CES 2025 is nearly over and the Engadget team has tried out a plethora of new gadgets and experienced innovative tech over the past few days. CES is known for setting the stage for the forthcoming year in tech, with lots of prototypes on display and always a few pieces of vaporware that never materialize. The gear you can actually buy immediately is typically few and far between, but this year there are a number of gadgets on sale (or available for pre-order) right now. Those range from a “smart” baby bouncer and bassinet to smart glasses and Wi-Fi 7 routers. If you’re keen on becoming an early adopter, these are the CES gadgets you can buy right now.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/17-ces-gadgets-you-can-actually-buy-right-now-170544033.html?src=rss
Tonal, the company behind the smart home gym of the same name, is now launching the Tonal 2. This machine is an upgrade over its predecessor, which we tested some years ago. Two years ago, Tonal laid off 35 percent of its workforce, but the company seems to be doing much better now.
According to the company, Tonal 2 has improved hardware, including a better camera that uses AI to “analyze 500 data points per second” and an upgraded adaptive weight system. The latter can now let users lift up to 250 pounds. Tonal 2 also comes with new Aero HIIT workouts you can follow to combine cardio and strength training, something the first generation trainer doesn’t offer. Additionally, Tonal 2 has a sleeker design and new look, thanks to an all-black appearance with chrome accents.
Like the original Tonal trainer following a few software updates, Tonal 2 knows when your muscles are fatiguing and will reduce the resistance. This adjustment lets you pump out a few more reps and ensure you reach muscle failure easier, increasing muscle gains as a result.
Tonal 2 is now available to purchase in all 50 states for $3,995. This price doesn’t include a subscription, which costs $60 a month. The company will install the machine for you in your home when it arrives.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/tonal-2-is-now-available-for-purchase-170040163.html?src=rss
T-Mobile is once again being sued by Washington state over the 2021 data breach which exposed sensitive information for over 79 million people, The Verge reports. The lawsuit filed on Monday alleges that T-Mobile had been aware of various security loopholes in its systems for years but didn’t take any action. As a result, a hacker managed to breach T-Mobile in March 2021 and was undetected until August of the same year when an “anonymous cybersecurity threat intelligence firm” told T-Mobile what was happening.
Beyond alleging that T-Mobile knew about these flaws and took inadequate action to fix them, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson also claims T-Mobile’s notifications to customers affected by the breach were inadequate and misleading. The text messages were brief and didn’t reveal the full scope of the breach, only telling customers that debit and credit card information wasn’t exposed while failing to mention their social security numbers and other personally identifiable information were compromised.
The breach's victims included two million Washington residents. Information from T-Mobile's databases was later on the dark web for sale to the highest bidder. T-Mobile even supposedly hired a third party to buy exclusive access to the data.
In more than one sense, this isn’t T-Mobile’s first rodeo. The company was already sued by AG Ferguson over a decade ago over "deceptive" ads. It has also been the target of a breach since 2021 — specifically 2024 “Salt Typhoon” attacks on commercial telecommunications companies. T-Mobile claims that its systems and data weren’t impacted significantly.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/t-mobile-is-under-fire-again-over-its-2021-data-breach-143007400.html?src=rss
Peacock will start testing mini games and short-form vertical videos on its iOS and Android apps, per TechCrunch. These experimental features were available for preview at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The company intends to start testing them with users this month.
A Peacock spokesperson told TechCrunch that during the testing period, some users will see the games and shorts, while others only see one or the other. The remainder won’t be able to play games or watch shorts.
There are five planned games for the test: Daily Sort, Daily Swap, Predictions, What The, and Venn. These games are simple and don’t take up too much time, and some are even tied to various shows and sports. Players can predict outcomes of a series and come back later to see if they were correct, enhancing their streaming experience.
As for the shorts, they’re curated from content from Peacock’s library. They can be from TV shows or news and will be updated weekly and daily. Users can even tap on them to enter the program’s page and watch the real thing.
Both YouTube and Netflix opted to compete with TikTok quickly, and YouTube especially has more than 100 games. Netflix doesn’t have that many, but a Squid Game spinoff game did arrive on the app last month. Peacock may be competing against giants, but the possible TikTok ban does give it a better fighting chance.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/peacock-is-testing-mini-games-and-vertical-short-videos-164012685.html?src=rss
Lenovo has made history with its new Yoga Slim 9i laptop, which has an under-display camera similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold phone. In other words, the 32-megapixel camera is situated beneath the screen where you can’t see it, but it can capture video and images just fine. The Yoga Book 9i is also getting updated with a larger screen, an NPU and higher peak brightness.
Having an under-display camera lets device manufacturers use thinner bezels. In the Yoga Slim 9i’s case, Lenovo was able to achieve what it calls a world’s first: a 98 percent screen-to-body-ratio on a laptop, which the company claims is a world-first. Plus, the 4K120 OLED touch display measures 14 inches. Its PureSight certification includes 100 percent sRGB and Adobe RGB support. Additionally, the Yoga Slim 9i has a peak brightness of 750 nits, and supports VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600.
The Yoga Slim 9i is capable of handling AI tasks, thanks to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and with a 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS) NPU. The 75WHr battery provides up to 17 hours of battery life. Graphics are handled by an uniform memory access Intel Arc GPU.
The Yoga Slim 9i can come with 1TB of storage and 32GB of RAM, making it a portable workhorse of a laptop. As for ports, there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports besides the charging-only USB-C port.
The latest Yoga Book 9i has also received several upgrades. The screen size has been increased from 13.3 inches to a full 14 inches, and the 400 nits brightness has been upped to 750 nits. The new model has a 94 percent screen-to-body-ratio, up a little over two percent from the prior generation. Plus, it now has AI capabilities thanks to new hardware.
Finally, we can take a brief look at the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, a convertible laptop. The 14-inch 2.8K120 screen supports multi-touch and has a peak brightness of 1100 nits. It also has Smart Modes that let users customize the settings quickly. At 2.91 pounds, it’s easy to carry around for work.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/lenovos-yoga-slim-9i-is-the-first-laptop-to-get-an-under-display-camera-160045339.html?src=rss
Sony has announced the latest additions to its Midnight Black Collection for the PS5. The new accessories join existing Midnight Black Collection products, such as the Midnight Black PS5 console cover and DualSense wireless controller.
The most important accessories for the PS5 are the controllers, and there are three in this collection. They include the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black remote player and DualSense Edge Midnight Black. Both controllers cost $200.
Next, we have audio peripherals. The Pulse Explore wireless earbuds and Pulse Elite wireless headset will now come in Midnight Black. They cost $200 and $150, respectively. Both will come with a felt grey carrying case and necessary accessories.
These products are expected to be available on February 20, but pre-order access begins on January 16 at 10AM ET. Participating retailers will also begin pre-orders on that day, but the exact time depends on the region.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sonys-latest-ps5-midnight-black-accessories-arrive-next-month-155005798.html?src=rss
Black Friday is more than a month behind us, but it seems Beats isn’t done with its deals. The 2024 Beats Pill is now $100, down from $150. The last time we saw the speaker on sale for $100 was during Black Friday, and we’re glad to see this discount again.
The 2024 Beats Pill is a portable powerhouse with several upgrades compared to its predecessor. It has improved sound quality, and support for lossless audio if you use a USB-C connection. While the official description rates battery life at up to 24, Engadget found that it can go more than that, but only if you keep the volume lower than 50 percent.
A standout feature of the 2024 Beats Pill is Stereo mode. If you have two of them, you can connect both to your device and activate this feature. Each speaker then plays one of the two stereo channels, resulting in a wider soundscape. You can also have both play the same audio through Amplify mode, which doubles the sound.
The 2024 Beats Pill has a good reputation amongst our team members. We not only included it in our list of best portable Bluetooth speakers, but we’ve also given it an in-depth review. We recommend it if you’re thinking of getting a portable speaker.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-2024-beats-pill-is-on-sale-for-100-right-now-144920729.html?src=rss
Klipsch, a company more known for shelf speakers, towers and soundbars, is adding three more portable speakers to its Music City Party Speaker lineup. The original three speakers are the Austin, Nashville and Detroit models. At CES 2025, Klipsch is adding the Vegas, Miami and New York models.
The Vegas is the smallest model among the three and has a single 5.25-inch woofer, while the Miami is larger and has two 5.25-inch woofers for more bass. The New York is the biggest one and has dual eight-inch woofers. Other differences include the Vegas and Miami’s pole mounts for easy setup, which the New York doesn’t have. However, the New York and Miami have trolley wheels due to their larger size and heavier weight. These wheels make it easier to take the speakers on the road.
The new speakers all come with a karaoke microphone, handles for portability and some sound effects like audience cheering and an airhorn, along with RGB lighting for outdoor enjoyment. They also support Bluetooth 5.2 connections and have a Bass Boost mode if you think there isn’t enough low end. Additionally, if you have more than one of these speakers, Party Mode can link them up for a more immersive experience.
For sound customization, all three speakers work with the Klipsch Connect Plus app. The app supports EQ adjustments, RGB and light pattern changes and more. Klipsch says that the Vegas can last for eight hours of playing, while the Miami can reach 18 hours. The New York, despite being the largest of the trio, has a maximum battery life of 12 hours. Turning the lights on reduces battery life.
All three speakers will be available in Spring 2025. The Vegas will cost $299, the Miami goes for $549 and the New York can be yours for $699. You may pre-order them starting January 7, 2025.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/klipsch-introduces-the-newest-music-city-party-karaoke-focused-speakers-140018483.html?src=rss
Alienware has just announced the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor at CES 2025. According to the company, the monitor has the highest pixel density for an OLED or QD-OLED (more on this in a minute) monitor at 166 pixels per inch (PPI). But that’s not all it offers.
The monitor has Dolby Vision HDR and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification for even better image quality. The 0.03ms response time is perfect for competitive gamers who value extreme speed, and the 240Hz refresh rate is nothing to sneeze at either. Finally, it comes with an AI algorithm (because in 2025, of course it does) that's supposed to protect against burn-in.
The Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor will be available in North America in March, and other regions one month later. It will retail for $900.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/alienwares-new-oled-gaming-monitor-boasts-worlds-highest-pixels-per-inch-040010053.html?src=rss
At CES 2025 renowned keyboard company Cherry revealed its latest gaming and office keyboards. Cherry keyboards are well-liked by enthusiasts, but the company seems to be aiming some of the new models at more casual users.
Let’s start with the gaming keyboards, of which there are two. The more noteworthy one is the XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL, which can reach 8000Hz and 4000Hz polling rates while wired and wireless, respectively. It also has a display that shows battery levels and even your typing speed.The XTRFY MX 10.1 Wireless is a low-profile keyboard with identical polling rates. It’s designed for gamers who prefer something more discreet. The former will set buyers back $300, while the latter retails for $280.
Now onto the, Cherry KW 300 MX, which is a hot-swappable keyboard aimed at office use, something we haven’t seen before. It has a 1000Hz polling rate, which is far beyond what normal office keyboards have, at 125Hz. There's a low profile model for this too — the KW 550 MX LP. Those will retail for $110 and $120, respectively. Assuming loud, mechanical clacking isn't desirable for an office setting, users might want to opt for the quieter KC 500 MX LP. Its tenkeyless (i.e. without the number pad) cousin, the KC 500 MX LP TKL, runs a mere $100.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/cherrys-ces-2025-offerings-arent-all-for-keyboard-nerds-030006885.html?src=rss
Microsoft is allowing PC Game Pass members over the age of 18 to earn rewards by playing PC games, a perk previously available only to console gamers with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This update goes into effect on January 7.
Subscribers (on PC or console) will earn points by playing any game from the Game Pass catalog for 15 minutes or more. Do that for five days a week, and they'll start a streak that increases a multiplier. A four-week streak results in four times the points. There are additional bonuses for playing four or eight different titles per month, but again, they'll have to meet that 15 minute threshold.
While PC players are no longer left out, the points only rack up on Game Pass catalog games — games requiring a third-party launcher, including anything through Battle.net, don't count.
The PC Weekly bonus will also be available to all Game Pass Rewards members above the age of 18. Additionally, the console weekly bonus and daily PC play are rebalanced to 150 points and 10 points, respectively.
As touched on by EuroGamer, Microsoft kneecapped the Game Pass experience in recent memory, as rewards were made more challenging to obtain. It seems like the tech giant is trying to get into the good graces of Game Pass subscribers again.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/xboxs-game-pass-now-rewards-users-for-playing-pc-games-171529965.html?src=rss
It’s no secret that Russia has been slowly working towards eschewing as much Western technology as it can and developing its own, and its latest effort seems to be related to video games. On December 25, Anton Gorelkin, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, revealed some information on a domestic video game console being developed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as reported by TechSpot. The theoretical console will have an Elbrus processor and be powered by either Aurora or Alt Linux, both Russian forks of the popular Linux operating system.
According to TechSpot, the Elbrus processor was developed by the Moscow Center of SPARC Technologies and primarily designed for defense, critical infrastructure and other applications. This processor isn’t up to what Intel, AMD and Arm produce right now, and it certainly won’t reach PS5 or Xbox levels of power. Despite the weaker chipset, Gorelkin stressed that the console isn’t designed to play ports of older games, but will play “domestic video game products.” Presumably, this means Russia will also need its own developer community to design these games.
There’s also another console called Fog Play in development, but it’s more of a cloud-gaming device. Users with high-end computers can rent them out to Fog Play owners, who play games on these computers through the cloud.
These potential consoles are only one aspect of Russia’s broader technological sovereignty plans. Ever since its invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions, Russia has been trying to make this a reality — but digital isolation is making this difficult.
The adoption of Astra Linux in government, intelligence, military and even educational computers is another Russian effort to develop its own technology. To this end, Russia is also trying to replace file and website scanner VirusTotal (owned by Google) with its own Multiscanner platform in fears of US government infiltration.
Despite this progress, Russia is still heavily reliant on China’s technology. Chinese smartphones are popular there, and Chinese electronics and dual-use technology continue to enter Russia even as the Middle Kingdom no longer exports them to the US.
Russia is likely unable to achieve true technological independence, in video gaming or other crucial areas, as it relies too much on China and doesn’t have the capabilities to produce PS5 or Xbox-level chips. The two Russian video game consoles serve as a good example of the challenges the country faces given its poor relations with many of the world’s superpowers. Just like the Elbrus processor isn’t going to truly compete against the best consoles, Russia will likely continue to struggle for technological sovereignty.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/russia-is-trying-to-make-its-own-game-consoles-in-a-bid-for-technological-independence-151358041.html?src=rss
According to the Wall Street Journal, various US authorities are investigating TP-Link’s routers, linking them to China-backed cyberattacks. The Commerce, Justice and Defense departments each have their own investigations, and sources told the Journal the Commerce Department has subpoenaed TP-Link. These investigations may contribute to a potential ban on these routers next year.
In September, the Journal reported on a wave of Chinese cyberattacks in the US that involved many TP-Link routers. The attackers targeted government organizations and Defense Department suppliers, as well as non-government organizations and think tanks.
TP-Link currently holds about 65 percent of the US router market for small businesses and homes. They're also widely used by the Department of Defense and NASA. But sources told the Journal the devices often ship with security flaws, and that the company fails to address these issues or engage with the security community.
“We welcome any opportunities to engage with the U.S. government to demonstrate that our security practices are fully in line with industry security standards, and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the U.S. market, U.S. consumers, and addressing U.S. national security risks,” a TP-Link spokesperson told WSJ.
If TP-Link routers are banned, it would be the biggest Chinese telecom equipment extraction in the US since the 2019 Huawei ban.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/tp-link-routers-are-being-investigated-by-several-us-authorities-151552304.html?src=rss
The Secret Level official X account just teased a new season for the series of short animations. For those unaware, Secret Level adapts various games and franchises like Warhammer 40,000, Pac-Man and Concord into short animated episodes. The team behind it is the same that did Love, Death and Robots on Netflix.
We don’t know much more about the second season of Secret Level. So far there's no information on what games season two will adapt, or when that season will premier.
You can now watch the first season of Secret Level on Amazon Prime Video now, where it recently premiered. There are currently 15 episodes based on various games. The short based on Warhammer 40,000 reminds me of the Astartes project. Additionally, the Pac-Man-based short is actually a sort of reveal for a Bandai Namco game, Shadow Labyrinth.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/were-getting-a-second-season-of-secret-level-140856980.html?src=rss
OnePlus will launch its new flagship series, the OnePlus 13, on January 7, 2025. The first phone in the series to be revealed will be the aptly-named OnePlus 13, and the company will also show off the new OnePlus Buds Pro 3.
The OnePlus 13 will come in three colorways: Arctic Dawn, Black Eclipse and Midnight Ocean. The Midnight Ocean colorway will also be the first phone to use micro-fiber vegan leather. In contrast, the Arctic Dawn edition has a new glass coating, which is another first in the industry, as claimed by OnePlus.
The firsts don’t end there. All models of the OnePlus 13 will have IP68 and IP69 ratings. IP68 certification shows that the device is protected against submerging and dust, but the IP69 rating takes water resistance a step further, promising that the device can withstand high-pressure jets of water. The OnePlus 13 might be the first mainstream smartphone to get IP69 certification.
The screen will have a 2K120FPS resolution and a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits. OnePlus says the display will redefine “clarity, brightness, and color vibrancy.”
The OnePlus 13 will use OxygenOS 15, the newest version of the company’s proprietary operating system. This OS will integrate many AI features, with AI-powered searches standing out. The feature, called Intelligent Search, is supposed to help users locate files using natural prompts instead of manually searching for them. To ensure smooth performance, there’s a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset onboard, a newly-released chipset.
As for the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, they will have AI translation powered by the OnePlus 13. The earbuds will come in a Sapphire Blue colorway, but no other information about them is available. Other phones in the series will be announced soon, as well, but as for now we don’t have any specifics on prices or release dates for the first phone and buds. Hopefully we’ll get those in January.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/oneplus-will-launch-its-new-flagship-the-oneplus-13-series-on-january-7-165616811.html?src=rss
NVIDIA has just revealed the Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit, which is the successor to its Jetson Orin Nano kit from 2022. This new compact generative AI supercomputer can fit into the palm of your hand. Included in the developer kit is an 8GB Jetson Orin Nano system-on-module and a reference carrier board.
In terms of performance, the Jetson Orin Nano Super can reach 68 trillion operations per second (TOPS), a 70 percent increase from its predecessor. NVIDIA also claims a 1.7 times improvement in generative AI inference performance and a 50 percent bandwidth increase to 102GB per second. As for CPU frequency, it’s now 1.7GHz, a modest bump compared to its predecessor’s 1.5GHz.
NVIDIA also claims that it “delivers gains” for all popular generative AI models. These include large language models (LLMs), vision language models and vision transformers.
The Jetson Orin Nano Super’s software updates can also boost its predecessor, which is great news if you have the original Jetson Orin Nano. All you need to do is to download the software and install the update. That said, NVIDIA didn’t give any specifics on how the older device’s performance would change.
The Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit is currently available from NVIDIA-approved resellers. It’s currently just $249, down from its predecessor’s $499, making it the most affordable product of its kind right now.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/nvidias-latest-compact-generative-ai-supercomputer-is-also-its-cheapest-153128086.html?src=rss
True wireless earbuds are all the rage right now, as they can provide an excellent listening experience without the hassle of wires. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds are a solid option that are now almost 30 percent off, dropping from $270 to $190. That’s a record-low price for these buds, and, Amazon is also including a $20 gift card to make it into a bundle.
Besides delivering some nice, creamy bass combined with plenty of detail, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds have an adaptive equalizer function that lets you tune the sound to your liking. The EQ is AI-powered and makes adjustments depending on your environment. Similarly, the adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) works well and kicks in when the earbuds detect you’re in a loud environment.
Another standout feature is the AI interpreter function, which can hear what another person is saying and translate it for you in real-time. However, the interpretation feature requires a compatible Samsung device to work.
According to our review, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds have no issue hitting its advertised battery life. With ANC on, they can last six hours, and the charging case provides an additional 20 hours of ANC-on usage. We also counted it among the best wireless earbuds in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-a-free-20-amazon-gift-card-when-you-buy-the-samsung-galaxy-buds-3-pro-141310758.html?src=rss
The 2024 version of the Beats Pill is currently down to a record-low price of $100 from $150. This is part of a larger Beats promotion, which includes other Beats Pill models, Beats Solo 4 headphones and Beats Fit Pro true wireless earbuds.
The 2024 Beats Pill has a maximum speaker output of 100 watts, which is enough for outdoor listening. To help with the bass levels, the woofer can now displace 90 percent more air volume to deliver a fuller bass compared to the previous model. Beats doesn’t ignore the higher frequencies either, as the Pill has great highs and mids without much distortion even at higher volumes.
The 2024 Beats Pill has an IP67 rating against water and dust, making it suitable for outdoor use. The battery lasts a maximum of 24 hours, depending on how loud you’re playing your music. To prevent you from accidentally dropping it, the speaker comes with a removable lanyard.
The Beats Pill can be paired with another unit to produce a stereo effect, separating the left and right channels out to separate Pills. Besides Stereo mode, there’s Amplify mode, which plays the same audio through both speakers at the same volume.
Also, we listed the Beats Pill as one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers. It’s even capable of playing lossless audio through a USB-C connection.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-latest-beats-pill-is-50-off-right-now-171539806.html?src=rss
The European Space Agency (ESA) has just signed a €10.6 ($11.1) billion contract to build the IRIS constellation. It’s the EU’s most ambitious space program in a decade and is designed to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink network. The contract will last 12 years, and the first launch is expected in 2029.
IRIS, which stands for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite, will consist of almost 300 satellites launched by European rockets. It’s built on top of two other EU satellite constellations, Copernicus and Galileo, the largest Earth-observation program and most accurate GPS system, respectively. Though most of the satellites’ work capacity will be used to provide commercial broadband services, a significant part is dedicated to security and crisis management. Most of the satellites are planned for a low earth orbit, but some will be in a medium earth orbit.
Of the €10.6 billion, €6 billion comes from the EU, while the ESA is forking over €550 million. The remaining €4 billion will come from the private sector.
The ESA is partnering with the European Commission through SpaceRISE, an industrial consortium led by European satellite operators SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat. Other members include Deutsche Telekom, Airbus and Thales, according to the Financial Times.
Since IRIS is many years away, Starlink will likely dominate the current satellite internet market. Recently, SpaceX completed the first direct-to-cell satellite constellation, which will allow phones to be connected even in remote areas.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/europe-will-build-its-own-secure-satellite-network-161115164.html?src=rss
For years, reporting has claimed employees and contractors at Amazon's warehouses are injured at unusually high rates, often attributed to a high pace of work. On Sunday, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions published an investigation that claims Amazon's own internal research reached similar conclusions — and then ignored them, The New York Timesreported.
The Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders, published its 160-page report, which among other things, details the results of two internal Amazon initiatives meant to study worker injuries: Project Elderwand and Project Soteria. The former identified an upper bound of repetitive motions workers could perform before substantial risk of injury would occur, and noted that current quotes were above that rate. The latter indicated a link between work speed and injury. Both studies recommended relaxing the pace of work, but executives chose not to do so.
Amazon spokeswoman Kelly Nantel said that Sanders’ report used what she called "out-of-date documents" (the studies were conducted in 2020 and 2021). She continued saying that Amazon’s work environment has improved recently, and that a Washington State judge had rejected allegations that Amazon required its employees to work in an unsafe environment.
Amazon was cited last year by OSHA at half a dozen warehouses for "failing to keep workers safe." An investigation by the Washington Post in 2021 found Amazon warehouse workers are seriously injured at a rate nearly twice that of the warehousing industry at large; it echoed similar findings by Reveal from 2019.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amazon-ignored-internal-studies-on-injuries-senate-investigation-claims-144611988.html?src=rss
PRODUCTION - 27 November 2024, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Dummerstorf: In Amazon's new logistics center, industrial trucks are on the move in the high-bay warehouse. The new center was officially opened in September. Around 500 people currently work at the site, and this figure is set to rise to 1,000 in the future. Around 1 million items are currently stored at the site. Photo: Bernd Wüstneck/dpa (Photo by Bernd Wüstneck/picture alliance via Getty Images)
