Tuesday, May 3, 2022

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Apple sues chip startup for alleged theft of trade secrets

Posted: 02 May 2022 03:17 PM PDT

Apple has accused a company of stealing its trade secrets. In a complaint filed Friday, the tech giant claims Rivos, a "stealth-mode" startup based out of Mountain View, California, led a recent "coordinated campaign" to poach employees from Apple's chip design division.

According to Reuters, the first publication to report on the lawsuit, Apple alleges at least two former employees took gigabytes of confidential data with them to Rivos. Among the information those individuals allegedly stole are presentations that detail unreleased chip designs, reports Bloomberg.

"Apple has reason to believe that Rivos instructed at least some Apple employees to download and install apps for encrypted communications (e.g., the Signal app) before communicating with them further," the company says in the complaint. We've reached out to Apple for comment.

Should the case move forward, it's likely to draw a significant amount of attention, much like Waymo's suit against Uber for stealing confidential information about its self-driving technology did in 2017. After years of litigation, that case ended with Uber agreeing to settle for $245 million, and with a court sentencing Anthony Levandowski, the engineer at the center of the dispute, to 18 months in prison before former President Donald Trump issued a pardon.

Google's latest Pixel 6 and 6 Pro update fixes weak haptic feedback for notifications

Posted: 02 May 2022 02:10 PM PDT

Google's recent Pixel software updates haven't always landed flawlessly. At the end of last year, for instance, the company was forced to pause the release of an OTA after reports that the software caused the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to drop calls. More recently, the March update introduced an issue that left the company's latest phones producing much weaker notifications when you got a notification. Many Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners complained after Google released the update, noting that no matter what they set their phone's haptic feedback to, they would miss calls and emails because they couldn't feel their device vibrating.

On Monday, Google began rolling out the May Pixel software update. It includes a fix for the vibration issue. "Improvements for haptic feedback under certain conditions and uses cases," the company writes on its community website. The update resolves two other issues that affect all recent Pixels devices. The first involves a bug that had caused those phones to wake their displays without any input. The second solves a problem that could crash the Pixel launcher after you restarted your device. The update also includes the latest Android security patch from Google.

According to Google, it will roll out the May 2022 update to all eligible Pixel devices in the coming weeks. If you're feeling adventurous, you can attempt to install the software on your phone by manually sideloading it. Just note that flashing a device always comes with a degree of risk.

Facebook will shut down its podcast service on June 3rd

Posted: 02 May 2022 01:21 PM PDT

Facebook's podcast offerings are vanishing just a year after they launched. Parent company Meta has confirmed to Bloomberg that it will wind down podcasting, Soundbites and its general audio hub. It will no longer let podcasters add shows to Facebook as of this week, and will remove them entirely on June 3rd. The hub and Soundbites will close sometime in the "coming weeks," while Live Audio Rooms will fold into Facebook Live. 

A Meta spokesperson characterized the move as a matter of concentration. The move will help Meta "focus on the most meaningful experiences," according to the representative.

There were hints in recent weeks that Meta was losing interest in podcasts and shifting attention to hotter products like Facebook's main feed and Instagram's Reels. There was a good response to audio services, a Meta spokesperson told Bloomberg in mid-April, but the news outlet's sources said the social media firm was more interested in highlighting the metaverse and shopping when talking to podcast partners. Simply speaking, Meta's interests in conquering AR, VR and rivals like TikTok may have pulled its attention away from audio.

Facebook also has fiercer competition in the sound-only realm. Podcast app operators like Apple and Spotify were already major threats, but there was also a flood of efforts to mimic Clubhouse in 2021. Meta had to pit Facebook's services against the likes of Twitter Spaces and Reddit Talk. There was no guarantee Facebook would stand out in this market, even with a well-known name and massive resources at its disposal.

Netflix cancels Meghan Markle animated series ‘Pearl’

Posted: 02 May 2022 12:55 PM PDT

Netflix is tightening its purse strings after a drop in subscribers. Deadline reported that the streaming platform canceled production on Pearl, an animated series created by Meghan Markle, before it was even finished. The project was a part of a multi-year production deal that Markle and Prince Harry signed with Netflix back in 2020. The animated family series followed a 12-year girl as she learned about influential women throughout history. The show is only the latest casualty in a recent series of cost-saving measures by the streamer, including firing most of the writing staff for its fan site project and canceling the show Space Force. It also axed two other animated children's series, Dino Daycare and Boons and Curses, reportedPeople.

Netflix confirmed to CNBC that the cancellation of Pearl is a part of strategic decisions it is making around animated series. The platform has invested heavily in animation since 2018, and was projected by Loup Ventures to spend $5 billion on original animated content this year. But the company's boomtown mentality appears to have shifted, at least for now.

The company's market value dropped a staggering $60 billion after a disappointing first-quarter earnings call last month. The streamer lost roughly 200,000 subscribers in the first few months of 2022, its first decline in nearly a decade. A number of factors led to the drop, including competition from rival platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, halting service to Russia and widespread password sharing.

Deadlinereported that a number of projects through Archwell Productions — the production company owned by Markle and Prince Harry — are still in the works, including a docuseries on the Invictus Games.

Watch Rocket Lab try to capture a booster in mid-air with a helicopter

Posted: 02 May 2022 12:30 PM PDT

Rocket Lab is trying something different during today's launch of Electron, its reusable rocket. The space company will attempt a mid-air capture of Electron's first stage as it plummets back to Earth. In order to do this, Rocket Lab is deploying a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, a twin-engine helicopter that can seat 19 people and is often used for military or presidential purposes. While recovery missions for rocket stages are uncommon — most end up on the ocean floor — the company's goal is to create a truly reusable rocket that will allow for more frequent launches.

Rocket Lab has recovered boosters three times in the past, first in November 2020 with a parachute, followed by two sea recoveries in May and November 2021. But this will be the first mid-air retrieval of a booster with a helicopter. Space X — the only other space company that has successfully recovered its boosters— usually relies on drone ships.

Electron is scheduled for lift-off on May 2nd at 6:35PM ET from New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula, Roughly two and a half minutes after launch, the first and second rocket stages will separate. The first stage, outfitted with a parachute and a heat shield to protect it from the harsh forces of the atmosphere, will then descend back to Earth. The helicopter at this point will then hook on to the parachute and recover the booster.

You can watch a live webcast of the launch (and hopefully, the subsequent recovery) below on Rocket Lab's YouTube channel. 

VW and BP will install thousands of fast EV chargers at gas stations in Europe

Posted: 02 May 2022 12:20 PM PDT

VW and BP know they'll both have to embrace electric vehicles, and they're ready to work together to ease some of the transitional pain. Autoweekreports the two companies are teaming up to install thousands of VW's Flexpole 150kW fast EV chargers at gas stations in Germany and the UK. Within two years, there will be as many as 2,000 charging units (4,000 charge points) in place at BP stations in the UK and Aral locations in Germany.

The expansion should help BP expand its charging network to 8,000 connections by the end of 2024. Not surprisingly, the locations of the new chargers will be available through both in-car apps in VW group cars (including Seat and Skoda) as well as VW's Elli charging app. The two firms also promise to explore "further opportunities" in eco-friendly transportation.

While the Flexpole chargers are quick and can deliver nearly 100 miles of charging in 10 minutes, their true appeal might be their flexibility. As they use battery storage, they can operate on low-voltage grids — it's easier to install them at gas stations and other sites where high voltage might not be an option.

This isn't an altruistic move, of course. VW has been ramping up its electrification plans and now expects 70 percent of its sales to be EVs by 2030 — it needs an extensive charging network if customers are going to buy these vehicles in droves. BP, meanwhile, is trying to shed its reputation as an oil and gas giant in favor of becoming an "integrated energy company." A partnership like this could help BP transition gas stations to EV charging more gracefully than it might on its own.

Amazon workers at second Staten Island warehouse vote against unionization

Posted: 02 May 2022 11:56 AM PDT

Amazon won't have to contend with two unionized warehouses in the US, at least for the time being. Workers at the company's LDJ5 facility in Staten Island have voted overwhelmingly against unionization. Of the 1,633 employees who were eligible to cast a ballot in the election, 618 said no to unionization and only 380 workers voted in favor of the bid. There were no contested ballots. In the end, 61 percent of eligible workers voted.  

"We're glad that our team at LDJ5 were able to have their voices heard," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel told Engadget following the vote count. "We look forward to continuing to work directly together as we strive to make every day better for our employees."

The failed vote comes after the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), led by former employee Christian Smalls, won a historic victory at the start of the month at JFK8, a facility just across the street from LDJ5. Despite its initial upset victory against the country's second-largest employer, Monday's defeat is likely to slow momentum for the ALU. Going into the election, there was hope a second victory would help build momentum toward a nationwide labor movement, but the union had to overcome some of the same obstacles it ran into at JFK8.

Following that vote, Amazon reportedly intensified its anti-union efforts. The ALU told Motherboard the company mandated daily anti-union meetings at LDJ5 and began distributing literature that attempted to cast the organization in a negative light. "Right now, the ALU is trying to come between our relationship with you," Amazon said on a website it launched to discourage workers from voting in favor of unionization. "They think they can do a better job advocating for you than you are doing for yourself."

Following the vote, the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency that oversaw the election, said both parties have until May 9th to file objections. The Amazon Labor Union told Vice News it would contest the result. Moving forward, the ALU has a tough road ahead of itself. Amazon recently challenged the JKF8 result, alleging that the group pressured workers into voting to organize. The company has called for a redo of the election.  

Update 5:19PM ET: Added comment from Amazon. 

Peacock's latest update includes a 'Key Plays' feature for Premier League games

Posted: 02 May 2022 11:32 AM PDT

Alongside the news that Peacock will begin streaming Lionsgate movies in 2024, NBCUniversal announced a new update for the platform. The next time you open the app on your TV, you'll notice the company has moved the navigation bar to the left-hand side of the interface. 

Peacock UI update
NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal says the tweak will help users more quickly and easily access all the content you can find on Peacock. At the same time, the company has refreshed the browser interface so that every catalog entry includes a synopsis and trailer. You can also start watching something without leaving the page.

But the most significant change is the addition of a feature called Key Plays tied to Peacock's offering of Premier League games. When you start watching a match late, the platform will show highlights so that you can quickly catch up with what happened on the pitch before you tuned in. Ultimately, it's not the most exciting update, but if you find yourself using Peacock frequently, you'll appreciate the improvements all the same. 

Meta's Project Cambria VR headset likened to 'a laptop for the face'

Posted: 02 May 2022 11:10 AM PDT

Meta plans to release a new high-end virtual reality headset this year, which is codenamed Project Cambria. Some more details about the product, as well as Meta's VR headset roadmap, have emerged in a report.

Cambria has been described internally as a "laptop for the face" or "Chromebook for the face," according to The Information. It's believed to have specs similar to that of a Chromebook and will use Meta's own VR operating system, which is based on Android. It's expected to be compatible with web-based tools and services, as well as some Quest apps. However, despite Meta pitching Cambria as a future-of-work device, it may not be able to run native desktop apps that are commonly used by many businesses.

Cambria is said to have high-resolution image quality. This could allow wearers to clearly read text, so they'd be able to send emails or code while wearing the headset. In other words, it may be viable for professional purposes.

Cambria will provide wearers with a view of their surroundings using outward-facing cameras. This feature, called full-color passthrough, will allow for mixed-reality experiences. When it announced Cambria in October 2021, Meta said the headset will include eye-tracking and facial expression recognition features. Users' avatars in the likes of Horizon Worlds and Workrooms will reportedly mirror their expressions and where they're looking.

The headset is believed to be heavier than Quest 2 due to a larger battery. However, it appears this is positioned at the rear for better balance.

Cambria will reportedly hit shelves around September and will cost over $799. It was originally earmarked for release last year, according to the report, but it was delayed due to supply chain issues and other complications brought on by the pandemic.

Looking ahead, Meta is said to have three other headsets it plans to release within the next few years as it presses forward with its metaverseambitions. The Information suggests Meta will release Quest headsets in both 2023 and 2024, as well as a successor to Cambria, currently codenamed Funston, in 2024. Additionally, it was recently reported that Meta plans to release its first augmented reality glasses in 2024.

Peacock begins next-day streaming of Bravo shows

Posted: 02 May 2022 10:35 AM PDT

Next-day streaming of Bravo shows is coming to Peacock earlier than expected. Starting today, Peacock Premium subscribers can watch new episodes of select shows – including Top Chef, Below Deck and The Real Housewives of Atlanta – one day after their network debut, with the entire Bravo catalog becoming available for next-day streaming in September. Additionally, Peacock will offer full access to past seasons of Bravo shows.

NBCUniversal says the move will help it grow the Bravo brand. According to the company, a "significant" number of US adults don't have access to the network's linear channel. And while it already offered Bravo shows through Peacock, there was a much longer gap previously between when they debuted on TV and made their way to the streaming platform. The move also falls in line with Comcast's strategy to grow Peacock. When the company recently announced the platform ended 2021 with 9 million subscribers, it said it would shift resources from some of its linear channels to maintain Peacock's growth trajectory.

Peacock will start streaming Lionsgate movies like 'John Wick 4' in 2024

Posted: 02 May 2022 09:53 AM PDT

Peacock has signed a multiyear deal to stream Lionsgate movies, starting in 2024. The agreement starts with the studio's 2022 slate and the first film that will reach Peacock as part of the deal is The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which stars Nicolas Cage.

Other Lionsgate movies that will eventually end up on Peacock for an exclusive streaming period include John Wick: Chapter 4, Borderlands and Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The deal also covers Expendables 4 (or, ugh, Expend4bles), Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret and White Bird: A Wonder Story.

Peacock won't be the first to get its hands on these films, however, as they'll ping pong between various platforms in the coming years. They'll initially stream on Starz, and then for a while they'll be available to watch for free on The Roku Channel.

Also on Monday, Peacock announced that three movies from its NBCUniversal sibling Universal Pictures will debut as streaming exclusives in 2023. They include The Killer, John Woo's remake of his own classic 1989 thriller. Also on the way are Praise This (which stars Chloe Bailey) and Shooting Stars, a LeBron James biopic covering his years as a high school basketball player.

Optoma’s UHD55 projector delivers 4K output and 3,600 lumens for $1,799

Posted: 02 May 2022 09:25 AM PDT

Optoma has unveiled a new lamp-based DLP projector that delivers 4K output and a peak brightness of 3,600 lumens. With a claimed contrast ratio of 1,200,000:1, the company says the UHD55 is suitable for daytime use as long as there's no natural or artificial light falling directly on your wall or projection screen. There's no mention of Dolby Vision support, but it does offer HDR and HLG compatibility. With its shutter enabled, the UHD55 covers 97 percent of the DCI-P3 wide color gamut.

It also comes with 3D support in side-by-side, top and bottom and frame sequential modes. You can expect to get up to 15,000 hours of use from the included bulb if you use the projector's built-in Dynamic Black mode. Provided you have the space to accommodate it, the UHD55 can project a 300-inch image.

A dedicated gaming mode limits input lag to below 16 milliseconds at 4K, but the UHD55 is more of a PC gaming projector than a console one. It doesn't feature an HDMI 2.1 port, limiting its ability to refresh a 4K image at 60Hz. However, connected to a PC, the UHD55's two HDMI 2.0 ports with HDCP 2.0 support a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p. Input lag is also reduced to 4 milliseconds or less. Other notable features include Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility and built-in IFTTT support. The UHD55 is available to purchase starting today for $1,799.

Sony's Quantum Dot OLED TVs will start at $3,000

Posted: 02 May 2022 09:13 AM PDT

Sony has divulged the pricing for its 2022 Bravia 4K and 8K TVs, and it won't surprise you to hear that the cutting-edge models will command a premium. Most notably, the Quantum Dot OLED-based Bravia XR Master A95K series (pictured above) will start at $3,000 for a 55-inch model, and climb to $4,000 for a 65-inch set. Both 4K screens will be available to pre-order in June. They certainly aren't the most expensive TVs you can buy, but you're clearly paying extra for the larger QD-OLED color range, the flexible stand setup and bundled video chat camera.

Most of the remaining TVs are decidedly more affordable. If you prefer mini-LED to OLED, the X95K series will begin at $2,800 for a 65-inch 4K panel and climb to $5,500 for the 85-inch variant. They'll be available to pre-order this summer. You also have lower-priced conventional OLED options. The compact, gaming-friendly A90K (with pre-orders in July) will cost $1,400 for a 42-inch display and $1,500 for its 48-inch counterpart (June). Opt for the larger A80K and you'll pay between $2,000 and $3,800 for sets ranging from 55 to 77 inches, with most pre-orders beginning this month. The 'entry' LED-based X90K will cost $1,400 for a 55-inch model and top out at $3,300 for 85 inches, with most pre-orders also starting in May.

And yes, 8K is still expensive at Sony. You'll pay $7,000 for a 75-inch Z9K, and $10,000 for the 85-inch equivalent. Both are mini-LED TVs and will include the camera from the A95K when pre-orders open in the summer.

There's no doubt Sony's OLED sets will seem pricey compared to some LG and Samsung models. However, it's evident Sony is betting its image quality and design touches will motivate you to spend more. We'd add that it's one of the few high-end brands to base its lineups around Android TV and Google TV. If you're not fond of webOS (LG) or Tizen (Samsung), this may be your best bet.

Paid Telegram features appear in latest beta

Posted: 02 May 2022 09:03 AM PDT

Telegram appears to be testing the waters for another way to generate revenue. The latest beta version of the iOS app includes reaction emoji and stickers that users will only be able to unlock if they subscribe to Telegram Premium — a service that's not currently available.

Anyone who selects these stickers or emoji in the beta is nudged to join Telegram Premium, Android Police reports. It seems users who receive one of the premium reactions won't see it until they sign up as well. The reactions include the likes of a sobbing duck.

No other details about Telegram Premium have been revealed as yet. Nor has Telegram officially announced the service. Founder Pavel Durov has been clear about the need for the messaging app to make money. In December 2020, he announced Telegram would start serving ads in public channels the following year. He also mentioned plans to add premium features aimed at enterprise and power users.

Telegram has long been adamant that it won't start charging for existing features. It remains to be seen what shape Telegram Premium takes or even if the company will actually release paid features for everyday users.

Apple Music arrives on Roku streaming devices, smart TVs and speakers

Posted: 02 May 2022 08:05 AM PDT

Apple Music will be available on the Roku platform starting today. You'll be able to stream music from the service on any Roku device, including streaming devices, Roku-powered TVs and speakers and soundbars (such as Roku Streambar Pro).

Not only will this be useful for Apple Music subscribers who already have Roku devices, the move could help Apple find more subscribers who might be put off by the likes of Spotify. Newcomers will be able to sign up to Apple Music through the app, which is available in the Roku channel store. After a one-month trial, the service costs $10 per month.

Subscribers get access to a library of more than 90 million songs and 30,000 curated playlists. They can also watch music videos in 4K, check out original shows and concerts and stream Apple Music Radio.

Apple Music is landing on Roku three years after it hit Fire TV and almost as long since its Android app gained Chromecast support. Roku will now have most of the major music streaming services on its platform. It already offered access to the likes of Spotify, Amazon Music and Tidal.

Grindr location data was reportedly for sale for at least three years (updated)

Posted: 02 May 2022 07:53 AM PDT

Grindr's past willingness to share sensitive data may have been more problematic than previously thought. The Wall Street Journalunderstands precise Grindr user location data was collected from the online ad network MoPub (once owned by Twitter) and put on sale through its partner company UberMedia (now UM) since "at least" 2017. The LGBTQ dating app curbed the practice when it limited location data collection in early 2020, but there's a possibility that legacy information might still be available.

An anonymous former senior employee speaking to the Journal claims Grindr initially didn't believe sharing location data with marketers posed privacy issues. Ad execs reportedly told the company that real-time bidding, or displaying ads based on a user's immediate location, was transforming the industry.

Grindr told the Journal in a statement that its 2020 policy change meant it shared less data with advertisers than "any of the big tech platforms" and most dating app rivals, although it didn't address historical info. Twitter said UberMedia was held to MoPub's data use restrictions at the time, while UberMedia's current owner Near said "thousands of entities" have access to data shared in the real-time bidding system. It challenged concerns that location data without direct personal information could help trace individuals.

Near's claim isn't necessarily true, however. Catholic publication The Pillarsaid it used sold Grindr data to track usage and ultimately oust a senior church official. There are also fears that countries with anti-LGBTQ laws could use Grindr locations to arrest the app's users — Grindr restricted location features during the Beijing Winter Olympics precisely to prevent this kind of abuse with athletes. The US forced Grindr's Chinese owner Kunlun to sell the company by mid-2020, in part over worries China's government might misuse personal info for American citizens.

The company's own practices were also under scrutiny at the time. It reportedly shared HIV statuses with app optimization firms, and Kunlun's Chinese engineers had access to a database of sensitive info for months. Security was also an issue. One vulnerability permitted an outside app to collect exact locations, while another let intruders hijack accounts using only an email address. Simply put, Grindr wasn't as conscious of its data handling as it apparently is now.

Update 5/2 12:15PM ET: Grindr reiterated its statement to Engadget and pointed to a blog post defending its practices since improving privacy in 2020, calling the Journal story "old news." You can read the full statement below.

"Grindr users value privacy, and we have put our users' privacy first even when it meant lower revenue. The activities that have been described would not be possible with Grindr's current privacy practices, which we've had in place for two years."

The best gifts for grads under $50

Posted: 02 May 2022 07:30 AM PDT

Gifting can be difficult at any time, but it's been particularly hard over the past couple of years. You may still be working with a tight budget, but you also want to give that grad in your life something that can help make the transition to post-school life a bit easier (and more fun). The tech gifts that come to mind immediately — iPhones, smartwatches, game consoles and the like — are not exactly budget-friendly. But there are handy gadgets out there that won't drain your wallet completely. Here's Engadget's list of the best tech gifts under $50 for new graduates.

Anker Nano Pro 20W

Anker Nano Pro 20W
Anker

Anker's latest 20W charger will be a handy gift for any grad. More often than not, the new gadgets we buy today don't come with AC adapters, so having an extra on hand can't hurt. The Nano Pro can fast-charge the latest iPhones to 50 percent in only 25 minutes, plus it's smaller than Apple's own 20W adapter. It also has advanced features like a Dynamic Temperature Sensor, which keeps the charger from overheating, and a power tuner chip, which adjusts power output depending on the connected device. It may not be the trendiest graduation gift, but it's one that your grad will likely take with them to work, on vacations and elsewhere.

Buy Nano Pro 20W at Amazon - $20

Google Chromecast with Google TV

Aa Chromecast with Google TV plugged into the back of a TV.
Google

Whether they're still mooching off their parents' subscriptions, or have finally sprung for their own Netflix account a streaming device is a great gift for a recent grad. The latest Chromecast with Google TV makes the original Chromecast experience much better by adding a physical remote to the mix, along with the new Google TV interface. The remote makes it easier to navigate and the on-screen menus, and the software will serve up TV and movie recommendations based on subscriptions you have. The Chromecast with Google TV supports services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max and more, and it'll stream in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Plus, you can still cast even more content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV.

Buy Chromecast with Google TV at Walmart - $50

8Bitdo Pro 2

An overview photo of the 8BitDo Pro 2 gaming controller lined up neatly next to a variety of compatible game platforms.
8BitDo

We've been fans of 8Bitdo's affordable, multi-platform controllers for quite some time, and the new, $50 Pro 2 is no exception. You can use it with the Nintendo Switch and on Windows, macOS, Android and Raspberry Pi, and you're able to map functions to buttons using its companion smartphone app. The Pro 2 also adds new bumper buttons under each arm, something the previous version did not have. In general, 8Bitdo's controllers are more ergonomic than, say, relying on a keyboard and mouse when playing PC games. They're also a dramatic improvement over the Switch's Joy-Cons which, if we're honest, aren't the most comfortable controllers to use for long stretches of time. The Pro 2 charges up via USB-C, but you can also remove the battery pack and replace it with AA batteries if you know you won't be able to charge up frequently.

Buy 8Bitdo Pro 2 at Amazon - $50

RavPower 16,750mAh portable charger

RAVPower 16,750mAh portable charger
RAVPower

A portable changer is truly a gift that keeps on giving and RavPower's 16,750mAh brick is strong enough to charge up smartphones and tablets alike. That's enough to top off your iPhone 11 Pro Max 2.5 times or an iPad Air once. It has two iSmart output ports so you can power up two devices simultaneously, and its indicator lights will give you an idea of the brick's remaining power level. Even with a larger-than-average capacity it's surprisingly compact, measuring 5 x 3.15 x .9 inches, and its built-in flashlight can help you find lost items in a pinch.

Buy portable charger at RavPower - $36

2022 Tile Mate

2022 Tile Mate
Tile

While we often recommend AirTags to Apple users to keep track of their things, Tile's trackers are another great option that's more universal. Unlike AirTags, these tiny Bluetooth trackers work with Android devices as well, and are compatible with Amazon's Alexa and the Google Assistant. Also, the latest Tile Mate has a built-in keyring hole, so your grad can unbox it, hook it onto their keys, set it up in the mobile app and get going. With a Bluetooth range of 250 feet, these trackers can help them locate their lost stuff quickly, plus they can add their contact information to the Tile – just in case someone else finds their things first. We also like the Mate's IP67-rated design, which should protect it even when it's exposed to the elements on rainy days.

Buy Tile Mate at Amazon - $25

Logitech Pebble

The Logitech Pebble mouse in light blue sitting on a desk next to a keyboard.
Logitech

Whether your grad will commute to their first office job or work from home, a wireless mouse is a must-have when on a computer all day. Logitech's Pebble is a solid option because, not only can it easily disappear into a bag thanks to its slim profile, but it will also run for up to 18 months on its single AA battery. It's not an accessory they'll have to worry about charging up each night. We also like its ambidextrous design and its relatively quiet nature — unlike other mice, it makes little noise when you're clicking and scrolling away. You'll also have the option to connect it via Bluetooth or USB receiver, and there are a handful of fun colors to choose from.

Buy Logitech Pebble at Amazon - $30

Greens Steel Beast insulated tumbler

Beast insulated stainless steel tumbler
Greens Steel

It's important for grads, busy with job applications, internships, new jobs and side hustles, to stay hydrated. Green Steel's Beast insulated tumblers are good for hot and cold drinks, plus they're made of 18/8 food grade steel that's dishwasher safe and they come with metal straws and a splash-proof lid. And regardless of which size you get (20-, 30- or 40-ounce), they'll all fit into standard sized cup holders. A 20-ounce model has been my morning companion almost every day for the past year or so and it still looks fresh. We also recommend Yeti's Ramblers if you're willing to drop a bit more on your grad's new favorite mug.

Buy Greens Steel tumbler at amazon - $29

Bodum Chambord French Press

A Bodum Chambord french press on a table with milk and two coffee cups.
Bodum

If your grad is a coffee (or tea) lover, elevating their brewing game can make a big difference in their daily lives. Bodum's Chambord French Press is a simple, affordable vessel that will be a step up from your standard drip coffee machine or aging teapot (while it's marketed as a coffee maker, it could be used as a tea press instead). The container is made of borosilicate glass and you can get the frame in either plastic or stainless steel. Instead of paper filters a french press uses a plunger and mesh filter that pushes coffee grinds and tea leaves down, infusing flavor into the water above. That should save you money over time and creates less waste.

Buy Chambord French Press at Amazon - $38

Tribit XSound Go

A Tribit XSound Go speaker sitting on a white table with a person using a smartphone in the background.
Tribit

There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers out there, but Tribit's XSound Go stands out for its simplicity. Measuring 6.7 x 2.2 x 2.3 inches, it's nearly pocketable and can stay on your desk all day long while you work and then transition to a backyard party with ease. It's IPX7 waterproof so it'll withstand a dunk in the pool, and its 24-hour playtime lets you use it all day long without interruptions. It has good sound quality with deep, but not overpowering, bass and it includes a built-in mic with which you can take calls. Just pair it with your smartphone or tablet, choose your tunes and let the speaker do the rest of the work.

Buy Tribit XSound Go at Amazon - $48

Repel Windproof Double Vented travel umbrella

A woman in the rain huddled under a Repel travel umbrella.
Revel

Hear us out — a good umbrella is an unexpected yet invaluable gift. Few things are worse than getting stuck in a downpour on your way to work, especially if you use public transit to get there. Repel's windproof travel umbrella is just the right size — not too big or too small at 11.5 inches in length — and its nine reinforced fiberglass ribs prevent it from being blown inside-out easily. We also like its single-button design, allowing you to open or close it with one hand. Repel's umbrella is one of those practical gifts that your grad will be glad to have at the most crucial times, and they'll save money in the long run by not needing to buy a new, cheap umbrella every time the skies open up.

Buy Repel umbrella at Amazon - $32

  

Google adds some useful features for finding flights and hotels

Posted: 02 May 2022 06:59 AM PDT

The summer is fast approaching and many people are perhaps gearing up for their first big vacation in a few years. To help them plan, Google is rolling out some handy travel updates. These include upgraded flight price tracking and ways to find and save hotels for later.

If you know where you want to go and have flexible travel dates, this one's for you. Google Flights will let users track flight prices between two cities for up to six months. If it detects fares that are lower than usual during that time, you'll receive an email notification. Google has long allowed people to track flights between two airports for specific dates, but this should particularly come in handy for long-haul destinations, to which flights can be much more expensive.

Once you know when and where you're going to, you'll need a place to stay, and Google is adding some hotel-related features that might help. If you're traveling for an event such as a conference or wedding, you might want to rest your head somewhere close by. Starting today, Google's travel site will show places to stay within a 15- or 30-minute walking or driving distance — just search for a landmark or address to get started. New map filters can also help you find neighborhoods with great sightseeing, dining or shopping options.

The Explore Nearby option in Google Travel
Google

Similarly, the travel site's Explore option now has an "Explore nearby" option with a filter for locations within easy driving distance. It will show details like expected weather and average hotel prices. That could help you plan a much-needed weekend getaway.

There's also a new bookmark icon for hotels and vacation rentals, which you can use to save them for later. This could be especially useful if you want your travel partner's input on where to stay. You'll be able to view properties you've saved through the right-hand panel on desktop or by accessing the Saved tab on mobile.

LastPass knocks 20 percent off paid plans for World Password Day

Posted: 02 May 2022 06:40 AM PDT

We may a few days out from World Password Day on May 5th, but LastPass is already celebrating by discounting its paid tiers for new and free users. Through May 9th, you can subscribe to LastPass Premium, Families or Business for 20 percent less than usual. That will bring a Premium membership down to around $29 annually instead of the usual $36, while Families would cost about $38 annually and Business down to $58 per user each year.

Subscribe to LastPass

If you aren't using a password manager yet, one could make your life much easier by taking the work out of remembering all of the credentials for your various accounts. One you create a LastPass account, the password you use for it will be the only one you truly have to remember going forward. Then, you can save all of your other username and password combinations to LastPass, which will then fill them in across the web as you shop online, check out Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites and more. We also appreciate the service's password generator feature, which will make strong credentials for you so you don't have to come up with a nonsensical phrase that meets all of a site's requirements on your own. There's even a version of the password generator feature that anyone can use.

LastPass is also compatible with most systems including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and others, so it'll work across all of your devices. There are also LastPass extensions you can download for Chrome, Safari and other browsers, which will let you easily access your passwords and vault from the bookmarks bar. Speaking of the vault, that's a LastPass feature that basically lets you securely save important, non-password information like addresses, files, banking and credit card numbers and more. While LastPass' free version gives you most of the basic features, updating to a paid tier adds things like secure sharing, 1GB of file storage, emergency access and dark web monitoring into the mix. 

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

Google fires another AI researcher who reportedly challenged findings (updated)

Posted: 02 May 2022 06:26 AM PDT

Google is still firing AI researchers amid criticism of its work. The New York Times has learned Google fired machine learning scientist Satrajit Chatterjee in March, soon after it refused to publish a paper Chatterjee and others wrote challenging earlier findings that computers could design some chip components more effectively than humans. The scientist was reportedly allowed to collaborate on a paper disputing those claims after he and fellow authors expressed reservations, but was dismissed after a resolution committee rejected the paper and the researchers hoped to bring the issue to CEO Sundar Pichai and Alphabet's board of directors.

The company hasn't detailed why it fired Chatterjee, but told the Times he'd been "terminated with cause." It also maintained that the original paper had been "thoroughly vetted" and peer-reviewed, and that the study challenging the claims "did not meet our standards."

Whether or not the science holds up, the exit underscores the ongoing clash between Google's management and the AI teams that drive many of its projects. The problems began in earnest when Google fired ethicist Timnit Gebru in 2020 following a dispute over a paper, with two others following suit. The matter escalated when the internet giant terminated Margaret Mitchell in early 2021. While Google claimed Mitchell violated data confidentiality policies, she also publicly criticized executives and the decision to fire Gebru. These firings led veteran engineers to leave the firm and demand reforms, and that's not including company-wide protests over military contracts. Google investigated Gebru's firing and promised changes, but the Chatterjee firing might not ease tensions.

It's no secret that Google is proud of its AI research. It's keen to tout algorithms that can outperform humans in fields like chip design and cancer detection, and its flagship Pixel 6 phones are built around a custom AI-focused processor. Any flaws could significantly hinder Google's business, not to mention tarnish its reputation as a leader in AI development.

Update 5/2 4:26PM ET: Google pointed to a tweet from Times reporter Daisuke Wakabayashi as a further response. One of the original paper's authors claimed Chatterjee harassed her and "impugned the work," according to Wakabayashi. A lawyer for Chatterjee, however, said his client was only trying to maintain "scientific integrity."

The best gifts for the new grads in your life

Posted: 02 May 2022 06:00 AM PDT

Surviving years of college is no small feat, so the graduates in our lives deserve rightful praise and celebration. Whether your graduate is going out into the world to get their first job or continuing with their education, there are a number of gadgets you can gift them that will make them smile and also come in handy on a daily basis. If you're stumped on what to give to the tech-savvy grad in your life, we've compiled a list of our favorite tech for you to consider.

Chromecast with Google TV

A blue Chromecast with Google TV and its remote on a white background.
Google

Recent graduates moving into a new place may not want to shell out money for cable or a satellite subscription. But just because they've cut the cord doesn't mean they can't watch quality content. Thanks to streaming sticks like Chromecast with Google TV, watching content on various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and more is super easy, regardless of what kind of TV they have.

The latest Chromecast with Google TV works especially well for those with a YouTube TV subscription as its "Live TV" tab works as a channel guide for the service. Just like previous Chromecasts, they can also use it to "cast" their computer screen to the TV, too.

Another benefit over other streaming sticks is that it has Google Assistant integration. Your grad can ask it to display the five-day weather forecast, show the live feed from their Nest camera, turn their Philips Hue lights on or off, or play their favorite Spotify playlist. As a bonus, they can use Google Assistant to find shows to watch or to launch apps. — Nicole Lee, Commerce Writer

Buy Chromecast with Google TV at Walmart - $50

YouTube TV subscription

YouTube TV
YouTube

Regardless of whether you gift a Chromecast with Google TV, we think a YouTube TV subscription will make an excellent present for them. The service essentially replaces cable or satellite, and your graduate can easily use their phone, laptop or connected TV to access it. The platform offers pretty much all the standard network and cable offerings including sports channels like ESPN, so they won't have to worry about missing their favorite team's game. You can either pay for the subscription directly or buy them a Google Play gift card. — N.L.

Subscribe to YouTube TV - $65/month

Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch Series 7
Engadget

Watches make great graduation gifts, and the Apple Watch is arguably the best one to get for the iPhone fan in your life. As Apple's latest flagship wearable, the Series 7 is packed with features both basic and advanced. On a daily basis, most will use the Watch for tracking activity, recording workouts, buying coffees with Apple Pay and checking iMessage alerts on the fly. But the Watch also has perks like blood oxygen tracking, ECG measurements and fall detection that your grad may only use now and again, but will appreciate in crucial moments. Plus, the Series 7 has the largest screen of any Apple Watch to date, as well as the best battery life and a faster charging time, too. And if your grad prefers the style of more traditional timepieces, they can customize their Watch with bands that give them that look. — Valentina Palladino, Commerce Editor

Buy Apple Watch Series 7 at Amazon - $399

Instant Pot Duo Plus

An Instant Pot Duo Plus multicooker on a green and orange background.
Engadget

Once they leave dorm life behind, graduates should learn how to make something other than instant ramen. For newbies, we recommend an appliance like the Instant Pot Duo Plus. This trendy kitchen device can be used as a slow cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker and, of course, a pressure cooker.

Not only is it easy to use, it can be a huge time saver: just set it, do other chores (or just rest up) and your meal will be ready when it beeps. It's a wonderful solution if your grad has a tiny stovetop in their first apartment, and it cuts down on dishwashing if you use the Instant Pot for a lot of one pot meals.

If you do get your loved one this excellent kitchen gadget, we suggest you send them a link to our Instant Pot guide so they'll get the most out of their new toy. There are also a bunch of dedicated Instant Pot recipe sites and cookbooks that will keep them busy for a while – Rainbow Plant Life's Instant Pot page and Dinner in an Instant are a couple of our favorites. — N.L.

Buy Instant Pot Duo Plus at Amazon - $120

Logitech Streamcam

Logitech Streamcam clipped to a computer monitor with a cork board in the background.
Valentina Palladino / Engadget

While laptops' built-in webcams are getting better, most of them still don't quite cut it for all of the Zoom calls many of us continue to have nowadays. Your graduate will likely have to take calls like this on a regular basis and the Logitech Streamcam is a gadget that can help them put their best face forward. The webcam shoots sharp video in 1080p/60fps and its handy auto-exposure feature helps make dark rooms less cave-like on screen. It also has built-in microphones with noise reduction, so your grad should sound as good as they look on these calls. Additionally, the Streamcam was designed with game streamers and content creators in mind, and that makes it a great all-purpose webcam that your graduate can use for both work and play. — V.P.

Buy Logitech Streamcam at Amazon - $170

Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones
Billy Steele / Engadget

There's a good chance that your graduate will be working from a few different locations when they start their first job. Maybe they'll spend half of their time in an office and the other half at home, but you can help them stay focused anywhere by gifting them the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. These are our current favorite high-end cans thanks to their excellent sound quality and equally stellar active noise cancellation. Their Adaptive Sound Control feature automatically changes the level of noise cancellation depending on your location and what you're doing, blocking out as much of the world as necessary without the user needing to do much work. With this iteration, Sony also added multi-device connectivity, too, so your graduate can seamlessly go from listening to music on their laptop to taking a call from their smartphone. — V.P.

Buy WH-1000XM4 at Amazon - $348

OXO Brew 8-cup coffee maker

Stainless steel coffee maker with pot on a white background.
OXO

Who doesn't want a caffeine hit in the morning before they head into work? For that we recommend the OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker. OXO typically makes excellent tasting coffee, and since this one is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, it will certainly meet your grad's standards as well. This model is easy to use, has a thermal carafe to keep their brew hot for hours, and has an option to brew directly into a mug. — N.L.

Buy OXO coffee maker at Amazon - $200

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential on a gray table.
Engadget

Why settle for a boring ol' alarm clock when you can gift your grad a smarter option? The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential comes in both Google Assistant and Alexa varieties, and does a lot more than just tell time. These compact gadgets can give them the weather forecast, play a Spotify playlist or simply display their appointments for the day.

Which you choose depends on the virtual assistant your grad prefers – we generally recommend the Google version for Android users and those that rely on Google services like Calendar and Drive for their personal and professional duties. Everyone else is likely safe getting the Alexa version. And if you want to step it up a bit, the $90 Lenovo Smart Clock 2 comes with a docking area with a wireless charging pad, so they can power up their phones more easily overnight. — N.L.

Buy Lenovo Smart Clock Essential at Walmart - $50Buy Lenovo Smart Clock Essential (Alexa) at Amazon - $50

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag with Belkin Secure Holder and Strap
Valentina Palladino / Engadget

We could all use a little help finding our stuff sometimes – new graduates especially. With new internships, jobs, side hustles and more, grads have a ton to keep track of and an AirTag can give them peace of mind by digitally locating their most important items. AirTags can attach to keys, wallets, handbags and more with the right accessories, and then your grad can check out the location of their stuff using the Find My app on iOS. They can program their contact information into the AirTag, in case a stranger needs to return their things, and those with newer iPhone can use the Precision Finding feature to be led directly to their stuff. For those who often misplace their belongings, Bluetooth trackers like these can be crucial. — V.P.

Buy AirTag at Amazon - $29

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite on a light blue background.
Engadget

Voracious readers will appreciate an e-reader like Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite. The latest model has a larger, 6.8-inch display that has 17 front lights and an adjustable warm light setting that reduces eye strain. The design is compact and sleek, and the robust battery lasts for weeks between charging. And if they like reading in the tub or by the pool, the Paperwhite is also waterproof.

If you want to give your grad something even more special, however, consider gifting them the Paperwhite Signature Edition. It has 32GB of storage, wireless charging support and a light sensor that can automatically adjust the screen brightness according to their surroundings. It's about $50 more than the regular Paperwhite, but they will certainly appreciate it. — N.L.

Buy Kindle Paperwhite at Amazon - $140

Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds
Billy Steele/Engadget

One of the great things about Beats' Studio Buds is that both Android and iOS users can wear them and get a fairly similar experience. These Beats aren't just for iPhone users, as those with Android devices have access to convenient features like Find My and fast pairing. The brand has come a long way when it comes to sound quality, too. These buds are well-tuned with a punchy bass, and iOS users will be able to get Spatial Audio on select tracks. The Studio Buds also have solid ANC with transparency mode, plus a compact, comfortable design that transitions well from study sessions to workout routines. — V.P.

Buy Beats Studio Buds at Amazon - $150

Anker 633 MagGo 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

A person touching the screen of an iPhone that's propped up on Anker's 633 MagGo 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Station.
Anker

Anker's MagGo 2-in-1 wireless charging station is the gadget to give if you want to set your grab up with basically everything they'd need to never run out of power again. The bundle includes a wireless charging stand that can power both a phone and a pair of earbuds at the same time, and the phone portion detaches into a portable, magnetic, 5,000 mAh battery pack. The MagGo lineup is MagSafe-compatible, so if your grad has a newer iPhone, they'll be able to take the slim pack with them by snapping it to the back of their smartphone. Also included is a 25W USB-C adapter, which can power the whole system with the proper speed. — V.P.

Buy MagGo 2-in-1 charging station at Amazon - $120

Yeti Rambler 20oz Tumbler with MagSlider lid

Blue insulated cup on a white background.
Yeti

If your grad needs coffee or tea to stay productive throughout the day, a Yeti Rambler is an excellent gift for them. These classic tumblers have a double-walled, insulated design that keeps hot drinks hot for hours, while also being BPA-free. The latest versions have Dracut color coatings, which won't fade, peel or crack with age (or when you put them in the dishwasher), so their favorite color will come through for years to come. Plus, the Ramblers now come with MagSlider lids, which, while not spill-proof, use magnets to make opening and closing (and cleaning) the lid super easy. — V.P.

Buy Yeti Rambler at Amazon - $35

Scientists 'knit' soft robotic wearables for easier design and fabrication

Posted: 02 May 2022 05:00 AM PDT

Scientists have made considerable progress with soft robots used for assistive wearables, rehabilitative technologies and more. Powered by compressed air, they offer advantages over regular robots like sensing capabilities, soft touch, and high power-to-input ratios. 

Designing and building them has been a challenge, however, due to the need for a manual design and fabrication pipeline that requires a lot of trial and error. Now, scientists from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have come up with a new pipeline called "PneuAct" that uses computers and a special knitting process to design and digitally fabricate the soft pneumatic actuators. Their work could eventually lead to new assistive and rehabilitative devices. 

"PneuAct uses a machine knitting process — not dissimilar to your grandma's plastic needle knitting — but this machine operates autonomously," according to CSAIL researchers. The designer simply needs to specify the stitch and sensor design patterns in software to program actuator movements, which can be simulated before printing. The textile piece is then fabricated by the knitting machine, which is fixed to a rubber silicone tube to complete the actuator. 

The actuators use conductive yarn for sensing so they can essentially "feel" or respond to what they grab. As proof of concept, the team developed several prototypes including an assistive glove, soft hand, interactive robot and a pneumatic walking quadruped, as shown in the video above. 

The new devices are considerably improved over older designs, incorporating programmed bending when inflated and the ability to incorporate feedback. "For example, the team used the actuators to build a robot that sensed when it was touched specifically by human hands, and reacted to that touch," the team wrote. The glove could be worn to supplement finger muscle movement, adding extra force for grasping to help people with finger or hand injuries. 

The team plans to explore actuators with different shapes, and incorporate task-driven designs with target poses and optimal stitch patterns. "Our software tool is fast, easy to use, and it accurately previews users' designs, allowing them to quickly iterate virtually while only needing to fabricate once," said Harvard University's Andrew Spielberg, an author on the paper. 
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