Reading view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.

Substack is now letting all publishers broadcast live video

Substack tested live video last year, allowing Substack Bestsellers (the company’s top users) to stream video and connect with a live audience and even collaborate with other Bestsellers. Now, the feature is open to every Substack publisher who wants to go live. The only primary requirement besides needing an account is having at least 10 free subscribers.

Publishers who go live can read comments as they come in, similar to Twitch. They can also collaborate with other publishers by asking them to hop on a call. Currently, Substack is only supporting up to three people in a single call.

After your stream ends, you get a copy of the VOD and also some AI-generated notes. The VOD can be posted as its own post to ensure readers and fans who missed out can experience the stream on their own time. The VODs are made public by default when shared as a post, but they can also be paywalled. Substack’s AI can generate clips you can share to attract viewers to watch the main VOD if you’re interested in promoting your content elsewhere.

Substack claims that its Bestsellers are happy with the feature, which allows them to engage with their readers and viewers better than before. The full impact of live video on Substack still remains questionable until more publishers try it out. Given how many options there are for streaming live video these days, it’s far from a sure thing it’ll catch on here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/substack-is-now-letting-all-publishers-broadcast-live-video-165321645.html?src=rss

©

© Substack

Substack Live Video

Our favorite budget wireless earbuds are down to a record-low price

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earphones are now back to their Black Friday and Cyber Monday price, dropping from $80 to $45. These earbuds have made it onto our list of the best budget wireless earbuds and won first place.

This pair of earbuds boasts some great features, such as sound customization using the Soundcore app and multipoint connectivity, which lets them connect to two devices at once. Of course, they have active noise cancellation (ANC) to block out background noises. The ANC is unexpected for headphones at this price range, and it’s adaptive and has adjustable levels.

The sound profile of the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds is warm with a boost in the upper-bass, but the higher frequencies have some cutting, which can reduce the clarity of some finer details. However, the bass profile is still pleasant and not overwhelming like many cheaper earphones have.

The earbuds have a battery life of 10 hours on a full charge, but the case adds 50 hours more, an impressive number. The case also supports wireless charging. The main downside is that quality when using them for voice calls isn’t great, but if you stick to tunes you’ll likely be happy.

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-budget-wireless-earbuds-are-down-to-a-record-low-price-154206363.html?src=rss

©

© Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Anker Soundcore Space A40

DirecTV is launching its first sports-only subscription

DirecTV just launched its new sports-only streaming service, MySports. The initial launch includes 40 sports from channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, the Golf Channel and more. It also includes sport-specific channels like the MLB Network, the NFL Network and NBA TV. The service will initially be available in 24 metro areas, including New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

It’ll also include local channels owned by ABC, Fox and NBC so that people can watch games exclusively available on those channels. DirecTV will also add more channels to the mix in the future, as it’s currently in talks with CBS to gain access to its content.

A MySports subscription costs $70 a month, but if you sign up right now, you can pay $50 a month for the first three months. This offer lasts until February 25. If you don’t want to commit so soon, there’s also a five-day free trial, Variety notes. A MySports subscription is around $10 cheaper than what competitors like YouTube TV and Fubo offer, priced at $83 and $80 a month, respectively.

You can watch MySports content using the DirecTV app on iOS and Android. It’s also available on smart TV platforms like Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/directv-is-launching-its-first-sports-only-subscription-144553549.html?src=rss

©

© hapabapa via Getty Images

Portland, Oregon, USA - Oct 9, 2019: A DIRECTV SlimLine satellite dish is seen outside a bar in Portland. DirecTV is an American direct broadcast satellite service provider and a subsidiary of AT&T.

Mastodon will soon be owned by a nonprofit entity

At a time when Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have shown that the whims of one person can upend an entire social network, Mastodon’s CEO and creator, Eugen Rochko, is heading the opposite direction. In a blog post published today, the Mastodon team announced its intention to let a new nonprofit organization take over the company. In other words, Rochko is voluntarily handing over the reins to the service he founded almost a decade ago.

The company took some actions towards forming a US-based non-profit itself a year ago, and that entity will continue to exist as a "fundraising hub." However, the company as a whole will continue to headquarter its operations overseas. "We are taking the time to select the appropriate jurisdiction and structure in Europe," the company wrote, "Then we will determine which other (subsidiary) legal structures are needed to support operations and sustainability." Mastodon says the restructuring will take place within the next six months.

Rochko has made his stance against Musk clear. He told Musk to “get off the internet” two years ago. He has also called the recent Meta moderation changes “deeply troubling.” While Mastodon has not been as obvious a player in terms of raw user numbers as, say, Threads or Bluesky in the post-X restructuring of social media, Mastodon might still find the most moral path forward.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/mastodon-will-soon-be-owned-by-a-nonprofit-entity-170009789.html?src=rss

©

© NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Mastodon app logo appears on the screen of a smartphone in Reno, United States, on December 4, 2024. (Photo Illustration by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The 256GB Meta Quest 3S is down to its lowest price yet

The Meta Quest 3S 256GB model is currently down to $349, its lowest price yet. This is our favorite cheap VR headsets, and at $51 off it's even cheaper than ever.

If you purchase a Meta Quest 3S now, you also get a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month free trial of Meta Quest+. Both freebies have a combined value of $70. The Meta Quest+ subscription unlocks around 25 games, as well as multiplayer support for some titles. Additionally, you can redeem two free games a month. All redeemed apps belong to you, too, so they won't disappear if your subscription ends.

The Meta Quest 3S doesn’t only do VR; its mixed reality capabilities are also excellent. You can adjust how much VR immersion you want and it supports multiple windows in your display for effortless multitasking. The headset itself has speakers, but if you want better sound, you’ll have to choose between USB-C earphones or slotting a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for your other earphones.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive into the Meta Quest 3S capabilities, take a look at our review.

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-256gb-meta-quest-3s-is-down-to-its-lowest-price-yet-153735525.html?src=rss

©

© Devindra Hardawar for Engadget

Meta Quest 3S

Biden proposes new export controls on GPUs targeting China

The Biden administration has unveiled its “AI diffusion rule,” which aims to restrict the export of GPUs that are most coveted for AI applications. Although it does not mention the nation by name, it's broadly viewed as a means to prevent China from outpacing the US in AI development.

The rule proposes three licensing tiers. The first tier is unrestricted and includes the domestic market as well as 18 strategic allies. The majority of countries fall into a second tier, which will have caps on how much compute power they can import via top GPUs from the US. The third tier includes China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, and effectively bars US companies from selling their most powerful GPUs there.

US-based companies would also be prevented from sharing many details of their AI software models with countries outside that first tier, and would need to ask permission from the federal government before building large data centers in any tier two nation.

Many parties, including the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), issued statements condemning the decision, believing that the restrictions will do more to push nations towards working with China. "The new rule risks causing unintended and lasting damage to America’s economy and global competitiveness in semiconductors and AI by ceding strategic markets to our competitors," SIA wrote.

NVIDIA also objected, with Ned Finkle, the company's Vice President of Government Affairs, saying the Biden Administration “seeks to undermine America’s leadership with a 200+ page regulatory morass, drafted in secret and without proper legislative review.”

The rule has a 120 day comment period, so whether it survives the incoming Trump administration remains an open question.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/biden-proposes-new-export-controls-on-gpus-targeting-china-144022297.html?src=rss

©

© REUTERS / Reuters

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks from the Roosevelt Room about the jobs report and the state of the economy at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

18 CES gadgets you can actually buy right now

CES 2025 is almost over, but if you're wondering if some of the products showcased there are available, you're in luck. Many of them are up for pre-order, if not already on store shelves. 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. But this year, there are wireless headphones, smart glasses and even a baby bouncer and bassinet combo that you can pick up right now if you're keen on becoming an early adopter.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/18-ces-gadgets-you-can-actually-buy-right-now-170544225.html?src=rss

©

© Moonbird

The Moonbuddy guided breathwork device shown wearing the Bear sleeve

Tonal 2 is now available for purchase

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

©

© Tonal

Tonal 2

T-Mobile is under fire again over its 2021 data breach

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

©

© T-Mobile

T-Mobile

Peacock is testing mini games and vertical short videos

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

©

© REUTERS / Reuters

Toy figures of people are seen in front of the displayed Peacock logo, in this illustration taken January 20, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 9i is the first laptop to get an under-display camera

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

©

© Lenovo

Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i

Sony's latest PS5 Midnight Black accessories arrive next month

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

©

© Sony

PS5 Midnight Black Collection

The 2024 Beats Pill is on sale for $100 right now

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

©

© Beats

Beats Pill 2024

Klipsch introduces the newest Music City Party karaoke-focused speakers

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

©

© Klipsch

Klipsch adds three more options to its Music City Series speaker line at CES 2025.

Alienware’s new OLED gaming monitor boasts 'world's highest' pixels per inch

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

©

© Shaun Lucas/Dell

Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor

Cherry’s CES 2025 offerings aren’t all for keyboard nerds

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

©

© Cherry

Cherry XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL

Xbox’s Game Pass now rewards users for playing PC games

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

©

© Microsoft

Xbox Game Pass PC Rewards

Russia is trying to make its own game consoles in a bid for technological independence

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

©

© MTS

MTS Fog Play

TP-Link routers are being investigated by several US authorities

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

©

© Bildagentur-online via Getty Images

Tp-link, MWC Mobile World Congress 2024, Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by: Bildagentur-online/Schoening/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

We’re getting a second season of Secret Level

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

©

© Amazon/Blur Studios

Secret Level Season 2
❌