From Engadget · 40 stories
X unveils Live Studio, $1M incentives for creators to boost live video streaming
X announced a $1 million fund to incentivize creators for live streaming on its platform. The launch of Live Studio offers tools for easier streaming, which may enhance user engagement and creator monetization.
Hyundai and Kia introduce Plasma Care UVC sanitization system for vehicles
Hyundai and Kia have launched the Plasma Care UVC sanitization system, which uses Far-UVC technology to reduce bacteria and odors in vehicle cabins. This innovation addresses hygiene concerns without the risks associated with conventional UV light, marking a significant step in automotive sanitation.
Oura Introduces Smaller Ring 5, Focuses on Design and Wearability
Oura has launched the Ring 5, a significantly smaller and lighter version of its predecessor, the Ring 4. The new ring maintains its existing health tracking features but emphasizes design enhancements over functional upgrades. It requires a subscription for complete access, impacting consumers evaluating compact smart wearables.
Light Unveils $299 Minimalist Flip Phone, the Light Flip, Launching in 2024
Light has announced the Light Flip, an affordable, minimalist flip phone priced at $299. Slated for early 2024 release, it combines retro design elements with modern features, excluding distracting apps to target users seeking simplicity. It retains tactile qualities, harking back to classic models like the Moto Razr.
HBO Max Introduces Vertical Video "Shorts" Feed and Conversational Search
HBO Max has launched "HBO Max Shorts," a vertical video feed featuring trailers, clips, and bonus content, initially for select iOS users in the US. This feature, which uses an AI tool and human editors to create personalized content based on watch history, aims to help users discover new shows and movies. Additionally, HBO Max is testing a conversational search experience for Android users in the US.
Roku Increases Streaming Hardware Prices by Up to $50 Across All Models
Roku has raised prices on its streaming hardware, with some devices increasing by as much as $50, due to an ongoing memory shortage. This change affects all Roku models, including the Streaming Stick and Roku Ultra, and follows a similar price adjustment by Apple for its devices.
Adobe Tests AI Features in Project Indigo Camera App
Adobe's experimental Project Indigo camera app for iOS is testing new AI features, including photo critiques and editing suggestions. The updates, part of the AI Playground, include advanced object removal and style changes. This limited trial is available to a small group of users and aims to explore user interaction with AI-driven editing.
Xreal Releases Budget-Friendly A01 Plus AR Glasses for $299
Xreal has launched the A01 Plus AR glasses for $299, aimed at cost-conscious consumers seeking an affordable AR experience. These glasses, designed for media consumption, offer dual-layer Micro-OLED displays with 1,600-nit brightness and weigh 62 grams. While they lack some features of pricier models, the A01 Plus provides a budget option for portable gaming and movies.
X Adjusts Algorithm to Prioritize Replies From Mutual Followers
X has updated its algorithm to prioritize replies from mutual followers, aiming to foster meaningful community interactions on the platform. This tweak addresses user feedback about random content visibility in replies, which previously led to unfamiliar discussions. The change intends to create more cohesive interest-based interactions among users.
Elon Musk Denies Reports of SpaceX Handheld AI Device Prototype
Elon Musk has denied reports that SpaceX is developing a handheld AI device, calling the claims "utterly false." Despite this, several outlets reported a prototype, allegedly shown to investors, that was thinner than an iPhone and featured technology from xAI. The reports have raised questions about SpaceX's potential in AI hardware and mobile services, but Musk's denial leaves the company's plans uncertain.
CMF Launches Clip Pro Open Earbuds with Smart Dial Case for $99
Nothing's sub-brand CMF has released its first open earbuds, the CMF Clip Pro, priced at $99. These earbuds feature a clip-style design for situational awareness, 10.8mm drivers, and a charging case with a "Smart Dial" for controls, offering 10 hours of battery life per charge. This launch expands CMF's audio product line with a new form factor.
Newegg Bundles Feature AMD Processors and DDR5 RAM with Substantial Discounts
Newegg has introduced various component bundles featuring AMD Ryzen processors and Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM, offering notable savings. These bundles include the Ryzen 5 9600X with 16GB RAM and a B650M motherboard for $519.99, along with a free AIO cooler. Such offers help mitigate high RAM prices, making them attractive for budget-conscious gaming PC builders.
Google Play Integrates Venmo as a Payment Option for Apps, Games, and Subscriptions
Google Play has added Venmo as a payment option for purchases including apps, games, add-ons, and digital content. Users can now link their Venmo account to pay for subscriptions and in-app content using their Venmo balance or linked payment methods, expanding payment choices within Google's services, including YouTube.
Quake Receives Free "Dawn of the Machine" Expansion for 30th Anniversary
id Software and MachineGames released "Dawn of the Machine," a free expansion for the original Quake, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The update includes a 19-map campaign, a new Deathmatch map, a new soundtrack, and new gameplay mechanics, available across all supported platforms.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Upper Stage Expected to Crash into Moon in August
An upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is projected to crash into the Moon near the Einstein Crater on August 5. This event provides astronomers with a rare opportunity to observe an artificial impact in real-time, allowing for studies on dust plume movement and space debris hazards.
Twelve South Releases Smaller Valet Charging Tray with Increased Wireless Power
Twelve South has introduced a new, more compact version of its Valet charging tray, reducing its depth from 7.5 inches to 4.25-4.5 inches. This updated model increases wireless charging power to 25W, up from 15W in the original, and is priced at $129.99.
Sunbird Relaunches iMessage App for Android on Google Play Store
Sunbird has relaunched its iMessage for Android application on the Google Play Store, making it publicly available after a beta period and a three-year hiatus. The app aims to provide iMessage functionality, including blue chat bubbles, reactions, and high-quality video, to Android users, despite previous security concerns that led to its temporary shutdown in 2023.
WhatsApp Introduces @all Mentions, Enhanced Polls, and New Group Creation Features
WhatsApp has rolled out new features for group chats, including an "@all" mention to notify all members, expanded poll options with end times and anonymous voting, and the ability to create new groups from existing ones. These updates provide users with more communication tools and administrative controls within the messaging platform.
BMW Displays Full-Screen Spider-Man Advertisement on In-Car Displays
BMW began displaying a full-screen advertisement for the movie "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" on the dashboard Control Displays of customer vehicles starting July 27, 2026. This promotion, running until August 10, 2026, in over 70 markets, appears as a banner at startup that drivers can click to play a full-screen animation, contradicting a previous statement by a BMW senior vice president regarding in-car advertising.
Spotify Introduces 'User Notes' for Personalizing Playlist Tracks
Spotify has launched "User Notes," a new feature allowing users to add personal captions of up to 240 characters to individual songs within their playlists. This update aims to personalize the music experience by enabling users to record memories or context associated with tracks, and is available in select markets for users aged 16 and older on both free and Premium plans.
Friend AI pendant re-launches with speaker and increased price
The Friend AI wearable has been re-launched as version 2.0, now featuring a built-in speaker for verbal interaction and updated AI models. The device's price has increased from an initial $99 or $129 to $249, and a new $10 monthly subscription is required to retain conversation memory beyond 30 days.
Meta pauses subscription plan for Conversation Focus feature on smart glasses after user feedback
Meta has paused its plan to charge a monthly subscription fee for the Conversation Focus feature on its smart glasses, which enhances audio clarity. This decision follows user backlash regarding the proposed fee and rate limits for a feature that operates locally on the device.
AppleCare+ Prices Rise for New Mac and iPad Buyers
Apple has increased the prices of AppleCare+ for new Mac and iPad buyers by $0.50 per month or $5 per year. This move aligns with recent price hikes across Apple's hardware offerings, attributed to rising component costs. Existing customers with AppleCare+ continue on their current plans without any price changes. The AppleCare One bundle, covering three devices, remains priced at $19.99 monthly, offering cost savings for users with multiple devices.
Amazon's Blade Runner 2099 Series Premieres November 25th on Prime Video
Amazon announced that its new streaming series, Blade Runner 2099, will premiere on Prime Video on November 25th, with all eight episodes released simultaneously. The series, set 50 years after Blade Runner 2049, stars Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer, and features Ridley Scott as an executive producer.
Warner Bros. Sues Amazon for Allegedly Poaching HBO Employees
Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing it of inducing contracted employees to breach their employment agreements, specifically citing the case of former HBO Max EVP Pia Barlow. This legal action highlights disputes over talent acquisition practices in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning employees under existing contracts.
Xteink Launches Ultra-Portable X4 Pro E-Reader with Touchscreen and Light
Xteink has released the X4 Pro, an ultra-portable e-reader featuring a touchscreen and built-in front light. Priced at $99, it aims to improve usability over previous models, although it supports only DRM-free ebooks and includes limited software options. This update matters for fans of minimalistic, pocket-sized e-readers seeking enhanced features.
Apple Maps Ads to Bar Home Services, Limit Categories at Launch
Apple is introducing ads to its Maps app in the U.S. and Canada, imposing significant restrictions on certain categories like home services. This differs from Google, which allows more expansive local service ads. Apple aims to focus on local businesses with physical locations, enhancing the user experience by limiting certain ad categories.
Unicode Unveils Nine New Emojis for Enhanced Digital Expression
The Unicode Consortium announced nine new emoji designs, set to launch by spring 2024, including Cracking Face, Meteor, and Monarch Butterfly. These additions target clearer expressions and emotional nuance in digital communication.
X Unveils Video Editor to Combat Content Theft on iOS App
X has launched a new video editor in its iOS app to encourage original content creation over recycling viral clips. The tools include multi-language caption overlays and a green screen feature. This move aims to curb content theft often committed by top accounts.
Spotify Enhances Release Radar with Customizable Listening Filters
Spotify has introduced new customization options for its Release Radar playlist, allowing users to adjust recommendations by genre and artist. This update, now available on both mobile and desktop, includes improved session controls and a redesigned look. It aims to enhance personalized music discovery for the nearly 9 million weekly users of the playlist.
Nothing Launches Ear 3A Buds with Audio Recording at $99 Price Point
Nothing introduced its new Ear 3A wireless earbuds for $99, featuring an Audio Snapshot feature for recording audio and calls. The earbuds also come with improved ANC and built-in storage. They connect recordings with the Nothing X app for further functionality.
OnePlus exits North American and European markets, shifts software to ColorOS
OnePlus has ceased operations in North America and Europe, impacting future device purchases and software support. The company will transition from OxygenOS to ColorOS for future Android updates, a move that has caused user frustration.
Retro Games Appear Better on CRT TVs Due to Original Design and Display Technology
Retro games from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s were designed for CRT displays, which handled motion and resolution differently than modern flat-panel TVs. This design context explains why these games often look less appealing when played on contemporary screens, as the original visual effects relied on CRT characteristics. The difference in display technology impacts how older games are perceived today.
iPhone lifespan detailed: software support promises extend to older models
Apple's support for iOS will now include the iPhone 11, ensuring extended usability for users. This commitment is significant as it influences upgrade decisions amid rising prices for new devices.
FCC restrictions on foreign-made routers impact TP-Link sales in the US
The FCC restricted new foreign-made routers, affecting TP-Link's ability to sell new models in the US, while granting waivers to other manufacturers like Netgear and Amazon's Eero. This action creates uncertainty for US consumers considering TP-Link routers, despite the company's global headquarters moving to the US.
Real-world data shows EV batteries last longer than initial predictions
Real-world data indicates that electric vehicle (EV) batteries are degrading slower than initial predictions, with modern EVs retaining up to 95% of their original range after five years. This longevity addresses a significant consumer concern regarding battery replacement costs and overall EV reliability. The improved performance is attributed to advancements in battery technology and differences between lab testing and actual driving conditions.
Comparison of iCloud+ and Apple One Subscription Services
iCloud+ offers expanded cloud storage and privacy features, while Apple One includes additional Apple services. Users need to evaluate their storage and service usage to determine the most cost-effective option.
Factors Driving High Prices of GameCube Games and Their Scarcity
GameCube games are increasingly expensive due to limited supply and high demand driven by nostalgia. The console's poor sales figures contribute to the scarcity of its games in the retro market.
Xiaomi phones rarely sold in US despite global popularity
Xiaomi is the third largest smartphone vendor globally, but its phones are seldom sold in the US. Despite being briefly blacklisted in 2021, the lack of availability is primarily due to Xiaomi's failure to adapt to the US market rather than governmental bans.
The Decline of 3D TVs and Hollywood's 3D Content Issues
3D TVs gained popularity in the early 2010s but fell out of favor by 2015 due to practicality issues and a lack of quality content. The inconvenient use of 3D glasses, alongside Hollywood's oversaturation of low-quality 3D films, led consumers to abandon the technology in favor of simpler home entertainment options.