NYT Connections: hints and answers for Saturday, July 27
Connectionsis the new puzzle game from the New York Times, and it can be quite difficult. If you need a hand with solving today's puzzle, we're here to help.
ISPs are fighting to raise the price of low-income broadband
A new government program is trying to encourage Internet service providers (ISPs) to offer lower rates for lower income customers by distributing federal funds through states. The only problem is the ISPs dont want to offer the proposed rates. Ars Technica obtained a letter sent to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo signed by more than 30 broadband industry trade groups like ACA Connects and the Fiber Broadband Association as well as several state based organizations. The letter raises both a sense of alarm and urgency about their ability to participate in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The newly formed BEAD program provides over $42 billion in federal funds to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure, deployment and adoption programs in states across the country, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The money first goes to the NTIA and then its distributed to states after they obtain approval from the NTIA by presenting a low-cost broadband Internet option. The ISP industries letter claims a fixed rate of $30 per month for high speed Internet access is completely unmoored from the economic realities of deploying and operating networks in the highest-cost, hardest-to-reach areas. The letter urges the NTIA to revise the low-cost service option rate proposed or approved so far. Twenty-six states have completed all of the BEAD programs phases. Americans pay an average of $89 a month for Internet access. New Jersey has the highest average bill at $126 per month, according to a survey conducted by U.S. News and World Report . A 2021 study from the Pew Research Center found that 57 percent of households with an annual salary of $30,000 or less have a broadband connection. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/isps-are-fighting-to-raise-the-price-of-low-income-broadband-220620369.html?src=rss
The best Sega Dreamcast games of all time
The Sega Dreamcast's life was short, but it had some great games, from Sonic Adventure 2 to Resident Evil.
Courtesy of its official Amazon storefront, ANYCUBIC is offering the best price yet on its newestPhoton Mono M7 Pro 14K Resin 3D Printer for $549.99 shipped. Normally fetching $800, this latest model has only seen two previous discounts since its release in March, with both dropping costs in May alone, first to $720 for a short period before falling lower to the former $600 low. Now, today, it comes in as a larger 31% markdown that saves you $250 and carves out a new all-time low going forward. more
We have tracked some fantastic deals on quartz Timex sports watches lately, but folks with a penchant for the higher-end automatic manual winders will definitely want to scope out the deal we spotted on the Timex M79 today. You can now land the Coke-style black and red bezel model down at $162.70 shipped. This is a regularly $289 timepiece that happens to be on sale directly from Timex at a higher $217 right now. Youre looking at over $123 in savings via the Amazon listing to deliver the best price around on a diver that, frankly, should cost a whole lot more. more
Lectric kicks off the 2024 Summer Games by taking up to $498 off e-bike bundles starting from $799
Lectric eBIKES is celebrating the Summer Games that began today with another big sale this one taking up to $498 off e-bike bundles, like the XPedition Cargo e-bike at $1,475 shipped with $405 in free add-on gear . This particular bundle would normally fetch a $1,880 price tag, with the brands e-bikes keeping to their new post-tariff MSRPs (which are no more than $100 increases on some) while the savings are being returned to you with the packages that join your purchase. Youll be getting three of them here during this sale: two plush rear-rack cushions and running boards for passenger comfort, a 6L storage bag that sits within the bikes frame, as well as an orbitor rear basket and a larger 50L storage bag that fits within in when filled. Youll also find the companys newest XP Lite 2.0 e-bikes and all their colorways beginning to ship out after a long wait prices start at $799 with up to $246 in free gear . more
You can score an 85-inch 144Hz Hisense 4K Google TV with AirPlay for $900 today ($300 off)
Amazon is now offering the new 2024 Hisense 85-Inch Class QD7 Series ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV down at $899.99 shipped. This deal is also matched over at Best Buy right now as well. Regularly $1,200, this was already an affordable option considering youre looking at a giant 85-incher, but it is now $300 off to return to the lowest price we have tracked since it hit Amazon earlier this month this is the second time we have seen it down this low. This is not a crazy high-end TV or anything, but we are talking about an 85-inch 4K display with a native refresh rate at up to 144Hz it is not entirely some total budget 60Hz model to offer up more real estate for less. more
The folks over at Hyperkin are known for the long-list of classic controllers in its catalog, and they are now resurrecting the classic Controller S, which is one of the original Xbox controllers. This officially licensed wired controller called DuchesS is priced at $49.99 on Amazon. You can pre-order one now in either black or white color, and itll start shipping on August 21. These listings also fall under the Amazon pre-order Guarantee, meaning youll be charged the lowest price they fall to between now and release no matter how much you lock in for now. more
You can date everything in Date Everything!
Have you ever looked at something in your home like a dining room table or an adjustable height desk and wondered what it would be like to go on a date with it? Also, were you sober at the time? A new dating sim game called Date Everything! will let you see just what its like to search for true, meaningful love with the things you see almost every day (in the cleanest way possible, of course). The surreal sounding dating sim game comes from an LA-based studio called Sassy Chap Games founded by a group of voice actors whove worked on games and shows like Critical Role, HiFi-Rush, One Punch Man, Final Fantasy XV, X-Men 97 and Genshin Impact . The indie game publisher Team17 will distribute the game for PC on Steam, the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, according to a press release. The game puts players in the role of a lonely heart who receives a special pair of glasses called a Dateviator that transforms items in their home into human date candidates. For instance, the vacuum cleaner turns into a hunky heartthrob named Hoove and the laundry hamper transforms into a fiery redhead named Harper. Date Everything! has 100 possible mates in your home with their own voices, styles and personalities. You get to know items like the refrigerator or the drawing room piano in their human forms. Depending on how things go, the relationship can end in one of three ways: Love, Friend or Hate. These relationships create a chain of different possible paths in which your choices influence the outcome along a critical path tying it all together, according to the press release. Team17/Sassy Chap Games Since Date Everything! comes from a studio founded by voice actors, all of the characters are fully voiced. Some of the more familiar names include Felicia Day from Supernatural and Mystery Science Theater 3000 , Johnny Yong Bosch from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Grey DeLisle from Scooby-Doo and The Last Airbender. Date Everything! doesnt just sound like a new and interesting twist on the dating sim game concept. It also sounds like a great way to boost your ego. If youre down because you dont have someone in your life, at least you can play the game and realize, Well, at least Im not trying to date my garbage disposal. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-can-date-everything-in-date-everything-190032967.html?src=rss
Android game and app price drops: Chloe Puzzle Game Pro, Swim Out, Enchanted Kingdom, more
We are almost ready to head off into the weekend but first lets take a look at todays best Android app price drops courtesy of Google Play. Youll also want to check out the deals we are tracking on the Samsung 15W wireless Trio charger at 40% off as well as this new all-time low on OnePlus 12 , this offer on Samsungs fastest 128GB 200MB/s PRO Ultimate microSD card , JBLs gorgeous Authentics Google smart speakers , and perhaps most relevant of all, this big-time price drop on RazersKishi V2 Pro Android gamepad . As for the apps, highlights include titles like Chloe Puzzle Game Pro, Swim Out, Enchanted Kingdom, Undergrave, King of Dragon Pass, and more. Hit the jump for a closer look at all of todays best price drops on Android apps. more
The Bioshock movie is still happening but with a reduced budget
We haven't had an update on Netflixs Bioshock movie in a couple of years, leading some to wonder if it was quietly canned. The good news? The movies still coming. The (potential) bad news? The budget has been slashed, according to reporting by Variety . This comes from producer Roy Lee, who was one of the people behind The Lego Movie . He announced the reduced budget during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con. He didnt put out any numbers, but did say that the movie is currently being reconfigured to be a more personal film. Director Francis Lawrence is still helming the picture . He has directed four of the five Hunger Games movies, along with I Am Legend and the original Constantine . The Bioshock film was first announced back in 2022, but since that time Netflix has experienced something of a regime change on the executive level. Dan Lin replaced Scott Stuber as the streamers film chief and Lin has tightened the purse strings away from stuff like Zack Snyders Rebel Moon . The new regime has lowered the budgets, Lee said at Comic-Con. So were doing a much smaller version. In addition to budget cuts, Lee noted that Netflix has changed its compensation strategy with regard to movies. Its shifting to a more traditional model that relies on bonuses tied to actual viewership numbers. This could actually be good news. In my opinion, personal stories tend to work better than constant CGI battles with hordes of faceless baddies. Bioshock is also, at its heart, a personal story about family, with the fantastical Rapture setting being window dressing. I guess it ultimately depends on how much of that budget was cut. Theres a big difference between a slightly reduced budget and a massive cut that turns all of the footage into darkened corridor scenes filmed in a series of Toronto or Atlanta warehouses. The release date hasnt been announced and, honestly, it could still be a ways off. Director Lawrence has a lot on his plate right now , including an adaptation of Stephen Kings The Long Walk and yet another Hunger Games movie. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-bioshock-movie-is-still-happening-but-with-a-reduced-budget-184524214.html?src=rss
Warner Bros. Discovery sues the NBA in a last-ditch effort to block Amazons new streaming package
Warner Bros. Discovery followed through on its threat to take appropriate action against the NBA for rejecting its broadcasting rights offer. Variety reported on Friday that the media company sued the league in the New York State Supreme Court after the NBA turned down its bid to match Amazons streaming package that kicks in starting in the 2025-26 season . The conflict stems from Warners belief that its current contract gives it the right to match any offer that would replace Warners TNT as a home for NBA games (and the iconic Inside the NBA ) in the upcoming deal. As for the leagues stance, The Athletic reported that since the current agreements were signed when streaming was on the horizon, but not part of the deals, the NBA disagrees with Warners matching claim. The lawsuit was expected as soon as the league announced its new broadcasting and streaming package, which also includes Disney (ABC and ESPN) and Comcast (NBC). The NBA reportedly told Warner it rejected its matching offer because it wanted to put all its games on its streaming service , Max, in addition to TNT. Amazon also allegedly offered to pay its first three years in full, whereas Warner offered a three-year line of credit. Finally, the NBA reportedly believed Amazons reach was simply greater. Warner Bros. Discoverys most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Videos offer and, therefore, we have entered into a long-term arrangement with Amazon, the NBAs statement on Wednesday read. Charles Barkley TNT / Warner Bros. Discovery Unless Warner can force the NBAs hand, the new agreement will almost certainly mean the end of Inside the NBA . The decades-old sports show, starring Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille ONeal, has harnessed a rare blend of comedy, chemistry and (sometimes taking a backseat to the first two) sports analysis. The beloved program, which has won 19 Sports Emmy Awards, began in 1989 as a Johnson solo effort before fleshing out its tight-knit cast through the following years and (in the case of Shaq) decades. Turner has partnered with the NBA since the 1984-85 season, which coincided with Barkleys (and Michael Jordans) entrance into the league out of college. Barkley lashed out at the NBA after hearing about the new rights package, accusing it of wanting to break up with us from the beginning in a statement on X. Adding, Im not sure TNT ever had a chance, the Hall of Famer described it as a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks, Barkley wrote before thanking Turners fans for the last 24 years hes been on the show. Inside the NBA will return next season, perhaps its last, along with the networks standard lineup of NBA games, before the new deal begins in the 2025-26 season. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/warner-bros-discovery-sues-the-nba-in-a-last-ditch-effort-to-block-amazons-new-streaming-package-183352404.html?src=rss
Courtesy of the official Baseus storefront on Amazon, you can now score its 100W PD USB-C GaN charger for $38.39 shipped once the on-page 20% coupon is clipped . This USB-C charger debuted at $66 on Amazon, but its been fetching $60 since December last year with some occasional dips to $48 over the last few months. Todays deal, however, serves an impressive 36% discount, dropping it to one of the lowest prices weve tracked for this 4-port charger station. more
The best MacBook for every studentand how to get the best price
Macworld When it comes to buying a MacBook for school, students are usually in a situation where personal budgets are tight and money needs to be spent wisely. Its not enough to say that students need the right amount of processing power for the work at handstudents also need to get a good deal and a machine that will last for many years. Finding a good deal is a chore, but were here to help. Our automatically-updated price comparison tool helps to make sure youre getting the best deal and on top of that, we hand-pick deals we think you should look at. What follows below are our MacBook recommendations for students, along with the top deals. Beyond that, we offer tips and information you should know about shopping as a student, so you can save money. Read on, or click the links in the Table of Contents to skip to the section youre interested in. Read our guide for the best Macs for students if youre interested in a desktop or laptop computer. Best MacBook Air deals right now Here are some of the best deals we are seeing right now. Best U.S. MacBook Air deals for students Walmart, 13-inch Macbook Air (M1, 256GB SSD) : $649 ($350 off, MSRP was $999) Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air (M2, 256GB SSD) : $889 ($100 off, MSRP, $999) Amazon: 13-inch MacBook Air (M4, 256GB SSD) : $999 ($100 off MSRP, $1,099) Best U.K. MacBook Air deals for students KRCS, 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 (10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB) 1,424 (75 off, RRP 1,499) KRCS, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (10-core GPU, 256GB) 1,234 (65 off, RRP 1,299) KRCS, 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB) 1,614 (85 off, RRP 1,699) For more deals take a look at the bestMacBookAir deals this month . Best MacBook Pro deals right now Here are some of the best deals we are seeing right now. Best U.S. MacBook Pro deals for students Amazon, 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 512GB ) : $1,399 ($200 off, MSRP $1,599) Amazon, 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 12-core GPU, 18-core GPU, 1TB) : $2,200 ($199 off, MSRP $2,399) Amazon, 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 12core CPU, 18core GPU, 512GB) : $2,349 ($150 off, MSRP $2,499) Best U.K. MacBook Pro deals for students Amazon, 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 10-core GPU, 14-core GPU, 512GB) : 1,540 (159 off, MSRP 1,699) Amazon, 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU), 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD : 1,700 (199 off, MSRP 1,899) Amazon, 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (11-core CPU, 14-core GPU), 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD : 1,880 (219 off, MSRP 2,099) Amazon, 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (12-core CPU, 18-core GPU), 18GB RAM, 1TB SSD : 2,230 (269 off, MSRP 2,499) For up-to-date deals see: BestMacBookPro deals this month . Best MacBook for high school: M2 MacBook Air The MacBook Air is Apples most popular laptop, and for good reasonits an excellent combination of processing power, portability, and price. Its M-series processor handles every taskwriting papers, presentations, internet research, and even video and audio editing. And when your homework is done, kick back with an Apple TV show or escape with a video game. The best part is you can get one for less than $1,000. The M2 MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch Retina display, and inside its 2.7-pound (1.24-kilogram) body is an M2 processor with 8 CPU cores, 8 GPU cores, 8GB of memory, and a 256GB SSD. It has Wi-Fi built in for connecting to the internet, and two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports for connecting devices. And if you check Amazon or Best Buy , you can usually find it for $900 or lower. New Refurbished Retailer Price $899 View Deal $899 View Deal $989 View Deal $999 View Deal $999 View Deal $999 View Deal $1049 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price MacBook Air (2022) 13.3-inch Apple M2 8-core and 8-core GPU 8GB RAM SSD 256GB $826 View Deal MacBook Air (2022) 13.3-inch Apple M2 8-core and 10-core GPU 8GB RAM SSD 256GB $836.35 View Deal MacBook Air (2022) 13.3-inch Apple M2 8-core and 8-core GPU 8GB RAM SSD 256GB $839 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Best MacBook for college: M3 MacBook Air In college, youre taking a step up in your studies, so you need to step up your laptop with Apples M3 MacBook Air. It handles everything the M2 MacBook Air does, but its M3 processor is about 20 percent fasteryoull appreciate the faster speed when youre putting together complex presentations and videos. The display is also a little bigger and brighter. The $1,099 13-inch M3 MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and it has an M3 processor with 8 CPU cores, 8 GPU cores, 8GB of memory, and a 256GB SSD. It weighs 2.7 pounds (1.24 kilograms), comes with Wi-Fi, and has two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. New Refurbished Retailer Price $899 View Deal $899 View Deal $989 View Deal $999 View Deal $999 View Deal $999 View Deal $1049 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price MacBook Air (2022) 13.3-inch Apple M2 8-core and 8-core GPU 8GB RAM SSD 256GB $826 View Deal MacBook Air (2022) 13.3-inch Apple M2 8-core and 10-core GPU 8GB RAM SSD 256GB $836.35 View Deal MacBook Air (2022) 13.3-inch Apple M2 8-core and 8-core GPU 8GB RAM SSD 256GB $839 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Best for MacBook for graduate work: 14-inch M3 Pro MacBook Pro Apples 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with an M3 Pro processor, which is 18 percent faster than the M3 in the MacBook Air. If youre going into a field that involves a lot of data crunchingmultimedia and the arts, engineering, or computer science, just to name a fewyoull need a MacBook that can minimize the amount of time youll spend waiting to process data. The M3 Pro MacBook Pro is made for that. The $1,999 14-inch MacBook Pro has an M3 Pro with 11 CPU cores, 14 GPU cores, 18GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD. It has a Liquid Retina XDR display, three Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an SDXC card slot. Retailer Price $1,699 View Deal $1749 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket How to use Apples Education Store For college students, teachers, faculty, and homeschool teachers of all grades, Apple offers discount pricing in its Education Store. The discounts range from $100/100 to $200/200, depending on the MacBook model. You can visit the Education Store in your country by clicking one of the links below. U.S. Apple Education Store U.K. Apple Education Store Canada Education Store Australia Education Store Students need to show proof of school registration to shop at the Apple Education Store. U.K. students need to register with UNiDAYS. We have a separate article with details on how to get an Apple student discount at Apples Education Store . Other ways to find MacBook deals The Apple Education Store discount is nice, but youll often find the same kind of markdown from third-party retailers. You can use our price comparison tool to see what retailers are offering, and we also hand-select deals in the section at the top of this page. Here are a few other ways to get a good price on a MacBook. Buy a refurbished MacBook. Apples Certified Refurbished Store often has good prices on laptops that are both current and past models. Refurbished products are fully reconditioned and are like newout of the box, you cant tell the difference between a refurbished and a new MacBook. The price savings can be goodmore than the Education Store discount. The only catch is that your choices are limited to whats in stock, which changes often. Buy an older model. With Apples M-series chips, the MacBooks performance has reached new heightsto a point where a lot of users arent anywhere near pushing the limit. Apple is currently on the M3 series of chips, which generally offers about 20 percent more performance than the previous M2 series. But that M2 series (or even the M1) is certainly no slouch, offering a significant boost over the Intel CPUs they replaced. The M2 MacBook Pro is not only worthy of your consideration performance-wise, but it also comes at attractive prices that are often much lower than those in the Education Store. For example, the 12-inch M2 MacBook Pro that was originally priced at $1,299 can be found online for $999.
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro has dropped even lower, now just $20 (Reg. up to $199)
Update: This deal has now dropped even lower to $19.97 . Given how much time you spend on your PC, your operating system is vital. You cant be working on an old OS and expect to maximize your productivity and efficiency. If the price to upgrade has held you up in the past, nows the time to make the upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro . During our Presidents Day Sale, you can upgrade through an authorized Microsoft Partner for just $24.97 more than 80% off the $199 MSRP. more
Belkins 15W pro MagSafe 3-in-1 Charging Stand falls back to Amazon low at $100 ($50 off)
Amazon is now offering the officially-certified Belkin BoostCharge Pro MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand for $99.99 shipped. Regularly $150, and currently on sale directly from Belkin at $125, this is the lowest price we can find and a match for the Amazon all-time low. While this might not be the new Qi2 model, it still delivers the same 15W of juice to iPhone as well as Apple Watch fast charging I actually also happen to like the slightly altered physical design here too. The only stark difference here is with the power cable used to plug it in it cant be removed on this one. More details below. more
As part of its Deals of the Day , Best Buy is offering the Rexing V2 Pro 1080p 3-Channel AI Car Dash Cam for $189.99 shipped . Normally going for $290, this is the first 1-day discount we have seen for this particular model. Since 2024 began, weve been seeing its price cut down to $200 at most often at Amazon where it is currently sitting now. Todays deal comes in as a 34% markdown, giving you $100 in savings and providing a reliable upgrade for you vehicle at the new all-time lowest price we have tracked. more
In honor of Hello Kitty turning 50 this year, Razer has teamed up with Sanrio to offer a collection of adorable gaming gear. The new Hello Kitty and Friends Edition lineup has a bunch of customized gaming gear including the Kraken Kitty V2 gaming headset, the Ornata V3 Tenkeyless keyboard , the Gigantus V2 Cloth gaming mouse pad, and more. The new gear is now available to purchase from both Amazon . more
Apples M3 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM is $200 off right now
Apples M3 MacBook Air combines Apples lightest and thinnest laptop design with the impressive horsepower of third-generation Apple silicon . B&H Photo Video has the 2024 laptop on sale for $200 off. Usually $1,299, the variant with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is only $1,099. The 2024 MacBook Air adds the M3 chip, Apples silicon with a 3nm process that crams more electronic components into a smaller space compared to its predecessor. Apples Neural Engine, which will become more crucial with the introduction of Apple Intelligence AI features this fall, is also 15 percent faster in the M3 family than the M2. While the M3 MacBook Air may not provide a dramatic speed boost over the M2 in day-to-day tasks, it has a higher ceiling for intensive work and is more future-proofed. The M3 model adds support for dual screens with the lid closed. It also supports Wi-Fi 6Es faster speeds and lower latency if you have a compatible router. Engadget Senior Editor Devindra Hardawar praised the device in his review from earlier this year, describing the two sizes of the laptop as great computers with excellent performance, gorgeous screens and incredible battery life. The M3 MacBook Air lasted over 10 hours in our video-playback battery stress test. Although the $200 off deal at B&H is for the 13-inch model, the retailer (which operates online but also has a robust Manhattan retail outlet) has the 15-inch model for $150 off. If you like more real estate for your apps and desktop (or, like me, need larger text for aging eyes), the larger model may be the better choice. One thing to keep in mind before ordering is that B&Hs return policy states that it wont take computers back for a refund once the packaging has been unsealed. Although you can contact customer service for an exchange if something is wrong out of the box, buyers remorse alone wont cut it for getting your money back. This contrasts with competitors like the Apple Store, Amazon and Best Buy, so consider that before proceeding. However, apart from that footnote, B&H has been an Apple partner for nearly a decade and has built a solid reputation with customers since its 1973 founding. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-m3-macbook-air-with-16gb-of-ram-is-200-off-right-now-165605741.html?src=rss
Amazon just served up the best price we have tracked on the 512GB OnePlus 12 Android smartphone at $749.99 shipped. Regularly $900, this is a straight up $150 price drop and the lowest price we can find. It undercuts the Prime day offer by $50, much like the current sale price directly from OnePlus , and lands at a new Amazon all-time low in the process. While you can score the 256GB model in black down at just under $700 right now ($100 off), todays deal is $50 under the regular price on that model for further comparison. more
Here's how to stop Grok's AI models using your tweets for training
There's word going around that X just enabled a setting that lets it train Grok on public tweets, as well as any interactions they have with the chatbot. That's not entirely true: a help page instructing users how to opt-out of X using their data to train Grok has been live since at least May . X just never exactly made it crystal clear that it was opting everyone into this, which is a sketchy move. If you don't want a bad chatbot to use your bad tweets for training, it's thankfully easy to switch that off. You just need to uncheck a box from the Grok data sharing tab in the X settings . If that link doesn't work, you can go to Settings > Privacy and Safety > Grok. According to some users, the setting isn't accessible through X's mobile apps, so you'll have to uncheck the box on the web instead. It's also worth noting that Grok isn't trained on any tweets from private X accounts. Twitter just activated a setting by default for everyone that gives them the right to use your data to train grok. They never announced it. You can disable this using the web but it's hidden. You can't disable using the mobile app Direct link: https://t.co/lvinBlQoHC pic.twitter.com/LqiO0tyvZG Kimmy Bestie of Bunzy, Co-CEO Execubetch (@EasyBakedOven) July 26, 2024 One of X's selling points for Grok when it rolled out the chatbot was that it had the advantage of using real-time information that's published on the platform in other words, users' tweets. That only works if users opt-in or are automatically enrolled into sharing their data with the chatbot. But X isn't exactly the pinnacle of truth and accuracy. It's full of pranksters, and lifting their jokes might be one of the reasons why Grok keeps on getting stuff wrong . In any case, it's not exactly uncommon for AI models to be trained on material without explicit permission from the original creators . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/heres-how-to-stop-groks-ai-models-using-your-tweets-for-training-161041266.html?src=rss
Save $700 on the joint Worx + Aventon Power Share e-bike at new $1,000 low
Worx is offering its Aventon e-bike powered by Power Share for $999.99 shipped . Usually sitting at its full $1,700 price tag, this e-bike has seen very few discounts direct from Worx since first releasing back in January 2023, with the majority of price cuts being smaller 10% markdowns, a few taking things to $1,500 at most. For a short time you could find it on Amazon, where it saw more frequent drops ending at $1,199 before being removed altogether from the site. In April we saw it briefly hit the former $1,190 low, before spending the time since at its full price. Today you can grab it with a massive 41% discount, saving you $700 and landing it at a new all-time low. more
The 65-inch LG C3 OLED TV is nearly half off for today only
The 65-inch LG C3 OLED TV is 48 percent off via Woot , which brings the price down to $1,298. Thats a savings of around $1,200 on the well-regarded OLED panel. Theres one major caveat. This deal is for today only, or until the stock runs out. To that end, theres a limit of one per customer, but thats probably not a huge deal unless youre in the process of furnishing a mansion or something. The LG C3 OLED is considered one of the best TVs for gaming , and with good reason. We loved this televisions high contrast and the deep blacks on offer. We also praised the low input lag, increased motion response and wide array of appropriate viewing angles. It follows HDR guidelines, works with all the major VRR formats and has four HDMI 2.1 ports that are capable of outputting 4K 120Hz with a gaming console or PC. It supports all the major HDR standards, including Dolby Vision. This TV is available in sizes up to 83-inches, but the larger models arent on sale. I use a 65-inch OLED, though not this one, and its plenty big enough for TV and gaming. Despite being a dang good value, this isnt a perfect television. The WOLED panel doesnt get quite as bright as a QD-OLED like the Samsung S90C. Also, it doesnt support a 144Hz refresh rate, which could be a dealbreaker to picky PC gamers. Still, the price is definitely right. Just make sure you pick this up sooner rather than later. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-65-inch-lg-c3-oled-tv-is-nearly-half-off-for-today-only-152153420.html?src=rss
Official Samsung 15W wireless Trio charger powers your entire Galaxy kit from $54 (Reg. $90), more
There are loads of 15W chargers out there for Android gear, your new Galaxy Buds, and so on, but theres nothing quite like the real thing. Amazon is now offering some notable price drops on the official Samsung wireless chargers today from $40.50 . The one that caught our eye first was the Samsung Wireless Charger Trio at $53.71 in white and $62.99 shipped in black . Regularly $90 straight from Samsung , the white model is at the best price of the year and the black is sitting at the third lowest we have tracked in 2024. Both are seeing the first discount we have seen since the new Galaxy Watch 7/Ultra and Z Flip/Fold handsets debuted earlier this month. more
Update: Amazon has dropped the price back down to $39.99 shipped following post-Prime Day sales. Amazon is offering the LEGO Ideas Tales of the Space Age set for $39.99 shipped . Down from its usual $67 price tag, it ended 2023 at $42.50 after the winter holiday sales, and has seen a handful of discounts so far in the new year. In February costs fell to $41, followed by a slightly lower $40 rate in March and April. There was a short-lived return in May to $40 while June never saw the price fall lower than $45. Now, today, this deal comes in as a 40% markdown that returns it to the all-time lowest price we have tracked. more
ESRs latest 15W Qi2 MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone 15 drops to $23 Amazon low (Save 36%)
Hot on the heels of the deal that dropped iOtties new Qi2 MagSafe car mount to a new low price of $42 , we just spotted another solid deal on a much less pricey alternative from ESR. The brands official storefront on Amazon is now offering its 15W Qi2 MagSafe car mount charger for $22.99. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders above $35. This particular car charger has dipped a few times below its original list price of $36, but todays deal marks one of the lowest prices weve tracked for this charger that hasnt seen many discounts over the last few months to drop from its usual price. more
Amazon is offering Amazon Essentials up to 50% off with deals starting at just $4 Prime shipped. Prices are as marked. Update your school wardrobe with deals from on t-shirts, shorts, swim trunks, hoodies, jeans, and more. A standout from this sale is the Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Pants that are currently marked down to $20, which is $10 off the original rate. These golf pants are great for your next outing with stretch infused fabric, thats wrinkle resistant and lightweight. Theyre also highly breathable and you can choose from several color options. Find the rest of our top picks below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more
3 underrated PS Plus games to play this weekend (July 26-28)
If you're wondering what you should play this weekend, try checking out these underrated games from Square Enix, EA, and Bandai Namco on PlayStation Plus.
NASA's Perseverance rover found a rock on Mars that could indicate ancient life
NASA's Perseverance rover has been collecting samples from Mars since 2021, but one of its most recently collected rocks could help it achieve its goal of finding evidence of ancient life on the planet. Nicknamed Cheyava Falls after the tallest waterfall in the Grand Canyon, the 3.2 feet by 2 feet sample contains chemical signatures and structures that could've been formed by ancient microbial life from billions of years ago. Perseverance collected the rock on July 21 from what was once a Martian river valley carved by flowing water long ago. The sample, which you can see in close up below and from afar at the center of the image above, exhibits large white calcium sulfate veins running along its length. They indicate that water did run through the rock at one point. More importantly, it contains millimeter-size marks that look like leopard spots all over its central reddish band. On our planet, those spots could form on sedimentary terrestrial rocks when there are chemical reactions that turn hematite, one of the minerals responsible for Mars' reddish color, to white. Those reactions can release iron and phosphate, which could've served as an energy source for microbes. The rover's Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) tool already determined that the black rings around the spots contain iron and phosphate. However, that doesn't automatically mean that the rock truly did serve as a host for ancient microbes. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS The spots could've been formed by non-biological processes, and that's something scientists will have to figure out. We cannot say right now that we have discovered life on Mars, Katie Stack Morgan, the deputy project scientist, said . But what we are saying is that we have a potential biosignature, which is a set of features that could have a biological origin but do need further study and more data. NASA still has to bring back the samples Perseverance had collected to our planet, including Cheyava Falls. As The New York Times notes, the Mars Sample Return mission is years behind schedule and would not be able to bring back rocks from the red planet until 2040 instead of in the early 2030's like originally planned. NASA recently asked aerospace companies for alternative solutions on how to get the samples to Earth much sooner and will finance their studies due later this year. Scientists will also have to conduct extensive testing to rule out contamination and non-biological processes, as well as other possible explanations for how the leopard spots had formed, before they can proclaim that they're indeed evidence of ancient Martian life. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nasas-perseverance-rover-found-a-rock-on-mars-that-could-indicate-ancient-life-150006064.html?src=rss
Amazon is offering the Duracell Ion Speed 1000 Charger for Rechargeable AA and AAA Batteries for $20.19 shipped. Normally fetching $34, it began 2024 by dropping to its $18 all-time low mid-January, and has been rising and dipping at higher rates since. It kept above $26 for several months until Mays Memorial Day sales brought things back under $25 for a short period. The last two months it only saw its price dip as low as $27 until today, where it comes in as a 40% markdown that lands it at the third-lowest price we have seen, only $2 above the all-time low from the top of the year. more
Apple agrees to stick by Biden administration's voluntary AI safeguards
Apple has joined several other tech companies in agreeing to abide by voluntary AI safeguards laid out by the Biden administration. Those who make the pledge have committed to abide by eight guidelines related to safety, security and social responsibility, including flagging societal risks such as biases; testing for vulnerabilities, watermarking AI-generated images and audio; and sharing trust and safety details with the government and other companies. Amazon, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI were among the initial adoptees of the pact, which the White House announced last July . The voluntary agreement, which is not enforceable, will expire after Congress passes laws to regulate AI. Since the guidelines were announced, Apple unveiled a suite of AI-powered features under the umbrella name of Apple Intelligence . The tools will work across the company's key devices and are set to start rolling out in the coming months. As part of that push, Apple has teamed up with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence . In joining the voluntary code of practice, Apple may be hoping to ward off regulatory scrutiny of its AI tools. Although President Joe Biden has talked up the potential benefits of AI, he has warned of the dangers posed by the technology as well. His administration has been clear that it wants AI companies to develop their tech in a responsible manner . Meanwhile, the White House said in a statement that federal agencies have met all of the 270-day targets laid out in a sweeping Executive Order related to AI that Biden issued last October . The EO covers issues such as safety and security measures, as well as reporting and data transparency schemes. The White House says that agencies have met all the stipulated deadlines to date. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-agrees-to-stick-by-biden-administrations-voluntary-ai-safeguards-144653327.html?src=rss
Take $400 off the Studio Display and Mac Mini and create the iMac Pro Apple wont
Macworld While Apple may not seem to want to create its own iMac Pro, it doesnt matter because you can put it together yourself now that the Apple Studio Display and the Mac Mini are both on sale for the best prices weve ever seen. The superb Apple Studio Display with a height-adjustable stand is down to $1,750 , a savings of $200 from its usual $1,999, which is a superb discount for this particular model. At the same time, the Mac Mini with an M2 Pro chip is down to $1,149 , down from its MSRP of $1,299. Thats a total of $400 in savings! Apple Studio Displays 27-inch 5K Retina screen provides a stunning visual experience with 600 nits of brightness and some one billion colors, making it a superb addition to anyone, including content creators. The monitor features a 12MP ultra wide camera thats perfect for meetings, as well as three microphones. In our 4-star review of the Studio Display , we noted it has a gorgeous design and great image quality. This model has a tilt- and height-adjustable stand, which gives you fantastic control over your viewing angle. At the same time, the Mac Mini may just be the best option for a space-efficient device that pushes the limits of performance. Featuring an M2 Pro chip, this tiny computer delivers superb performance no matter what you want to do. The computer also has 16G of memory and a 512G SSD, so everything will run smoothly. Together youre getting a very powerful Mac with an amazing display, tons of expansion, a FaceTime camera, and a setup that will look beautiful on your desk. Together, you get a powerful setup that will be perfect for work, video editing, and more power-hungry tasks. With the $400 savings on both right now, the total price comes to $2,899, a whopping $1,200 less than Apple charged for the iMac Pro. So what are you waiting for? The M2 Pro Mac Mini is down to $1,150 Get it at Amazon The Apple Studio Display is 12% off right now Get it at Amazon
Amazon just undercut the Prime Day price on my favorite Keurig coffee maker, now at $50 (Reg. $90)
The Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker dropped to $60 for Prime Day, but Amazon just dropped the price even lower to $49.98 shipped . This is a regularly $100 machine that more typically fetches $90 at Amazon and is now sitting at the Black Friday price to match the lowest we have tracked. While it did drop to $60 in June and remain there right through Prime Day, youre still looking at one of the best prices ever on one of he best-selling machines in the brands lineup. more
Todays best iOS app price drops: Swim Out, Juicy Realm, Majesty Kingdom, more
Your Friday morning collection of the best iOS game and app price drops is now ready to go down below. This morning saw the best prices ever land on a few of the sought-after M2 iPad Air configurations with up to $99 in savings alongside ongoing deals on Apple Pencil 2 and a particularly sweet deal on Apples M3 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM at $200 off . But for now its on to the apps including highlights like Swim Out, Juicy Realm, Majesty: Fantasy Kingdom Sim, Majesty: Northern Expansion, and more. Head below for a closer look at todays best iOS price drops. more
I tried Apple Vision Pro and it made me rethink everything
Macworld Parenthood brings many challenges, but the worst for my money is when your child refuses to eat some delicious food theyve never tasted. Just try it, you beg, tears running down your face. Everyone likes halloumi. Not that adults are much better. Were slightly more likely to give unfamiliar food a chance, I suppose, but unfamiliar people and places and political viewpoints? Good luck with that. Unfamiliar technology, too. iPhone users: when was the last time you gave Android a proper try? All of this came to mind last week when I finally got a chance to try out Vision Pro, Apples mixed-reality headset. (It launched in the U.S. back in February, but only recently became available to demo and buy here in the U.K.) Everyone has an opinion on Vision Pro, which was publicly announced as long ago as June last year, but very few people seem prepared to put those opinions to the test. And believe me, the Vision Pro demo really is eye-opening. Because of the lack of a useful parallel (it isnt remotely similar to using an Oculus or any of the other VR products on the market) its extraordinarily difficult to convey what the experience is like. I can outline the basics, such as the eye tracking and finger tapping required to navigate the interface, but that doesnt get across the way this feels, or how those feelings change as you grow accustomed to the device. You just need to experience it for yourself. Personally, I was surprised by how complex the fitting process is, and how tricky it can be to get set up with the optimal Light Seal and headband; a facial scan is supposed to help with this, but my first seal had to be sent back and replaced. Then simply tightening the straps up just the right amount so the weight is distributed comfortably across your forehead and cheeks is more challenging than you might expect, and took some time and various checks before everything was arranged exactly right. This might seem like a complaint, but I was impressed by the commitment and patience shown to make sure the product was at its very best for the demo. Because it really was worth the wait. Using Vision Pro is an odd experience but an utterly immersive one, thanks to the carefully calibrated fit and exceptionally high-quality hardware. There were several moments in the demo where I gasped, or laughed, or looked around excitedly like a tourist, simply because the headset does such a good job of making you feel like youre inside its media. The spatial home movies of strangers could have felt artificial (anyone whos seen the troubling 1995 thriller Strange Days will know roughly what I mean), but the effect is so compelling that it made me think about my own memories and what it would be like to relive them in this format. It was oddly poignant. Hollywood too will be watching the progress of spatial video with the greatest of interest. The demo included a gasp-inducing sizzle reel peppered with up-close dinosaurs and rhinos; no doubt someone is already doing the math to see if a superhero movie in this format would make financial sense. Even 2D films look great in Vision Pros virtual cinema, and I can imagine that long-haul flights will be greatly improved if you remember to bring your headset and a pair of AirPods. Those who can no longer afford to attend big concerts will find this format a close second best. And as for watching sports in a spatial format this might be a longer-term prospect, but the potential is enormous. All of this is going to take time and a significant investment but Vision Pro presents an incredible opportunity for bringing events to people rather than selling a limited number of tickets. David Price / Foundry David Price / Foundry David Price / Foundry The media side of things, then, is a triumph for Vision Pro. But its also important to cover the more challenging aspects, such as that unfamiliar control method mentioned earlier. Once again Apples patient expert had to metaphorically hold my hand, since I suspect the interface would have been baffling without assistance. Moving over the years from iPod to iPhone, from iPad to Apple Watch, has always felt like a natural and intuitive evolution, but the Vision Pro is completely new. To select an icon you have to look at it and then tap your finger and thumb together. Both of these elements were a cause of mild stress for me, particularly at first. Ive always had a strong aversion to the idea of eye-tracking technology, which feels intrusive and dystopian in ways I cant fully explain. And I felt anxious about the gesture recognition too, thanks partly to my tendency to fidget nervously and partly to my general worrying about getting things wrong. Theres just, for me, a continuous low-level anxiety about having the movements of my hands and eyes constantly monitored. But heres the thingit quickly gets better. My stress had dipped significantly by the end of the demo, whereas my excitement about the immersive media elements had not. And thats why its so important to experience Vision Pro thoroughly for yourself: you dont know which parts youll like and which you wont until you try it, and you dont know if those effects are temporary until you try it properly . I hope my thoughts in some small way help you understand what Vision Pro is. (You can read a far more thorough account in our Vision Pro review .) But the message Id like you to take away is that, more than any other Apple product, this is something you have to decide for yourself. And for that, you need to book yourself a demo and eat the damn halloumi.
North Korean who used ransomware to attack US healthcare providers has been indicted
A grand jury in Kansas City has indicted Rim Jong Hyok, a North Korean intelligence operative who allegedly used ransomware to attack health providers' systems in the US, according to AP News . The State Department said Rim is part of a group called Andariel that's controlled by the North Korean intelligence agency, the Reconnaissance General Bureau. Rim is not in the US government's custody. The agency is now offering a $10 million reward for information that would lead to his location or the location of a foreign operative who engages in certain malicious cyber activities against US critical infrastructure. A Kansas medical center alerted the FBI about an attack that blocked personnel's access to patient files and lab test results, as well as prevented them from operating hospital equipment with their computers, was back in 2021. It's a common MO of Rim's Andariel group, which would infiltrate a computer system and infect it with Maui ransomware. The group would then ask their target for payment and would threaten to release sensitive information if they don't pay up. In the Kansas hospital's case, the group demanded a ransom in Bitcoin worth $100,000 within 48 hours. The group allegedly used the money it gets to buy more computers and servers to fund more cyberattacks. The FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of the Treasury issued a joint cybersecurity warning in the midst of Andariel's attacks on healthcare providers in 2022. The North Korean state-sponsored cyber actors likely assume healthcare organizations are willing to pay ransoms because these organizations provide services that are critical to human life and health, they wrote. Federal investigators said they followed the ransom the Kansas medical center paid across blockchains and found that someone had transferred the Bitcoin to an address belonging to two Hong Kong nationals. Based on the court documents seen by AP , the money was then transferred to a Chinese bank and withdrawn from an ATM in China close to the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge connecting the country to North Korea. Andariel and Rim are being accused of infiltrating 17 entities across 11 states, including four defense contractors, two US Air Force bases and NASA. The group was reportedly able to stay in NASA's computer system for three months and steal 17 gigabytes of classified information. During one of its operations that targeted a US defense contractor in November 2022, the State Department said the group was also able to extract over 30 gigabytes of data that include information on the material used in US military aircraft and satellites. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/north-korean-who-used-ransomware-to-attack-us-healthcare-providers-has-been-indicted-140008610.html?src=rss
We are now tracking a deal on Amazon that drops the 128GB Samsung PRO Ultimate microSD Memory Card with the USB card reader to $24.60 with free shipping for Prime members or in order over $35. This microSD + USB reader combo has been fetching $33 for the last couple of months, and todays deal drops it to the lowest price we have tracked for it in 2024. This particular combo hasnt been discounted in a while, and its now within $5 of its all-time low. The 256GB and 512GB variants with a USB reader are also seeing a lighter discount right now on Amazon. more
Disk Drill iPhone data recovery review
Macworld At a glance Pros Slick UI Very thorough recovery Free option may suffice for many Cons Pro version is expensive Our Verdict Disk Drill is an ideal option for recovering an email or message youve lost, but the price of the Pro version may make it a tall order for occasional usage. Price When Reviewed Basic: Free; Pro: $89; Enterprise: $499 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CleverFiles $89 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We looked at Disk Drill for Mac , a solution for when your Mac hard drive fails and you need to recover data, but what about if the same happens to your iPhone? Here we look at the version of the same software for anyone seeking to recover data from their iPhone. When it comes to the best data recovery apps for your iPhone , theres one thing thats key above all else simplicity. After all, if youre looking for lost data the last thing you want are complex menus and jargon to dig through, particularly if time is of the essence. Thankfully, Disk Drill makes getting to your data a priority, meaning you can be sifting through your images, videos, or just about anything else within minutes of installing. If youre recovering under 500MB of data, the free plan may work nicely, but things get significantly pricier for the Pro version. Itll set you back $89/70.56, with an extra option to add future updates for around $15/15, too, while enterprise users can buy a bundle of user licenses. As well cover shortly, in our testing Disk Drill did a great job of, uh, drilling into our test iPhones deleted data, but it actually offers additional features on top of data recovery. Disk Drill can identify duplicate files, spot where your drive may be hoarding data, and can back up copies of files to prevent them from being accidentally deleted in the future. First Impressions Disk Drill looks like it could have been made by Apple . Disk Drill looks like it could have been made by Apple . Foundry Disk Drill looks like it could have been made by Apple . Foundry Foundry While Dr Fone and other apps are full of colorful icons, I was impressed by just how much Disk Drill looks like a stock Apple app on macOS. Note: This is a Mac app that can uncover lost files on your iPhone (and other places), its not an iPhone app. The sidebar holds all of the potential drive locations you can recover from, including local, NAS, RAIDs, and other devices. It even factors in Time Machine data, so you can dig quickly through your backups. Disk Drill can help recover files buried deep in old backups. Disk Drill can help recover files buried deep in old backups. Foundry Disk Drill can help recover files buried deep in old backups. Foundry Foundry As I mentioned earlier, that makes it easy to start digging through data much more quickly than some other apps that bombard you with options from the jump. Disk Drill features Disk Drill takes some time to get going, but will find plenty of old data. Disk Drill takes some time to get going, but will find plenty of old data. Foundry Disk Drill takes some time to get going, but will find plenty of old data. Foundry Foundry Thats not to say that Disk Drill doesnt add plenty of features. In my testing, it was able to pull from data I thought was long lost from my iPhone. I will concede it took some time to scan, though, running for around an hour before I could dig into the data. I was impressed by how many old Whatsapp messages it could recover, as well as old contact information and more. Disk Drill can create a disk image of your machine. Disk Drill can create a disk image of your machine. Foundry Disk Drill can create a disk image of your machine. Foundry Foundry Aside from recovery, Disk Drill offers plenty more tools. Its duplicate finder runs on local storage as well as cloud-based options like Dropbox or Google Drive , while Data Protection stores a copy of a deleted file in case you need to refer back to it. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it can shred files so that theyre unrecoverable, too. Alongside that, it can even create a backup macOS boot drive, or a disk image of your entire hard drive ideal for older Macs with mechanical drives that could fail. Disk Drill annoyances Scanning takes some time. Scanning takes some time. Foundry Scanning takes some time. Foundry Foundry Aside from the relatively high price and the time it takes to get a phone scanned, my only real complaint with Disk Drill has been that on occasion it got a little upset when my phone locked itself. On a couple of occasions that ended up stopping the scan dead in its tracks, meaning I needed to start over again. On most of the other occasions, though, this didnt cause any issues, so it could just have been a bug. The Bottom Line It could be a little expensive for one-off users, but as a safety net for anyone looking to regularly recover data from devices, or for enterprise users, Disk Drill is likely to be a very easy recommendation. We also have a round-up of the best Mac recovery apps .
Todays best game deals: Octopath Traveler II up to 50% off, Ghosts n Goblins $10, more
Best Buy is now offering Octopath Traveler II on Nintendo Switch for $29.99 with free shipping for My Best Buy members ( free to sign up here ). Regularly $60 and currently out of stock for Nintendo Switch on Amazon, this is up to 50% off and the lowest price we can find. It has more recently been selling for $40 at most retailers, and you can now land a copy at one of the lowest prices we have ever tracked. Youll also find this one down at the same $29.99 Prime shipped via Amazon for PS5. Octopath Traveler II is a love letter of sorts to classic RPGs from the 8- and 16-bit eras. The story takes place in Solistia where gamers can take on the role of one of eight new travelers, each with their own origins, motivations, and unique skills. Alongside the mix of retro pixel art and 3DCG, youll also find a blend of new and old gameplay mechanics by way of the job and skill systems each traveler has a unique set of Path Actions they can use to battle townspeople, obtain items, take others along in their travels, and more. Head below for more. more
lululemon We Made too Much Sale offers up to 50% off with deals from $9 shipped
lululemon is offering up to 50% off with deals starting at $9 shipped . Prices are as marked. Customers receive free delivery on all orders. A standout from this sale is the Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt thats currently marked down to $44 and originally sold for $78. This shirt is highly breathable and infused with stretch, which makes it a perfect option for summer workouts. It also has reflective details to keep you visible and you can choose from several color options. This style pairs nicely with shorts, joggers, or jeans alike. Find even more deals by heading below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more
Just every 9to5Toys reader, especially those with a Mac mini, already knows how much we love the Satechi Hub & Stand with NVME SSD Enclosure. It is a simply fantastic accessory, perhaps even the best out there for headless Mac owners, and it is now back at its Prime Day deal price. Compatible with the M1/M2/M2 Pro Mac mini and Mac Studio, the brands official Amazon storefront is now offering the latest Hub & Stand with SSD Enclosure down at $79.99 shipped . Thats 20% off the regular $100 price tag on what is quite possibly the best accessory of its kind youll find anywhere. Some Amazon accounts can use code 6IYQ9Z3CGOE9 at checkout to knock the price down to $67.99 shipped but this does appear to be a targeted promotion not everyone can take advantage of. Youll find all of the Satechi gear eligible for this promotion on this landing page if your account is eligible. more
Samsung Galaxy Ring review: A bit basic, a bit pricey
I dont expect much from a device as small as a ring. Theres no room for a lot of hardware, so it only really needs to do a few things well. A sleep tracker that doesnt get in the way of, well, sleeping, is my holy grail, and smart rings are a tantalizing option. Samsungs Galaxy Ring promises to monitor my slumber and log my daily activity, and do so comfortably and unobtrusively, all for $400. Thats $100 more than its closest competitor, the Oura Ring, though the latter charges an additional $6 a month to use its software. Oura has been around for over five years, and in that time, it has developed more sophisticated ways to deliver insights to its customers, while Samsung is just starting. But for a debut effort, the Galaxy Ring has been a surprisingly informative health-tracking device for those with compatible Samsung phones. The Galaxy Rings weight and design Of all the wearables available, rings are among the smallest and lightest. My Galaxy Ring is a size seven, which is the third tiniest Samsung makes. That puts it at about 2.3 grams, or just under 0.1 ounces light, which is about half the 4 to 6 grams that Ouras rings weigh, depending on their size. Thanks to that lack of weight and the devices slim profile, I barely feel it on my finger when trying to fall asleep, which, for a sensitive sleeper like me, is a huge deal. The only thing that sometimes bothers me are the red and green LEDs flashing in my dark bedroom, but theyre not so bright to keep me up after I close my eyes. Im extremely finicky, and dont like wearing a ring when my hands are even the slightest bit wet, so I frequently took the wearable off. But if youre less sensitive than me, youll be happy to know the Galaxy Ring will survive soap and running water. I wore it while washing my hands a few times, taking the ring off afterwards for my fingers to fully dry. When I eventually put the device back on after having applied lotion and sunscreen, I was happy to see that the creams did not get in the way of its sensors getting readings. Because I frequently took the ring on and off, I did have mini panic attacks a few times when I thought it fell out of my pocket. Thankfully, in those situations, I was able to use Samsungs location-tracking app to see that it wasnt too far away and was likely in my pants. The problem with the rings lack of components, though, is that I cant play an audible alarm to help find it. That absence of features is a compromise Im happy to make in exchange for the Galaxy Rings barely-there footprint. What Samsung does offer here also feels good enough for a basic health tracker, though it does pale in comparison to the competition. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The Galaxy Ring as a sleep tracker Ive mostly used the Galaxy Ring to track my sleep and general activity, since it doesnt log any workout beyond walking and running. For the most part, all I really have to do with the ring is make sure I place it on my index finger, where it fits more snugly than the middle. This helps ensure my blood oxygen readings are accurate, or I end up with numbers that are wildly low. Beyond that, I spent most of my testing time on Samsungs Wear and Health apps, poring over my sleep data. Weve come a long way since the early days where Fitbits only looked at the duration of your rest, guessing based on how still you are whether youve fallen asleep. These days, using your heart rate to determine whether youre in REM or deep sleep is table stakes, and on that front Samsung delivers as expected. Sam Rutherford for Engadget I obviously cant tell you what stages Im in as I sleep, but I did like that Samsung not only presents the data clearly, but also adds helpful context. It tells me why its important to have time in the REM zone, and whether 11 minutes in deep sleep was enough for recovery. The app also helps me understand how I compare to other people, without me having to navigate to a separate app or browser. I did find that the Ring noted accurately what times I fell asleep and awoke, and even logged a midday nap in the app (though it didnt show sleep cycle data for that period). It took a few days, but once a baseline was established, the Galaxy Ring started telling me what my skin temperature was throughout the night, highlighting my peak and lowest numbers. Ive been pleasantly surprised to find that my coldest temperature to date has been on one night in Singapore, which goes against my assumption that the local heat and humidity would affect these readings. Its been mollifying to see that my stats seem normal, although my blood oxygen levels have varied wildly depending on which finger I wear the ring on. Its even gone as low as 76 percent, which would be concerning, but Ive stopped caring much about that section of my sleep insights, since it seems my review unit might be a little loose. You dont have to spend as much time as I do digging into the numbers Samsung, like most other modern sleep-tracking services, will assign a sleep score to tell you how well you slept. There are also graphs to help you understand your trends at a glance. Its important to note that Samsung said the energy score, sleep tracking and Wellness Tips features are based on Galaxy AI, meaning theyll require a Galaxy phone, Samsung Health app and Samsung account to work. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The Galaxy Ring as an activity tracker Samsungs ring might not track a wide variety of exercises, but the data it does gather is surprisingly comprehensive. I was fully expecting the walks it automatically detected to only show me basic stats like duration and, perhaps, step count. But it actually presented my average speed, cadence, heart rate, heart rate zones, calories burned and distance traveled too. Im pretty impressed, but I must point out that Oura offers a Workout heart rate feature that lets you manually start and end heart-rate tracking sessions from your phone. It also automatically detects at least 40 different activities , including yardwork, cycling, snowboarding, horseback riding and HIIT. Oura also frequently adds new metrics like cardiovascular age and capacity, as well as experimental features like Symptom Radar to guess when you might not be feeling well. Its ahead of Samsung in the game here and seems to be fighting to keep that gap open. I guess if youre going to pay an extra $6 a month, you better get a significantly superior service. In my experience, both Samsung and Oura are fairly accurate at tracking activity. In the last few days, Ive been surprised to see the Galaxy Ring had tracked pretty much every time I went with my parents to a nearby hawker center, even though the walks only took fewer than 10 minutes. Compared to the Apple Watch Series 9 I usually wear, Samsung is more likely to include a short trip in its apps activity log, which was not only more rewarding but also felt like a more complete picture of my day. Sam Rutherford for Engadget My problems with Samsung Health One area where the Galaxy Ring (and rings in general) falls short of smartwatches is in delivering any sort of notification. As an activity tracker, this is mainly a problem when it comes to pushing stand reminders. Both Samsung and Oura will serve alerts on your phone when youve been stationary for too long, prompting you to get up and move. Wristworn wearables typically buzz and tell you on the screen, and its a lot harder to miss or ignore them. Ive definitely had a few days where I was in an editing or writing hole and only noticed numerous alerts to move hours later when I looked at my Galaxy phone. This isnt a major problem, and is another small tradeoff Im happy to accept since the Ring is so small. But I do have two specific complaints for Samsung, and they both pertain to the app. My first issue is the confusing interface for automatic activity detection. When you go into the Rings settings to enable this (which is unfortunately not turned on by default), youll see the words Activities to detect under a tinier label called Auto detect workouts. Next to the larger font is a grayed out toggle that turns blue when you slide it to the right. Pushing this switch on didnt actually enable the feature. Tapping on the words Activities to detect brought me into a different page with rows for Walking and Running, each accompanied by their own toggles. Youll also have to press each of these activities to go into another page and turn on location tracking. Because of this, I spent my first few days with the Galaxy Ring confused why my walks werent being logged, despite having turned on the main toggle. A better layout with improved organization that requires fewer taps and pages would really help here. My other gripe is a more specific situation. As Im concurrently testing the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the information collected by that smartwatch is also considered by Samsung Health when calculating my energy score. This is actually a good thing, as Id prefer to use a Galaxy Watch to log my gym sessions and rely on the ring everywhere else. But because the Galaxy Watch Ultra is so inaccurate when its not being worn, it actually recorded random workout sessions, like two bike rides that I never took. This caused the Health app to think I had overexerted myself and it ended up recommending I take it super easy the next day, when in reality I had done very little. Yes, I can manually delete these entries, but when Im busy and just want to glance at my energy score, this causes confusion. Why was my score so low? Did I somehow sleep poorly? I can already imagine hypochondriacs spiraling if they didnt know what happened. Luckily, Samsung clearly labels at the bottom of each workout record which device detected the activity. This is unlikely to be a huge problem unless you have both the Galaxy Ring and Watch like I do, and is something that seems easy enough to fix. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The Galaxy Rings battery life Samsung says the Galaxy Ring can deliver continuous usage for up to seven days, and in my experience thats fairly accurate. But youll have to be able to tolerate seeing the battery levels drop all the way to zero to get the full week. In the two weeks or so that Ive worn the ring, it consistently dropped to under 20 percent by day six, and would basically die on day seven. Charging the devices 18mAh battery shouldnt take too long. Samsung says 30 minutes will get you 40 percent of the way, and when I placed the Ring in its case for about 5 minutes, it went up by two percent. If I hadnt been trying to gauge its battery life for this review, I would probably have recharged it any time I wasnt wearing it, and likely wouldnt have ever run out of juice. Other issues For its debut smart ring, Samsungs delivered a satisfactory product that mostly delivers. Compared to the Oura ring, the Galaxy Ring is perfunctory. The main bonus Samsung had over the competition is its double pinch gesture, that can dismiss alarms or remotely launch the camera on your Samsung phone. I wasnt able to test this feature because I tested the Ring with a Galaxy S24, and its only compatible with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Samsung says double-pinch functionality is coming to the S24 lineup soon. Unlike the Oura ring, Samsungs wearable doesnt work with iPhones, though rumors are rife that iOS support is coming. For now, if youre in Apples ecosystem you wont be able to use the Galaxy Ring. Those who use a Samsung phone are more likely to appreciate the Galaxy Ring most. Other integrations like Find My and Samsung Health are available to anyone that installs the SmartThings app and has a Samsung account. Wrap-up Though the Galaxy Ring is fairly basic at the moment, it seems to have a lot of potential. Samsung needs to continue to invest in research to expand the insights it could deliver with the limited set of data the ring collects. Given the companys history with bringing new features to its watches, Health app and the Z series of foldable phones so far, it might just do that. If youre happy to spend $400 on a low-profile wearable sleep tracker that also logs your walks or runs, the Galaxy Ring will do the job. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-ring-review-a-bit-basic-a-bit-pricey-130034811.html?src=rss
PS5 just got one of this decades most underrated games
If you didn't play Monster Train when it came out in 2020, its PS5 release gives you a chance to rectify that.
Logitechs wireless-charging G502 X Plus hits 2024 low at $118 + compatible POWERPLAY mat at $94
If you are looking for a great gaming mouse deal, then look no further than this one on Amazon that drops Logitechs G502 X Plus in black to $117.92 shipped. This deal serves an impressive $42 discount over its original list of $160. Its been fetching close to $140 for the last couple of months, but this is the lowest price we have tracked for it this year. Only once before today has it been cheaper at $115, but we havent seen that price since August last year. The white version is currently fetching $145 . more
Automate your summer backyard setup with TP-Links smart dual-outlet Matter plug down at $24
Summer is in full swing, but theres still time to upgrade your outdoor space with some intelligent power options. Amazon is now offering theTP-Link Kasa Matter Smart Dual Outdoor Plug down at$23.99 with free shippingfor Prime members or in orders over $35. This model first landed on Amazon back in the spring of this year at $35 and is now at the lowest price we can find with as much as 25% in savings. While we have seen this one down at $24.50 quite a lot this year, it is now within $1.50 of lowest we have tracked and makes for one of the lowest-priced dual-outlet outdoor Matter smart plugs youll find from a trusted brand anyway.If you dont care about the Matter action, the HomeKit-only model is selling for $20.99 Prime shipped right now. more
Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro laptop with an M3 Pro chip is $300 off at Amazon
Apple's well-specked 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro chip, 18GB of memory and 512GB of storage is on sale for the lowest price we've seen yet at Amazon. You can pick one up for $1,699 , a savings of $300 (15 percent) and the lowest price we've seen to date on this particular model. We're also seeing discounts across the board on various 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. Ad we noted in our review , Apple's MacBook Pro is one of the best ultraportables you can buy today thanks to the fast and efficient M3 Pro chip, gorgeous 14-inch screen, useful port selection and excellent keyboard and trackpad. It's particularly strong for content creation thanks to real-time decoding of commonly-used pro video formats a feature missing on many PC laptops. One issue we had with the MacBook Pro is that updates to the processor, RAM or storage add a lot to the price, and those things are important for video or photo editing. That makes this model a particularly good deal, because it's already well-equipped with 18GB of unified memory and an M3 Pro processor. If you don't need the M3 Pro's horsepower, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 chip is on sale for $1,749 and nets you 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Or, if your budget doesn't permit that, the 8GB/512GB M3 model is available for $1,399 or $200 off. You can also grab a 16-inch M3 Pro model with 18GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $2,249 , a savings of $200 (10 percent) over the list price. Another great deal is on the 16-inch M3 Max model with 36GB of memory and 1TB of storage at $3,099, or $400 off. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-14-inch-macbook-pro-laptop-with-an-m3-pro-chip-is-300-off-at-amazon-123042013.html?src=rss
NYT Crossword: answers for Friday, July 26
The New York Times has plenty of word games on its roster today with , , , and , theres something for everyone but the newspapers standard crossword puzzle still reigns supreme. The daily crossword is full of interesting trivia, helps improve mental flexibility and, of course, gives you some bragging rights if []
3 new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (July 26-38)
If you're deciding what you should play on Xbox Game Pass this weekend, check out these newly added highlights.
Best prices ever hit Apples M2 iPad Air: 11-inch models from $530, 13-inch now nearly $100 off
Okay folks, this deal might not last long, but we are now tracking the best price ever on the most affordable point of entry to the new M2 iPad Air lineup. Amazon just knocked the price of the 128GB 11-inch M2 iPad Air in Space Gray down to $529.99 shipped . While the other colors are starting at $550 lows, this Space Gray model is now $69 off to deliver the best price we have tracked since release and a new Amazon all-time low. Head below for more details and some all-time lows on the 13-inch model at $99 off. more
Gran Tourismo 7's more realistic physics update is launching cars into orbit
Yesterday's Gran Turismo 7 game update 1.49 introduced all-new physics that have added extra realism and generally improved gameplay. However, the change is also causing some bizarre problems in specific situations, making cars bounce violently or just get hurled into the air. The physics updates are generally positive, adding more natural cornering physics and acceleration/deceleration stability levels, according to the developer. Similar changes to tire physics and steering allow a more challenging and rewarding driving experience overall. #GT7 pic.twitter.com/1FhwzEnT8h (@AIPhard_T0yota) July 25, 2024 However, some bugs appear to have crept in as well, according to gtplanet and posts on Reddit's r/granturismo . High-horsepower vehicles, often with engine swaps and extreme suspension settings, are literally flying, bouncing or intersecting with the ground, according to multiple (hilarious) videos. The problem appears to happen when cars try to accelerate from low speeds, and mostly affects cars under AI control. It also happens during dynamic Scapes Movies scenes designed to show off landscapes from cars operated at slow speeds by AI. It's even been seen in GT Auto's garages. GT #GT7 pic.twitter.com/P0pciGU4A2 Pow_R(SUPRA_GT) (@powarmor0911) July 25, 2024 It's clearly a weird z-axis programming bug, but Gran Turismo's team is aware of the issue and working on it. We are now aware of the following issue in the 1.49 Update released on July 25: Car Physics Simulation Unintended vehicle behavior is produced when a particular car setting is set within Car Settings, devs said in a post on X . A fix should be ready soon, so enjoy the comedy while it lasts. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gran-tourismo-7s-more-realistic-physics-update-is-launching-cars-into-orbit-120045578.html?src=rss
Teenage Engineering TX-6 Review: A Pocket-Sized Audio Mixer
This adorable piece of pocket tech acts like a USB-C audio interface and mixing board.
Today only, as part of its Deals of the Day , Best Buy is offering a notable deal on the Lockly Flex Touch Smart Lock down at $89.99 shipped . Regularly $190, this is a straight up $100 price drop to deliver a big-time discount for the lowest we can find. This deal also undercuts the sale price we are tracking directly on the official site by $40 to deliver the lowest we have tracked on this particular model.Head below for a closer look. more
Woot has been serving some great deals over the last few days, and we just spotted another one thats worth digging into. We are now tracking a deal that drops Razers Kishi V2 Pro Xbox Edition controller for Android to $54.99 Prime shipped . Youll attract an additional $6 if youre not an Amazon Prime member. This is regularly a $150 gamepad thats been fetching close to $120 before dropping below $100 earlier this month. Todays deal shaves $95 off its original list price and beats our previous mention by $15 to land on the lowest price we have tracked. The same Xbox Edition model, in case you are wondering, is currently fetching $78 on Amazon. more
Current-gen Apple Pencil 2 back at $79 Amazon low (Reg. $129), USB-C model $69
Update: This deal has returned alongside the USB-C model . The Apple Pencil Pro has arrived on the scene and, but the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil remains in the lineup and is once again seeinga deep deal. Over at Amazon youll find Apple Pencil 2nd Gen at$79 shipped, down from the regular $129 price tag Apple still sells it for to deliver nearly 40% in savings and to bring it back down to the lowest we have tracked at Amazon. You will (mostly) need the new Apple Pencil Pro for use with Apples just announced new M4 iPad Pro or iPad Air lineup ( as detailed here ), but folks sticking with their current Apple tablet can score a deep deal on theApple Pencil 2nd Gen. Head below for more details. more
JBLs gorgeous Authentics Google smart speakers with AirPlay up to $200 off starting from $250
After jumping back to full price and then going in and out of stock in around the Prime Day festivities, the big-time price drops on the gorgeous JBL Authentics Google smart speakers with AirPlay are back at up to $200 off. Joining offers on the higher-end 300 and 500 models, Amazon is now offering the JBL Authentics 200 Smart Home Speaker for $249.95 shipped . This model debuted in late 2023 with a $350 MSRP as the first Google Assistant smart speaker that also works alongside Alexa. Today youre looking at another $100 price drop to deliver the lowest price we can find. This offer is matching the Amazon all-time low and only the second time it has dropped below $275. more
This 27-inch 300Hz 1440p ASUS ROG Strix gaming monitor is a steal at $425 ($174 off)
While you can still grab Samsungs 49-inch Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor at its lowest price of $800 , we just spotted another solid deal on a relatively smaller 1440p monitor from ASUS. Amazon is now offering the ROG Strix 27-inch 1440p 300Hz Fast IPS gaming monitor for $424.99 shipped. This is regularly a $599 display thats been fetching close to $590 over the last few months. Todays deal lands as the first big discount that drops it $74 below its previous all-time low of $499, marking the lowest price we have tracked for it. Newegg is matching Amazons price today for this stellar 1440p display. more
LGs beloved and originally $2,600 120Hz C3 OLED 4K smart TV with AirPlay 2 just dropped to $1,298
We have tracked some notable price drops on the new 2024 C4 LG OLEDs, but the beloved 2023 C3 is still one of the best you can buy and now its not one of the more pricey options. Woot is stepping in again today with big-time price drop on the 65-inch LG C3 Series OLED evo 4K Smart TV down at $1,297.99 Prime shipped . A $6 delivery fee will apply otherwise. This model launched last year at $2,600 and now carries a regular price of $1,700 at Best Buy where it is selling for $1,600. Todays deal on the 65-inch model is $299 under the best sale price on Amazon right now while also landing at $90 under our previous mention this is clearly a seriously great value for one of the best and most beloved OLED displays out there. more
Most affordable way to score Apples M3 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM just dropped $200, now at $1,099
We have an interesting deal on Apples latest M3 MacBook Air today courtesy of a configuration from the trusted folks over at B&H. While we did see the 13-inch model with 16GB of RAM, the 10-core GPU, and a 512GB SSD drop to the $1,249 all-time low for Prime Day (now at $1,299), B&H is offering this same machine but with the 256GB of storage for $1,099 shipped today. This configuration isnt available on Amazon, but if you customize your order before checkout on the Apple site with these specs 16GB of RAM, the 10-core GPU, and a 256GB SSD you would have to pay $1,299. Again, we did see a $250 price drop on the 512GB variant for Prime Day, but todays deal is effectively the most affordable way to score a 16GB M3 MacBook Air , coming in at $150 under the aforementioned Prime Day offer. more
7 Best Cheap Smartphones (2024): iPhone, Android, 5G
Theres little reason to pay top dollar for a smartphone. These iPhones and Android devicesranging from $150 to $500stood up to WIREDs testing.
The best fitness trackers for 2024
Fitness trackers are a solid option if you really want to hone in on tracking, well, your fitness. Some of the best fitness trackers also include additional sensors to track things like stress, sleep and other health metrics. Sure, you could opt for the best smartwatch , but if youre not interested in all of the extra features they offer, a fitness tracker might be a better (and more affordable) option. Accurate workout and activity tracking is what fitness trackers do best. They might not look as glamorous as an Apple Watch , but they do a particular job well. Weve researched and tested a good selection of the most popular fitness trackers out there to help make your decision a little easier. What do fitness trackers do best? The answer seems simple: Fitness trackers are best at monitoring exercise, be it a 10-minute walk around the block or that half marathon youve been diligently training for. Obviously, smartwatches can help you reach your fitness goals too, but there are some areas where fitness bands have proven to be the best buy: focus, design, battery life and price. When I say focus, Im alluding to the fact that fitness trackers are made to track activity well; anything else is extra. They often dont have the bells and whistles that smartwatches do, which could distract from their health tracking abilities. They also tend to have fewer sensors and internal components, which keeps them smaller and lighter. Fitness trackers are also a better option for those who just want a less conspicuous device on their wrists all day. Battery life tends to be better on fitness trackers, too. While most smartwatches last one to two days on a single charge, fitness bands offer between five and seven days of battery life and thats with all-day and all-night use even with sleep tracking features enabled When it comes to price point, theres no competition. Most worthwhile smartwatches start at $175 to $200, but you can get a solid fitness tracker starting at $70. Yes, more expensive bands exist (and we recommend a few here), but youll find more options under $150 in the fitness tracker space than in the smartwatch space. When to get a smartwatch instead If you need a bit more from your wearable and dont want to be limited to a fitness or activity tracker, a smartwatch may be the best buy for you. There are things like on-watch apps, alerts and even more robust fitness features that smartwatches have and the best fitness trackers dont. You can use one to control smart home appliances, set timers and reminders, check weather reports and more. Some smartwatches let you choose which apps you want to receive alerts from, and the options go beyond just call and text notifications. Just make sure your smartwatch is compatible with your Android or iPhone, however, before purchasing, as not all of them work with both operating systems. But the extra fitness features are arguably the most important thing to think about when deciding between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch. The latter devices tend to be larger, giving them more space for things like GPS, barometers, onboard music storage and more. While you can find built-in GPS on select fitness trackers, its not common. Best fitness trackers Other fitness trackers we've tested Fitbit Inspire 3 The Fitbit Inspire 3 strips out all the luxury features from the Charge 6 and keeps only the essential tracking features. You wont get built-in GPS tracking or Fitbit Pay or Spotify control but you do get solid activity tracking, automatic workout detection, smartphone alerts and plenty more. The updated version has a sleeker design and includes a color touch display and connected GPS, the latter of which lets you track pace and distance while you run or bike outside while you have your phone with you. When compared to the Charge 6, the Inspire 3 is more fashionable, too. Its interchangeable bands let you switch up the look and feel of your tracker whenever you want, and its slim enough to blend in with other jewelry you might be wearing. We were also impressed by its multi-day battery life: Fitbit promises up to 10 days on a single charge, and that checked out for us. After four days of round-the-clock use, the Inspire 3 still had 66 percent battery left to go. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-fitness-trackers-133053484.html?src=rss
How to automate cloning your drives on a Mac
Macworld What if something goes wrong and you need immediate access on-site to a full backup of your Macs startup volume or an external drive, and you need to return to work as soon as possible? The introduction of Apple silicon made it difficult to create a drive you could swap in and start up from, but that shouldnt stop you from making a backup that will get you back in business. (There are workarounds, but it requires ongoing effort.) The best option to have a nearly hot-swappable copy of your most important locally stored data is a clone. A clone is an exact copy of the current state of a volumea snapshot, really. Time Machine offers a form of this capability, but it also archives older files. You can configure cloning software just to keep an up-to-date copy of the drive you want to mirror and nothing additional. Ive relied on Carbon Copy Cloner or CCC ($49.99) for years. It supports cloning and a number of related features, like archiving. An alternate is SuperDuper! ($27.95), which is more tightly focused on volume cloning. With apps, you pick a source (typically a volume) and a destination, set a schedule, and configure fiddly options, like verifying files after copying in CCC. Cloning lets you use a drive that is no bigger than the drive youre copying from for cloning, unlike Time Machine and archiving modes in other backup software, which need space to store multiple versions of files over time. (Time Machine always archives older files until a backup volume starts to fill, and then it purges the oldest versions of archived files first.) Ive found that cloning software has an advantage in reliability over Time Machine, which stores data in date-stamped snapshots. If your startup volume dies and your Mac is still working, you can use an external drive, install macOS on it, and use Migration Assistant during setup to import files. However, Ive had problems on multiple occasions where Migration Assistant wont recognize what seems to be an up-to-date Time Machine copy of my startup volume. I have turned to a cloned backup of that volume, which works compatibly with Migration Assistant and doesnt seem to fail in the same circumstances. Ive been grateful that I had this extra copy. A Macworld reader asked in particular about setting up a quickly accessible external drive in case the drive they kept their Photos library on failed. Could they swap immediately to a clone thats been kept up to date on the other drive? Yes, and its a great purpose for a clone. In that scenario, you could quit Photos (if it hadnt already told you of a problem and quit), eject the failing drive, launch Photos while holding down Option, and select the Photos Library file on the cloned drive. Depending on how frequently you have the clone operation set, you might lose little or no work. With iCloud Photos enabled, you would also need to set the cloned library as your System Library in > Photos > Settings > General by clicking Use as System Photo Library . You can also drill down with clones, copying just part of a volume instead of the whole thing. I had a Photos library meltdown in 2021 that took me hours to recover from and then days to get back to normal. Something in my Photos Library package corrupted so badly that even restoring from a Time Machine backup failed. In the end, I had to rebuild from scratch and let Photos sync with iCloud to retrieve all my images and videos. Vowing not to let that happen again, I setup a nightly clone of my locally stored Photos Library package to a high-capacity external hard drive. While the hard drive is slow, the clone update happens overnight, so it doesnt overlap with my daytime work. Carbon Copy Cloner gives me an extra set of suspenders on my Photos Library backup by making an exact copy, updating just any changed files for efficiency, every night. Carbon Copy Cloner gives me an extra set of suspenders on my Photos Library backup by making an exact copy, updating just any changed files for efficiency, every night. Foundry Carbon Copy Cloner gives me an extra set of suspenders on my Photos Library backup by making an exact copy, updating just any changed files for efficiency, every night. Foundry Foundry Because a straightforward clone doesnt let you go backward, I strongly advise you to have at least a couple other forms of backups. Time Machine is the easiest for a Mac owner. Add to that Backblaze or another encrypted, online backup service. Or, if youre keeping all your documents and images in a syncing serviceiCloud Photos/iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive/Google Photos, etc.you can lean on that as your second backup. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Michael. Ask Mac 911 Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com , including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we dont reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.
The last year has continued to bring whiplash to the camera world, with numerous new models introduced across mirrorless, action and compact lineups. We continue to see improvements in all areas, with greater speed, more accurate autofocus and better video specs. All those options can be overwhelming, but thats where this guide comes in. Whether youre an aspiring action or wildlife photographer, an extreme sports junkie or a content creator, well help you find the perfect camera to match your budget and requirements. What to consider before choosing a camera Though smartphones get better for video and photos every year, full cameras are still better in many ways. The larger sensors in mirrorless cameras let more light in, and you have a wide choice of lenses with far superior optics. Where smartphones typically have one f/stop, cameras have many, which gives you better exposure control. You also get natural and not AI-generated bokeh, quicker shooting, a physical shutter, more professional video results and so on. Sensor size With that extra quality comes a lot of extra factors to consider, though. The first thing is sensor size. In general, the larger the sensor, the better (and usually more expensive) the camera. Full frame is available on models like Sony's new ZV-E1, the Canon EOS R6 II and Panasonic S5 II. At a size equivalent to 35mm film (36 x 24mm), it offers the best performance in terms of image quality, low-light capability and depth of field. But its also the most expensive and finicky. While bokeh looks incredible at f/1.4, the depth of field is so razor thin that your subject's eyebrow might be in focus but not their eye. This can also make video shooting difficult. The next size category is APS-C (around 23.5 x 15.6mm for most models and 22.2 x 14.8mm for Canon), offered on Fujifilm's X Series lineup, Canons R10, Sonys ZV-E10 II and the Nikon Z50. It's cheaper than full frame, both for the camera body and lenses, but still brings most of the advantages like decent bokeh, high ISOs for low-light shooting and relatively high resolution. With a sensor size the same as movie cameras, it's ideal for shooting video, and its easier to hold focus than with full-frame cameras. Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13mm), a format shared by Panasonic and Olympus, is the next step down in sensor size. It offers less bokeh and light-gathering capability than APS-C and full frame, but allows for smaller and lighter cameras and lenses. For video, you can still get reasonably tight depth of field with good prime lenses, but focus is easier to control. The other common sensor size is Type 1 (1 inch), which is actually smaller than one inch at 12.7 x 9.5mm. That's used mostly by compact models like Sonys ZV-1 vlogging camera. Finally, action cameras like the GoPro Hero 11 and DJIs Osmo 3 have even smaller sensors (1/1.9 and 1/1.7 size, respectively). Autofocus For photographers, another key factor is autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy. Most modern mirrorless cameras have hybrid phase-detect AF systems that allow for rapid focus and fast burst speeds. The majority also feature AI smarts like eye-detect AF for people and animals. However, some models are faster and more reactive than others. Displays The electronic viewfinder (EVF) and rear display are also key. The best models have the sharpest and brightest EVFs that help you judge a shot before taking it. For things like street photography, its best to have as bright and sharp a rear display as possible. You may also want a screen that flips out rather than just tilting. Lenses DSLRs and mirrorless cameras let you change lenses, but you're stuck with what's built into a compact camera. While that's great for portability, a single lens means you're going to sacrifice something. Fujifilm's X100V, for instance, has a fast but fixed 35mm-equivalent f/2.0 lens and no zoom. Sony's RX100 V has a 24-70mm zoom, but it's slower at the telephoto end (f/2.8) and less sharp than a fixed focal (prime) lens. Video recording When it comes to video, there are other factors to consider. Does your camera do pixel-binning for video recording or read out the entire sensor? Better cameras tend to do the latter. Another key factor is sensor speed, as slower sensors tend to have more rolling shutter that can create a jello effect that skews video. In addition, hows the battery life? How do you like the handling and feel? How long can you shoot video before the camera heats up or stops? Does it support 10-bit HDR video? Is there a microphone and/or a headphone jack? (if you do a lot of interviews, it's preferable to have both.) How's the video autofocus? All of these things play a part in your decision so now lets take a look at the best models. Best cameras Mirrorless cameras Mirrorless is the largest camera category in terms of models available, so its the best way to go if youre looking for something with the most advanced features. Both Canon and Nikon recently announced theyre discontinuing development of new DSLRs, simply because most of the advantages of that category are gone, as I detailed in a video . The biggest selling feature of a mirrorless camera is the ability to change lenses depending on the type of shooting you want to do. Key features to consider are sensor size, resolution, autofocus, shooting (burst) speeds and video specs. If youre primarily a sports or wildlife photographer, youll likely want fast burst speeds and accurate autofocus. Portrait and landscape shooters will favor large sensors and high resolution (more megapixels) to maximize image quality. And content creators will want to look for things like flip-out displays, high-end video specifications and good in-body stabilization. Price is of course a major factor as well. Mirrorless cameras under $1,000 Mirrorless cameras under $2,500 Mirrorless cameras over $2,500 Best action camera or gimbal camera The most important features to look for in an action cam are image quality, stabilization and battery life. GoPro has easily been beating all rivals recently in all those areas, but DJI has taken a lot of its business to date with the Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal camera. Best compact camera This category has fewer cameras than it did even a few years ago and many models are older, as manufacturers focus instead on mirrorless models. However, Im still a big believer in compact cameras. Theyre a noticeable step up from smartphones quality-wise, and a lot of people will take a compact traveling or to events when theyd never bother with the hassle of a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Compacts largely have type 1-inch sensors, but a few offer larger options, particularly Fujifilms XF-100V. Another popular model, Sonys XV-1, is primarily aimed at content creators looking to step up. In any case, desirable qualities include image quality, a fast lens, relatively long zoom, flip-out display, good battery life, a high quality EVF, decent video and good pocketability. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-cameras-151524327.html?src=rss
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Thursday, July 25
The NYT Mini crossword might be a lot smaller than a normal crossword, but it isn't easy. If you're stuck with today's crossword, we've got answers for you here.
NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Friday, July 26
Strands is a tricky take on the classic word search from NYT Games. If you're stuck and cannot solve today's puzzle, we've got help for you here.
NYT Connections: hints and answers for Friday, July 26
Connectionsis the new puzzle game from the New York Times, and it can be quite difficult. If you need a hand with solving today's puzzle, we're here to help.
X's Grok chatbot is misleading voters about the presidential election
The US is in the middle of another hotly contested and seemingly close presidential election. This election is also happening in this new age of widespread access to artificial intelligence and easily disseminated misinformation. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says his office tracked the source of one key piece of election misinformation back to Xs Grok chatbot. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Xs premium chatbot service is passing along erroneous information about the deadlines for states presidential ballots including Minnesota. When Grok is asked Which states presidential ballot deadlines have passed?, Grok claims Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington have passed their presidential ballots. Grok then sources its information to an X post published on Sunday by user and conservative pundit @EvanAKilgore , which does not include a correction or warning about election misinformation. In Fun Mode, Grok repeats the incorrect information and source with the comment, So if youre planning on running for president in one of these states, you might want to check if theres a write-in option. Or, you know, travel back to before the deadlines passed. Another response to the same question said These states have already passed their deadlines to get on the presidential ballot, which means they're probably just sitting around, twiddling their thumbs, wondering what to do now that Joe Biden has dropped out. But hey, at least they've got their ballots ready to go, right? Grok insinuates that President Joe Bidens name cant be replaced on these nine states ballots because the deadlines have passed. President Biden was the presumptive nominee until he announced he would no longer seek a second term on Sunday. The Democratic Party will choose its nominee through a virtual roll call vote ahead of its convention and states dont start printing ballots until after both conventions. Also, Minnesota's ballot deadline isn't until Aug. 26. Several fact checks from more reputable news outlets refute the claim that Bidens name is etched into stone on these states ballots. Politifact rated a similar claim with the same list of nine states as False. Simon says members of his staff tried to inform X about the misinformation their chatbot was spreading on its platform but could not reach a media relations representative. The response he says he received was equally concerning. [They] got what I can only verbalize as the equivalent of a shoulder shrug, Simon said to the Star Tribune . We reached out to X's press email for comment and only received a reply that read, Busy now, please check back later. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xs-grok-chatbot-is-misleading-voters-about-the-presidential-election-224839736.html?src=rss
Comic-Con leak sparks rumors of two remastered Soul Reaver games
San Diego Comic-Con is a popular time to announce any big news for the geekdom, but it's also a popular time for big news to accidentally get revealed early. Today, an attendee took a photo of the booth for comic publisher Dark Horse that may have leaked plans for a remaster of two Soul Reaver games. The image shows a statue of characters Raziel and Kain, and the artwork is accompanied by a sign with branding that reads Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver I and II Remastered . The sign has since been removed from the display. Dark Horse Comics Vice President of Product Development and Sales Randy Lahrman spoke to GameSpot at the convention about the leak. He said the statue in question would be available in August and that more details would be forthcoming, but he did not comment on the possible game remasters. The Soul Reaver games were made by Crystal Dynamics. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver initially came out in 1999 for the original PlayStation, and sequel Soul Reaver II came out two years later. Both projects were helmed by director Amy Hennig, who went on to work at Naughty Dog on the Uncharted and Jax and Daxter franchises. Crystal Dynamics may be best known for its work on the rebooted Lara Croft series, and the company was acquired by Embracer Group alongside Eidos-Montral and Square Enix Montral in 2022. It does seem plausible that remasters are in the works. Earlier this month, news dropped about a planned prequel graphic novel titled Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver - The Dead Shall Rise . It will be a Kickstarter project by Bit Bot and Crystal Dynamics. We've reached out to Crystal Dynamics about today's leak and will update the story if we receive any official information. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/comic-con-leak-sparks-rumors-of-two-remastered-soul-reaver-games-223906020.html?src=rss
The best Wii U games of all time
The Wii U always struggled to find an audience, but despite that, it has an excellent lineup of games. Here are our picks for the best Wii U games of all time.
This 512GB Xbox Series S/X storage expansion is on sale this week
Add more storage to Microsoft's consoles with the 512GB Seagate Storage Expansion Card for the Xbox Series X and S. From $110, it's $90 from B&H Photo Video.
Shaun of the Dead will stumble back into theaters for its 20th anniversary
The greatest British zombie rom-com in film history will return to theaters for another run to the Winchester in honor of its 20th anniversary. Focus Features announced that Shaun of the Dead starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost will get another theatrical run starting on Aug. 29 for US theaters and Sept. 27 for UK theaters . Shaun of the Dead tells the story of a British slacker named Shaun who gets dumped by his girlfriend Liz, played by Kate Ashfield, on the eve of an undead apocalypse. His best friend Ed, played by Nick Frost, takes him out for a night of drinking just as the zombies start to emerge to help him get over the breakup and remind him its not the end of the world. They wake up to a George Romero-esque world overrun by lifeless, shuffling cannibals and a hangover that makes them blissfully unaware of the carnage surrounding them. The hilarious, continuous shot of Shaun walking from his flat to the corner store and back without once noticing the bloody state of the world around him is worth seeing on the big screen. Shaun of the Dead is returning to US theaters in August and UK cinemas in September to celebrate 20 bloody years! For US tickets: https://t.co/Jgw0aZNTys For UK tickets: https://t.co/MQRs85fJmp pic.twitter.com/8ask97HwvZ Focus Features (@FocusFeatures) July 25, 2024 Shaun of the Dead became one of the sleeper hits of 2004 and marked the first film in the Blood and Ice Cream trilogy starring Pegg and Frost and directed by Edgar Wright. The trio first worked together on another British cult comedy with the two-season TV series Spaced when a zombie themed subplot line in an episode inspired them to make a proper British zombie comedy in the style of Romeros Dead movies. The action cop parody Hot Fuzz in 2007 and the alien invasion pub crawl adventure The Worlds End in 2013 rounded out the rest of the trilogy. The ice cream refers to the flavors of Cornetto ice cream treats that make Easter egg appearances in each movie: the red strawberry flavor for Shaun of the Dead , the blue vanilla flavor for Hot Fuzz and the peppermint flavor for The Worlds End . The movie also sparked the start of Peggs acting career in America as an inspired Scotty in J.J. Abrams Star Trek film trilogy and Hughies father on the Amazon prime superhero satire The Boys . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/shaun-of-the-dead-will-stumble-back-into-theaters-for-its-20th-anniversary-213031726.html?src=rss
California Supreme Court upholds classification of gig workers as independent contractors
Ride-share companies scored a victory in the California Supreme Court, allowing them to continue classifying gig workers as independent contractors rather than employees. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other gig-economy companies invested around $200 million in the passage of Proposition 22 , which voters approved in 2020. The states highest court rejected a legal challenge from a drivers group and a labor union, ending their quest to bring full employee benefits to the states gig workers. The California Supreme Court ruling affirms the states definition of drivers and other gig workers as independent contractors. Proposition 22, which received the support of 59 percent of voters in 2020, gives gig workers limited benefits like a baseline income and health insurance for those working at least 15 hours a week. However, it also allows the companies to avoid providing the broad swath of benefits full employees receive. The Service Employees International Union and a drivers group sued to challenge the law after it went into effect in early 2021. Their lawsuit got an early boost from lower courts: An Alameda County Superior Court Justice ruled that year that Proposition 22 was unconstitutional and unenforceable, as the LA Times reported . The lower-court judge determined that the law diminished the state Legislatures power to regulate injury compensation for workers. However, in 2023, a state appeals court ruled the opposite , that Proposition 22 didnt impede on the Legislatures authority. Thursdays decision upholds that ruling, ending the long saga and leaving the states gig workers with fewer benefits than theyd otherwise have. Proposition 22 remained in effect during the legal challenges, so nothing will change in how theyre treated. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other gig-economy companies fought tooth and nail to pass and uphold the law. Four years ago, they invested upwards of $200 million in campaigning for it. They even threatened to pull their businesses from the state if they were forced to classify drivers as employees. The LA Times reports the decision could influence other states laws. Uber has lobbied for similar legislation in other parts of the US. A law in Washington state closely parallels it, and the companies recently settled with the Massachusetts attorney general to provide similar (minimal) benefits to gig workers in that state. Uber framed the ruling as a victory for upholding the will of the people (well, apart from the gig workers who wanted more benefits and protections). The company described the Supreme Courts decision as affirming the will of the nearly 10 million Californians who voted to deliver historic benefits and protections to drivers, while protecting their independence. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/california-supreme-court-upholds-classification-of-gig-workers-as-independent-contractors-210735586.html?src=rss
This 17-inch HP laptop is on sale at over 50% off
The HP Laptop 17t, which features a large 17.3-inch screen with HD+ resolution, won't set you back by much because it's available with a $450 discount from HP.
Fantasy is abound with LEGOs revealed Dungeons & Dragons minifigure series, pre-order now!
Its been a big day for LEGO fans , whether its the excitement for the latest LEGO Star Wars 75388 Jedi Bobs Starfighter build or the next LEGO Super Mario World addition in the form of the 71438 Mario and Yoshi set (which is also now available for pre-order!), were getting plenty of our favorite non-fiction characters in our favorite brick-built format. Joining the illustrious lineup of upcoming kits is the long-awaited and now officially revealed LEGO Dungeons & Dragons 71047 minifigures that are slated for a September release, as well as an additional package option to collect them in. Head below to learn more. more
This HDR gaming monitor from Samsung is down to $230 from $400
The 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G51C gaming monitor, which offers QHD resolution and HDR10, is available from Best Buy at nearly half-price after a $170 discount.
Video game performers will strike over AI concerns
The SAG-AFTRA union today called for a strike against several major video game publishers after failing to reach an accord over AI use. The action will take effect at 12:01 am on July 26. We're not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said.Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live and work with, we will be here, ready to negotiate. SAG-AFTRA performers working in games deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the A.I. use of their faces, voices, and bodies, said the union's National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. The union has been lobbying the video game industry to agree to protections against its members' likenesses and voices being recreated with AI. SAG-AFTRA entered negotiations with the companies for the Interactive Media Agreement in October 2022. Other studios, such as Replica Games , have agreed to the union's contract. The union also secured a similar deal for animated TV shows earlier this year. A spokesperson for the gaming companies included in the Interactive Media Agreement, Audrey Cooling, provided a statement on behalf of the businesses. We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations, she said. We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRAs concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry. The strike includes the following studios: Activision Productions Inc. Blindlight LLC Disney Character Voices Inc. Electronic Arts Productions Inc. Formosa Interactive LLC Insomniac Games Inc. Llama Productions LLC Take 2 Productions Inc. VoiceWorks Productions Inc. WB Games Inc. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/video-game-performers-will-strike-over-ai-concerns-201733660.html?src=rss
elagos new AW5 case wraps your Samsung Galaxy Buds 3/Pro in glorious Game Boy goodness at $14.50
We love the fun and playful elago AirPods cases, from ice cream and avocado designs to classic cassettes, Mac-inspired covers and, arguably, the most popular of them all, the Game Boy model. They clearly arent for everyone, but when it comes to folks that can appreciate this sort of whimsical approach to tech accessories, elago is one of the best. It has recently issued its AW5 Game Boy case for Samsungs brand new Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds and you can already score a nice little launch deal on it. more
Video game actors are going on strike over AI protections
SAG-AFTRA members are going on strike against video game companies, seeking stronger AI protections in its next Interactive Media Agreement.
Warframe: 1999s Ben Starr is proud to be gamings class clown
Warframe: 1999 actor Ben Starr to talk about his role in the upcoming game, Veep, and his emerging role as gaming's best class clown.
OpenAI unveils SearchGPT, an AI-powered search engine
OpenAI on Thursday announced a new AI-powered search engine prototype called SearchGPT. The move marks the companys entry into a competitive search engine market dominated by Google for decades. On its website, OpenAI described SearchGPT as a temporary prototype of new AI search features that give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources. The company plans to test out the product with 10,000 initial users and then roll it into ChatGPT after gathering feedback. The launch of SearchGPT comes amid growing competition in AI-powered search. Google, the worlds dominant search engine, recently began integrating AI capabilities into its platform. Other startups like the Jeff Bezos-backed Perplexity have also aimed to take on Google and have marketed themselves as answer engines that use AI to summarize the internet. The rise of AI-powered search engines has been controversial. Last month, Perplexity faced criticism for summarizing stories from Forbes and Wired without adequate attribution or backlinks to the publications as well as ignoring robots.txt, a way for websites to tell crawlers that scrape data to back off. Earlier this week, Wired publisher Cond Nast reportedly sent a cease and desist letter to Perplexity and accused it of plagiarism. Perhaps because of these tensions, OpenAI appears to be taking a more collaborative approach with SearchGPT. The company's blog post emphasizes that the prototype was developed in partnership with various news organizations and includes quotes from the CEOs of The Atlantic and News Corp , two of many publishers that OpenAI has struck licensing deals with. SearchGPT is designed to help users connect with publishers by prominently citing and linking to them in searches, the companys blog post says. Responses have clear, in-line, named attribution and links so users know where information is coming from and can quickly engage with even more results in a sidebar with source links. OpenAI also noted that publishers will have control over how their content is presented in SearchGPT and can opt out of having their content used for training OpenAI's models while still appearing in search results. SearchGPT's interface features a prominent textbox asking users, What are you searching for? Unlike traditional search engines like Google that provide a list of links, SearchGPT categorizes the results with short descriptions and visuals. OpenAI For example, when searching for information about music festivals, the engine provides brief descriptions of events along with links for more details. Some users have pointed out, however, that the search engine is already presenting inaccurate information in its results. In ChatGPT's recent search engine announcement, they ask for music festivals in Boone North Carolina in august There are five results in the example image in the ChatGPT blog post : 1: Festival in Boone ... that ends July 27 ... ChatGPT's dates are when the box office is pic.twitter.com/OBwNgNcLto kif (@kifleswing) July 25, 2024 We reiterate: Please don't get your news from AI chatbots. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/openai-unveils-searchgpt-an-ai-powered-search-engine-195235766.html?src=rss
Best Xbox Series X and Series S deals: discounts and bundles
We've picked out all the best Xbox Series X and Series S deals around right now, including price cuts on vital accessories and other add-ons.
Save 50% on Baseus 7-in-1 65W AC/USB-C power station surge protector at $30
The official Baseus Amazon storefront is now offering a deep deal on its 65W 7-in-1 Charging Station at $29.99 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $35. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon and apply code VN2LEAVM at checkout. This is regularly $60 multi-function charging unit that is now 50% off the going rate. Todays deal is matching the previous deal price to deliver the lowest we can find on a device that delivers specs and features well above it pay grade with todays discount. more
Sonos apologized for messing up its app and has offered a roadmap for fixing everything
Sonos seriously stepped in it a couple of months back when it released an overhauled first-party mobile app that shipped with a number of missing features . These included core functions like sleep timers and alarms. Many of the companys speakers would not appear as a pairing option and it became extremely difficult to precisely adjust the volume level of a paired speaker.Additionally, music search and playback were both negatively impacted by the change, leading to numerous customer complaints. Now, the company has apologized for releasing the half-baked app. CEO Patrick Spence whipped up a blog post to address the significant problems with the new software. There isnt an employee at Sonos who isnt pained by having let you down, and I assure you that fixing the app for all of our customers and partners has been and continues to be our number one priority, he wrote. Spence also wrote that the company had planned to quickly incorporate the missing features and patch up any errors, but these fixes were delayed by a number of issues that were unique to the update. He did confirm that Sonos has been actively pushing out patches approximately every two weeks to address a wide variety of concerns. Additionally, he outlined the companys future roadmap for getting the app into proper working order. Upcoming fixes include increased stability when pairing new products and enhancing configuration options with regard to the music library. Volume responsiveness is also getting a refresh, as is the alarm clock. As a matter of fact, the entire user interface is getting a complete overhaul that is based on customer feedback. All of these changes will be released via a number of app updates from now until October. Spence says he knows the company has work to do to earn back the trust of loyal Sonos customers. In better news, it did just release some nifty headphones . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonos-apologized-for-messing-up-its-app-and-has-offered-a-roadmap-for-fixing-everything-191528422.html?src=rss
Plantum AI Plant Identifier Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription on iOS for $15 (Reg. $59)
Building a love for plants can be enriching and satisfying. As you dive deeper into it, you also might find it tough to identify and learn more about new plants you might come across. For a limited time, you can save an extra $5 when youcan grab this lifetime subscription to the Plantum AI Plant Identifier Premium Plan (for iOS only). Now only $14.96 (Reg. $59) when you use code SAVE5 through July 28th. more
Massive deal knocks $299 off Lenovos new Copilot AI Yoga 7i 2-in-1 tablet PC at $631 low, more
Lenovos online store is now offering the best price we have tracked for its Yoga 7i laptop with Intel Core Ultra 5/16GB/1TB at $630.99 shipped when you enter coupon codes EXTRAFIVE and LENOVOBUYMORE at checkout. This deal shaves $299 off to land the first big discount on this powerful and feature-packed 2-in-1 since it debuted earlier this year for $930. The 16-inch model of the same laptop with an Intel Core 7 processor is down to $700 from its usual price of $1,050 at Best Buy . more
Overwatch 2 might fix its most controversial feature
Blizzard moved from 6v6 to 5v5 when Overwatch 2 launched, but its looking for ways to bring the old format back.
Best Nintendo Switch deals: consoles, games, and accessories
Grab some savings on Nintendo Switch consoles and some of the best Nintendo Switch games and accessories with these deals, but hurry as they will expire soon.
WhatsApp hits 100 million monthly active US users
I rarely used WhatsApp before moving from the United States to the United Kingdom a couple of years ago, opting for the built-in messaging app on my iPhone or fellow Meta-owned platform Messenger. No one I knew in the US used it, and, in fact, I had to get friends and family members to download it when I moved so we could communicate without being charged you're welcome, Mark Zuckerberg. Well, that seems to be changing, with the head of Meta announcing WhatsApp has reached 100 million monthly active users across the United States with about 10 million in Texas alone. WhatsApp has more than two billion users worldwide. Meta enlisted former Modern Family cast members for an ad in June that highlighted frustrations when some people have an iPhone, and others have an Android. Now, a very targeted PR stunt accompanies the 100 million user milestone, with Meta installing a 200-foot bubble between the Apple and Samsung stores in The Americana Mall in Los Angeles. Zuckerberg previously took aim at Apple, allegedly once stating, We need to inflict pain on Apple and claiming that his company's products were superior . In my experience, it's true that WhatsApp creates a more streamlined experience between different phone models, with easier reactions and formatting and no worries about being charged when traveling internationally. Meta claims that a WhatsApp-commissioned survey found one in four Americans don't communicate with a close friend or family member as regularly due to incompatible devices. We can take a survey undertaken by a for-profit company that demonstrates why said company is good with a grain of salt. However, as a daily WhatsApp user, I am excited about the idea of more Americans using it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/whatsapp-hits-100-million-monthly-active-us-users-185541159.html?src=rss
Android game and app price drops: 60 Parsecs!, Bright Reappear, Redshift Sky Pro, more
This afternoons roundup of the best Google Play price drops on Android games and apps is now ready to go down below. Joining the software deals, youll also want to scope out the discounts we are now tracking on OWCs new 1TB Envoy portable SSD , all-time low pricing on Google Pixel Watch 2 , this TCL 43-inch Google Smart TV at just $198 , and Samsungs unlocked Galaxy S24 at a new all-time low. As for the apps, some highlights here include 60 Parsecs!, Bright Reappear, Redshift Sky Pro, 60 Seconds! Reatomized, and more. Hit the jump for a closer look at todays best Android price drops. more
You wont need the EA app to play Dragon Age: The Veilguard
BioWare announced that its upcoming open-world RPG is not only Steam Deck-verified, but also won't require the EA app.
AI video startup Runway reportedly trained on thousands of YouTube videos without permission
AI company Runway reportedly scraped thousands of YouTube videos and pirated versions of copyrighted movies without permission. 404 Media obtained alleged internal spreadsheets suggesting the AI video-generating startup trained its Gen-3 model using YouTube content from channels like Disney, Netflix, Pixar and popular media outlets. An alleged former Runway employee told the publication the company used the spreadsheet to flag lists of videos it wanted in its database. It would then download them without detection using open-source proxy software to cover its tracks. One sheet lists simple keywords like astronaut, fairy and rainbow, with footnotes indicating whether the company had found corresponding high-quality videos to train on. For example, the term superhero includes a note reading, Lots of movie clips. (Indeed.) Other notes show Runway flagged YouTube channels for Unreal Engine, filmmaker Josh Neuman and a Call of Duty fan page as good sources for high movement training videos. The channels in that spreadsheet were a company-wide effort to find good quality videos to build the model with, the former employee told 404 Media . This was then used as input to a massive web crawler which downloaded all the videos from all those channels, using proxies to avoid getting blocked by Google. Runway A list of nearly 4,000 YouTube channels, compiled in one of the spreadsheets, flagged recommended channels from CBS New York, AMC Theaters, Pixar, Disney Plus, Disney CD and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. (Because no AI model is complete without otters.) In addition, Runway reportedly compiled a separate list of videos from piracy sites. A spreadsheet titled Non-YouTube Source includes 14 links to sources like an unauthorized online archive of Studio Ghibli films , anime and movie piracy sites, a fan site displaying Xbox game videos and the animated streaming site kisscartoon.sh. In what could be viewed as a damning confirmation that the company used the training data, 404 Media found that prompting the video generator with the names of popular YouTubers listed in the spreadsheet spit out results bearing an uncanny resemblance. Crucially, entering the same names in Runways older Gen-2 model trained before the alleged data in the spreadsheets generated unrelated results like generic men in suits. Additionally, after the publication contacted Runway asking about the YouTubers likenesses appearing in results, the AI tool stopped generating them altogether. I hope that by sharing this information, people will have a better understanding of the scale of these companies and what theyre doing to make cool videos, the former employee told 404 Media . When contacted for comment, a YouTube representative pointed Engadget to an interview its CEO Neal Mohan gave to Bloomberg in April. In that interview, Mohan described training on its videos as a clear violation of its terms. Our previous comments on this still stand, YouTube spokesperson Jack Mason wrote to Engadget. Runway did not respond to a request for commeInt by the time of publication. At least some AI companies appear to be in a race to normalize their tools and establish market leadership before users and courts catch onto how their sausage was made. Training with permission through licensed deals is one thing, and thats another tactic companies like OpenAI have recently adopted . But its a much sketchier (if not illegal) proposition to treat the entire internet copyrighted material and all as up for grabs in a breakneck race for profit and dominance. 404 Media s excellent reporting is worth a read . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai-video-startup-runway-reportedly-trained-on-thousands-of-youtube-videos-without-permission-182314160.html?src=rss
