Around the world, government organizations are calling out Google for monopolistic practices. The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) will reportedly announce Google is in violation of the country's antitrust laws in regards to its search engine, Chrome, and issue a cease and desist letter, Nikkei Asia reported. The watchdog started an investigation into Google's practices last October.
The JFTC reportedly accuses Google of requiring smartphone manufacturers to sign a contract stating Chrome will be not only pre-downloaded on all devices, but that it will be placed in a certain spot on the screen. The manufacturers are allegedly forced to do this in order to have the Google Play available on their devices.
In the US, federal judge Amit Mehta ruled in November that Google "is a monopolist" in the search engine industry. The Department of Justice (DoJ) then called for Google to sell Chrome as it "will permanently stop Google’s control of this critical search access point and allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet." The DoJ also called for Google to cease favoring Chrome on Android. Google recently released a proposal to appease the DoJ, but stated it will appeal the judge's ruling before a hearing scheduled for April.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-could-be-accused-of-antitrust-practices-in-japan-130039793.html?src=rss
WEST BENGAL, INDIA - 2024/09/14: In this photo illustration, a Google Chrome logo seen displayed on a smartphone with a Google Logo in the background. (Photo Illustration by Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket 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
There's no arguing that AI still has quite a few unreliable moments, but one would hope that at least its evaluations would be accurate. However, last week Google allegedly instructed contract workers evaluating Gemini not to skip any prompts, regardless of their expertise, TechCrunch reports based on internal guidance it viewed. Google shared a preview of Gemini 2.0 earlier this month.
Google reportedly instructed GlobalLogic, an outsourcing firm whose contractors evaluate AI-generated output, not to have reviewers skip prompts outside of their expertise. Previously, contractors could choose to skip any prompt that fell far out of their expertise — such as asking a doctor about laws. The guidelines had stated, "If you do not have critical expertise (e.g. coding, math) to rate this prompt, please skip this task."
Now, contractors have allegedly been instructed, "You should not skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge" and that they should "rate the parts of the prompt you understand" while adding a note that it's not an area they have knowledge in. Apparently, the only times contracts can skip now are if a big chunk of the information is missing or if it has harmful content which requires specific consent forms for evaluation.
One contractor aptly responded to the changes stating, "I thought the point of skipping was to increase accuracy by giving it to someone better?"
Shortly after this article was first published, Google provided Engadget with the following statement: "Raters perform a wide range of tasks across many different Google products and platforms. They provide valuable feedback on more than just the content of the answers, but also on the style, format, and other factors. The ratings they provide do not directly impact our algorithms, but when taken in aggregate, are a helpful data point to help us measure how well our systems are working."
A Google spokesperson also noted that the new language shouldn't necessarily lead to changes to Gemini's accuracy, because they're asking raters to specifically rate the parts of the prompts that they understand. This could be providing feedback for things like formatting issues even if the rater doesn't have specific expertise in the subject. The company also pointed to this weeks' release of the FACTS Grounding benchmark that can check LLM responses to make sure "that are not only factually accurate with respect to given inputs, but also sufficiently detailed to provide satisfactory answers to user queries."
Update, December 19 2024, 11:23AM ET: This story has been updated with a statement from Google and more details about how its ratings system works.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-accused-of-using-novices-to-fact-check-geminis-ai-answers-143044552.html?src=rss
There are a few things I carry with me at all times in the winter: a hat, gloves, scarf and thermos. The latter provides me with that extra bit of warmth on the coldest days and stops me from buying tea while I'm out. If this sounds like you — and you're looking for an upgrade — then check out the 30 percent discount on the Ember Travel Mug 2+. We're big fans of Ember and have put its products in a few out our gift guides.
The Ember Travel Mug 2+ is currently down to $140, from $200, bringing it down to the same price as the mug without Apple Find My. That's right, if you didn't know, one of the biggest perks of the Ember Travel Mug 2+ is that you can locate it through the Find My app on your Apple device. It will also ping if you're trying to locate it. Android users: this is likely a gift rather than something for yourself.
Along with Apple's Find My technology, the Ember Travel Mug 2+ offers three hours of keeping your drink at a set temperature (between 120 degrees and 145 degrees) or all day if it sits on the charging coaster. Ember also claims the Travel Mug 2+ is leakproof and allows you to drink from any side. Plus, it's IPX7 rated and safe to hand wash — do not put it in the dishwasher.
I have to admit that $140 is still a lot of money to spend on a travel mug that only keeps drinks warm for three hours. I've spent over $100 less than that on a thermos that keeps my tea hot for 12 hours, no coaster needed. But, if the perks Ember's Travel Mug 2+ brings are worth it then definitely pick one up during this deal.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/embers-smart-travel-mug-with-find-my-integration-is-30-percent-off-154735829.html?src=rss
I can't remember a recent instance in which the final amount I owed, whether it be for a hotel reservation or a concert ticket, didn't make my eyes bug out in shock. Now, a new rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should limit these bait-and-switch pricing tactics. The FTC has announced the Junk Fees Rule, requiring live-event ticketing and short-term lodging businesses to be transparent about the total price owed. Other companies will continue to be monitored on a case-by-case basis for deceptive pricing.
The new rule, first proposed in 2023, should get rid of all those extra "resort" and "service" fees tacked on at checkout that often feel arbitrary. Companies can still technically include them, but they must be factored into the initial price shown. The required disclosure means the first amount you see on displays, advertisements and the like should also be the total amount you pay.
The Junk Fees Rule also requires businesses to display that final amount "more prominently" than any other information. So, it can't say it will cost one thing in big font and then in really small print add that there's a lot of fees on top of it. “People deserve to know up-front what they’re being asked to pay — without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees that they haven’t budgeted for and can’t avoid,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. "I urge enforcers to continue cracking down on these unlawful fees and encourage state and federal policymakers to build on this success with legislation that bans unfair and deceptive junk fees across the economy.”
The FTC claims the Junk Fee Rule will save individuals up to an estimated 53 million hours each year and more than $11 billion over the next decade. The rule will go into effect 120 days after it's published in the Federal Registrar.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ftc-bans-hidden-junk-fees-on-tickets-and-short-term-lodging-purchases-160702790.html?src=rss
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan testifies before a House Judiciary Committee hearing on "Oversight of the Federal Trade Commission," on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., July 13, 2023.
I'm really not sure how but suddenly Christmas is only eight days away and the window to order presents online is getting really small. So, if, like me, you've procrastinated a bit this year (ok, every year) then it's time to take action and buy those amazing holiday presents. Fortunately, there are great deals on devices that will not only make great gifts, but will arrive before Santa takes off from the North Pole. These sales include the new 16GB Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, which is down to $135 from $160 — a 16 percent discount. However, it's only guaranteed to arrive in time if you're a Prime member.
The markdown brings this 2024 model to just $5 more than it cost during Black Friday. It offers a 7-inch screen and the highest contrast of any Kindle. The Paperwhite model is also waterproof and, Amazon claims, has 25 percent faster page turns. It should last up to 12 weeks on a single charge. This deal is available on the version without Kindle unlimited and is ad-supported.
Amazon also released a new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, a luxe version of the base Paperwhite model. We gave it an 85 in our review thanks to its excellent touch response, auto-adjusting warm front light and overall premium feel. However, we didn't think any of its perks were essential and, for $200, it's a significant jump in price.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-2024-kindle-paperwhite-is-25-off-right-now-143813447.html?src=rss
It's an expensive day for Meta. First, Australia announced a $50 million AUD ($31.7 million USD) settlement with the company over the Cambridge Analytica scandal and now the Irish Data Protection Committee (IDPC) has issued Meta a €251 million ($263 million) fine. The IRDC's fine stems from a personal data breach on Facebook in 2018.
Hackers had exploited a "vulnerability in Facebook’s code," related to the View As feature, the company said at the time. It allowed them to get hold of users' access tokens and take over those accounts. The bad actors were able to log on to about 29 million global users' Facebook accounts, including three million users in the European Union and European Economic Area. They gained access to information such as a user’s full name, email address, phone number, location, date of birth, religion and children’s personal data.
The IDPC holds Meta responsible for not having proper data protection when designing its processing systems, not processing personal data only when specifically necessary and not disclosing all the information about the breach.
"This enforcement action highlights how the failure to build in data protection requirements throughout the design and development cycle can expose individuals to very serious risks and harms, including a risk to the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals," DPC Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle stated. "By allowing unauthorised exposure of profile information, the vulnerabilities behind this breach caused a grave risk of misuse of these types of data."
In response to the fine, a Meta spokesperson told Engadget, "This decision relates to an incident from 2018. We took immediate action to fix the problem as soon as it was identified, and we proactively informed people impacted as well as the Irish Data Protection Commission. We have a wide range of industry-leading measures in place to protect people across our platforms.”
Down under, the Cambridge Analytica scandal settlement stems from a whistleblower who revealed in 2018 that the company had "exploited Facebook to harvest millions of people’s profiles." Facebook had found out about it three years earlier. Cambridge Analytica took this information to influence US voters for Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and the Pro-Brexit campaign. The company was previously led by Steve Bannon, who recently served time in jail for his refusal to cooperate in the January 6 investigation.
The settlement should provide payment to an estimated 311,127 people. Eligible parties must have had a Facebook account from November 2015 to December 2015, spent more than 30 days in Australia during that period and personally or had a Facebook friend who installed the This is Your Digital Life app. Meta previously agreed to pay $725 million to users in the US.
Update, December 17 2024, 10:19AM ET: This article has been updated to include a statement from a Meta spokesperson.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ireland-fines-meta-263-million-for-2018-view-as-data-breach-133042475.html?src=rss
Are you ready for the holiday travels and the long hours on your phone that accompany them? Whether you're using your device for directions or entertainment, it's a pain when you're phone just dies. Try to avoid this by picking up one of our choices for best power banks and portable chargers, like Anker's 200W Prime Power Bank — our favorite premium power bank.
Anker's Prime Power Bank with a 100W charging base is currently available for $110, down from $185. This 41 percent off deal brings the power bank and charging base back down to a record-low price. To start from the bottom, its charging base has a USB port and two USB-C ports. You can use them while the base is plugged in and juicing up the power bank. As for the power bank, it can charge a MacBook Air once and an iPhone 14 or Galaxy S23 3.4 times. The power bank's sleek screen shows how much battery the Anker device still holds.
If you're only really interested in the power bank then you can get it for a lot cheaper. The Anker Prime Power Bank is available on its own for just $78 — a 40 percent discount. This deal is also a record-low price for the device and offers all the same perks just sans-base.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ankers-prime-power-bank-with-charging-base-is-back-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-150600518.html?src=rss
Social media platforms and other online services operating in the UK are facing new regulations. Ofcom, the UK's communication services regulator, has released over 40 safety measures that applicable organizations must carry out by mid-March 2025. The new guidance follows last year's passage of the Online Safety Act, which implements new protections for children and adults online. Ofcom's role includes providing compliance codes and guidance for relevant companies.
Ofcom introduced new measures tackling areas such as fraud, moderation and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Online services must take steps like nominating a senior person who is accountable for complying to its duties for illegal content, complaints and reporting. Moderating teams must be "appropriately" trained and have enough resources to quickly remove illegal content. Plus, relevant companies, such as social media platforms, should improve their algorithms to limit the spread of illegal content.
The regulator's required anti-CSAM safety practices include hiding children's profiles and locations, not allowing random accounts to message children and using hash-matching and URL detection to quickly find and shut down CSAM.
Ofcom consulted with the tech industry, charities and parents, among other entities. It also heard from children about their horrifying experiences of receiving predatory messages online and opinions on new regulations. "As an evidence-based regulator, every response has been carefully considered, alongside cutting-edge research and analysis, and we have strengthened some areas of the codes since our initial consultation," Ofcom stated in its release. "The result is a set of measures — many of which are not currently being used by the largest and riskiest platforms — that will significantly improve safety for all users, especially children."
The Online Safety Act includes "organizations big and small, from large and well-resourced companies to very small 'micro-businesses.' They also apply to individuals who run an online service," Ofcom states. It gets a bit vague, though, with Ofcom adding the business must have a "significant number" of UK users or have the UK as a target market. The Act covers "user-to-user services," such as social media, online gaming and dating sites. It also impacts "search services" and online businesses that show pornographic content.
Ofcom has the power to fine non-compliant sites £18 million ($22.7 million) or 10 percent of their qualifying global revenue, if a higher number. In "very serious cases" Ofcom can seek a court order to block a site's UK presence. Ofcom plans to release further guidance across the first half of 2025.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/uk-internet-watchdog-gives-social-media-companies-three-months-to-improve-safety-or-face-huge-fines-130018908.html?src=rss
Australia is not messing around when it comes to big tech. Last month the country introduced a law that, if passed, would ban all people 16 and younger from social media. Now, its coming after social media and search engines alike, ensuring they pay publishers for their content after Meta backed out of doing so, the Financial Times reports. The Australian Taxation Office would be in charge of collecting the money, though it shouldn't profit from the deal in any way, instead sending all the profits to media companies.
The new amendments would require any platform that makes more an Australian revenue of more than $250 million (160 million USD) to pay a set fee or create a direct agreement with publishers. In 2021, Meta and Google made a deal to paid a range of large and small Australian media companies more than 200 million AUD (128 million USD) per year — though these agreements were pretty much forced by legislation. Meta backed out earlier this year, claiming its users don't come to its platforms for news content.
Leaders in the industry like Michael Miller, executive chair of News Corp Australia, applauded the government's recent step, with Miller stating, "This will provide a foundation for rebuilding the media industry after the loss of an estimated 1,000 jobs this year, and ensuring Australian news media businesses will continue to deliver inquiring and professional journalism, which has never been more important to cohesive, democratic societies."
Canada previously took a similar step, enacting a bill in 2023 that required social media platforms and search engines to pay publishers. Meta responded by pulling news in the country but, while Google first threatened to take action, the company agreed to pay news publishers about 100 million CAD (71 million USD) each year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/australia-demands-big-social-platforms-pay-local-news-publishers-153044135.html?src=rss
Facebook unveiled their new Meta sign at the company headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021. An embattled Facebook Inc. is changing its name to Meta Platforms Inc., or Meta for short, to reflect what CEO Mark Zuckerberg says is its commitment to developing the new surround-yourself technology known as the “metaverse.” But the social network itself will still be called Facebook. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
There are far too many fads that are blown out of proportion, as if a single item could really change your life. The air fryer — arguably one of the most talked about devices of the past few years — does not fall into this category. Having an air fryer is as good or better than everyone makes it out to be.
Yet, there are two barriers to getting an air fryer: cost and counter space. While, there's nothing we can do to expand your kitchen, we're happy to point out a great deal on the Cosori 6-quart 9-in-1 air fryer. Our runner up for best air fryer of 2024 is currently down to $88 from $120 — a 27 percent discount. This price is only $3 more than its all-time low as a Prime Exclusive a few months ago.
The Cosori 6-quart 9-in-1 air fryer fits a ton of food considering its not a horrible footprint in your kitchen. It has nine present modes, including preheat, broil, bake, roast, proof and frozen settings. The air fryer also includes a touchscreen, basket-release button and spacious cooking basket.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-air-fryers-is-27-percent-off-right-now-144244059.html?src=rss
BeReal, the in the moment social media platform, is far from its 2022 heyday, but that hasn't stopped one organization from going after it. Austrian advocacy group Noyb has filed a complaint surrounding the platform's data consent banner practices. The organization claims that the banner disappears if users accept that their personal data can inform advertising practices, but if they click reject then the banner appears daily. Noyb filed its complaint with the French data protection authority (CNIL) as Voodoo, a French company, bought BeReal in June — the practice in question started in July.
"BeReal’s daily attempt to pressure its users into accepting the tracking for personalised advertising has a significant impact on user behaviour. Consent given under these circumstances is not freely given, which means it doesn’t meet the requirements established in Article 4(11) GDPR," Noyb argued in its complaint. It asked the CNIL to fine BeReal and force it to be compliant.
Noyb also pointed to guidelines the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) adopted in early 2023 around such a technique. "The continuous prompting deceptive design pattern occurs when users are pushed to provide more personal data than necessary for the purposes of processing or to agree with another use of their data, by being repeatedly asked to provide additional data or to consent to a purpose of processing," the EDPB stated. "Such repetitive prompts can happen through one or several devices. Users are likely to end up giving in, as they are wearied from having to refuse the request each time they use the platform. "
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/bereal-accused-of-annoying-users-into-sharing-their-data-160024570.html?src=rss
29 July 2022, Berlin: The logo of the app BeReal. is on a screen of a smartphone. Photo: Fabian Sommer/dpa (Photo by Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images)
I am a huge fan of Anker so I typically end up buying something every time the brand's products go on sale. Well, my wallet is currently grumbling at me because it's that time again: A slew of Anker products are discounted on Amazon. This sale includes Anker's 3-in-1 5,000mAh USB-C portable charger in black, down to $20 from $40. The new all-time low price comes courtesy of a 38 percent discount, followed up with a $5 coupon.
Anker makes up a good chunk of our best power bank and portable charger list for 2024. This particular portable charger is worth calling out because, among other things, its compact and has a 22.5W output as a battery or 30W output when plugged into the wall. It also has a foldable AC plug, a USB-C port and an integrated USB-C cable.
If you're looking for a longer charge then check out Anker's 10,000mAh version of the 3-in-1 power bank. It's also down to a record-low price at $30 from $45 in every color — a 33 percent discount. It's comes with a USB-C cable, but provides 30W of output whether it's plugged in or used as a battery.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-anker-power-banks-drops-to-only-20-153018011.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
A year-and-a-half after YouTube first announced it, the platform's AI dubbing service has arrived. The company shared the news alongside some example videos equipped with auto dubbing (which we'll get into in a bit). The feature is available to "hundreds of thousands of" informational or educational YouTube Partner Program channels, with broader rollout planned soon.
Creators can have their English language video dubbed in French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese or Spanish. A video is any of those languages can only have an English dubbing. The process should be automatic, and creators can preview them before a video goes live. Dubbed videos are available to watch in the YouTube Studio's "languages" section, and come with an auto-dubbed label.
The company shared three example videos with dubbing in its announcement, two dubbed in English from French and Hindi, respectively, and one in English with a range of dubbing options to try. The English translations sound very AI-generated and stilted to me, though seemingly accurate, while my colleague Steve Dent tried the French dubbing and had a similar experience.
However, YouTube only shared examples of the tool dubbing over narration rather than people talking. I dug for a little while to find an example of a visible conversation with dubbing but came up short — perhaps because AI dubbing may struggle with faster speech or crosstalk. YouTube preface that the "technology is new" and "won't be perfect."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/youtubes-ai-powered-auto-dubbing-tool-has-finally-arrived-134532964.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
YouTube is expanding how you can interact with games on its free in-app platform, Playables. The company has announced that users can now try out a multi-player function that allows them to game with other players in real-time.
However, that doesn't extend to YouTube Playables' entire 100-plus catalogue of titles. "We’re beginning to test a new multiplayer feature for a few select games on YouTube Playables. Multiplayer on Playables lets you play games in real-time with other users," YouTube said in a release. "We're just getting started testing out new features for YouTube Playables with more to come in the future." Right now, multiplayer is available on two games, Ludo Club and Magic Tiles 3, on both desktop and mobile devices.
YouTube first announced Playables in September 2023 and it was originally available to select participants before expanding to all Premium subscribers. In May, it announced that the platform would be available to all YouTube users. It's available games range from action and sports to trivia and puzzles.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/youtube-introduces-multiplayer-mini-games-on-playables-133056235.html?src=rss
The holiday season is upon us and, while that means lots of merriment and fun, it also brings the inevitable stress of picking gifts for all your loved ones. We have list after list of some of the best gifts to get your mom, runners, book lovers, gamers and others, but sometimes the greatest presents come from following the sales.
That brings us to Amazon's current deal on the Elgato Stream Deck Neo. The device is down to an all-time low price of $80, from $100 — a 20 percent discount. The Stream Deck Neo is Elgato's smaller (and much more affordable) take on one of our favorite game streaming items for 2024: the Stream Deck +. They both have eight customizable keys to make commands easy while streaming. The small but mightly Stream Deck Neo is also built for gaming and making your daily to-do list easier to accomplish with easy shortcuts.
The Elgato Stream Deck Neo has a small display with the time, date and day of the week, making it have a bit of an alarm clock feel. It can integrate with apps like Zoom, PowerPoint, Spotify and more. Plus, you can connect it to your Mac or PC with a USB-C plug. Overall, this is a great gift for anyone in your life interested in streaming or just wanting to access their every day tasks with ease.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/elgatos-stream-deck-neo-is-cheaper-than-ever-144531655.html?src=rss
There are moments with AI that feel like we're passing a threshold there's no coming back from. The latest example is happening at UCLA, where a professor is having AI create the textbook, assignments and teaching assistant resources for her class, Survey of Literature: Middle Ages to 17th Century.
Professor Zrinka Stahuljak is using an AI tool called Kudu, created by UCLA professor of physics and astronomy Alexander Kusenko and a former doctoral student Warren Essey. They bill Kudu as a "high-quality, low-cost" way for students to access all the information they need, while professors focus on teaching.
Kudu pulls from PowerPoint presentations, YouTube videos, course notes and other materials Professor Stahuljak provides it. According to UCLA, it shouldn't take up more than 20 hours of a professor's time and they can edit the materials afterward. The resulting textbook is available digitally for $25 and can be printed or used with audio readers. Kudu also uses the provided materials to respond to anonymous queries from students. Plus, it can identify whether over half of a student's content is AI-generated.
"Normally, I would spend lectures contextualizing the material and using visuals to demonstrate the content. But now all of that is in the textbook we generated, and I can actually work with students to read the primary sources and walk them through what it means to analyze and think critically," said Stahuljak in a statement. "It allows us to spend more time teaching basic analytical skills, critical thinking and reading skills, in a consistent manner — the things professors are best at doing." She plans to use Kudu for other courses in the future. The AI-powered tool is already being tested this semester in an introduction to history class and will be available for Stahuljak's course in 2025.
We'll have to see how successful this will be and, critically, if AI will remain a tool for teachers or be a "low-cost" way to replace them.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/ais-next-job-making-assignments-for-college-courses-130008019.html?src=rss
You know that feeling when the snow is falling outside but you're inside curled up or cooking something warm as music plays around you? That movie moment is reason enough to invest in a good speaker but, by invest, I mean shop a great deal on one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers for 2024. Marshall's Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is currently down to $100 from $170 — a 41 percent discount.
Marshall's Emberton II Speaker is one of our top picks thanks to its 360-degree sound that provides a good quality listening experience for any small gathering (or solo dance party). It offers 30 hours of battery, charges up in only three hours and is IP67 dust and water resistant so you don't have to be too precious with it.
In August, Marshall did release a new version of this speaker, aptly named the Emberton III. It has a few upgrades from its predecessor, including an extra two hours of battery life, a built-in microphone and taking only two hours to fully charge. It's normally the same price as the second generation Emberton but, since it's not on sale, we'd say the Emberton II is a much better buy.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-bluetooth-speakers-is-41-percent-off-right-now-150156828.html?src=rss
