Thursday, June 2, 2022

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Meta adds a new ‘Calls’ tab to Messenger

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:19 PM PDT

Meta's Messenger app has become an incredibly popular way to make free voice and video calls. Now, a new design tweak will make the call button (slightly) easier to find. Meta is adding a dedicated tab for audio and video calls to the function bar at the bottom of the app. The new tab will appear alongside "Chats", "Stories" and "People", and open up to a list of the user's contacts, along with separate buttons for voice and video calls. It's a subtle change, but likely a move to make Messenger seem more like a messaging and calling app in the style of Whatsapp. Prior to the change, users had to open up a separate chat thread with a friend in order to call them. The new feature allows users to dial friends directly,and may also serve as an introduction to those less familiar with Messenger's calling features.

According to Meta, audio and video calling on Messenger has increased by 40 percent since early 2020. The company expanded the features available to its encrypted messaging earlier this year, adding reactions, stickers, message-specific replies and forwarding. Meta's plan is to eventually make end-to-end encryption the default for Facebook and Instagram in 2023. It's added a number of AR effects to its video calls, letting users experiment with filters, masks and animations.

As far as free messaging apps go, Messenger has a long list of competitors, including Google Voice, Viber, Signal and WhatsApp, which Meta bought in 2014. While emphasizing the audio and video functions doesn't do much to make Messenger stand out from the pack, it remains one of the few major apps in this crowded field, other than FaceTime, that doesn't require a phone number to use.

Elon Musk tells SpaceX and Tesla workers they must return to the office full-time

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 03:37 PM PDT

Elon Musk delivered an ultimatum to Tesla and Space X's corporate workforces: Spend a minimum of 40 hours a week in the office, or leave the company. Musk today confirmed in a tweet that screenshots of an email sent to workers was real. According to The New York Times, workers at both companies received similar memos from Musk that made clear that all workers must report to a main office for 40 hours a week. Musk also wrote that employees would no longer be allowed to work from "remote branch" offices not related to their job duties, giving the example of an HR worker for the Fremont factory who works out-of-state.

"The more senior you are, the more visible must be your presence," Musk said in a memo to SpaceX employees obtained by NYT. "That is why I spent so much time in the factory — so that those on the line could see me working alongside them. If I had not done that, SpaceX would long ago have gone bankrupt."

Musk taking a hardline stance on remote work is in stark contrast to a number of other major tech companies that have allowed all or most workers to request to work-from-home permanently, including Facebook, Twitter, Salesforce and Slack. Apple recently suspended a requirement that workers return to the office at least three days a week.

As Bloombergreported today, Twitter employees — who are likely to be reporting to Musk once his acquisition of the company is complete — have internally expressed some concern the SpaceX and Tesla remote work policies (or lack thereof) herald unwelcome changes for their own workplace.

Tesla's career website still lists a number of salaried and hourly remote positions. It's unclear whether the new policy will apply to those positions. Engadget has reached out to Tesla for comment, though we are unlikely to hear back: the company dissolved its corporate communications department in 2020.

John Madden to appear on cover of ‘Madden 23’

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 03:00 PM PDT

NFL Madden 23 will prominently feature the legendary Oakland Raiders coach and Hall of Famer, John Madden. It will mark the first time Madden has appeared on the cover of the eponymous game series since Madden 2000 in 1999. EA Sports revealed the news in a tweet today, adding that it will release a trailer with a full reveal of the game tomorrow. The three covers released today each pay homage to a different era in Madden's career: as a coach, a broadcaster and "a video game icon."

The new title will also pay tribute to the beloved coach within the game itself. The game will feature two versions of Coach Madden leading opposing teams of "All Madden" athletes facing off in the Oakland Coliseum. We'll also hear from Madden through a series of remastered audio clips that hail from his days as a broadcaster.

Other than that, there's still a lot that we don't know about Madden 23, which is expected to release sometime in August. EA hasn't hinted at any of its new features. Similar to older editions of Madden, there will be three different versions of the game. Most likely there will be a basic version that is priced the lowest, along with two premium bundles with added extras and perks for hardcore Madden fans. For more details, be sure to tune in to EA's preview of the game, which will air on YouTube tomorrow at 7 am PT/10 am ET.

Discord finally brings text chat to voice channels

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 02:20 PM PDT

Discord's audio chat has sometimes been a confusing experience — as you can't type in a voice channel, you often have to switch between channels just to share a link or funny GIF. Clarity is coming at last, though. The service has enabled text chat in voice channels across all platforms. Each channel now includes a dedicated section where you can type to your heart's content. You don't have to join the call to participate, either, so you can pop in to offer help without too much disruption.

Voice channels now have the same permissions as regular text chats, so moderators can limit the ability to send messages, stickers and other content. Perks from 'boosted' servers, like larger file uploads, will carry over to voice channels.

The feature is free for all servers. It's available now for servers that haven't been set to "Community" status (that is, only private-use servers), but managers can opt in if they're comfortable. All servers will have text enabled by June 29th.

Discord's move could help reduce confusion, not to mention the proliferation of channels created solely to handle text chat for voice users. To some degree, it's surprising the hybrid of voice and text wasn't available before. However, it's likely to be a welcome change of pace. Critics have accused Discord of focusing too much on Clubhouse-like broadcasts, Premium channel memberships and other features that go beyond the company's original gaming focus. With text chat in voice channels, Discord is going back to basics with a feature users have wanted for a long time.

Claims process begins in $18 million Activision Blizzard harassment settlement

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 02:00 PM PDT

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has begun accepting claims related to Activision Blizzard's $18 million settlement with the agency. Starting today, current and former US employees of the publisher who believe they experienced sexual harassment or gender discrimination while working at its offices from September 1st, 2016 to March 29th, 2022 can file for an award. Those who decide to take part in the claims process can also make specific non-monetary requests of Activision Blizzard and the EEOC. For instance, they can ask that the publisher remove harmful documents such as disciplinary notices from their personnel file.

It will be interesting to see how many workers apply for an award. When the settlement was first approved by a federal judge in late March, many current and former Activision Blizzard employees criticized the EEOC for not going nearly far enough to hold the company accountable. The fact claimants won't be able to take part in future litigation against Activision Blizzard, including the ongoing lawsuit from California's fair employment agency, may also make some workers reluctant to file. Then there's the amount itself. Former employee Jessica Gonzalez is appealing the settlement on the basis that $18 million is insufficient redress for everyone who may come forward with a claim against Activision Blizzard.

NASA chooses two companies to develop next-gen spacesuits

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 01:27 PM PDT

NASA's going to need new suits to accompany astronauts to the Moon for its Artemis I mission, and now we know who's going to be making them: Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace. The two companies will develop next-generation suits that'll be used both for spacewalks on the ISS, in addition to Moon exploration. NASA says it has defined the technical and safety standards around the new "xEMU" equipment (Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit), but it's up to these partners to deal with "design, development, qualification, [and] certification" as well as building the necessary support equipment.

According to NASA, the new suits could be ready as soon 2025, following testing in either the ISS or a simulated environment. While the space agency is also gearing up for other new equipment, like lunar landers from SpaceX and more companies, having new suits is among its most important tasks for future missions. Currently, astronauts are still relying on space gear designed around 45 years ago for the Space Shuttle program. In an August 2021 report, NASA noted that its xEMU plans likely won't hit its original 2024 target, and that it has spent around $420 million developing the new suits.

NESN launches streaming service with the Boston Red Sox and Bruins

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 01:10 PM PDT

New England sports fans now have a direct subscription streaming option for Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins games. NESN has unveiled NESN 360, a paid streaming service that enables fans to watch live and on-demand games on their computer or streaming device of their choice. Fans who are already NESN subscribers through their cable provider can access the app for free.

"We believe the direct subscription option will build on NESN's reach in the region, and will be an excellent complement to the existing, valuable partnerships we have with TV providers to bring NESN to all homes in New England," said Sean McGrail, NESN's President and CEO in a statement.

One thing to note is that NESN is pricey — the monthly subscription is $29.99 per month — and fans will still need access to ESPN or other broadcast networks for nationally-syndicated games. The annual subscription is priced at $329.99 per year and also includes 8 tickets to a Red Sox's game of your choice.

NESN 360 is only the latest move by the world of sports to further embrace streaming. Amazon's Prime Video is exclusively streaming select New York Yankees games for in-market customers this baseball season. NESN is the first regional sports network to launch a streaming service, but it won't be the last. Both Sinclair Broadcasting Group and NBC Universal are preparing direct-to-consumer options for the regional sports networks under their ownership, as Deadlinenoted.

NESN 360 is only available in New England, and can be downloaded on your computer, iOS, Android, Apple TV or Roku device. Both annual and monthly subscribers will be billed $1 for their first month. 

For Boston fans who live outside of New England, a better option would be to go with MLB.tv, which has the rights to out-of-market games but blackout rules still apply to your region's own games. A monthly subscription to MLB.tv is $24.99 a month, and a single team subscription will set you back $99 a year. 

Sheryl Sandberg is leaving Meta after 14 years

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:46 PM PDT

Sheryl Sandberg is stepping down as Chief Operating Officer of Meta after 14 years as one of Mark Zuckerberg's top lieutenants at the company. She will remain on the company's board of directors. 

In a post on Facebook, she said she plans to depart Meta in the fall and that "over the next few months, Mark and I will transition my direct reports." Javier Olivan, currently Meta's Chief Growth Officer, will take on the COO role, but his role "will be different from what Sheryl has done," according to a post from Zuckerberg. "It will be a more traditional COO role where Javi will be focused internally and operationally, building on his strong track record of making our execution more efficient and rigorous."

Sandberg first joined Facebook in 2008 to help build the company's now-multibillion-dollar advertising business. During that time, she became one of the most recognizable executives at the social network, first, as the author of best-seller Lean In, which she described as a "sort-of feminist manifesto." Later, she also became the face of many of Facebook's biggest scandals, including Cambridge Analytica and the company's handling of election interference and misinformation. 

"The debate around social media has changed beyond recognition since those early days," Sandberg wrote on Facebook. "To say it hasn't always been easy is an understatement." 

Sandberg said she will spend more time on her foundation and philanthropic work. "I am not entirely sure what the future will bring – I have learned no one ever is," she wrote.

Sandberg's departure isn't the only major shakeup at the top of Meta in recent months. The company's longtime CTO left last fall, and Zuckerberg elevated Nick Clegg to President of Global Affairs in February. Zuckerberg announced that he is reshuffling several other executives as part of a reorganization to coincide with Sandberg's departure, and Olivan's more limited COO role. 

"I think Meta has reached the point where it makes sense for our product and business groups to be more closely integrated, rather than having all the business and operations functions organized separately from our products," Zuckerberg wrote. 

'God of War' leads final trio of free games before PlayStation Plus revamp

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:45 PM PDT

Sony is marking the launch of its revised PlayStation Plus by giving away one of its best-known games. The company has revealed that its free PS Plus games for June will include 2018's God of War — you won't need a PlayStation 5 just to play Kratos' father-and-son adventure at no extra charge. The two other freebies, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker and Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, are clearly aimed at younger players.

All three games will be available from June 7th through July 4th. When the updated PlayStation Plus arrives (June 13th in the Americas), the titles will still be free as part of the basic PS Plus Essential tier.

While we wouldn't bet on Sony continuing to offer this kind of selection going forward, the June lineup suggests the company isn't in a rush to change its free game strategy. For now, at least, you'll only need a pricier Extra or Premium plan if you want access to a large library of downloadable and streamable releases.

GM drops $6,000 off the sticker price of 2023 Chevy Bolts

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:31 PM PDT

General Motors has announced pricing for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV. In a rare move, given the current climate for new vehicles, they'll actually be less expensive than the 2022 model year EVs.

The 1LT version of the 2023 Bolt EV starts at $26,595 (plus a $995 destination fee). That's $5,900 less than the 2022 starting price. The 2LT has the same discount, but it starts at $29,795.

As for the slightly longer Bolt EUV (Chevy's branding for an electric SUV), that starts at $28,195. You'll save $6,300 compared with the 2022 model. Likewise, a 2023 EUV with Premier trim starts at $32,695, down from $38,995. A new cosmetic Redline Edition package costs an extra $495.

Chevrolet says the options and content are "pretty much the same" as the 2022 editions, so it seems the company hasn't had to strip some features out for cost-saving purposes. "The new price reflects our ongoing desire to make sure Bolt EV/EUV is competitive in the marketplace and better aligns the MSRP with average transaction price, providing more price transparency to the customer," a spokesperson told CNET.

Supply chain issues and chip shortages have led to other automakersincreasing prices of their EVs. So it's notable that Chevrolet is cutting prices, particularly given that the Bolt EV and EUV were already among the more relatively affordable options.

One tradeoff is that the 2023 Bolt EV and EUV won't use GM's Ultium battery system. In 2020, the automaker recalled 68,000 Chevy Bolt EVs following reports of battery fires, which dinged the reputation of the Bolt. Dropping the price of both vehicles by around $6,000 could help Chevrolet get the Bolt back in drivers' good graces. GM expects to start production of the 2023 Bolts this summer.

The Google TV app is finally available on iOS

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:07 PM PDT

After launching in 2020, the Google TV app is now available to download on iOS. If you already have the company's previous Google Play Movies and TV software installed on your phone, this app will replace it. As with its Android counterpart, the Google TV app allows you to use your smartphone as a remote for your Google TV or Android TV OS device, making it easier, among other things, to type the titles of movies and TV shows you want to watch.

You can also use the app to aggregate content recommendations from various streaming services. Not every platform is supported – Netflix is missing, for instance – but the fact you can create a single watchlist for every service you pay for is handy. Additionally, it's possible to create watchlists around your favorite actors. And as you rate movies and shows, the app will refine its suggestions. You'll also find personalized feeds with links to news, reviews and more. Lastly, there's a dedicated section for content you've purchased and rented from Google.

You can see most of the functionality on display in the iPhone rendering Google shared – just don't look too closely at the notch. Download the Google TV app from the App Store.

Former OpenSea employee charged in first-ever case of digital asset insider trading

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:46 AM PDT

Nathaniel Chastain, the former OpenSea product manager who resigned after he was revealed to be using privileged information to sell NFTs, has been indicted for wire fraud and money laundering, the Department of Justice announced today. This marks the first insider trading case involving digital assets, the agency said. It was originally unclear if anything would happen to Chastain, following his resignation, since the sale of NFTs isn't regulated. His plan wasn't exactly groundbreaking: He knew what NFTs were going to be featured on OpenSea's homepage, so he surreptitiously purchased and sold them for a massive profit.

"NFTs might be new, but this type of criminal scheme is not," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement. "As alleged, Nathaniel Chastain betrayed OpenSea by using its confidential business information to make money for himself.  Today's charges demonstrate the commitment of this Office to stamping out insider trading – whether it occurs on the stock market or the blockchain."

Michael J. Driscoll, the FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge, added that the agency would "aggressively pursue" people who attempted to manipulate the market of NFTs using the "age-old scheme" of insider trading. It'll likely take a while before we see true regulation around digital currencies and NFTs, but it's clear that government agencies aren't wasting their time before cracking down on bad actors.

Following the revelation of Chastain's actions, OpenSea was quick to denounce him, saying that "this behavior does not represent our values as a team." The company, which is notably the world's largest NFT marketplace, also said it would prohibit employees from buying or selling NFTs from featured collections, or from using confidential information to do so elsewhere.

James Webb Space Telescope's first full-color images will be revealed on July 12th

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:00 AM PDT

Just over six months after the James Webb Space Telescope launched, we'll get our first look at full-color images captured by the telescope. The European Space Agency says the imagery and first spectroscopic data will be unveiled on July 12th.

"The release of Webb's first full-color images will offer a unique moment for us all to stop and marvel at a view humanity has never seen before," Webb deputy program director Eric Smith said. "These images will be the culmination of decades of dedication, talent, and dreams — but they will also be just the beginning."

JWST required several months of preparation before starting science work. The process included cooling the telescope to its operating temperature, calibrating instruments and aligning the mirrors. The ESA, NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STSci) spent over five years figuring out what Webb should capture first in order to show off what the observatory can do.

NASA has shared some images that JWST captured during the preparation phase, but it's unclear exactly what the full-color images will look like. "Of course, there are things we are expecting and hoping to see, but with a new telescope and this new high-resolution infrared data, we just won't know until we see it," STScI lead science visuals developer Joseph DePasquale said.

After the observatory captures its first images proper, it will start scientific observations. Astronomers will analyze data captured by the JWST's infrared sensors and publish papers on their findings.

Google is merging Duo and Meet into a single video calling platform

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:47 AM PDT

Google is about to simplify its communication services. The company announced today it plans to merge Duo and Meet, its two disparate video calling apps, into a single platform. Starting over the next few weeks, Google will begin adding Meet features to Duo. Once that happens, you'll be able to use the app, which up to this point was primarily designed for personal video calling, to schedule meetings. Other features that will make their way to Duo include support for virtual backgrounds, live-sharing content and in-meeting text chat.

At the same time, Google promises features Duo users know and love, such as the ability to apply filters and effects to your calls, won't be going anywhere. Additionally, your call history, contacts and messages won't disappear from the app. It's all part of Google's pledge to "carefully" integrate the two platforms and ensure it supports as many users as possible.

Once that process is complete, Google will rename the mobile versions of both apps, with Duo becoming Meet and the current Meet becoming Meet Original. The company told The Verge it plans to deprecate the latter eventually. If all that sounds confusing, there's a good reason for Google's approach. The company said it built a lot of sophistication into the Duo mobile app, and it sounds like Google doesn't want to abandon that work.

As for Google's reason for merging the two apps, the company believes that doing so will ultimately benefit users. "Over the last few years, Duo and Meet have continued to grow with the evolving needs of video calls and meetings, and now the experiences will be better together as Google Meet," a spokesperson for the company told Engadget. Of course, the tricky part for Google will be finding a way to integrate the two apps without making the resulting service feel overwhelming. Many people love Duo for its simplicity, and a sudden influx of new features and added complexity may make them look elsewhere.

Mercedes debuts the final version of its F1-inspired 1,000HP hybrid hypercar

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:26 AM PDT

Five years later, Mercedes is finally ready to show the finished version of its hybrid hypercar. The production Mercedes-AMG One now packs a Formula 1-derived, 1,063HP hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engine and four electric motors, including one motor in the turbocharger and another linked to the crankcase. While the car won't rev up to F1 levels (to last longer and use commercial fuel), the result is high responsiveness across the rev range, sustained boost pressure and strong torque even at low engine speeds. The One promises the advantages of both gas and electric powerplants, to put it another way.

That unsurprisingly translates to brisk performance without guzzling too much gas. You'll reach 62MPH in 2.9 seconds (124MPH in seven seconds), but the combined fuel consumption is relatively modest at 27MPG. Mercedes SUVs like the AMG GLE 53 aren't as efficient, for context. You can drive 11.2 miles purely on electric power, and the 800-volt architecture helps you charge quickly (including from the gas engine in race mode) while minimizing weight. The custom seven-speed manual, your only transmission option, is built to keep the One's engine operating at peak performance.

The interior is just as plain as you might remember from the 2017 concept, although that still gives you a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment touchscreen and a camera-linked screen that replaces the usual interior rear mirror. Expect plenty of carbon fiber, nappa leather and microfiber cloth.

The first customers should get their Mercedes-AMG One cars in the second half of 2022. Not that you're going to buy one — all of the production models have been spoken for despite the $2.7 million price tag.

Mercedes-Benz GLC hybrid
Mercedes-Benz

You're far more likely to drive the equally new GLC (shown at middle), which is built solely around hybrid power (four "mild" hybrids and three plug-in models). The PHEV variants of the updated SUV have up to 74.5 miles of pure electric driving, and will prioritize the EV mode for long urban trips and other "suitable" routes. Mercedes hasn't detailed prices at this stage, but the revamped GLC should reach European dealers in the fall.

Sonos' voice assistant is now available on select speakers

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:00 AM PDT

As promised, Sonos has launched its own voice assistant. Sonos Voice Control is now available on every speaker the company has released with a built-in mic. As with most new features, you set it up via the Sonos app on your iOS or Android device, and it's a super simple process. I just added the feature to my Sonos One (the second-generation model released in 2019) and it took a scant five minutes. 

Once it is set up, you can ask Sonos Voice Control to start music from a handful of services, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer and Sonos Radio. Saying "Hey Sonos" activates the assistant, and from there you can ask it to play artists, albums, songs or playlists. From there, you can adjust volume, pause music, skip tracks and ask the assistant to tell you what song is playing. And as we saw in a demo last month, the assistant is voiced by actor Giancarlo Esposito — though he doesn't talk much. The assistant was designed to minimize responses and keep music playback at the forefront.

Sonos Voice Control also lets you control your entire Sonos system, whether or not the speakers have microphones. You can use it to add or remove speakers from a group, start music playback on all Sonos devices in your home, and combine these requests all in one command. (Example: Hey Sonos, start playing music in the bedroom and stop it in the living room.) Sonos made privacy a big part of its voice assistant, as well — the company says that all requests are processed locally on the speaker with nothing transmitted to the cloud or back to Sonos.

To celebrate this launch, Sonos is having a rare sale, too. The company's two portable speakers — the larger Move and the comparatively tiny Roam — will both be 20 percent off from Saturday, June 4th through Sunday, June 12th. It's not often that the company does direct discounts on its products, so it's not a bad time to check these speakers out if you're in the market for something you can take with you this summer.

Slack adds name pronunciation features to user profiles

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 09:44 AM PDT

Slack is rolling out a few new features for profiles, including ways to help folks avoid the embarrassment and unpleasantness of mispronouncing a colleague's name. Starting today, users can add an audio clip of them stating their name. You can include the phonetic pronunciation on your profile too.

Name pronunciation feature in Slack
Slack

Profiles have been redesigned to make them more streamlined with three key sections. One is for contact details, and another is focused on letting colleagues know which people you work with most often. There's also an expanded "about me" section, where you can include details such as your start date, what your job entails and your personal interests.

Another feature that the Salesforce-owned service is rolling out is Hover Cards. When you hover your cursor over a colleague's name, a card containing a condensed version of their profile will appear. You bring up their full profile by clicking on it. The cards will also help you start a Huddle, call or direct message thread with that person more quickly. 

These features should all help colleagues get to know each other better. They could improve communication on Slack too.

Hover Cards in Slack
Slack

'Pokémon Scarlet' and 'Violet' are coming to Switch on November 18th

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 09:23 AM PDT

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the next mainline entries in GameFreak's long-running RPG series, will come to Nintendo Switch on November 18th, The Pokémon Company announced today. In addition to including new creatures to catch, the two games will feature four-player multiplayer, allowing you and your friends to experience the game's new region together. That's notable because developer Game Freak has promised Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will represent its first true open-world experience after the studio began dabbling with the format with the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus at the start of the year.

In another first for the series, the two games will feature different professors. And wouldn't you know it, they're both attractive and causing a stir among the Pokémon community. Typical. On top of Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly, the three new starters Game Freak revealed in February, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will add Smoliv, Pawmi and the pleasantly plump Lechonk to the franchise's expanding roster. As for the new legendaries, they're known as Koraidon and Miraidon, and they'll grace the covers of the games. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are available to pre-order from the Nintendo eShop starting today.

YouTube's TV app now uses your phone as a second screen

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT

If you watch YouTube on your TV, there's a good chance you're tracking down that video on your phone to leave a comment or drop a like. Now, though, you won't have to go to such great lengths. The company is rolling out a feature that lets you use your Android phone or iPhone as a second screen for YouTube's TV app. Tap "connect" in the mobile app and the video will be synced between the two devices — you can comment, donate, shop or otherwise interact with a video playing on the larger display.

You'll need to sign into the same YouTube account on both devices. The second screen feature isn't tied to specific TV platforms, though, so you shouldn't have to worry about using the 'wrong' set or media box.

The upgrade is a recognition that you often want to do more with a video than just watch it, and that you probably have your phone in hand while you're sitting on the couch. About 88 percent of people use a phone or tablet while they're watching TV, according to Nielsen data. YouTube is relatively late in that regard, but this is still a useful upgrade.

Twitter will shut down the TweetDeck for Mac app on July 1st

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:34 AM PDT

TweetDeck will soon no longer be available as a standalone Mac app. Twitter will shut down that version of its client for power users on July 1st. "We're saying goodbye to TweetDeck for the Mac app to focus on making TweetDeck even better and testing our new Preview," a tweet from the TweetDeck team reads. "July 1 is the last day it'll be available."

Killing off the standalone app means Mac users may soon need to have the client open in a separate browser or juggle another tab if they want to keep using TweetDeck. As 9to5Mac notes, however, there are other options. You can turn web apps into native Mac apps using services such as Unite for macOS or Coherence X. Alternatively, you can switch to another app like Tweeten, which is based on TweetDeck.

There have been rumblings that Twitter plans to make TweetDeck a paid feature as part of Twitter Blue to prompt more people to sign up. Twitter's prospective new owner Elon Musk has ambitious revenue goals for the subscription service, so moving TweetDeck behind a paywall doesn't seem out of the question. 

Twitter started testing a revamped version of TweetDeck last year. The new-look TweetDeck uses the same design language as Twitter's web app.

Focusrite Vocaster hands-on: Streamlined audio interfaces built for podcasters

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:00 AM PDT

Focusrite already makes some of the most popular audio interfaces on the market. If you're a budding musician or bedroom producer, you've probably considered one of their Scarlett interfaces when building out your studio. They're also great options for podcasters. But music producers and podcasters have different needs and priorities, so Focusrite is specifically targeting the latter with its new Vocaster One and Vocaster Two. These new interfaces have a handful of features aimed at making the lives of podcast hosts and streamers much easier.

The two interfaces are largely the same, it's just that the Vocaster Two has two of everything, while the One has… you guessed it, one. There's two mic inputs and two headphone outs on the Vocaster Two, and just one on the other. The ins and outs are also handily labeled as "host" and "guest" rather than simply "one" and "two." That means you can probably set the host channel the way you want it and never worry about it again.

Focusrite Vocaster
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

Both Vocasters have large knobs on the top that make controlling mic gain and headphone levels easy. But there's also an array of buttons below that offer quick access to extremely useful features. There's a pair of mute buttons, an auto gain feature for setting mic levels automatically, and an Enhance button that applies compression, EQ and highpass filter to instantly improve the quality of your voice. While the button on the interface itself simply turns Enhance on and off, in the Vocaster Hub app there are a few different presets to select from. Radio and Clean are my two favorites, but Bright and Warm might work better for some depending on the tenor of their voice.

Focusrite Vocaster
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

You'll definitely want to install the Vocaster Hub app. While the interfaces will work right out of the box with no additional software, there are advanced features hidden in the app and it just makes some tasks that much easier. For one, it's the only way to manually set the level of both mic inputs independently on the Vocaster Two. While you can use the auto gain on both from the device itself, there's only one gain knob and it controls both inputs simultaneously.

The app is also where you can control the levels for the two loopback channels and the aux input. The loopback makes it easy to pipe in theme music while the aux input is handy for having guests dial in. It is worth noting, though, that to take full advantage of that you'll need a TRRS to TRRS cable, a regular audio cable won't cut it. But this ensures that not only can you hear your guest, but they can hear you as well.

The more expensive Vocaster Two not only has an aux input, but also Bluetooth connectivity for bringing in guests wirelessly, but I'd be hesitant to trust that myself. There's already enough things that can go wrong when doing remote interviews that I wouldn't want to add Bluetooth to the mix.

Focusrite Vocaster
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

Both interfaces have left and right audio outs for connecting studio monitors, but the camera out is probably more useful for the intended audience. It's really just a standard 3.5mm TRS stereo out, but if you connect it to a camera you can avoid having to sync up audio after the fact on a vlog, and instantly step up your streaming game. There's 48v phantom power if your preference is for condenser mics.

In my brief testing both interfaces worked as advertised. For someone just getting started in podcasting, or who wants to be as mobile as possible, these would make a ton of sense. The Enhance feature works wonders and it does so with no fuss. It's similar to the Air feature on the Scarlett line, but tuned much more specifically for the human voice.

Focusrite Vocaster
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget

The auto gain also worked fairly well, quickly allowing me to swap microphones without spending a ton of time dialing in gain manually. It might be a tad conservative for some, but it's easier to make things louder in post if necessary than it is to clean up a clipping mic.

The plain aesthetics and plastic build are nothing to write home about, though. The only flourishes are the LED ring around the gain knob and the red accents around the edges. But frankly, one of the least important things about an audio interface is how it looks. I might not toss these haphazardly in a bag, though. Some thoughtful cushioning is definitely necessary if you're taking these on the road.

Focusrite Vocaster

If you're truly just getting started out, Focusrite also sells the Vocaster One and Two as bundles with headphones and a mic. Both packages include the same headphones, and they're solid if unremarkable. The Vocaster One Studio comes with a DM1 microphone for $300, that's probably most comparable to a Shure SM58. It's no frills, but it gets the job done. While the Vocaster Two Studio includes the decidedly higher-end DM14v dynamic mic for $500.

Of course, if you're just looking for an interface you can order both the Vocaster One and Vocaster Two now for $200 and $300, respectively.

Update: This article originally stated that the gain knob on the Vocaster Two controlled both mic levels simultaneously. You can select which input is being controlled by pressing the level button.

'Diablo Immortal' arrives a day early on iOS and Android

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 07:12 AM PDT

Diablo fans who have been eager to try the series' first new game in a decade won't need to wait any longer, as long as they're willing to play on mobile. Blizzard has opened up access to Diablo Immortal a day early on iOS and Android. Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson said Blizzard rolled out the mobile version one day before the official release date of June 2nd to give it time "to propagate through all the global stores."

PC players in most regions will still need to wait until tomorrow to dive in. Diablo Immortal will be in open beta on that platform for the time being. Those in some Asia-Pacific countries won't be able to try the PC version until June 22nd, however.

Engadget Weekend Editor Igor Bonifacic tried an early access build and felt that it's Blizzard's best game in years, but had serious reservations about its microtransactions and the monetization approach. In addition, there are randomization elements that could run afoul of loot box bans in Belgium and the Netherlands. As a result, Blizzard won't release the game in those countries.

Diablo Immortal is Blizzard's second mobile game after Hearthstone and its first attempt at bringing an existing series to iOS and Android. Activision Blizzard, spurred by the success of Call of Duty Mobile and its King division, is making a bigger push into mobile games. The company said in 2020 that it has mobile titles in the works for all of its "most important franchises." Blizzard is planning to release another mobile title, the free-to-play strategy game Warcraft Arclight Rumble, later this year.

Buick's Wildcat concept shows how the brand is approaching EVs

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:40 AM PDT

Buick is finally joining GM's EV transition, and it's ready to tease what you can expect. The badge has unveiled a Wildcat EV concept car that previews both the design language and technology for production models. The two-plus-two coupe sports a sharper, more aggressive look than Buicks from the past, and includes a few clever tricks you rarely see in other electric cars.

Micro-LEDs and thin-beam projectors not only provide front lighting, but greet you as you enter the vehicle. You can see a state of charge indicator through the hatchback glass. The cabin unsurprisingly includes plenty of displays (including an ultra-wide main screen and a secondary panel), but there's also a "Zen Mode" that dims the lights, massages you through the seat and even sprays aromatherapy scents through the interior.

GM didn't provide performance specs for the Wildcat, and stressed the concept would "influence" production Buick EVs rather than serve as a prototype. The coupe design is a notable break from Buick's usual SUVs, though. While executives in a Q&A session wouldn't confirm a shift in body styles, they hinted the Ultium platform enabled a variety of EV designs.

Buick Wildcat EV concept interior
GM

It's also clear that GM intends to use Buick as a vanguard for its electrification plans. The first production Buick EV (expected to be the Electra SUV) doesn't arrive until 2024, but the lineup will be fully electrified by 2030 — five years ahead of GM's deadline for ditching combustion engines. Buick won't be alone when Cadillac and Hummer are on similar paths, but it's evident you'll have plenty of choice in American luxury EVs over the next few years.

Logitech's new MX Mechanical Mini and MX Master 3S are already on sale

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:15 AM PDT

Don't worry if you were waiting for Logitech's MX Mechanical and MX Master 3S to go on sale before you took the plunge — the discounts are already here. Amazon is selling the compact MX Mechanical Mini keyboard for $133 (12 percent off), while the MX Master 3S mouse has dropped to $89 (11 percent off). You'll have to be content with clicky switches for the keyboard, but these still represent meaningful savings for brand new peripherals.

Buy MX Mechanical Mini at Amazon - $133Buy MX Master 3S at Amazon - $89

The MX Mechanical Mini is the keyboard for gamers whose PCs double as office machines. You'll get the crisp feel of the mechanical switches you often see in gaming keyboards, but the key pitch, ergonomics and noise are optimized for typing. You'll also find productivity-friendly keys (such as Page Up/Down and Delete) that often go missing on smaller gaming-oriented layouts.

The MX Master 3S, meanwhile, is a refinement of a familiar (and arguably successful) formula. The creator-oriented mouse has twice the sensor resolution at 8,000DPI, and the quieter main mouse buttons should help you concentrate on work. It's clearly meant as a companion to the MX Mechanical line, and might just be a good fit if you want high-end input devices without the ostentatious designs of gaming hardware.

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

Instagram will push Amber Alerts to users' feeds

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:00 AM PDT

Instagram will start pushing Amber Alerts to users' feeds to notify them about missing children in their area. The company says the feature will start rolling out tomorrow and it will be live in 25 countries over "the next couple of weeks." 

Even so, Instagram users shouldn't expect to see them very often. The company notes that the alerts are meant to be "rare and specific to the search area." Instagram will use factors like IP addresses and location data (if enabled) in order to determine which accounts to push the notices too.

When they do appear, the alerts will crop up in users feeds, not as in-app notifications. Unlike the mobile notifications that are often pushed via wireless carriers for Amber Alerts, Instagram's version will include a photo and description of the missing child, as well other relevant details, like where they were last seen. There will also be a phone number to report sightings or other tips to law enforcement.

While not the first time Meta has added Amber Alerts — Facebook started surfacing them to users in 2015 — the company notes Instagram could be particularly impactful as it's a "visual-first" platform that is already widely used by teens.
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