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Engadget

Instagram's grid pinning feature is now rolling out to all users

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 11:02 AM PDT

Following a test that began in April, Instagram has begun rolling out grid pinning, a new way for users to highlight posts they want others to see. When you pin an image or Reel, it will appear above the photo grid on your profile page. It's possible to showcase up to three pieces of content in this way. To start pinning, tap on the three dots icon above an individual post and then select "pin to your profile."

The release of grid pinning coincides with Instagram and Facebook adding new features to Reels. It's now possible to add interactive stickers to your clips and import your own audio. Meta has also extended the maximum length of Reels to 90 seconds. Speaking to all the changes, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said they would make it easier for creators to engage and share their work with fans. He added the company was looking at more ways to give users control over their profile pages.

Uber and Waymo are working together on long-haul autonomous trucking

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 10:32 AM PDT

Waymo and Uber have signed a long-term, strategic partnership to collaborate on long-haul autonomous trucking. They'll blend Waymo's self-driving tech with Uber Freight's network. The idea is to help customers deploy autonomous trucks more efficiently.

Those who buy trucks equipped with the Waymo Driver system will be able to tap into Uber Freight's marketplace technology, meaning they'll be able to deploy vehicles on the latter's network for deliveries. Uber Freight is essentially a version of the regular Uber app designed for shippers, which helps them find truck drivers for on-demand haulage.

Waymo Via — the company's trucking division — plans to earmark billions of miles of goods-only driverless delivery capacity for the Uber Freight network. It will only make that mileage available "when shippers need it most."

The companies will trial the integration on Waymo Via's test fleet at the outset. The timeline for a broader deployment is not clear. The companies say that by letting autonomous systems handle the long-haul aspect of trucking, they foresee a future where drivers will be able to move into short-haul jobs.

Uber and Waymo haven't always been on the same page. In 2017, Waymo owner Alphabet sued Uber over the alleged theft of trade secrets by former employees. The previous year, Uber bought a self-driving truck startup called Otto, which was founded by a number of ex-Alphabet employees, including engineer Anthony Levandowski.

Alphabet claimed Levandowski downloaded more than "14,000 highly confidential and proprietary design files for Waymo's various hardware systems" a few weeks before he quit the company. Levandowski was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2020 and pardoned the following January by outgoing president Donald Trump.

Uber and Waymo settled the suit in 2018. After the companies resolved their differences, it was reported that Uber was open to the idea of collaborating with Waymo.

‘F1 Manager 2022’ heads to consoles and PC on August 30th

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 10:13 AM PDT

For the first time in more than 20 years, F1 fans will soon have a new manager-style game to play. On Tuesday, Formula 1 announced it would release the highly anticipated F1 Manager 2022 on August 30th. The organization also shared a new gameplay trailer showcasing various aspects of the upcoming title.

Created by Frontier Developments, a studio best known for its work on the Elite Dangerous series, F1 Manager 2022 puts you in the shoes of a team principal. Instead of driving a single Formula 1 car, you'll need to oversee an entire team. Naturally, that means not only picking all the components for your vehicles but also recruiting the drivers who will pilot them to victory. With Formula 1 involved, the game models all 22 Grand Prix circuits and includes real-world drivers from the F1, F2 and F3 segments. What's more, Sky Sports host David Croft and former F1 driver Karun Chandhok recorded commentary and analysis for the game.

F1 Manager 2022 is available to preorder today on PlayStation, Xbox and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Pre-ordering F1 Manager 2022 will get early access to the game on August 25th.

First season of 'Battlefield 2042' debuts June 9th with a new map

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 09:26 AM PDT

After a months-long delay, DICE and EA are finally ready to premiere the first season of Battlefield 2042. The two have announced that Season 1: Zero Hour premieres on June 9th with a large batch of fresh content. There's a new map set in the Canadian Rockies (Exposure) for the All-Out Warfare and Portal modes. A new character, Ewalina Lis, is well-suited to anti-vehicle combat. You'll need her, too, as there are new stealth helicopters (the Huron and Hannibal) that could provide an unwelcome surprise.

The new season includes a wider range of gear, including a crossbow with multiple round options (including explosive), a mid-range rifle and a smoke grenade launcher. To no one's surprise, EA is also promising more skins and melee takedown animations for Premium Battle Pass buyers.

Zero Hour also builds on the many bug fixes and needed feature additions since launch. You can expect greater stability, better balancing and improved handling for guns and vehicles, among other tweaks. Custom game mode creators can expect a more powerful editor and a new preset, while Portal brings back some vehicles and "experiences."

Season 1 is free for all BF2042 players, and you'll only really want the Premium pass if you insist on having the latest cosmetics. The question is whether or not the update will bring gamers back. While active player counts have levelled out, according to Steam Charts, there's no doubt that interest in the shooter tumbled soon after its November 2021 debut. A rough launch and other frustrations prompted much of the target audience to drift toward other titles. The major content update might encourage users to give the game a second chance, but it's not certain that they'll stick around.

Google adds auto-transcription and simplified grading to its education tools

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT

Many students have returned to in-person classes, but that isn't stopping Google from making online education more viable. The company has updated Classroom and Workspace for Education with a host of features that improve life for teachers and students alike. In Workspace, for instance, you can now auto-transcribe Meet calls directly into Google Docs — helpful if you want to quickly produce lesson material or help students catch up when they miss lectures. You can also host polls and Q&A sessions in Meet sessions, livestream public events (think school assemblies) to YouTube and use picture-in-picture to manage class presentations without losing sight of your pupils.

Teachers using Classroom, meanwhile, now have access to previously beta-only add-on support that extends functionality beyond what Google can offer. You can get an EdPuzzle add-on to automatically integrate and grade assignments, while a Pear Deck extension can create assignments using lessons from the Pear Deck library. The Classroom updates also make it easier to add YouTube videos to lessons, export grades and get updates through email notifications. An update later in 2022 will let teachers reply directly to students from Gmail notifications.

Google is expanding access to its Read Along app, too. It's rolling out a beta for a new web version over the next month, so students might not need to lean on their phones as they improve their literacy skills.

The announcements come alongside Chrome OS updates that include improved casting and optimizing educational apps like Figma. Although these updates might not matter much as the pandemic (hopefully) winds down, they could still be useful as schools increasingly rely on internet-based lessons and coursework.

Google's Screencast app for Chrome OS lets teachers record video lessons

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT

In its ongoing push to corner the education market, Google is introducing new classroom-specific features to Chrome OS. The first of those is Screencast, a new built-in app that allows teachers to build a video library of lessons and demos students can turn to if they miss a class or need help with a homework assignment. Available as of Chrome OS version M103, the software includes tools for trimming and transcribing clips.

Google points out that students can also use the app to create video reports and share ideas with classmates. Additionally, Screencast supports stylus input, allowing both teachers and students to write and draw on their videos. Sharing is done through Google Drive, allowing students to access content their teachers upload both at school and at home.

The other feature Google introduced today is a new cast moderator mode designed to give teachers more control over onscreen presentations and other content shared wirelessly within their classroom. With the help of an access code, the feature gives educators the power to turn off disruptive screencasts. Before making the feature widely available, Google plans to run a pilot program to trial the feature with a select group of schools this summer. Once it's available, it will work with the company's Chrome browser, Chrome OS and Google TV devices.

Cast Moderator
Google

Google also announced today it's partnering with Figma, a collaborative graphic design tool, to optimize its software for Chromebooks. With the partnership, schools in the US can download a free beta of the software through the Google Admin Console.

The best backyard outdoor gifts for dad

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 07:30 AM PDT

Porches, decks, patios, balconies, terraces. Places for dads to find solace from the world around them. Those spots, and backyards overall, are excellent places to cook a meal, have a drink or simply relax. We've compiled a list of the best backyard gear for dads this Father's Day, from smart grills and pizza ovens to fire pits and drinkware. There's something that can help all dads enjoy a little time outside.

Thermacell E55

Thermacell E-55
Thermacell

If you're going to be outdoors during the summer, you're going to need some bug protection. If your dad is like me and mosquito spray just doesn't seem to cut it, Thermacell's products offer protection from bites. I've used the E55 and the Patio Shield, and they both work well. However, I prefer the E55 because it's rechargeable battery powered where the Patio Shield burns liquid fuel. With the E55, you only have to worry about the repellent cartridge which can last up to 40 hours if you opt for the high-capacity refill. There's no spray, no mist and no excess smoke – just a 20-foot bug-free zone.

Buy Thermacell E55 at Amazon - $39

Meater+ thermometer

Meater+ thermometer
Meater

Maybe dad doesn't need a new grill, but could use some help perfecting his skills or would enjoy monitoring food from afar. Meater+ is a wireless probe that sends food and ambient temperature readings to your phone via Bluetooth. Both sensors are in the same probe, further cutting down on any clutter and giving backyard cooks free access to everything they're cooking. The Meater software can guide you through the cooking process and provides estimated completion times. And with a rated range of 165 feet, dad can relax and still keep tabs on everything.

Buy Meater+ at Amazon - $100

Brumate Hopsulator Trio

Brumate Hopsulator Trio
Brumate

Every dad can use a way to keep canned beverages cold on a hot day, but Brumate's Hopsulator Trio functions as a koozie and a travel mug. There are a few different models, but I prefer the Trio's 3-in-1 abilities. For 16 ounce cans, it's an insulated aluminum holder. For 12 ounce cans, the Hopsulator comes with a reusable cold puck for even more efficient cooling. And as I mentioned, it comes with a lid so you can use it as a cup if you want. I use mine year round, but it gets the most work during the warmer months when I'm out at the grill or sitting on the deck.

Buy Hopsulator Trio at Amazon - $30

TP-Link Kasa outdoor smart plug

TP-Link Kasa
TP-Link

What do you get the dad that has seemingly everything already? Something to make his life easier. TP-Link's Kasa line offers a range of smart home products, including smart outdoor plugs. These work well for things like patio string lights and other items you'd rather not venture outside to simply plug in. You can control the outlets via the Kasa app or with your voice via Alexa and Google Assistant. The app gives you the ability to set timers to automate things and the IP64 rating means you won't have to worry about dust or rain.

Buy Kasa outdoor smart plug at Amazon - $25

Traeger Timberline

Traeger Timberline smart grill
Traeger

When it comes to smart grills, Traeger's pellet models are among the most versatile. They allow you to do everything from low-and-slow barbecue to hot and fast high-heat searing. The company's app is a wealth of information, with recipes and step-by-step guidance right on dad's phone. For 2022, the company completely redesigned its Timberline grills, making them a full-fledged outdoor kitchen with the addition of a side-mounted induction burner. Traeger also made changes for better heat distribution and cleanup. So not only can your dad cook a feast, but he shouldn't have to spend as much time on maintenance afterwards.

Buy Timberline grills at Traeger starting at $3,500

Weber Genesis

Weber Genesis smart grill
Engadget

Weber brought its smart grilling platform to its gas grills in 2021, putting a sous chef on every dad's phone. With the 2022 models, the company made some design tweaks to make the grills more versatile, but Weber Connect remains. Via an app, dad can access step-by-step cooking guidance, estimate completion times and even monitor fuel levels (propane models). Weber's new line of accessories also expand what you can cook, adding things like a pizza stone, roasting basket and flat-top griddle as optional gear for the new Genesis smart grills.

Buy Genesis grills at Weber starting at $999

Solo Stove fire pits

Solo Stove
Solo Stove

I've had several fire pits since I bought a house in 2014, and none of them can compete with Solo Stove. The company's products are designed to channel smoke upward, keeping you from being choked out while you're trying to enjoy some time outdoors. The pits come in various sizes, so you have options if dad goes camping often or just needs a place to chill in the backyard. The interior design of the Solo Stove pits also facilitates proper airflow, so fires always burn nicely.

Buy fire pits at Solo Stove starting at $300

UE Wonderboom 2

UE Wonderboom 2
UE

An essential part of any dad's backyard setup is the ability to blast some tunes. A portable Bluetooth speaker also gives him the ability to take his yacht rock playlist on the road. UE's Wonderboom 2 is a compact and affordable option with big sound. It's also IP67 rated and protected against drops of up to five feet. What's more, you can pair two units together for stereo audio and an outdoor mode adjusts the mids and highs for better sound in open air.

Buy Wodnerboom 2 at Amazon - $100

Ooni Karu 16

Ooni Karu 16
Ooni

It's no secret that Ooni's pizza ovens can help you make restaurant quality pies at home. They're well built, easy to use and reach cooking temperatures in just a few minutes. The Karu 16 is the company's latest model, and it's also one of the most versatile. You can cook with wood or add a gas burner in order to power your pizza parties. Plus, there's a viewing window in the front and an ambient temperature display that comes in very handy. The Karu 16 is more expensive than some Ooni models, but it also makes things easier on dad when he's launching pizzas on the patio.

Buy Karu 16 at Ooni - $799

Ember Mug 2

Ember Mug 2
Ember

Few things are better than morning coffee on the back porch. Few things are worse than picking up your cup and taking a swig of cold coffee. Ember's heated mugs can help dad escape this fate by keeping coffee and other beverages set to a desired temperature. I've been using one since I got it for Father's Day on a near daily basis and I can attest it is much better than microwaving cold coffee. However, the battery life isn't great: 1.5 hours with the Ember Mug 2 10 ounce and up to 80 minutes with the 14 ounce. I'd love it if those times were a bit longer, but these cups can still get the job done.

Buy Ember Mug 2 at Amazon - $130

Summer Game Fest's Geoff Keighley says to temper expectations for this week's showcase

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 07:16 AM PDT

This year's Summer Game Fest showcase takes place on Thursday. It's an industry-wide event that will include reveals from a bunch of publishers and studios, but host and producer Geoff Keighley has urged fans not to set their hopes too high in terms of new game announcements.

"What I would say is that a lot of the games we're going to show you are going to be [already] announced… games are going to show new content to you, like some of the ones I've mentioned," Keighley said in a Twitter Spaces chat, according to VGC. "We've got a couple of new game announcements in the show and hopefully some surprises if everything holds. But it definitely is a show that's primarily focused on stuff that is announced." Keighley added that it might be best for fans to "definitely manage your expectations in terms of the megaton shocks that you're expecting."

Still, there's a lot to look forward to. Keighley noted some of the games that will be featured. The stream will include the first full level playthrough of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and a gameplay demo for The Callisto Protocol (a survival horror game from Dead Space creator Glen Schofield's new studio). There will also be news on Gotham Knights and new footage from Cuphead expansion The Delicious Last Course.

Keighley said there will be looks at Xbox and Nintendo exclusives as well. However, he pointed out that Microsoft is likely hanging on to the biggest news for its own showcase, which takes place on Sunday. Nintendo, meanwhile, hasn't confirmed whether its next Direct will take place anytime soon.

The Summer Game Fest showcase will include some guests too, such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who recently started playing a character in Fortnite. Perhaps we'll learn more about the next video game movie he's working on. The event, meanwhile, is set to run for between 90 minutes and two hours.

Trying to manage expectations is a smart move on Keighley's part. Sony has been doing a similarly good job of keeping conjecture in check ahead of its State of Play streams. While there are always going to be some people who are disappointed by events like this, it's better to have lower expectations and be surprised than get too amped up and get deflated if you don't see a game that excites you.

That's not to say there won't be major reveals. It was at last year's edition of Summer Game Fest that fans got their first look at Elden Ring in two years, along with a release date (which was, inevitably, delayed by a few weeks).

Even if you feel like this year's Summer Game Fest showcase is a bust, there are more than a dozen other gaming events over the next week or so, even without E3 taking place. You're bound to find some games that interest you if you dig a little deeper.

Volocopter's longer-range drone taxi completes its first test flights

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 06:55 AM PDT

Volocopter's drone taxi is one step closer to entering service. The German firm has revealed that its four-seat electric VTOL aircraft, the VoloConnect, completed its first flight in May. The machine's initial trip was brief at two minutes and 14 seconds, but the maneuvers proved that the production-level aerodynamics and performance held up in real world conditions. There have been three flights so far.

The 60-mile range and 155MPH flight speed might not sound like much. However, they promise autonomous commuter flights beyond major urban centers — you could fly to a business meeting from the suburbs. The VoloConnect is effectively a companion to the VoloCity, a shorter-ranged eVTOL flier meant strictly for urban jaunts.

The VoloConnect is expected to serve customers starting in 2026, two years after the VoloCity's projected 2024 rollout. While that's a relatively long way off, Volocopter is unique in having multiple air taxis conducting real-world flight tests. The company is closer to actual commuter trips than competitors, many of whom have one model or an indefinite timeline for service.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 is just $179 at Amazon

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 06:30 AM PDT

This might be your moment to buy a smartwatch for tracking your outdoor runs and hikes. Amazon has the 40mm Bluetooth variant of Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 on sale for $179 in black and white colors. That's a substantial 28 percent off, and nearly as good as the all-time low price. There are modest discounts for 44mm and LTE versions, too, if you either prefer a larger dial or crave independence from your phone.

Buy Galaxy Watch 4 (black) at Amazon - $179Buy Galaxy Watch 4 (white) at Amazon - $179

Whichever color you choose, you're getting a lot of smartwatch for the money. The Galaxy Watch 4 is the best Android-friendly wristwear we've seen with a vivid display, good physical controls and extensive health tracking. The interface will seem familiar if you've used previous Samsung watches, but the move to Wear OS has improved the app selection while taking advantage of Google's ecosystem.

There aren't many catches beyond the Android requirement and relatively short battery life. The biggest concern may simply be timing. There are signs a Galaxy Watch 5 is just around the corner, and you might want to wait a while if you insist on having the latest timepiece. It's unclear just when the Watch 5 will launch, though, and it's safe to say you'll pay considerably more than $179 for the privilege. This is a fine deal if you want a smartwatch right now.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

The best Father's Day tech gift ideas

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 06:15 AM PDT

There's a big day coming up, and plenty of pressure on you to hand over a gift that somehow represents all of your love and appreciation. It may be called Father's Day, but this is an event for you to say a loving thank you to whatever person held that special role in your life, irrespective of their gender. Thankfully, we've collated a list of the best tech gifts you can buy to at least go some small way in saying thanks for all of that parenting you did, and probably still do.

Native Union Snap 3-in-1 magnetic wireless charger

Native Union Snap 3-in-1 magnetic wireless charger
Engadget

The first thing you'll notice about Native Union's Snap 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger is how good it looks. With a solid base and a gorgeous, slender neck that you stand your phone on, it blends retro futurism with minimalist chic. It's the sort of charging gear you'd be proud to let other people see either on your nightstand or on your office desk.

You can magnetically attach an iPhone 12 or 13 to that swan neck, while a tabletop wireless mat is ideal for your AirPods. A charging puck for your Apple Watch is nestled behind, in such a way that you can use your watch as a clock when required. Not to mention the USB-C port 'round back that'll let you charge any other device you have lying around. Which, technically, makes it a 4-in-1 charger, but let's not pick nits on Father's Day of all days, please.

Buy Native Union wireless charger at Amazon - $180

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones
Sony

Sony's XM series of headphones are the default option for pretty much every regular buyer these days. I'd already picked the XM4s for this guide when Sony dropped the WH-1000XM5 onto an unsuspecting world. The updated models offer a better looking design, a more comfortable fit and even better sound than its predecessor. As Billy Steele wrote in his review, if you thought the XM4s couldn't get better, you'll be staggered by the improvement here.

A lot of small things have been tweaked, including the fact there are twice as many noise cancellation microphones as on the XM4. That promises better high-frequency sound blocking, which should be great in crowded areas and on airplanes. For $400, they're pricier than, say, Bose's 700s, but that saving might be something of a false economy. If you just can't stretch that far, then keep an eye out for the XM4, since the old flagship is remaining on sale at a discount.

Buy WH-1000XM5 at Amazon - $398

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Samsung

Samsung made its first worthy AirPods alternative in the Galaxy Buds+, and the company made them even better with the newer Galaxy Buds 2. They're smaller and lighter, and most importantly, the Buds 2 have better sound quality than their predecessors. Samsung added ANC and an adjustable ambient sound mode to these buds as well, so dad can use the companion mobile app to block out exactly as much of the world as he wants. They also do a better job minimizing background noise during calls, so he can use them to take and make calls without whipping his phone out. Overall, the $150 Galaxy Buds 2 combine a lot of essential and premium features into one fairly affordable gadget. Just be aware that they work best with Samsung phones; Android users will get almost all of the same features as Galaxy phone users, but iPhone owners will be stuck with the default settings.

Buy Galaxy Buds 2 at Samsung - $150

Withings Body Cardio smart scale

Withings Body Cardio smart scale
Withings

Let's face it: You want your loved ones to stay healthy, keep an eye on their heart and generally be around for as long as possible. One way to do that is by upgrading your bathroom scales to something like Withings' Body Cardio smart scale. Designed to look as unobtrusive as possible, but hidden inside its shell is a number of extra special features you don't get elsewhere.

You'll get a heart-health check, automatic person tracking and a full body composition breakdown, telling you how much fat, water and muscle you're carrying. I'd be remiss not to mention, too, Withings' class-leading Health Mate app, which is great for collating large chunks of health data and helping you understand it in an easy-to-digest manner.

Buy Body Cardio scale at Amazon - $150

Mackie Creator Bundle

Mackie Creator bundle
Mackie

Mackie's range of CR-X speakers are generally excellent despite their relatively low price, and that extends to the rest of its audio gear. Its Creator Bundle is designed as a one-stop kit for wannabe podcasters looking to get decent sound quality from the get-go.

First up, you'll get a pair of CR3-X speakers, the same pair I recommended in this very guide last year. The CR3-Xs offer great sound in a small package, with a three-quarter-inch tweeter and a three-inch woofer. With built-in Bluetooth, balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs, you've got a wide variety of ways to get this jacked into whatever you're doing.

Alongside, you'll get an EM-USB Condenser microphone which connects to your computer over USB-C with on-board headphone headphone monitoring and gain control. You'll also get a pair of MC-100 pro headphones, Waveform's audio editing app and an extra software bundle with various useful plugins thrown in, too.

Buy Mackie Creator Bundle at Amazon - $250

Samsung T7 Touch SSD

Samsung T7 Touch SSD
Samsung

If dad has a lot of files to keep track of for work or a bunch of family photos and videos he wants to save securely, he'll welcome an SSD like Samsung's T7 Touch. He'll be able to move all of his important documents onto the drive quickly thanks to its support for 1,050 Mb/s read speeds and 1,000 Mb/s write rates, and it's fairly durable with a shock- and drop-resistant body. It's also quite compact with a palm-sized design and multiple layers of security, including AES 256-bit encryption, password protection and a fingerprint scanner. That means if dad doesn't want to bother to remember yet another password, he can use his fingerprint to unlock the drive instead. If your father is particularly clumsy or works in a precarious environment, consider instead Samsung's latest rugged model, the Samsung T7 Shield.

Buy T7 Touch SSD at Samsung starting at $105Buy T7 Shield at Samsung starting at $160

Dremel 8220 multitool

Dremel 8220 multitool
Dremel

I've been obsessed with Dremel's electric multi-tools ever since I watched Alexi Sayle ask "did I mention we cut?" back in the early '90s. And yet, despite being an adult with my own home, I've never needed to actually go out and buy a Dremel like the 8220 you can see here. Look at the thing, it's like an electric Swiss Army Knife, complete with drill and screwdriver bits, sanding bits, polishing bits, metal-cutting discs, grinding stones and engraving tools! Just think about all of the things I can drill, screw, sand, polish, cut, grind and engrave if I had one of those right now.

I bet you there's a whole host of parents and parental figures out there who are just itching to get a Dremel into their lives. But I bet they, like me, are also that little bit too scared to just go out and buy one since they probably don't know what they'd use it for. That's why you, as loving people, should go and buy them a Dremel much in the same way that I hope my kids, when they're old enough to earn money, go out and buy me a Dremel. And maybe a book that will teach me how to use it.

Buy Dremel 8220 at Amazon - $99

Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch Series 7
Apple

For the majority of people, the Apple Watch is the only smartwatch they need to consider if they have an iPhone. There's only a handful of watches on the other side that can match Apple's timepiece for versatility, usefulness and affordability. If you're worried about your parent's health and frailty, then the fall detection features alone justify your investment. Not to mention the general health tracking capabilities, and the fact you can keep them healthy with a Fitness+ subscription thrown in. I haven't even mentioned the built-in ECG, which these days is table stakes for a wearable in this class. And if dad doesn't have an iPhone, he can get many of the same features from Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4.

Buy Series 7 at Amazon - $399Buy Galaxy Watch 4 at Samsung - $250

Withings ScanWatch Horizon

Withings ScanWatch Horizon
Withings

Of course, there are people who don't want a smartwatch, or at least not one that looks like a smartwatch. It's something that plenty of even designer smartwatches suffer from, and I get it, some parents don't want to look like a neeeeeeeerd in their dotage. It's for those people that I'd recommend Withings' new ScanWatch Horizon, a hybrid smartwatch in the body of a classic diver's watch.

The existing ScanWatch was already a best-in-class hybrid, with a digital subdial for notifications and an analog one for step counting. It offers automatic sleep and activity tracking, smartphone assisted GPS and the usual smartwatch bells and whistles. On top of that, it also offers built-in ECG and SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) tests for keeping an eye on your heart health.

But Horizon steps up with its Dad Chic styling, a chunky case, band and choice of blue or green face colors. Put it on and you'll instantly feel like a rugged outdoors-type ready to indulge in some wood choppin' or other Bear Grylls-adjacent nonsense. Withings is even smart enough to throw in a whole bunch of tools to help you size your band without needing to trek to a jewelry store. And that's before I get to the 30-day battery life.

Buy ScanWatch Horizon at Withings - $499

Apple iPad Air

Apple iPad Air
Apple

One thing that COVID-19 rammed home for lots of people was the need for solid video calling to stay in touch with your loved ones. Keeping touch with my mom through WhatsApp calling in the early stages of lockdown was a perpetual irritant. It's a problem that the new iPad Air, with its wide front camera and Center Stage, was born to solve.

It doesn't hurt that the slate is also a world-class internet browsing device and doesn't require a whole host of tech support. Plus, if your parent is of an artistic bent, you can pick up the compatible Apple Pencil and let them doodle to their heart's content. Given that it's packing an M1, you would hope this model iPad Air will have muscle to spare for years to come, drowning out any parental complaints about planned obsolescence before they begin.

Buy iPad Air at Amazon - $599

Audio Technica ATLP120XBT turntable

Audio Technica ATLP120XBT turntable
Engadget

There are a lot of Bluetooth turntables which are designed for the hip crowd who want to show off their ye olde-fashioned record player. But if you're looking for something a bit more capital-S serious without shelling out for a high-end Technics unit, Audio Technica's romantically-named ATLP120XBT might be worth a glance. The fact it could be confused for a Technics SL-1210, right down to the s-shaped tone arm is, I'm sure, just a total coincidence.

The sound is good, and you'll get adjustable pitch control alongside the belt-driven turntable (sorry, no scratching on this unit). And connectivity-wise, it's well-stocked, with Dual RCA-out, USB or Bluetooth 5.0, with support for aptX. It's a unit I'm thinking about getting for my mum, since it'll enable her to digitize her stack of 78rpm records over that USB connection.

Buy Audio Technica ATLP120XBT at Amazon - $399

LG C2 OLED TV

LG C2 OLED TV
LG

LG's C1 was one of the best TVs of 2021, and so you shouldn't be surprised that its successor is even better. I could simply say "this is an LG OLED" and you could probably let its reputation walk you over to your TV store of choice. With a skinny body and almost non-existent bezels, the C2 is close to that perfect idea of a magic window for everything you're watching, or playing.

But let's drill down into the specifics: The C2 gets a faster processor which LG pledges will improve dynamic tone mapping, as well as improving webOS performance. Similarly, the screen's brightness is a little higher than the C1, and contrast has been improved overall. LG's focus this year was also on quality-of-life features beyond the picture quality, including an easier UI, new voice remote and the ability to add user profiles. Let's also talk gaming, since if your beloved parent likes to play, you'll find the C2 supports GeForce Now and, uh, Stadia.

(As an aside, the C2 is very much a luxury television for the sort of kids who really appreciate your parental figures. If your budget won't stretch that far, you should look out for the C1 which is currently massively, almost stupidly discounted and still beats the pants off much of the TV market.)

Buy 55-inch LG C2 OLED TV at Amazon - $1,997

Ember Smart Mug 2

Ember Mug 2
Ember

Everyone, no matter their age, is going to set a cup of warm drink down somewhere and then forget about it. Maybe it's on a shelf, or beyond peripheral vision on a desk, but that feeling when you suddenly wonder why you're thirsty and find cold tea in front of you is the worst. It's the reason Ember's smart temperature-controlling mug exists, to help prevent you suffering from a sip of something unpleasantly cold ever again. A built-in battery will keep things running for 1.5 hours at a time, but the bundled charging coaster will give you a day's worth of use. Not that we'd recommend drinking a latte that you made at 9am in the late afternoon, of course.

Buy Ember Mug 2 at Amazon - $130

BenQ HT2050A projector

BenQ HT2050A projector
Engadget

Projectors are a minefield, aren't they? It's a big investment for something you might not be sure you'll use on a very regular basis unless you've got your own cinema room. I've always fancied building something in my backyard so I can run an outdoor theater in the warmer months. But I don't know how much I'd actually use the thing after spending a hefty chunk on the initial investment.

Thankfully, if I ever do, I'll likely buy BenQ's HT2050A, which my colleague (and projector nerd) Steve Dent says is one of the best for performance and affordability. Coming in fairly cheap, it's bright, has a 1.3x zoom and vertical lens shift, making it easy to place in tricky spots and easy to get the best picture quality out of its small body. It's HD-only, of course, but then I'm not yet sold on the benefits of a 4K projector if you're mostly watching live sports or old movies, or even your parent's pictures of their most recent holiday.

Buy BenQ HT2050A projector at Amazon - $799

Dopesick by Beth Macy

Dopesick by Beth Macy
Engadget

Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America is a book by Beth Macy which was adapted into the Hulu series of the same name. It charts the history, effect and battle against OxyContin, a slow-release painkiller that's at the heart of the US' opioid epidemic. The book takes you through the history of the drug, its chemical bases, and how it was handled before Purdue Pharma created a slow-release version. Of course, a combination of over-prescription, the hyper-addictive nature of the drug and a lot of incentives from Purdue helped destroy so many lives. It's the sort of book that you feel it's your duty to read just to understand what is, and has, been going on for so long.

Buy Dopesick at Amazon - $12

Bad Blood by John Carreyrou

Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
Engadget

Bad Blood by John Carreyrou is a similarly unbelievable true story of medical malpractice, this time centering on blood testing. Theranos promised to revolutionize the way the world tested for disease, and hoodwinked plenty of people who knew nothing about medicine. The book is in two rough halves, with the first covering the startup's meteoric rise and the backstory of its enigmatic founder, Elizabeth Holmes.

The second, meanwhile, focuses on Carreyrou's own part in the story, as he investigated and reported on the unfolding scandal. This is, by now, well-trodden ground – the book is due to be adapted into a movie for Netflix, while a Hulu miniseries was based on an ABC Podcast. But Carreyrou's authoritative, I-was-there take is still the authoritative version of the story, at least until the dust settles and we get some even juicier stories out of this particular saga.

Buy Bad Blood at Amazon - $14

Surface Laptop Go 2 hands-on: An upgrade that's worth the extra money

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 06:00 AM PDT

The Surface Laptop Go line holds an interesting position in Microsoft's notebook lineup. It's not quite as cheap or portable as the Surface Go 3 and it's not as powerful or flexible as the Surface Studio. But a recent component refresh has added new life to a very travel-friendly system.

Starting at $600, the Surface Laptop Go 2 costs $50 more than the outgoing model. That gets you an 11th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. Now it might seem strange that Microsoft didn't opt for a newer 12th-gen chip, but the company says it really wanted to keep the cost of the base model down, and going with a slightly older processor could have factored into that. The big upgrade, though, is Microsoft has finally ditched the 64GB of eMMC storage that came on the original Surface Laptop Go, which on its own is worth a $50 price hike.

I also wouldn't be surprised if the choice of an 11th-gen CPU was made due to considerations regarding battery life and thermals. A lot of 12th-gen chips tend to run hot and are somewhat power hungry. For the Surface Laptop Go 2, Microsoft says it was able to increase the notebook's total runtime slightly by 30 minutes to 13.5 hours on a charge, while also reducing fan noise by up to 10 decibels at max speeds. And in my experience, that noise reduction is rather significant, with the system rarely rising above a whisper unless you're doing something more intense like gaming or editing a video.

The new Surface Laptop Go 2 shares a lot of features with the previous model. The design is basically the same, which is fine by me – the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic still look great. There is a new sage green finish that I'm rather partial to. But if that hue doesn't do it for you, the laptop is still available in platinum, ice blue and sandstone.

The Surface Laptop Go 2's ports remain the same as before: one USB-C port, one USB-C port, a headphone jack and a magnetic Surface Connect port.
Sam Rutherford/Engadget

The Surface Laptop Go 2's 720p webcam is the same resolution as last year. However, Microsoft says it switched to a new sensor that offers improved image quality. And thus far, I've found that even though the camera isn't full HD (which should be the bare minimum nowadays), you do get better color saturation and contrast. So while it's not ideal for live streaming, it's good enough for your average video call.

The other area where I wish Microsoft had upgraded a bit more is the Laptop Go 2's screen. It's still the 12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 PixelSense display, which is well short of full HD. On a smaller screen like this, the lower resolution looks nice at normal viewing distances, though people with good eyesight will probably still be able to discern individual pixels. Thankfully, colors are punchy and its 330 nits of brightness means you won't have much trouble seeing it in a sunny room.

Sadly, just like the original, the new Surface Laptop Go 2 still doesn't have a backlit keyboard.
Sadly, just like the original, the new Surface Laptop Go 2 still doesn't have a backlit keyboard.
Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Microsoft also says the Surface Laptop Go 2's speakers are 24 percent louder. Like before, the drivers are hidden underneath the keyboard (which sadly still isn't backlit). And while I have no doubt about those volume claims, its audio profile sounds a bit flat, lacking punch in both its highs and lows.

As before, there's also a fingerprint sensor that works with Windows Hello. But it's important to note you only get this option on more expensive configs – it's not available on the base $600 model. Another small bonus is that the Laptop Go 2 is more repairable than before. For regular people, Microsoft says the Laptop Go 2's SSD, Aurflink cable, keyboard and trackpad, and even the display are user-replaceable. The battery can be swapped out as well, but only by authorized service providers.

Most of the Surface Laptop Go 2's ports are on the left, aside from its magnetic Surface Connect slot.
Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Finally, port selection on the Surface Laptop Go 2 has stayed the same, with one USB-A and one USB-C port, along with a headphone jack and a Surface Connect Port. And sadly, unlike more expensive Surfaces, the power brick on the Laptop Go 2 doesn't have an extra USB-A port for charging peripherals, which would have been really handy on a system with just two USB ports.

OK, so that's about it. Not a ton has changed on the outside, but on the inside the Surface Laptop Go 2 got some much-needed refreshes. The new 11th-gen Intel chip should provide a notable boost in performance, and an extra half hour of battery life is always nice. But I'm going to need a little more time to see how this thing really holds up as a primary work machine, so stay tuned for a full review coming soon.

For 2022, Microsoft is adding a new sage green version to the previous three color options.
Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Uber Eats launches new nationwide shipping service

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 06:00 AM PDT

Uber Eats has launched a new nationwide US shipping service that lets you order products from several cities, widely expanding your range of dining choices. "Whether you want to send dad BBQ for an upcoming Father's Day gift or want to celebrate date night with your favorite dish from The Big Apple, it's never been easier for Uber Eats consumers than with Nationwide shipping," the company wrote. 

You can order anything from 15 merchants in NYC, Miami and Los Angeles, with more cities and sellers coming soon. Some of the merchants include Bludso's BBQ and Gotta Have S'More (Los Angeles), Sarge's Deli and Wafels & Dinges (NYC), and Sabores Market and Doggi's Arepa Bar in Miami.

It's available on the Uber Eats app when you go "Home" and scroll until you see the nationwide shipping option. From there, you just follow the usual procedure: select the items you want, add them to your cart, confirm the order and check out. From there, you'll receive an email with tracking information from FedEx, the carrier handling the service. 

Uber Eats launches new nationwide shipping service
Uber Eats

On the Uber Eats app (above), it shows the new interface, promising that you can "get far-off cravings shipped." Another screenshot shows an order from Pasta Sisters in Los Angeles, with an item called "The Party Box" shipping to New York for $124.30, presumably including delivery. Uber Eats also shows an "Order placed" screen promising a 5-7 day shipping window, which raises a number of questions. Uber says packaging varies by merchant, but you can generally expect things to be flash-frozen and packed with ice. Reheating instructions are provided via QR code, so you're not left guessing how to warm things up. 

Update 9:54AM ET: This post has been updated with more information from Uber about how items are packaged. 

Amazon knocks half off a Nintendo Switch Online and microSD card bundle

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 05:39 AM PDT

Amazon has brought back a good deal on a bundle that gives you a Nintendo Switch Online subscription plus a microSD card. Normally priced at $70, the pack is now down to $35 and includes a 12-month Switch Online Family membership (delivered via digital code) and a 128GB SanDisk microSD card that you can use with your console.

Buy Switch Online + microSD card bundle at Amazon - $35

Nintendo has added a number of perks to the Switch's subscription service over the years. Originally, it only provided online gaming, but now it includes cloud backups for gameplay data, access to a companion mobile app which lets you voice chat with friends while you play together and access to more than 70 NES and SNES titles that you can play any time. The membership that you'll get in this bundle is great for large families, as it supports up to eight users, so this could be a good gift for dad for Father's Day if he enjoys quality game-time with friends and everyone else in his household.

As for the microSD card you're getting, it's arguably a necessity for Switch owners. The console's built-in 64GB of storage won't get you very far if you're primarily getting your games digitally, so expanding with a microSD card is critical. SanDisk makes a bunch of compatible cards and this 128GB model supports read speeds up to 100 MB/s and write speeds up to 90 MB/s. If you already have a Switch Online membership, you can actually pick up the microSD card on its own for less right now, as it's down to a near record-low of $21.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

TikTok's latest effect: customizable avatars that can star in your videos

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 05:00 AM PDT

TikTok will allow users to create and customize animated avatars to star in their videos. The feature, officially called TikTok Avatars, is a lot like Snapchat's Bitmoji or Apple's Memoji characters.

Users can customize the look of their avatar by changing its appearance, clothing and other characteristics like piercings and hair texture. The app will have ready-made templates that can be tweaked, or you can start from scratch to create a completely unique avatar. Once the avatar is created, TikTokers can use the character in their videos, with the ability to add different voice effects or animated "reactions." And, similar to Apple's Memoji, users can record videos in which their avatar mirrors their own facial expressions and gestures.

TikTok Avatars was first spotted back in February, though the company hadn't confirmed its existence until now. Though the company is hardly the first to experiment with animated representations of its users, the addition is likely to raise questions about whether TikTok is eyeing a potential metaverse tie-in. For now, the company hasn't commented on any metaverse plans, but TikTok says it plans to "continue exploring ways to bring Avatars into more TikTok experiences."

Anker charging accessories are up to 40 percent off in one-day Amazon sale

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 04:45 AM PDT

You can get Anker's power banks, cables and other charging accessories for up to 40 percent off only for today at Amazon. The brand's pint-sized 30-watt Nano II charger that's powered by GaN technology, for instance, is currently listed for $23.80. That's the lowest price we've seen for the device, which typically sells for $30. Since it's powered by GaN technology that replaces silicon with gallium nitride, Anker was able to design the USB-C device to be as big as a phone charger even though it can also power laptops like the MacBook Air and tablets like the iPad Pro. 

Buy Anker charging accessories at Amazon - up to 40 percent off

If you're looking for something even cheaper, the Anker 20W Nano Pro charger is also available for $15. While that's only $5 off its original retail price, that's also an all-time low for the USB-C charging accessory. The "Glacier Blue" version of the Nano Pro can be used to charge phones like the iPhone and some tablets like the iPad mini. 

Anker is also selling its PowerCore bundle with a 20,000 mAh power bank and the PowerPort III Nano One charger, which is only one-inch thick but has a charging power of 18 watts, for $52.49 or $7.50 off its retail price. The package comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a carrying pouch, as well. Another deal worth checking out if you have Apple devices is for the Anker USB-C to Lightning cable package that's currently on sale for $24. That represents a 40 percent (or $16) in savings and is the lowest price we've seen for the pack of two cables, each with a length of 10 feet.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

The Morning After: Everything important from WWDC 2022

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 04:15 AM PDT

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, an event you should, out of principle, refuse to call Dub Dub, has kicked off. The show started with the customary lengthy keynote showing off all the new software and hardware Apple wants you to get excited about. Including the launch of Apple's second-generation of homegrown silicon, the M2.

The M2 is very much an evolution of its immediate predecessor, designed to address some of the performance issues from the original vanilla M1. Memory bandwidth has been increased by half, and you can now spec the unit with up to 24GB "unified memory," more than the maximum cap of 16GB on that first groundbreaking system-on-chip. Apple's still sure it won't be beaten on efficiency, claiming the M2 is 18 percent faster than the M1 while drawing the same amount of power.

— Daniel Cooper

The biggest stories you might have missed

MacBook Air M2 hands-on: Bye-bye wedge

New colors, and MagSafe is back!

Image of the MacBook Air M2 (2022)
Cherlynn Low

Of course, with a new chip should come new computers to sit around it, and Apple has finally redesigned the MacBook Air for the Apple Silicon age. Gone is that elongated wedge in favor of a more MacBook Pro-esque body, albeit even smaller. You'll also get a full-size row of function keys this time around and a bigger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that's brighter than the previous model and has a webcam notch up top. Alas, it's also $200 more than the M1 MacBook Air, but hopefully we'll see plenty of retailer discounts in the coming weeks and months. You'll also find the new M2 in an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro, but there's no glossy redesign here to get all excited about.

Continue Reading.

iOS 16 brings big updates to the lock screen

While iPadOS 16 gets overlapping windows.

iOS 16 Lock Screen Update
Apple

Of course, the point of WWDC is to talk about software, and Apple had plenty to share about iOS and iPadOS 16. The biggest change for the former is a revamped lock screen that'll give you a choice of fonts, accent colors and layouts for you to customize. You'll be able to add widgets up front, too, enabling you to check vital data without unlocking your phone. (Sounds like the sort of thing that would be really useful if your phone had an always-on screen, too, doesn't it?) iPadOS, meanwhile, will let you use overlapping windows just like a real computer, and Apple is even bringing the Weather app to the humble slate, just 12 years after the first model was released.

Continue Reading.

macOS Ventura offers new tools for efficient multitasking

Is this the end of multiple-window syndrome?

Image of MacOS Ventura
Apple

The next version of macOS, meanwhile, is dubbed Ventura, and the headline feature is the ability to better sort and organize your open applications. Stage Manager will enable you to group windows to the side of your desktop, organizing them by app, letting you switch between each group in turn. You'll also find incremental updates to Spotlight, gain the ability to search for text in photos and notice long-overdue refreshes to Safari and Mail. But the most exciting feature might be the ability to use your iPhone as a webcam, giving you one fewer excuse to hide your face during those interminable work Zoom calls.

Continue Reading.

Elon Musk threatens to back out of Twitter deal over bot estimates

But it might not be that easy for Musk to back out.

Let's be honest, who hasn't publicly pledged to do something, made a big show and dance about following through, then got cold feet? It's something Elon Musk might be feeling right now after he filed paperwork with the SEC to claim Twitter has committed a "material breach" of its deal terms. The Tesla CEO is claiming Twitter is refusing to disclose detailed data about the amount of fake, spam and bot accounts in its user figures. And that it has nothing to do with both Twitter and Tesla's valuations dropping in recent months, making the deal a lot less enticing (for Musk) than it was when he started the process. For its part, Twitter says it has, and will, continue to share information with the billionaire, and that it fully intends to "close the transaction and enforce the merger agreement at the agreed price and terms."

Continue Reading.

Polestar will debut its new electric SUV in October

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 04:00 AM PDT

We got our first, camouflaged glimpse of Polestar's next EV back in December. We'll have to wait until October, however, to see the rest. The company announced on Tuesday that it will officially reveal the Polestar 3 later this fall.

This EV SUV is not only Polestar's first SUV, it's also the company's first vehicle to be produced (at least partially) in the US. What's more, it will be the first of three new models debuting over the next few years as Polestar seeks to put its vehicles in 30 markets by the end of 2023. 

Like the Polestar 2, the 3 will offer 4WD thanks to its dual-motor drivetrain and a 600 km (372 mi) range. It will be built in the US and China, according to the company, with orders opening the same day as the October premiere. There's no word yet on pricing, though production is slated to begin in early 2023.

EU reaches deal to make USB-C a common charger for most electronic devices

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 03:46 AM PDT

Europe has reached a deal to make USB-C a common charger for all phones and electronic devices, with the aim to reduce e-waste and inconvenience with incompatible chargers. "Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices," the European Parliament said in a press release. 

Buyers will also be able to choose whether they want to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a charger. "These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases," the EU wrote. 

Manufacturers have until autumn 2024 to implement the new rule, which covers "mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers." They'll have a bit longer to adapt the rule for laptops, up to 40 months after the rule goes into effect. 

The EU has worked with the industry to reduce the number of mobile phone chargers from 30 to 3 over the last decade, it said last year. The biggest odd one out is Apple's Lightning iPhone port that's used by around 20 percent of devices sold in Europe. Apple has yet to respond to the legislation, but in 2020, said that the push for a universal phone charger would "stifle innovation." 

Another issue that's not completely clear is how the EU wants manufacturers to handle different standards like DisplayPort for video. As for power delivery (PD), the EU simply said that "consumers will be provided with clear information on the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible." USB-C version 2.1 supports up to 240 watts of power delivery, up from 100 watts, but there's no clear way to identify how much power a given cable can support. 

The EU throws away 12,000 tons of chargers each year, many unused, according to Bloomberg. At the same time, consumers spend around 2.4 billion euros ($2.8 billion) on standalone chargers not included with devices. The new rules require formal approval the EU's Parliament and Council, which won't take place until after the summer recess. It'll enter into force 20 days after it's published in the EU Official Journal. 

iOS 16 will support Nintendo's Joy-Cons and other game controllers

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 02:55 AM PDT

Yesterday at WWDC 2022, Apple discussed how iOS 16 would improve the gaming experience with updated Metal 3 graphics, Game Center improvements and more. Now, it looks like iOS 16 will offer support for more third-party gaming controllers as well, most notably Nintendo's Joy-Con and Pro controllers, 9to5Mac has reported. 

Developer Riley Testut found that he could play games with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and Pro controllers on iPhones and iPads with the latest iOS 16 beta release. The update also supports the 8Bitdo, BADA MOGA XP5-X Plus and Logitech F710 Gamepad controllers, according to the internal code spotted by 9to5Mac. 

iOS 16 lets you pair the Joy-Cons as one controller or separately, and you can customize the controls in the Bluetooth settings. You can even dynamically switch between using both Joy-Cons as a single controller or two separate controllers by pressing and holding the screenshot and home buttons. "Apple seriously killed it with this implementation," said Testut. (In a reply to his tweet, another user noted that Apple apparently initiated support for Switch Pro controllers last year with macOS 12.)

It looks like Apple will be able to add support for more controllers without the need to ship a new iOS version, using something called "mobile assets." That's similar to another new feature that allows Apple to automatically issue security updates in between iOS releases. 

Beeline's new bike computer lets you choose between fast, quiet or balanced routes

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 02:00 AM PDT

Beeline's original Velo brought an interesting twist to bike computers with a simple interface and single arrow guidance designed to help you discover your environment. The company has now launched its second model, the Velo 2, that keeps the spirit of the original while introducing a number of key new features like a bigger screen, all-new interface and app-based route planner.

The new model has a 32mm 200x200 TFT LCD screen that's larger than the original to accommodate the extra information displayed. Instead of the original strap, it uses a quarter lock universal mount and is waterproof and shock proof. The battery is charged by a USB-C port and lasts 10+ hours, and you can change settings (even with gloves) using the rocker top mechanism. 

Beeline's next bike computer lets you choose between fast, quiet or balanced routes
Beeline

Where the original Velo worked more like a compass than a regular GPS, the new model has an all-new turn-by-turn interface that's more like a vehicle heads-up display. To use it, you just type in your desired destination into the Beeline app, and you'll get three options: a fast route, a quiet route or a balanced blend of the two. It then displays turn directions and road details and the direction of your destination. In addition, you can pick your own route using the original model's as-the-crow-flies Compass Mode navigation. 

It offers other display modes showing speed, an odometer, a clock and ETA, and keeps stats of your rides, so you can see your average speeds and other details. Beeline also gathers data and ratings from riders to find the best possible routes, while offering worldwide mapping and navigation via OpenStreetMap. 

Beeline originally launched the Velo 2 on Kickstarter and has so far raised over $400,000 from 5,000 backers. It's now available at Beeline's store for £80 in the UK or $103 in the US. 

iOS 16 will automatically install security fixes

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 01:25 AM PDT

When iOS 16 arrives, iPhone owners won't have to deal with full software installs for the latest security patches. Apple is launching a new feature with the mobile OS called Rapid Security Response, which enables the company to automatically apply security fixes to users' devices in between its standard software updates. It's one of the security features the tech giant has announced at WWDC this year, along with Safety Check that gives users a quick way to see which contacts have access to their location and calendar info. Safety Check will also show them the permissions used by every app on their device. 

As MacRumors notes, iOS 16 will add a new section under Automatic Updates in Settings called "Install System and Data Files." When toggled on, users can get software fixes that aren't tied with full updates, installed automatically and without them having to restart their phones or lift a finger altogether. It's switched on by default upon upgrading to the new OS, so those who don't want automatic installs will have to remember to toggle it off.

Apple's iOS 16 brings a bunch of other new features to iPhones, including a more customizable lock screen, the ability to edit texts and the ability to use Face ID even when the device is in landscape mode. The public beta of the mobile platform will come out in July, though it'll no longer support the iPhone 6S, 7 and the first-gen SE.

Follow all of the news from WWDC right here!

BioWare's quality assurance testers form the first video game labor union in Canada

Posted: 07 Jun 2022 12:08 AM PDT

Bioware's quality assurance testers working on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf have voted to form the first unionized workplace for the video game industry in Canada. The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 applied to become the certified bargaining agent for Keywords Studios, the contracting company through which the testers are employed, back in April. Now, Kotaku says the election has resulted in a 16-0 vote in favor of unionization. Before working on the fourth major game in the Dragon Age franchise, they also supported the development of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition and Legacy of the Sith, an expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

The testers, who work out of BioWare's Edmonton office, started organizing after Keywords Studios announced that they'll be required to return to office, whereas direct BioWare employees were give more options. Keywords took back its return-to-office order, but the testers told Kotaku that they're working to prevent it from being reinstated and to get the company to increase their pay. At the moment, their base pay is around US$13 an hour, roughly equivalent to the area's minimum wage. They argued that the amount they're being paid isn't commensurate with the skills needed for the job and that BioWare employees doing the same work are being paid a lot more.

The union that's now representing the workers are expected to bargain with the studio's bosses sometime this week. In an email the QA testers sent out, they wrote: "We are excited to move into bargaining with the employer and start towards a more equitable working situation."

In the US, QA workers at Activision Blizzard studio Raven Software voted to unionize last month. That came after they went on strike following layoffs that affected 12 testers and after the studio split the remaining workers among various departments, perhaps in an effort to make unionization efforts hard to organize. Xbox head Phil Spencer announced that Microsoft will recognize the union after the tech giant's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is complete.

Amazon knocks $80 off Anova's Precision Cooker sous vide machine

Posted: 06 Jun 2022 10:19 PM PDT

Father's Day is right around the corner, so you might be sniffing around for the perfect gift for dear ol' dad. If he likes fiddling around the kitchen, then consider giving him a sous vide machine, which helps ensure the perfect medium-rare steak or chicken breasts that are never dry or overcooked. Sous vide machines can be pretty pricey, but thankfully the Anova Precision Cooker is on sale right now; it has dropped to a new price of $139 from its original $220. 

Buy Anova Precision Cooker Nano at Amazon - $139

Cooking via sous vide really just means cooking foods in a water bath. You'd typically place food inside a sealed bag and submerge it in a water-filled vessel. A sous vide machine attached to it essentially regulates the temperature of the water so that the food is cooked low and slow to the desired doneness. 

Anova's Precision Cooker lets you do that easily right out of the box thanks to its on-board controls. It also has WiFi so you can connect it to Anova's companion app, which comes with a plethora of recipes and a handy tutorial in case you need some guidance. 

The Precision Cooker is usually pricier than the Nano, which is what we normally recommend, but it does have a few advantages. It has an adjustable clamp compared to a fixed-position model, and it can fit on thicker vessels (up to 1.2 inches). Plus, it has 1,000 watts instead of the Nano's 750 watts, which means it can heat the water faster as well. Since this deal drops the price of the Precision Cooker down to nearly the same price as the Nano, we think it's absolutely worth the upgrade. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

SEC is investigating Binance over its BNB token

Posted: 06 Jun 2022 05:05 PM PDT

The SEC has reportedly opened an investigation into Binance to find out whether its BNB token was an unregistered security during its 2017 initial coin offering, reportedBloomberg. BNB coins are primarily used to pay transaction fees on Binance, currently the word's largest crypto exchange. The company is also facing another, separate SEC probe — launched in February — into alleged ties between its founder and two trading firms. The DOJ, IRS and CFTC also opened investigations last year into the company for a number of potential criminal violations, including insider trading and market manipulation.

"As the industry has grown at a rapid pace, we have been working very diligently to educate and assist law enforcement and regulators in the US and internationally, while also adhering to new guidelines. We will continue to meet all requirements set by regulators," wrote a Binance spokesperson in an email to Engadget in response to a request for comment. Engadget has also reached out to the SEC for comment, and will update if we hear back. 

The SEC over the past few years expanded its crackdown of ICOs for failing to register with the agency before going public. The agency's specific investigation into Binance also seeks to figure out if Binance.US — an affiliated exchange that launched in the US in 2019 after the latter was banned— is actually a separate entity from the China-based Binance.

Binance reportedly processed at least $2.35 billion in illegal transactions tied to drugs, hacks and fraudulent activity, according to a Reuters investigation published today. The story detailed a number of high-profile hacks of Binance, including a heist from North Korean hacking group Lazarus. Binance in a blog post responded to the Reuters story, writing that it was "rife with falsehoods" and published its email exchange with the news agency. In the exchange, Reuters reporters asked Binance to confirm multiple details from their reporting, including whether the company had taken any action to mitigate any further illegal activity. Based on the published emails, Binance seems to have declined to provide the requested details with Reuters on the record.

"We are sorry that Binance has declined our request for an interview. As we explained earlier, we cannot commit to keeping an entire briefing on background because it would not be ethical for us to withhold important information from an article," wrote Reuters reporter Angus Berwick in an email to Binance spokesperson Patrick Hillmann.
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