Google has filed a proposal outlining how it would remedy the antitrust violations it’s been accused of by the Department of Justice, after the DOJ called for Google to sell off Chrome and face restrictions that would prevent it from favoring its own search engine in Android. Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in August that Google has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, and called Google “a monopolist.” Google said in the proposal filed on Friday night that it disagreed with the ruling but suggested ways to make its contracts with browser companies and Android device makers more flexible.
In a blog post summarizing the filing, Google’s VP of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland wrote that the proposal would let browser companies like Apple and Mozilla “continue to offer Google Search to their users and earn revenue from that partnership,” while allowing them to have “multiple default agreements across different platforms (e.g., a different default search engine for iPhones and iPads) and browsing modes.” And browsers would be able to change their default search provider every 12 months. The proposal would also give device makers “additional flexibility in preloading multiple search engines, and preloading any Google app independently of preloading Search or Chrome.”
Google said it plans to appeal the judge’s decision ahead of a hearing in April, and will submit a revised proposal on March 7. In the blog post, Mulholland called the DOJ’s proposal “overboard,” going on to write that it reflects an “interventionist agenda” and “goes far beyond what the Court’s decision is actually about — our agreements with partners to distribute search.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-proposes-alternative-remedies-for-its-search-monopoly-after-doj-demands-radical-changes-185253526.html?src=rss
INDIA - 2024/12/12: In this photo illustration, the chrome logo is seen displayed on a mobile phone screen with google logo in the background. (Photo Illustration by Idrees/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Do you constantly lose stuff? Then we have a deal for you. A four-pack of Apple AirTag tracking chips is available via Amazon for just $70. This is a record low price and represents a discount of $30. That breaks down to $17.50 per tag.
Apple AirTags easily made our list of the best Bluetooth trackers, and this is especially true if you’re already tied into the company’s ecosystem. The finding network is vast and comprehensive, which really helps when it comes time to actually find one of these tags. Just think of all of those AirTags, iPhones and other devices out there in the world helping to create this network.
These trackers can also tap into the ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless protocol, which creates a sort of game out of finding a lost item in the home. As long as the object is within 25 feet of your smartphone, the screen will display directional arrows and a distance meter. This lets you zero in on the object without having to constantly ring the AirTag.
Now onto the caveats. AirTags really only work with iPhones and other Apple devices, so Android users should keep shopping for something else. Also, the ringer only pings for seven seconds at a time, which can make finding something feel like a mad dash. Finally, there’s no attachment point for connecting to a keychain or a related accessory. Luckily, there are all kinds of amazing AirTag accessories to get that job done. One recent case even comes with batteries that will power the tag for a full decade.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/a-four-pack-of-apple-airtags-is-down-to-a-record-low-of-70-161406703.html?src=rss
Apple has issued a complaint about Meta regarding the DMA’s mandated interoperability requests, as reported by Reuters. The iPhone maker says that Meta has issued 15 of these requests, which it says could impact the privacy and security of users. Meta disagrees.
First, a quick primer. The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires that Apple allow rivals and third-party app developers to inter-operate with its own services or risk a steep fine, as much as ten percent of global turnover. Under the terms of the DMA, Apple must allow other companies to submit interoperability requests for hardware and software that affect iOS and iPadOS devices.
Apple must assess these requests and, if approved, have to design a solution to allow for effective interoperability. Meta has issued 15 of these requests, more than any other company, and Apple says that compliance would give the company extensive access to its technology stack. Apple also says that doing so could put the privacy and security of users at risk.
"If Apple were to have to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a user's device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords and more," Apple wrote in a statement to Reuters.
The company also referred to Meta’s recent privacy issues throughout Europe. Meta has been fined in various countries for data breaches and for tracking users across apps, among other concerns.
Meta, of course, has a different take on things. The social media and VR giant wrote that “what Apple is actually saying is they don’t believe in interoperability. Every time Apple is called out for its anticompetitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.”
We sent preliminary findings to Apple under the Digital Markets Act.
Apple should open iOS features like notifications, AirPlay, and AirDrop to third-party devices, enhancing innovation and user choice.
It should also improve transparency and predictability for developers ↓
We don’t know if the EU will intervene on behalf of Apple or Meta in this case, but the European Commission recently published preliminary directions on how Apple should open up to rivals. These measures would require Apple to be transparent regarding the different phases, deadlines and criteria involving the completion of interoperability requests.
These proposed measures are open for debate until January 9. In March, a decision is expected as to whether or not Apple has complied with the DMA’s interoperability provision.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-and-meta-are-beefing-over-the-dmas-mandated-interoperability-requests-155851120.html?src=rss
SUQIAN, CHINA - JUNE 25, 2024 - Illustration Apple refuses to cooperate with Meta Artificial Intelligence, Suqian, Jiangsu province, China, June 25, 2024. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
It's been available for over two years, but Apple's 10th-generation iPad is still the newest model available for the base iPads. Our choice for best budget iPad is a great option for some last-minute present shopping. That's especially the case, right now, as the Apple 10th-gen iPad is down to $250 from $349.
The great markdown comes courtesy of a 20 percent discount and a $29 off coupon that you can apply on the product page. It's available on the Wi-Fi model with 64GB and with a silver finish. The deal also doesn't include AppleCare+, but, for this great a price, all the specificities might be worth it.
Apple's 10th-gen iPad has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360x1640p resolution. We gave it an 85 in our review thanks to features like its landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and an updated design from its predecessor. It also offers up to 10 hours of battery and recharges using a USB-C port, so you don't have to worry about a lightning charger.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-10th-gen-ipad-is-back-on-sale-for-250-143153900.html?src=rss
You might be tempted to get a Chromebook as your next laptop and we wouldn’t blame you. Chrome OS has come a long way: Chromebooks today have a good combination of build quality, battery life and power while also supporting years of software updates that will take you years into the future. If you primarily browse the web, or don’t need a ton of extra software on a regular basis, a Chromebook can be a powerful daily driver.
While Google did make things simpler last fall by introducing the Chromebook Plus initiative (more on that below), there are still multiple things to keep in mind when shopping for a new Chromebook. The market is saturated with machines at different price points and power levels; I’ve been testing and reviewing Chromebooks for years and know what you should be looking for, and what you can expect out of these laptops.
What is Chrome OS, and why would I use it over Windows?
This is probably the number one question about Chromebooks. There are plenty of inexpensive Windows laptops on the market, so why bother with Chrome's operating system? Glad you asked. For me, the simple and clean nature of Chrome OS is a big selling point. Chrome OS is based on Google’s Chrome browser, which means most of the programs you can run are web based. There’s no bloatware or unwanted apps to uninstall like you often get on Windows laptops, it boots up in seconds, and you can completely reset to factory settings almost as quickly.
Of course, simplicity will also be a major drawback for some users. Not being able to install native software can be a dealbreaker if you’re a video editor or software developer. But there are also plenty of people who do the majority of their work in a web browser.
Google and its software partners are getting better every year at supporting more advanced features. For example, Google added video editing tools to the Google Photos app on Chromebooks – it won’t replace Adobe Premiere, but it should be handy for a lot of people. Similarly, Google and Adobe announced Photoshop on the web last year, something that brings much of the power of Adobe’s desktop apps to Chromebooks.
Chromebooks can also run Android apps, which greatly expands the amount of software available. The quality varies widely, but it means you can do more with a Chromebook beyond just web-based apps. For example, you can install the Netflix app and save videos for offline watching. Other Android apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Lightroom are surprisingly capable as well. Between Android apps and a general improvement in web apps, Chromebooks are more than just portals to a browser.
What do Chromebooks do well?
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Put simply, web browsing and really anything web based. Online shopping, streaming music and video and using various social media sites are among the most common daily tasks people do on Chromebooks. As you might expect, they also work well with Google services like Photos, Docs, Gmail, Drive, Keep and so on. Yes, any computer that can run Chrome can do that too, but the lightweight nature of Google Chrome OS makes it a responsive and stable platform.
As I mentioned before, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so if you’re an Android user you’ll find some nice ties between the platforms. You can get most of the same apps that are on your phone on a Chromebook and keep info in sync between them. You can also use some Android phones as a security key for your Chromebook or instantly tether your laptop to use mobile data.
Google continues to tout security as a major differentiator for Chromebooks, and it’s definitely a factor worth considering. Auto-updates are the first lines of defense: Chrome OS updates download quickly in the background and a fast reboot is all it takes to install the latest version. Google says that each webpage and app on a Chromebook runs in its own sandbox as well, so any security threats are contained to that individual app. Finally, Chrome OS has a self-check called Verified Boot that runs every time a device starts up. Beyond all this, the simple fact that you generally can’t install traditional apps on a Chromebook means there are fewer ways for bad actors to access the system.
If you’re interested in Google’s Gemini AI tools, a Chromebook is a good option as well. Every Chromebook in our top picks comes with a full year of the Google One AI Premium plan — this combines the usual Google One perks like 2TB of storage and 10 percent back in purchases from the Google Store with a bunch of AI tools. You’ll get access to Gemini in Gmail, Docs and other apps, Gemini Advanced (which runs on the 1.5 Pro model) and more. Given that this plan is $20/month, it’s a pretty solid perk. Chromebook Plus models also include tools like the AI-powered “help me write,” the Google Photos Magic Editor and generative AI backgrounds you can create by filling in a few prompts.
As for when to avoid Chromebooks, the answer is simple: If you rely heavily on a specific native application for Windows or a Mac, chances are you won’t find the exact same option on a ChromeOS device. That’s most true in fields like photo and video editing, but it can also be the case in law or finance. Plenty of businesses run on Google’s G suite software, but more still have specific requirements that a Chromebook might not match. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll also miss out on the way the iPhone easily integrates with an iPad or Mac. For me, the big downside is not being able to access iMessage on a Chromebook.
Finally, gaming Chromebooks are not ubiquitous, although they’re becoming a slightly more reasonable option with the rise of cloud gaming. In late 2022, Google and some hardware partners announced a push to make Chromebooks with cloud gaming in mind. From a hardware perspective, that means laptops with bigger screens that have higher refresh rates as well as optimizing those laptops to work with services like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Game Pass and Amazon Luna. You’ll obviously need an internet connection to use these services, but the good news is that playing modern games on a Chromebook isn’t impossible. You can also install Android games from the Google Play Store, but that’s not what most people are thinking of when they want to game on a laptop.
What are the most important specs for a Chromebook?
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Chrome OS is lightweight and runs well on fairly modest hardware, so the most important thing to look for might not be processor power or storage space. But Google made it easier to get consistent specs and performance late last year when it introduced the Chromebook Plus initiative. Any device with a Chromebook Plus designation meets some minimum requirements, which happen to be very similar to what I’d recommend most people get if they’re looking for a laptop they can use every day.
Chromebook Plus models have at least a 12th-gen Intel Core i3 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series processor, both of which should be more than enough for most people. These laptops also have a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which should do the trick unless you’re really pushing your Chromebook. All Chromebook Plus models have to have a 1080p webcam, which is nice in these days of constant video calling, and they also all have to have at least a 1080p IPS screen.
Of course, you can get higher specs or better screens if you desire, but I’ve found that basically everything included in the Chromebook Plus target specs makes for a very good experience.
Google has an Auto Update policy for Chromebooks as well, and while that’s not exactly a spec, it’s worth checking before you buy. Last year, Google announced that Chromebooks would get software updates and support for an impressive 10 years after their release date. This support page lists the Auto Update expiration date for virtually every Chromebook ever, but a good rule of thumb is to buy the newest machine you can to maximize your support.
How much should I spend?
Chromebooks started out notoriously cheap, with list prices often coming in under $300. But as they’ve gone more mainstream, they’ve transitioned from being essentially modern netbooks to the kind of laptop you’ll want to use all day. As such, prices have increased: At this point, you should expect to spend at least $400 if you want a solid daily driver. There are still many cheap Chromebooks out there that may be suitable as secondary devices, but a good Chromebook that can be an all-day, every-day laptop will cost more. But, notably, even the best Chromebooks usually cost less than the best Windows laptops, or even the best “regular” laptops out there.
There are plenty of premium Chromebooks that approach or even exceed $1,000 that claim to offer better performance and more processing power, but I don’t recommend spending that much. Generally, that’ll get you a better design with more premium materials, as well as more powerful internals and extra storage space. Of course, you also sometimes pay for the brand name. But, the specs I outlined earlier are usually enough.
Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook Plus is one of the more unique Chromebooks out there. It’s extremely thin and light, at .46 inches and 2.6 pounds, but it manages to include a 15.6-inch display in that frame. That screen is a 1080p panel that’s sharp and bright, but its 16:9 aspect ratio made things feel a bit cramped when scrolling vertically. Performance is very good, and the keyboard is solid, though I’m not a fan of the number pad as it shifts everything to the left. At $700 it’s not cheap, but that feels fair considering its size and capabilities. If you’re looking for a big screen laptop that is also super light, this Chromebook merits consideration, even if it’s not the best option for everyone.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-chromebooks-160054646.html?src=rss
Apple is shelving its plans to offer the iPhone for a monthly subscription, Bloomberg reports. The company was first said to be exploring a hardware subscription in 2022, but like the company’s “buy now, pay later” product, Apple Pay Later, it seems like it ultimately proved too problematic.
The hardware subscription was rumored to work in a similar way to existing options like the iPhone Upgrade Program or Apple Card Monthly Installments, where you pay off a new phone or other Apple device with monthly payments, and in some cases get the option to upgrade to a new device without changing your subscription fee. Unlike those payment methods, which apply your payments to a one-time loan from either Citizen One or Goldman Sachs, Apple’s subscription was going to be managed through an Apple account and use whatever payment methods you already have connected.
Apple’s expectation was that if it fronted the cost for an iPhone directly, people would upgrade more often and increase the company’s recurring revenue. The problem is that much like Apple Pay Later, which let you split Apple Pay purchases into four smaller installments, the hardware subscription might have required Apple to “follow the same regulations as credit card companies,” Bloomberg says. That’s extra scrutiny the company didn’t want to invite.
There’s also the potential strain a hardware subscription could put on Apple’s relationships with carriers. You can buy an iPhone 16 from T-Mobile or Verizon with an installment plan that might be technically different from a subscription, but definitely feels like one when you’re paying monthly.
Apple’s hardware subscription was never officially announced, but it reflects what could be a larger retreat from the headaches of financial services. Apple Pay Later was shut down in June 2024 and replaced with access to Affirm loans in Apple Pay as part of iOS 18. The Apple Card is also reportedly in limbo as Apple searches for a partner to replace Goldman Sachs.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-is-reportedly-giving-up-on-plans-to-turn-the-iphone-into-a-subscription-223540728.html?src=rss
YouTube is teaming up with one of the world's largest talent agencies, CAA, to help its high-profile actors and athletes monitor their AI likenesses. "Through this collaboration, several of the world’s most influential figures will have access to early-stage technology designed to identify and manage AI-generated content that features their likeness, including their face, on YouTube at scale," YouTube wrote on its official blog.
The video platform plans to begin testing its "likeness management technology" with unnamed award-winning actors and top NBA and NFL athletes, all clients of CAA (Creative Artists Agency). The system will surface AI-generated content that depicts their likeness and provide easy access to submit requests for removal through its privacy-complaint process.
Through CAA and its influential client list, YouTube says it will gain insight before releasing it more widely to other creators and artists. Down the road, it will announce further testing for top YouTube creators, creative professionals and other talent agencies.
CAA is an ideal first partner to test its likeness management tech, YouTube wrote. The agency has been on the forefront of AI and digital rights, via its CAAvault talent-focused serivce that scans, captures and securely stores clients' digital likeness including face, body and voice.
Technology platforms like YouTube have been at odds with creators over the use of AI, particularly when it comes to training large language models (LLMs) on copyrighted text, artworks and the likenesses of famous people. The issue is particularly contentious in Hollywood; some stars have agreed to let AI replicate their voices under license, but many have railed against its use.
Last week in a podcast interview with Armchair Expert, Friends actor Lisa Kudrow called the use of digital versions of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in the film Here an "endorsement" of AI. "What will there be left for, forget actors, but what about up-and-coming actors? They’ll just be licensing and recycling. What work will there be for human beings?”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/youtube-is-helping-high-profile-actors-and-athletes-monetize-their-ai-likenesses-133029330.html?src=rss
CHINA - 2023/11/03: In this photo illustration, the American video-sharing website platform owned by Google, YouTube, logo seen displayed on a smartphone with an Artificial intelligence (AI) chip and symbol in the background. (Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
You can now access Apple's answer to Google Street View on the web. As 9to5Mac reports, Apple has enabled Look Around for the beta version of Apple Maps on the web, letting you literally look around and explore the cities where it's available. The company has a full list of "Look Around" locations on its website, and it includes select cities in the US, Japan and several countries in the European Union. To start exploring a place on your desktop, you only have to click on the binocular icon at the bottom left corner of the map. Like on Street View, you'll be able to virtually fly across roads and drag the screen to show more of the place with the feature's 360-degree images.
Apple launched the beta version of Maps for the web in July, with a number of limitations. Access was limited to certain devices and browsers. While you could already use it to look up directions and guides, it didn't roll out with Look Around, though Apple promised to add more features in the coming months. Although Look Around's coverage is pretty limited at the moment, MacRumors previously reported finding clues in Apple Maps suggesting that the company is working on expanding its availability. Apple apparently has plans to add smaller cities and rural areas to the Look Around network, as well as to add more countries, such as Egypt, China and Mexico.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-maps-look-around-is-now-available-on-the-web-035431088.html?src=rss
We’ve been hearing rumors about the foldables Apple may or may not be making for years, from clamshell iPhone prototypes to plans for a foldable iPad, but the latest suggests we may also be in for something much bigger. According to Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter this weekend, Apple is developing a foldable device with a display that opens up to be nearly 20 inches. The plan is for “something akin to a giant iPad that unfolds into the size of two iPad Pros side-by-side,” with elements of both iPad and Mac functionality, according to Gurman. The company is reportedly targeting a 2028 release.
Not only will the device be enormous, but Apple is also working to make it creaseless when opened, Gurman reports, which other companies have failed to do in their own foldables. Apple’s prototypes “have a nearly invisible crease,” he writes, but it’s not completely gone. The report comes about a week after a leak that described a similar device with an 18.8-inch display that’s allegedly due to be released between 2028 and 2030. Gurman predicts the foldable will run on “iPadOS or a variant of it.”.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/apple-is-reportedly-trying-to-make-a-giant-ipad-like-foldable-with-no-crease-160821177.html?src=rss
The Xbox Series X was the perfect opportunity for Microsoft to run far away from its tumultuous Xbox One years and towards an era of genuine 4K gaming, ray tracing and Game Pass abundance. But it was not meant to be. The PlayStation 5 has outsold Microsoft's new consoles by two to one, according to a VGChartz sales comparison, a replay of the battle between the PS4 and Xbox One. Now, Microsoft simply seems to be running down the clock of this console generation.
When I initially reviewed the Xbox Series X, I found it to be a powerful console that surpassed the PlayStation 5 in some ways. But it was clear that Microsoft had a major problem at launch: Games. Four years later, not much has changed, despite spending nearly $69 billion acquiring Activision Blizzard. While Sony and Nintendo consistently delivered exclusive system-selling games — even on the aging Switch! — Microsoft has stumbled.
It's no wonder Microsoft wants to call so many other devices Xboxes. If you look too hard at its flagship console, you can't help but be disappointed.
Should you buy an Xbox Series X?
Normally, I'd tackle the question of buying a device towards the end of a review, but this is a re-review so it's worth asking up front: Who is the Xbox Series X for? It's been around for four years, and, aside from the $450 version without a disc drive, there haven't been any major hardware changes. Beyond the Xbox faithful, I'd wager most gamers would be better off putting $500 towards anything else.
For anyone dipping their toes into modern console gaming for the first time — a parent grabbing something for their kid, or a former gamer trying to reclaim their hobby — it makes more sense to go for a PlayStation 5 instead of the Xbox Series X. Sony's console has a wider array of noteworthy exclusives, more innovative haptics with its DualSense controller and its digital edition is typically cheaper than the disc-less Series X.
Of course, if you're a Halo fan the Xbox Series X is pretty much your only choice for a premium console (though the $300 Series S is a solid option for secondary TVs, especially when it's on sale). Microsoft also released a special $600 2TB "Galaxy Black" model this year, but I'm still half-convinced that's some sort of sick Tim Robinson-esque joke. It has to be when the more powerful and desirable PlayStation 5 Pro is only $100 more, right?
Hardware: The pinnacle of 2020
The Xbox Series X is still powered by an 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 GPU, similar to what's inside the PlayStation 5. It also has 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, 10GB of which runs at a higher bandwidth than the PS5's memory. The Series X's larger GPU gave it a slight edge over Sony's console early on, but in practice that didn't amount to much. Occasionally some third-party titles would run a bit more smoothly on the Xbox, but both consoles still had trouble balancing the demands of visual fidelity and performance.
Instead of being the generation of no-compromise consoles, the Xbox Series X and PS5 frequently forced gamers to choose between playing games with ray tracing and graphical upgrades at 30fps, or forgoing them to reach a smooth PC-like 60fps. That's the main reason Sony threw a more powerful GPU into the PlayStation 5 Pro — the standard PS5 hardware just couldn't cut it.
The Xbox sales slump made it clear why Microsoft didn't try to compete with its own mid-cycle refresh, but it's still sad to see the company shy away from any sort of innovation, like the leaked hardware that never arrived. The redesigned 2TB all-digital "Brooklin" Series X would have been a useful replacement for the base model. It also would have included a revamped controller, codenamed "Sebile," with improved haptics (likely similar to Sony's DualSense) and a direct cloud connection for playing streamed games. Microsoft even floated the idea of bringing 1TB of storage to the $300 Series S.
Instead of those functional upgrades, though, we got a slightly cheaper all-digital $450 Series X, that overpriced 2TB model nobody will buy and a $350 1TB version of the Series S. Those prices are all at least $50 too high if Microsoft genuinely wanted to move consoles. I'd argue the company would benefit from going even cheaper to undercut Sony, but that would also dig into the company's already slim profit margin. I'm sure Microsoft isn't eager to lose more money on Xbox.
In use: A good enough console
Even with its aging hardware, the Xbox Series X can still make modern games look great. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, for example, looks solid on the Series X, with smooth 60fps gameplay and ray tracing features. While it's running at around 1800p instead of 4K, it's still pretty sharp on both my 4K OLED and 4K Formovie ultra short throw projector. Sure, the game performs noticeably better on my RTX 4090-powered PC, but I can't easily play that in my home theater. (According to Digital Foundry, even the Xbox Series S can run The Great Circle at 60fps, albeit at just 1080p with variable-rate shading.)
It's still disappointing that Microsoft stuck with its classic Xbox controller design for the Series X, though. When I reviewed the PlayStation 5, its DualSense haptics felt transformative. It made playing Astro Bot or Returnal feel unlike any console gaming experience I had before. Controller-wise, playing anything on the Xbox Series X doesn't feel much different from the Xbox One or even the Xbox 360.
Microsoft poured all of its innovation experience into delivering a slightly faster machine than the PS5, but it turns out that didn't matter much in the long run. In addition to having more noteworthy games, Sony's console feels like a genuine upgrade from the PlayStation 4. The PlayStation VR 2, flawed as it was, also demonstrated that Sony wasn't afraid to take some risks this generation.
Where are the exclusive games?
After striking out with middling exclusives like Redfalland Starfield, the new Indiana Jones game is a rare feather in Microsoft's dusty fedora. But even that advantage will disappear eventually — the company already plans to bring it to the PlayStation 5 next spring, alongside other former Xbox exclusives like Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves.
Given the sheer amount of development talent at Microsoft from its many acquisitions (and despite an obscene number of layoffs), the company has now become one of the most important publishers in the gaming world. But owning a popular multi-platform series like Call of Duty hasn't translated directly into Xbox sales.
Beyond exclusives, Microsoft's Game Pass subscription is the strongest argument for owning an Xbox. But even that has gone through its own form of enshittification this year. The company increased the monthly price of the "Ultimate" plan to $20, which includes day-one access to new titles and a large library of games for Xbox and PC. The new $15 a month "Standard" plan doesn't get day-one access, but does include a library of hundreds of games, while the $10 a month "Core" option offers a limited library of 25 titles alongside multiplayer support.
The Game Pass Ultimate plan also feels less, well, ultimate these days thanks to opportunistic early-access pricing for new titles. For example, subscribers could have paid an additional $35 for the "Digital Premium" edition of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to play it three days early. That timing included the weekend before the game's December 9 launch, so I'm sure many impatient Game Pass subscribers upgraded just to clock some uninterrupted playtime. It feels like a backhanded way for Microsoft to treat its most loyal players, despite not being overtly evil.
Sony's competing PlayStation Plus subscription isn't as robust as Game Pass (there aren't any launch day titles), but it still offers a large array of older games and cloud streaming support. While I wasn't a huge fan of the PlayStation Portal handheld initially, it's certainly a compelling accessory for PS Plus customers now that it can access cloud titles.
Oddly enough, Microsoft hasn't promoted Game Pass cloud streaming much over the past few years. It recently started testing the ability to stream a handful of games that you own, outside of the Game Pass library, yet that's also a feature that should have been implemented years ago. The cringey "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign is a rare attempt at making mainstream players aware of Xbox cloud streaming, but even that feels like it's coming way too late.
Aaron Souppouris/Engadget
Where does Microsoft go next?
It's not as if Microsoft has an empty gaming plate ahead. The company showed off a bit of its Perfect Dark and Fable reboots this summer, alongside a tease of a new Gears of War. We just saw a trailer for The Outer Worlds 2at The Game Awards, the Dishonored fan in me is hyped for Arkane Lyon's Blade, and I'm eager to learn more about Hideo Kojima's OD. But all of those games will likely be available on Windows PCs, and many will also head to other consoles.
There's no doubt 2025 is going to be a busy year for Xbox — it's just a shame that it likely won't help Microsoft catch up to the PS5's sales lead. But who cares, right? Everything can be an Xbox if you believe hard enough (or have a browser to access Game Pass cloud streaming).
Back in February, when Microsoft confirmed it would be bringing Xbox titles to other consoles, Engadget Executive Editor Aaron Souppouris argued that the company should exit the console business entirely. While that makes a certain amount of sense for Microsoft, a software company that has often struggled with hardware outside of the Xbox 360 (and even that had its issues), I'm not convinced the company needs to go that far.
For one, it would leave Sony and Nintendo as the only remaining console makers. Sony would also effectively have a monopoly on powerful console hardware and graphically intense games, at least based on what we're hearing about the Switch 2. Less competition potentially also means less innovation down the line — Sony could easily coast if it was the only powerful console maker around.
Aaron Souppouris/Engadget
Much like it did with the original Xbox, Microsoft could potentially cut its losses and try to jump-start the next console generation earlier than Sony. If Microsoft could produce hardware that's more powerful than a PS5 Pro and deliver it at a relatively affordable price, it has a chance at peeling away Sony loyalists. That's particularly true if it can ensure desirable exclusives are actually available for launch.
Microsoft should also work towards making its recent Xbox marketing campaign more of a reality, instead of placing its bets mostly on expensive consoles. Make cloud streaming faster, sharper and easier to access. Make people aware that they can game on their phones, tablets and just about any computer. Revive the streaming dongle accessory and make it cheap so you can turn any TV into an Xbox, and also keep working on bringing Game Pass apps to all TVs.
Hell, produce that genuine Xbox portable systemand make sure Windows is better optimized for third-party portables. You should be able to spin up your Xbox games from practically wherever you’re sitting, no matter the device in front of you. (And while I'm on this soap box, why not let people turn the Xbox Series X and S into Windows PCs? These systems are all basically PCs already, and they would make lovely mini desktops or servers down the line.)
The console wars of the future won’t be fought like those of the past. Microsoft should plan accordingly.
Aaron Souppouris/Engadget
Wrap-up
If you already have an Xbox Series X, or find one obscenely cheap somewhere, it’s still a solid way to play Microsoft’s titles, popular third-party games and everything Microsoft has available on Game Pass. But if you had to choose between buying the Series X or PlayStation 5, it’s hard to deny that Sony’s console is a smarter purchase.
Perhaps the next console generation could be an Xbox 360-esque revival for Microsoft, but the company needs to look closely at what Sony and Nintendo are doing right. And really, it just comes down to having more games people want to play. Now that it’s flush with so many notable developers, Microsoft may finally be able to solve that problem. There’s no doubt that staying in the console business would be risky and expensive, but if there’s one company that can justify sticking around, it’s the one printing money from the cloud.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-series-x-review-2024-unfulfilled-potential-203025192.html?src=rss
It’s been a few years since Samsung took a crack at making a premium Chromebook. In 2020, the company released the first Galaxy Chromebook, a $999 laptop with a gorgeous 4K OLED screen that barely lasted five hours away from a charger. The company fixed some issues with its 2021 model, which had a more pedestrian screen and a thicker design while costing $300 less — a fair compromise given that battery life was significantly better.
Since then, Google has also launched the Chromebook Plus initiative, which aims to standardize Chromebook specs to give people a more consistent experience. And now, Samsung has released its first entry to that lineup: the Galaxy Chromebook Plus. It’s a bit different than most of the other laptops in that space, though, with a large 15.6-inch OLED screen and a design that’s extremely thin and light for its size. It reminds me a little bit of the 15-inch MacBook Air, though its appearance is unmistakably Samsung. The Galaxy Chromebook Plus also has more of Google’s AI capabilities baked into it than any Chromebook thus far, thanks to a new “Quick Insert” key that grants fast access to Gemini.
Finally, it’s one of the most expensive Chromebook Plus options out there at $699. That puts it directly in competition with Acer’s Chromebook Spin Plus 714, my current favorite in the premium Chromebook space. And while it’s refreshingly different from the Acer and Lenovo models I usually use, there are a few quirks here you should know about.
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Hardware and design: Not your typical Chromebook
First, though, the good stuff. The Galaxy Chromebook Plus’ 1080p, 15.6-inch screen is crisp and bright, with excellent viewing angles. Somewhat surprisingly, though, it doesn’t have a touchscreen. Lots of Chromebooks do, as it makes interacting with some Android apps easier. But once I got used to the fact that poking the screen did nothing, I didn’t really miss it. Samsung says it’s the only Chromebook Plus with an AMOLED display, and while I wouldn’t mind a higher resolution, I know that would lead to worse battery life. All told, I think Samsung made the right choice not to go for 4K, especially considering that a computer this thin doesn’t have as much room for a bigger battery.
Speaking of: this laptop is seriously thin. It’s less than half an inch thick (0.46 inches to be precise) and weighs only 2.58 pounds. That’s essentially the same thickness as the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air, and the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is lighter than both. It’s well-suited to going anywhere without being too much of a burden, not something you get often on a laptop with a large screen. Despite its thin-and-light design, Samsung didn’t skimp on ports here: it has HDMI, two USB-C ports (one of which you’ll need for charging), a microSDXC slot (that I wish was standard microSD), a headphone jack and an old-school USB-A port.
As part of the Chromebook Plus line, this laptop exceeds the minimum spec requirements. It pairs an Intel Core 3 100U processor released earlier this year with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. That’s more than enough power for a Chromebook in this day and age, and I had no qualms with its performance across the board.
While the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is quite svelte, its 15.6-inch screen makes transporting it a little awkward. Thanks to its 16:9 aspect ratio, the laptop has serious surfboard vibes – it’s just very wide, and it’s a tight fit in my bag. Furthermore, the 16:9 aspect ratio makes the screen feel smaller than it really is. The 1080p panel defaults to a scaled resolution that works out to 1,600 x 900, almost 100 fewer vertical pixels than my 14-inch MacBook Pro. I’ve been yelling into the void for years now that the 16:9 aspect ratio is just not ideal for modern computing, given the verticality of basically every web site. I’d be much happier with a smaller panel that offered more vertical pixels, but that’s just me.
I have mixed feelings about the keyboard and trackpad. Since the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is so thin, the keys don’t feel quite as comfortable as those on most other Chromebooks I use, to say nothing of my MacBook Pro. But, they’re not bad at all; nothing like the terrible butterfly keyboards on the MacBooks of the prior decade. They have less travel and are a little clickier than I’d like but still easy enough to acclimate to.
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
My real issue is that Samsung chose to include a number pad on the keyboard. This might be my own personal quirk, but I generally can’t stand number pads because I’d much rather have my hands centered below the display. I always feel slightly off-kilter and unbalanced using a laptop with a number pad, and it led to me making far more typos than I usually do. I’m sure if it was my only computer, I’d adjust and get used to it — but I don’t think I’d ever really like it. For me, the tradeoff just isn’t worth the number pad. I also found myself activating the trackpad by grazing it with the side of my palms while typing more often than I’d like. I eventually acclimated to how to type comfortably and avoid the touchpad, but between that and the number pad I found the Galaxy Chromebook Plus’s typing experience isn’t as good as some other Chromebooks I’ve used.
Perhaps the most notable thing about the keyboard, though, is the new Quick Insert key that goes where the traditional search key is. (Chromebooks have always had this instead of a caps lock key.) Quick Insert pulls up a small menu similar in size to what you see if you right-click something. But it gives contextual suggestions based on what you’re doing rather than showing the same options every time. In the very Google Doc where I wrote this review, it suggested various emoji (which would definitely be useful when using a chat app), links to a few Google Drive files it thought were relevant and a “help me write” prompt using Google Gemini. The menu also shows quick links to your Files folder, Google Drive, browsing history and a few other potentially helpful options.
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Samsung moved the traditional launcher key to the bottom row, nestled between Fn and Alt. That key still brings up the app launcher and a traditional search field for things on your computer; you can also easily search Google from here. The trickiest thing about this placement is that some shortcuts I was used to now require me to use the launcher in a new spot instead of Quick Insert. It’s a bit of a learning curve, and the benefit of Quick Insert doesn’t quite outweigh having to retrain my brain on new shortcuts. Hopefully the Quick Insert gets smarter and more useful over time, but right now it’s mostly a shortcut to grabbing emoji quickly. I have zero interest in having Google’s AI help me write anything, so for now its utility is limited.
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
ChromeOS and Gemini
That’s the good and bad of the hardware, but that’s only part of the equation. By now, the usual caveats of ChromeOS are well-known: it’s still a primarily web-based system, but Android applications can extend its features. There are also plenty of web apps that are well optimized for ChromeOS, and Google Docs has a comprehensive offline mode at this point. And if you have a recent Android phone, ChromeOS has a pretty robust feature set when you pair it to your Chromebook, including shared notifications and streaming of some apps directly to your laptop.
Google has also added a lot of smart and useful features to ChromeOS over the last year or so that make it more useful. For example, clicking the date in the taskbar brings up your full Google calendar and anything in the Tasks app, making it a quick place to see what you have planned for the day without having to dive into the full Calendar or Tasks experience. There’s also a new “focus” mode for when you want to sit down and concentrate. It turns on Do Not Disturb, sets a timer and lets you pick a YouTube Music playlist or some “focus sounds” like ambient or classical music, or even the sounds of nature. It’s a small thing, but there are a lot of thoughtful tools like that now in ChromeOS that make it feel like much more than just a browser.
The new Quick Insert menu in ChromeOS.
Naturally, AI is a bigger part of ChromeOS than ever. In addition to the “help me write” tools and suggestions that show up when you tap the Quick Insert key, Gemini is a click away with an app shortcut in the toolbar by default. There are also a few frivolous AI features thrown in, like a wallpaper generator with eight different categories to choose from (landscape, surreal, dreamscape, classic art and so on). Once you pick one, you’ll get a few more fields you can edit to get a handful of AI creations you can set as your wallpaper. You don’t get full creative control here; generally there are two things you can edit in each prompt. They’re hit or miss, but I did like the “classic art” avant-garde beach scene I created.
There’s also a beta test of the “help me read” feature that’ll summarize documents, PDFs and web pages. I made a PDF of this review from Google Docs and had the AI summarize it, which it did with no errors but also with very little detail. I asked it questions about the content of the document and it answered them accurately, as well. And the Magic Editor built into Google Photos on Pixel phones is also available on Chromebook Plus models, letting you alter the reality of your snapshots to your heart's content. None of this stuff is essential to me, but it’s clearly the way we’re headed, like it or not. One good thing is that Google includes a full year of its $20/month Google One with AI plan to Chromebook Plus buyers, this Samsung model included. That gets you 2TB of Drive storage and access to Gemini Advanced, Gemini in Google Docs and Gmail, as well as a few other AI perks. I don’t think it’s necessary at this point, but getting to try it for a full year is a pretty nice offer.
Finally, there’s the ever-present question of battery life. I’m getting between six and a half and eight hours off the charger, depending on what I’m doing; as usual, video calls really put a hurt on things. That’s not bad, but it’s still pretty far from the 13 hours Samsung claims. I don’t know what I’d have to do to come close to that mark. One day, with concentrated use, I burned through two-thirds of the battery in less than four hours. That’s pretty common for basically all Chromebooks I’ve tested in recent years, and my guess is that with Intel silicon we’re not going to see things improve in any meaningful way.
Wrap-up
Despite some misgivings, I actually enjoyed my time with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus. I probably wouldn’t pick it as my own personal computer, because the number pad I won’t use simply makes things too awkward. But there’s also a lot to like here – it’s so much lighter and thinner than other Chromebooks I usually use that it is a delight to travel with, despite the fact that its width is a bit cumbersome. And while I wish there was more vertical screen resolution, I did enjoy having such a large display combined in a very portable device.
For the right kind of buyer, the Galaxy Chromebook Plus might be just what you’re looking for (especially if the idea of a number pad on the keyboard excites you). For me, though, the slightly more boring but reliable Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Plus remains my favorite premium Chromebook. But Samsung has put forward a solid effort here, and I hope they continue on this path with future Chromebooks – Acer and Lenovo could use the competition.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/samsung-galaxy-chromebook-plus-review-quirky-in-ways-both-good-and-bad-140036965.html?src=rss
Microsoft has started a beta test that will finally bring cloud streaming to Xbox consoles. Participants in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha tiers of the Xbox Insiders program can start using this feature now on their Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.
This news is an extension of the "stream your own game" feature that Microsoft announced in November. That initial launch allowed Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream select games they've digitally purchased to their televisions, Meta Quest VR headsets and to some supported browser setups. The company said at the time that it planned to also bring streaming to Xbox consoles and to the Windows Xbox app in 2025.
While this update is a welcome addition to the "stream your own game" hardware, there are still some caveats on the feature. First, it's limited to Game Pass Ultimate members. Second, the game needs to support cloud streaming. There's a short list of titles included in the program for now, but several of them are excellent ones that are well worth a look: Baldur's Gate 3, Balatro, Cyberpunk 2077, Animal Well, Stray and the first six Final Fantasy games, to name a few highlights. Once this goes live to the whole Xbox audience, it should be a useful way to streamline game downloads and to access your whole library without needing to shell out for external storage.
In related Microsoft news, the Windows Xbox app is getting a couple updates. The new Home screen for the app will highlight curated game collections and suggested titles, as well as recent game news, releases and sales.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-previews-cloud-streaming-of-games-you-own-on-consoles-211008822.html?src=rss
Earlier today, Google debuted Gemini 2.0. The company says its new machine learning model won’t just enhance its existing products and services. It will also power entirely new experiences. To that point, Google previewed Project Mariner, an AI agent that can navigate within a web browser. Mariner is an experimental Chrome extension that is currently available to select “trusted testers.”
As you can see from the video Google shared, the pitch for Mariner is a tool that can automate certain rote tasks. In the demo, Mariner assists Google’s Jaclyn Konzelmann with finding the contact information of four outdoor companies.
Clearly, there’s more work Google needs to do before the software is ready for public use. Notice that Konzelmann is very specific when prompting Mariner, instructing the agent to “memorize” and “remember” parts of her instructions. It also takes Mariner close to 12 minutes to complete the task given to it.
“As a research prototype, it’s able to understand and reason across information in your browser screen, including pixels and web elements like text, code, images and forms,” Google says of Mariner.
If Project Mariner sounds familiar, it’s because The Information reported in October that Google was working on something called Project Jarvis. The publication described it as a “computer-using agent” that Google designed to assist with tasks like booking flights. In November, an early version of Jarvis was briefly available on the Chrome Web Store. A person familiar with the matter confirmed that Jarvis and Mariner are the same project.
The confirmation of Mariner’s existence comes after Anthropic introduced a similar but more expansive feature for its Claude AI, which the company says can “use a wide range of standard tools and software programs designed for people.” That tool is currently available in public beta.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/jarvis-googles-web-browsing-ai-is-now-officially-known-as-project-mariner-191603929.html?src=rss
Mozilla has removed the “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that had been present in Firefox since 2009, according to Windows Report. It was the first browser to adopt the feature. This change will arrive to all users who install version 135 and beyond, but Nightly users who opt to test experimental builds can already see the option missing from their browser settings.
Firefox isn’t the first browser to remove the DNT function. In fact, Apple had already done so in 2019 for Safari.
Before decrying Mozilla’s decision, it’s crucial to understand what DNT is. It’s not an order but merely a suggestion to websites to stop tracking you. However, most websites ignore DNT requests, meaning it’s completely useless in today’s context. Firefox’s help page also now reflects this upcoming change.
Instead of a DNT request, Mozilla is asking Firefox users to select the “Tell websites not to sell or share my data” feature. This setting leverages Global Privacy Control (GPC), which is respected by more websites and even enforced in certain jurisdictions.
If you’re more privacy-conscious, using GPC may not be enough for your needs. We recommend a VPN.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/firefox-will-no-longer-support-do-not-track-feature-141543907.html?src=rss
The year's end is quickly approaching and that means all the best of 2024 lists are coming out. The latest is Apple's App Store Awards, which highlight 17 apps across the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and Vision Pro. The most notable winner for us here at Engadget? Balatro+ from LocalThunk.
Balatro+ takes home the prize for Apple Arcade Game of the Year after already capturing so many of our hearts. The roguelike game is a fantastic mix of poker, deck-building, solitaire and more that gets addictive quick. It's only been available on iOS through Apple Arcade or as a standalone purchase since September. It's also available on all other platforms, including the PC and Nintendo Switch.
If you're the rare person out there who prefers physical games to digital ones (a stance I can sometimes relate to) then you'll be happy to know a $16 Balatro playing card deck is currently available for preorder on Fangamer. However, it won't ship until March 2025 so it might be worth first checking out the game digitally.
Other games awarded in Apple's App Store awards include AFK Journey, Thank Goodness You're Here! and Squad Busters. Apple also announced six apps that are recognized for their Cultural Impact. Winners in this category included Oko, an AI-powered navigation app for people who are blind or low-vision that offers information such as what's happening at an intersection and turn-by-turn directions.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/balatro-is-apples-arcade-game-of-the-year-because-of-course-it-is-140030994.html?src=rss
Apple has begun rolling iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 to iPhones and iPads. The updates bring with them major enhancements to the company’s suite of AI features, and are likely the final software releases Apple has planned for 2024. More Apple Intelligence features are available through macOS 15.2. However, note access to all of the AI features mentioned below is limited to users in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK for now, with support additionally limited to devices with their language set to English.
Provided you own an iPhone 15 Pro, 16 or 16 Pro, one of the highlights of iOS 18.2 is Image Playground, which is available both as a standalone app and Messages extension. If you go through the latter, the software will generate image suggestions based on the contents of your conversations. Naturally, you can also write your own prompts. It’s also possible to use a photo from your iPhone’s camera roll as a starting point. However, one limitation of Image Playground is that it can’t produce photorealistic images of people. That’s by design so that the resulting images don’t cause confusion. You can also import any pictures you generate with Image Playground to Freeform, Pages and Keynote.
Another new feature, Genmoji, allows you to create custom emoji. From your iPhone’s emoji keyboard, tap the new Genmoji button and then enter a description of the character you want to make. Apple Intelligence will generate a few different options, which you can swipe through to select the one you want to send. It’s also possible to use pictures of your friends as the starting point for a Genmoji.
The new update also brings enhancements to Siri and Writing Tools, both of which can now call on ChatGPT for assistance. For example, if you ask the digital assistant to create an itinerary or workout plan for you, it will ask for your permission to use ChatGPT to complete the task. You don’t need a ChatGPT account to use the chatbot in this way, though based on information from the iOS 18.2 beta, there will be a daily limit on how many queries iPhone users can send through to OpenAI’s servers.
Those are just some of the more notable Apple Intelligence features arriving with iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2. If you don’t own a recent iPhone or iPad, the good news is that both releases offer more than just new AI tools. One nifty addition is the inclusion of new AirTag features that allow you to share the location of your lost item trackers with friends and airlines. If you’re a News+ subscriber, you also get access to daily Sodoku puzzles. Also new to iOS 18.2 is a feature Apple removed with iOS 16. A new menu item in the operating system’s Settings app allows you to add volume controls to the lock screen.
If you don’t see a notification to download iOS 18.2 on your iPhone and iPadOS 18.2 on your iPad, you can manually check for the updates by opening the Settings app on your device and navigating to “General,” then “Software Update.” The same goes for macOS — just open the System Settings app, navigate to "Software Update" and start the download.
If you live outside of one of the countries mentioned at the top, support for additional countries and languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese, will roll out throughout next year, with an initial update slated for April.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ios-182-is-here-with-apple-intelligence-image-generation-features-in-tow-130029173.html?src=rss
Renders of two iPhones are shown against a white background. One of the phones displays a yellow smiley face emoji with cucumber slices on its eyes, while they other shows an AI-generated image of a cat wearing a chef hat
Earlier this year, Apple finally offered third-party developers access to its Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology. Not only are iPhone users in the EU receiving access, but other regions can also leverage this technology. Yesterday, Vipps MobilePay became the first Apple Pay alternative on the iPhone using its NFC technology for tap-to-pay transactions.
“Tap with Vipps” is the app’s NFC payment solution. It works for sending money to friends and making online purchases, but that’s not all. You can also pay organizations and associations with it. In other words, it’s PayPal combined with Apple Pay if you want to think of it that way.
The reason Apple is opening up access to its NFC technology is primarily EU pressure. Apple had signed an agreement with the European Commission to open up the iPhone’s NFC technology in July. By doing so, it avoided a legal fine of up to 10 percent of its $40 billion worldwide annual turnover.
With Vipps being the first Apple Pay alternative, Apple’s monopoly on tap-to-pay is finally over. Still, Vipps is a Norwegian firm, and it currently only works there. Customers belonging to more than 40 local banks will be able to use Tap with Vipps to pay, and the company is planning to add more banks to the list. MasterCard and Visa support are also coming before Summer 2025.
Vipps’ success story is likely the first example of a challenge to the Apple Pay monopoly on the iPhone. According to Apple Insider, UK company Curve said in May that it wanted to be the first Apple Wallet alternative. However, Curve hasn’t announced anything yet.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/theres-now-an-apple-pay-alternative-for-iphone-users-in-norway-153634514.html?src=rss
Another day, another case of the European Commission going after big tech for targeting minors. The bloc's regulators have probed Google for more information on a secret ad partnership with Meta that targeted Instagram ads at minors on YouTube, the Financial Times reports.
The Commission has yet to open a formal investigation, but is building on information it requested in October that includes internal chats, presentations, emails and more related to the YouTube ads. Google gathered this evidence during an internal probe codenamed "Tangerine Owl."
The FT first revealed in August that Google employees were using a work around to allow for ads directed at individuals under 18. This was a big no no as Google has long banned advertising targeting minors. However, these Google employees told Meta to push ads at a group called "unknown," as internal data found it had a large group of under 18s in it. The two companies teamed up with media agency Spark Foundry to launch a pilot ad program in Canada and then expanded to the US. The companies halted their plan to expand beyond the two countries and to include other Meta platforms following the public report.
This is not the first time Google and Meta have been in hot water for their ad practices. In 2022, the duo was the subject of antitrust investigations from the European Commission and the UK's Competition and Market Authority — however, both entities eventually closed their cases.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/eu-digs-further-into-google-and-metas-secret-ad-campaign-targeting-minors-140047175.html?src=rss
In its own heady blog post, Google debuted Willow, its latest quantum chip. It was flanked by hyped headlines that suggest something akin to the obelisk in 2001: A Space Odyssey. The breakthrough might not be about the power, however: Google says it has reduced errors — a major issue with building quantum computers — by adding more qubits to the system.
In fact, Google makes no claim of quantum supremacy this time — something the company did when it publicly debuted its previous generation quantum computer in 2019. That claim quickly ended in controversy, with one researcher calling the company’s announcement “just plain wrong.”
Part of the issue then was that Google’s last quantum chip was not part of a general-purpose quantum computer. Instead, it surpassed classic computers in a single task: random circuit sampling (RCS). But, in Google’s own words, RCS has “no known real-world applications.”
However, the company is sticking with the metric, claiming RCS performance is a widely recognized gauge of quantum computing. That makes true comparisons difficult: Rivals including IBM and Honeywell use a quantum volume metric to tout their breakthroughs. They claim it gives a more holistic understanding of a machine’s capabilities. Google’s spec sheets and blog post don’t mention quantum volume at all.
Bose may be best known for its noise-canceling headphones and earbuds, but the company has a solid track record with speakers and soundbars too. With its new Smart Soundbar, however, it integrates its own earbuds (sold separately) to offer lots of directional audio. Sound quality is clear, the soundbar itself is compact and understated, but it all lacks a little in the bass department. Check out our full review.
Rode just announced the latest iteration of its well-regarded Wireless GO microphone system. The third-gen kit has 32-bit float on-board recording and audio can be captured directly to the receiver. The system can store up to 40 hours of footage — substantially more than the seven hours of the GO II. It also packs a new feature called GainAssist that will “dynamically balance audio levels on the fly.” Rode says the system eliminates “the wild fluctuations typically found in a raw recording.” It's $300 and has a dedicated charging case, sold separately for $90.
The Raspberry Pi 500 shares most of the same internal components as the Raspberry Pi 5, but with a keyboard shell and improved heatsink — all for $90.
The Pi 500 has a 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU and 8GB of RAM. There are three USB A ports (two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port) but no USB-C slots besides the charger, which doesn’t support peripherals, sadly. The kit will sell for $120, and if you need a monitor, the company also launched its Raspberry Pi Monitor for $100.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-google-reveals-its-powerful-willow-quantum-chip-121002850.html?src=rss
Google debuted Willow, its latest quantum chip, on Monday, and if you’ve spent any time online since, you’ve undoubtedly run into some breathless reporting about it. Willow “crushes classical computers on a cosmic timescale,” proclaims one headline; Google “unveils ‘mind-boggling’ quantum computer chip,” reads another. It’s all anchored by a claim that Willow can complete a computation that would theoretically take a classical computer significantly more time than the 14 billion years the universe has existed. But, as you can probably guess, what the chip represents is not so simple.
First, with Willow, Google makes no claim of quantum supremacy, something the company did when it publicly debuted its previous generation quantum computer, Sycamore, back in 2019. You may recall that, at the time, Google publicized how it took Sycamore just 200 seconds to perform a calculation that would have theoretically taken the world’s then-fastest supercomputer 10,000 years to complete. That feat, the company said, demonstrated that it had created a quantum computer that could solve problems the best classical computers could not even attempt. In other words, Google had achieved quantum supremacy.
However, that claim quickly ended in controversy, with one researcher calling the company’s announcement “indefensible” and “just plain wrong,” and Google has since avoided talking about quantum supremacy. Instead, it just says it has achieved “beyond classical computation.” Part of the issue was that Sycamore was not a general-purpose quantum computer; instead, it was designed to surpass classical computers in a single task known as random circuit sampling or RCS. The thing about RCS is that, in Google’s own words, it has “no known real-world applications.” Yet, here again, the company is touting RCS performance.
Google says Willow can complete its latest RCS benchmark in under five minutes. By contrast, the company estimates it would take Frontier, currently the world’s second most powerful supercomputer, 10 septillion years to complete the same task. That number, Google says, “lends credence to the notion that quantum computation occurs in many parallel universes, in line with the idea that we live in a multiverse.”
Google
More practically, Google tries to make the case that RCS performance should be the metric by which all quantum computers are judged. According to Hartmut Neven, the founder of Google Quantum AI, “it’s an entry point. If you can’t win on random circuit sampling, you can’t win on any other algorithm either.” He adds RCS is “now widely used as a standard in the field.“
However, other companies, including IBM and Honeywell, instead use a metric called quantum volume to tout their breakthroughs. They claim it points to a more holistic understanding of a machine’s capabilities by factoring in how its qubits interact with one another. Unfortunately, you won’t find any mention of quantum volume in the spec sheet Google shared for Willow, making comparisons difficult.
To that point, the far more impressive claim Google is making today is that Willow is “below the threshold.” To date, the problem that has plagued every attempt to build a useful quantum computer is that the quantum bits they’re based on are difficult to control. They only hold their quantum state for fractions of a second, and the more qubits are added to a system, the more likely it is to produce errors. However, with Willow, Google says it has found a way to reduce errors as it adds more qubits to the system. According to the company, Willow is the first time this has been done.
“As the first system below threshold, this is the most convincing prototype for a scalable logical qubit built to date. It’s a strong sign that useful, very large quantum computers can indeed be built,” says Neven. “Willow brings us closer to running practical, commercially-relevant algorithms that can’t be replicated on conventional computers.”
That’s the real breakthrough here, and one that points to a future where quantum computers could solve problems that have tangible effects on people's lives. That future, however, isn't here just yet, and even Google admits it has more work to do before it gets there.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/googles-willow-quantum-chip-breakthrough-is-hidden-behind-a-questionable-benchmark-224707174.html?src=rss
