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The latest Android update includes live scam message detection

4 March 2025 at 09:00

Google has just announced the four latest features of its Android 15 operating system.

First up, Google Messages now uses AI to detect scam messages in real time. Scam Detection will notify you if it detects suspicious writing patterns from the messages you're receiving and will give you the option to report and/or block the conversation. For the privacy-minded, Scam Detection runs locally on your device, keeping your messages safe from prying eyes.

Find My Device can now let you share your location live with your friends, and you can see each other on a map while trying to meet up. It’s a handy feature for those who want to watch their loved ones, ensuring they end up where they should be. This feature was already part of Google Maps (and Apple's own Find My app) but is now rolled into Find My Device.

New games are coming to Android Auto, including Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing. After downloading them to your phone, you can play them in your car while parked. The Chrome app for Android will also now track price comparisons for products and potentially send you alerts when an item is on sale.

You can click here to learn more about the latest Android updates. Pixel smartphone owners can also check out the newest features exclusive to these devices.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-latest-android-update-includes-live-scam-message-detection-170040545.html?src=rss

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© Google

Android Updates

Pick up the Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E while it's 50 percent off

4 March 2025 at 07:09

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E is now 50 percent off at $99. That’s a whole $100 off, and if you’ve been eyeing a Wi-Fi upgrade, now might be the time.

Google claims this mesh router can provide coverage up to 2,200 square feet, and the signal won’t lose strength even at the edge of that area. You also have lower latency than Wi-Fi 6, so your internet usage will be smoother overall. Because Wi-Fi 6E offers three bands compared to the two Wi-Fi 6 and older has, the network can divide the burden across more bands and reduce interference.

This sounds complicated, but Google designed the Nest Wi-Fi Pro to be a more straightforward device you can set up and then forget. Besides receiving regular security and software updates, the router can adjust the network’s performance and fix simple problems. Plus, it integrates well with Google services and smart home devices. Just make sure you’re using the latest Nest Wi-Fi and Google Wi-Fi devices.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E is on our best mesh Wi-Fi systems list due to its ease of use. It’s admittedly lacking in the customization department, but the simplicity makes up for it if the former isn’t a concern.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-the-nest-wi-fi-pro-6e-while-its-50-percent-off-150954369.html?src=rss

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© Photo by Daniel Cooper / Engadget

Image of three Nest WiFi Pro units on a table in front of a blurred bookshelf.

The iPad mini 7 is back on sale for $100 off

3 March 2025 at 06:38

Apple’s iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro) from 2024 is currently on sale for $399, a record low for this compact iPad. It’s perfect for those who find a full-sized iPad too large for their needs, but make no mistake this tablet can punch above its weight.

The iPad mini 7 runs on the same Apple A17 Pro chip found in iPhone 15 Pro series devices. It’s not the most powerful chipset available, but it’s enough for daily tasks, light gaming, reading and streaming content. Apple claims that the iPad mini 7’s battery can last 10 hours, but our tests revealed that the number was usually closer to eight, depending on the apps you’re running.

If you have an Apple Pencil Pro (sold separately), this iPad mini supports it. You can quickly start writing notes with the tap of a button, which calls up a blank document. It’s the perfect tool for artists or those who prefer a tablet stylus.

Despite the absence of features like Face ID or refresh rates above 60Hz, the iPad mini 7 is a convenient yet powerful device you can bring anywhere. That’s why it’s on our best iPads list.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-ipad-mini-7-is-back-on-sale-for-100-off-143830970.html?src=rss

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© Apple

iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro)

Half of UK homes will need heat pumps by 2040 to hit climate goals

26 February 2025 at 07:14

The UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) has advised the government to ensure half of all homes in the UK have heat pumps — electric replacements for gas boilers — by 2040 as part of its Seventh Carbon Budget to reach net zero by 2050. It also recommended making four out of five cars electric.

The UK’s carbon budgets are intended to help it achieve a balance between the greenhouse gasses it produces and how much is taken out of the atmosphere. Besides switching to electric cars and heat pumps and moving away from fossil fuels, the CCC added that reducing consumption of meat and dairy would also help. Although the UK government isn’t bound to accept the CCC’s guidance, doing so makes the carbon target legally binding. The government can decide how it wants to hit the goal.

The UK has been pushing for heat pumps since 2021, especially ones powered by hydrogen. Engadget senior editor Dan Cooper also broke down how difficult it was for him to completely eschew natural gas in 2022, citing how expensive it was to install a heat pump even with government discounts. While technology is rapidly becoming more efficient, the CCC’s plans aren’t guaranteed to work.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/half-of-uk-homes-will-need-heat-pumps-by-2040-to-hit-climate-goals-151406654.html?src=rss

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© REUTERS / Reuters

An Ideal Heating heat pump is seen in front of a cottage in Newbiggin-on-Lune, Britain, February 18, 2024. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett

Google is making it even easier to remove your personal information on Search

26 February 2025 at 06:53

Google has been offering the Results About You tool since 2022 and updated it once in 2023. A part of Google Search, the tool looks for your personal information online and lets you request its removal. Today, the tech giant is announcing the latest changes, including a redesigned hub and the ability to update outdated search results to reflect the latest changes.

The redesign isn’t only for show. You can now submit removal requests directly from Search with fewer actions by clicking or tapping the three dots beside a search result. If you manage to have content about you deleted or changed from a website but Google Search hasn’t caught up, you can refresh the search, which will ”recrawl the page and obtain the latest information.” In other words, you can always see the most up-to-date results about you.

While these updates are helpful, they don’t introduce any major changes. The 2023 update to Results About You was more substantial, introducing proactive searches containing your info and the ability to remove consensual explicit images of yourself.

While Google didn’t introduce any significant changes to “results about you” last year, it did become available in Australia and South Africa last May. However, this helpful privacy feature remains inaccessible in many countries, including Malaysia, where I’m from. Google also doesn’t say where it’s available, so you’ll have to check your Google account to see if it works for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/google-is-making-it-even-easier-to-remove-your-personal-information-on-search-145326075.html?src=rss

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© Google

Google Results About You

US employee screening firm DISA hit with data breach affecting over 3.3 million people

25 February 2025 at 06:57

US-based employee screening services provider DISA Global Solutions said it was breached by hackers, putting the personally identifiable information of 3.3 million people at risk.

While DISA informed Maine’s attorney general of the data breach yesterday (thanks, TechCrunch) and reported the hack to Massachusetts’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation earlier on February 22, the attack began over a year ago, on February 9, 2024. The unidentified hacker accessed DISA’s network for two months before the company noticed on April 22, 2024. However, there’s allegedly “no evidence of actual or attempted misuse” of personal information.

In a sample notification letter sent to those affected by the hack, DISA claimed it “could not definitively conclude the specific data procured” even after an investigation with third-party assistance. However, the Massachusetts filing listed what the attackers accessed: Social Security numbers, financial accounts, driver’s licenses and credit and debit numbers. DISA didn’t share other details on the attack.

DISA serves over 55,000 customers, including 30 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The company offers drug, alcohol and background checks. This allows it to collect sensitive information, making it a prime target for cybercriminals.

It’s unknown why DISA took almost a year to notify anyone, especially when employee screening is a highly sensitive industry. Those affected can enroll for 12 months of credit monitoring and identity restoration services, a common act of apology companies often take after a cybersecurity incident.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/us-employee-screening-firm-disa-hit-with-data-breach-affecting-over-33-million-people-145658681.html?src=rss

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© rob dobi via Getty Images

A hooded figure is depicted running with a large sack, from which slips of paper featuring asterisks (symbolizing passwords or confidential information) are falling out. The background is solid red, creating a striking contrast and emphasizing the theme of cyber theft or data breach.

8BitDo's M Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard is 40 percent off right now

24 February 2025 at 08:48

The 8BitDo M Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard is now 40 percent off at Woot, down to $60, the lowest it's ever been. It’s a newer version of the Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard (without the numpad) that ships with a pair of programmable "Super Buttons" which resemble gigantic versions of the A and B buttons on an old game controller.

This 87-key keyboard has top-mounted hot-swappable PCBs, making it perfect for enthusiasts who like to tinker with their keyboards. It boasts three connection modes: wired, wireless 2.4Ghz and Bluetooth, and you can use the top left knob to swap between them.

For users who want to do some custom key mapping, 8BitDo offers its Ultimate Software V2. However, it’s only available on Windows. You can still use this keyboard on Mac, but the software won’t work.

Woot has more discounted products as part of its video game sale. Aside from some peripherals, many games are also on sale. Of note, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is down to $45, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is discounted to $42.

The sale will only last five days, or until supplies run out.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/8bitdos-m-edition-retro-mechanical-keyboard-is-40-percent-off-right-now-164852149.html?src=rss

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© 8BitDo

8BitDo M Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard

Each second of Google’s Veo 2 AI video footage will cost 50 cents

24 February 2025 at 07:54

Google's Veo 2 model was announced last December, and now we have an idea of what using it will cost. According to its pricing page: 50 cents per second of footage.

Veo 2 is presently limited to two-minute clips in up to 4K resolution — a fair sight more than the 20-second, 1080p clips generated by ChatGPT's Sora model. It's somewhat more difficult to compare the two on pricing as Sora uses a subscription-based approach. The staggering $200 ChatGPT Pro plan entitles a user to 500 videos per month, while the Plus plan caps things at 50 videos and hobbles the maximum quality and length to 720p and five seconds, respectively. Veo 2 users, meanwhile, just pay piecemeal whenever they choose.

Big-budget feature films cost many multiples of Veo's pricing per second to produce, but that's not really what the model is currently seeking or able to compete with. Google is already testing Veo 2 as a means to quickly generate backgrounds for YouTube Shorts through its Dream Screen feature. It (and Sora) are also likely to take a bite out of the stock footage industry, where high-quality clips can cost 100 times what a Veo 2 clip would. Of course, those clips are typically free of weird artifacts and mangled hands.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/each-second-of-googles-veo-2-ai-video-footage-will-cost-50-cents-155419146.html?src=rss

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© NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Google DeepMind logo appears on a smartphone screen, and in the background, the Veo 2 page, in this illustration photo in Reno, United States, on December 18, 2024. (Photo Illustration by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Pokémon Go developer Niantic may sell its games division for a mere $3.5 billion

19 February 2025 at 08:00

Niantic, the company that developed the wildly popular augmented reality (AR) game Pokémon Go, is reportedly considering selling its video games — and according to a source speaking to Bloomberg, the deal could be worth just $3.5 billion. The company raised additional funding at a $9 billion valuation back in 2021.

Many people still play Pokémon Go, but the game no longer enjoys the same popularity it had during its launch and the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are around 80 million monthly users as numbers reported midway through last year, but that's a steep decline from the game's peak of 232 million active players. During those same heady days, Pokémon Go was generating close to a billion dollars annually; now it's bringing in about half of that.

Pokémon Go was also a breakthrough success Niantic was unable to replicate, despite its follow-ups being essentially reskins of the same AR experience. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite lasted around three years, while NBA All World survived only five months. Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now are still around, but have never been the cash cows of their older sibling. The company also raised funding in 2021 on the promise of creating a “real-world metaverse,” which has yet to materialize.

Niantic also has not been immune to the broad layoffs affecting the games industry. It dumped eight percent of its workforce and canceled four projects back in 2022. The following year, it laid off another 230 employees and killed a Marvel-related project.

The reported party Niantic is considering selling its games division to is Scopely, which is owned by Savvy Games Group. Savvy Games Group is part of Saudi Arabia’s government-linked Public Investment Fund, which has stakes in EA, Activision, Nintendo and more.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/pokemon-go-developer-niantic-may-sell-its-games-division-for-a-mere-35-billion-160027485.html?src=rss

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© Niantic

Pokemon Go

Nintendo is killing its Gold Points loyalty program

18 February 2025 at 08:11

In 2018, Nintendo introduced Gold Points, which were earned when you purchased Switch games, either physical cartridges or digitally from the Nintendo eShop. While you needed many purchases to redeem something substantial, you still saved a few dollars regardless if you get a cheaper title or something more expensive. Unfortunately, Nintendo announced that you won’t be able to earn Gold Points after 9:30 PM PDT on March 24 if you buy digital copies of games.

All eShop purchases made after that time won’t earn Gold Points anymore, though pre-orders for content made before then will still earn Gold Points as long as the pre-order is put in before the deadline. The points will be awarded within the day after each processed transaction.

It’s more tricky for physical releases. If you buy a game released on or before March 24, you still earn Gold Points even after that day, but only for games bought within a year of their release dates. Naturally, physical versions of games released after March 24, 2025, won’t let you earn any Gold Points. It’s also worth noting that Nintendo awards significantly fewer Gold points for physical purchases.

Most people are likely unaware, but you can earn Gold Points by shopping at the Nintendo New York store. This will remain the case until March 24, and the rules for physical releases mentioned above apply after checkout.

Nintendo’s decision to end the Gold Points loyalty program is possibly due to the Switch 2’s upcoming announcement and release. It’s unknown whether Nintendo will have a new loyalty program, but we’ll probably find out after the April 2 Nintendo Direct where we’ll finally get more details on the long-awaited console.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-killing-its-gold-points-loyalty-program-161123232.html?src=rss

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© REUTERS / Reuters

Signage for the Nintendo Switch is seen at a GameStop in Manhattan, New York, U.S., December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

One of our favorite budget robot vacuums is 44 percent off right now

18 February 2025 at 06:37

The eufy RoboVac 11S Max is one of our favorite budget robot vacuums, and it’s now 44 percent off at Amazon, making it only $140. This affordable robot vacuum from a few years back can still trade blows against newer models even without Wi-Fi connectivity.

The 11S Max has three power modes — Standard, BoostIQ and Max, and the company claims a noise level of around 55 dB. Even so, its suction power is nothing to scoff at. And should it accidentally try to swallow a charging cable, the beeping alerts are loud enough to hear from the opposite end of an apartment.

As with the latest robot vacuums, the 11S Max has sensors that prevent collisions and falling down the stairs. Our tests show that it occasionally bumped into objects but also avoided the tester’s cat play tunnel when other budget vacuums didn’t.

The 11S Max doesn’t have Wi-Fi, but we didn’t find that to be a major issue in our testing. The remote control has buttons for scheduling auto cleaning, selecting cleaning modes, manually returning the robot to the charging base and more.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-budget-robot-vacuums-is-44-percent-off-right-now-143706102.html?src=rss

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© eufy

eufy RoboVac 11S Max

South Korea pauses downloads of DeepSeek AI over privacy concerns

17 February 2025 at 08:33

DeepSeek, the massively popular Chinese AI assistant, has been temporarily unavailable from app stores in South Korea since February 15. A press release from the country’s data protection authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), stated that downloads will resume once the Chinese AI company complies with local data protection laws, while those with the app can still use it. DeepSeek is also blocked on South Korean government and military devices.

DeepSeek only established a local presence in South Korea on February 10. The company also acknowledged that it didn’t fully consider South Korea’s data protection laws when launching the service globally. Fortunately for South Korean users, the new AI powerhouse intends to cooperate with the PIPC.

The PIPC says that inspecting DeepSeek will take some time. On-site inspections of six AI services from Google, OpenAI, Microsoft and others took around five months. This inspection should take less time because it only involves DeepSeek.

In a statement to TechCrunch, the PIPC revealed that it discovered DeepSeek was transferring Korean users' data to ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Local users were warned against entering personal information into the app.

Last month, the Italian Data Protection Authority or Garante, sent DeepSeek an information request asking what type of data the models were trained on and several other questions. Other countries like Australia and Taiwan have also banned the app on government devices due to security concerns.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to South Korea’s DeepSeek ban, claiming Beijing would never ask any company or individual to store or collect data illicitly.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/south-korea-pauses-downloads-of-deepseek-ai-over-privacy-concerns-163302959.html?src=rss

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© Reuters / Reuters

FILE PHOTO: The logo of DeepSeek is displayed alongside its AI assistant app on a mobile phone, in this illustration picture taken January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo

Grab the ThermoWorks Thermapen One while it's on sale for $79

18 February 2025 at 05:34

We’ve long been fans of ThermoWorks’ instant-read thermometers for grilling and all kinds of cooking, and now you can get our favorite for one of the best prices we’ve seen. Engadget readers can pick up the Thermapen One for only $79 right now thanks to an exclusive deal that knocks $30 off the normal price.

The Thermopen One is calibrated to record temperatures accurately, with an error margin of 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.3 degrees Celsius). It also does this within a second. To help users check the temperature conveniently, the display rotates 360 degrees and has a smart backlight display that brightens when it’s covered or in a low-light environment.

The company claims that a single AAA battery in the thermometer will last for 2,000 hours, and it’s partly due to how it automatically turns on or off when you pick it up or put it down. An IP67 rating makes it safe to use in wet and dusty locations for a while. (You should still try to keep it clean and dry, though.) If that’s not reassuring enough, each Thermapen One comes with a five-year warranty.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/grab-the-thermoworks-thermapen-one-while-its-on-sale-for-79-100052639.html?src=rss

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© ThermoWorks

ThermoWorks Thermapen One

Everything we know about the rumored Google Pixel 9a so far

12 February 2025 at 06:19

Google Pixel fans who don’t wish to break the bank often look to the more affordable A series of Pixel smartphones. The successor model of this series, the Pixel 9a, hasn’t been released yet, but at this point nearly everything important about the handset has been leaked. Here's everything we know so far.

The Pixel 9a will come with a slightly modified Google Tensor G4 chip with the Exynos Modem 5300 found on the Pixel 8 series instead of the newer Modem 5400 on the other Pixel 9 smartphones, according to Android Authority. Android Headlines reported that other specs include 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage space, dimensions measuring 6.1x2.9x0.4 inches (154.7x73.3x8.9mm) and a weight of 6.6 ounces (185.9 grams). It’ll also get the largest battery on a Pixel device ever so far, with a capacity of 5,100mAh, which is 40mAh more than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The Pixel 9a will also reportedly have a 48-megapixel main sensor, 13MP ultrawide sensor and 13MP front camera. There’s a new pill-shaped camera housing instead of the familiar camera bump. It fits flush with the back of the phone, a welcome departure from previous models.

The Pixel 9a is expected to come in four colorways, the names of which are not finalized: Iris (purple), Obsidian (black), Peony (hot pink) and Porcelain (white). It's believed the handset will cost $499 for the 128GB version and $599 for the 256GB upgrade. A Verizon mWave model will reportedly tack on an extra $50 charge as well. According to a source who spoke to Android Headlines, the smartphone will launch on March 26, but Google will start accepting pre-orders on March 19.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/everything-we-know-about-the-rumored-google-pixel-9a-so-far-141908754.html?src=rss

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© Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

The new Aloe color for the Pixel 8a is the best-looking of the bunch.

Adobe’s Firefly generative AI video app is now in public beta

12 February 2025 at 06:00

Adobe’s Firefly Video Model is in public beta as of today, meaning the days of praying you had a chance to test it are over. The company claims that it’s the first commercially safe generative AI video model in the market. Previously, it was only available in the Adobe Premiere Pro video editor with Generative Extend, but you can also access a standalone Firefly web app now.

For those unaware, Adobe’s Firefly Video Model powers the Generate Video feature, which can generate video clips from a text prompt or image. It can also edit images, turn them into videos, create 3D worlds and more. The content is “safe” for commercial use too, since the AI applies watermarks signifying which parts have AI assistance, and that can be checked with the Adobe Content Authenticity web app’s Inspect tool. In other words, it’s “safe” because people can check if AI was used in the content due to embedded data.

The Firefly web app integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud apps such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Express and more. Three new features available on the app today include video generation and scene-to-image generation with the ability to fine-tune footage, allowing users to make images from 3D sketches, plus audio and video translation into supported languages.

Currently, there are two pricing plans: Firefly Standard and Firefly Pro. The former grants access to 2,000 video/audio credits a month and 20 five-second 1080p video generations, while the latter increases the number of credits to 7,000 and video generations to 70. A Firefly Premium plan for professionals is coming soon. You can now purchase a Firefly Standard subscription for $10 a month, while a Firefly Pro subscription costs $30 a month.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/adobes-firefly-generative-ai-video-app-is-now-in-public-beta-140030134.html?src=rss

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© Adobe

Adobe Firefly

Chinese EV maker BYD promises to make all of its models self-driving capable

11 February 2025 at 08:46

Chinese EV maker BYD is pretty much the king of EVs in the country, even challenging Tesla in the country. Yesterday, in a company livestream, founder Wang Chuanfu claimed that the company will make all of its models self-driving, including the cheapest ones like the $9,600 Seagull hatchback, the Financial Times reported.

Wang said that BYD is “starting an era where autonomous driving is for everyone” and that self-driving cars will “no longer be an unattainable luxury, but an essential tool.” BYD intends to power its cars with the “God’s Eye” driving system it developed in-house. According to The Straits Times, God’s Eye relies on cameras and radar sensors to perform tasks like valet parking, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.

Additionally, BYD is joining other local EV makers like Geely, Great Wall Motor and Leapmotor to integrate DeepSeek’s AI into their autonomous driving systems. However, there’s no news about when this will happen. Of course, whether BYD will deliver its promises of accessible autonomous driving remains to be seen as well. Meanwhile, Tesla is struggling to get its software off the ground in China, so whether BYD beats it to the punch is yet another thing to look out for.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/chinese-ev-maker-byd-promises-to-make-all-of-its-models-self-driving-capable-164641323.html?src=rss

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© REUTERS / Reuters

People use their phones in front of the BYD Seagull that is displayed at the Auto Shanghai show, in Shanghai, China April 19, 2023. REUTERS/Aly Song

Pick up two Blink Mini security cameras for only $38

10 February 2025 at 07:26

Last month, a pack of two Blink Mini 2 security cameras was $40, down from $80. They’re currently 46 percent off at $38, meaning you get two for less than the price of one. These are also the latest model, offering advantages previous iterations don’t have.

The Blink Mini 2 security camera captures live video in 1080p HD, and there’s also a night HD view. If you have a Blink Subscription Plan, you can stream continuously for 90 minutes. The plan is sold separately, of course, but this package comes with a 30-day free trial to let you have a taste of these extra features. The subscription also grants access to more features like motion detection alerts and clip-saving. You can even send clips to others later.

The newest model comes with a spotlight for improved night visibility and has a wider field of view, 143 degrees up from 110 degrees that the original Blink Mini has. It’s also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, allowing you to see what’s going on outside with just a few words.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-two-blink-mini-security-cameras-for-only-38-152645383.html?src=rss

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© Blink

Blink Mini 2

The USB-C Apple Pencil is back on sale for $69

10 February 2025 at 06:07

Apple currently has four different Apple Pencil models, and if you aren’t sure which one to get, try reading this guide first. But if the USB-C Apple Pencil seems like the best option for your needs, it's now back on sale for $69 from its list price of $79. That’s only $4 more expensive than the lowest price we've seen it listed for.

The USB-C Apple Pencil is currently the most affordable Apple Pencil that you can use with all current-generation iPads, like the M2 iPad Air, M4 iPad Pro, 10th gen iPad and 6th gen iPad mini. It also works with some older devices, like the 3rd to 6th gen 12.9-inch iPad Pros, 1st to 4th gen iPad Pros and 4th and 5th gen iPad Airs. Whew, what a mouthful.

It’s a standard stylus and has low-latency input, perfect for artists who prefer drawing using an iPad. Unlike the Apple Pencil Pro, it doesn’t have pressure sensitivity or wireless charging capabilities, though you can also connect the pen to the iPad using a cable. However, it does support the hover feature if you own an M2-powered iPad.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-usb-c-apple-pencil-is-back-on-sale-for-69-140710599.html?src=rss

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© Apple

Apple Pencil USB-C

Leica’s LUX grip is a pricey way to add camera controls to your iPhone

6 February 2025 at 06:00

Leica is mainly known for its high-end cameras, but it also makes smartphone camera lenses. Today, the company is announcing its new LUX grip for iPhone, designed to mimic the feel of a Leica camera. It weighs 120 grams and is designed for ambidextrous use.

The Leica LUX grip has a two-stage shutter for precise shots. There’s a button to change between shooting modes and another to choose from frequently-used functions that you can select using the Leica LUX app. A control dial is also there to make it easier to switch between settings like zoom, aperture and shutter speed. After 1,000 shots, the Leica LUX grip’s battery must be recharged via USB-C for two hours.

As mentioned, the app works with the grip, which communicates with the iPhone via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). In addition to customizing the button, the app includes bokeh effects from the Summilux-M and Noctilux-M lenses, Leica Looks (preset effects that don’t require post-processing) and more.

The Leica LUX grip is now available for £260/€300, including VAT. An additional case is available for £50. Each grip purchase includes a yearlong premium Leica LUX app subscription.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/leicas-lux-grip-is-a-pricey-way-to-add-camera-controls-to-your-iphone-140031130.html?src=rss

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© Leica

Leica LUX Grip

ASUS’s Zenfone 12 Ultra leans heavily into AI

5 February 2025 at 22:30

The Zenfone 12 Ultra, announced today, is ASUS's latest flagship smartphone, and much like its competitors, it leans hard into AI.

Thanks to a Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Zenfone 12 Ultra can perform AI tasks offline and online through the cloud, including transcribing audio, summarizing articles and documents and providing real-time interpretation on calls for supported languages. It can also use Circle to Search much like other Android phones. The onboard AI is powered by Meta’s Llama 3 8B language model, which works without an internet connection.

The Zenfone 12 Ultra’s FHD+ AMOLED display measures 6.78 inches and has a standard refresh rate of up to 120Hz under normal operation, and up to 144Hz while gaming. A rear tri-camera system handles photo and video and consists of a 50-megapixel Sony Lytia 700 sensor with a six-axis gimbal stabilizer, a 32MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens with a field of view of 120 degrees. There’s also a 32MP RGBW front camera for selfies. AI software enhancements can ensure people or pets stay at the center of videos, and can apply bokeh effects to portraits and enhance voice clarity while recording videos.

A standout with this new Zenfone is its 5,500mAh battery, which promises more than 26 hours of use. It's also Qi 1.3 compatible. Additionally, the smartphone supports eSIMs, making connecting to the internet effortless. WiFi 7 support will let users take advantage of high-speed networks if available.

The Zenfone 12 Ultra retails for €1,099.99, and there's a limited-time launch offer of €999.99 in Europe from February 6 to 28. It comes in three colorways: Sage Green, Ebony Black and Sakura White. US and UK launch dates haven’t been announced yet.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/asuss-zenfone-12-ultra-leans-heavily-into-ai-063040420.html?src=rss

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ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra
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