Thursday, July 1, 2021

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Apple's macOS Monterey public beta is now available

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 10:18 AM PDT

While iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are Apple's major software focus this year, there's still plenty to look forward to in macOS Monterey. And you'll be able to get your first taste of it today with the launch of the MacOS Monterey public beta. You can sign up to receive it on Apple's beta software page. 

Apple's new OS features a dramatically redesigned version of Safari, which combines tabs and menu options into a single compact bar, as well as enhanced FaceTime features and the ability to enjoy media together with friends. There's also Universal Control — a feature that, sadly, isn't in this public beta — that will eventually let you control your Macs and iPads with a single keyboard and mouse.

Even without Universal Control, the public beta still gives you a sense of how Apple's latest OS feels. The new Safari, in particular, will take a bit of getting used to (though it's not as dramatically different as in iOS 15). And it's nice to see Apple finally giving FaceTime some new capabilities, even if many of them seem to mimic Zoom. You'll also be able to test out AirPlaying audio to macOS, as well as some simplified automation capabilities with Shortcuts. 

Let us know what you think of the maCOS Monterey public beta below! As with most beta releases, though, be wary of throwing it onto your primary computer.

'Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut' comes to PS4 and PS5 on August 20th

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 10:11 AM PDT

A little over a year after samurai adventure Ghost of Tsushima arrived on PlayStation 4, a Director's Cut will land on PS4 and PS5. Along with the original game and all of theupdates Sucker Punch Productions has released to date, there'll be a new island to explore and some much-requested additions.

Jin will travel to Iki Island, which neighbors Tsushima, to look into rumors that Mongols are there. However, he'll need to deal with some traumatic issues from his earlier life as he faces challenges with "deeply personal stakes," according to a PlayStation blog post. You'll get to experience a new story and meet new characters. There are also fresh abilities, mini games, enemies, armor and animals to pet. 

Iki seems like a significant expansion that might help keep fans busy until the movie arrives. New players can unlock Iki once they reach the Toyotama region in Act 2 of Ghost of Tsushima.

The PS5 version will have a few exclusive features. Cutscenes will now support lip sync for Japanese voiceovers. The developers were able to add this feature by harnessing the PS5's real-time rendering ability for cinematics. There will be haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support for the DualSense controller, along with 3D audio, faster load times, resolution up to 4K and a target framerate of 60 fps.

Meanwhile, a patch with some useful features is on the way for all players. A target lock-on option, photo mode updates, more controller remapping and a way to hide the quiver during combat are coming soon. Additional updates are in the pipeline for the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends co-op experience as well, including a new mode.

Ghost of Tsushima on PS5
Sucker Punch Productions

Unfortunately, you won't get a free upgrade to the Director's Cut on either console. Current Ghost of Tsushima owners can upgrade to the PS4 Director's Cut for $20. You can then upgrade again to the PS5 version for another $10. Alternatively, you can pay $30 to upgrade straight from the original game to the PS5 Director's Cut. Phew.

Newcomers can buy Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut for $60 on PS4 and $70 on PS5. While there will be physical editions available, it's maybe best to pre-order from the PlayStation Store if you're planning to play any time soon. The current game costs $60, but if you pre-order the upcoming edition at the same price, you can download and play the original PS4 game right away. You'll be able to transfer progress to Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut after it arrives in August.

Sony buys a studio known for porting games to PC

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 09:38 AM PDT

Sony has just bought another studio, and no it's not Bluepoint Games. On Thursday, the company announced the acquisition of Nixxes Software, a Dutch developer best known for supporting Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive and Eidos Montreal in porting some of their games over to PC. "We can't wait to get to work and are so excited to bring our technical and development expertise to an IP powerhouse like PlayStation Studios," Jurjen Katsman, founder and senior director of development at Nixxes, said in a statement.

The deal suggests Sony plans to step up its efforts to bring more of its exclusives to Windows. In the last year, the company released Horizon Zero Dawn and Days Gone to Steam and the Epic Games Store, and Sony president and CEO Jim Ryan said more of the company's first-party games would make their way to the PC in the future. The purchase of Nixxes also follows Sony's acquisition of Returnal developer Housemarque earlier in the week.    

Facebook adds Ubisoft games to its cloud gaming service as part of huge US expansion

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT

Alongside Oculus VR and livestreams, Facebook's gaming ambitions also include the cloud. Today, the company is making free game streaming available to 98 percent of the mainland US and bringing on board a major partner in Ubisoft. Facebook says it has now scaled-up its cloud computing infrastructure to the extent that it can roll out the service to 100 percent of the US by the fall. An international rollout is also underway, beginning in Canada and Mexico and expanding to Western and Central Europe by early 2022.

While its rivals Google and Amazon have opted for standalone cloud gaming for a monthly subscription, Facebook has built its offering into its main social network and accompanying Android app. Unlike the competition, which deliver console and PC games over the internet, the social network is focusing on smaller free-to-play mobile titles that it says are easier to host at its data centers. 

After launching cloud gaming on Android in a handful of US states last October, Facebook says it has added 25 titles to the service, including newcomers Roller Coaster Tycoon Touch by Atari, Lego Legacy Heroes Unboxed and Dragon Mania Legends by Gameloft and State of Survival by FunPlus. It's also redesigned its Play section with new categories, including a list of the top games in the US, improved filtering and sorting options.

More than 1.5 million people play cloud-streamed games on Facebook every month, the company revealed. With 195 million daily users in North America and more than 1.87 billion global users on Facebook proper, the service has a big runway ahead of it. Despite offering less games than the competition, Facebook will be hoping that its focus on mobile titles can help it to thrive in the lucrative game streaming arena. The cloud gaming market will be worth an estimated $1.4 billion this year and over $5 billion in 2023, according to research firm NewZoo.

To bolster its appeal, Facebook is partnering with France-based developer Ubisoft. The studio's game subscription service is already available on Google Stadia and Amazon Luna, but (for now at least) Facebook will only host its mobile gaming titles. Ubisoft games available on the service include Assassin's Creed Rebellion, Hungry Shark Evolution and Hungry Dragon, with Mighty Quest and Trials Frontier launching in the coming months. Facebook also recently acquired Unit 2, the developer behind game creation platform Crayta, with plans to integrate its tools into its cloud gaming platform.

On the infrastructure side, Facebook is focusing on lowering latency caps to allow it to distribute more game genres across multiple devices. Currently, it says its "sweet spot" is in mobile sports, card, simulation, strategy, action-adventure, and puzzle titles, but it plans to add more variety to the mix in the coming months. 

Facebook says it is still working to get cloud gaming onto iOS devices. Though its gaming app is available on iPhones and iPads, it doesn't include playable games due to Apple's restrictions on third-party software.

Google TV’s Watch with Me highlights celebrity movie and TV recommendations

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT

Much like bookshelves, watchlists say a lot about who we are as people. They reflect our interests and the things that inspire us. Tapping into that, Google is introducing a new TV feature called Watch With Me. Part of an ongoing series, it will share content recommendations from celebrities and artists. Each spotlight will also include an interview where the featured individual will talk about their picks. The first Watch With Me will star Emmy-nominated actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox.

Google isn't the first company to put together a feature like this. If you've used HBO Max recently, you've likely seen the playlists the streaming service has shared around events like Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In that instance, HBO Max highlighted recommendations from Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu. But in Google TV's case, what separates Watch With Me is that you'll get recommendations for a variety of sources, not just one streaming service, and that's likely to make you more inclined to use Google TV as a hub.

Prime Gaming members can claim a trio of Lucasfilm Games classics this summer

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT

By now, gamers are accustomed to receiving freebies through Sony's PlayStation Plus and Microsoft's Xbox Games with Gold perks. Now, Amazon is here to remind you that it offers gaming benefits for Prime members, too. From today through to September 1st, the subscription service is giving away three classic LucasArts PC games on the first of every month. The trio includes The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, followed by Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis and, finally, Sam & Max: Hit The Road. 

Compared to its expedited deliveries and Prime Video streaming, Amazon's gaming goodies (including free titles and loot) inevitably feel like the lesser of its Prime perks. These certified classics should therefore help to boost its appeal with nostalgic gamers. 

Since its revival in January, the Disney-owned Lucasfilm Games brand has been busy retooling its franchises for newer platforms. In honor of Monkey Island's 30th anniversary, Limited Run Games released a comprehensive collector's edition back in October that assembled all five games in the series, including Telltale's Tales of Monkey Island. In June, Sam & Max: This Time It's Virtual! brought the anthropomorphic detectives to Oculus VR. While Indy is about to star in a new game from MachineGames, the studio behind the modern Wolfenstein series, with Bethesda's Todd Howard serving as an executive producer.

Aviation pioneer Wally Funk will join Blue Origin's first crewed space flight

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 08:50 AM PDT

Sixty years after excelling in the Mercury 13 program, Wally Funk is finally going to space. Amazon CEO and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos announced on Instagram that Funk will be on New Shepard's first crewed flight, which is scheduled for July 20th.

Funk will join Bezos, his brother Mark and an unidentified winner of an auction as passengers on Blue Origin's maiden space tourism flight. Bezos says the quartet will experience zero gravity for four minutes when they travel to the edge of space and that Funk is Blue Origin's "honored guest."

The 82-year-old Funk will become the oldest person to fly to space. The current record holder is John Glenn, who flew on Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-95 mission in 1998 at the age of 77. Glenn was one of the Mercury Seven, the astronauts who were selected for the United States' first spaceflight program.

Thirteen women went through the same tests as the Mercury Seven as part of the privately funded Women in Space Program. Although all of the Mercury Seven traveled to space, none of Mercury 13 have until now. Funk was the youngest participant in the program and rated third among the candidates.

Funk was the first female inspector in the Federal Aviation Administration and the first woman to become an air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board. She has logged more than 19,600 flying hours and has taught more than 3,000 people to fly. Funk applied three times to join NASA's astronaut program after the agency opened it to women in the late 1970s to no avail. Six decades after Funk's first attempts to venture to space, she'll finally get her chance.

Instagram is 'no longer a photo-sharing app,' says its head

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 08:31 AM PDT

Instagram doesn't see itself as a platform where people go to share photos anymore. That's the main takeaway from a series of recent comments made by the head of the company, Adam Mosseri. "We're no longer a photo-sharing app or a square photo-sharing app," Mosseri said in a video he posted to his social media accounts this week. According to Mosseri, the main reason for that is that people come to Instagram "to be entertained," and it's not the only app that offers that in what is a crowded marketplace.

"Let's be honest, there's some really serious competition right now," Mosseri said. "TikTok is huge, YouTube is even bigger and there are a lot of other upstarts as well." To stay competitive, Mosseri said Instagram has to embrace that aspect of itself, "and that means change." One way the app will change is with Instagram handing out more recommendations. Mosseri referenced a test the company kicked off last week that's seen it intersperse "Suggested Posts" in users' feeds. He also said Instagram plans to embrace video more broadly, focusing on full-screen and immersive content.

In short, what Mosseri is describing is Instagram becoming more like TikTok. And that's something we've already seen the company try to do with features like Reels. Of course, it's one thing to adapt to your rivals and another to lose sight of what made your platform compelling to people in the first place. Together with things like a dedicated shopping hub, Reels and Stories have made Instagram feel bloated and less vital than it was before.

Facebook, Google, TikTok and Twitter pledge to improve women's safety online

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 07:36 AM PDT

Facebook, Google, TikTok and Twitter have committed to battle online abuse and improve women's safety on their platforms. The four tech giants made the promises during the UN Generation Equality Forum in Paris.

The pledge follows four consultations arranged by the Web Foundation that took place over 11 months. The organization then ran a few policy design workshops in April to "develop prototypes that center the experiences of women most impacted by online abuse." Two core themes emerged: Curation, with a broad recommendation to "build better ways for women to curate their safety online," and Reporting, with a call to "implement improvements to reporting systems."

The tech companies promised to offer users more granular settings over who can see, comment on, reply to or share posts. Easier navigation and access to safety features, simpler and more accessible language across the user interface and "proactively reducing the amount of abuse" that women encounter are also among the commitments.

As for reporting, Facebook, Google, TikTok and Twitter say they'll enable users to have the option of tracking and managing the reports they file as well, as having more ways for women to access support and help as they go through the reporting process. The other commitments include "enabling greater capacity to address context and/or language" and "providing more policy and product guidance when reporting abuse."

According to the Web Foundation, the companies pledged to implement their solutions within a certain time frame. They'll provide insights and data on how they're carrying out those commitments. The Web Foundation will publish annual reports on their progress as well.

More than 200 prominent figures have signed an open letter to the CEOs of the four companies, urging them to take action based on the promises. Among those who have signed the letter are actors Emma Watson and Gillian Anderson, UK Members of Parliament Diane Abbott and Jess Phillips, Creative Commons CEO Catherine Stihler and ex-Australia prime minister Julia Gillard.

The Web Foundation says 38 percent of those who identify as women have experienced online abuse. The figure rises to 45 percent for Gen Z and Millennial women. Women of color, and those in LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized communities often experience much worse abuse.

Meanwhile, Facebook just opened a Women's Safety Hub that explains the platform's tools for bolstering privacy and security. It will also run training sessions to help people harness those tools. In addition, the hub has resources for victims of abuse. Facebook developed the hub with the support of nonprofit partners around the globe. The hub's resources will soon be available in 55 languages.

The best passive bookshelf speakers for most people

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 07:00 AM PDT

Vinyl has been on a resurgence for some time, and the pandemic somehow only accelerated that. It's got many out there looking to upgrade from a cheap Crosley turntable and build out their first HiFi system. Of course, there are multiple pieces that go into building a decent stereo, but perhaps the most important is the speakers. If your speakers don't sound good, it basically doesn't matter what you connect them to.

This is understandably the part of their setup that people likely spend the most time researching. And you have to make a number of choices. One of the biggest is: active or passive? Both have their advantages, but for the sake of this guide we're going to focus on passive speakers, which require a separate amplifier.

Active speakers have an amplifier built in. Usually, the two things are specifically designed to work together, which means you're getting a more faithful version of the manufacturer's aural vision. And since you don't need an external amplifier, active speakers also take up less room. While active speakers are more expensive than passive, the fact that you need to buy an amplifier to power passive speakers means the savings aren't as great as they might initially seem. The primary benefit of passive is greater flexibility. You can't go out and buy a new high-end amplifier and connect your active speakers to it; you're stuck with what's built in. Also, since active speakers require power, you'll have to make sure they're near an outlet.

Passive Bookshelf Speaker Guide
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

We're also putting a cap on our spending for this guide: a somewhat arbitrary $600. Anything over that and you're starting to get into budget audiophile territory. It also basically limits us to bookshelf speakers between five and six inches. While you can certainly get floorstanding speakers for that much, the quality of the drivers will likely be better on bookshelf speakers at the same price point.

A note about testing

Obviously, I could not test every set of five to six inch bookshelf speakers under $600, but I've tried enough and done enough research to feel confident in my recommendations. I'm sure there are other good speakers out there, but I don't think anyone is going to regret buying the sets here.

Additionally, speaker preference is largely subjective. But I did my best to be as objective as possible. All of the speakers were connected to a Pyle PSS6 switcher with the same wire for quick side-by-side comparisons. After I'd tested them all myself I enlisted multiple people to listen blindly and then rank them based on their preference to see if their opinions lined up with my own. Testing included playing new and vintage vinyl, as well as streaming songs from Spotify.

Also worth noting: I am not an audiophile. This is not a guide for audiophiles. I want my music to sound good, but I'm not about to drop the price of a used sedan on my stereo. My setup includes an Audio Technica Audio-Technica AT-LP120 and a Chromecast Audio running through a Technics SA-EX110. This is not fancy stuff, but it is certainly an upgrade from a Crosley Suitcase turntable or even a higher-end Sonos system.

The best for most people: Audioengine HDP6

Passive Bookshelf Speaker Guide

Honestly, a lot of the speakers I tested sounded eerily similar to each other. But not the $399 Audioengines. They had a much brighter sound and a lot more clarity than all the others, with the exception of a significantly more expensive KEF pair. The particular pair I tried also came in a gorgeous "walnut" enclosure that helped them stand out in a sea of utilitarian black.

The HDP6s deliver especially strong mids that shine when it comes to vocals and guitars. But they sound quite balanced across the entire spectrum. Towering compositions like Nine Inch Nails "The Day the Whole World Went Away" sprung to life and revealed nuances that, frankly, I've never noticed before even on headphones. And Promises, the recent album from Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra, was so enveloping it made me want to throw my current floorstanding speakers in the trash.

While no bookshelf speakers on their own are going to be able to deliver the sort of room-shaking thump that floorstanding speakers or a subwoofer can deliver, the HDP6 performed admirably with bass-heavy songs. They didn't have the most low end of my test units, but drums and bass were still punchy and clear.

Buy Audioengine HDP6 at Amazon - $399

For those who want the best sound: KEF Q150

Passive Bookshelf Speaker Guide
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

If your number one concern is sound quality, regardless of anything else, check out the Q150s. These are the entry-level option from noted audiophile brand KEF and the only speakers that beat out the Audioengines in any of my blind taste tests. They didn't come out on top every time, and some people had trouble deciding between the two, but ultimately I think the KEF's have the slight edge in pure sound quality. They had a bit more volume at the extreme lower and higher ends of the spectrum. It added a certain sparkle to tracks like the Beach Boys' "Wouldn't it Be Nice," while Run the Jewels' "JU$T" hit a little bit harder than on the HDP6s. The difference can be subtle depending on what you're listening to, but it's undeniable in side-by-side testing.

The audio profile of the KEF is similar to that of the Audioengines. They're both much brighter and with a lot more treble and midrange than all the other speakers in this roundup. If you're into listening to classical or jazz on high quality vinyl, these are going to deliver exactly the sort of frequency response you're looking for.

What stops the Q150 from topping this list is the list price. At $600 they're essentially tied for the most expensive speakers I tested. (The Polk R100s were $599, but didn't make the final cut.) While the Q150s sounded slightly better than the HDP6s to my ears, they weren't necessarily $200 better. At the time of this writing, however, the Q150s were on sale for $400, making them a compelling option to the Audioengines.

Buy KEF Q150 at Crunchfield - $400

For the bargain hunter: JBL A130

Passive Bookshelf Speaker Guide
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

The JBLs were pretty consistently in the middle of the pack when it came to listener preference. They're not as bright as the KEFs and the Audioengines, but not quite as muddy at the lowend as the Polk S15s. If you're just looking for a decent set of speakers and don't sweat over spec sheets, or if you're primarily listening to streaming music and only putting on vinyl occasionally, these are a great option if you can find them on sale.

The A130s aren't a bad deal at the list price of $300. But I've seen them discounted to as little as $180, at which point they're a downright steal.

Buy JBL A130 at B&H Photo - $300

For those that need more bass: ELAC Debut 2.0 DB6.2

Passive Bookshelf Speaker Guide
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

Ok, so these speakers break our rules a bit but, if you opt for the slightly larger 6.5-inch DB6.2s, instead of the DB5.2s, you get a lot more thump at the bottom end. The Debuts can't quite match the Audioengine or KEFs when it comes to clarity, but you'll feel every 808 hit a lot more. Backxwash's new album I Lie Here Buried with my Rings and my Dresses raged harder on the ELACs than it did on the Polks, JBLs or even the KEFs. And they only cost $350, which isn't bad at all.

If you're primarily listening to electronic music and modern hip hop, you might consider the Debut 2.0 DB6.2s.

Buy ELAC Debut 2.0 DB6.2 at Amazon - $350

For those who want to ignore my advice:

Polk S15

If you can't find the JBL A130s on sale, and really want to save as much money as possible, you could snag the Polk S15s. The S15s don't sound bad, but the JBLs are definitely superior. They don't have as deep of a soundstage as the other speakers I tested and the lowend can be a little undefined. These are probably better suited as part of a home entertainment system than a stereo. At a list price of $229 they might seem like a bargain, but I'd save your pennies for a bit longer and spring for something better.

Polk R100

The Polk R100s are decent sounding speakers. Perhaps slightly better than the JBLs, though with a sound profile closer to the Polk's own S15. The problem is they're $600, tying them for the most expensive I tested. At half the price these might be a solid option, but the $600 KEFs and $400 Audioengines were ranked higher than the R100s by every tester.

Q Acoustics 3020i

I have no doubt that these are very good speakers: They're currently Wirecutter's top choice. But I could not test them and therefore cannot vouch for them.

Pinterest bans all weight-loss ads

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 06:00 AM PDT

Pinterest has announced a complete ban on weight-loss ads, which goes into effect today. The policy builds on previous rules that prohibited ads for weight-loss or appetite-suppressant pills and supplements, liposuction and fat-burning procedures and body shaming.

There's now a blanket ban on ads with any weight-loss language or images, and those that reference Body Mass Index (BMI) or similar indexes. Testimonials about weight loss or weight-loss products are prohibited, as are language and images that denigrate or idealize body types. Additionally, you'll no longer see ads for products that claim to enable weight loss through something that's worn or applied to the skin.

Ads related to fitness products and services, and those promoting healthy habits and lifestyles, are still welcome. However, any that focus on weight loss won't be approved.

Pinterest developed the updated policy with the support of the National Eating Disorders Association. The organization said in March it had seen a 41 percent increase in helpline calls during the previous 12 months, and studies have suggested the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on many people with eating disorders. Whenever someone searches for content related to eating disorders on Pinterest, the company redirects that person to NEDA to provide them with helpful resources.

The company says its community has been embracing body neutrality, with searchers for that term, and quotes related to "healthy mindset," "stop body shaming" and "body acceptance" rising dramatically over the past year or so. Pinterest will highlight related pins from creators on the Today Tab "to showcase those reimagining the relationship with their bodies."

Pinterest says it's the first major platform to ban all weight loss ads and it urged others to do the same. Instagram and Facebook have restricted ads for diet products. Instagram also points users searching for eating disorder-related terms toward NEDA resources. Last year, TikTok prohibited ads for weight-loss supplements and those that "promote a harmful or negative body image."

The Product Red Apple Watch Series 6 with LTE is $100 off at Amazon

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 05:39 AM PDT

Those who opt for the GPS + Cellular models of the Apple Watch gain the convenience of making and receiving calls even when their iPhone isn't around. It's worth paying for if you want the most "untethered" version of the Apple Watch available, and now you can save a bit of money on the Product Red version of the LTE Watch. The 44mm model is down to $429 — that's $100 off its normal price and the best we've seen it. The 40mm version is also $100 off, bringing it down to $399, although we have seen it $10 less than that in the past.

Buy Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm, GPS + Cellular) at Amazon - $399Buy Apple Watch Series 6 (44mm, GPS + Cellular) at Amazon - $429

Aside from the red case and band color, the other caveat to this deal is that you'll have to wait to get your new gadget. Amazon currently estimates delivery for the 44mm model in about one month — not ideal, but a decent tradeoff for the $100 savings. If you opt for the 40mm model, your wait time will only be about two weeks.

Apple made small improvements to the overall experience of using the Apple Watch in the Series 6, while also adding some new sensors into the mix. It runs on an S6 processor that's 20 percent faster than the chipset in the Series 5, and the battery life has been slightly improved. Also, Apple sped up the charging time for the Series 6 — we got a 51-percent increase in battery life after only a half hour of charging.

The Series 6 adds a blood oxygen sensor to its array of internal trackers, which also includes an ECG sensor, a heart rate monitor, altimeter, compass and more. WatchOS 7 added new features as well including native sleep tracking (which is much easier to do now that the Watch's battery life and charge time have improved) and a hand-washing timer. While the less expensive Apple Watch SE is best for those new to wearables in general, the Series 6 is our pick for those that want the most comprehensive Apple Watch experience.

But we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that September is slowly approaching, and that's when Apple tends to release the latest Apple Watches. Holding out until the fall is probably best for anyone who wants to ensure they're getting the latest and greatest from Apple.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic leak suggests a more familiar design

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 05:19 AM PDT

The Active 4 may not be the only Samsung smartwatch to feature its new OS built with Google. Android Headlines has published leaked pics of a new device it claims is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. While the fitness-focused Active 4 features a slimmer design, the Classic appears to sport a larger, rotating bezel with two noticeably bigger buttons on the side for navigation. The latter are rectangular in shape, compared to the rounded buttons on 2016's Gear S3 Classic and 2020's Galaxy Watch 3.

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Android Headlines

Breaking away from tradition, Samsung will reportedly offer the new watch in three sizes: 42mm, 44mm and 46mm. Previously, the Korean company released either 42mm or 46mm or 40mm and 44mm models. As with the Active 4 leak, there's no mention of the exact screen size. But, apparently the watch will come in three colors (compared to four for the upcoming Active 4) including white, gray and black. The restrained design also reportedly extends to the cases, which will offer a silver or black option in either stainless steel or aluminum across all three sizes. 

Like the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 before it, the new smartwatch will apparently feature a Gorilla Glass DX or DX+ display on the stainless steel and aluminum models, respectively. The new classic is reportedly 5ATM rated, meaning its water resistant up to 50 metres for 10 minutes, and dust-resistant thanks to its MIL-STD-810G standard.

You may not have to wait long to find out more about the new device. Samsung recently confirmed that the first One UI-based Galaxy Watch will be unveiled at its Unpacked event this summer.

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Android Headlines

Porsche may soon recall the Taycan EV over a sudden power loss issue

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 04:50 AM PDT

Porsche is planning to recall its Taycan EV around the world over a software issue that can cause a sudden power loss, Bloomberg has reported. The action follows an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started in May following reports of cars switching to emergency mode. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries, according to sources familiar with the situation. 

The NHTSA identified nine complaints of sudden power loss, according to a filing uncovered by Automotive News in May. The problem, which affects model year 2020-2021 vehicles, reportedly stems from the auxiliary 12-volt battery and not the 800-volt main battery that powers the car. 

Porsche's owners at Volkswagen also received a letter requesting further information on the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT "to gather information in support of ODI's comparative analysis of peer vehicles" of the Taycan. (Audi's electric sedan uses a similar electric powertrain to the Taycan.)

According to the complaints from May, "a loss of charge in the 12V battery may deactivate the entire electrical system and prevent the vehicle from operation." Loss of power reportedly occurred with no warning or error messages, and six complaints said the vehicle could not be restarted.

"We are already underway in addressing this issue and look forward to answering the NHTSA's questions and quickly resolving the underlying issue, should one be confirmed," a Porsche spokesperson told Road & Track at the time. 

The recall is a first for the Taycan, Porsche's debut all-electric car. Sales in the first quarter of 2021 nearly matched the company's iconic 911 and the EV is a key part of Porsche's fledgling subscription service. Porsche wouldn't be the only EV maker with recall issues — rival Tesla recently recalled nearly 300,000 Model 3 and Model Y EVs delivered in China over the Autopilot assisted driving feature. 

Update 7/1 9:25AM ET: Added a section about NHTSA requests for further information on Audi's e-tron GT as well.

The Morning After: A transforming, flying car makes its first inter-city flight

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 04:15 AM PDT

Where's our flying-car future? Maybe it's finally a little closer. AirCar, a prototype car-plane-thing from Klein Vision made a trip between Nitra and Bratislava airports in Slovakia. After 35 minutes in the air, and making the landing, its inventor clicked a button, the wings tucked in and he drove the car home straight from the tarmac.

The company has worked on hybrid aircraft for more than 30 years. With 142 successful landings and 40-plus hours of test flights under its belt, Professor Stefan Klein is convinced that his third prototype is ready to go into pre-production.

AirCar
AirCar, YouTube

What's particularly interesting compared to other flying vehicles is this is very much a car (with a BMW petrol engine inside), not a drone or a vertical take-off and land (VTOL) machine. It's more like a plane and requires a runway to get into the sky.

For the next stage, Klein wants to almost double the horsepower of the engine and believes the vehicle will be eligible for aircraft certification from European aviation regulators. Oh yes, along with an M1 road permit for when the wheels hit the ground.

— Mat Smith

iOS 15 beta hands-on

A surprisingly complete preview of the future.

An iPhone XR laying on a white surface showing
Cherlynn Low / Engadget

The iOS 15 public beta is live today, which means a lot of us can now check out the latest features coming to iPhones later this year. (Warning: If you're thinking of trying the public beta, make sure you've considered the risk of running preview software.)

Some of the updates getting the most buzz are the new Focus modes and FaceTime sharing tools, but there are also changes across Messages, Maps, Weather, Safari, Photos and more. Reviews Editor Cherlynn Low has been testing the developer beta ahead of wider testing: Here's what she thought.

Volvo teases its future of 'pure' EVs

Its first EV built from the ground up.

Volvo Concept Recharge EV
Volvo

Volvo's electric vehicles to date have been offshoots of existing car platforms, but that's soon to change. The brand has unveiled a Concept Recharge design that shows the direction for the company's "pure" EV future — both in aesthetics and technology.

The Concept Recharge ditches the usual engine bay and tucks a large battery into a flat floor. That makes more interior space, of course, but also leads to shorter overhangs, a lower hood and a new roof profile. This also gives Volvo an excuse to streamline everything. Continue reading.

Loki and the Simpsons meet on Disney+ July 7th

Who's the true god of mischief?

The Good, The Bart and The Loki
Disney

Thanks to the billions Disney spent adding Marvel, Lucasfilm and assets from 21st Century Fox, it's time for the Simpson family to meet Marvel's favorite cinematic villain: Loki. Fans of Loki have more than just a new episode of Marvel's live-action series to look forward to next Wednesday. On July 7th, Disney will also release to Disney+ The Good, The Bart, and The Loki, a new Simpsons short, guest starring Tom Hiddleston. Continue reading.

Apple's watchOS 8 beta has landed, too

Subtle but useful changes.

While the next watchOS might not represent as significant a change as iOS 15, it does bring new health and fitness tools, along with tighter iPhone integration. Apple's new health-centric features could interest those looking for a more holistic approach to wellbeing. The company has renamed its Breathe app 'Mindfulness,' adding Reflect to the existing breathing exercises. There's also the introduction of Tai Chi and Pilates classes to the workout stable. Once again, Cherlynn takes a look at what's new. Continue reading.

LG's QNED Mini LED TVs are coming to the US in July

More contrast than LED, brighter than OLED?

LG's 'QNED' Mini LED TVs are coming to the US in July
LG

LG's lineup of QNED 4K and 8K TVs unveiled late last year will arrive in the US in July, the company has announced. They'll sit just below LG's flagship OLED and consist of two 8K models (the QNED99 and QNED95) along with the 4K QNED90, in sizes from 65 to 85 inches. The TVs will launch first in North America and arrive in other regions in the coming weeks.

Mini LED tech attempts to blend the characteristics of OLED and LED. Unlike regular LED models, Mini LED uses thousands of tiny LEDs, up to 30,000 for the 86-inch 8K QNED99. With so many more dimming zones, it should offer contrasts better than LED sets as well as brightness levels that go beyond OLED TVs.

LG didn't reveal pricing, but B&H Photo Video already has most of the lineup available for pre-order. Prices start at $1,997 for the QNED90 65-inch 4K model, with the 75- and 86-inch 4K QNED90 sets at $2,997 and $3,997, respectively. The flagship 86-inch model, meanwhile, is a heady $6,497. Continue reading.

Slack is getting a Discord-like audio feature called 'Huddles'

The company is trying to address Zoom fatigue.

Slack is adding real-time audio features. The messaging app is launching a new, Discord-like chat feature called Huddles. The feature, along with new collaboration tools for sharing pre-recorded audio and video, is, according to the company, meant to provide an alternative to the "endless stream of meetings" that have dominated many of our calendars over the last year and a half. Continue reading.

But wait, there's more...

July's PlayStation Plus games include 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 4'

The iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8 public betas are here

Amazon calls for FTC Chair Lina Khan's recusal from antitrust investigations

United's new Boeing jets will offer Bluetooth audio with its in-flight entertainment

Apple's developer problems are much bigger than Epic and 'Fortnite'

Hackers exploited two flaws in event that remotely wiped Western Digital devices

The first three 'Final Fantasy' pixel remasters arrive on July 28th

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 03:20 AM PDT

In three weeks' time, you'll be able to start playing the pixel remaster versions of the first three Final Fantasy games. Square Enix has revealed that the Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II and Final Fantasy III remasters are coming out on July 28th for PC via Steam and on July 29th for Android and iOS. You can now also pre-purchase the games individually for prices between $12 and $18, or buy the bundle with all six games for around $96. You'll get three soundtracks and two unique wallpapers for each title you pre-purchase. The gaming giant doesn't have a specific release date for the fourth to sixth installments in the franchise yet, but they're also scheduled to come out sometime this year.

Square Enix first announced that it's giving the first six games in the Final Fantasy franchise the pixel remaster treatment during its E3 presentation back in mid-June, though it barely shared any details about them. In the description box of the first installment on Steam, it says the game will feature completely new graphics, as well as "improved ease of play" with a modernized UI and auto-battle options. Its soundtrack has been rearranged, but the process was overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu. In addition, it will come with extra features, such as a bestiary, an illustration gallery and a music player.

While the other three games getting a remaster don't have a release date yet, Square Enix recently announced it's pulling the current versions of the fifth and sixth installments from Steam on July 27th. The developer received a lot of flak for reducing the quality of the art on the games it originally released on Steam, so it makes sense for the remasters to completely replace them. 

T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon have taken steps to reduce spoofed scam calls

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 02:05 AM PDT

All three major US carriers have met the deadline to implement the FCC's new anti-spoofing protocol designed to protect users from scam caller impersonation. Both Verizon and T-Mobile announced yesterday that all calls originating on their networks are 100 percent compliant with the FCC's "STIR/SHAKEN" technology designed to show a caller's true phone number. AT&T, meanwhile, confirmed with The Verge that it's also in compliance with the new rules. 

The FCC had set a deadline of June 30th for the major carrier's to implement the STIR/SHAKEN protocol developed under the Ajit Pai regime. For now, smaller carriers have until June 30th, 2023 unless the FCC decides to shorten that timespan, something that's currently under consideration. 

The STIR/SHAKEN standards serve as a common digital language used by phone networks, allowing valid information to pass from provider to provider which, among other things, informs blocking tools of possible suspicious calls.

So what does the new protocol do? Without it, scam or spam callers can spoof their phone numbers to show up as local numbers, making it more likely that you'll pick up. STIR/SHAKEN deals with that by using public key encryption digital certificates sent by the originating telephone service provider, with the keys verified by the terminating service provider. If everything matches, then the calling number hasn't been spoofed. 

The FCC is hoping that carrier implementation will reduce the volume of spam, scam and robocalls that have made answering your phone a game of whack-a-mole. The commission said that over 1,500 voice providers have filed to be in its robocall mitigation database with over 200 of those being fully certified. "Beginning on September 28, 2021, if a voice service provider's certification does not appear in the database, intermediate and voice service providers will be prohibited from directly accepting the provider's traffic," the FCC stated. 

The protocol will help reduce but not totally eliminate scams or robocalls. Legacy phone systems that don't use IP protocols are exempt from the rules, and the system won't work with international calls. Still, if a local pops up on your phone going forward, you can have more confidence that it's not a fake number coming from a scammer. 

Google adds support for virtual COVID-19 vaccine cards on Android devices

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 12:46 AM PDT

Google has updated its Pay app's "Passes API" to enable a simple way to store and display a digital card on Android showing users' COVID-19 test and vaccination details. The tech giant has given healthcare organizations, government agencies, as well as organizations authorized by public health authorities to distribute COVID vaccines access to the API. That means their developers can now easily create digital COVID vaccine and test cards that users can store on their device. 

As 9to5Google notes, Passes is a Google Pay API used to store non-payment cards like retailer membership cards. However, there's no need for users to download the Pay app if they don't have it to be able to store the COVID digital cards created using the Passes API. Once they get the digital card, they'll be able to access it via a shortcut on their home screen even without an internet connection. That said, their devices must run Android 5 or later.

In the interest of assuaging users' privacy fears, Google says it doesn't retain a copy of people's COVID-19 vaccine and test information. The company also says it doesn't share data on the card with third party services and that it doesn't use the information for ad targeting. Users can show the card to anybody they want, of course, though they'll be required to have a lock screen on their device before they can store the card for their own safety. The Passes API update is only available in the US at the moment, but the tech giant promises that it will also roll out to other countries in the future. 

Opera's Android browser is now optimized for Chromebooks

Posted: 01 Jul 2021 12:00 AM PDT

Opera has optimized its web browser for Chromebook, with the aim of giving users a full-featured alternative to Chrome. Opera for Chrome OS is based on the Android version of the browser. The company has made some laptop-focused tweaks, such as the addition of keyboard shortcuts.

The browser has a free, built-in VPN and ad and tracker blockers to bolster privacy. There are also baked-in messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Messenger. Opera can thwart those irritating cookie dialogs that pop up when you visit certain websites, too.

Opera for Chromebook
Opera

Additionally, there's a built-in cryptocurrency wallet and you can pick from one of five color themes (in both light and dark modes) to match your aesthetic. On top of that, the browser includes a night mode that reduces blue light to help you sleep better.

You can sync Opera for Chrome OS with versions of the browsers on other platforms — all you need to do is scan a QR code. You'll then be able to take notes, save images and small files and share links between your desktop and mobile versions of Opera.

Opera claims many people prefer to use separate browsers for different needs, one for work and another for leisure, for instance. So Chromebook users might welcome another option with all the bells and whistles one would expect from a modern browser. You can download Opera for Chrome OS now.

Federal judge blocks Florida's social media 'deplatforming' law

Posted: 30 Jun 2021 08:09 PM PDT

Florida's social media 'deplatforming' law that would've taken effect on Thursday has been temporarily blocked by a federal court. US District Judge Robert Hinkle has granted a preliminary injunction to stop "the parts of the legislation that are pre-empted or violate the First Amendment" from being enforced, according to AP and The New York Times. The law would give the state the right to fine social media companies like Facebook up to $250,000 a day if they ban or remove the account of a statewide political candidate. They could also be fined up to $25,000 a day for banning a local office candidate.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed the law shortly after Facebook, Instagram and Twitter banned former President Donald Trump. Republican politicians have long accused mainstream social media platforms of having an anti-conservative bias. After the bill successfully went through Florida's legislative house and senate, DeSantis signed it into law back in May. While the law targets the world's biggest social networks, the authors made sure Disney+ won't get caught up in it by making an exemption for theme park owners. As AP notes, the Walt Disney World located outside Orlando is one of the state's biggest employers. 

The entities that filed the lawsuit to challenge the legislation were NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association — lobbying groups that represent Facebook, Google and other tech giants. Judge Hinkle explained that the plaintiffs would likely win the lawsuit on their claim that the new law violates the First Amendment if the case went to trial.

According to Hinkle:

"The legislation compels providers to host speech that violates their standards — speech they otherwise would not host — and forbids providers from speaking as they otherwise would...

The legislation now at issue was an effort to rein in social-media providers deemed too large and too liberal. Balancing the exchange of ideas among private speakers is not a legitimate governmental interest."

Spotify is reportedly thinking about expanding into ticketed events

Posted: 30 Jun 2021 02:23 PM PDT

Spotify is reportedly "considering" expanding into events, according to The Information. The outlet reports the company could sell tickets for both virtual and live concerts as it looks to diversify its business. However, making money off of ticketed events isn't necessarily Spotify's short-term goal. Its more immediate plan is to use them as a way to improve its relationship with artists.

The Information suggests Spotify thinks there's an opportunity to leverage the data it has to help musicians plan successful concerts in places most promoters avoid. In this way, the company is said to believe it can better show those artists it's invested in their careers. It would also be a way for it to differentiate its platform from Apple Music.

Spotify has already dabbled in live events. This past spring, the company put on a handful of prerecorded virtual concerts featuring artists like The Black Keys and Leon Bridges. It sold tickets to those shows for $15 each. The Information reports the results of those concerts "validated" Spotify's thinking on what events could do for it in the future, and it's been thinking about next steps ever since. Of course, we wouldn't say that makes an expansion is a done deal. Selling tickets to concerts might make a lot of sense for a music streaming platform, but it would still represent a massive business shift for Spotify.    

Twitch Watch Parties now work on iOS and Android

Posted: 30 Jun 2021 12:58 PM PDT

Following last year's expansion beyond the US, Twitch users can now access the platform's "Watch Parties" feature on Android and iOS devices. Watch Parties allow Twitch users to stream content from Amazon Prime Video much like they would a video game. Viewers can follow along with the TV show or movie as it unfolds and take part in chat.

Previously, Watch Parties were only available through Twitch's web client. As you might imagine, there are some limits in place to prevent people from watching Prime Video content for free. To start, both the person streaming the video and watching it need an active Prime Video subscription to take part. Regional restrictions also apply, so someone can't stream a TV show or movie that's not available in their local Prime Video library. But even when you take those restrictions into consideration, there aren't a lot of features out there that match what Twitch has with Watch Parties. After all, it's something the company can only offer because it's owned by Amazon.

Maine bans facial recognition technology from schools and most police work

Posted: 30 Jun 2021 12:12 PM PDT

Maine has passed the strongest statewide law regulating government use of facial recognition to date. The state's House and Senate voted unanimously in favor of rules that prohibit law enforcement from using the technology unless they have probable cause that an unidentified person in an image committed a serious crime. Once the law goes into effect later this year, it will also limit how police conduct facial ID searches. They won't have direct access to the tech. Instead, they'll need to go through the FBI and Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in the few instances where they're sanctioned to use it.

Additionally, the law affords citizens the right to sue the state if they believe a government agency has used the technology unlawfully. It also prohibits Maine from deploying facial recognition systems in schools, and mandates that both Maine State Police and the BMV will need to maintain public records of search requests from law enforcement.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said the bill "stands in sharp contrast" to Washington state's SB 6280, the only other statewide law in the US governing the use of facial recognition. That bill was sponsored and primarily written by a current Microsoft employee. It has also been criticized by privacy advocates for giving police too many opportunities to use the technology for surveillance purposes. 

Amazon calls for FTC chair Lina Khan's recusal from antitrust investigations

Posted: 30 Jun 2021 11:15 AM PDT

Amazon has requested the recusal of Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan from the agency's antitrust investigations into the company. "Amazon.com, Inc. respectfully petitions the commission for recusal of Chair Lina Khan from any antitrust investigation, adjudication, litigation, or other proceeding in which Amazon is a subject, target or defendant for which Chair Khan's prior public statements create the appearance of her having prejudged facts and/or legal issues relevant to the proceeding," the company said in a 25-page filing.

President Joe Biden appointed Khan as FTC chair this month on the same day she won confirmation as an agency commissioner. She came to prominence as a critic of major tech companies, including Amazon. Khan published a Yale Law Journal article in 2017 titled "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox," in which she argued that US policies and laws weren't enough to keep giants like Amazon accountable.

"Given her long track record of detailed pronouncements about Amazon, and her repeated proclamations that Amazon has violated the antitrust laws, a reasonable observer would conclude that she no longer can consider the company's antitrust defenses with an open mind," Amazon said in the filing, as The Wall Street Journal notes.

The FTC is looking into Amazon as part of a series of investigations against major tech companies. The agency is also reviewing Amazon's plan to buy movie studio MGM for $8.45 billion.

Khan previously worked with the House Judiciary's antitrust subcommittee on a 16-month probe into Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. Last year, Democrats on the panel called on Congress to consider breaking up those companies. During her confirmation hearing, Khan said she would speak with FTC ethics officials regarding a possible recusal if needed.

watchOS 8 beta hands-on: Subtle but useful changes

Posted: 30 Jun 2021 10:54 AM PDT

With the iOS 15 and watchOS 8 public betas now available for testing, it's time for us to get an early look at some of the features coming to Apple's biggest platforms. While the next watchOS might not represent as significant a change as iOS 15, it does bring new health and fitness tools, along with tighter iPhone integration.

If you're thinking of checking out the public beta for yourself, make sure you've considered the risk of running preview software. Those who simply can't wait for a stable public version of the upcoming platform can sign up for Apple's beta program and install the builds now, provided you have an Apple Watch Series 3 or newer, along with an iPhone running the iOS 15 beta.

Mindfulness, health and fitness

Apple's new health-centric features could interest those looking for a more holistic approach to wellbeing. The company has renamed its Breathe app to Mindfulness, adding "Reflect" to the existing breathing exercises. You can set each Reflect session's duration from one to five minutes. A prompt appears before each session to help you focus your thoughts, along with a button to begin. 

So far, I've seen prompts similar to other meditation guides that tell you to be aware of your thoughts and let them pass without judgment. Some other examples include "Think of someone you care about. Imagine you can feel your connection with them" and "Consider the values that matter to you in something you're focused on."

Then, a colorful swirling animation takes up the screen. I usually just lean back and close my eyes at this point, but if you continue to stare at your watch, the animation is a nice distraction that's almost hypnotizing. When your time is up, the watch vibrates and shows a closing thought tied to the opening prompt, like "Bring this sense of open awareness with you." You'll also see your heart rate and your total Mindful minutes for the day (which includes time spent doing Breathe exercises). After two Mindfulness sessions, my Apple Watch SE said my pulse plummeted from 64 to 47bpm, which is great, I guess.

A composite of three pictures showing the Mindfulness app in the watchOS 8 beta.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget

It does at times feel like a glorified timer, meets fortune cookie, meets Magic 8 Ball, all set to Windows Media Player visualizations. But combined with reminders throughout the day that you can customize, Mindfulness can be a valuable tool for checking in with yourself and your state of mind.

A few other health-centric additions to watchOS include two new Workout categories: Tai Chi and Pilates. I've yet to do a session of either exercise so I can't say how accurately Apple tracks these yet. There are also a couple more features I need more time to get a better sense for, like respiratory rate tracking overnight and walking steadiness. To be clear, the latter isn't specifically a watchOS feature — it uses your iPhone stashed somewhere on your body, but I thought to include it as part of Apple's health updates here. Walking steadiness requires at least two weeks of testing before delivering an assessment, so it'll take some time before I get results. 

Messaging, new apps and integration with iPhone

A big part of the watchOS 8 update is improved communications tools and integration with your iPhone. Notably, the Messages app now allows you to compose via Scribble, Dictate and Emojis all within the same screen. I scrawled out part of a message, dictated longer parts of it, and added emoji from one page easily. Editing is also less of a hassle than before, thanks in large part to the ability to use the Digital Crown to control the cursor. Hallelujah! Scrolling back to insert a space or fix a stray "v" got so much easier. 

Additionally, there's a new option now to send GIFs in Messages, from the same place you'd send a Digital Touch (just hit the search glass button and type in your keyword). 

Communicating with people is also easier now thanks to the new Contacts app, which lets you find specific friends more quickly. If you've set one of iOS 15's new Focus modes on your iPhone, the same settings will apply to your watch. People and apps that have been blocked will remain muted on your wrist, and a symbol at the top of the screen indicates which Focus mode is active.

Contacts isn't the only new app for watchOS 8. Apple is also redesigning Home to make interacting with your connected appliances easier, and bringing Find Items, Find Devices, and Tips to your wrist. The new OS will also add support for ultra-wideband to enable more precise car key functions like spatial awareness. Plus, the update lets you use your Watch as a key for hotels and offices in addition to your home and car, though naturally it only works with compatible buildings and locks. I haven't had a chance to test those features yet.

Five Apple Watches showcasing various new watchOS 8 features. From left to right, the features displayed are: Messaging, Photos app, Portrait watch face, Photos app and composing a message.
Apple

Like its counterpart on iOS, the watchOS Wallet app will also support adding your driver's License, which you can use in participating states and agencies in the US when that's more broadly rolled out. In addition to privacy and security concerns around Apple storing your ID on your device, there are also questions here about how likely law enforcers or various authorities are to welcome these digital cards. But that's not something I was able to test with this preview build, given this feature is not accepted in most places at the moment.

Portrait watch faces, multiple timers and Fitness+

In addition, I tried out a few other new features on the watchOS 8 beta: portrait watch faces and multiple timers. Similar to how you could create a Photos face for Apple Watch before, hit Share on a picture on your iPhone, then tap Create Watch Face. If you want the faux depth-of-field effect on your wrist, you'll need to pick an image shot using your phone's Portrait mode. The effect will animate when you rotate the watch dial. Currently, there are only three clock styles available for these, and I found "Modern" the least offensive. You can also add a single complication to Portrait faces.

As for multiple timers: It works. I set a countdown for three minutes, then hit back and set another for a minute. They both went off without a hitch. It's funny that something as simple as this took eight whole updates to get, but at least it's here. Those who use their Apple Watch for cooking timers will appreciate this one.

Finally, this isn't quite a watchOS update but since you need an Apple Watch to use Fitness+, the two are intertwined. When you use Fitness+ on your iPhone or iPad, you'll now be able to watch the exercise videos in Picture-in-Picture mode. I was also able to resize the panel that was overlaid atop my other apps simply by pinching to zoom. 

Wrap-up

This isn't the biggest update to watchOS, but Apple has made some subtle improvements to its communication apps and it's also tightened its iPhone integration. I also appreciate the attention paid to different takes on health and wellbeing. There are still more features to test, like walking steadiness and ID support, but for now the watchOS 8 beta feels like a thoughtful, if small, update.

Update (at 7:45pm ET): This article was edited to clarify that Walking Steadiness is an iOS 15 feature, not a watchOS 8 feature.

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