Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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Trump’s free speech app Truth Social is censoring content and kicking off users

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:31 PM PST

Former President Trump's social media platform Truth Social, which launched only two days ago, is struggling with technical glitches and onboarding new users in the early stages of its rollout. The site, which billed itself as a sort of free speech alternative to Twitter with more lax content moderation policies, has already booted a few users off of its platform. Other users are struggling to even access the platform, which now has nearly half a million people on its waitlist.

User Matt Ortega was rejected from Truth Social on the basis of his username, @DevineNunesCow, reported Mashable. A parody Twitter account of the same name poked fun at former Rep. Devin Nunes, who is currently the CEO of Truth Social's parent company.

A few users have pointed out that Truth Social's moderation policy is significantly more strict than that of Twitter, despite its claim to be a refuge from Big Tech's censorship. Unlike Twitter, Truth Social users can get suspended or booted from the platform altogether for posting content that moderators consider to be false, defamatory or misleading. While Twitter has had broad bans in the past on Covid-19 and election misinformation, it regularly allows other types of misinformation to fly by. Truth Social users also can get banned for posting content that moderators deem to be "libelous, slanderous, or otherwise objectionable". Twitter tends to be selective in how it handles disputes between users, unless it involves targeted harassment campaigns.

Still, it's unlikely Truth Social will be able to enforce such a strict moderation policy should it continue to grow in scale. The platform is relying on a combination of volunteer moderators, user reports and bots to handle content removal.

New and prospective users are also running into technical glitches while attempting to sign-up on the app, which is only available on iOS. The platform faced a 13-hour service outage just hours after its Sunday evening debut due to a flood of new users. It is now rate-limiting the number of new accounts which can be registered on the site. A waitlist to join the app, at the time of publishing, is more than 500,000 people long.

The app currently has a 4.1 star average user rating on Apple's App Store, though a number of 5-star reviewers noted they hadn't been able to sign up on the app yet. One reviewer who rated the app five stars wrote that they had yet to receive an email confirmation from Truth Social that hadn't expired: "Every time I try to create an account, I don't receive the email to confirm my email address. No, it's not in junk mail either. One time I received the email many hours later and it was already expired. I keep trying and will continue to keep trying. 5 stars because I think someone is playing games and the review doesn't matter because I haven't even been able to set up an account yet. Just trying to resolve an issue."

Amazon accused of interfering in Alabama union rerun election

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 02:10 PM PST

The union that wants to represent workers at Amazon's BHM1 facility in Bessemer, Alabama is accusing the company of once again violating the National Labor Relations Act. In an email the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) sent Tuesday, it said it would file Unfair Labor Practice charges against the retailer.

Specifically, the organization alleges Amazon broke the law by removing pro-union posters put up by members of BAmazon, and implementing a new rule that limits the amount of time workers can spend inside the facility to 30 minutes before and after their shift. Additionally, the RWDSU alleges Amazon forced workers to attend anti-union meetings. If the NLRB finds Amazon's actions violated the law, the union could then challenge the result of the ongoing second election at BHM1. That vote is currently scheduled to conclude on March 28th.

"While we haven't seen today's filing yet, we're confident that our teams have fully complied with the law. Our focus remains on working directly with our team to make Amazon a great place to work," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel told Engadget.

Last April, BHM1 became the first large Amazon facility in the US to hold a union vote. While workers there voted decisively against forming a union, the RWDSU went on to successfully challenge the vote. The NLRB ruled the company had illegally interfered with the vote and called for a rerun of the election to be held. Whether Amazon wins or loses the second election at Bessemer, it could be months before the NLRB makes a decision on the latest allegations from the RWDSU. That could set the stage for a protracted labor battle at the facility. 

Netflix tests its TikTok-like comedy feed on TVs

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 01:45 PM PST

You didn't think Netflix would leave its TikTok-style comedy feed on phones, did you? Sure enough, the company is launching a test that brings the Fast Laughs feature to TVs. Opt in and you'll get a flurry of hopefully funny clips from Netflix shows, movies and (of course) comedy specials. Find something you enjoy and you can watch the whole affair or add it to your watch list.

The addition is "slowly" deploying to subscribers in English-speaking countries including the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. If it's enabled, you'll find it several rows deep into your home page. Fast Laughs will respect your content settings, but it won't be available on kids' profiles.

The expansion may seem odd for a feature effectively built to reel in people glued to social media apps on their phones, but it's easy to see the logic of a TV edition. Fast Laughs is ultimately a discovery tool for viewers who can't decide on something to watch. This could help you settle on a show relatively quickly when trailers (or Netflix's seemingly endless carousels) aren't enough.

Audi's 2024 vehicle lineup will have 5G connectivity

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 01:25 PM PST

A new wave of 5G-enabled cars are headed our direction. Audi is the latest automaker to announce it will offer 5G connectivity in select models of future cars. The German manufacturer announced today that select models of Audi vehicles, beginning in 2024, will be able to connect to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network. 

Drivers of the new Audi 5G lineup can expect a host of new features, including higher speeds to download or stream entertainment, an improved in-car navigation system with 3D mapping, cloud-based user-profiles and even the (arguably dangerous) ability to buy things in your car.

Just note that drivers will likely need to pay a subscription to access Audi's 5G in-car services. While Audi didn't disclose how much a 5G subscription would cost, the current Function On-Demand plan with 4G LTE in-car WiFi and navigation is $849 per year. 

The new 5G vehicles will also build on Audi's current crop of in-car connected services, including information on traffic lights and low-latency road alerts. This will likely mean an even faster and more detailed version of what Audi's 4G-enabled cars already offer. We've already seen current Audi models that offer integrated payment for toll roads and will alert drivers when they're near a school bus, cyclists, road crews and other obstacles.

Audi's 5G cars will also be equipped with mobile edge computing, which likely means better autonomous driving features since the cars will be able to react to data instantly. The tech industry has pushed for mobile edge computing on cars as a way to improve the safety of AV features. Edge computing will allow for real-time data processing, so cars can respond faster to other cars, infrastructure, and connected devices on the road.

The US is getting closer to the connected car future that major automakers like Audi, BMW, Volvo, Ford have pushed for. Roughly 60 percent of US drivers rode a connected vehicle in 2021, and that number is expected to grow to more than 70 percent by 2025, according to an eMarketer report. While drawbacks for drivers include the added costs of subscription plans and cybersecurity risks, many still enjoy the added safety and entertainment features.

Google says a fix is on the way for a Pixel 6 WiFi issue

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 01:10 PM PST

It seems some Pixel 6 users are continuing to have some connectivity problems. Following the February update, users have flagged WiFi problems on Google's support forums and Reddit. Thankfully, they may not have to wait much too longer for a fix.

The Pixel community team wrote on Reddit that a "very small number of devices" have been impacted by the WiFi connectivity issue and that the root cause has been found. The Pixel team has developed a fix for the problem, which will be deployed as part of the Google Pixel Update in March.

That should be welcome news to users who have resorted to finding workarounds for the problem. At least one person appears to have reset their Pixel 6 on the advice of Google support and, although that temporarily resolved their WiFi issues, the problem re-emerged, according to 9to5 Google. Other measures like resetting network settings or deleting a WiFi network from the device might have helped on a temporary basis too.

There have been other issues stemming from Pixel 6 updates. Google temporarily disabled the Hold for Me due to a bug in the December update, the rollout of which was also paused for many users over a problem with dropped calls. Here's hoping the March update will resolve the WiFi issues without introducing another bug.

China suggests it doesn't own the rocket debris poised to collide with the Moon

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 12:59 PM PST

Don't expect China to readily accept blame for the rocket debris expected to collide with the Moon on March 4th. SpaceNews and The Verge report Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin denied that the debris came from the 2014 Chang'e-5 T1 Moon mission. The upper stage of that rocket burned up "completely" in Earth's atmosphere, Wang said. He maintained that China's aerospace efforts were always in line with international laws, and that the country was determined to protect the "long-term sustainability" of outer space.

It's not clear China has the right rocket in mind, however. Astronomer Bill Gray, who pinned the expected collision on the Chang'e-5 T1 mission (after initially blaming SpaceX), believes Wang may have confused that with the 2020 Chang'e 5 mission. A US Space Force squadron claimed the T1 upper stage burned up in October 2015, but Gray noted that the squadron offered only one trajectory update for that rocket. The burn-up may have been assumed, not confirmed. NASA's JPL also believes the T1 booster is involved.

Whoever's responsible, the predicted crash will represent an unwanted milestone in spaceflight — a Moon crash from a spacecraft that wasn't meant to be there. The dispute over the debris' origins also reflects the difficulty of tracking space debris. While there are more advanced sensors for spotting debris in Earth orbit, deep space monitoring simply hasn't been a priority. The impending collision might change that focus, particularly with Moon missions like NASA's Artemis program on the horizon.

‘Fall Guys’ finally adds full cross-play support

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 12:35 PM PST

Last spring, Mediatonic added partial support for cross-platform play to Fall Guys. At the time, PlayStation and PC players could create custom lobbies to play against one another, and you would see people on other systems when matchmaking. But amidst all that, you could not form cross-platform parties. That's changing with the game's latest mid-season update.

Fall Guys now includes full cross-play support. Provided you and your friends have signed up for Epic Accounts and linked them to Fall Guys, you can start inviting one another to form parties. What's more, you can take part in all available playlists, including Squads, Duos and Main Show, while in a cross-platform group.

As part of today's update, Mediatonic also detailed Sweet Thieves, a new game mode coming to Fall Guys "in the very near future." The mode will see your bean cast as either a Thief or Guardian. As the former, you'll need to steal as many candy pieces as possible, while the latter will see you trying to locate and jail the Thieves. Mediatonic promised to share a trailer detailing the mode "very soon."

Volkswagen adds up to 20 miles of range to the 2022 ID.4

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 12:18 PM PST

Volkswagen has revealed the EPA-estimated ranges for the 2022 ID.4 lineup, and it seems the work the automaker has put in to make the EV more efficient has paid off. All versions have the same 82-kWh battery pack and output motors, and VW has improved the range of every version compared with last year's ID.4 models.

The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro has an EPA-estimated range of 280 miles, 20 miles more than the 2021 model. With an EPA-estimated range of 268 miles, the rear-wheel-drive Pro S has an increased range of 18 miles.

The increased ranges of the all-wheel-drive versions are more modest. The AWD Pro has an EPA-estimated range of 251 miles, while the AWD Pro S range is estimated at 245 miles. Those are increases of two miles and five miles of range, respectively, compared with the 2021 models.

VW attributes the increases to improved MPGe fuel economy. EPA estimates peg the RWD Pro and RWD Pro S as having combined city/highway driving fuel economy of 112 MPGe and 106 MPGe, which are increases of 13 MPGe and nine MPGe respectively. The EPA estimates that the fuel economy of the AWD Pro and Pro S have improved by four MPGe and two MPGe, respectively.

The automaker has also improved the DC fast charging capabilities on all 2022 models from 125 kW to 135 kW. Buyers will get three years of unlimited 30-minute fast charging sessions at Electrify America stations included at no extra cost. A Plug and Charge feature will allow drivers to plug in their car at an Electrify America station and automatically have it charge the battery and, if needed, their account. The feature will be available at a later date.

VW has increased the base price of all ID.4 models this year by $765. The RWD Pro starts at $40,760 and the Pro S is $45,260. For the AWD models, the Pro costs $44,440 and the Pro S starts at $48,940. The destination charge for each model is $1,195.

Tonga is back online after a five-week internet outage

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 11:08 AM PST

Five weeks after a volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami knocked out internet access on the archipelago, Tonga is once again connected to the web. On Tuesday, Digicel, one of the country's two main ISPs, said it had restored data connectivity on Tongatapu and Eua islands after the submarine Reliance completed repairs on the 514-mile fiber optic cable connecting the South Pacific nation to Fiji and the rest of the world. It took the underwater craft 20 days to replace a 57-mile section of the cable that had suffered multiple breaks.

However, not all of Tonga has internet access yet. The domestic cable that connects the main island of Tongatapu to its outlying neighbors suffered damage during the tsunami as well. Tonga Cable CEO James Panuve told Reuters it could take six to nine months to complete the necessary repairs, with a cable shortage delaying the work. "We don't have enough cable," he said.

The outage underscored just how precarious internet access can be for island nations and other remote communities. The fact it only took five weeks for Tonga to get back online is thanks to telecommunication companies from neighboring islands that shared cabling with the country when it ran out of its own supply.

GM is shutting down its in-car shopping app

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 10:47 AM PST

GM has told its customers it's shutting down the Marketplace app, which allowed drivers to pay for goods and services through the infotainment system. The app, which arrived in 2017, let them buy things like gas and coffee and make hotel and restaurant reservations via the dashboard. The company will wind down Marketplace starting in March.

"We routinely evaluate our services to ensure they provide the best experience for our members," GM told owners in an email. "In this spirit, we have decided to discontinue our Marketplace services."

The automaker brought the app to millions of its vehicles in the US, but it seems drivers didn't really take to it. According to CNBC, an engineer said that after the feature launched, the active user rates were in the "thousands."

TwitchCon San Diego returns October 7th

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 10:00 AM PST

Twitch has revealed more details about the return of in-person TwitchCon events this year. It already said that, all going well, it planned to hold events in Amsterdam and San Diego in 2022. The European edition is set to take place on July 16th and 17th, while TwitchCon San Diego will run from October 7th to October 9th.

Tickets will go on sale at a later date. Creators who want to be involved in things like Artist Alley, a cosplay contest, musical performances and a drag showcase at TwitchCon Amsterdam can apply now.

Both TwitchCon events that were scheduled for 2020 were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An online event took place instead.

Twitch says it will follow all local safety requirements in Amsterdam and San Diego as well as its "own judgment regarding the safety of the community." It hasn't confirmed whether all attendees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

A mischief of magpies defeated scientists' tracking devices

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 09:47 AM PST

While we humans can't agree where we stand on tracking devices, one group of birds assertively came out against the technology. In The Conversation, Dominique Potvin, an Animal Ecology professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, said he and his team recently witnessed a mischief of magpies display a rare cooperative "rescue" behavior when they attempted to track the birds.

As part of their study, Potvin's team developed a seemingly ingenious way of collecting data on a group of five magpies. They developed a lightweight but tough harness the birds could wear like backpacks and carry a small tracker with them as they went about their daily lives. They also created a feeding station that would wirelessly charge and download data from the trackers. It even had a magnet for freeing the birds of the harness. "We were excited by the design, as it opened up many possibilities for efficiency and enabled a lot of data to be collected," Potvin said.

Unfortunately, the study fell apart in mere days. Within 10 minutes of Potvin's team fitting the final tracker, they saw a female magpie use her bill to remove a harness off of one of the younger birds. Hours later, most of the other test subjects had been freed of their trackers too. By day three, even the most dominant male in the group had allowed one of his flock to assist him.

"We don't know if it was the same individual helping each other or if they shared duties, but we had never read about any other bird cooperating in this way to remove tracking devices," Potvin said. "The birds needed to problem solve, possibly testing at pulling and snipping at different sections of the harness with their bill. They also needed to willingly help other individuals, and accept help."

According to Potvin, the only other example they could find of that kind of behavior among birds involved Seychelles warblers who helped their flockmates escape from sticky Pisonia seed clusters. Visit The Conversation to read the full story.

Kia EV6 owners will get up to three years of (limited) free charging

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 09:30 AM PST

You might not have to pay to charge the Kia EV6 if you take it on a road trip — but you might want to dial back your expectations. Kia and Electrify America have launched a deal that gives EV6 buyers 1,000kWh of free charging at any of EA's US stations for up to three years. That offers around 3,500 to 4,000 miles of driving, depending on your model and road conditions.

The promo might be helpful if you're in a hurry. If you happen to find one of Electrify America's 350kW chargers, you can reach an 80 percent charge as quickly as 18 minutes.

As you might have guessed from the numbers, though, the deal isn't quite as sweet as it sounds. If you're driving the longest-ranged EV6, the 310-mile "Wind" trim, you'll get around 11 to 13 full charges before you start paying. That's fine for cross-country jaunts, but it won't help much if you're hoping to save money during your commutes. You might want to spring for the Ioniq 5 (which promises unlimited 30-minute charges for two years) if you want a Hyundai group EV without paying for frequent top-ups.

Nonetheless, this might be a useful offer. It could soften the initial blow of EV ownership, particularly if you're unsure about the costs of driving long distances. To some degree, it's also a competitive necessity — Tesla's Supercharger network is still larger than Electrify America's equivalent, and this may persuade you to buy the Kia if you were otherwise hesitant.

Bethesda will shut down its PC launcher in May

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 09:15 AM PST

Bethesda plans to shut down its PC games launcher later this year. Players will be able to move their games, DLC, virtual currency, in-game items and wallet balance to their Steam account. More specific details about the process will be revealed later.

Starting in April, you'll be able to move everything over to Steam, including friends lists. You might need to copy some save files to the Steam folder manually. Bethesda expects that nearly all save progress will be transferable. However, at least for the time being, Wolfenstein: Youngblood saves from the Bethesda launcher won't work on Steam.

Users can play games through the Bethesda launcher until some time in May. You'll still be able to transfer your data to Steam after that time.

Meanwhile, Bethesda.net accounts aren't going anywhere. You'll continue to use your account to log in to games that require it and you'll still be able to access it on Bethesda's website. Bethesda will continue to use the accounts in future titles.

Fallout 76 players should note that, as of April, their Fallout 1st membership won't renew automatically. They'll need to renew it on Steam once their membership expires. When they move to Steam, yearly members will instantly receive all Atoms they're due for the remainder of their membership.

Bethesda's parent company Microsoft already sells Xbox games through Steam. Bethesda's games are also available to buy via the Xbox app and many of them are included in Game Pass. For PC gamers, switching to Steam means having one fewer major game launcher to deal with and more of their games available in one place.

Facebook is pushing Reels into nearly every part of its app

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 09:00 AM PST

If there was ever any doubt about just how much of a threat TikTok poses to Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg recently cleared things up when he cited the competitor as the reason Facebook lost users for the first time ever. Now, the company is ready to push its TikTok clone into more parts of its social network as it tries to counter those declines.

The social network is officially launching "Facebook Reels," the Facebook-centric version of the feature that first launched on Instagram last year. The company has already been experimenting with Reels in Feed and encouraging users to cross-post their videos across the services for some time. But with the latest launch, Reels will be available as a standalone feature on Facebook in more than 150 countries.

Facebook will also be pushing Reels into even more parts of its app. In addition to placing Reels at the top of users' Feeds, the company will allow users to share Reels inside of Stories and enable users to turn Stories posts into Reels. Facebook Watch, which has typically focused on longer form video, will also host Reels content, as will Groups. And the company says it will start experimenting with recommending "suggested Reels" in some users' Feeds. In other words: Reels will be in just about every surface of Facebook where users typically view and share video.

The expansion will be a major test for the company, which has made competing with TikTok and luring more young adults to its platform a top priority. And Zuckerberg has made clear that he believes Reels is the best way to win over those users, many of whom are increasingly spending their time on TikTok rather than Facebook. During Meta's earnings call earlier this month, Zuckerberg said the company was "in the middle of a transition on our own services towards short form video like Reels."

Groups will also highlight Reels.
Facebook

To further incentive Reels creators, Facebook is also making monetization features available to more people. Monetization features currently include banner ads and sticker ads, but the company plans to start testing Stars, which allow fans to buy "gifts" for creators. The moneymaking tools could help the company differentiate from TikTok, which has recently been criticized for low creator fund payouts.

On the other hand, Facebook could still have a tough time standing out from its main competitor. Instagram has already had to discourage users from simply reposting old TikTok content as Reels. Reels also offers dramatically fewer editing and creative tools relative to TikTok, though Facebook now says it's working on additional features like the ability to save posts as drafts.

Positive Grid's tiny guitar amp is built for bedroom jam sessions

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 08:06 AM PST

Positive Grid's Spark amp is helpful for practicing musicians, but its size and heft haven't been practical if you've wanted to jam in the bedroom or otherwise venture beyond your studio. Thankfully, the company now has a portable option. Positive has unveiled a Spark Mini amp that promises the digital functionality of its larger sibling in a much smaller (roughly six inches across) design you can carry wherever you want to play. The 10W device doubles as a Bluetooth speaker and supposedly delivers "punchy" bass through a downward-facing boost — there's even a swappable grille to personalize the look.

The connected features remain the centerpiece. The Spark mobile app can automatically create backing tracks as you play, display the chords for any song (including slowdowns if you want to learn a segment) and deliver any of 10,000-plus free guitar tones. The Spark Mini includes 33 amp models, 43 effects, and a USB interface (on top of the virtually mandatory quarter-inch guitar input and eighth-inch aux inputs) to translate your performances to creative software. The battery is useful for up to eight hours.

Positive hasn't mentioned pricing for the Spark Mini, but it will be available to pre-order in March. It's safe to say the minuscule amp will cost less than its $299 full-size counterpart, potentially making it a better value if price and versatility matter more than raw power.

The best Apple Watch accessories you can buy

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 07:30 AM PST

It didn't take long for the Apple Watch to become perhaps the most ubiquitous wearable. Even more so than the iPhone, the Apple Watch is a device you can truly make your own with the right accessories. It is, after all, a watch, and like traditional timepieces it's meant to reflect your personal style. While the most obvious way to customize your Apple Watch is with funky bands, there are cases, stands, wireless chargers and other accessories you can buy that can inject a bit of you into all aspects of Apple Watch ownership. We tested out a bunch of Apple Watch accessories to see which are worth your money.

Spigen Thin Fit case

Spigen Apple Watch case
Valentina Palladino / Engadget

While plenty of us use cases to protect our smartphones from drops and scrapes, you may not think to do the same for your smartwatch. After all, a device that's literally strapped to your body isn't as prone to accidental drops as a device that moves in and out of your pocket all day. Chalk it up to me being clumsy, but I've knocked my Apple Watch on more door frames than I'd like to admit. For less than $25, a case is a good option if you don't want to take any chances with that $279-plus smartwatch on your wrist.

"Cases" are basically bumpers that surround the edges of the Apple Watch, and some of them even cover the screen. I personally prefer a bumper-style case because, if I'm going to cover the display, it'll be with a dedicated screen protector. Spigen's line of Apple Watch cases are solid and they come in two different levels of bulk. The Rugged Armor series has a shock-absorbent layer and raised bezels, making it especially well suited for those who prioritize protection over fashion. Spigen's Thin Fit series is more my speed: It sits flush against the Watch's display, but still gives you an extra layer of protection. You can even choose a color that matches your Watch to help it blend in. Two added perks of Spigen's cases are that they snap on quickly and easily, and they're quite affordable at around $14 a piece.

Buy Spigen Thin Fit at Amazon - $14

Zagg InvisibleShield screen protector

Zagg Invisible Shield Screen Protector
Zagg

If you don't want the extra bulk that comes with a case, a screen protector will give you at least a bit more of a safeguard than sporting a naked Watch. Zagg's InvisibleShield line is a reliable one that provides shatter protection, clarity and enhanced touch-sensitivity. When installed properly (Zagg gives you clear instructions and all the tools you need to do so), you'll probably forget you have a screen protector on your Watch. These blend in almost seamlessly with the Watch's hardware, and if you do accidentally ding the screen, the protector should take all of the damage.

Buy Invisible Shield screen protector at Amazon - $10

Anker Nano Pro 20W charger

Anker Nano Pro charger
Anker

The latest Apple Watches don't come with power adapters, so you'll have to dig one out of your drawer or get a new one to charge it up. Choosing the latter is probably best since Series 7 owners will get a new, USB-C-toting cable, so you'll need an appropriate adapter to get all of that fast-charging goodness. Anker's 20W Nano Pro is a good pick because it's compact and has a few safety features built in. Inside is a dynamic temperature sensor that helps prevent overheating, plus a power tuner chip that helps adjust output based on your device. That second feature is likely more important than the first if you're primarily using this tiny brick with your Apple Watch, but both will be handy if you ever need to use it with your iPhone. What's more, the Nano Pro can fast charge iPhone 13s, providing a 50-percent top-up in only 25 minutes, and you can get one that matches the color of your handset if you wish.

Buy Anker Nano Pro 20W at Amazon - $20

Apple MagSafe Duo charger

Apple MagSafe Duo charger
Apple

Apple makes one of the more elegant solutions to charging your iPhone and Apple Watch while traveling. The $129 MagSafe Duo has spaces to wirelessly charge both devices and folds up into a neat square when not in use. The Apple Watch pad flips upward as well, allowing you to use the gadget in Nighttime mode while it's charging. While this accessory does come with a USB-C to Lightning cable to provide power to the system, it does not come with an AC adapter so you will have to remember to pack your own.

Buy MagSafe Duo at Amazon - $129

Belkin Boost Charge Pro portable fast charger

Belkin Boost Charge Pro Portable Fast Charger for Apple Watch
Valentina Palladino / Engadget

Apple Watch chargers are a bit different than Lightning cables in the sense that you probably have only one of the former and many of the latter. Those who travel or commute often should consider getting a second Apple Watch charger, that way you're not stuck if you forget to pack your one and only before a long weekend trip. Belkin's Boost Charge Pro portable fast charger is a great option, particularly for those who have a Series 7. The square pad uses Apple's new fast-charging module, so it'll be able to power up the Series 7 from 0 to 80 percent in roughly 45 minutes.

You can simply sit your timepiece on the module to charge, but it also flips up so you can use the Watch in Nightstand mode while it's powering up on your bedside table. To support different Watch sizes and protective cases, the pad also has a dial on its underside that lets you adjust the height of the charging module. Plus, the attached USB-C cable that tucks away on the bottom of the pad is four feet long, giving you a bit more placement flexibility than other chargers.

The main drawback is its $60 list price, but those strapped for cash should consider Anker's version, which is very similar to Belkins and only $43. It won't fast-charge the Series 7, but it will power up the device just like it would a Series 6 or earlier. I also prefer how the attached USB-C cable coils up into the base on this one – it's a bit neater than Belkin's solution.

Buy Boost Charge Pro at Belkin - $60Buy Anker Foldable Charging Dock at Amazon - $43

Bellroy Compact Tech Kit

Bellroy Compact Tech Kit
Bellroy

You'll likely have your Apple Watch strapped to your wrist while traveling, but it's a good idea to have a pouch or case that can hold the gadget along with any accessories you need when you're not wearing it. Bellroy's Compact Tech Kit is an attractive option not only because of its minimalist design, but the multiple loops and pockets on the inside. It can easily hold your Apple Watch charging cable, an AC adapter and a few extra bands, and you'll still have space for things like AirPods, a Lightning cable for your iPhone and even a larger power adapter for your laptop. If you don't mind something a bit more utilitarian, Bagsmart's small travel organizer is a good option that also costs just $17.

Buy Compact Tech Kit at Bellroy - $55Buy Bagsmart small travel organizer at Amazon - $17

Apple Watch stands

Elago Apple Watch charging stand
Valentina Palladino / Engadget

If you want to use the Apple Watch's handy Nightstand mode while it's charging, I've found that Watch holders can make the experience much better. My Watch often topples over or rolls about when I simply trust it to sit on its side next to my bed, but that's easily fixed with a stand. Elago's stands may be simple, but they have a lot of personality, coming in colorful dome shapes and in the forms of retro tech. The biggest problem with them, particularly the dome stands, is that they can be prone to sliding around on your desk or nightstand if there's any tension on your charging cable. But they hold the Apple Watch well and, at under $15, they're affordable ways to inject more personality into your accessory game.

We previously recommended Spigen's $11 S350 stand as another basic option, but we'd now opt to upgrade to the PowerArc ArcField wireless charger. Coming in at $37, this one looks almost identical to the S350 stand but it comes with an Apple Watch charging module built in, plus an attached, 6.6-foot USB-C cable. It also comes with a few rubber pads of different heights, allowing you to adjust the stand to the right height based on your Watch's size and if you have a case protecting it. While it costs more than a standard silicone stand for your Apple Watch, it's worth it for the additional charging power – plus if it does become your main home charger, that frees up the charging cable that came with the Apple Watch to be your on-the-go option.

Buy Elago dome charging stand at Amazon - $10Buy Elago W6 charging stand (iPod) at Amazon - $13Buy Spigen PowerArc ArcField wireless charger at Amazon - $37

Apple Watch bands

Apple Watch bands
Valentina Palladino / Engadget

You probably made your way to this guide because you already have an Apple Watch that you're ready to deck out. But if you haven't made the purchase yet, consider using the Apple Watch Studio to customize the timepiece to your liking. Doing so will let you choose the precise band style and color you want, and there are definitely a few that are worth getting directly from Apple. Both the Sport Band and the Sport Loop are good basic options for everyday and exercise use, but you can find alternatives for much less elsewhere.

Apple's Solo Loop is a good one if you just want to slip your Watch on in the morning without worrying about notches or buckles — just make sure you get the right size when you order. I'm also partial to the Nike Sport Band because its carefully placed holes make it breathable and extra comfortable for working out. But if you want that one, you'll have to buy the Apple Watch Nike edition, which is just a regular Watch with the Nike+ Run Club app preinstalled.

But if you or your loved one already have an Apple Watch, it's easy to find additional bands across the web. When it comes to basic silicone straps, you can find packs of three to six bands for less than $20 but the quality may be questionable. Look for brands with many high ratings on Amazon if you insist on getting the best bang for your buck. You can also use FakeSpot's Amazon integration to get an idea for how trustworthy a product's reviews are.

A few reputable brands that make Apple Watch bands are Spigen, Elago and Casetify. Spigen's Silicone Fit band feels the most similar to Apple's Sport Band. The material is soft, comfortable and it's a hair thinner than Apple's. The biggest difference is that you'll pay around $10 for one of Spigen's bands as opposed to $50 for one of Apple's.

Buy Apple Watch bands (5 pack) at Amazon - $20Buy Spigen Silicone Fit band at Amazon - $10

Elago's Sport Bands are made of fluoro-rubber material, so they're a bit thicker and more substantial than Apple's standard silicone band. They also have traditional buckle closures, giving them a style that better transitions from workouts to workplaces. They are a good option if you like the simplicity of Apple's own bands but don't want to shell out $50 for one.

Casetify occupies the opposite end of the spectrum, offering printed and customizable Apple Watch straps that truly stand out. They come in metal, leather, silicone and recycled plastic and you can get as specific as you want. There are plenty of solid colors to choose from as well as dozens of floral and animal prints. Casetify also has trendy collaborations with Disney, Netflix's Squid Game and other pop-culture heavyweights, and even bands you can personalize with your recipient's name or initials. While Casetify's straps are on the expensive side, ranging from $40 to $72, it's a price worth paying if you absolutely must have a band that fits your style to a tee.

Buy Elago sport band at Amazon - $19Shop Casetify Apple Watch bands

Slack is struggling to get back to work (updated)

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 07:12 AM PST

A Slack outage has once again soured the start of the work day. Slack is reporting a partial failure that has affected many users starting around 9:30AM ET. Simply speaking, the chat service is "not loading" for some — if there was an important virtual huddle this morning, you might have missed it. Some of us at Engadget haven't had problems, but others have been locked out completely.

We've asked Slack for comment. In its status updates, Slack said it was "investigating" the problem and was working on a "full resolution."

Slack has had a few outages in the past two years. They've typically been short, and in at least one case was caused by an Amazon Web Services failure rather than Slack itself. Still, these disruptions aren't exactly minor in an era when virtual work is more important than ever — they may prompt companies to scramble for backups, and in some cases create very real headaches.

Update 2/22 2:54PM ET: Slack now says all services are back up and running, and you may need to reload the app if you still can't get back in. It hasn't yet detailed what went wrong.

NYC bill would ban grocery apps from promising 15-minute deliveries

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:54 AM PST

Grocery apps in New York City might have to tone down promises of ultra-fast deliveries. The New York Postreports city Councilman Christopher Marte plans to introduce a bill that will ban these apps from advertising 15-minute delivery times. The estimates encourage couriers to violate traffic laws and put people at risk, Marte said.

The bill should be ready within the next few weeks. It would be part of a larger legislation bundle tackling grocery apps. Marte said he was pressing for bills that would provide more benefits and protections to delivery workers, but hasn't shared more details.

The potential law comes as competition for fast deliveries heats up in New York. Services like Gorillas, Fridge No More and Jokr already boast of 15-minute delivery times, and DoorDash is piloting a similarly quick service in Manhattan. In many cases, the services manage speedy deliveries by shopping within a small radius and using full-time employees instead of gig workers.

However, they also follow a small but growing string of e-bike accidents in NYC. At least 20 people died in collisions linked to e-bikes in 2020. The bill won't guarantee the safety of delivery workers, but it might reduce the chances that they'll gamble with their health to arrive on time.

Samsung's Odyssey Neo G9 mini-LED gaming monitor is $500 off right now

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:30 AM PST

There are a number of ways you can make your PC gaming experience more immersive, and investing in a high-quality monitor is one of them. Samsung came out with the Odyssey Neo G9 mini-LED curved monitor last year for those who didn't want to spare any expense when building their rig. The 49-inch behemoth cost $2,500 at launch, but now it's $500 off again and back down to $2,000. That's a return to its Black Friday price, not to mention the lowest it's ever been.

Buy 49-inch Odyssey Neo G9 monitor at Amazon - $2,000

Given this is a mini-LED panel, you're getting super high contrast ratios and extra bright HDR performance. Samsung says the monitor has a black level of 0.0004, and it can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The screen has a 5,120 x 1,440 resolution, plus a 240Hz refresh rate with a 1ms pixel response time and support for NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. As far as connectivity goes, you're getting two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort and two USB 3.0 ports, and you'll be able to position the monitor however you like thanks to its swivel, tilt and height adjustments.

This monitor was meant for serious gamers, and those are the people who will get the most use out of it. But if you like the Odyssey lineup but don't want to drop $2,000 on a single monitor, a few other models are on sale right now, too. The 34-inch Odyssey G5 ultra-wide curved monitor is $120 off and down to a record low of $430. This WQHD IPS monitor came out in 2020 and has a 165Hz refresh rate, plus support for HDR10 and AMD FreeSync. You can also get the 32-inch Odyssey G3 ultra-wide curved monitor for $250, or 24 percent off, and the 24-inch Odyssey G3 vertical gaming monitor for $150, or 40 percent off its normal price.

Buy 34-inch Odyssey G5 monitor at Amazon - $430Buy 32-inch Odyssey G3 monitor at Amazon - $250Buy 24-inch Odyssey G3 monitor at Amazon - $150

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

Google Chrome will soon let you add new passwords manually

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:20 AM PST

Google Chrome hasn't been the greatest password manager, in part because you couldn't add passwords yourself — you've had to wait until the browser offered to do it for you. You might soon have reasons to reconsider, though. Android Policenotes the latest stable version of Chrome includes a buried flag (chrome://flags/#add-passwords-in-settings) that lets you manually add passwords. If you know you'll frequently sign into a bank or favorite store, you can add the credentials without having to visit that site first.

Reddit user Leopeva64-2 first spotted the manual password feature in Canary builds of Chrome at the end of 2021. The feature is common in other password managers, but this should still be welcome if you'd prefer to use Google's built-in functionality instead of installing software and extensions.

More recently, that same user noticed a Chrome Canary 101 feature that lets you add notes for passwords. This again isn't new for password managers, but could be vital if you want to remember the last time you changed a password or want a clue for any security questions. While this and the manual password function might take a while to reach easily accessible settings, they should be worth the wait if you rely on Google's password tools.

DJI Ronin 4D review: The most advanced cinema camera ever created

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:00 AM PST

DJI's announcement of the Ronin 4D last year shook things up with features never seen on a cinema camera. It had a full-frame sensor, up to 8K RAW video, one of the first vertical stabilization arms and a LiDAR system that can handle not only focus but gimbal control.

However, things have changed a bit recently. Most crucially, the Ronin 4D is no longer available with Apple ProRes RAW video now that it has gone on sale. Because of that, DJI has also lowered the base price of the 6K model from $7,200 to $6,800.

The Ronin 4D is not without other flaws like excessive weight and rolling shutter, too. Still, there's nothing else out there that can remotely rival its tech and design. DJI might be best known for drones, but is it actually the most innovative camera company in the world?

Design

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

The Ronin 4D is a complex product, so let's take a look at the features and design. First up is the "Zenmuse X9" mirrorless camera designed exclusively for the R4D. I'm testing the 6K version, but DJI plans to release an 8K model later on.

It has a full-frame 24-megapixel sensor and choice of three mounts: DJI's own DL mount, a Sony E-Mount, and the M-mount used for Leica rangefinder/mirrorless cameras.

DJI has three native lenses including 24mm, 35mm and 50mm models, all with f/2.8 maximum apertures. They're all pretty lightweight at 180 grams each as they're designed for gimbal use, and cost $1,199 each – very expensive for f/2.8 prime lenses.

You can also mount Sony and M-mount glass, but lenses have to be relatively small or you can't balance them correctly. That's not a huge limitation as it would be pretty unusual to use a telephoto lens on a gimbal.

You can even mount manual lenses and get autofocus via DJI's optional focus module controlled by the LiDAR system. Finally, it has an incredible nine ND filter levels that give you maximum exposure control, letting you crank open the iris even in bright sunlight.

The main camera gimbal has three axes of movement with quick-release locks for swift balancing. The standout feature, though, is the Z-arm that gives it the "4D" name – one of the first on a gimbal, according to DJI. It uses an internal balancing system combined with multiple motion detection sensors on the front and buttons that help it smooth out walking, running or other jarring vertical movements.

On the right side of the body you'll find HDMI, time code and DC power ports. On the left are switches to control power, recording, the main gimbal and the Z-axis, along with a multi-dial that controls focus by default. However, it can also be programmed for other functions like gimbal control.

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

For storage, you can use either a CF express card, external SSD over the USB-C port (much like recent Blackmagic cameras), or DJI's ProSSD module. The latter is a paid $799 upgrade, but required for high video frame rates. It's nice to have the three options, particularly the external SSD, but you can only record on one of those at a time – so there's no way to create a backup while recording.

The Ronin 4D has multiple removable modules, starting with the strong top handle. It's a good way to hold the camera if you want a low angle, so it's equipped with a rocker switch to adjust the gimbal (height only) and a button to put it in "sport" mode for quick movements. What it really needs is a record button, though, so you don't have to reach around to the side.

Attached to that handle is the 5.5-inch, 1,000 nit display that's the primary way to change camera and gimbal settings. It's easy to adjust the viewing angle thanks to the nice friction mount, and has a super-logical menu system similar to the one on Blackmagic's cameras.

It can be operated either via touch or with the 14 manual buttons and dial. Camera settings like f-stop and shutter speed are found along the top and bottom of the display. Power, media, gimbal and other controls are on the left.

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

Next up are the camera grips. Both attach via a quick-release lever, and you can change the angle to adapt to your working style with another clever lever – even while you're holding on to it.

The left grip has a joystick to move the main gimbal up and down or side to side, along with buttons for focus and gimbal tracking. The exposure button brings up the waveform, zebra and other tools depending on what you have selected, while the trigger button locks the gimbal or centers it with a double press. Finally, there's another sport mode button on the inside of the handle.

The right handle has a large wheel that's primarily used for focus, but also changes camera settings like the ND filter, shutter speed and iris when you hit the "mode" button. Doing that also ingeniously changes the wheel's operation from smooth to "clicky" with distinct detents. It also has a focus assist button and AF lock button, while the trigger either locks the Z arm or activates/deactivates it with a double press.

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

You also have the option to mount an optional $399 transmitter at the back that relays video to the High-Bright 7-inch, 1,500 nit remote monitor that's also optional ($1,699). It lets you not only view video but control many camera and gimbal functions from up to 20,000 away. To do that, you can remove the left and right grips normally used on the camera and attach them to the screen.

It can also record proxy video at up to 1080/60p via the built-in microSD card slot, though that function was not enabled in my review unit. However, I was able to record video to an Atomos Ninja V recorder via the HDMI port.

Also at back is the battery plate that uses DJI's TB-50 batteries. Those deliver 1-2 hours on a charge depending on operation, according to DJI, but I usually found they were good for just over an hour with active gimbal use.

Finally, the LiDAR focus module is attached above the camera and connected via a locking USB cable. With supported lenses, you get both autofocus and tracking – more on that shortly.

Operation

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

I was pretty intimidated by all these features to start with, thinking it would be a bear to learn the Ronin 4D. However, it was surprisingly easy to pick up the basic operation and then gradually learn the more granular controls. My photographer friends who helped me shoot the video found the same thing. 

Balancing the camera is easier than on any gimbal I've tried, as everything is right there in front of you. You just unlock each axis one at a time, unlock it using the quick release controls and slide the gimbal until it's balanced. Once that's set, DJI's "autotune" feature takes care of the fine balance.

You can then turn on the 4D Z-arm for walking or other situations where the gimbal may bounce, but it's by no means required for simple handheld operation. If you don't need it, keeping it shut off will save you some battery life. If you do use it, you'll need to balance for the smoothest operation, but that's easily done via an on-screen guide.

The gimbal can be set so that it always points the same way or ("locked") or set in "follow" mode to smoothly follow the operator's movement. In the latter mode, can set it follow only pan, pan and tilt, or pan, tilt and roll (FPV). The camera can be manually tilted or panned using the joystick, then centered using the C1 button or double pressing the left trigger.

The Z-arm has similar lock and follow modes, with "lock" keeping the camera in the same position. If you move the camera more than the arm's range of movement, though, you risk smacking the arm against its top or bottom stops. "Follow," again, allows the Z-arm to smoothly follow your movements.

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

The LiDAR focus system is impressive, and could be something we'll see on future cameras if they can shrink it down small enough. It works at a distance of around 33 feet by generating a real-time 3D point cloud.

You can choose between either manual focus, autofocus or assisted manual focus. AMF uses autofocus but also moves the manual focus dial. That way, you can take control by just grabbing the wheel, and give control back by releasing it.

There are three focus areas, or regions of interest as DJI calls them. The first is spot focus, the second is a wide box and the third is "smart" that detects faces or lets you draw a box to track objects.

Focus needs to be calibrated for each supported lens, but once set up, it's very accurate. Unlike standard autofocus systems, it can work in the dark. The biggest drawback compared to phase or contrast detect AF is that it focuses on the front of a scene, so someone's nose might be in focus but not their eyes.

You can even set up LiDAR autofocus with manual focus lenses using the LiDAR motor kit. That would normally require a geared cinema lens, but the kit comes with a geared belt you can wrap around other lenses that don't have that. I tested it briefly with a Sony 28mm f/2.0 lens (with the AF turned off) and found it was reasonably accurate, though it required multiple calibrations.

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

DJI has plenty of tools for manual focus, too, like peaking. But the best one is the LiDAR focus waveform that shows an object's shape and distance. After some practice, I was wondering how I ever managed to do manual focus without it.

One of the coolest features enabled by the LiDAR module is ActiveTrack Pro, similar to that found on DJI's Mavic 3 and other drones. That lets you lock onto a subject and have the gimbal track it while also maintaining autofocus. It automatically detects faces when in "smart" mode, and from there, you just press the track button on the right handle. That turns the yellow box into a green box, indicating that ActiveTrack is alive. You can track other types of subjects simply by drawing a box on them.

The feature works very well, keeping your subject framed exactly as you set it up. It tracks human subjects well even if you move behind or to the side of them. If something goes wrong, the framing can also be tweaked manually using the left trigger. It can get thrown if your subject moves too fast, though, as the camera can only pivot and tilt so quickly.

On the whole, the Ronin 4D delivers smoother footage than any comparable product I've tried – even over challenging terrain. The ActiveTrack Pro feature is particularly welcome, as it allowed me to take my eyes off the subject to see where I was going while still maintaining the desired framing.

DJI Ronin 4D review
ProRes RAW is not supported at launch
Steve Dent/Engadget

Finally, let's look at the video specs and quality. Originally, the Ronin 4D was announced with ProRes RAW along with ProRes HQ and H.264 10-bit recording. However, DJI announced that the RAW option would not be available at launch, even though it worked perfectly when I tested it. The company didn't say why, but the cinema camera company RED has a patent on that technology that all users must license.

Instead, it's shipping with Apple ProRes 4444 XQ. That's a very high quality codec, but it doesn't offer the advantages of ProRes RAW – particularly the ability to keep the original, pristine sensor data.

Both ProRes options do deliver good quality, but also gobble up storage quickly. The H.264 10-bit option is more efficient, but not very edit friendly – so it would be nice to have something in between those.

You can record up to 6K at 48 fps or 4K at 96 fps using the full width of the sensor, in all codecs. Anything above that, including 6K at up to 60 fps and 4K at 120 fps will introduce a Super 35 crop.

The Ronin 4D's 24.1-megapixel sensor has dual native ISOs at ISO 800 and 5000, with a claimed 14 stops of dynamic range. Image quality is right up there with other cameras I've tested lately, like the Panasonic S1H, Sony A7S III and Canon EOS R3.

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

In RAW mode with Log settings enabled, it delivers crisp, color accurate video that's easy to adjust in post. It's not quite as good in low-light as the EOS R3 or other recent mirrorless cameras, but video is usable up to around ISO 6400, up to ISO 12,800 if you're careful with exposure. Beyond that, noise can get excessive, particularly with highly saturated reds and blues.

The biggest drawback with the sensor is rolling shutter. While it's not worse than models with similar sensors like Panasonic's S1, it's excessive for a camera that's designed for movement. Another current issue is audio, as the 3.5mm mic jack isn't up to snuff for production needs. However, DJI is addressing that with an upcoming module with more production-friendly XLR inputs.

Considering that the Zenmuse X9 is DJI's first full-frame camera, the image quality is shockingly good overall. It might even make sense for DJI to release the camera separately in some form, as the Ronin 4D form factor isn't practical for non-gimbal shooting. That way, productions could more easily match up footage.

Wrap-up

DJI Ronin 4D review
Steve Dent/Engadget

In sum, the Ronin 4D is an impressive piece of technology that could change the way producers think about handheld shooting. DJI has created a new product class and invented technology like LiDAR-powered ActiveTrack Pro and assisted manual focus. At the same time, it delivers full-frame image quality with no compromises, apart from the rolling shutter.

So is DJI the most innovative camera company right now? I haven't seen anything else that can match the level of technical innovation on the Ronin 4D. It's even hard to compare the Ronin 4D to other products, because it essentially has no peers. And for a first-generation product, the design and build quality is astonishingly good.

With a $6,800 price tag (and more like at least $8,000 properly kitted out), the Ronin 4D is a pretty niche product – though it's easily worth that price. Even if it doesn't sell widely, though, it's a technical tour de force that has put other camera manufacturers, cinema and otherwise, on notice. If DJI keeps innovating at its current pace, that sleepy world could get a lot more interesting.

Spotify's Car Thing is now available in the US, no invite required

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 05:30 AM PST

Spotify's Car Thing, a dedicated player for the streaming service, first debuted last April after breaking from cover nearly two years prior. Back then, you needed to be part of a select few to get one. In October, the company expanded its invite list for all users in the US, but there was still a queue to wait in. Today, Spotify announced that the Car Thing is available for anyone in the States to purchase directly from the company. The device is $89.99 and requires a Premium subscription for you to be able to use it in your car, but you no longer need an invite to buy it.

As a refresher, Car Thing essentially a Spotify box for most cars — so long as you have an aux jack or Bluetooth connectivity. You'll also need easy access to a power source for the player. Car Thing then connects to your phone via Bluetooth and acts as a touch-screen controller for the Spotify app, just in a more car-friendly form. 

There are plenty of easy to navigate menus, all of your favorites and a slew of convenient controls — including programmable preset buttons, a rotating dial and the company's own voice assistant. Think of it as one of those satellite radio receivers from the early aughts, only designed for the streaming age. It's built for die-hard users of the service, and it frees up your phone screen to stay on Waze or Google Maps even when you're scrolling over to another podcast. 

If you're interested in taking the leap, Car Thing is now available to purchase directly from Spotify.

OpenSea faces $1 million lawsuit over stolen Bored Ape NFTs

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 05:30 AM PST

A man who unknowingly sold his Bored Ape NFT for a pittance is suing OpenSea, claiming it knew about a flaw in its platform that allowed hackers to buy unlisted NFTs at a fraction of the market price, decrypt has reported. Timothy McKimmy alleged in a complaint that he didn't even list his Bored Ape #3475 for sale, but a hacker managed to buy it for just .01 ETH ($26) and turn around and sell it for 99 ETH ($250,000 at current prices). 

The Ape is one of 10,000 limited edition Bored Ape Yacht Club primate NFTs, and supposedly in the top 14th percentile in terms of value, McKimmy said in the lawsuit. He noted that it's significantly rarer than one recently purchased by Justin Bieber for $1.3 million. Thus, he's seeking "the return of the Bored Ape... and/or damages over $1 million." 

Moreover, he claims that OpenSea knew about the bug that was widely reported in the media, but refused to halt trading. "Instead of shutting down its platform to address and rectify these security issues, Defendant continued to operate," he said in the complaint.

McKimmy was a victim of the "inactive listing" exploit on OpenSea that saw multiple users lose up to $1.8 million in NFTs. OpenSea has reportedly been approaching some victims to settle, offering them a lower price than their NFT may be worth, according to decrypt. 

The lawsuit may not be the last it faces over the inactive listing hack, as a law firm is reportedly soliciting complaints from other OpenSea users. The platform is also facing a separate phishing campaign that resulted in theft of NFTs, but OpenSea said that that didn't arise from any platform vulnerability. 

Sony reveals its PlayStation VR2 headset

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 05:15 AM PST

Sony has today showed off the full and finished design of the PlayStation VR2 headset, as well as updated shots of the VR2 Sense controller. PlayStation SVP Hidekai Nishino explains over on the PlayStation blog that the matching design of both headset and controller are designed to represent the 360-degree view of the virtual world. He added that the look and feel was crafted to feel more congruent with the PlayStation 5's overall vibe, albeit in a more softer, body-friendly manner.

Nishino writes that a big focus was on ergonomics, and that the initial feedback from testers has been positive. In addition, there is a new lens adjustment dial to help users ensure good eye comfort, as well as new ventilation to improve airflow. He ended by saying that the new unit has a "single cord set up" which should make getting things up and running a little easier than with the original PSVR.

Sadly, there's no word on if this will have a knock-on effect with the pricing, or anything else, but for now we'll just sit contentedly staring at the must-have gadget of, uh, whenever it arrives.

The Sony PlayStation VR2 virtual reality headset and controllers.
Sony
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