From Engadget · 40 stories
DeepMind's SL2T Model Enables American Sign Language Input on Pixel 11 Devices
DeepMind has launched its new sign-language-to-text (SL2T) model, integrated into Gboard and Live Transcribe on Pixel 11 devices. This technology allows users to transcribe American Sign Language (ASL) into English text, providing a new method for communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Formula E Racing Moves Global Streaming to Disney+ and ESPN+ Starting 2026/27 Season
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has signed a multiyear deal to broadcast races globally on Disney+ and ESPN+, beginning with the 2026/27 season. This agreement shifts the primary streaming home for Formula E from Roku, impacting how fans access the electric vehicle racing series in over 140 territories.
Insta360 Releases X6 Action Camera with Larger Sensors and 8K/50fps Recording
Insta360 has launched the X6, a new 360-degree action camera featuring larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensors and improved 8K recording at 50fps. The X6 offers a more compact design than its predecessors, along with more durable and affordable replaceable lenses, and enhanced low-light performance with Dolby Vision support. It is available starting at $699.99.
Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller Prototype Leaks with Built-in Screen
Images of a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller have surfaced, reportedly purchased for $200 on OfferUp. The device features a small built-in screen, a new "Pair Button," and two scroll wheels, aligning with previous leaks from a Brazilian regulator. This leak provides a potential look at upcoming hardware revisions for Microsoft's premium gaming controller.
Apple Explores Major Apple Watch Redesign, Including Round Screens and Screenless Devices
Apple is reportedly considering a significant overhaul of its Apple Watch lineup, exploring designs such as circular displays and screenless fitness trackers. These potential changes aim to address increasing competition and expand the product range with both more premium and more affordable options, alongside an AI-centric software revamp for the Health app.
Europe Finalizes IRIS² Satellite Constellation Plan, Expanding to 348 Satellites
The European Commission has finalized the implementation plan for its IRIS² satellite broadband service, signing an agreement with European manufacturers and partners. The project will now include 348 satellites, an increase of 66 from original plans, to enhance secure governmental capacity for defense, security, and emergency services. First launches are targeted for 2029.
FCC Proposes Retroactive Ban on Foreign Drones with LiDAR and Thermal Imaging
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed banning the import and sale of foreign-made drones equipped with LiDAR sensors, thermal imaging, and other capabilities, classifying these technologies as "military-grade." This proposal, outlined in public notice DA 26-758, expands on an existing ban from December 2025 by retroactively targeting previously approved models, potentially affecting popular consumer drones like some DJI models.
Rep. Ro Khanna Introduces "Data Center Bill of Rights" to Empower Local Communities
Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives proposing a "Data Center Bill of Rights." This resolution aims to grant local communities the authority to reject data center construction and regulate their development, addressing concerns about utility rate increases, energy and water consumption, and proximity to residential areas.
Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine mFlusiva Approved by FDA for Adults 50 and Older
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna's mRNA seasonal flu vaccine, mFlusiva (mRNA-1010), for adults aged 50 and over. This marks the first mRNA-based flu shot to receive FDA approval, expanding mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 vaccines and offering a new option for influenza prevention in older populations.
Samsung Unveils New Memory Technologies for AI and General Computing at FMS
Samsung introduced zHBM, zNAND-O, and BV-NAND memory technologies at the Future of Memory and Storage (FMS) conference. These advancements utilize wafer bonding to improve performance, density, and energy efficiency, primarily targeting AI data centers and specialized computing applications.
Bose Updates QuietComfort Headphones with Immersive Audio and Enhanced ANC
Bose released a second-generation version of its QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones, featuring TrueSpatial immersive audio, enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), and lossless audio support via USB-C. These updates bring features previously exclusive to the higher-end QuietComfort Ultra series to the QuietComfort line, with a price of $359.
Grand Theft Auto VI 'Extended Look' to Premiere on Netflix Six Hours Before YouTube
Rockstar Games will release an "extended look" at Grand Theft Auto VI on August 27th. Netflix subscribers will have exclusive early access to the preview at 3 PM ET, six hours before it becomes available on Rockstar's YouTube channel at 9 PM ET. This marks a collaboration between Rockstar Games and Netflix for the highly anticipated game, which follows GTA V, a title that sold nearly 230 million copies.
New Jersey Sues Amazon Over Alleged Antitrust Violations in Delivery Network
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company abuses its power over third-party delivery contractors. The complaint claims Amazon's practices lead to lower wages and harsher working conditions for drivers by preventing unionization and restricting hiring between contractors. This is described as the first state-level monopsony conduct complaint.
Samsung Launches HDR10+ Advanced on 2026 TVs with Prime Video Content
Samsung is rolling out HDR10+ Advanced, an updated image quality format, to its 2026 TV models this month, initially for content on Prime Video. This new version introduces Enhanced Overall Brightness and Intelligent Motion Smoothing, aiming to deliver more precise HDR and localized tone mapping without Dolby's licensing fees.
Snap to Detail $2,195 AR Specs at September 16 Event
Snap will host an event on September 16 to provide an in-depth look at its standalone augmented reality glasses, Specs. The glasses, priced at $2,195, are expected to ship in the US, UK, and France this fall, with CEO Evan Spiegel demonstrating their features. Spiegel previously stated that mass-market adoption is not anticipated until closer to the end of the decade.
Major Labels Propose Rules to Exclude AI-Generated Music from Global Charts
Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group, alongside other labels, are advocating for new regulations to prevent AI-generated songs from entering global music charts. Their proposal requires songs to be "substantially human-made" and adhere to specific legal criteria regarding AI use, aiming to address concerns about streaming fraud and unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
Northwestern University introduces motion-blur cloaked Phantom Twist drone
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed the Phantom Twist drone, which spins at 25 RPM, rendering it nearly invisible due to motion blur. This design, which leverages AI for optimization, is ten times less visible than standard quadcopters, potentially advancing drone stealth technology.
Apple Expands Car Keys Feature to More Automaker Brands, Increasing Integration
Apple is expanding its Car Keys feature in its Wallet app to new automakers including Volkswagen, Xiaomi, Lucid Motors, and GWM's Tank vehicle lineup. This development broadens the digital car keys ecosystem, allowing users to operate their vehicles using their iPhone or Apple Watch with compatible cars.
Google Addresses Pixel Battery Drain, Samsung Users Report New Issues
Google announced that battery drain issues affecting Pixel 9 and 10 series devices are resolved with the July 2026 update, and Pixel 8a and 9a will receive a fix in September. Concurrently, Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25 series users are reporting new battery drain and overheating problems after the July 2026 One UI 8.5 update, potentially linked to a WhatsApp bug.
Netflix Pays $500 Million for Co-Exclusive Global Streaming Rights to 'The Walking Dead' Franchise
Netflix has secured co-exclusive global streaming rights for "The Walking Dead" and its six spinoffs in a $500 million deal with AMC Global Media. Starting in 2027, the franchise, comprising 371 episodes, will stream on both Netflix and AMC+, with Netflix gaining international rights in territories like the UK, Italy, and Australia, while AMC+ will stream the main show for the first time.
DJI Launches Osmo Pocket 4P Gimbal Camera with Dual Lenses, Unavailable in US
DJI has globally launched the Osmo Pocket 4P, a new gimbal camera featuring a dual-lens system with a 20mm-equivalent wide-angle and a 60mm-equivalent telephoto lens, offering 3x optical zoom. The device, which records 4K video, will not be sold in the United States due to ongoing government restrictions on DJI products.
Valve Clarifies Steam Machine Reservation Process and Releases CAD Files
Valve addressed concerns regarding Steam Machine reservation fulfillment, stating that waitlist individuals are not bypassing existing reservations and all current reservation holders are expected to receive an option to purchase by the end of 2026. The company also released CAD files for the Steam Machine's external shell under a Creative Commons license, allowing for custom accessory development.
Trump EPA Considers Rule Change Reducing Public Input on Data Center Pollution Permits
The Trump administration's EPA is considering a rule change that would transfer authority to states for public participation in permitting processes for certain new air pollution sources, including gas plants and diesel generators used by data centers. This change could reduce public notice and input on polluting facilities, impacting communities where data centers are facing increased pushback. The proposed rollback could accelerate data center development by lessening community oversight on environmental permits.
Hugging Face Models Generate Nonconsensual Deepfakes, Lacking Safeguards
A report by European nonprofit AI Forensics found that seven of the top nine image editing models on Hugging Face generated nonconsensual deepfakes of women and children using simple prompts. This indicates a lack of platform-level safeguards on Hugging Face, contrasting with other mainstream generative AI models, and raises concerns about the proliferation of harmful AI applications.
Baidu and Lyft Begin Robotaxi Testing in London with Apollo Go RT6 Vehicles
Baidu, in partnership with Lyft and its subsidiary Freenow, has started testing its Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in London. These tests involve human safety operators and are part of a broader strategy to deploy autonomous vehicles across European markets, with public availability targeted for 2027.
ChatGPT Now Refuses to Mimic Specific Authors' Writing Styles
OpenAI's ChatGPT has begun refusing requests to generate text that directly imitates the writing styles of specific authors, including both living and deceased individuals. Instead, the chatbot offers responses that draw on broad qualities of those authors while maintaining its own voice. This change is likely a response to ongoing copyright infringement lawsuits against OpenAI.
T-Mobile Outage Causes Widespread iPhone SOS Mode Activation Across US
T-Mobile experienced a widespread service outage across the United States, beginning around 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, affecting cellular calls, texts, and data for many users. This outage caused iPhones to display an "SOS" indicator, signifying a loss of network connectivity, though emergency calls remained possible.
Meta Exits RE100 Clean Energy Initiative Amidst Increased Natural Gas Power Plant Investments
Meta has withdrawn from the RE100 corporate renewable energy initiative after a decade of membership, a move confirmed by the company. This departure coincides with Meta's accelerated investment in natural gas power plants to support its AI data centers, raising questions about its commitment to 100% clean energy. The exit follows RE100's updated guidance requiring more rigorous reporting on renewable energy progress.
Meta Introduces Free Facebook Verified Badge for Human Identity Confirmation
Meta has launched a new, free Facebook Verified badge that confirms a user's human identity through facial recognition, distinct from the paid Meta Verified subscription. This initiative aims to help users identify real people amidst a rise in AI-generated fake profiles and scams on the platform.
Meta launches Seller app to professionalize Facebook Marketplace with AI tools
Meta has released the Seller app, an application designed to provide professional sales features for users on Facebook Marketplace. This app offers AI-powered listing creation, inventory management, and unified communication tools, aiming to support users who manage multiple listings and grow their businesses.
Microsoft Tests Free, Ad-Supported Cloud Gaming for Xbox Insiders
Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported cloud gaming option for Xbox Insiders, allowing them to stream games they own for one-hour sessions. Ads will play before the session begins, and the test is available for a limited time. This initiative aims to provide more affordable access to Xbox games.
iOS 27 to enable video playback on CarPlay when stationary
Apple announced that iOS 27 will allow video playback on CarPlay in stationary vehicles. This feature enables users to browse and play videos on compatible CarPlay systems, enhancing the entertainment experience for waiting drivers.
Garmin Launches Screen-Free Cirqa Fitness Tracker for $199.99
Garmin has unveiled the Cirqa, a $199.99 screen-free fitness tracker offering extensive health monitoring without subscription fees. The device tracks metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature with a 10-day battery life. It competes with subscription-based products from Whoop and Fitbit, offering connections to the Garmin Connect app for additional insights.
Halliday's Second-Generation Smart Glasses Aim to Improve User Experience
Halliday has released its second-generation smart glasses, addressing previous display issues with improved waveguide technology. These new glasses come without a camera and feature a separate display for each eye, targeting work meetings as their primary use case. Halliday learned from its first-generation criticisms to enhance the viewing experience.
Sony Files Lawsuit Against Udio Over 30,000 AI-Generated Songs
Sony Music Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against Udio alleging the AI music generator infringed on over 30,000 copyrighted songs. The lawsuit, separate from a previous attempt to expand claims, includes famous tracks by artists like Elvis and Beyoncé. This legal action underscores ongoing copyright issues in AI-generated music.
FCC Fines and Plans Ban on DJI-Tech Disguised Products Citing National Security
The FCC has fined eight companies $25,000 each for not responding to inquiries about their use of DJI technology. The Commission plans a retroactive ban on their drones and cameras, given concerns over evading foreign drone bans. This crackdown reflects national security concerns involving disguised DJI tech in the US.
Samsung Launches Galaxy Card Offering Cashback on Samsung Purchases
Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Card, a new credit card offering up to 5% cashback on Samsung product purchases. The card, issued by Barclays and operating on Visa, integrates with Samsung Wallet and provides varying cashback rates for different purchase types. It aims to enhance customer loyalty by rewarding users for spending on Samsung devices and services.
Honda Discontinues Prologue, Ending U.S. EV Presence
Honda will cease sales of its Prologue EV in the U.S. by the end of the 2026 model year. This move aligns with broader trends of reduced EV offerings in the U.S., influenced by the loss of federal tax credits among other factors.
TikTok Ban Lifted for US Government Devices After Joint Venture Formation
The US Department of Justice has lifted the ban on TikTok for federal employees' devices, following the creation of a new venture for TikTok's US operations. The app's download is now allowed, subject to agency discretion, as it is considered secure under Oracle's management and reduced ByteDance involvement.
Obsidian Focuses on New Fallout Game Amid Massive Xbox Layoffs
Microsoft's restructuring has led Obsidian Entertainment to cancel the Avowed sequel to develop a new Fallout game under Josh Sawyer. Meanwhile, Bethesda confirms Fallout 5 development amid significant layoffs. This indicates Microsoft's focus on established franchises during organizational changes.