could easily use it for a full shooting day. This is better than nearly all rivals including the Rode Wireless Go III, which is rated for seven hours on a charge. Another wireless mic in this price range, the Hollyland Lark M2, has a stated runtime of 10 hours between charges. As before, the transmitters and receiver snap into the charging case magnetically. The mobile charging case is small enough to slide into a pants pocket, while the larger camera version fits into a jacket pocket or a bag. On top of being a convenient way to store the transmitters and receiver, they can charge the mics and receiver 3.6 times, giving you 48 hours of use even without a wall plug in sight. It took me about two hours to charge all three devices in the camera case and about an hour to charge the smaller receiver and single transmitter with the mobile case. The Mic Mini 2 transmitters can be paired directly with smartphones via Bluetooth or you can connect them to DJI cameras like the Osmo Action 6, Osmo 360 and Osmo Pocket 4 via DJIs OsmoAudio system. Audio quality To use the Mic Mini 2, just affix the mics (transmitters) to your subject, either via the clip or magnetic attachment, and turn them on. Then, power up the receiver and connect it to your camera via a 3.5mm cable or plug it into your smartphones USB-C port. Everything pairs automatically, and the final step is to adjust the level between -12 db and +12 db using the dial on the side (camera receiver only). Noise reduction is set via a switch on the mobile receiver, or the Mimo app for the camera receiver. There are a few major differences between DJIs Mic Mini 2 and the more expensive flagship Mic 3 when it comes to audio specs. The biggest is that the Mic 3 supports 32-bit float internal recording (with 32GB of storage) that eliminates clipping in most situations, even if your levels are too high. It also comes with dynamic gain control to balance volume if your subject tends to lower or raise their voice a lot. Steve Dent for Engadget In comparison, the Mic Mini 2 only offers automatic limiting, which does prevent clipping but can reduce audio quality. It also offers no internal recording so you wont have a backup if your camera or smartphone recording fails. The Mic Mini 2 also lacks an audio level display like the Mic 3. Despite those limitations, the 48Khz, 24-bit audio quality on the Mic Mini 2 is excellent. I recorded my voice using all three voice tone presets, and found that I could use the rich mode (which emphasizes low tones) without the need to do equalization in post. The regular setting offers neutral and balanced sound, while the bright mode adds clarity in noisy situations. If you prefer doing EQ yourself, the regular mode is best. A good test of a microphone is to record your voice and then max out EQ levels in a narrow band across a range of frequencies. A mediocre mic will distort audio in more than one range, reducing sound quality. DJIs Mic Mini 2 performed well here, showing minor distortion for my voice only at one frequency. When I reduced the gain at that range, my voiceovers sounded clear and full. Another key feature is noise cancellation. DJIs Mic Mini 2 offers two levels of AI-powered cancellation depending on the amount of background noise. At the low setting, it reduced background noise but produced some distortion. However, the high level noise cancellation distorts audio considerably, so you should only use it in a pinch when noise is excessive. I also tested the Mic Mini 2s wireless range and was able to record audio at 450 yards away from the receiver as DJI claims, though the device disconnected once at that distance. The Mic Mini 2 retains other functions from the original Mini like automatic limiting to prevent clipping. It supports two mics at once, and when used in Stereo mode, lets you capture each mic to a separate channel so you can mix them later on. To set those functions, you need to use DJIs Mimo smartphone app. Wrap-up Steve Dent for Engadget The Mic Mini 2 is now available in Europe and elsewhere but not yet the US due to lack of certification. It costs almost half as much as the Mic Mini did at launch, just 89/89 for the camera kit with two transmitters and a receiver, or 49/54 for the mobile kit with one transmitter and a receiver. Given the features and price, the Mic Mini 2 doesnt have a lot of competition. One of its main rivals is the Rode Wireless Go III, but that model is double the price and lacks noise cancellation. It does have slightly better audio quality, though. Other options in the same price range from Hollyland, Boya and others either cant connect to both a camera and smartphone or dont stack up in terms of sound quality and features. Overall the Mic Mini 2 offers a great combination of range, audio quality and noise cancellation. Its not worth an upgrade from the Mic Mini, but if youre buying your first wireless mic and dont want to spend a bundle, its a great option. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/dji-mic-mini-2-review-the-tiny-wireless-mic-is-colorful-and-much-cheaper-120046171.html?src=rss
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers intend to form a union with the CWA
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers at Hasbro subsidiary Wizards of the Coast are set to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the union announced . The CWA says it has secured a supermajority among workers in favor of unionization for the chapter, called United Wizards of the Coast (UWOTC-CWA). The CWA has filed for a formal election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), but that will be withdrawn if Hasbro voluntarily recognizes the union by May 1st. At Wizards, were organizing for a say in layoffs, accountability that runs up and down the chain, and a living wage that actually lets people build a life, said UWOTC-CWA member and senior software engineer Damien Wilson. Im hopeful about what we can build here and being clear-eyed about why its necessary. Workers have outlined several areas of concern including protections over layoffs and remote work, generative AI guardrails and mandatory crunch time, along with increased transparency and equity in the workplace. This isnt just something that affects Wizards of the Coast; its how most American workplaces are set up, Wilson added. Unions are the missing counterweight to protect our craft. The push to unionize was triggered back in 2023 following mass Hasbro layoffs that affected nearly 2,000 workers, software engineers told Kotaku . Developers were also concerned about issues like remote work, saying that Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast decisions have not aligned with the values of their employees. The CWA has been involved in recent unionization drives across the games industry, with workers from Blizzard and ID Software , along with indie devs from publishers including Heart Machine recently joining. Over 4,000 workers have organized across the industry as part of CWA's CODE (Campaign to Organize Digital Employees), according to the union. Every worker deserves job security, fair compensation, and a seat at the table, said CWA District 7 VP Susie McAllister. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/magic-the-gathering-arena-developers-intend-to-form-a-union-with-the-cwa-104438341.html?src=rss
Union accuses Apple of unlawful discrimination against represented workers
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union has accused Apple of unlawfully discriminating against the unionized employees of the companys Towson, Maryland retail store. IAM has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Apple with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) after the company announced on April 9 that it was shutting down three of its US stores. One of those locations was the Towson retail outlet, which employed nearly 90 workers and became the first Apple Store in the country to unionize back in 2022. In its complaint, IAM said that Apple didnt offer the employees it represents the transfer opportunities it provided to non-unionized employees from its other stores. Unlike those non-represented employees, Towson personnel were allegedly told that they had to reapply for positions through the same process as external candidates. Apple is denying union-represented workers the same opportunities it is giving to others and doing so because these workers chose to organize, the organization said. That is discrimination, and it is exactly what federal labor law is designed to prevent. In addition to the Towson location, Apple also shut down its stores in Trumbull, CT, Escondito, CA. Back when the closures were announced, IAM said that Apples claim that the collective bargaining agreement prevents relocation is simply false and raises serious concerns that [the] closure is a cynical attempt to bust the union. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/union-accuses-apple-of-unlawful-discrimination-against-represented-workers-094531505.html?src=rss
YouTube is testing an AI search mode that 'feels more like a conversation'
Google is determined to impose AI search onto as many of its products as possible, and the latest, er, victim is YouTube. A new feature called Ask YouTube will let you pose complex questions and receive comprehensive results that include video and text, then ask follow ups to dive deeper, Google explained on its YouTube Labs page . The experimental feature is available starting today until June 8 for Premium US subscribers 18 and older. To use it, first, enable the feature in your account. Then, click on the new Ask YouTube button in the search bar and you'll see prompt suggestions, or you can enter your own, like plan a 3-day road trip between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. After getting the results, you can try follow-up questions or choose from suggested prompts to explore in more detail. As shown in The Verge 's quick test , the prompt short history of Apollo 11 moon landing brought up a summary of the mission, along with videos and time stamps for relevant information. Follow-up questions yielded similar results, but some queries just showed a list of videos like you'd see in a classic YouTube search. As happens with AI, one of the searches (around a Steam Controller) yielded factually inaccurate information, according to The Verge 's Jay Peters. Tech companies love AI a lot more than the public, and YouTube users are particularly passionate about hating AI-generated slop. YouTube's AI search function may fare better with subscribers, but only if it helps them find quality content more quickly. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/youtube-is-testing-an-ai-search-mode-that-feels-more-like-a-conversation-075057461.html?src=rss
The G512 X is Logitechs most advanced and customizable gaming keyboard yet
Thanks to the adoption of features like rapid triggers, analog switches and TMR sensors, the tech in fancy gaming keyboards has changed surprisingly quickly in the past few years. So to keep up with the pace of development, Logitech is putting a bunch of advanced components in its latest flagship offering the G512 X to create what may be its most configurable keyboard to date. Available in both 75 and 98 percent layouts, the G512 X is based on a novel design that supports both mechanical and analog switches. Out of the box, every key features PBT keycaps and uses one of Logitech's MX mechanical switches. However, for important buttons like WASD, users can swap in up to nine bundled Gateron KS-20 magnetic analog switches. This means that when combined with the keyboard's 39 tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) switch beds, users can enable support for customizable rapid triggers and multipoint actuation, complete with five bundled second actuation pressure point (SAPP) rings in case you need even more control over every keystroke. The one potential downside is that Logitech only added TMR switch beds to the left side of the keyboard, so if you prefer more unusual keybinds, you won't have quite as many configuration options. The 39 TMR sensors on the left of the keyboard are the ones that support the included TMR switches. Logitech Meanwhile, to meet the demands of competitive gamers who need lightning-fast response times, Logitech added an 8K polling rate. This includes both 8K reporting and processing to deliver input times of just 0.125 milliseconds. Elsewhere, the G512 X comes with dual dials, a large RGB lightbar and game mode presets all of which can be tweaked in Logitech's G Hub app. However, the coolest thing about the G512 X might be all the handy little details scattered across the keyboard. For example, its adjustable feet serve double duty as keycap and switch pullers, so when you want to adjust your layout, you won't need to go searching elsewhere for the right tool. On top of that, there is built-in storage for the nine included magnetic analog switches and five SAPP rings, so you'll always have them on hand if you want to make changes. Finally, while it is an optional accessory, Logitech created a transparent palm rest with a laser-etched surface that will enhance the G512 X's onboard RGB lighting. Logitech's optional palm rest really boosts the output of the Logitech G512 X's front-mounted RGB lightbar. Logitech Unfortunately, at $180 for the 75 percent layout or $200 for the 98 percent model, the G512 X is a bit pricey. And unlike some other members of Logitech's G5 family, there's no option for a wireless variant. But if you want a keyboard with practically all the latest tech and a ton of customizability (including the ability to select linear, tactile or clicky switches), the G512 X is a very intriguing option for demanding gamers. The G512 X is available directly from Logitech today, with wider availability slated for May 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-g512-x-is-logitechs-most-advanced-and-customizable-gaming-keyboard-yet-070100610.html?src=rss
