Wednesday, October 13, 2021

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The Morning After: Someone made a USB-C iPhone

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 04:15 AM PDT

Years ago, I wrote this piece about how I really wanted the iPhone to adopt USB-C and retire its Lightning connector. This was just after the advent of the company's first iPhone Pro models with pro level features, like surgical-grade stainless steel and, er, three cameras. Fast-forward to now, just after the launch of the iPhone 13 series, and I still don't have my USB-C iPhone. Fortunately, there are engineers that like a challenge. 

On his YouTube channel, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology student Ken Pillonel teased an iPhone X with a USB-C port, promising a full video later on how it was done. In an earlier video, he also explained how he reverse-engineered the Lightning connector, pulling out an integrated circuit from a third-party cable and hooking it all up to a USB-C connector. Yes, this is not something most of us should attempt. 

It's certainly possible for Apple to do the same, given the iPad Pro and new mini have USB-C ports. Europe recently proposed USB-C charging as standard for all phones and electronic devices — which may speed up Apple's adoption. 

— Mat Smith

Google countersues Epic Games for sidestepping fees on in-app purchases

It said the company 'willfully breached' its Play Store developer agreement.

Google has countersued Epic Games over in-app purchases on Fortnite, saying it "willfully breached" its Play Store developer agreement. Epic originally sued Google in August, shortly after it filed a complaint against, and was countersued by, Apple. "Epic has alternatively been unjustly enriched at Google's expense," the company said in its complaint. 

In case you forgot, Epic sued Google when it removed Fortnite from its Play Store after a Mega Drop update gave players a way to bypass Play and get discounted items.

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Apple is holding its next event on October 18th

Didn't we just have an Apple event?

Apple Unleashed event invite
Apple

Apple will hold a second fall product event on October 18th at 1 PM ET. The invitation for the virtual Unleashed presentation doesn't provide many clues, but we're expecting to see 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, powered by souped-up M1X processors.

Apple might also introduce third-generation 'basic' AirPods — headphones we thought we'd see at the iPhone just months ago.

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Motorola Edge (2021) review

Improvements where they were needed most.

Motorola Edge stood in puddle.
Engadget

Motorola's Edge, updated for 2021, still makes compromises but in adding a fast 144Hz display, a more consistent fingerprint sensor and better software support, it addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessor. If you can forgive the middling camera and its missing wireless charging, there's a lot to like about this phone. For now, the unlocked 256GB model is $600, but it will eventually cost $700. Another strong midrange phone is here.

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Tile teases its first ultra-wideband tracker to go up against Apple's AirTags

The company has also upgraded its existing lineup.

Tile is making a tracker that uses both ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth and will work across both Android and iOS. UWB devices can transmit directional and spatial data to narrow down their location more accurately than over Bluetooth alone.

The Tile Ultra tracker's Point and Locate feature lets you use augmented reality to find the item with turn-by-turn directions and a visual indicator of where the tracker is. Tile's working with Google to refine the feature for Android 12 and UWB-capable phones. It's set to arrive in early 2022.

Until then, the company has announced the new Tile Pro, as well as revamped versions of Sticker, Slim and Mate trackers. The Pro is the company's most powerful tag to date, with a finding range of 400 feet.

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Netgear's new quad-band WiFi 6E mesh router costs $1,500

For that premium router feel.

Netgear routers
Netgear

How much would you pay for the fastest home wireless networks possible? At least it's a three-pack.

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VanMoof's fastest e-bike yet tops out at 31MPH

The company plans to start shipping its first hyperbike in late 2022.

VanMoof V hyperbike
VanMoof

E-bike maker VanMoof wants to get riders from A to B more swiftly with its first high-speed model. The VanMoof V is the company's first hyperbike, which will be able to hit a top speed of 31MPH (50KMH).

VanMoof is pitching this as a car replacement for city life and longer commutes, but as speed limits for e-bikes vary across cities and counties, the e-bike will have matching integrated speed settings. As it develops the VanMoof V, the company plans to work with lawmakers and governments on e-bike rules, including geofencing and speed regulations.

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The biggest news stories you might have missed

Withings' ScanWatch is finally coming to the US after FDA clearance

LG will cover nearly the entire cost of GM's Chevy Bolt EV recall

1Password's new feature lets you safely share passwords using just a link

Google will stop trying to make its iOS apps look like Android apps

Lucid details the Air's semi-autonomous driving features

G4 will return to TV on November 16th

'EVE Online' finally runs natively on the Mac

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 04:00 AM PDT

After years of waiting and nearly a year of teasing, EVE Online can play 'properly' on a Mac. CCP Games has released its first truly native EVE client for both Intel- and Apple Silicon-based Macs — no more using a compatibility layer to play the spaceship-focused MMO. That should improve performance and reduce memory demands, as you might expect, but it also enables Mac-native keyboard and mouse commands you've had to forego until now.

The game remains free-to-play, although CCP clearly hopes you'll be sufficiently engrossed to spend real money. Mac users will share the same game universe as their Windows counterparts.

This isn't about to up-end the market for gaming computers. There are only so many people who both prefer Macs and are determined to play EVE Online. This could significantly expand the number of Macs that can play EVE in the first place, though, and might make the game an easy pick if you're looking for Mac-friendly online titles beyond obvious choices like World of Warcraft.

Riot Games disables /all chat in ‘League of Legends’

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 03:35 AM PDT

Online games are rife with toxic behavior that can ruin the experience for players who just want to have fun. In an effort to curb verbal abuse in League of Legends, Riot Games has decided to disable /all chats for publicly matchmade games — temporarily, at least. The feature gives players a way to communicate with the opposing team and can be a source of fun banter. Game director Andrei Van Roon and lead game producer Jeremy Lee wrote in their announcement, though, that at the moment, negative interactions outweigh the positives due to the rise of in-game verbal abuse this year.

Teams will still see the other's emotes and CTRL+1-2-3-4 spam, and the change doesn't affect the chat function between allies at all. Riot knows there's still verbal abuse going on within team chats, and that the move won't eliminate the behavior from the game completely. The developer deems team chats too important to disable, however, since that's what people use to strategize and coordinate their actions. 

According to Polygon, the reaction to the change has mostly been negative, with people mentioning the fun experiences they've had bonding with players from opposing teams. Some even claim that most toxic behavior happens within team chats instead. van Roon has since clarified on Twitter that the plan is to test the change for a couple of patches, starting with patch 11.21, and then ask players for feedback. Riot could choose to keep or reverse the change based on the feedback it gets, though it could also keep it in some regions where the response to it is largely positive

Security flaws at NFT marketplace OpenSea left users' crypto wallets open to attack

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 03:00 AM PDT

After finding itself embroiled in a controversy over insider trading, NFT marketplace OpenSea is getting some more bad press. The site had a critical security vulnerability that could have allowed hackers to steal users' entire crypto wallets, according to security research firm Check Point Software.  

Check Point said it first noticed reports of stolen crypto wallets triggered by airdropped NFTs, prompting the firm to investigate OpenSea. That revealed critical security discoveries "that, if exploited, could have led hackers to hijack user accounts and steal entire crypto wallets of users, by sending malicious NFTs," the company said. 

The attack relied on user inattention and the fact that OpenSea already generates a lot of pop-ups. If the victim received and viewed a malicious NFT sent by a hacker, it triggered a pop-up from OpenSea's storage domain, requesting a connection to the victim's cryptocurrency wallet. Clicking on the popup gave the hacker access to the wallet and allowed them to generate another popup. If the user also clicked on that without noticing a note describing the transaction, the attacker could theoretically steal all their money.  

It seemed that a lot of things needed to go wrong for the attack to work, and it's not clear if it was actively exploited. Check Point said it disclosed the vulnerability as soon as it found it, and OpenSea said it implemented a fix "within an hour of it being brought to our attention." The company said it's "doubling down on community education around security," by adding a blog series and taking other measures. 

The security research firm said that given the rapid pace of innovation, "there is an inherent challenge in securely integrating software applications and crypto markets." Bad actors are also drawn to crypto like wasps to pain au chocolat, so it's likely we'll hear about similar attacks in the near future. 

Bird will test sensors that prevent riding on sidewalks

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 03:00 AM PDT

If you live in a city where rideshare scooters are available, chances are you've had someone zip by on one while you were walking on the sidewalk. It's an issue that local governments around the world have pushed mobility companies to address since day one. And after working on the problem since 2019, Bird thinks it has a solution.

Collaborating with a firm called U-blox, the company has developed a custom multi-sensor and GPS module it says is far more accurate than other solutions at detecting when someone drives a scooter onto a sidewalk. When you drive a Bird scooter that's equipped with the module onto a sidewalk, it will produce an audible sound and send a notification to your smartphone. The vehicle will also slowly and smoothly come to a stop.

Bird is testing the technology in Milwaukee and San Diego and plans to bring it to Madrid and other cities in the future.

For Bird, coming to this point has been a long journey. At one point, the company tried using AI-assisted cameras for sidewalk detection but found they presented two problems. One, they would have added a fragile component to a vehicle that's already frequently vandalized. Two, training the machine learning software that would power those cameras would have proven difficult due to the ways road infrastructure in different countries can look. According to Bird, the advantage of its latest solution is that it's a solution it can implement at scale without worrying about the weather or vandalism.

Fujifilm launches its first wide-format Instax Link smartphone printer

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 01:55 AM PDT

Fujifilm has revealed a new Instax printer that supports its wider, more Polaroid-like film. The Instax Link Wide Smartphone printer is designed to connect to your smartphone over Bluetooth and print out camera roll photos that are twice as wide as the credit card-sized images from the original Instax mini Link printer. It also allows you to directly transfer and print images from Fujifilm's X-S10 mirrorless camera, with no need for a smartphone. 

As before, the new printer runs on batteries and can do about 100 Instax prints on a charge. You can choose from two printing modes, "Instax Rich, accentuating deep, warm colors, and Instax Natural, which emphasizes the inherent tones of the image," according to Fujifilm. You can also use the Instax Link app, which offers around 30 filters, collages, text, digital stickers and frame templates, while letting you import and add handwritten text and sketches to a photo. 

The Instax Link Wide Smartphone printer supports Fujifilm's wide-format film, which costs $20 for a pack of 10 — also used by its Instax 300 Wide camera. In addition, Fujifilm introduced a new black-bordered version of Instax Wide film, available at $22 for a ten-pack. The Instax Link Wide Smartphone Printer arrives later this month for $149.95

Netflix to start streaming 'Cowboy Bebop' anime on October 21st

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 12:45 AM PDT

If you want to re-watch the original Cowboy Bebop show before Netflix's live adaptation drops, you don't have to go to another streaming service. Netflix has acquired the global streaming rights for all 26 episodes of the anime, and they'll be available for streaming starting on October 21st, just a few weeks before the November 19th debut of the live series' first season. The Cowboy Bebop anime first premiered in Japan in 1998 before making its way to the US via Adult Swim three years later. While it won't be available on Netflix until the 21st, it's currently streamable on Hulu. 

One might say that adding the anime to its catalogue before the live adaptation's debut is bold on Netflix's part, as it would make it easier to compare the two — especially since live anime adaptations haven't been typically well received. There's a way to merge the two shows if you think you'd enjoy it that way a lot more, though. 

According to Entertainment Weekly, the anime's original voice actors are reprising their roles for the Japanese dub of the live action series. They include Koichi Yamadera as Spike, Taiten Kusunoki as Jet and Megumi Hayashibara as Faye. It's also worth noting that original composer Yoko Kanno and original director Shinichirō Watanabe are both involved in the Netflix show. The live action adaptation stars John Cho as Spike, Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black and Daniella Pineda as Faye Valentine. And, of course, an adorable corgi as Ein.

Roland SP-404MKII hands-on: Dragging an iconic sampler into the modern age

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 12:00 AM PDT

The Boss and Roland line of SP samplers (specifically the SP-303 and SP-404) are some of the most important instruments in hip hop history. Right up there with the MPC and the Technics SL-1200. They've been used by the likes of MF Doom, Madlib and J Dilla, and are a favorite among lo-fi hip hop artists everywhere. They've also been used by plenty of other musicians like Panda Bear, Four Tet, Oneohtrix Point Never and even Radiohead. But, the original SP-404 was released in 2005. And even though it was succeeded by the 404SX and the 404A, those were extremely minor updates that did things like switch from the aging and slow CF Card format to SD. The new SP-404MKII, though, finally updates the classic sampler for the modern age without sacrificing what made the OG so alluring.

Physically, the 404MKII is very similar to past versions of the 404. There are four knobs across the top; a circular window below them, flanked by six effects buttons; and pads on the bottom for triggering samples. The MKII does look better than the A, at least. The 404A was designed to fit in with the rest of Roland's AIRA line — that means stark black accented with garish red and green. It's… a look. But not one that everyone (myself included) can get behind. The new version is a much more subdued gray and black, with white and muted orange accents.

Roland SP-404MKII
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

Beyond pure aesthetics, though, there are some huge upgrades in the MKII. The two most obvious differences are the detailed OLED screen that has replaced the old-school seven-segment LEDs, and the move from a 12-pad layout to a 16-pad one.

The screen represents the biggest change to the SP experience. Editing samples on an OG 404 could be painful. The three-digit LEDs gave you only generic start and end points, and because of the high resolution needed to create perfect loops, the range was very small. That would lead to having to crop a sample multiple times to take off all the excess. The OLED on the SP-404MKII is high enough resolution to show the actual waveform as it's being edited. You can zoom in and out as needed to crop as little or as much as you want. I would go as far as to say that recording and editing samples on the MKII is not only easier, but actually kinda fun.

The 16 pads give you access to more samples and patterns to construct your beats out of. Also, the four-by-four grid has become something of a standard. It's the layout used by Akai on the MPC, on Pioneer's DJ gear, on the Native Instruments Maschine, Ableton's Drum Rack and even some of the larger members of the SP family like the 808 and the 606.

Roland SP-404MKII
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

There are other more subtle changes as well. For one, those 16 pads on the front are all velocity sensitive, a first for the SP line. That said, it's almost impossible to get full velocity out of them without just turning on fixed velocity. Some finger drummers especially may prefer to turn fixed velocity on to keep melodic and percussion elements consistently mixed, but it can also leave things sounding a bit robotic and unnatural. Just something to keep in mind.

Roland added MIDI out to the back of the SP-404MKII as well. The previous versions had MIDI IN only. Now the 404 can be used to sequence external gear, or even be hooked up to a PC to control your DAW via USB-C. That makes the 16-pad layout even more important, because it'll map better to whatever you're connecting it to most likely. Oh. and that USB port can also be used to stream audio to your PC.

This also marks the first time that Roland has ditched RCA in favor of ¼-inch jacks for the audio ins and outs on an SP. Now, this is a net positive but there is a down side. Often an SP is being used to sample directly from vinyl and most turntables use RCA. That means there will be an intermediary step to getting loops from a record to the 404. But, it does make it easier to sample directly from an instrument. Synths, drum machines, guitars and basses all generally use ¼-inch plugs. And, since the ins and outs on the MKII are balanced, it should be less susceptible to noise and interference.

Roland SP-404MKII

In addition to the ins and outs around back, there's a pair of headphone jacks on the front (one ⅛-inch, and one ¼-inch) and a ¼-inch audio input. That jack is switchable from mic to "guitar" or instrument level signals. You can feed audio through the SP-404MKII live so you can use it as a submixer and jam or sing along to your creations. And there are a host of input effects tailored specifically for that application. There's a pretty decent guitar amp sim that covers everything from clean funk to thrash metal, an auto pitch correction effect, and a vocoder. For the latter, you can connect a MIDI keyboard to play chords and melodies.

In general, the MKII offers a lot more in the effects department than past models. In addition to the input effects, there's a pair of bus effects. You can apply one, both or neither to each pad. Put a compressor on your drums, EQ on your bass and both on your rhodes if you want. And there are a pair of background effects, too.

If you dive into the settings you'll find Bus 3 and 4 where you can apply master effects. In that same menu is where you can also customize the "direct" effects that are assigned to the six buttons around the display. So, for example, if you don't like or use the resonator, you can swap in the new cassette simulator, which is what I did. (Though the button will continue to be labeled "resonator" no matter what you do.)

Roland SP-404MKII
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

The selection of effects is pretty large, too, and it definitely leans into the lo-fi vibe that SP users are generally looking for. In addition to the new cassette simulator (which has a cute, but questionably useful catch feature that simulates the tape getting stuck momentarily), there's also a lo-fi effect, a bit crusher and the vinyl simulator from both the 303 and the 404. Many SP users swear by the 303 simulator, and I can't say I blame them. The 404 version is just a bit too extreme and the noise is too constant and frankly kind of annoying even at low levels. The 303 version, however, is amazing.

If there's one complaint I have about the effects, it's that none of them are really subtle. The filter + drive, for example, is great and one of the many things people make heavy use of on the 404, but the drive is intense. Even on one it makes a huge difference in the sound of a loop. And by 10 it's already introducing ringing feedback. By 100 it's just noise. (Not that that's necessarily a bad thing.)

One of the things that people really like to use those effects for is resampling beats and even mixing down full tracks to individual pads. (That's how strong the appeal of the 303 vinyl sim and compressor are.) You can even use the MKII's new DJ mode to blend between two beats while applying those effects. That said, I haven't really put this through its paces.

Roland SP-404MKII

Resampling is also incredibly easy. For one, there's a clearly labeled resample button, which the original 404 had as well, so it was never particularly unintuitive. But there's also now a Skip Back feature (though, you have to assign the subpad to in the utility menu), which recalls the last 25 seconds of audio performed either on the device or from the inputs and saves it to a pad. This is great for capturing live performance and moments of inadvertent genius.

And you can capture those moments anywhere you want basically. While the 404 isn't exactly the smallest device in the world, it fits in a bag easily enough. And you can still power it with six AA batteries like previous models. And just like the previous versions the SP-404MKII is affordable. In fact, Roland cut the price by $50 so a brand new SP will only set you back $500 when it goes on sale in November.

Roland SP-404MKII
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

That makes it a perfectly reasonable purchase for a first-time producer or someone looking to dabble in sampling. The Novation Circuit Rhythm is $100 cheaper, but I think the effects on the SP are better and the screen makes for a much more pleasant chopping experience. Honestly, the screen alone is probably worth the extra hundred bucks.

There are even more affordable options like the Elektron Model:Samples, but you can't actually record and edit samples on that, only play them back. And there are no standalone MPCs in this price range. The $799 MPC One is the cheapest member of the family, but it's also a lot more complex than all these other devices; it's closer to a DAW in a box than a sampler.

One thing those all have over the SP, though, is a step sequencer. That probably isn't a huge deal to most people already eyeing a 404. But it's something to keep in mind if rhythm isn't your strong suit.

Roland SP-404MKII

Considering that I've had it for less than a week and this is my first time using an SP device, I'm hesitant to call this a proper review and slap a score on it. But the SP-404MKII is undeniably fun to use and it's quickly becoming my favorite entry-level sampler.

Bowers & Wilkins' new Zeppelin speaker was built for streaming

Posted: 13 Oct 2021 12:00 AM PDT

Bowers & Wilkins has launched a new version of its iconic Zeppelin speaker, and the company says it was re-imagined for the streaming age. The audio device manufacturer describes the new Zeppelin as "smarter and more flexible" than its predecessors, with built-in support for Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, so users can simply ask it to play whatever they want instead of using its physical buttons. In addition, B&W plans to give it multi-room capability in early 2022 through a software update. Once that arrives, users will be able to link several Zeppelins together or link a Zeppelin with other B&W speakers in a multi-room environment. 

For now, the new model supports AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth to give both iOS and Android users an easy way to stream audio from their devices. Like the previous version, it features Spotify Connect and can be controlled using the Bowers & Wilkins app, which gives it access to more streaming services like Deezer, Soundcloud and TIDAL. 

The new Zeppelin comes with two Decoupled Double-Dome tweeters mounted at the far edges for "a wide, spacious and highly accurate sound." Plus, it has a new 150mm subwoofer for a deep, detailed bass. The 2021 model will be available starting today in Midnight Grey or Pearl Grey from retailers or from the company's website. As potential buyers probably already expect, the high-end speaker won't come cheap: It'll set them back $799, which is $100 more than the previous version's debut price.

HTC Vive Flow headset images leak days before reported launch

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 10:03 PM PDT

HTC is expected to launch a new VR headset within the week, but you don't have to wait till then to see what it looks like. A collection of Vive Flow images has made its way online, courtesy of evleaks, before the launch event. According to Protocol, the Vive Flow is a lightweight headset developed for consumers under the internal name "Hue." The Bluetooth SIG consortium previously published documents describing Hue as a VR AIO (all-in-one) product, which means the device could be a standalone headset that doesn't need a phone or doesn't have to be tethered to a PC to work. 

The company reportedly wants to position the Vive Flow primarily as a way to consume media, with some access to gaming. Its chip is less powerful than the Oculus Quest 2's, Protocol says, but it will have six degrees of freedom tracking. The images leaked online also show more information about the device, including a dual-hinge system to make sure it fits most people, snap-on face cushion, immersive spatial audio, adjustable lenses and active cooling system. After you pair your phone with it via Bluetooth, you can use your mobile device as a VR controller and to stream content to VR using Miracast tech.

In addition, the images show that the Vive Flow will be available for pre-order starting on October 15th, with shipments going out in early November. The headset will set you back US$499, which is $200 more than the Quest 2's launch price, and you'll get seven free virtual reality content and a carrying case if you pre-order.

Adobe is bringing Camera Raw editing to Photoshop on the iPad

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 08:50 PM PDT

Ahead of its Max conference on October 26th, Adobe has shared a preview of a feature that's coming to Photoshop on the iPad, and it's a big one. You'll soon be able to use its Camera Raw tool to import RAW files from your camera to the iPad. 

You can use the tool to import any file format Camera Raw currently supports. That includes the ProRAW files that Apple iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro can output. Once you've loaded an image, you have access to all the usual adjustments you'll find on the desktop version of Camera Raw, allowing you to tweaks things like the exposure and color of your photo.

One nifty new feature is that it's possible to import your RAW file as a Smart Object into Photoshop. That means you can add your image to a PSD, open the resulting file in Photoshop desktop and still have access to the embedded file and adjustments. Adobe says Camera Raw is coming to Photoshop on the iPad soon. In the meantime, we'll likely see the company preview more upcoming features for its various apps at Adobe Max later this month.

Samsung will hold another Unpacked event on October 20th

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 05:00 PM PDT

Yes, Samsung has yet another Unpacked event in store. The tech behemoth has announced that an Unpacked Part 2 presentation will take place on October 20th at 10AM Eastern. Samsung didn't offer many clues as to what it would unveil, but promised to show how the company was offering more chances at "self-expression through technology." The teaser accordingly shows Samsung app icons (such as Health and SmartThings) being packaged in pastel-colored boxes.

Rumors haven't been much help. Leaks have suggested Samsung might introduce a Galaxy S21 FE that would bring S21 features to a more affordable phone, but it's not certain if that device will surface in 2021 — if it does at all. Samsung is increasingly reliant on mid-range handsets like the Galaxy A52, and might not feel as much pressure to release an S21 FE when the A series offers a close-enough feature set.

As it stands, Samsung might focus its attention on software and services. The company has been eager to expand platforms like Health, and this might represent an opportunity to show where those ecosystems are headed next. This could also be Samsung's chance to preview One UI changes. The tech firm recently scrapped ads in its One UI apps, and we wouldn't be surprised if there were more substantial OS changes Samsung wanted to show before the year is over.

Fandango's Vudu streaming service is now available on Oculus Quest VR headsets

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 03:15 PM PDT

Vudu is now available on Oculus Quest and Quest 2 headsets. Fandango's free streaming service includes both paid and ad-supported content. With today's launch, you can rent and buy more than 200,000 titles through the storefront, including recent releases like Black Widow and Jungle Cruise. Additionally, there are "hundreds" of 3D movies you can watch on an Oculus Quest 2 headset. Notable inclusions on that front include Venom, Guardians of the Galaxy and Mad Max: Fury Road, among others.

Following a voluntary recall, Facebook restarted Oculus Quest 2 sales on August 24th. The $299 base model now features 128GB of internal storage, up from the 64GB it came with at launch. At the time, Facebook said the update was about allowing players to store more of their favorite games and apps on a single device. Clearly, it also had movies in mind.

Watch Blue Origin fly William Shatner to space at 8:30AM ET on October 13th

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 02:30 PM PDT

Provided there aren't any last-minute delays, Star Trek actor William Shatner will fly to the edge of space on October 13th. You can watch the entire flight right here and on Engadget's YouTube channel. Tune in at around 9:30 to see NS-18 lift off from Blue Origin's Launch Site One facility near Van Horn, Texas. The mission was originally scheduled to blast off on October 12th but was pushed back due to unfavorable weather conditions.

The upcoming launch comes some three months after Blue Origin successfully completed its first crewed flight on July 20th. If this latest flight is successful, Shatner, at 90, will become the oldest person to have made such a journey. The current record is held by aviation legend Wally Funk, who joined Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos on the company's inaugural flight.

Chrome finally gets an Adobe Acrobat PDF editor

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 12:34 PM PDT

PDFs aren't the headache they once were, but they can still be a hassle sometimes, especially if all you need to do is make a quick edit. Not everyone wants to download dedicated desktop software for signing the occasional document and their web apps can present their own jank. In a move that feels long overdue, Adobe is releasing Acrobat Chrome and Edge extensions that allow you to access its PDF tools directly through your browser.

If you mostly need something that allows you to sign documents, the good news is you don't need an Acrobat Pro DC subscription to access that functionality within the extension. Free access also allows you to add comments to PDFs, in addition to allowing you to download and print them. It's when you get to things like trying to convert a PDF into a Microsoft Word document that you'll need to pony up.

To be clear, the extensions are separate from Acrobat web, which Adobe recently updated to bring to clear feature parity with its desktop client. If your work involves editing PDFs frequently, you'll probably continue using Adobe's dedicated app. For everyone else, the extensions should do just fine in a pinch.

Twitter tests swiping between Home and Latest Tweets on iPhone

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 12:21 PM PDT

Twitter's latest test is all about how you view tweets in the app. Some users on iOS will be able to swipe between the Home feed, which shows the top tweets in your timeline, and a chronological look at the latest tweets (the proper way to use Twitter, but you do you).

It's a fairly small user interface change, but a handy one for those who dart between the two views. The current method of switching between the views is through the button on the top right of the screen, but a swipe is quicker than a couple of taps.

The update could make the app's home screen a little messier if you have pinned lists that you swipe through. Still, it could be a welcome quality of life change for some folks while making the two options more prominent.

Netflix's 'League of Legends' show is getting an immersive IRL event

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 11:43 AM PDT

The animated League of Legends series Arcane will hit Netflix on November 6th and Riot Games is marking the launch with an in-person immersive experience connected to the series. The publisher teamed up with Secret Cinema to host the Arcane experience, which will only be available in Los Angeles.

You'll get to explore the Undercity, where you'll delve into the origins of two LoL champions. You'll take on missions, find secret hideouts, form alliances and evade enforcers. The ending of the story will be different depending on the choices you make, so Arcane might encourage repeat visits.

Riot is pushing into another realm of entertainment here. "For the launch of Arcane, we really wanted to find the right partner who shared our vision for bringing such a rich IP and to life in an interactive, immersive way," Brandon Miao, cross-product experiences and partnerships lead for Riot Experience, said. "Bringing players new, authentic out-of-game experiences that tie back to the narrative of the show is a first for us, and something we are incredibly excited to share with players as we expand to entertainment."

The Arcane experience will debut on November 21st and tickets cost $70. You'll get your first chance at snagging a ticket through a presale that starts on October 13th at 3PM ET. You can sign up for ticket alerts through Secret Cinema. General admission starts 24 hours later.

Secret Cinema has built a reputation for creating immersive experiences based on movies and, more recently with its Stranger Things adaptation, TV shows. This is the first time it has taken on a project with roots in gaming.

Google will stop trying to make its iOS apps look like Android apps

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 10:16 AM PDT

Google says it will phase out its use of Material Design interface elements within its iOS apps in favor of Apple's own UIKit. Jeff Verkoeyen, the company's iOS design chief, announced the change in a Twitter thread spotted by The Verge.

Introduced in 2014, Material Design is Google's in-house design language. The company has used it to unify the look and feel of its apps and services across various platforms. According to Verkoeyen, Google shifted its open source iOS Material component libraries into maintenance mode earlier this year after it conducted a "deep evaluation" of what it means to build a "hallmark" Google experience on iOS. What it found was that many of the custom elements it started building nearly a decade ago to fill gaps in UIKit's design language are no longer necessary.

"With the introduction of SwiftUI and significant UIKit improvements in iOS 14+, it's never been easier to build a great branded experience with a tiny amount of code," Verkoeyen said. 

With the shift to UIKit, Verkoeyen expects his team will spend less time building custom code, which should hopefully lead to faster and more frequent releases. Additionally, the use of UIKit should allow the company to more tightly integrate its software into iOS. However, those benefits may pale in comparison to the fact the company's apps may end up looking more at home on Apple devices.

Roland's V-Moda reveals its first true wireless earbuds

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 10:00 AM PDT

Roland's V-Moda brand is moving into the true wireless earbuds market. The initial Hexamove lineup includes two models: Lite and Pro. V-Moda says you'll get up to six hours of use on a single charge. The included charging case will bump up the playback time by 18 hours in total. The hexagonal earbuds have 6mm drivers that deliver what V-Moda describes as "powerful bass, vibrant mids and pristine highs," though there's no active noise cancellation.

The Hexamove Lite buds are available in three colors: red, white and black. There are three fitting options as well. As for Hexamove Pro, there are six custom fitting options (though it's only available in black or white). V-Moda says you'll be able to mix and match fins, ear-hooks and three in-ear fittings to discover the right combo for your ears. You can also attach the earbuds to a neck strap and stabilizer to prevent you from losing them. In addition, you'll be able to customize audio on the Pro earbuds using the equalizer tool in the V-Moda app.

The brand says both models are IPX5-rated for sweat, water and dust resistance. The Hexamove earbuds are available now from the V-Moda website and Amazon. Hexamove Lite costs $130 and a pair of Hexamove Pro earbuds will run you $170.

A model wearing a white version of V-Moda's Hexamove Lite earbuds
V-Moda

Google Cloud will show users their gross carbon emissions

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 09:33 AM PDT

Google Cloud has added tools to help users gain a better understanding of their environmental impact as part of the company's broader efforts to combat climate change. The Carbon Footprint feature shows the gross carbon emissions linked to the electricity consumption of someone's Cloud Platform use. It displays emissions over time and can break down the data by project, product and region.

Companies will be able to roll this information into their own emissions data for internal audits and making carbon disclosures (they can export the data to Salesforce Sustainability Cloud, for instance). Google stressed that the figures relate to a user's gross carbon emissions, since the company has been carbon neutral for over a decade. It plans to run entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030.

Google Cloud will also flag applications that are not in use, as well as their carbon emissions. Google suggests that deleting apps identified by the Unattended Project Recommender will help companies mitigate security risks, lower costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

In addition, Google is bringing Earth Engine to the Cloud Platform for select users. Using satellite imagery, data sets and other tools, companies can harness Earth Engine to "track, monitor and predict changes in the Earth's surface" caused by extreme weather events or human activity. That, Google says, will enable businesses to reduce and mitigate risks, "become more resilient to climate change threats" and save money. Companies can apply for access to Earth Engine through Google Cloud.

Last week, Google unveiled a string of features that highlight the environmental impact of consumer choices. Shopping results can promote greener options, while Google Flights started showing carbon emission estimates for almost all trips. The Nest Renew program, meanwhile, can switch your thermostat on or off depending on the availability of clean energy. In addition, Google is hoping to use AI to improve the efficiency of traffic lights and reduce pollution from idle cars.

Apple is holding its next event on October 18th

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 09:11 AM PDT

The murmurs were true: Apple will hold a second fall product event on October 18th at 1PM Eastern. The invitation for the virtual "Unleashed' presentation doesn't provide many clues, although many unofficially expect Apple to introduce 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro based on souped-up M1X processors.

The new portables are rumored to be significant redesigns that also harken back to the "good old days" of Apple's pre-2016 models. While they'd have cutting-edge designs, they'd also bring back MagSafe-like charging and legacy ports like an SD card slot. To no one's surprise, the M1X would also be far more powerful than the M1 with 10 CPU cores (eight performance and two efficiency) and either 16 or 32 graphics cores. There's a chance Apple might drop the Touch Bar, too, and it's safe to presume you'll hear about a macOS Monterey release date.

These might not be the only introductions, either. Apple might introduce third-generation 'basic' AirPods, and we wouldn't rule out other M1X-based products (like a high-end Mac mini) or new and expanded services. Unlike last year, Apple might not spread announcements across three events — this may be the company's last chance to make a big splash before 2021 is over.

Lucid details the Air's semi-autonomous driving features

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 09:00 AM PDT

Now that the Lucid Air is finally in production, its creator is eager to tout the EV's semi-autonomous driving assistance — although it may be as much about what's missing as what's here. The new brand has provided further details of its DreamDrive system, now split into regular and Pro versions. Both variants will include 14 regular cameras, four surround cameras, five radar sensors and a string of ultrasonic sensors, but you'll need the Air in Dream Edition or Grand Touring trim to get DreamDrive Pro's LiDAR and the advanced features that will come with it.

Every Air buyer will get core features like Highway Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane centering), Traffic Jam Assist (lane centering at low speeds), cross-traffic protection and Auto Park (for both parallel and perpendicular parking). The combination of an infrared driver camera and hands-off detection will make sure your head, eyes and (of course) hands are focused on the road. If you're incapacitated or simply ignore the warnings, DreamDrive will ultimately bring the car to a complete stop, switch on hazard lights and unlock the doors. These will sound familiar on a basic level if you've ever used Tesla's Autopilot.

You'll need DreamDrive Pro to get the most out of Lucid's platform, however. The Pro tier will include 21-speaker directional alerts as well as the upcoming Highway Pilot system and its "conditional" hands-free driving. Cars with Pro will also get more Highway Assist features through software updates, although Lucid didn't say when those upgrades might arrive.

The technology as described won't yet match all the features from its most advanced rivals, such as Tesla's Full Self-Driving or GM's upcoming Ultra Cruise. LiDAR could give Lucid an edge, but it could take a long while before the sensor reaches its full potential. Instead, Lucid's greatest advantage might simply be its more realistic (if still fluffy) marketing. Where Tesla is in trouble for implying its cars are autonomous, Lucid is careful to position DreamDrive as a driver assistance system and not much more.

VanMoof's fastest e-bike yet tops out at 31 MPH

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 08:00 AM PDT

E-bike maker VanMoof is looking to help riders get from A to B more swiftly with its first high-speed model. The VanMoof V is the company's first hyperbike, which will be able to hit a top speed of 31 MPH (50 km/h).

VanMoof is pitching this as a car replacement for city life and longer commutes. The VanMoof V will have two-wheel drive, thicker tires, a new frame design and front and rear suspension, which could make lengthier trips more comfortable. Other features include intelligent motor control, VanMoof's Turbo Boost, a Kick Lock for keyless locking, automatic gear shifting and measures to combat theft.

Details about the e-bike's range haven't been revealed, but VanMoof noted the battery has a 700 wH capacity. The VanMoof S3 has a 504 Wh battery capacity and a promised range of 60-150 km (37-93 miles). The company sells a PowerBank accessory that can increase the range, but it's unclear whether that device will be compatible with the VanMoof V.

Render of the VanMoof V e-bike
VanMoof

Speed limits vary across cities and counties, and the e-bike will have matching integrated speed settings. As it develops the VanMoof V, the company plans to work with lawmakers and local governments on e-bike rules, including geofencing and speed regulations.

VanMoof plans to start deliveries of the hyperbike in late 2022. The VanMoof V costs $3,498/£3,498/€3,498. The company is offering invite-only reservations for $20/£20/€20 starting today, with its current customers getting first dibs. Alternatively, you can join a waitlist on the VanMoof website. Reservation codes will be sent out periodically.

Waze and Headspace team up to make driving less stressful

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 07:56 AM PDT

Waze has partnered with Mindspace in the hopes of making your commutes a little more pleasant. The Drive with Headspace experience includes five additional moods — Aware, Bright, Hopeful, Joyful and Open — and the option to change the in-app car icon to a relaxing hot air balloon. You can also listen to a dedicated Spotify playlist, which features music and content from Headspace, through the Waze Audio Player.

If you use the Headspace theme, the company's mindfulness teacher and director of meditation Eve Lewis Prieto will read the driving directions. Waze's Headspace features are available for a limited time starting today in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. You can switch on the experience by tapping the Drive with Headspace banner in My Waze. It might prove a bit more relaxing than the recent Halo and PAW Patrol experiences.

Netgear's quad-band WiFi 6E mesh router will set you back $1,500

Posted: 12 Oct 2021 07:29 AM PDT

How much would you pay for one of the fastest home wireless networks possible? More than you paid for your computer or phone? If so, Netgear has your solution. The company has introduced what it says is the first quad-band WiFi 6E mesh networking system, the Orbi Quad-band Mesh WiFi 6E. Pay a staggering $1,500 for a three-pack and you'll get 10.8Gbps of total bandwidth across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and now 6GHz bands, plus the backhaul band (at 'just' WiFi 6 speeds) to keep the main frequencies clear. Your home network could easily outpace your internet connection, even if you have multi-gigabit service.

There are some improvements beyond pure speed. The three-unit bundle offers about 9,000 square feet of maximum coverage (up from 7,500sq. ft. for WiFi 6 models), and the WAN Ethernet port now supports up to 10Gbps. Accordingly, there are more 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports on the router and satellites to improve bandwidth for wired devices. You can create up to four distinct WiFi networks, including a 6E-only network to ensure newer devices run at full speed.

The Orbi Quad-band router is available for pre-order now, with shipping expected "in time for the holidays" (Netgear's store quotes an October 29th ship date). You can also buy additional satellites for $599 each. That's a massive amount to spend on your home network, but Netgear is clearly counting on at least some customers who'll pay whatever it takes to get no-compromise WiFi. Just know there are some good-enough alternatives. Linksys' AXE8400 doesn't have the backhaul band, but its one- and two-node options (plus lower overall pricing) could make it a better pick if you're more interested in WiFi 6E compatibility than raw throughput. 
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