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Apple will reportedly no longer fix iPhones flagged as stolen or missing

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 10:24 PM PDT

Apple technicians will decline to fix iPhones that had been reported as stolen or lost, according to MacRumors. The tech giant has reportedly sent out a memo to Apple Stores and authorized providers not to accept a device for repair if they get a notice on their internal MobileGenius or GSX systems that the phone had been marked as missing. Presumably, that means technicians will check a device's IMEI against the GSMA Device Registry when a customer brings it in for repair. 

The GSMA registry is a global database where owners can register their devices' IMEI and designate a status for them, such as whether they'd been lost, stolen or were fraudulently obtained. This move expands Apple's existing policy to decline repairs for devices whose owners cannot disable the Find My iPhone feature. It could discourage more people from buying second-hand devices outside of official and authorized sources in case they unknowingly end up with a stolen unit. That said, users could just as easily go to a third-party repair shop that doesn't care where they got their devices from. 

Apple's iPhones have become increasingly cost-prohibitive over the years, giving rise to a market for second-hand units. According to a recent Bloomberg report, though, the tech giant is working on a subscription service for the iPhone and other hardware to make regular upgrades more accessible with monthly fees and no huge upfront costs. 

Dyson's noise-canceling headphones blow filtered air at your face

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 10:00 PM PDT

Dyson just unveiled its first wearable product and… it's not what you think it is. The device is called the Dyson Zone, and it's a set of noise-canceling, air-purifying headphones. It comes with a detachable visor for the bottom half of the wearer's face that looks, to put it mildly, odd. That vizor actually blows filtered air to your nose, mouth and chin, sort of like a portable fan dedicated to the lower portion of your face. Dyson integrated a smaller version of its air filtration system into the earcups, and the idea is that people can protect themselves from pollution while out and about.

The Zone might seem like a response to the pandemic, but Dyson says this device has actually been six years in the making. It's not borne from a desire to keep out COVID-19 germs, per se, and more as a means to help people breathe less-polluted air wherever they go. The Zone is not only a wearable air filtration system, but it's also the company's first audio product. In fact, Dyson describes it as "headphones delivering pure air and pure sound."

If you're thinking this thing looks absurd, you're not alone. My first reaction to seeing the Zone on a mannequin's head during a virtual briefing was complete and utter amusement. Shortly after, I saw it on an actual person on the demo call and it did not look like they were enjoying themselves. So when Dyson offered to show the contraption to me in person, I knew I had to see and try this thing out for myself. Sadly, I wasn't allowed to take any photos or video of the Zone, so I'll do my best to describe the experience. 

The Dyson Zone on a mannequin's head, on top of a table with lots of cables below it.
Dyson

My biggest takeaway after spending some time with a prototype is that, yes, it does look just as ridiculous in real life. But somehow, in spite of its wild appearance, I still really want one. Dyson said it engineered the headset to fit comfortably and distribute weight evenly, by drawing inspiration from horse saddles. There are three cushions on the headband, and the central one is slightly curved like a saddle to distribute the load through "contact areas."

When I put on the Zone and adjusted its arms to fit my head, it felt balanced and didn't feel heavy. The earcups themselves were spongy and soft, and once they clamped on there was a noticeable noise canceling effect. That's because the demo unit had already been set to enable active noise canceling when it's worn. By clicking through a physical switch on the earcup, I toggled through different sound profiles, and though I occasionally heard some static, the pass-through and complete cancellation modes were effective. 

Three ANC modes are available: Isolation, Conversation and Transparency. Isolation provides the highest level of muffling, while Conversation, which kicks in when you dip the visor, turns off the filtration motors to let you better hear who you're talking to. Transparency allows certain sounds to pass through, so you can be aware of your surroundings.

For an initial foray into the audio space, the Zone is impressively satisfying. A company rep streamed Spotify to the demo unit and I enjoyed the ample bass and clear sound in songs like Doja Cat's Say So.

The Dyson Zone headphones on a mannequin, inside a soundproofed room with microphones set up around it.
Dyson

The highlight of my time with the Zone, though, has got to be when I snapped the magnetic visor on. After I figured out where on the headphones to aim the edges, taking the attachment on and off was easy. Once the mask was connected, the motors in the earcups whirred to life and a gentle, clean-smelling trickle of air started blowing at my lips and nose. It was surprisingly comfortable and, for an obsessive clean freak like me, felt borderline magical. This could not only be the personal air bubble I've dreamed of, but also might be a portable air conditioner for the lower half of my face, which would be a blessing in the summer.

Four air purification modes are available as well — low, medium, high and auto. You can toggle these to, say, use the maximum level when you need a higher purification speed if you're breathing rapidly during a quick jog on the streets. For the Auto mode, the Zone will use onboard accelerometers to determine which setting to choose.

The visor was also designed to diffuse two jets of airflow and at no point during my time with the Dyson Zone did I feel like I was being overwhelmed or pummeled by wind. The earcup's compressors draw air through dual-layer filters, including negatively charged electrostatic filters to catch particles like allergens and dust. A potassium-enriched carbon layer captures gas pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone.

Earlier versions of the Zone took the form of a snorkel-like mouthpiece connected to a backpack (like oxygen tanks in a scuba diving setup). 500 prototypes later, the company settled on the headset and visor combination, and the mouthpiece can deliver clean air without touching the wearer's face. "Developing a non-contact solution was a must for Dyson engineers, to avoid the discomfort and irritation often associated with full-contact alternatives," the company said in a statement. 

A picture with visualizations depicting how dust particles and air would flow around a person wearing the Dyson Zone.
Dyson

It does leave room for you to insert a face mask, though, and Dyson provides attachments for coverings that would meet FFP2 filtration standards in the box. It also includes a "community face covering attachment" that would form a "sealed solution" so you can mask up while keeping your filtered air clean.

Dyson also made a companion app that shows the air quality of the region you're in, though at the time of the demo it didn't offer information that was more location-specific than a city. You couldn't, for instance, see if your place of work had more air pollutants than the park you'd walk to for lunch.

The company hasn't shared pricing and availability information for the Zone just yet, other than to say it's coming this year. I can already see this being a great device for my future travels — whether in an airplane or a commuter train, and at the demo I even went to lay down on a couch to see how comfortable the Zone would be to wear on a redeye flight. It felt surprisingly comfortable for the admittedly brief period of time I was lying down. But of course, there are still things I'd need to know before spending money on the Zone — like battery life and real-world performance. Hopefully, Dyson will share more information on those things soon.

Apple faces €5.5 billion lawsuit from Netherlands over its app store

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 05:16 PM PDT

A Dutch foundation has hit Apple with a lawsuit over the App Store's developer fees, seeking €5.5 billion euro in damages for what it alleges is monopolistic behavior. In a press release, the Dutch Consumer Competition Claims Foundation stated it was filing a "collective claim" for damages, on behalf of any iPhone or iPad owners in the EU who have downloaded a paid app or made purchases within an app.

Suing Apple for its app store policies on behalf of consumers— instead of developers — might seem like an unusual move on the Dutch foundation's part. Most of the scrutiny over the tech giant's so-called "Apple tax" has focused on its deleterious impact on the profits of developers. Just this past January, Apple agreed to settle a class-action settlement by US developers for $100 million.

The Consumer Competition Claims Foundation alleges that Apple's developer fees were passed on to consumers, in the form of higher prices. "App developers are forced to pass on to consumers the increased costs caused by Apple's monopolistic practices and unfair terms," wrote the foundation in its press release.

The foundation is asking EU consumers who purchased an app in Apple's App Store or made an in-app purchase since September 2009 to join its complaint. The lawsuit is set to be filed in the Amsterdam District Court.

This isn't the first time Apple is taking heat from Dutch authorities. Apple has yet to comply with a January order from Dutch regulators that requires the company to offer third-party payment options for dating app customers. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) is fining Apple €5 million for every week it doesn't follow through with the order. Dutch regulators have already fined Apple more than €50 million and counting. 

But according to TechCrunch, there's a sign of a potential compromise. Apple is working on an amended proposal of its dating app policy, which will be reviewed by ACM. But even if the two parties reach a consensus, Apple will soon have much larger battles to fight in the EU. The EU is working on finalizing the Digital Markets Act, which will (among a number of other anti-competitive measures) require companies like Apple and Google to allow alternatives for in-app payments.

Developer of 'Loop Hero' encourages Russian fans to just pirate their game

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 03:00 PM PDT

The Russian developer behind the mystical RPG Loop Hero is telling players to just pirate the game if they are barred from buying it due to sanctions on Russia. In a post on Russian social media platform VK first spotted by Vice, the game's developer Four Quarters addressed Russian fans who are currently unable to access Steam or Nintendo Switch's eShop to buy Loop Hero. Both Steam and Nintendo have temporarily stopped accepting Russian payments, effectively barring the entire country from their inventories.

The developers invited players to torrent the game, even going as far as including a link to a torrent of Loop Hero on the Russian torrent site RuTracker in their post. "It is not known when all this will end, therefore, in such difficult times, we can only help everyone to raise the pirate flag (together with vpn) and share the most popular distribution on the rutracker," wrote Four Quarter, according to an English translation by Google Translate.

Many fans of Loop Hero have asked if there were ways they could directly support or compensate the developers. Due to sanctions on state-owned banks in Russia, many Russian game developers haven't been able to cash out their earnings. In lieu of sending donations, Four Quarters asked fans to take care of themselves.

"We are very grateful for your support, but the truth is that everything is fine with us, send this support to your family and friends at this difficult time," wrote Four Quarters.

The ongoing Ukraine invasion has stalled — but not completely stopped — development of the new Loop Hero update. The update is nearly 80 percent finished, according to Four Quarters, and it plans to complete it soon. The developer is working on a new patch, as well as a completely new version of Loop Hero for the Switch. After the update is released on Switch and PC, players can expect a smartphone version of Loop Hero. But how quickly that happens all depends on the outcome of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and if and when the US and EU plan to drop sanctions. Between bans by the Russian government and sanctions from the West, Russians have been effectively blocked from Western tech companies and all their offerings.

Lotus unveils its first electric vehicle, the Eletre 'Hyper-SUV'

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 02:40 PM PDT

The electric revolution is no longer limited to daily drivers and eco-commuters. Luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche have already begun augmenting their lineups with EV variants, while hypercar makers like Lamborghini and Ferrari expect their first electrics to arrive in the next few years. On Tuesday, British automaker Lotus announced that it too has an EV, the 600HP Eletre, with deliveries beginning next year in China, Europe and the UK.

Lotus Eletre exterior
Lotus

Developed under the codename Type 132, the Eletre "takes the heart and soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the revolutionary aero performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar, and reinterprets them as a Hyper-SUV," according to the company's press release. It also accomplishes a number of firsts, the release continued: "first five-door production car, the first model outside sports car segments, the first lifestyle EV, the most 'connected' Lotus ever."

The Eletre was developed atop Lotus' 800V Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) platform. That voltage puts it on par with the Audi e-Tron and Hyundai Ioniq 5, meaning that on a 350 kW DC fast charger, drivers will be able to add around 248 miles of range in a 20 minute charge, according to the company. Lotus hasn't specified how big the battery will be beyond that it "has a battery capacity that's over 100 kWh" but the company is estimating a total range of 373 miles, equivalent to that of the Tesla Model X Long Range Plus. Its dual front and rear motors will reportedly output 600 horsepower producing a top speed of 161 MPH and a sub-3 second 0-60.      

Lotus Eletre exterior
Lotus

Ben Payne led development of the Eletre's exterior design, which features "porous" aerodynamics, a low stance atop the platform's long wheelbase with short overhangs at either end. "The Eletre is a progressive all-electric performance vehicle embodying emotion, intelligence and prestige and, as the first of the brand's lifestyle cars, it sets the standard for what will follow," he said. "We have taken the iconic design language of the Lotus sports car and successfully evolved it into an elegant and exotic Hyper-SUV."  

The interior will offer either the traditional two-buckets-and-a-bench layout or an optional four individual seats, front and rear, beneath a fixed panoramic sunroof. The material choices for the cabin reflect Lotus' net-zero goals, with "durable man-made microfibres on the primary touchpoints, and an advanced wool-blend fabric on the seats," while the hard parts are constructed from little bits of carbon fiber recycled from the edge of weaves rather than being made specially.      

Lotus Eletre exterior
Lotus

The infotainment system is a whole production. "Below the instrument panel a blade of light runs across the cabin, sitting in a ribbed channel that widens at each end to create the air vents," Tuesday's announcement read. This light blade serves as part of the vehicle's HMI and changes color to alert occupants of important events like incoming calls. 

Below that is a 30mm tall "ribbon of technology." On the driverside, that ribbon serves as the instrument cluster, displaying vehicle and trip information, which can also be displayed via the AR system, which comes standard. On the passenger side, a second ribbon shows relevant contextual information like the nearby points of interest or the current music selection which plays through a KEF Premium 1,380-watt 15-speaker surround sound set-up with Uni-QTM. 

Lotus Eletre exterior
Lotus

Between these two ribbons sits a 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment system that folds away when not in use. While most of the cabin controls are digital and can be used either through the touchscreen or voice interfaces, Lotus deemed some functions vital enough to warrant being mirrored to physical knobs and switches so drivers won't have to dig through submenus to turn on the windshield wipers. Even those digital controls, Lotus boasts that "with three touches of the main screen users can access 95 percent of the car's functionality."

Think
Lotus

The Eletre is also the first vehicle on the market with a deployable LIDAR array. Used to supplement the driver assist system the unit pops up from the top of the windscreen, top of the rear glass and the front wheel arches — like the headlights from a 1990 MX-5 — when in use and then retracts when finished to maintain aerodynamics. 

"ADAS technologies such as LIDAR sensors and cameras will become increasingly common on new cars as we move into a more autonomous era, and to have the world's first deployable LIDAR system on the Eletre is a signal of the technology vision we have for Lotus," said Maximilian Szwaj, Vice President of Lotus Technology and Managing Director, LTIC. "This car has tech for today, and also for tomorrow, as it's been developed to accept OTA updates as standard."

Lotus Eletre exterior
Lotus

Manufacturing begins later this year at Lotus' new production plant in Wuhan, China with deliveries beginning in 2023. The model will be available first in China, Europe and the UK. The company hasn't disclosed pricing details yet.

Bungie lawsuit aims to unmask YouTube copyright claim abusers

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 02:15 PM PDT

YouTube's copyright claim system has been repeatedly abused for bogus takedown requests, and Bungie has had enough. TorrentFreakreports the game studio has sued 10 anonymous people for allegedly leveling false Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) claims against a host of Destiny 2 creators on YouTube, and even Bungie itself. The company said the culprits took advantage of a "hole" in YouTube's DMCA security that let anyone claim to represent a rights holder, effectively letting "any person, anywhere" misuse the system to suit their own ends.

According to Bungie, the perpetrators created a Gmail account in mid-March that was intended to mimic the developer's copyright partner CSC. They then issued DMCA takedown notices while falsely claiming to represent Bungie, and even tried to fool creators with another account that insisted the first was fraudulent. YouTube didn't notice the fake credentials and slapped video producers with copyright strikes, even forcing users to remove videos if they wanted to avoid bans.

YouTube removed the strikes, suspended the Gmail accounts and otherwise let creators recover, but not before Bungie struggled with what it called a "circular loop" of support. The firm said it only broke the cycle by having its Global Finance Director email key Google personnel, and Google still "would not share" info to identify the fraudsters. Bungie hoped a DMCA subpoena and other measures would help identify the attackers and punish them, including damages that could reach $150,000 for each false takedown notice.

We've asked Google for comment. The lawsuit won't force YouTube to reform its DMCA system, but Bungie is clearly hoping this will add some pressure. As it is, the company believes the fake takedown requests did lasting damage by creating a "chilling effect" for Destiny's YouTube stars (who were afraid to post new videos) and damaging the community at large.

Update 3/29/22 5:40pm Eastern: "We take abuse of our copyright takedown process seriously and terminate tens of thousands of accounts every year for violating our policies, which prohibit submitting false information in a takedown request," a YouTube spokesperson told Engadget over email. "We'll continue our work to prevent abuse of our systems, and we're committed to taking appropriate action against those who knowingly misuse our tools."

No one asked for a hamburger vending machine, and RoboBurger answered

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 01:49 PM PDT

If a startup from New Jersey has its way, the next Ray Kroc will be a robot. In the last week, a company called RoboBurgerinstalled an autonomous burger chef in Jersey City's Newport Centre Mall. Over on its website, RoboBurger breathlessly describes its vending machine as the "biggest innovation in hot food vending since the invention of the microwave."

Inside of a frame that occupies about 12 square feet, the RoboBurger features everything it needs to make a complete – if somewhat visually unappealing – burger in approximately six minutes. And while there may not be any humans involved, the machine uses the same five-step cooking process employed by many quick-service restaurants. An automated griddle grills the patty at the same time the machine toasts the bun. When you order your burger, you can decide whether you want ketchup, mustard and cheese on it. There's even a built-in cleaning system that is up to the standards of the National Sanitary Foundation. Oh, and you can pay for your burger with both Apple Pay and Google Pay. Handy that.

And while we can't speak to the taste of the burger, RoboBurger claims it only uses the best ingredients possible. The patty is made from grass-fed Angus beef that isn't subjected to antibiotics. As for the bun, it's a potato one that comes from a local bakery. If you can't make it to New Jersey for a taste test, fret not. RoboBurger says it plans to bring its automated burger chef to airports, malls, colleges and other similar venues across the country in the coming weeks and months.

Activision Blizzard agrees to pay $18 million to settle its federal sexual harassment case

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 01:13 PM PDT

A judge has ordered Activision Blizzard to pay $18 million to settle a federal lawsuit accusing the company of fostering a sexist, discriminatory workplace. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the suit in September and that same afternoon, Activision Blizzard agreed to set up an $18 million fund for employees who experienced sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination at the studio. Today's ruling approves this plan.

The fund will be distributed among people who worked at Activision Blizzard from September 1st, 2016, to today. Eligible employees and former employees have to opt-in to receive a payout, and they can submit claims relating to sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination and retaliation.

Today's ruling isn't the end of the legal issues for Activision Blizzard, and it may even complicate efforts still underway by other agencies. California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing first sued the studio in July 2021 following a two-year investigation into allegations that sexism, gender-based harassment and a "frat boy culture" pervaded the Activision Blizzard offices. That state-level lawsuit is still in progress, while the $18 million ruling today applies only to the federal case filed by the EEOC.

Anyone who signs on as a claimant in the EEOC suit will not be eligible to participate in the state's case, at least when it comes to harassment, retaliation or pregnancy discrimination. If they have additional claims, such as pay inequities, they can bring those to the DFEH lawsuit.

The DFEH and EEOC have been battling for dominance with their lawsuits against Activision Blizzard. Lawyers for the California agency have expressed concern that a federal settlement might prevent them from pursuing additional damages at a state level. The DFEH case is scheduled to go to trial in February 2023.

"The DFEH will continue to vigorously prosecute its action against Activision in California state court," spokesperson Fahizah Alim said last week.

Additionally, the DFEH, activists and Activision Blizzard employees have argued the $18 million figure is far too low to properly compensate all potential claimants, which could add up to hundreds of people. Communications Workers of America, the labor union backing Activision Blizzard employees during this time, called the sum "woefully inadequate" in a letter to the EEOC in October.

"This would provide the maximum settlement for only 60 workers," the CWA letter reads. "If any significant number of workers received the maximum under federal law, there would be little available for many other workers adversely affected. We are concerned about how the EEOC got to that number and how it believes that number will be fairly distributed. Please explain."

California's DFEH fought against a similar ruling in the case of Riot Games. Following a 2018 class-action lawsuit claiming rampant sexual harassment and discrimination at the studio, Riot was originally ordered to pay $10 million to eligible employees. The DFEH blocked that payout, arguing it was much too small, and the amount was eventually increased to $100 million.

A spokesperson for the EEOC provided the following statement to Engadget following today's federal ruling: "We are pleased that the judge has indicated her intent to sign the consent decree. The consent decree not only provides monetary relief to potential claimants that were impacted by sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination and related retaliation at Activision Blizzard throughout the United States, but also puts in place significant injunctive relief at Activision Blizzard to prevent and address discrimination, harassment, and retaliation."

Indie hit 'Unpacking' comes to PS4 and PS5 this spring

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 01:04 PM PDT

The peaceful, zen-like puzzle gameplay of Unpacking (the real game, that is) will soon be available to the PlayStation crowd. As Polygonsays, Witch Beam and Humble Games have announced that Unpacking will be available on PS4 and PS5 this spring. It's launching alongside physical releases from Limited Run Games for the PS4, PS5 and Switch versions.

The game is already available in digital form on Macs, Switch, Windows PCs and Xbox consoles.

Unpacking was considered one of the stand-out games of 2021 precisely because it served as an antidote to the chaos and noise of the real world (and, we'd add, many other video games). All you do is unpack items as you settle into a new home — and, ultimately, a new life. The audio and visuals are relaxing by themselves, but the mechanics also encourage patience and curiosity. Throw in a subtle, near-wordless approach to storytelling and you might return just to give yourself a break.

Hackers swipe nearly $600 million from a 'play to earn' crypto game

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 12:40 PM PDT

Digital thieves just pulled off another major crypto heist. Motherboard has learned hackers stole 173,600 Ethereum (about $591.2 million) from the Ronin blockchain that powers Axie Infinity, a popular "play to earn" game where players can receive crypto in exchange for playing and paying some starting costs. The perpetrators reportedly exploited a backdoor in a Remote Procedure Call node from Axie creator Sky Mavis to get a signature, letting them "forge fake withdrawals" using compromised private keys.

Sky blamed the flaw on a holdover from the fall. The firm asked for help from the Axie DAO (decentralized autonomous organization) to handle free transactions and help cope with an "immense user load" in November. The move let Sky sign transactions on the DAO's behalf until December, but the access wasn't revoked after that point.

The company has responded by 'pausing' the Ronin bridge to close off avenues of attack, and has temporarily disabled the Katana decentralized exchange. It hoped to minimize near-term damage by increasing the threshold necessary for validation, but also said it was in the middle of a node migration that would leave the old system behind. Sky intends to track the stolen Ethereum with help from Chainalysis, and is contacting security teams at "major" crypto exchanges.

The theft compounds existing worries for Sky. Motherboard notes Axie Infinity has suffered from plummeting values for its NFTs and tokens in recent months, prompting reforms in a bid to keep the game afloat. An incident like could easily make things worse by not only starving the game of much-needed funds, but rattling the confidence of players.

Moment's $100 MagSafe cage makes your iPhone filmmaking a tiny bit more pro

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 12:23 PM PDT

No matter how advanced your smartphone camera is, shaky, wobbly shots can make your videos look amateurish. This is why stabilizing your smartphone — either with a mount or a tripod — is vital to good mobile filmmaking. But if you want a more stable tool for handheld shots and multiple options for customization, Moment's new Mobile Filmmaker Cage with MagSafe may just do the trick. The videocage attaches quickly to your phone with MagSafe, and has multiple attachment points that allow you to mount mics, lights, handles and any other filmmaking accessories you need.

The most obvious perk of Moment's Filmmaker Cage is it allows you to have more manual control over your smartphone. Your smartphone will remain steady as you grip the large, rectangular frame that surrounds it. There's even the option to add extra handles for even more stability. If you're sick of dangling cables, there's also a handy cable management system that lets you tuck in those loose wires. And if you need to pack light and skip the tripod, rest assured that the Filmmaker Cage can stand upright on its own.

If you only use your smartphone to take videos of your cats, the Filmmaker Cage will be overkill. We've written about how the iPhone 13's cinematic mode can mimic the focus capabilities of professional film cameras. While the wealth of stabilization and video editing features are unrivaled on the iPhone 13, it can only do so much. Smartphone filmmakers still rely on a number of tools to perfect their shooting, including mounts, lights, lenses and mics. If you fit into this category of professional filmmaker, or even a serious amateur filmmaker, the Filmmaker Cage may be a good investment.

Unfortunately, the Mobile Filmmaker Cage is only compatible with the iPhone 12 and 13, but older models can work if you use one of Moment's MagSafe cases. If you're an Android user, Moment does make cases, lenses and mounts for the latest Samsung and Pixel models. The Mobile Filmmaker Cage is available now on Moment's site, for $99.

Messenger takes a cue from Slack with an @everyone shortcut

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:58 AM PDT

Meta is adding a handful of features to the Messenger app that will be familiar to anyone who's used Slack, most notably with a new @everyone function. Starting today, typing @everyone in a chat in Messenger will alert the entire group to your message — so make sure it's a good one.

Messenger is also adding a /silent function, which ensures your message will arrive in the chat without alerting anyone, like a ghost in the night. Just type /silent before your message and you're in sneak mode. Both @everyone and /silent commands are live on Android and iOS today.

Meta has more Messenger plans in the works. Over the coming weeks, Android and iOS Messenger users in the US will be able to use a /pay shortcut to send and receive money in-chat. On top of that, iOS users will get /gif, which drops searchable gifs directly into the chat. Messenger on Apple devices will also get /shrug and /tableflip commands, which populate the ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ and (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ emoticons, respectively.

Verizon says ‘bad actors’ are to blame for sketchy spoofed spam texts

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:41 AM PDT

Verizon is aware of a spam campaign that is targeting its customers with their own phone numbers. As first reported by The Verge, some of the carrier's subscribers have complained in recent days of receiving text messages that offer "a little gift" for paying off their monthly phone bill, with a link that leads to a Russian website. What has made the campaign unsettling for some is that the perpetrators are spoofing the numbers of their targets.

"Our team is actively working to block these messages, and we have engaged with US law enforcement to identify and stop the source of this fraudulent activity," a Verizon spokesperson told Engadget. "Verizon continues to work on behalf of our customers to prevent spam texts and related activity."

When reports of the campaign first started to appear online, some Verizon customers speculated it was the result of an internal breach, a claim the carrier denies. "We believe this activity is being generated from external bad actors with no direct tie to our company," the company told The Verge. Verizon also said it has no evidence that suggests the texts are coming from Russia. The texts come as US officials, including President Biden, have warned of potential Russian cyberattacks in response to the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Like with most spam and phishing attempts, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to not open the link that accompanies the text.

Sennheiser's headphones can now switch modes based on location

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:26 AM PDT

Sennheiser just delivered a pair of updates that could make its audio gear more compelling, particularly at the end of a long work day. To start, an upgrade to the Smart Control app for Android and iOS can automatically change your headphones' EQ, noise cancellation levels and other settings based on your location. This isn't a new feature in the audio world (Sony has offered this for years), but it'll be appreciated if you want to hear colleagues at the office but tune out the world while at home.

The Smart Control revamp also offers a Sound Check feature to help the EQ match your tastes, and user account support helps you carry settings between device. Sennheiser also promises a more intuitive (not to mention sleeker-looking) interface.

The Ambeo soundbar, meanwhile, is becoming decidedly smarter. Sennheiser is launching an "Ambeo OS" platform that expands the TV speaker's functionality. You'll finally get AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect support to stream your music service of choice. And while you can steer the soundbar through Smart Control, you'll also have a web interface if you'd rather navigate from your computer.

This last update won't make the Ambeo's $2,500 sticker easier to handle. It at least provides the kind of connectivity you'd expect for that money, though. And look at it this way: Ambeo OS could make Sennheiser's more affordable soundbar that much more alluring when it arrives later this year.

Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders start April 8th

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 10:19 AM PDT

Apple's first Friday Night Baseball doubleheader will stream on April 8th. Announced at its recent "Peek Performance" event, the program will see Apple stream two exclusive MLB games every Friday through the end of the regular season. The first doubleheader will feature the New York Mets taking on the Washington Nationals in DC at 7PM ET, with a match between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels to follow at 9:30PM ET. You can see the full schedule on Apple's website. The company will share the second half of the slate at a later date.

The games will be available to watch for free for the time being. All you need is an internet connection and access to the Apple TV app. An Apple device isn't necessary. You can download the software on smart TVs from manufacturers like Samsung, LG and Vizio, as well as consoles from Sony and Microsoft. You also don't have to worry about local blackouts. All 24 games Apple announced today will be available to TV+ users in the eight countries and territories where the company has secured the rights for Friday Night Baseball. Here's the complete list: the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and the UK.

YouTube TV is testing 5.1-channel audio on Android TV and Roku

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 09:19 AM PDT

YouTube TV should soon add immersive sound to more platforms. The service is now testing 5.1-channel audio on Android TV (including Google TV) and Roku devices, and expects to make surround sound available on that hardware if all goes "smoothly." The company is still working on support for Apple TV, Fire TV and game consoles, so don't despair if your preferred platform is stuck with stereo.

At present, 5.1 audio requires either a "traditional" Chromecast (before Google TV) or a TV set from LG, Samsung or Vizio with a version of the YouTube TV app that runs at least Cobalt 20. The shows themselves need to offer surround sound, of course, but the enhancement should automatically kick in whenever it's available.

The addition is relatively late when Hulu, Sling TV and other cord cutter services have offered some form of 5.1-channel output for a while. This might give you a reason to try YouTube TV if the audio wasn't to your liking, though, and it'll help make the most of your home theater setup.

The NFL may launch its own streaming service

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 09:14 AM PDT

The National Football League is developing its own streaming, according to The Athletic. NFL officials reportedly showed off a service tentatively called NFL+ to team owners at the league's annual offseason meeting in Florida this week. Among other content, the service would include games and podcasts.

The Athletic reports the platform likely won't be ready until team owners meet again in May. At that point, a vote would decide whether the NFL moves forward with the project. Potentially complicating the rollout of a subscription service is the state of the NFL's various media deals.

In 2021, the NFL and Verizon extended their longstanding marketing and technology partnership but did so without agreeing on new terms related to mobile streaming. Up until 2018, the carrier had exclusive rights to that content. One analyst The Athletic spoke to suggested the league could use NFL+ as a way to leverage a better deal from either Verizon or another mobile carrier. The league also recently entered into an 11-year deal with Amazon for the retailer to carry Thursday Night Football games through its Prime Video service.

We've reached out to the NFL for comment.

Kia's EV9 SUV will move from concept to reality in 2023

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:28 AM PDT

If you thought it wouldn't be long before Kia turned the Concept EV9 into a production model, you guessed correctly. The automaker has revealed that a road-ready version of the electric SUV will be available in Europe in 2023. There was no mention of launches in North America or other regions, but it's an SUV — it may just be a matter of time before you see the EV9 cruising American and Canadian streets.

Kia didn't say what would change in the transition from concept to production. However, we'd expect the badge to cut many of the more exotic features, including the yoke, giant wheels, retractable roof rails and lounge-like seating modes. We wouldn't be surprised if Kia kept the 27-inch display and even the hood-mounted solar panel, though.

The production EV9 might also preserve the claimed specs. The concept promised up to 300 miles of range and 350kW fast charging that could take it from a 10 percent charge to 80 percent in 30 minutes. Kia also recently detailed autonomous "Automode" technology for the EV9 that can take over from the driver on the highway.

There are still important unknowns like pricing. Even so, the EV9 could be one of Kia's most important all-electric vehicles to date, at least in some areas. While the EV6 has been well-received so far, some markets (particularly North America) skew heavily toward crossovers and SUVs. The EV9 could help Kia take on competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, not to mention reel in buyers who haven't been thrilled by the Niro EV.

Fortnite's zero-building mode is here to stay

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 07:29 AM PDT

Epic isn't wasting time in elevating Fortnite's no-build mode. The developer has launched a "Zero Build" format in the Discover page that, as the name implies, takes the game's signature construction out of the usual last-one-standing gameplay. You'll have to rely on 'just' your weapon and tactical positioning skills to survive. If that sounds like other battle royale games, you're not wrong — Epic has even tweaked the game to add familiar elements.

You now have a recharging shield to protect yourself instead of having to consume pickups. There are also some decidedly Apex Legends-like "Ascender" ziplines to help you reach blimp-based deployment points, and you can mantle over obstacles. Sprints are available if you need a brief burst of speed to avoid gunfire.

Zero Build is available to play in solo, duo, trio and squad playlists. The addition isn't a shock, at least. This not only adds some variety to Fortnite, but might keep you from switching to rivals if you're either frustrated with building or just want the occasional break.

'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' sequel delayed to spring 2023

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 07:26 AM PDT

If you were looking forward to playing the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild this year, we have some bad news. Nintendo just announced in a short video that the game will be delayed and the company is now targeting a spring 2023 release after previously saying the game would come out in 2022.

As is usually the case with such delays, Nintendo didn't offer a ton of details. Legend of Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma said that the company decided to "extend our development time a bit" and apologized to those looking forward to playing the new games. 

Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel
Nintendo

The video also offered a quick look at gameplay for the upcoming release, with a big focus on how this adventure will take place in the skies above Hyrule as well as on the ground. It wasn't too different from what we saw in the game's first official trailer that was released at E3 2021, but it is at least a good refresher for what we have to look forward to. One detail that did catch our eye, though, is a scene where Link holds a pretty beat-up looking version of the iconic Master Sword. Your guess is as good as ours as for what that means for the game, though. In the meantime, don't despair, Switch fans — there are still plenty of great games to look forward to in 2022.

NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3090 Ti is now available for a staggering $1,999

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:55 AM PDT

NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3090 Ti is finally here, and it's clear the no-compromise design comes with the steep price tag to match. The new flagship GPU is now available at an official price of $1,999. That's $500 more than the 'base' RTX 3090, and closer to the price of line-blurring GPUs like the old $2,499 Titan RTX. And don't be surprised if you pay more thanks to ongoing shortages — we're already seeing more expensive cards at retailers.

There's some justification for the steep price, at least. The RTX 3090 Ti effectively fulfills Ampere's potential with a full 84 Streaming Multiprocessors enabled instead of 82, higher clock speeds (1.67GHz base and 1.86GHz boost) and 24GB of second-generation, higher-clocked GDDR6X memory with a wider 21Gbps of bandwidth. This consumes a massive 450W of thermal design power (the regular 3090 'only' uses 350W), but you'll know that your game or editing app will run as smoothly as possible with today's technology.

The issue, as you might guess, is the word "today's." You're spending two grand on what's very clearly the swan song for NVIDIA's RTX 30 series graphics chips. The company already confirmed at GTC 2021 that its upcoming Ampere Next architecture (likely the basis for the RTX 40 series) is due later in 2022. You're spending a lot of money on a GPU that could feel outdated in a matter of months. The RTX 3090 Ti is for well-heeled gamers and creators who can't (or don't want to) wait to upgrade.

Unicode won't accept any new flag emoji

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:15 AM PDT

Don't expect to see new flags in your phone's emoji any time soon. The Unicode Consortium has warned it will "no longer accept proposals" for flag emoji, regardless of category. They're more trouble than they're worth, the organization said, whether it's the inherent politics or the value they bring.

The Consortium noted that flag additions tend to "emphasize the exclusion of others." If the emoji team added regional flags for one country, for instance, it would highlight the lack of regional flags for other countries. Moreover, Unicode can't remove a character once added — while it can update emoji, it's hesitant to add a flag that might not last long.

Usage was also a major concern. Flags are "by far" the least-used emoji, Unicode said, and aren't even used that often in social media bios. The Consortium is trying to limit the number of emoji it adds each year, and there isn't much incentive to add flags that won't see widespread adoption. In some cases, such as for additional LGBTQ flags, the outfit also believed its standard was "not an effective mechanism" for recognition and was expanding heart colors to help people take pride in their identities without using flags.

This doesn't mean you'll never see flags again. Flags are automatically recommended for any country with a Unicode region code (that is, recognized by the United Nations). For now, though, the flags you see will be fixed unless there are significant political upheavals.

The Soundboks Go offers loudspeaker sound in a more portable package

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:10 AM PDT

When Soundboks released its Gen 3 portable loudspeaker, I was happy it wasn't any larger than its predecessors. It was on the edge of being truly portable as it was. Now, the company aims to deliver the same signature output capability in a new, smaller package. The Soundboks Go ($699) is about half the size of the Gen 3, resembling more of a chubby briefcase than an end table, and it continues to offer the incredible battery life and connectivity that have become synonymous with the brand. As a bonus, the company is also launching Direkt, an in-app platform that will offer live stream sets from DJs and artists across the globe to Soundboks users.

The Soundboks Go measures 18 x 12 x 10-inches and weighs about 20 pounds. There's a convenient carry handle on top, but you can also opt for the $59 shoulder strap accessory. The speaker is composed of one 10-inch woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter enclosed in an ABS and polycarbonate cabinet and protective grill. Inside, the system relies on two 72W class D amplifiers to drive the audio output and its effective frequency range of 40Hz - 20kHz. Where the Gen 3 had generous input (and output) possibilities, the Go has slimmed the options down to a single 3.5mm aux input.

Bluetooth wireless connectivity will likely be the primary audio source for most casual users and just like the previous model, the Soundboks Go will support TeamUp using SKAA wireless technology to communicate with up to three other nearby Soundboks Gen 3 or Go speakers.

Soundboks Gen 3 and Soundboks Go
The Soundboks Gen 3 and Soundboks Go.

The speaker is built for the outdoors with a rugged silicone rubber bumper around the edges and an IP65 rating – dust-tight and resistant to powerful jets of water but not meant to be submerged.

Battery life appears to be stellar with up to 80 hours at medium volume and around 10 hours at full blast, with 3.5-hours to fully recharge. Like previous models, the battery is removable and swappable if you bring a backup. Plus, you can continuously charge while playing if you have an outlet handy.

The Soundboks app offers a custom EQ, as well as preset sound profiles for extra bass, power and indoor listening. Starting in April, iOS users will get to enjoy the new Direkt live streaming platform as part of the app experience. Every Friday and Saturday night you'll be able to access live sets from clubs and studios in Copenhagen, Barcelona, London, Los Angeles and more. The streams will be available for 24 hours so users across the globe can all enjoy them.

Pre-orders for the new Soundboks Go ($699) start today and the expected release date is April 26th.

Arden brings BBQ indoors thanks to 'smoke elimination' technology

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:00 AM PDT

As the weather warms up, it's time for aspiring pit masters to dust off their aprons and meat probes before heading outside for some low-and-slow cooking. Pellet grills have become a popular choice for backyard cooks as they offer the flavor of food cooked over wood with a much more convenient fuel source. However, you still have to go outside to use one, and unless you have a screened-in porch or shelter of some kind, cooking in the rain is no fun. And if you live in an apartment, chances are you can't have a grill in the first place. FirstBuild, a product innovation lab backed by GE Appliances, has built Arden: an indoor smoker that burns wood pellets and "eliminates" the smoke so it's safe to use in your kitchen.

Like an outdoor pellet grill, the Arden has a hopper for the fuel and burns it to produce smoke to flavor foods. The difference here is this countertop unit has a separate heating element that helps to regulate the temperature so it's not solely relying on burning pellets to cook. FirstBuild says the Arden circulates smoke around the chamber before a "game-changing smoke-elimination technology" uses "a catalyst" to get rid of it. The company explains that the small appliance doesn't have a filter you need to clean or replace, it just expels carbon dioxide and water vapor out of the back. Details are scarce on exactly what happens during that process, but it's clear the thing doesn't emit any smoke during a cook.

FirstBuild is using smoke elimination tech here that was built for the Monogram Smart Hearth Oven. That appliance is an in-wall electric unit that's designed to mimic the performance of wood-fired brick ovens used in restaurants for pizza, baking and roasting. The company says the idea for a smoker was first implemented in an old GE fridge that had been converted to a BBQ cooker. In order to bring the device indoors to escape the weather, FirstBuild team outfitted it with the smoke trapping tech from the Hearth Oven. 

The company says the smoker generated a ton of interest from its community so it asked if people would buy one and how big it needed to be. The first answer was a resounding "yes," and the second was that it needed to fit on the counter like other kitchen appliances. Unlike the old refrigerator, the Arden is a moveable unit, so you can stash it somewhere else when its not in use — unless you really want to dedicate counter space to showing it off. Despite easy moving, it's still quite a large thing to have out all of the time.

The Arden is about the size of a mini fridge with enough capacity for two racks of ribs, a small brisket or "an average-sized" pork butt. The device can also accommodate a whole chicken standing up on a rack or beer can. Three removable shelves allow you to fit things as needed, but based on FirstBuild's videos, you'll need to cut racks of ribs in half to make them fit. Cook times remain the same as outdoor smokers, so you're looking at three to five hours for ribs and up to 12 hours for a pork butt, for example. The Arden cooks at temperatures between 185-300 degrees Fahrenheit and it allows you to use a meat probe to monitor internal temp. It can also hold foods at a certain temperature once they're done cooking in case you can't get to them immediately. 

Since the Arden has separate heat sources for the pellets and the main heat setting, FirstBuild says the device offers more accurate overall temperature. The company says this smoker also uses a lot less pellets since they smolder for flavor instead of burning to heat an entire grill. While barbecuers seem to be impressed by the smoker flavor the Arden prototypes impart, Mad Scientist BBQ's Jeremy Yoder noted that it's not as "complex" in the overall profile. 

According to Yoder, the smoke flavor is more on the surface, so while you can certainly taste it, it hasn't penetrated the meat like hardwood coals or a full-size pellet grill can manage (BBQ nerds will also notice the lack of a well-defined smoke ring). Yoder did confirm that the results on pork ribs are a massive improvement over what you can get faking it in a regular oven, and they were even better than what he'd had in some restaurants. There is a smoke level adjustment on the Arden control panel, so presumably you could dial that up to fit your desired taste profile. Speaking of smoke, it's unclear if the smoker stops smoldering pellets temporarily if you open the door during the cooking process. 

Like it has in the past, FirstBuild is taking the crowdfunding approach for initial pre-orders. If you snag one via Indiegogo, the earliest devotees can secure it for $599. After that, you'll get a $400 discount off the expected MSRP when the Arden goes on sale ($699 vs. $1,099). Prices will go up during the course of the campaign, so opting in sooner will save you some cash. The only downside to ordering early is backers will have to wait until summer 2023 to get one. However, the product lab crowdfunded the initial launch of the Opal Nugget Ice Maker in 2015 — raising over $2.5 million — so it has a history of delivering the goods. GE now offers a range of Opal machines, so it will be interesting to see what happens if the Arden hits or surpasses that mark. 

TikTok users will soon have an easier way to add popular GIFs

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:00 AM PDT

TikTok users will soon have even more ways to make their videos stand out from the crowd. The service has announced the TikTok Library, which will grant creators access to more entertainment-based content. You'll be able to find GIFs, clips from your favorite TV shows, memes and other content, which you can slot into your TikToks.

Although there are already ways to insert GIFs from Giphy into TikTok videos, it should be easier to do that once you have access to the library. Until now, Giphy GIFs have been available as Stickers and via the Green Screen effect. At the outset, the TikTok Library will also include Giphy Clips, which are essentially GIFs with audio. The initial collection will feature reaction clips, quotes, famous faces and "iconic moments," which may or may not include certain award show incidents.

TikTok will start testing the Library in some markets on Android today and on iOS next week. It plans to expand the tool to more people in the coming weeks.

Once the feature is available, you'll be able to access it by tapping the new Library icon on the sidebar. After you find something you want to add to your video, you can trim it to a specific length and then keep building your TikTok from the shoot page.

TikTok Library
TikTok
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