From Engadget · 40 stories
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.
Signal Beta Allows Linking Android Devices to One Account
Signal's latest beta introduces the ability for Android users to link a secondary phone or tablet to a single account without needing multiple phone numbers. This feature aligns Signal more closely with competitors like WhatsApp, allowing synchronized chat history across devices. The feature, currently in beta and expected in a future stable release, enhances flexibility for Signal users.
Netflix Utilizes Generative AI in Over 300 Titles to Enhance Production
Netflix employed generative AI in over 300 titles, primarily in post-production, to accelerate production and cut costs. The series "The American Experiment" notably includes 17 minutes of AI-assisted footage, produced quicker and cheaper than traditional methods.
SpaceX Deorbits 260 Starlink Satellites, Sparks Environmental Concerns
SpaceX deorbited 260 Starlink satellites from December 2025 to May 2026, burning them in Earth's atmosphere. The move, reported to the FCC, raises environmental worries despite following standard deorbiting practices to prevent collisions.
Elon Musk's $1 Billion APR Energy Acquisition Supports xAI's Data Centers
Elon Musk acquired APR Energy, a company that creates mobile gas turbines, for approximately $1 billion. The acquisition is expected to provide power for SpaceXAI's data centers, which face scrutiny due to unpermitted gas turbine usage. This move marks a shift towards fossil fuel reliance, contrasting Musk's previous clean energy advocacy.
Valve Retains Steam Deck OEM Parts Supply Through iFixit
Valve confirms continued supply of original Steam Deck batteries via iFixit, reversing a potential discontinuation. This move maintains repairability for users and upholds Valve's commitment to device longevity.
Apple Eyes Semiconductor Startups to Enhance AI Server Performance
Apple is reportedly in talks with semiconductor startups to bolster its AI server capabilities. The performance of its current M2 Ultra chips is deemed insufficient, leading Apple to consider acquisitions. This move is seen as a shift from Apple's usual business strategy, emphasizing its focus on strengthening AI processing.
StubHub CEO's Investment in Scalping Fund Sparks Legal Action and Consumer Concerns
StubHub CEO Eric Baker's involvement in funding mass scalpers through Andro Capital has led to a proposed $5 million class-action lawsuit. Recent SEC filings revealed Baker's role in the fund, raising conflict of interest concerns and highlighting issues with StubHub's marketplace practices.
Sony's FlexStrike Fight Stick for PS5 Delayed Indefinitely Due to Production Issues
Sony has indefinitely delayed the launch of its FlexStrike wireless fight stick for PS5 and PC. Originally set for an August 6 release to coincide with the Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls game, the postponement is due to unexpected production delays, impacting gamers and pre-order customers. Sony promises more updates soon.
California Launches $3,500 Rebate Program for First-Time EV Buyers
California has introduced a $3,500 rebate for first-time electric vehicle buyers, aligning with Governor Gavin Newsom's MyFirstEV initiative. This state-funded program offsets reduced sales caused by the cessation of a federal tax credit, contributing to California's $600 million investment in clean transportation. Affected vehicles must be zero-emission and under $50,000.
Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition Launches on Apple Arcade in August
Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition will arrive on Apple Arcade on August 6 or 7, enabling Apple users to play EA's popular football simulation game. The game, set to release before the NFL pre-season, will be free from ads and in-app purchases, offering players an uninterrupted gaming experience across various Apple devices.
Google Expands Gemini in Chrome to UK Users
Google has expanded its Gemini feature in Chrome to users in the UK, continuing its international rollout. Gemini, previously limited to certain subscriptions, offers AI-based summarization and integration with Google services. This feature, now more widely available, enhances user interaction with content and other Google apps directly in the browser.
Brazilian Court Orders Microsoft to Restore Hacked Xbox Account and Pay Damages
A Brazilian court ordered Microsoft to reinstate a gamer's suspended Xbox account and digital library, following a lawsuit by a user known as Ordo_Liberal. Microsoft must also pay $400 in damages. The court ruling emphasizes consumer rights in digital ownership and security.
Apple to Release New Apple Pencil Models in 2027 with Replaceable Batteries
Apple is set to release new models of its Apple Pencil in spring 2027, featuring replaceable batteries to comply with EU regulations. This update aims to improve repairability and user experience, aligning with new standards for portable electronic devices.
Phia Faces Suspension for Alleged Cookie Stuffing in Affiliate Marketing
Phia, co-founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, is accused of cookie stuffing, improperly claiming affiliate sales it did not generate. Investigations revealed the misuse, leading to Phia's suspension from Impact.com. The issue highlights challenges in maintaining transparency in affiliate marketing practices.
Volkswagen Considers Major Restructuring Amid Profit Decline and Union Tensions
Volkswagen Group is contemplating factory closures and a significant reduction of its workforce as it seeks to adapt to changing market conditions and declining profits. Plans to streamline operations face opposition from strong worker unions.
Trailblazing Pilot and Space Traveler Wally Funk Dies at 87
Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator and space traveler, died at 87 at her home in Grapevine, Texas. She was known as the oldest person to fly in space at 82 aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard in 2021. Funk was a member of the Mercury 13, an unrecognized group of female astronaut trainees in the 1960s.
Sony Releases RX10 V Superzoom Camera with New Stacked Sensor, Priced at $2,299.99
Sony has launched the RX10 V superzoom camera with a new 20.1 megapixel stacked sensor, enabling 30fps shooting. Priced at $2,299.99, the camera features 4K video recording at 120fps and a redesigned body but retains its predecessor's lens design. The upgrades make it suitable for both photographers and videographers.
Alienware Unveils Enhanced 34-Inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
Alienware has launched the AW3426DW, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor using Samsung's QD-OLED technology, featuring a five-layer RGB Stripe panel and a 280 Hz refresh rate. These advancements improve brightness and color accuracy for a more immersive gaming experience. The monitor represents a significant update in the competitive gaming display market.